India · Scooty & Bike

15-Day Zanskar and Leh Motorcycle Expedition with Umling La

15 Days Round trip from Manali Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Ride through Shinkula Pass, Baralacha La, and Umling La, the world's highest motorable road
  • 02 Cross the Atal Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet
  • 03 Explore remote Himalayan regions including Purne, Padum, Zangla, and Hanle
  • 04 Visit ancient monasteries like Karsha Gompa, Lamayuru Monastery, and Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
  • 05 Experience Ladakhi culture in Leh's markets and traditional craft shops
  • 06 Enjoy stargazing at Hanle, home to India's highest astronomical observatory

Embark on a 15-day Zanskar-Leh motorcycle expedition through the heart of the Indian Himalayas, crafted for adventure seekers and seasoned riders. Cross iconic high-altitude passes such as Shinkula, Baralacha La, and Umling La, the world's highest motorable road, while riding through remote villages, stark desert landscapes, and the scenic Changthang Plateau. Explore ancient monasteries, experience Ladakhi culture in Leh and Zanskar, and witness the pristine beauty of Tso Moriri Lake. This journey blends spiritual serenity, cultural immersion, and the thrill of conquering rugged mountain terrain on two wheels.

Cross iconic high-altitude passes such as Shinkula, Baralacha La, and Umling La, the world's highest motorable road, while riding through remote villages, stark desert landscapes, and the scenic Changthang Plateau.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 15 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Premium
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Leh, Kullu, Manali
Languages English, Hindi

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival, Briefing, and Introductory Ride in Manali

  • Arrive at Kullu Airport or the Manali bus stand.
  • Transfer to the hotel for check-in and relaxation.
  • Attend a tour briefing session and get familiarized with the motorcycles.
  • Embark on a short introductory ride around Manali to get accustomed to the local roads and terrain.
  • Begin preparing for the adventure ahead.
2
Day 02

Ride from Manali to Jispa via the Atal Tunnel

  • Start the ride on the legendary Manali-Leh Highway.
  • Pass through the Atal Tunnel, the world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet.
  • Enter the picturesque Lahaul-Spiti region.
  • Ride through scenic Himalayan landscapes featuring snow-capped peaks and rivers.
  • Reach the serene village of Jispa and spend the evening exploring or relaxing under the stars.
3
Day 03

Jispa to Purne via Shinkula Pass

  • Begin a challenging ride toward Shinkula Pass.
  • Navigate gravel trails, water crossings, and steep inclines.
  • Cross into the Zanskar region and descend into Purne, a remote Himalayan village.
  • Experience untouched wilderness, raw terrain, and a thrilling Himalayan adventure.

Overnight stay in Purne.

4
Day 04

Ride Through Zanskar Valley to Padum

  • Ride through the heart of the Zanskar Valley.
  • Encounter captivating views and immerse yourself in the unique culture of the region.
  • Reach Padum, the largest town in Zanskar, located at 3,669 meters.
  • Settle in and prepare to explore more of Zanskar's beauty.
5
Day 05

Padum Exploration and Karsha Gompa Visit

  • Visit Karsha Gompa, the largest monastery in Zanskar, known for its panoramic views and spiritual aura.
  • Ride alongside the Zanskar River and visit a hidden waterfall and a serene mountain lake.
  • Explore Padum's local market for Tibetan handicrafts and traditional souvenirs.
  • Conclude the day with a bonfire and local delicacies under the night sky.
6
Day 06

Padum to Lamayuru via Zangla and Lingshed

  • Depart Padum and ride to Zangla, a tranquil village with sweeping views.
  • Continue through one of the remotest and most scenic routes in the Zanskar region.
  • Tackle challenging terrain, sharp bends, and river crossings on the way to Lingshed.
  • Ride further to Lamayuru, famously known as the "Moonland of Ladakh."
  • Visit the ancient Lamayuru Monastery perched against lunar-like landscapes.
7
Day 07

Lamayuru to Leh Through the Trans-Himalayan Region

  • Begin the ride from the moonlike terrain of Lamayuru toward Leh.
  • Enjoy a mix of smooth highways and winding roads along the Trans-Himalayan region.
  • Ride past dramatic valleys and mountain passes.
  • Reach Leh, the cultural and administrative capital of Ladakh.
  • Check in and relax after the journey.
8
Day 08

Cultural Sightseeing in Leh

  • Visit iconic landmarks such as Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, and Leh Mosque.
  • Walk through Leh's narrow lanes, colorful bazaars, and vibrant craft shops.
  • Learn about Leh's historical importance as a trade center shaped by King Singge Namgyal.
  • Enjoy the day immersed in Ladakhi culture and hospitality.
9
Day 09

