6-Day Motorcycle Riding Itinerary in Leh and Ladakh

  1. Day 1: Arrival in Leh
    15 minutes (3 miles) from Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport

    Arrive in Ladakh's capital city of Leh and settle in at your hotel. Take some time to explore the city's many monasteries and temples such as Thiksey Monastery, Shanti Stupa, and Leh Palace. In the evening, visit the local market to sample Ladakhi cuisine and shop for souvenirs.

  2. Day 2: Leh to Nubra Valley
    120 km (7 hours)

    Embark on a scenic ride to the high altitude Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Experience the unique landscapes of the valley and visit popular sites such as Diskit Monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, and Sumur Village. Stay overnight in a traditional Ladakhi homestay.

  3. Day 3: Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso
    150 km (7 hours)

    Travel to the breathtaking Pangong Tso Lake, crossing the Chang La pass along the way. Stop at the Druk White Lotus School, which gained international fame after it was featured in the Bollywood movie '3 Idiots.' Visit the scenic lake and stay overnight in a campsite on the shores of the lake.

  4. Day 4: Pangong Tso to Leh
    220 km (9 hours)

    Ride back to Leh, stopping at the Hemis Monastery along the way. Take in the colorful prayer flags, stunning Buddha statues, and paintings indicative of Tibetan Buddhist architecture. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ladakhi meal at a local restaurant.

  5. Day 5: Leh to Alchi
    70 km (2 hours)

    Head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alchi Monastery, which dates back to the 12th century. Admire the detailed paintings and intricate wood-carvings that adorn the interiors. Afterward, visit the nearby Lamayuru Monastery, which is one of the largest and oldest gompas in Ladakh.

  6. Day 6: Departure from Leh
    15 minutes (3 miles) from Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport

    Depart from Leh and head back home, taking with you unforgettable memories of the majestic landscapes, unique culture, and hospitable people of Ladakh.

Time and Estimated Costs

  • Thiksey Monastery (1-2 hours, free)
  • Shanti Stupa (1-2 hours, free)
  • Leh Palace (2-3 hours, INR 250)
  • Diskit Monastery (1-2 hours, INR 30)
  • Hunder Sand Dunes (1-2 hours, INR 200)
  • Sumur Village (1-2 hours, free)
  • Pangong Tso Lake (2-3 hours, free)
  • Druk White Lotus School (1-2 hours, free)
  • Hemis Monastery (1-2 hours, INR 100)
  • Alchi Monastery (2-3 hours, INR 30)
  • Lamayuru Monastery (1-2 hours, INR 30)

  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 610

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you may want to consider visiting other monasteries such as Shey Monastery and Spituk Monastery. You can also take a day trip to the stunning Tso Moriri Lake.

If you have less time, consider skipping the trip to Nubra Valley and heading straight to Pangong Tso Lake.

Be sure to acclimatize to the high altitude before embarking on your motorcycle ride. Drink plenty of water and take it slow, especially on the first few days of your trip.

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