7-Day Ladakh Motorcycle Riding Itinerary in August 2023

1. Day 1: Leh Palace
   5 minutes (1.2 km) from Leh Bus Stand

   Start your motorcycle riding trip with a visit to Leh Palace in the morning. This 17th-century palace offers breathtaking views of the city. In the afternoon, head to Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, a Buddhist monastery with ancient relics and manuscripts. In the evening, explore the local markets to get a taste of Ladakhi culture.

2. Day 2: Magnetic Hill
   30 minutes (20 km) from Leh Palace

   Start your day early and ride to Magnetic Hill, a gravity hill where your motorcycle or car appears to roll uphill. Visit the nearby Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and witness the stunning confluence of Indus and Zanskar River at Sangam. In the evening, relax at Shanti Stupa, a Buddhist white domed stupa with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

3. Day 3: Nubra Valley
   5 hours (125 km) from Magnetic Hill

   Get ready for an adventurous ride through the winding mountain roads to Nubra Valley. Visit the Diskit Monastery, famous for its 32-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha, and enjoy the camel ride on the sand dunes of Hunder. Spend the night in a traditional Ladakhi homestay.

4. Day 4: Pangong Tso Lake
   5 hours (150 km) from Nubra Valley

   Ride towards Pangong Tso Lake, a high altitude lake famous for its crystal clear blue waters. En route, stop at the picturesque villages of Shey and Thiksey and visit their respective monasteries. Spend the night camping by the lake and stargaze in the evening.

5. Day 5: Tso Moriri Lake
   8 hours (220 km) from Pangong Tso Lake

   Start early for a long ride to Tso Moriri Lake, a serene lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Explore the nearby Karzok village and visit the Karzok Monastery. Stay in a tent by the lake and enjoy the peacefulness of the surroundings.

6. Day 6: Alchi Monastery
   7 hours (220 km) from Tso Moriri Lake

   Ride back towards Leh and stop at Alchi Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique frescoes and wood carvings. Visit the nearby Basgo Castle and Lamayuru Monastery. Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel in Leh.

7. Day 7: Khardung La Pass
   1 hour (40 km) from Leh

   End your trip with a ride to Khardung La Pass, the highest motorable pass in the world. Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Return to Leh for some last-minute souvenir shopping and bid farewell to the beautiful Ladakh region.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Hemis National Park for a chance to spot snow leopards, or exploring the remote Zanskar Valley for a unique cultural experience. If you have extra time, take a side trip to the beautiful Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Leh Palace (1 hour, free)
• Namgyal Tsemo Gompa (1 hour, free)
• Gurudwara Pathar Sahib (30 minutes, free)
• Sangam (30 minutes, free)
• Shanti Stupa (1 hour, free)
• Diskit Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Hunder Camel Ride (1 hour, INR 300-500)
• Shey Palace and Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Thiksey Monastery (1 hour, INR 30-50)
• Pangong Tso Lake Camping (1 night, INR 1000-2000)
• Tso Moriri Lake Camping (1 night, INR 1000-2000)
• Alchi Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Basgo Castle (30 minutes, free)
• Lamayuru Monastery (1 hour, INR 20-50)
• Khardung La Pass (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2800-4550