Zanskar Bike Expedition | Explore the Unexplored Ladakh
Ladakh, India
Ride deep into the untouched Himalayan heartland with our Zanskar Bike Expedition, a 12-day journey through the most dramatic landscapes and ancient villages of Ladakh. Explore the raw beauty of Wanla, Sirsir La, Photoksar, Nerak, Padum, Parkachik, Kargil, and the iconic Nubra–Pangong circuit, making this a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for every rider.
This route blends pure off-roading, remote cultural villages, high mountain passes, and Ladakh’s classic attractions like Khardung La, Shayok Valley, and Chang La — giving you the perfect mix of thrill and comfort.
Short Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Leh – Evening Market Exploration
Day 2: Leh to Sham Valley – Local Sightseeing en route
Day 3: Sham Valley– Wanla – Sirsir La – Photoksar
Day 4: Photoksar – Nerak – Padum (Zanskar)
Day 5: Padum Local Exploration (Karsha, Zangla, Sani Monastery optional)
Day 6: Padum – Rangdum – Parkachik
Day 7: Parkachik – Kargil / Mulbekh
Day 8: Kargil to Leh
Day 9: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Day 10: Nubra to Pangong Lake via Shayok Valley
Day 11: Pangong to Leh via Chang La
Day 12: Departure from Leh
The Leh to Leh Zanskar Bike Expedition is more than just an adventure — it’s a cultural and spiritual journey through Ladakh’s most remote and untouched regions. Ride through rugged Himalayan terrains, cross high-altitude passes like Sirsir La, and explore hidden villages, deep gorges, and ancient monasteries that define the raw beauty of Zanskar.
From the dramatic landscapes of Lamayuru, Wanla, and Photoksar to the isolated routes of Nerak and Padum, every mile reveals a side of Ladakh that few travelers ever witness. As the journey continues through Rangdum, Parkachik, Kargil, Nubra, and Pangong, the expedition blends pure off-roading with Ladakh’s classic highlights, offering breathtaking views, thrilling mountain roads, and memories that last a lifetime.
Tour Highlights
- Leh
- Shanti Stupa
- Leh Palace
- Magnetic Hill
- Pathar Sahib
- Hall of Fame
- Sangam Point
- Lamayuru
- Kargil
- Padum
- Purne
- Phuktal Monastery
- Nubra Valley
- Pangong
- Sirsir La
- Singee La
- Namki La
- Fotu La
- Pensi La
- Khardung La (17,982 ft)
- Chang La (17,688 ft)
Trip Overview
Area
Ladakh
Kilometer
1250 approx
Duration
11 Nights – 12 Days
Max Altitude
17,982 ft
Number of Passes
07
Number of Lakes
01
Trip Start
Leh Airport
Trip End
Leh Airport
Best Time
May to September
Accommodation Details
Duration and Locations:
Leh (1N) → Sham Valley (1N) →Photoksar (1N) → Padum (2N) → Parkachik (1N) → → Kargil (1N) → Nubra Valley (1N) → Pangong (1N) → Leh (1)
Accommodation:
- Leh: Hotel Travel Inn / Ranjung or Similar
- Sham Valley: —-
- Photoksar: —
- Padum: Marc Guest House or Similar
- Parkachik: —
- Kargil: D Zojila or Similar
- Nubra Valley: Hideout or Similar
- Pangong Lake: Mountain Chalet or Similar
Connect with our sales executive to customize your trip
| Bike Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| Own Bike Own Fuel | — |
| Himalayan 411cc dual | — |
| Himalayan 452cc dual | — |
| Himalayan 411cc Solo | — |
| Himalayan 452cc Solo | — |
Complimentary for the Trip
- 🦺 Riding Gears for Rider and Pillion Rider
- ⛑️ Standard Size Helmet
- 📆 Participation Certificate
Tour Plan
- Upon arrival in Leh, take some time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
- In the evening, head out to explore the bustling Leh Market.
- Stroll through colorful lanes filled with local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional Ladakhi items.
- Visit nearby cafés and enjoy tea or coffee while taking in mountain views.
- Experience the local culture and interact with friendly shopkeepers and artisans.
- Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Leh.
- Distance and Duration of Travel: ~125 km | 5-6 hours approx
- After breakfast, begin your journey from Leh towards Sham Valley, a region known for its cultural richness and scenic beauty.
- En route, stop at Magnetic Hill, where the illusion of gravity-defying movement amazes visitors and visit the Sangam Point, the picturesque confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers.
