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Ladakh by Bike-15 Days

  • Destination

    India

  • Region

    India

  • Trip Grade

    Grade 3: Hard/challenging

  • Accommodation

    Hotel

  • Total Distance

    400km

  • Start / End Point

    Delhi/Delhi

  • Durations

    15 days

  • Max. Altitude

    5,309 m (17,417 ft)

  • Meals Included

    Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

  • Group Size

    above 1 pax

  • Best Season

    All season

  • Activity per day

    8 hr

  • Transportation

    Biking/Drive/flight


Ladakh by Bike-15 Days
A challenging cycle trip along some of the world’s highest roads
Activities:10 day cycle
Accommodation:6 nights hotels,8 nights camping
Meals:13 Dinners,13 Lunches.14 Breakfasts

A “Ladakh cycle” refers to a mountain biking or cycling tour through the Ladakh region of India, a high-altitude desert known for its stark beauty, challenging terrain, and ancient Buddhist culture. Cycling in Ladakh typically involves traversing high mountain passes like the Khardung-La, riding through remote valleys, and experiencing unique landscapes and isolated villages, often starting from the cities of Leh.
Key aspects of a Ladakh cycling tour:
High-Altitude Adventure:
The region is characterized by its elevated terrain, requiring good acclimatization and physical fitness.
Iconic Mountain Passes:
Routes often include iconic passes such as the Khardung-La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, and the Gata Loops, a series of hairpin bends leading to other high passes like Lachung-La.
Diverse Landscapes:
Cyclists can expect a mix of barren, expansive deserts and picturesque valleys, offering a dramatic visual contrast.
Cultural Immersion:
Beyond the challenging rides, tours provide opportunities to experience the spiritual and cultural heritage of the isolated mountain locations.
Starting Points:
Common starting points include flying into Chandigarh and then traveling to Manali to begin the cycling journey to Leh.
Challenging Conditions:
Be prepared for rough terrain and potentially challenging weather conditions as you navigate the high-altitude desert environment.

Highlights

  • Key highlights of a Ladakh by bike tour include crossing high-altitude mountain passes like Chang La and Zoji La, experiencing the stunning natural beauty of Pangong Tso and Nubra Valley's high-altitude desert, exploring Buddhist monasteries such as Thiksey and Shanti Stupa, and visiting unique destinations like the remote Turtuk village. The entire tour offers a thrilling adventure through diverse landscapes, from serene valleys to rugged terrains.
  • The tour provides an adrenaline-filled adventure through high-altitude deserts, rocky mountain passes, and green valleys, combining thrilling rides with cultural exploration.
  • A remote and unique village, offering a glimpse into the area's distinct culture.
  • Challenging mountain cycling across the awesome Trans Himalayan mountains of Ladakh
  • Cycle across high passes in the vicinity of 5000 meters to the serene waters of Tso Morari and Tso Kar
  • Undertake an exhilarating ride over the Taglang La (5328m) and an optional descent of the Kardung La (5359m) one of the highest road passes in the Himalaya
  • Camp alongside Champa nomads encampments and explore ancient Buddhist monasteries
  • Specially devised itinerary fully supported with support staff and backup vehicle

Outline Itinerary

  • Day1: Arrive Delhi
  • Day2: Fly to Leh(Meals-B,L,D)
  • Day3: In Leh(Meals-B,L,D).
  • Day4: Commence cycle Leh to Yangthang Cycling (75km)(Meals-B,L,D).
  • Day5: Yangthang to Hangru, Cycling (62 Km)(Meals-B,L,D).
  • Day6: Cycle to Lamayuru, drive to Leh Cycling (18 km)(Meals-B,L,D).
  • Day7: Leh to Ranibagh Cycling (74km)(Meals-B,L,D).
  • Day8: Ranibagh to Chumathang Cycling (72 km)(Meals-B,L,D).
  • Day9: Chumathang to Sumdo Cycling (32 km)(Meals-B,L,D).
  • Day10: Sumdo to Tso Moriri Cycling (48 km)(Meals-B,L,D).
  • Day11: Tso Moriri to Puga (Cycling 53km)(Meals-B,L,D).
  • Day12: Puga to Tsokar Lake via Polo Kong Kala Cycling (48 km)(Meals-B,L,D).
  • Day13: Tsokar to Upshi via Taglang La Cycling (63Km)(Meals-B,L,D).
  • Day14: In Leh, rest day(Meals-B,L,D).
  • Day15: Fly to Delhi, trip concludes(B).

