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7-Day Motorcycle Riding Itinerary in Ladakh in July 2023

  1. Day 1: Leh
    10 minutes (2.5 km) from Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport

    In the morning, explore the charming town of Leh and visit the Shanti Stupa for panoramic views of the Himalayan range. In the afternoon, ride to Thiksey Monastery, which houses a 49-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha and is one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh. End the day with a visit to the Leh Palace, a 9-storey palace built in the 17th century.

  2. Day 2: Nubra Valley
    4 hours (125 km) from Leh

    Ride through the Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, to reach the picturesque Nubra Valley. In the morning, visit the Diskit Monastery, the oldest and largest monastery in the valley, and ride a double-humped camel at the Hunder Sand Dunes in the afternoon. Spend the evening stargazing in the clear night sky.

  3. Day 3: Pangong Tso
    5.5 hours (160 km) from Nubra Valley

    Start the day early and ride to Pangong Tso, a high-altitude lake famous for its changing colors and appearance in the Bollywood movie "3 Idiots". Spend the day exploring the lake and the surrounding area, and camp by the lake for a surreal experience.

  4. Day 4: Tso Moriri
    7 hours (220 km) from Pangong Tso

    Ride to Tso Moriri, another high-altitude lake located in the Changthang region. Visit the Korzok Monastery and take a dip in the hot springs for a relaxing experience. Spend the night camping by the lake and stargazing.

  5. Day 5: Alchi
    7 hours (240 km) from Tso Moriri

    Ride back to Leh and visit the Alchi Monastery, known for its unique Kashmiri-style wall paintings and wood carvings. Stop by the Magnetic Hill, where vehicles appear to move uphill on their own, en route to Alchi. Spend the rest of the day exploring the quaint village of Alchi.

  6. Day 6: Hemis
    1 hour (45 km) from Leh

    Visit the Hemis Monastery, the largest and wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, in the morning. In the afternoon, ride to the Stok Palace, a former royal palace that now houses a museum showcasing Ladakhi culture and art. End the day with a leisurely ride along the Indus River.

  7. Day 7: Leh
    1 hour (15 km) from Shey

    Spend the day exploring the nearby villages of Shey, Thiksey, and Stakna. Visit the Shey Palace and the Stakna Monastery in the morning, and the Thiksey Monastery in the afternoon. End the day with some last-minute shopping in Leh's bustling bazaar.

Recommendations

Other attractions in Ladakh include the Lamayuru Monastery, the Zanskar Valley, and the Turtuk village. Side trips to the nearby regions of Spiti and Himachal Pradesh are also popular among motorcycling enthusiasts. Make sure to stay hydrated and acclimatize to the high altitude before embarking on any rides. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended for an authentic experience.

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