7-Day Motorcycle Riding Itinerary in Leh, August 2023

1. Day 1: Hall of Fame
   10 minutes (3.6 km) from Leh city center

   Visit the Hall of Fame, a museum dedicated to the Indian Army showcasing the history of Ladakh's military and cultural heritage. In the afternoon, ride to the Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist white-domed stupa on a hilltop offering a panoramic view of Leh and the Indus Valley. End the day with dinner at the Tibetan Kitchen to try some local delicacies.

2. Day 2: Nubra Valley
   120 km from Leh city center (4-hour ride one way)

   Drive up to Khardung La, the world's highest motorable pass, before descending into the picturesque Nubra Valley. Visit the white sand dunes at Hunder and ride a double-humped Bactrian camel. Stay overnight at a campsite in Nubra Valley and stargaze.

3. Day 3: Pangong Tso Lake
   160 km from Nubra Valley (6-hour ride one way)

   Ride through the breathtaking Chang La pass to reach the famous Pangong Tso Lake. Catch the sunrise and sunset over the turquoise blue waters of the lake and camp overnight. En route, visit the Thiksey Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh, and the Shey Palace, the former summer palace of the Ladakh kings.

4. Day 4: Leh Palace
   3 km from Leh city center (8-minute ride)

   Start the day with a visit to the Leh Palace, a 17th-century former royal palace overlooking the city. In the afternoon, visit the Stok Palace Museum, showcasing the cultural heritage of Ladakh's royal family. End the day with a visit to the bustling Leh Bazaar for some shopping and street food.

5. Day 5: Magnetic Hill and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
   30 km from Leh city center (1-hour ride)

   Ride to the Magnetic Hill, a gravity hill where vehicles appear to move uphill. Visit the nearby Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a Sikh shrine built to commemorate Guru Nanak's visit to Ladakh. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ladakhi cultural show at the Ladakh Arts and Media Organization (LAMO).

6. Day 6: Alchi Monastery and Basgo Castle
   70 km from Leh city center (2.5-hour ride one way)

   Ride to the Alchi Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient Buddhist art. Continue on to the Basgo Castle, a ruined fortress atop a hill offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Stop for lunch at the Indus River Camp in the scenic Saspol village.

7. Day 7: Tso Moriri Lake
   220 km from Leh city center (7-hour ride one way)

   Take a long ride to the remote Tso Moriri Lake, a high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and wildlife. On the way back, stop at the Chumathang hot springs for a relaxing dip. End the day with a farewell dinner at the Gesmo Restaurant, known for its steaks and burgers.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Hemis National Park for a chance to spot snow leopards and other wildlife. You could also take a day trip to the Lamayuru Monastery, known for its moon-like landscapes. To maximize your fun, start each day early to avoid traffic and take frequent breaks to rest and stay hydrated.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hall of Fame (2 hours, free)
• Shanti Stupa (1 hour, free)
• Tibetan Kitchen (1 hour, INR 500)
• Nubra Valley (2 days, INR 10,000 including accommodation and camel ride)
• Pangong Tso Lake (2 days, INR 10,000 including accommodation)
• Thiksey Monastery (1 hour, INR 30)
• Shey Palace (1 hour, INR 50)
• Leh Palace (1 hour, INR 250)
• Stok Palace Museum (1 hour, INR 100)
• Leh Bazaar (2 hours, INR 500 for shopping and food)
• Magnetic Hill (1 hour, free)
• Gurudwara Pathar Sahib (1 hour, free)
• LAMO Cultural Show (2 hours, INR 500)
• Alchi Monastery (2 hours, INR 100)
• Basgo Castle (1 hour, INR 50)
• Indus River Camp (1 hour, INR 500 for lunch)
• Tso Moriri Lake (2 days, INR 12,000 including accommodation)
• Chumathang hot springs (1 hour, INR 100)
• Gesmo Restaurant (1 hour, INR 1,000)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 45,480

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.