Cost Includes

  • 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 13 dinners
  • 3 hearty meals per day while cycling prepared by our cooks
  • airport transfers day 1 & day 15
  • expert bilingual guide
  • group medical kit
  • good quality accommodation in Delhi & Leh
  • private transportation and support vehicles
  • all site entrance fees and permits
  • vehicle to carry all personal and group equipment
  • the use of a Good Karma trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket

Cost does not Include

  • International flights
  • Flight Delhi/Leh/Delhi
  • Mountain bike & helmet (you must bring your own) – check regarding possible mountain bike hire in Leh
  • Lunch and dinner in Delhi
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Tips
  • Visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Excess baggage charges

Detail Itinerary

Day1: Arrive Delhi

On arrival in Delhi you will be met by a Good Karma representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this fascinating city. Due to the differing times of arrival of group members and the early morning departure to Leh the following morning the initial briefing will be on a ‘need to know basis ’ such as what to pack, ordering a packed breakfast what time for departure from the hotel etc.Note the main briefing is on arrival in Leh including the distribution of sleeping bags and jackets. Note if you are arriving in Delhi on a late night flight you may consider arriving the day before the trip commences. Please talk to your Good Karma reservations consultant for pre-tour options. Overnight: Delhi
  • Altitude:216m/708ft
  • Duration:2 hrs
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Day2: Fly to Leh(Meals-B,L,D)

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  
  • Altitude:3500m/11680ft
  • Duration:3 hrs
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Day3: In Leh(Meals-B,L,D).

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

Day4: Commence cycle Leh to Yangthang Cycling (75km)(Meals-B,L,D).

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
  • Altitude:3670m/12040ft
  • Duration:5hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

Day5: Yangthang to Hangru, Cycling (62 Km)(Meals-B,L,D).

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  
  • Altitude:3,031 m / 10044 ft
  • Duration:7 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

Day6: Cycle to Lamayuru, drive to Leh Cycling (18 km)(Meals-B,L,D).

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
  • Altitude:3500m/11560ft
  • Duration:6 hr
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Day7: Leh to Ranibagh Cycling (74km)(Meals-B,L,D).

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
  • Altitude:3650m/11843ft
  • Duration:7 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

Day8: Ranibagh to Chumathang Cycling (72 km)(Meals-B,L,D).

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
  • Altitude:4,150m / 13,583ft
  • Duration:7 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

Day9: Chumathang to Sumdo Cycling (32 km)(Meals-B,L,D).

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
  • Altitude:4250m/13944ft
  • Duration:4 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

Day10: Sumdo to Tso Moriri Cycling (48 km)(Meals-B,L,D).

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 
  • Altitude:4560m/14910ft
  • Duration:5 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

Day11: Tso Moriri to Puga (Cycling 53km)(Meals-B,L,D).

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 
  • Altitude:4200m/13717ft
  • Duration:5 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

Day12: Puga to Tsokar Lake via Polo Kong Kala Cycling (48 km)(Meals-B,L,D).

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
  • Altitude:4,600 m/15,092 ft
  • Duration:4 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

Day13: Tsokar to Upshi via Taglang La Cycling (63Km)(Meals-B,L,D).

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
  • Altitude:35oom/11482ft
  • Duration:6 hr
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Day14: In Leh, rest day(Meals-B,L,D).

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

Day15: Fly to Delhi, trip concludes(B).

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.

Most Common FAQs


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