Top Routes for Biking in Ladakh: A Rider’s Guide

Planning a motorcycle trip to Ladakh and wondering how to get a bike on rent in Ladakh? With its otherworldly landscapes and thrilling routes, this region is every rider’s dream destination.

But Ladakh’s vastness can be overwhelming. Where do you even begin to explore on your two wheels? As someone who has extensively biked in Ladakh, let me share the best routes for an epic adventure. Whether you are getting a bike rental in Ladakh from Leh or bringing your own, these trails will prove to be the high points (literally!) of your trip.

Leh to Khardung La – The World’s Highest Motorable Pass

Starting from Leh, the gateway town to Ladakh, one route that should definitely be on your checklist is Leh-Khardung La. It’s a 39 km ride that takes you to the top of Khardung La pass, which at 18,380 feet is the highest motorable road in the world.

The uphill climb to Khardung La takes around 1.5 hours from Leh. Set off early to avoid afternoon traffic. The views along the way are jaw-dropping – snow-capped peaks, barren valleys, mountain lakes. At the top, celebrate your bike rental in Ladakh with photos and tea from the cafeteria.

On your descent, ride to Nubra Valley taking the scenic Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder route. The contrasting landscapes of Nubra, with sand dunes and green oasis villages, will leave you amazed. Don’t miss riding along the Shyok River.

Leh to Pangong Tso – Ride to the Azure Waters

Pangong Tso, the stunning blue lake sprawled across Ladakh and Tibet, is another must-do ride from Leh. The 150 km round trip from Leh takes roughly 5-6 hours through breathtaking scenery.

Starting early, ride to Thikse village and its magnificent monastery. Next continue climbing Chang La, the third highest motorable road. Stop to enjoy nomadic Changthang landscapes. Descend to Durbuk and Tangste villages with green fields and age-old monasteries.

Finally, you reach Pangong’s surreal azure waters and wind-swept shores. Ride along the banks, and hike nearby hills for spectacular Pangong views. Treat yourself to lunch/dinner at the lake cafes before riding back to Leh.

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake – A Cross-Country Experience

For a true Ladakhi adventure, try crossing from Nubra to Pangong over the challenging Wari La pass. It’s a scenic 150 km ride across the remote Changthang valley dotted with sheepherding villages.

From Hunder in Nubra, ride east to Diskit monastery then join the Nubra River upto Sumur village. This winding road with the river and distant peaks is idyllic for biking.

At Sumur, turn south towards Pangong and climb the steep Wari La pass at nearly 17,000 feet. Stop to catch your breath and take in the vista spanning the Karakoram to Changchenmo ranges.

Crossing Wari La, you enter the sweeping grasslands of Changthang Valley. Ride easy amidst the peaceful scenery of remote villages and grazing livestock. Spend a night camping at Chushul before reaching Pangong’s unique landscape.

Manali to Leh- Crossing Famous Mountain Passes

For seasoned riders, conquering the iconic Manali to Leh highway is the ultimate biking experience. Covering 490 km of some of the world’s highest mountain passes, it’s a challenging yet immensely rewarding ride.

From Manali, climb the scenic Rohtang La pass and enter the Lahaul valley. Ride through verdant pastures and alpine lakes to Keylong for a lunch stopover. Next, conquer Baralacha La pass at 16,043 feet amidst snowfields.

Descend through Nakeela and Lachung La to the plateau region around Pang. Spend the night here before tackling Taglang La, the second-highest pass. The final challenge is ascending More Plains to reach Tanglang La at 17,480 feet.

Crossing the passes, you finally enter Leh Valley. Take a day’s rest to acclimatize and enjoy completing one of India’s most iconic bike routes on your Leh Ladakh bike rental. 

Conclusion 

There you have it folks, the best routes for an epic bike trip in Ladakh. All you need is your trusty two-wheeler and sense of adventure. Once you set out riding the highways and passes of Ladakh, the region’s magnetic beauty will lure you back again and again.

Let me know if you need any tips on getting a bike on rent in Ladakh, places to stay, riding gear, or anything else for your Ladakh trip. I’ll be happy to share my experiences. Just drop a comment below. Ride out and ride safe.