- Continue your journey to Alchi Monastery, one of the oldest monastic sites in Ladakh, renowned for its Indo-Tibetan art and ancient murals.
- Drive further to Lamayuru Monastery, dramatically perched on moon-like terrain ‘Moonland’ and known as one of the oldest and most sacred monasteries in Ladakh.
- After exploring, drive back towards Sham Valley region, arrive and check-in at your accommodation for dinner and overnight stay in Sham Valley.
- Distance and Duration of Travel: (covering approx. 90 km in 5–6 hours)
- After breakfast, depart from Lamayuru towards Photoksar via Wanla and Sirsir La Pass.
- Enjoy a scenic drive through rugged mountain landscapes and traditional Ladakhi villages.
- Make a brief stop at Wanla Monastery, a lesser-known gem with a serene ambiance and historic architecture.
- Continue along narrow mountain roads flanked by dramatic cliffs and winding rivers.
- Ascend the challenging yet beautiful Sirsir La Pass (4,760 m), offering breathtaking panoramic views.
- Pause at the top to take in the silence and grandeur of the high Himalayas.
- Descend into the remote valley and arrive at Photoksar, dinner and overnight stay in Photoksar.
- Distance and Duration of Travel: (approx. 95 km in 5–6 hours)
- After breakfast, begin your journey from Photoksar towards Padum, passing through the remote and scenic village of Nerak.
- Drive through high-altitude terrain, winding mountain roads, and vast open landscapes unique to the Zanskar region.
- Stop at Nerak, a peaceful village known for its traditional homes and stunning views of deep gorges and the Zanskar River.
- Spend a short while exploring the village and taking in the natural beauty.
- Continue your drive through rugged and remote terrain, dotted with occasional prayer flags and mountain hamlets.
- Arrive at Padum by late afternoon or evening — the cultural and administrative hub of the Zanskar Valley, dinner and overnight stay in Padum.
- Distance and Duration of Travel: (approx. 60–70 km in 4–5 hours)
- After breakfast, begin your local exploration of Zanskar from Padum.
- Start with a visit to Karsha Monastery, the largest monastery in Zanskar, known for its commanding hilltop location, peaceful courtyards, and panoramic valley views.
- Continue to Stongdey Monastery, perched on a ridge with beautifully preserved murals and a serene atmosphere — the second-largest monastery in the region.
- Return to Padum for a short break and explore the local market, where you can interact with locals and browse traditional crafts and goods.
- Later, take a short drive to Sani Monastery, one of the oldest monastic sites in Ladakh, set amidst open fields and known for its unique circular chorten.
- After exploring, drive back to Padum by evening.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Padum.
- Distance and Duration of Travel: (approx. 110 km in 5–6 hours)
- After breakfast, begin your scenic journey from Padum towards Parkachik, retracing the beautiful route through Zanskar and Suru Valley.
- Stop at Rangdum Monastery, an 18th-century gompa dramatically perched on a hill, offering sweeping views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
- Drive further towards Pensi La Pass (4,400 m), from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Drang Drung Glacier, one of the largest in Ladakh.
- Descend into the stunning Suru Valley, a lush contrast to Zanskar’s stark landscapes, dotted with traditional villages, green pastures, and flowing rivers.
- Pass through charming hamlets and witness local life in the valley as you head towards Parkachik.
- Arrive in Parkachik by evening and check in at your homestay or guesthouse, dinner and overnight stay in Parkachik.
- Distance and Duration of Travel: (approx. 120–140 km in 5–6 hours)
- After breakfast, begin your drive from Parkachik towards Mulbekh or Kargil, passing through the scenic Suru Valley.
- Enjoy stunning views of the Nun–Kun peaks, towering snow-clad giants of the Zanskar range.
- Drive past traditional villages like Panikhar and Taisuru, and make a brief stop at Sankoo, a lush green valley with vibrant local life.
- If heading to Mulbekh, visit the famous Maitreya Buddha rock carving, an ancient symbol of Ladakh’s Buddhist heritage.
- Continue through rugged terrain and arrive at Mulbekh or Kargil by evening.
- Dinner and overnight stay.
- Distance and Duration of Travel: (approx. 220 km in 6–7 hours)
- After breakfast, begin your journey from Kargil or Mulbekh towards Leh, following the iconic Srinagar–Leh highway (NH1).
