High in the Himalayas Bike Tour

ladakh bike tour 6

Overview

With an unmatchable ‘blueness’ in the sky and wonderfully unique vistas of lofty brown desert mountains, monasteries perched on hilltops and bright windows adorning white washed ‘Lego like’ houses, Leh is nothing short of a topographical wonder! Looking at the surreal landscape around you, you will certainly be gasping from something other than the altitude. Surrender to the warm Tibetan hospitality and savour your surroundings.

This trail is perfect for those who like a blend of challenging portions to pedal, as well as easy fun rides with enough downhill sections to whizz through. From the perspective of physical challenge, you will be up against an average altitude of 12000 feet, windy passes, sharp meandering turns and virtually no roads at times, though at any given time, the backup van will be close at hand for those who want to be more indulgent.

Start

Leh | 17:00hrs

Finish

Leh

Lodging

casual

Level

challenging

Avg. dist. cycled

45km or 27mi

Suitable for

Age: 18+

Highlights

Highlight Image

Leh

Soak into the stunning and dramatically diverse topography of Leh and regions around

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

DayPlacecasual Inns or similarMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1LehHotel DragonD
DAY 2LehHotel DragonB,L30km/18micycling
DAY 3LehHotel DragonB,L25km/15micycling
DAY 4SaktiSaktivillaB,L,D50km/30micycling
DAY 5TangtsePangong ResidencyB,L,D70km/42micycling
DAY 6TangtsePangong ResidencyB,L,D30km / 18micycling
DAY 7SaktiSaktivillaB,L,D
DAY 8Hunder, Nubra ValleyKarma InnB,L,D50km/30micycling
DAY 9Hunder, Nubra ValleyKarma InnB,L,D50km/30micycling
DAY 10Khardung VillageCampingB,L,D
DAY 11Leh via Khardung La PassHotel DragonB,L70km/42micycling
DAY 12LehB

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Leh

Take a flight from Delhi to Leh (flight is not included in tour price) over a stack of snow-topped mountains for a large part of journey. Pray for a clear sunny day for a stunning view! This day is entirely dedicated to acclimatizing the body to the altitude of 3524 meters / 11,562 ft.

Leh is the capital town of the Himalayan district of Ladakh, and falls in the Jammu and Kashmir state of India. A former stop on the silk route, which cut across the vast Afro-Eurasian landmass, the unassuming town still has an unquestionable allure about it. Being a backpacking hub for decades, Leh and the surrounding areas have an exquisite mix of a Bohemian vibe and a diffident rustic environment. Experience the best of both in the small cafes bursting with different nationalities and international cuisines along with the contrasting local life, steeped in simplicity and strong Buddhist leanings. Today you can plan your own day. We recommend to explore on foot and stroll to the Leh palace, which overlooks the town from its perch on a small hill. The 17th century palace is a perfect place to get a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the region. The Japanese Shanti Stupa, is another sightseeing spot worthy of your time. Take the steps rather than the road to get that blood pumping; that panoramic views from here will be even more rewarding after that little trek.

It is imperative for us to get the body used to the rarified air of the mountains before we hit the pedal.

Meals: D
Accommodation: Hotel Dragon
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Day 2: Leh

We warm up with a short ride to Spituk monastery. This day takes you past stunning mountainous landscape of Ladakh. We visit the majestic Spituk Gompa along the way and then cross the majestic Indus river – the cradle of one of the world’s greatest civilizations before looping back to Leh.

You can also take this day to acclimatize further for your trip ahead.

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 30km/18mi
Accommodation: Hotel Dragon
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Day 3: Leh

We take a transfer to Nimoo and then ride along Zanskar river to Chilling. From here we switch bike to a raft and head back on Zanskar river on Grade 3 rapids to Nimoo. It’s an exhilarating ride back on a raft. Enjoy it to the fullest.

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 25km/15mi
Accommodation: Hotel Dragon
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Day 4: Sakti

Today, we ride to Stakna past the famous Thikse monastery to Sakti. The Stakna Gompa (Buddhist monument/monastery) is a treasure trove of cultural heritage. Also known as the ‘Tiger Nose monastery’, Stakna stores invaluable artifacts and paintings from late 16th century.

