Ride to the
Roof of the World
Leh • Khardung La • Nubra • Pangong • Umling La. Seven days across the highest motorable roads on earth — including Umling La at 19,024 ft. Same roads. Bigger dreams.
Higher Roads,
Bigger Dreams
This is Ladakh at its most extreme. In seven days you ride from the old town of Leh across Khardung La into the cold desert of Nubra, follow the Shyok river to the turquoise expanse of Pangong Tso, and climb onto the Changthang plateau to stand on Umling La (19,024 ft) — the highest motorable road in the world.
The route is built around proper acclimatisation, with two easy days in Leh before the big passes. You ride a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 for the full circuit, led throughout by a professional ride captain. Same roads. Wilder landscapes. Unforgettable journeys.
Umling La — 19,024 ft
The world's highest motorable road, reached across the Changthang plateau with prior permits and local road-status checks.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 — Full Circuit
A purpose-built adventure motorcycle provided to each rider for the entire journey, from Leh arrival to departure.
Professional Ride Captain & Support
Route navigation, pace control, group coordination, permit guidance, fuel-stop planning and emergency support coordination throughout.
7-Day Ride Itinerary
Leh → Sham Valley → Nubra → Pangong Tso → Umling La → Indus Valley → Leh — the complete high-altitude Ladakh circuit.
Arrival in Leh — Acclimatisation
Arrive in Leh and meet your ride captain, who transfers you to Snow Retreat Ladakh. Complete your bike handover and briefing — documentation, riding-gear check and a full safety briefing. Take it easy for most of the day to adjust to Leh's high altitude. In the evening, walk to Leh Market and Shanti Stupa for sunset views over the Indus Valley. Dinner and overnight at Snow Retreat Ladakh.
Activities: Acclimatisation • Leh Market walk • Shanti Stupa sunset • Motorcycle familiarisation and briefing
Leh Local Ride & Monasteries — Sham Valley
After breakfast, take a short acclimatisation ride around Leh. Seek blessings at Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, feel the mystery of Magnetic Hill, and witness the meeting of the Indus and Zanskar rivers at Sangam. Pay tribute to India's bravehearts at the Hall of Fame, then explore ancient spirituality and royal heritage at Thiksey Monastery (or Shey Palace). Return to Snow Retreat Ladakh by evening for a route briefing for the Nubra ride, and check and secure your riding gear, tyres, brakes and luggage.
Activities: Sham Valley sightseeing • River confluence • Monastery visit • Light motorcycle ride • Ride-preparation session
Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La — 120–130 km
Cross Khardung La (18,380 ft), one of the world's highest motorable roads. Stop at the pass for photographs, then descend in a controlled manner towards Diskit. Visit the ancient Diskit Monastery and the iconic Maitreya Buddha, the statue of hope and peace. Continue to Hunder and check in at your resort, then experience the famous Hunder sand dunes in the afternoon — with an optional ride on the double-humped Bactrian camels. End the day under Ladakh's endless skies with stargazing.
Route: Leh → Khardung La → Diskit → Hunder • Activities: Khardung La crossing • Diskit Monastery • Maitreya Buddha • Hunder sand dunes • Optional camel safari • Stargazing
Nubra to Pangong Tso via Shyok Route — 150–170 km
An early breakfast, then ride along the dramatic Shyok River route towards Pangong Tso — narrow gorges, riverbeds and remote Changthang landscapes. Check in at De Reeva Resort on arrival. Watch the lake change colour as the light shifts through the evening, with a lakeside walk and, if available and weather permits, a bonfire. Distance depends on the exact route and road conditions.
Activities: Shyok River ride • Photography stops • Lakeside walk • Sunset at Pangong • Bonfire (if available)
Pangong to Keyul via Changthang & Umling La — approx. 200–230 km
Today is the expedition highlight. After an early breakfast, ride through the Changthang plateau towards Hanle/Keyul, with prior permits and local road-status checks. Proceed to Umling La (19,024 ft) — spend limited time for photographs and avoid exertion due to the extreme altitude. Descend carefully and continue to Keyul/Kuyul for check-in at Ema Cottage. Warm dinner, hydration and early rest after a demanding high-altitude day, then stargaze under the clear Hanle-region skies.
Activities: Changthang plateau ride • Umling La summit • High-altitude photography • Hanle-region landscapes • Stargazing
Keyul to Leh — Indus Valley Route — approx. 230–250 km
Ride back through the Indus Valley, stopping at the natural Chumathang hot springs to rejuvenate, then through Nyoma and Upshi with their serene monasteries and village views. Pause at the picturesque Indus riverside viewpoints along the way. Check in at Yaktail in Leh, freshen up and relax, then spend the evening free for market shopping, café visits, souvenir buying and a celebration dinner.
