Ladakh & Zanskar Motorbike Expedition | Himalaya Bike Tour India

Max Altitude: 3,524 m (11,562 ft)
Total Altitude Gain: +3,300 m
Take a stunning morning flight from Delhi to Leh, flying over the majestic snow-covered Himalayas. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and rest for acclimatization. Leh’s crisp mountain air and golden peaks offer your first taste of Ladakh’s raw beauty. In the evening, explore the local bazaar or visit Shanti Stupa for sunset views. Overnight stay in Leh to adjust to the high altitude.

Total Riding Distance: 40 km (25 miles)
Max Altitude: 3,524 m (11,562 ft)
Total Altitude Gain/Loss: Minimal
Begin your acclimatization rides around Leh with short local tours. Visit Leh Palace, a 17th-century royal residence, and the peaceful Shanti Stupa offering panoramic valley views. Explore Thiksey Monastery, perched dramatically above the Indus Valley, and enjoy scenic Himalayan vistas throughout the day. These short rides prepare you for the high-altitude terrain ahead. Return to Leh for the night, fully ready for the open Himalayan roads.

Total Riding Distance: 125 km (78 miles)
Max Altitude: 3,510 m (11,515 ft)
Total Altitude Gain: +500 m
Ride west through the breathtaking Indus Valley, tracing ancient Silk Route paths toward Lamayuru Ladakh’s oldest monastery village. The landscape transforms from stark desert mountains to surreal moonlike formations. Visit the 10th-century Lamayuru Monastery, known as “The Place of Freedom,” perched above dramatic gorges. Overnight stay in Lamayuru, surrounded by mystical terrain that has inspired Himalayan legends for centuries.

Total Riding Distance: 165 km (102 miles)
Max Altitude: 3,657 m (12,000 ft)
Total Altitude Gain: +150 m
Ride deeper into Zanskar’s wilderness via the remote valleys of Heniskut and Panikhar. Cross wild mountain passes and narrow river gorges as you enter Suru Valley. Snow covered Nun Kun peaks (7,000 m) dominate the skyline. Reach Rangdum an isolated high-altitude hamlet known for its monastery and pristine scenery. Experience the solitude of the Himalayas. Overnight stay in Rangdum surrounded by silence and stars.

Total Riding Distance: 105 km (65 miles)
Max Altitude: 3,657 m (12,000 ft)
Total Altitude Gain/Loss: Minimal
Today’s route winds through Zanskar Valley’s raw beauty ancient villages, glacial streams, and rolling high plateaus. Cross Pensi La Pass (4,401 m / 14,436 ft), the gateway to Zanskar, offering breathtaking views of the Drang-Drung Glacier. Descend to Padum, the valley’s heart, flanked by snow-capped peaks. Evening free to relax and explore local Zanskari culture. Overnight stay in Padum.

Total Riding Distance: 40 km (25 miles)
Max Altitude: 3,657 m (12,000 ft)
Total Altitude Gain/Loss: Minor
A relaxed day exploring Zanskar’s cultural and spiritual gems. Ride to Karsha Monastery, the region’s largest and most active Buddhist center. Meet monks, witness morning prayers, and enjoy panoramic views of the valley. Visit nearby villages and interact with locals, experiencing Zanskar’s timeless way of life. Return to Padum for an evening bonfire and storytelling session with the Into Wild Himalaya crew. Overnight in Padum.

Total Riding Distance: 230 km (143 miles)
Max Altitude: 3,657 m (12,000 ft)
Total Altitude Gain/Loss: Variable
Ride from Zanskar’s rugged trails back toward the Suru Valley. The long yet spectacular route offers changing Himalayan landscapes glaciers, green valleys, and rocky outcrops. Stop for tea with local families along the way. Arrive in Kargil by evening, a bustling mountain town and historic Silk Route stopover. Rest and refuel your bikes for tomorrow’s ride back to Leh. Overnight stay in Kargil.

Total Riding Distance: 210 km (130 miles)
Max Altitude: 3,524 m (11,562 ft)
Total Altitude Gain/Loss: Variable
Ride along the famous Srinagar Leh Highway, one of the world’s most scenic motorbiking routes. Cross Fotu La (4,108 m / 13,478 ft) and Namika La Pass (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). Stop at Alchi and Basgo Monasteries en route, known for ancient frescoes and Buddhist art. Arrive in Leh by evening and relax after a long, exhilarating ride. Overnight in Leh.

Total Riding Distance: 130 km (81 miles)
Max Altitude: 5,359 m (17,582 ft)
Total Altitude Gain: +1,835 m
Cross the legendary Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes. Descend into Nubra Valley, a cold desert of sand dunes, river confluences, and double-humped camels. Visit Diskit Monastery and the giant Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the Shyok River. The ride offers sweeping Himalayan panoramas at every turn. Overnight stay in Hunder village, under the starlit Nubra skies.

Total Riding Distance: 180 km (112 miles)
Max Altitude: 4,350 m (14,270 ft)
Total Altitude Gain/Loss: Variable
Ride through remote high passes connecting Nubra and Pangong regions. Cross Shyok River and follow thrilling off-road trails with surreal mountain backdrops. Arrive at the world-famous Pangong Tso an azure lake stretching across India and Tibet. The color changing waters and surrounding peaks make it a photographer’s paradise. Spend a peaceful evening by the lake, sharing stories around the campfire. Overnight stay beside Pangong Tso.

Total Riding Distance: 150 km (93 miles)
Max Altitude: 4,267 m (13,999 ft)
Total Altitude Gain/Loss: Variable
Ride back to Leh via Chang La Pass (5,360 m / 17,586 ft), one of the highest motorable roads on Earth. Enjoy tea at the army café near the summit and take in dramatic Himalayan panoramas. Descend through Tangtse and Karu villages, reflecting on your incredible journey through Ladakh and Zanskar. Return bikes in Leh and celebrate your expedition’s completion. Overnight in Leh.

Max Altitude: 216 m (709 ft)
Total Altitude Loss: -3,300 m
After breakfast, transfer to Leh Airport for your return flight to Delhi. The flight offers a final aerial glimpse of the majestic Himalayas and the route you conquered. Arrive in Delhi and bid farewell to your fellow adventurers. End of an unforgettable 13-day Himalayan motorbiking expedition that captures the spirit of Ladakh and Zanskar—rugged, raw, and magnificently wild.