It’s gradual ride to the Sakti after a small infusion of culture yesterday. Time to rest well and gear up for some serious climb ahead!

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 50km/30mi
Accommodation: Saktivilla
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Day 5: Tangtse

We leave early to reach one of the most distinguished destinations of Ladakh- the Chang La pass. The steep climb to pass is narrow and often rubbly for long patches a wholesome one for cycling nevertheless. Along with the steep climbs, you will also encounter downhill dips and flat roads – this one will be perfect for your cycling sensibilities!

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 70km/42mi
Accommodation: Pangong Residency
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Day 6: Tangtse

Ride to spectacular Pangong Lake. Admire the unmatched beauty all around before shuttling back to Tangtse.

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 30km / 18mi
Accommodation: Pangong Residency
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Day 7: Sakti

Today we shuttle to Sakti and take it as a rest day. You have ample time today to walk through bucolic Sakti village.

Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Saktivilla
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Day 8: Hunder, Nubra Valley

We take a shuttle to the top of Wari La pass and then ride to Hunder. The topography changes dramatically from washed out browns to the lush green meadows dotted with black yaks. Soon you hit the cusp of the Shyok and Siachen Rivers that flow through a vast sandy valley. Scant vegetation, a snaking black river seemingly diving the Tibetan plateau give Nubra a dramatic topographical edge over the other destinations in Ladakh.

Hunder, one of the largest villages of the Nubra Valley, is a picturesque settlement where you can see small stands of apple orchards and locals busying themselves over farmlands. En-route, we visit Diskit monastery. Diskit is the oldest and largest Gompa of the Nubra Valley and has many legends attached to it since it was built in the 14th century. Another intriguing sight that cannot be missed is Hunder, the land of sand dunes. It is intriguing to see double humped Bactrian camels here.

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 50km/30mi
Accommodation: Karma Inn
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Day 9: Hunder, Nubra Valley

Today we ride towards Turtuk village. It is a border village between India and Pakistan. The culture changes dramatically here from other parts of Ladakh.

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 50km/30mi
Accommodation: Karma Inn
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Day 10: Khardung Village

Today we take a shuttle to Khardung village and set up a camp here. This is in preparation towards a long and arduous climbing day ahead tomorrow to Khardung La.

Meals: B,L,D
Accommodation: Camping
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Day 11: Leh via Khardung La Pass

Get ready for a tough yet rewarding day and ride to the highest motorable pass in the world, Khardung La. It’s a long switchback route. Arrive at the mish-mash of snow, military sheds, plenty of motorbike teams and make a stop for the famous maggi again. We bet you will be addicted by then. Spend time here to take in the last of the snowy peaks, shivering prayer flags and top view of the Shyok river valley. Hop onto the cycles for the last exhilarating stretch downhill till Leh.

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 70km/42mi
Accommodation: Hotel Dragon
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Day 12: Leh

Depart for your onward journey.

Meals: B
Accommodation:

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Map

Dates and Prices

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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

trip leader

Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

shuttle

A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

refreshments

Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.

entrance

Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.

Exclusions

Airport pickup and drop

We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.

meals

Some meals may not be included. Please check your itinerary.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Visa

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained from an Indian Mission or Post abroad. E-Visa has been made available by the Government of India to citizens of certain countries, including the United States of America. Details of the scheme are available on the dedicated website created for this purpose: e-Visa e-Visa has 5 sub-categories viz. e-Tourist Visa (for 30 days/01 year/ 05 years), For e-Tourist and e-Business visa, Applicants may apply online minimum 4 days in advance of the date of arrival. Recent front-facing photographs with white backgrounds and photo pages of passports containing personal details like name, date of birth, nationality, expiry date etc, are to be uploaded mandatorily by the applicant. Additionally, one more document depending upon the e-Visa type would also be required to be uploaded. The application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded documents and photograph are not clear / as per specification.

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