Great Indian Rides
Riders with their motorcycles beside a blue high-altitude lake in Ladakh, under prayer flags
For international riders · prices in USDHigh-Altitude AdventureLadakh

Ladakh & Zanskar Trans-Himalayan Motorcycle Tour

Ladakh, Zanskar, Lahaul and the Changtang lakes in one high-altitude loop

A 13-day high-altitude motorcycle expedition from Delhi: fly to Leh, then ride a loop through the Indus valley, Lamayuru, the Zanskar valley over Singi La and Shinku La, Lahaul, the Changtang lakes of Tso Kar and Tso Moriri, and Pangong Tso before crossing Chang La back to Leh.

Check departures
Duration
13D / 12N
Distance
1,330 km
Start / End
Delhi
Max altitude
5,437 m
Next departure
Dates on request
From
$3,950
Riding difficulty
Challenging

The expedition

Overview

This is a true trans-Himalayan loop: after flying from Delhi to Leh and a day to acclimatise, we ride nine days through four very different worlds — the monasteries of the Indus valley, the remote Zanskar valley, the green villages of Lahaul and the high Changtang plateau with its salt and turquoise lakes.

The route crosses some of the highest motorable passes in India — Singi La, Shinku La, the passes of the Leh–Manali highway and Chang La — and touches about 5,400 m at its highest point, between Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso.

Level — challenging: around 210 km of the route is on unpaved tracks, with river crossings, rocky and narrow stretches, sand and dust, all at high altitude. Off-road experience and good fitness are strongly recommended.

Group: a small group with a ride leader, a mechanic with spare parts and a back-up vehicle carrying luggage and an oxygen cylinder.

Important: phone coverage is patchy outside Leh, and hot water and electricity are limited at the lake camps. In an emergency, first aid and transfer to the nearest medical centre rely on our support vehicle.

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Distance
1,330 km
Start → End
Delhi → Delhi
Highest altitude
≈ 5,437 m
Riding
High-altitude mountain roads with long unpaved stretches (about 200 km of tracks), river crossings, rocky trails, sand and dust
Category
High-Altitude Adventure

Who is this ride for?

Experienced riders with off-road experience and good fitness, comfortable riding for several days above 4,000 m.

Highlights

  • Zanskar valley

    One of the most remote inhabited valleys in the Indian Himalaya, reached over Singi La and left over Shinku La.

  • Changtang lakes

    Tso Kar, Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso — salt and turquoise lakes on the high plateau, with nights in lakeside camps.

  • Great Himalayan passes

    Singi La, Shinku La, the passes of the Leh–Manali highway and Chang La, with the highest point of the tour at about 5,400 m.

  • Monasteries of Ladakh

    Thiksey, Matho, Alchi and Lamayuru, from the Indus valley to the eroded hills of Lamayuru.

Route map

The detailed route map for this expedition is being prepared.

Day-by-day itinerary

Distances and riding times are estimates; mountain conditions can change the plan on the day.

  1. Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest after your journey.

    Route
    Delhi
    Overnight
    Delhi

Dates & availability

Departures

Prices for international riders, in US dollars. The itinerary is the same for every rider.

No scheduled departures right now.

Enquire and we’ll let you know about the next dates — or ask about a private departure for your group.

Pricing & packages

Prices are per person in US dollars, plus 5% GST (India’s goods and services tax), added when you book. An advance of 25% secures your place. per rider, twin sharing · dates on request

  • Solo rider — Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

    Per rider, on a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, with twin-sharing rooms. Dates on request.

    $3,950

What’s included

Included

  • Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycle, with spare parts carried on the tour
  • Fuel, parking charges and road tolls
  • Third-party insurance for your motorcycle
  • Return flights Delhi – Leh – Delhi (checked baggage up to 20 kg)
  • Airport and hotel transfers as shown in the itinerary
  • Hotels, guesthouses and lake camps as described, on twin sharing
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner on all riding days, with tea, coffee and drinking water
  • An experienced ride leader on every riding day
  • A mechanic and a back-up vehicle with driver (their stay and meals are covered)
  • Your luggage carried in the back-up vehicle
  • Oxygen cylinder in the back-up vehicle
  • Ladakh protected-area permit
  • Emergency phone support around the clock

Not included

  • Travel and medical insurance with evacuation cover (compulsory)
  • Trip cancellation insurance (recommended)
  • International flights to and from Delhi
  • Indian visa fees
  • International Driving Permit
  • Lunch and dinner on Days 1, 2, 12 and 13, and all drinks
  • Refundable security deposit for the motorcycle
  • Bank and money-transfer charges
  • Entry fees for monasteries, monuments and museums unless mentioned
  • Tips, souvenirs and personal expenses

Accommodation

Simple hotels and guesthouses in Delhi, Leh and along the route, and tented camps at Tso Moriri and Pangong Tso. Rooms are on twin sharing; hot water and electricity are limited at the lake camps.

Motorcycles & support

  • Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

    452cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled

Luggage: A back-up vehicle carries your luggage, spare parts and an oxygen cylinder, with a mechanic riding along with the group.

Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need?

Your passport (valid for the whole trip), a valid Indian visa, your driving licence with an International Driving Permit (IDP), and two passport-size photographs. We arrange the Ladakh protected-area permit for you.

How hard is the riding?

This is a challenging ride. About 210 km is on unpaved tracks with river crossings, rocky and narrow sections, sand and dust, and most days are spent above 3,500 m. Off-road experience and good fitness are strongly recommended.

What about the altitude?

The tour spends several nights above 4,000 m and reaches about 5,400 m at its highest point. Day 2 is kept free in Leh to begin acclimatising. Please consult your doctor before booking, and tell us about any medical conditions.

When does this tour run?

Ladakh and Zanskar are ridden in summer, from about June to September, when the high passes are open.

What should I pack?

Proper riding gear (helmet, riding jacket and pants, gloves and boots), warm layers and thermal inners for cold mornings and nights at the lakes, waterproofs, a woollen cap, sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm, UV-protection sunglasses and your personal medication.

What is the cancellation policy?

See our cancellation and refund policy; the terms that apply are confirmed in your booking.

Ladakh & Zanskar Trans-Himalayan Motorcycle Tour

Your next great ride starts here.

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Ladakh & Zanskar Trans-Himalayan Motorcycle Tour