All about Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

Overview

An adventurous and thrilling bike trip through the rugged terrains in the ‘Land of High Passes’, the Leh Ladakh bike trip is every biker’s dream ride. Every year, a large number of bikers and nature lovers visit this trip to relish the unparalleled natural beauty of Ladakh and the serenity of the mountains. One of the most famous bike trips in the country, the Leh Ladakh bike trip ought to be a bucket list trip for every biker. This article gives a brief description of the Leh Ladakh bike trip.

Beginning

The trip starts from the capital of Ladakh, Leh, and will take one through some of the most adventurous and thrilling routes in the entire subcontinent. The entire trip is a perfect blend of thrilling and cultural experiences. The trip will take one through places like the Sham valley, Khardung la (altitude: 18,000 feet), Nubra valley, Pangong and Chang la (altitude: 17,688 feet), the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar river,  and the Cyclop’s hill. Each of these places has its own importance.

The Khardung la Pass

The Khardung la Pass has the highest all season motor-able road in the world, lake Pangong is the world’s highest saltwater lake, Cyclop’s Hill (commonly known as the Magnetic Hill) is where gravity is defied, and many more. Another special feature of this trip is the diversity in the geography of the region. One gets to witness open meadows and grasslands, streams and waterfalls, forests and cold deserts along with the snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. All these geographical features have also led to a rich diversity in the flora and fauna of the region, making a paradise on earth for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Activities

Other main attractions of this trip include the world’s highest river rafting. Which is pointed at the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar river. The world-famous Hall of Fame (where one can learn about the Indo-Pak wars), Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, the white sand dunes at the Nubra Valley and a ride on the double-humped camels (exclusively found in Ladakh), the Pangong lake at the Indo- China border and the scenic beauty of the Shyok river, the Thiksey monastery (the largest Tibetan monastery in Ladakh), along with the unparalleled scenic beauty of the region. Apart from all these, one also gets a chance to closely experience the rich cultural diversity and age-old tradition in Ladakh. Especially in the small villages on the lap of the mountains.

It is generally the most suitable to visit this trip during the months of May to October. The monsoons make it very difficult for bike trips. As the roads become slippery and there are chances of frequent landslides. And the roads are covered in snow during the winters. A moderately difficult road trip owing to the high altitude and the adverse climatic conditions. It is advised to take a day or two to get acclimated to the weather before one sets out for the journey.

Conclusion

One of the most sought after bike trips in the country, the Leh Ladakh bike trip is a must-visit trip for every nature lover. The entire route has its own charm and appeal, so much that one can even barely realise the physical exhaustion and fatigue. Riding through the swirling roads along the rugged and narrow terrains will give one all the adventure and adrenaline rush, and it is definitely not meant for the faint-hearted. There is not any better way than bike trips to explore a place and feel close and connected to nature at the same time, and the Leh Ladakh bike trip is an all in one package. Before one sets out for this trip, here are a few points to remember:

•         It is advised to take time to get used to the weather at such a high altitude before starting the journey.
•          This is advised to seek help from professionals, as they are well aware of the routes, the possible challenges one could face, and the climatic conditions.
•         It is advised to inquire about the weather and be prepared for the unpredictable before one sets out for the trip. 

Duration: 6 days.

Starting/ Ending point: Leh, Ladakh.

Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult.