Himalayan Escape – Ladakh Motorcycle Expedition is a premium high-altitude ride through the Indian Himalayas. Riders from the USA, UK, Europe and Australia join this tour to explore remote valleys, high passes and peaceful mountain terrain. This journey is designed for comfort, safety and adventure.
You ride a Royal Enfield across scenic roads and open landscapes. The tour includes several high-altitude sections and ends at Umling La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Each day offers new views and exciting terrain.
The expedition is fully supported. You travel with a trained road captain, a support vehicle and a dedicated mechanic. The pace helps riders acclimatise and enjoy the journey safely. Your luggage travels in the backup vehicle, so you can ride with ease.
Most international riders fly into Delhi IGI Airport before the tour. Prices are available in INR, USD, EUR, GBP and AUD for global guests.
This 8-day Ladakh motorcycle expedition is ideal for riders who want a short, guided and memorable Himalayan experience.
HIGHLIGHTS:
⭐ Ride to Umling La, one of the highest motorable roads
⭐ Cross Khardung La and other scenic high passes
⭐ Visit the remote Hanle region with clear night skies
⭐ See the blue waters of Pangong Tso
⭐ Explore the desert landscapes of Nubra Valley
⭐ Visit Alchi Monastery and nearby villages
⭐ See the meeting point of the Indus and Zanskar rivers
⭐ Ride open high terrain near Photi La
⭐ Explore Leh’s markets and cultural sites
⭐ Enjoy smooth roads, river crossings and rugged tracks
🗻 Altitude: 3,500 m
Land in Leh, the gateway to Ladakh’s wild beauty. Your tour leader will welcome you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The afternoon is for rest and light acclimatisation, followed by a detailed ride briefing. In the evening, stroll through Leh’s colourful markets before enjoying a traditional Ladakhi welcome dinner with your fellow riders.
🚗 Driving Distance: 200 km
🗻 Altitude: 3,500 m
📈 Altitude Gain: ~300 m
📉 Altitude Loss: ~300 m
Your first day in the saddle begins with a smooth ride along the Indus River. We pause at the magnetic confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers before riding to Alchi Monastery, one of Ladakh’s oldest Buddhist sites, famed for its 10th-century murals. After lunch, we ride back to Leh, with an optional sunset ride up to Shanti Stupa for panoramic views.
🚗 Driving Distance: 265 km
🗻 Altitude: 4,300 m (Hanle)
📈 Altitude Gain: ~800 m
📉 Altitude Loss: Minimal, mostly gradual ascent along the Indus Valley
A scenic cruise along the Indus takes us into Ladakh’s less-travelled southeast. The roads grow quieter as we approach Hanle, home to India’s highest astronomical observatory. At over 4,300 m, Hanle offers crystal-clear night skies – a paradise for stargazers and astrophotographers.
🚗 Driving Distance: ~150–180 km (depending on chosen route)
🗻 Altitude: 5,798 m
📈 Altitude Gain: ~2,300 m
📉 Altitude Loss: ~1,500 m
Prepare for the crown jewel of this expedition – Umling La Pass (5,798 m), the highest motorable road in the world. Along the way, we cross Photi La and Nurbu La, navigating hairpin bends, high-altitude plains, and rugged off-road stretches nicknamed “India’s Mongolia.” The sense of achievement at Umling La is unmatched.
🚗 Driving Distance: 160 km
🗻 Altitude: 4,350 m
📈 Altitude Gain: ~50 m
📉 Altitude Loss: Minimal, mostly rolling terrain with short descents
We ride parallel to the Indo-Tibetan border, tackling mixed terrain from smooth tarmac to sandy tracks and shallow water crossings. By afternoon, the turquoise expanse of Pangong Lake comes into view – a high-altitude saltwater lake stretching across India and China. Spend the night in comfortable lakeside yurts under a canopy of stars.
🚗 Driving Distance: 190 km
🗻 Altitude: 3,100 m
📈 Altitude Gain: ~200 m
📉 Altitude Loss: ~1,250 m
The day begins with a sunrise over Pangong’s shimmering waters before riding along the Shyok River. Expect varied conditions, from gravel stretches to streams crossing the road. By evening, we roll into the Nubra Valley, a high-altitude desert dotted with sand dunes, monasteries, and green oases.
🚗 Driving Distance: 125 km
🗻 Altitude: 5,360 m
📈 Altitude Gain: ~2,260 m
📉 Altitude Loss: ~1,860 m
Our final riding day takes us over the legendary Khardung La Pass (5,360 m), once considered the world’s highest road. Descending into Leh, we celebrate the end of an epic adventure with a farewell gathering and chilled beers on the hotel lawn.
🚗 Driving Distance: N/A (short hotel transfer to airport)
🗻 Altitude: 3,500 m
📈 Altitude Gain: N/A
📉 Altitude Loss: 1,860 m
After breakfast, transfer to Leh Airport (IXL) for your onward journey. The flight over the snow-clad Himalayas offers one last glimpse of the landscapes you’ve just conquered.
Arrival at Leh Airport (IXL)
Departure From Leh Airport (IXL)
Motorcycle & Expedition Support
Accommodation
Meals
Transport & Logistics
Permits & Documentation
Safety & Medical Support
Operational & Additional Support
International flights to and from India
Indian visa fees
Personal riding gear (helmet, riding jacket, gloves, boots, etc.)
Personal travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
Medical treatment or evacuation costs, if required
Meals not specifically mentioned under “Package Inclusions”
Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, tips, and souvenirs
Camera, video, or drone permits (if applicable)
Costs arising due to weather conditions, road closures, mechanical delays, or political situations
Any service not explicitly mentioned under “Package Inclusions”
Rental gear available at: Into Wild Himalaya Shop
(Curated by Into Wild Himalaya Expeditions)
Every rider must bring certified riding gear suited for mixed terrain and varying Himalayan weather.
Full-face ISI/DOT/ECE certified helmet (with clear & tinted visors)
Riding jacket (CE Level 2 armor; detachable thermal & rain liners)
Riding pants (with knee & hip protection)
Riding gloves (waterproof, insulated preferred)
Riding boots (ankle-length, waterproof, sturdy sole)
Balaclava / neck warmer (for cold passes)
Riding goggles (for dust & wind protection if using an open-face helmet)
The weather can shift drastically from sunny plains to freezing high passes — layer up smartly.
Quick-dry base layers (2–3 sets)
Thermal innerwear (top & bottom)
Fleece jacket / down jacket (mid-layer warmth)
Light rain jacket / poncho (for off-bike use)
Convertible trekking pants (1–2 pairs)
T-shirts (3–4 quick-dry options)
Casual evening wear (1–2 sets)
Warm cap / beanie
Cotton scarf / buff (for dust & sun protection)
Socks (3–4 pairs, including 1 woolen pair)
Sneakers or sandals (for evening walks or camp use)
These ensure your comfort and bike safety during long Himalayan rides.
Riding rain covers (for self & luggage)
Elastic bungee cords / Rok straps
Magnetic tank bag / saddle bags / waterproof duffel
Toolkit (basic multi-tool, Allen keys, tire pressure gauge)
Cloth or microfiber wipes (for helmet visor & bike)
Spare gloves / face shield
Into Wild Himalaya Expeditions provides a medical support kit, but each rider should carry personal essentials.
Personal medicines (as prescribed)
Diamox / Acetazolamide (for altitude prevention – only under medical advice)
Painkillers / anti-inflammatory tablets
Band-aids / antiseptic cream
Rehydration salts (ORS)
Cold & cough tablets
Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) & lip balm (UV protection)
Keep all documents waterproofed in a zip pouch or travel wallet.
Driving license (valid motorcycle license)
International driving permit (for foreign riders)
Passport & visa copies
2–3 passport-sized photos
Travel insurance copy (covering motorbike activities)
Emergency contact details
Cash (₹10,000–₹15,000 small denominations) — ATMs are rare in high-altitude regions.
Electricity can be limited in remote valleys — plan power backup smartly.
Phone & camera chargers
Power bank (≥10,000 mAh)
GoPro / action camera + spare batteries
Headlamp / torch (with extra cells)
Universal plug adapter
These small things often make long rides much easier.
Earplugs (for wind or snoring roommates )
Energy bars / trail mix / chocolates
Small hydration pack or bottle
Microfiber towel
Notebook or travel diary
Compact binoculars / camera lens
Small foldable daypack
Pack light but smart — every extra kilo matters at 5,000 m.
Waterproof everything using dry bags or garbage liners.
Avoid cotton; choose moisture-wicking fabrics.
Break in your riding boots before the trip.
Carry copies of all important documents (paper + digital).
Safety is our top priority. Our guides are trained First Aid Responders and prepared for high-altitude situations. Every trek, expedition, and motorbike tour includes a comprehensive first aid kit tailored for remote and high-altitude environments.
Core Medical Supplies
Wound Care: Bandages, sterile gauze, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment
Blisters & Burns: Moleskin, burn gel, petroleum jelly
Fractures & Sprains: SAM splint, triangular bandage, compression wraps
Medications: Painkillers, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal, ORS, antacids, Diamox
Tools: Tweezers, scissors, gloves, CPR face shield, thermometer, pulse oximeter, whistle, mirror
Additional (for Remote/Extended Treks)
Tourniquet, emergency bandages, quick-clot gauze, sterile eye wash, foil blanket, water purification tablets
Optional Add-ons (As Needed)
Personal meds (inhalers, insulin, EpiPen)
Snake bite kit (in high-risk zones)
Tick remover (for forested routes)
High-Altitude Protocol
Above 4500 meters: A portable hypobaric chamber is always carried for emergency altitude management.
More than 30 days before your trip: 90% refund
15–30 days before: 50% refund
7–14 days before: 25% refund
Less than 7 days or no-show: No refund
Custom/private trips: Booking advance is non-refundable. Last-minute changes are subject to availability and costs.
For more details on our cancellation policy, please refer to the following link:
https://iwhexpeditions.com/cancellation_policy/