Route: Chumathang → Nyoma → Upshi → Indus Valley → Leh • Activities: Hot springs stop • Monastery & village photo stops • Leh Market shopping • Farewell dinner
Leh Airport Departure — Ride Ends
Fuel up with an early breakfast at Yaktail, then return your motorcycle with a damage check and final documentation — we take care of the details, so you don't have to. Comfortable transfer to Leh Airport for your onward flight. The tour concludes with beautiful high-altitude memories. Same roads, new horizons.
* Route and overnight stops may be adjusted based on road conditions, weather, permits and group pace. All changes are communicated in advance.
What's Included
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
Provided to each rider for the full circuit — from Leh arrival through to departure.
Professional Ride Captain
Leading the entire journey from Leh arrival to departure, keeping the group safe and on pace.
Full Riding Assistance
Route navigation, pace control, group coordination, permit guidance, fuel-stop planning and emergency support coordination.
Daily Briefings
On altitude, riding discipline, weather, road conditions and group formation — every day of the ride.
First-Aid & Oxygen Support
Basic first-aid kit carried on the ride, with oxygen support coordination at high altitude.
Handpicked Stays
Snow Retreat Ladakh (Leh), Hunder Resort (Nubra), De Reeva Resort (Pangong) and Ema Cottage (Keyul), with Yaktail on your return to Leh.
Flights to & from Leh
Air travel to Leh and back is separate. We can assist with booking at the best available rates.
Personal Riding Gear
Helmet, gloves, riding jacket, knee and elbow guards are not included. A recommended gear checklist is provided at booking.
Lunches & Personal Expenses
Lunches on the road and personal expenses such as shopping, tips and beverages are not included.
Everything You Need
to Know
Altitude & Acclimatisation
The itinerary opens with two easy days in Leh to help you adjust before the big passes. At Umling La, limited time is advised for photographs and exertion should be avoided — hydration and rest matter at these heights.
Permits & Flexible Routing
The Changthang route requires prior permits and local road-status checks. Day 5 must remain flexible: if Umling La is closed due to snow, military movement, landslides or adverse weather, the ride captain will reroute via Hanle/Chumathang or an alternate safe circuit.
Best Season: June to September
Ladakh's riding window runs from roughly June to September, when the high passes and the Changthang plateau are accessible. For stable weather and maximum access to Umling La, the mid-season months are ideal.
Valid Driving Licence Required
A valid Indian driving licence with motorcycle endorsement is mandatory for all riders. International driving licences are accepted for foreign nationals.
Trip Planning Guides
Helpful reads before your Ladakh ride
Related Adventure Packages
Leh Ladakh Bike Tour 2026
The classic 10-day Manali–Leh–Srinagar circuit via Khardung La and Pangong Lake.
Everest Base Camp Trek 2026
Stand at 5,364m in the Khumbu Valley — 14-day guided trek from Delhi with all permits.
Photographs: Khardung La road by Madhushree Narayan and Royal Enfield in Leh by Rohit Kumar (Unsplash); Pangong Tso by divyaagrawal (Pixabay).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ladakh Motorcycle Expedition?
The Ladakh Motorcycle Expedition is a 7-day Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 ride across Ladakh — from Leh over Khardung La to Nubra Valley, along the Shyok river to Pangong Tso, and across the Changthang plateau to Umling La at 19,024 ft, the world's highest motorable road. The ride starts and finishes in Leh.
How high does the Ladakh Motorcycle Expedition go?
The expedition reaches Umling La at 19,024 ft (5,798 m) — the highest motorable road in the world. The route also crosses Khardung La at 18,380 ft. The itinerary includes two acclimatisation days in Leh before the high passes, and only limited time is spent at Umling La due to the extreme altitude.
Which motorcycle is provided on this expedition?
A Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is provided to each rider for the full circuit, from Leh arrival through to departure. It is a purpose-built adventure motorcycle suited to Ladakh's high passes and rough terrain.
What is the best season for the Ladakh Motorcycle Expedition?
The riding window runs from roughly June to September, when the high passes and the Changthang plateau are accessible. Mid-season months offer the most stable weather and the best chance of reaching Umling La.
What if Umling La is closed during my ride?
Day 5 must remain flexible. If Umling La is closed due to snow, military movement, landslides or adverse weather, the ride captain will reroute via Hanle/Chumathang or an alternate safe circuit. The Changthang route also requires prior permits and local road-status checks.
What is included in the Ladakh Motorcycle Expedition package?
The package includes a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 for the full circuit, a professional ride captain, full riding assistance (route navigation, pace control, group coordination, permit guidance and fuel-stop planning), daily briefings on altitude and road conditions, a basic first-aid kit with oxygen support coordination, and handpicked stays at Snow Retreat Ladakh, Hunder Resort, De Reeva Resort, Ema Cottage and Yaktail.
What is the price of the Ladakh Motorcycle Expedition?
Pricing for the Ladakh Motorcycle Expedition is available on request and varies by departure date, group size and duration. Please enquire via WhatsApp or the contact page for a current quote.