An 8-day motorcycle expedition through the highest and most remote corners of Ladakh — starting and ending in Leh, so there's no long approach ride to burn a day on either end. The route runs from Khardung La and the cold-desert dunes of Nubra, along the Shyok river to Pangong Tso, then deep into the restricted Changthang plateau to Hanle and the record-setting Umling La — one of the highest motorable roads on Earth. Built for riders who want the full high-altitude Ladakh circuit, not just the postcard stops.
Highlights
- Khardung La Pass en route to Nubra Valley — among the world's highest motorable roads
- Nubra Valley's cold-desert sand dunes, with an optional camel safari
- Sunset at Pangong Tso, the world's highest saltwater lake
- A night in Hanle under some of India's darkest, clearest skies — home to a high-altitude observatory
- The Umling La expedition — roughly 5,798 m, one of the highest motorable passes on the planet
- Loops back to Leh, so riders fly in and out of the same city
Day-wise Itinerary
- 1
Arrival at Leh
Arrival at Leh (3,500 m). Airport pickup and transfer to the hotel. As most flights arrive in the morning or afternoon, spend the first half of the day resting and acclimatizing to the high altitude. Evening local sightseeing and a visit to Leh Market.
- 2
Leh Local Sightseeing
After breakfast, begin a beautiful drive towards the western side of Leh. Places covered: Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Sangam Point at the Indus and Zanskar River confluence, and Spituk Monastery or Thiksey Monastery depending on timing. Return to Leh by evening. Distance: Approx. 90–110 km. Driving Time: 4–5 Hours.
- 3
Leh → Nubra Valley
One of the most exciting rides of the expedition. Cross the legendary Khardung La Pass (5,359 m) before descending into Nubra Valley. Places covered: Khardung La Top, Diskit Monastery, Giant Maitreya Buddha Statue and Hunder Sand Dunes. Optional camel safari is available at an additional cost. Distance: Approx. 125 km. Driving Time: 5–6 Hours. Stay: Nubra Valley. Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
- 4
Nubra Valley → Pangong Tso
Travel through the spectacular Shyok Route, famous for dramatic mountain landscapes and river valleys. Arrive at the breathtaking Pangong Lake by evening and enjoy sunset beside the world's highest saltwater lake. Distance: Approx. 170–180 km. Driving Time: 6–7 Hours. Stay: Pangong Lake. Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
- 5
Pangong → Hanle
Today's journey takes you through one of the most remote and scenic regions of Eastern Ladakh. Drive via Chushul, Tsaga and Nyoma before reaching Hanle by evening. Enjoy your first stargazing session under one of India's darkest night skies. Hanle is internationally known for its exceptionally clear skies and high-altitude observatory. Distance: Approx. 170 km. Driving Time: 6–7 Hours. Stay: Hanle. Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
- 6
Umling La Expedition
After an early breakfast, ride towards the legendary Umling La Pass at approximately 5,798 m, one of the world's highest motorable roads. Experience breathtaking Himalayan landscapes with almost no traffic before returning to Hanle. Places covered: Hanle Monastery, Umling La Pass and surrounding border landscapes.
- 7
Hanle to Leh
Return to Leh through one of Ladakh's most scenic routes. En route visit Puga Geothermal Valley, Hot Sulphur Springs and more high-altitude landscapes. Reach Leh by evening with free time for shopping and souvenirs. Distance: Approx. 255–275 km. Driving Time: 7–8 Hours. Stay: Leh. Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
- 8
Leh
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Leh Airport. Your unforgettable Ladakh Expedition concludes with beautiful memories. Meals Included: Breakfast.
Inclusions
- Inner Line Permits for Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and the Hanle/Changthang region, arranged by Tripan India
- Accommodation for 7 nights as per itinerary (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Hanle)
- Breakfast and dinner on Days 3 through 7, and breakfast on Day 8, as noted in the itinerary
- Airport pickup and drop in Leh
Exclusions
- Flights to and from Leh
- Camel safari in Nubra Valley (optional, available at additional cost)
- Personal expenses and anything not explicitly listed under Inclusions
- Travel insurance
Good to Know
- ●Day 1 is a rest/acclimatization day by design — Leh sits at 3,500 m and altitude sickness is a real risk if you push into high passes too early.
- ●This route crosses several passes above 5,000 m, including Umling La at roughly 5,798 m — riders should be in good health and ideally have prior high-altitude or long-distance riding experience.
- ●Nubra, Pangong and the Hanle/Changthang region are Inner Line Permit areas — carry a valid photo ID (passport for foreign nationals) at all times for permit checks.
- ●Weather and road conditions in this region can change quickly; the itinerary's exact routing and timings may be adjusted for safety.
- ●Pack for a wide temperature range — daytime sun at altitude can be intense, nights in Pangong and Hanle can be near freezing even in summer.
FAQs
Do I need prior riding experience for this trip?
Given the altitude, road conditions, and the Umling La expedition specifically, prior experience with long-distance or high-altitude riding is strongly recommended.
Is this route open year-round?
No — these high-altitude passes are typically only open during the summer/monsoon riding season. Contact us for current-year opening and closing dates before booking.
Do I need any special permits myself?
Inner Line Permits for Nubra, Pangong and Hanle are arranged by Tripan India as part of this package. You'll need to carry valid photo ID for checkpoint verification.