Ladakh by Bike-15 Days

We board the early morning flight from Delhi to Leh in the Indus Valley. If conditions are clear you will be rewarded with unrivalled views across the Great Himalaya and Zanskar ranges before landing at the capital of Ladakh. On our first day in Leh we take it easy. Leh is situated at an altitude of 3500m so it is imperative to rest and drink plenty of water. Options include a gentle stroll down to the main market to explore the labyrinth of alleyways that comprise the old town. Overnight: Leh

A full day sightseeing to some of the outlying forts and monasteries in the Indus Valley. We include a visit to Shey Palace – the capital of upper Ladakh. We also visit the nearby Thiksy monastery perched on the summit of a sugarloaf mountain with commanding views down the Indus Valley. The monastery has a truly remarkable history which can be traced to the 14th century and the founding of the Tibetan De Gulugpa order that was to have a profound influence on Buddhist culture in Ladakh and western Tibet. In the evening we can either ascend to the Shanti Stupa and savor a magnificent sunset across the Stok range or take time to check your cycling gear. Overnight: Leh

We commence with a short drive to Guruduwara Patar Sahib (28Km) before we commence our cycle ride. After savoring the dramatic confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers we cycle through the village of Nimu before heading to Basgo, the former capital of Lower Ladakh. It’s a further ascent to the village and monastery at Likir –the earliest Tibetan Buddhist site in Ladakh – before following the former trade route to Phobe La (3750m) and onto our delightful lunch spot at Saspotse. The road then winds steadily to the Chagatse La (3790m) and Yangthang (3670m). Overnight: Tented camp

We ascend to the Tsermangchen La (3870m) and impressive views across the Ladakh Range before cycling to the village of Hemis Shukpachen. After a short break we continue with a steady ascent to Mebtak La (3960m) before an equally demanding descent to the Ang valley to Temisgam. We then continue to we reach the Leh/Srinagar highway to Khaltse and Hangru (3100m). Overnight: Tented camp

We complete the cycle ride for two hours to the famous ancient monastery at Lamayuru (3510m). After lunch at Langru we drive back to Leh. Overnight: Leh

We commence our cycle ride up the Indus Valley past Shey Fort and Tikse monastery before reaching Upshi that marks the junction of the Leh to Manali highway .We follow the course of the Indus river as we ascend steadily through deep gorges and beneath towering cliffs to the small settlement at Utse. After lunch we continue to our first camp at the first camp at Ranibag (3650m). Overnight: Tented camp

We continue cycling alongside the Indus river past whitewashed settlements, Buddhist mani walls and army camps (note strictly no photography) before we ascend to Chumathang (4180m) with its sulphur hot springs. We continue to a small grassy and well irrigated camp. Overnight: Tented camp

We follow the Indus River to the Mahe Bridge. After stopping for a permit check we divert along a serene backroad to Sumdo village (4250m) and camp close to a Changpa settlement. Overnight: Tented camp Sumdo village

It’s a relatively steep ascent, challenging in places to the Nurgur La (4870m). We then descend past the lake at Kiagar Tso before continuing to the vast waters of Tso Moriri and Korzok (4560m), the largest village in the Rupshu region. Overnight: Tented camp Tso Moriri and Korzok 

We return to the Nurgur La (part of the way by mini-van) before riding down to Sumdo village. We visit the local Tibetan school before ascending the short distance to Puga (4280m) with its grassy camp and nearby spring line. Overnight: Tented camp Puga 

We test our resolve as we complete the 1200m stage to the Kong Ka La (4940m). From the pass it’s a long gradual descent that take in the stark dramatic peaks that rise above the shores of Tso Kar (4570m). From camp we gain panoramic views of vast stretches of the salt lake. We observe the migrating birds including rare Black necked crane as well as Brahmin ducks, Bar headed geese, and the great crested grebe breed here during summer months. Overnight: Tented camp Tsokar Lake

Shortly after leaving Tso Kar we meet the Manali/Leh highway. It’s a 35km ascent with plenty of switch backs, to the Taglang La (5380m). From the pass we gain a birds eye view of the Indus Valley and the Ladakh Range before the long haul down through settlements of Rumtse, Lato to the Indus Valley and Upshi (3625m). After lunch we drive to Leh 45km and a welcome hot shower. Overnight: Hotel Leh

There is an optional descent from the Khardung La (5680m) one of the highest mountain road passes in the Himalaya. Overnight: Leh

We transfer to the airport to board our early morning flight to Delhi and onward arrangements. This spectacular flight takes us across the backbone of the West Himalaya en route to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi airport your trip concludes.