Ride from Leh to Hanle

  • Ride toward the high-altitude village of Hanle, known for its observatory and clear night skies.
  • Traverse scenic routes and the open plains of the Changthang Plateau.
  • Reach Hanle and enjoy the tranquil surroundings, ideal for stargazing.
  • Prepare for the next day's ride to Umling La.
10
Day 10

Umling La Pass Ride and Return to Hanle

  • Embark on an exhilarating ride to Umling La (5,798 meters), the world's highest motorable pass.
  • Encounter rugged terrain, high winds, and thin air during the ascent.
  • Pause at the top to absorb breathtaking panoramic views.
  • Return to Hanle for the night and enjoy a restful evening in Ladakh's top stargazing destination.
11
Day 11

Hanle to Leh via Loma, Nyoma, Chumathang, and Upshi

  • Ride back to Leh via Loma, Nyoma, Chumathang, and Upshi.
  • Travel through dramatic desert plateaus and follow the Indus River.
  • Stop at the hot springs of Chumathang for a refreshing break.
  • Reach Leh and unwind with a hot shower and a well-earned meal.
12
Day 12

Leh to Tso Moriri Lake

  • Begin early and head toward the ethereal Tso Moriri Lake.
  • Pass through Chumathang and enter remote, high-altitude terrain.
  • Arrive at Tso Moriri, a crystal-clear lake nestled in a pristine landscape.
  • Watch the lake's colors change under the setting sun and camp by its serene shores.
13
Day 13

Tso Moriri Lake to Sarchu via Rupshu Valley

  • Ride from the lake through the Rupshu Valley toward Sarchu.
  • Cross isolated villages and barren valleys.
  • Navigate high-altitude passes and rugged roads.
  • Arrive at Sarchu, a remote plateau on the Manali-Leh Highway, for an overnight stay.
14
Day 14

Sarchu to Manali via Baralacha La Pass

  • Begin your descent toward Manali, crossing the Baralacha La Pass (4,890 meters).
  • Ride through rough terrain, gorges, and lush valleys.
  • Witness dramatic changes in the landscape as you descend into Himachal Pradesh.
  • Reach Manali by evening and celebrate the end of an unforgettable ride with a farewell gathering.
15
Day 15

Departure from Manali

  • Enjoy a leisurely morning for souvenir shopping in Manali's markets.
  • Look for woolen shawls, tweed jackets, Tibetan crafts, and jewelry.
  • After lunch, the team will provide transfers to Kullu Airport or Manali bus stand as per your departure schedule.
  • Conclude your Zanskar-Leh expedition with unforgettable memories and a heart full of adventure.
Umling La, Tso Moriri Lake, Lamayuru, Atal Tunnel

Where this trip takes you

Umling La, Tso Moriri Lake, Lamayuru, Atal Tunnel

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Manali 3 cities · 15 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 1 motorbike (HIMALAYAN SCRAM 411CC) with fuel for the whole 15-day trip
  • Motorbike
  • 1 road captain with motorbike
  • 1 backup vehicle to carry luggage, spare parts, and fuel
  • Mechanic for the entire trip as per the itinerary
  • Accommodation for 14 nights (twin sharing/deluxe/Swiss tent/3-star hotel)
  • Food (breakfast & dinner) MAP
  • Mineral water bottles & juices
  • Helper / backup rider
  • Medical kit (including oxygen cylinder)
  • Farewell party on the last night
  • T-shirts for the expedition
  • Photos and videos of the whole trip (RAW)
  • Monuments / inner line permits
  • Pick up at the airport
  • Drop off at the airport
  • All tolls and government taxes
  • Leh bikes for UMLINGLA PASS (411CC HIMALAYAN SCRAM)
  • Souvenirs
  • Cultural program in Leh

What's Not Included

  • International / domestic flights
  • India visa
  • Motorbike damages during the tour
  • Spare parts used on the go
  • Medical insurance / travel insurance coverage
  • Trip extension in case of road blockage or natural crisis
  • Personal riding gear
  • Personal insurance and evacuation charges
  • All expenses of a personal nature such as alcohol, laundry, etc.
  • Insurance against accidents, loss of life, loss of goods, etc.
  • Third-party insurance
  • Motorbike damage will be covered from your refundable security amount
  • Tips for guides, drivers, etc.
  • Any item not included in the above "INCLUSIONS"

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
Tour start
Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 15 days finish where they began, in Manali.

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