- Ascend gradually to Namika La Pass (3,700 m), known as the “Pillar of the Sky,” offering wide valley views and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Continue your drive to Fotu La Pass (4,108 m) — the highest point on the highway between Kargil and Leh, surrounded by dramatic landscapes.
- Descend into the Lamayuru region, with its famous “Moonland” terrain and the ancient Lamayuru Monastery (optional stop if time allows).
- Drive past Alchi, Basgo, and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers at Sangam, before reaching Leh by evening.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
- Distance and Duration of Travel: (approx. 150 km in 6–7 hours)
- After breakfast, begin your journey from Leh to Nubra Valley via the world-renowned Khardung La Pass (5,359 m), one of the highest motorable roads globally.
- Drive through picturesque villages like Khardung and Khalser, following the Shyok River. Arrive at Diskit, where you can visit the impressive Diskit Monastery and its towering Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the valley.
- Continue to Hunder, famous for its white sand dunes and Bactrian (double-humped) camels, offering a unique high-altitude desert experience.
- From there, head further north to Panamik, a serene village near the Siachen Glacier base, known for its natural hot springs and peaceful views along the Nubra River.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Nubra Valley (choose from Diskit, Hunder, or Panamik depending on your preference).
- Distance and Duration of Travel: (approx. 180–200 km in 6–7 hours)
- After breakfast, begin your journey from Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake, taking the adventurous and scenic Shyok Valley route. This offbeat road runs along the Shyok River, offering striking views of rugged mountains, deep gorges, and remote Ladakhi landscapes.
- Pass through small settlements like Agham and Shyok, where the terrain can be rough but incredibly scenic. Water crossings and narrow bends add to the thrill of the drive.
- Continue towards Durbuk and Tangtse, where the valley begins to widen and the high-altitude terrain becomes more dramatic.
- Arrive by afternoon at the spectacular Pangong Lake (4,225 m), famous for its changing shades of blue and serene surroundings stretching across the Indo-China border.
- Dinner and overnight stay at Pangong Lake (lakeside camps or guesthouses).
- Distance and Duration of Travel: (approx. 220 km in 6–7 hours)
- After breakfast, begin your journey from Pangong Lake back to Leh, taking the scenic route via Chang La Pass.
- Drive along the lakeshore before ascending towards Chang La (5,360 m), the third-highest motorable pass in the world, known for its snow-covered peaks and prayer flag-draped viewpoints.
- Descend gradually into the Shakti and Zingral regions, passing through stark mountain landscapes and occasional army outposts.
- Continue your drive through Sakti Village, and if time permits, make an optional stop at Hemis Monastery, one of the largest and most famous in Ladakh.
- Pass through Karu and follow the Indus River valley back towards Leh, enjoying scenic views all along the route.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Leh.
- Distance and Duration of Travel: (approx. 5–10 km | 15–30 minutes to Leh Airport, depending on location)
- After breakfast (or early morning, depending on your flight time), check out from your hotel and proceed to Leh Airport for your onward journey.
- Take a moment to soak in the crisp mountain air and the final views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks as you bid farewell to Ladakh.
- Depending on your schedule, you may have time for a quick stop at a local café or souvenir shop en route to the airport.
- Transfer to the airport will be arranged as per your flight timing.
- Departure from Leh with memories of a truly unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
What Included
- Royal Enfield Himalayan
- Fuel as per the itinerary
- Accommodation on a Double Sharing basis in comfortable hotels, Campsites, Cottages and Homestay
- Meals (breakfast, dinner) throughout the tour
- A Backup vehicle for support
- An experienced Marshall
- An experienced mechanic for assistance
- Airport pick-up and drop (Leh to Leh Packages)
- Volvo bus tickets from Delhi to Manali and Manali to Delhi (Applied in long trip i.e DMLS/SLMD)
- Taxi from Srinagar to Sonamarg/Sonamarg to Srinagar (Applied in long trip i.e DMLS/SLMD)
- All necessary permits
- Daily maintenance and spare parts
- First Aid box in the car
- An oxygen cylinder in the car 24/7
- All the sightseeing as per the itinerary
What Excluded
- Anything not mentioned in the tour inclusion
- Cost arising by damage to the bike
- Any entrance fee to the monastery and monument
- Travel insurance
- Any expenses caused by factors beyond our control, such as natural disasters, political unrest, etc.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST) 5%
Ladakh Bike Trip with Umlingla and Tso Moriri - 8 Days
Leh | Nubra | Pangong | Hanle | Tso Moriri
₹21500.00
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