Zanskar Bike Trip

Duration9 Nights / 10 Days
Trip CodeZ10
LocationLeh, Ladakh
Max Elevation19,020 ft (Umling-La)
BikeRE 500cc / Himalayan 410

Zanskar Bike Trip with Phuktal Trek, Shinkula, Gombo Rangjon

A Zanskar bike trip from Leh has become far more accessible with the opening of the new road via Wanla and Singe-La. Earlier, riders had to travel through Kargil to reach Zanskar, which made the journey longer. Today, this new route shortens the distance while still offering an incredible Himalayan riding experience.

Most of the road is now well-constructed asphalt, with only about 15% unpaved sections, making this Zanskar motorcycle trip a medium-difficulty adventure suitable for riders who want both comfort and adventure. The ride offers breathtaking landscapes, high mountain passes, and remote Himalayan villages that make every kilometer memorable.

During this 10-day Zanskar bike trip, riders cross spectacular high-altitude passes such as Shinkula Pass and Singe-La, which provide panoramic views of the Trans-Himalayan ranges. The improved road conditions make the journey smoother than before, while the route still offers a balanced riding experience with smooth highways, mountain curves, and occasional gravel sections.

The descent from Singe-La to Nyerak Village is one of the most scenic parts of the journey. The route reveals dramatic landscapes, deep valleys, towering rock formations, and expansive Himalayan views. The trip is organized for both private and fixed-departure groups. Larger private groups can customize the itinerary according to their riding preferences and pace.

Riders can either rent a motorcycle in Ladakh or bring their own bike. An experienced mechanic and support team assist throughout the journey, and a backup support vehicle accompanies the group for safety, luggage, and assistance. Zanskar remains one of the most remote regions of the Himalayas; due to heavy winter snowfall, road access to the valley is limited to around six months each year, during which the famous Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River becomes the main winter connection.

Route

Main Route

Leh → Lamayuru → Singe-La → Nyerak → Zanskar River → Zangla → Padum → Purne → Kargyak → Shinku-La → Darcha → Sarchu → Baralacha-La → Lachung-La → Gata Loops → More Plains → Puga → Tso Kar → Tso Moriri → Hanle → Umling-La → Hanle → Chumathang → Leh

Highlights

Trip Highlights

Zanskar Valley Motorcycle Adventure
Phuktal / Phugtal Monastery Trek
Singe-La Pass
Shinkula / Shinku-La Pass
Gombo Rangjon Sacred Mountain
Zanskar River & Nyerak Village
Padum town and market
Baralacha-La Pass & Lachung-La
Gata Loops & More Plains
Tso Kar & Tso Moriri Lakes
Hanle, Hanle Observatory & Hanle Monastery
Umling-La (World’s Highest Motorable Road - 19,020 ft)
Chumathang Hot Springs
Thiksey Monastery & “3 Idiots School” (Druk Padma Karpo)

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, arrange a taxi on your own and proceed to your hotel. Leh is located at an altitude of approximately 3,500 metres, so the first day is dedicated to proper acclimatization. After check-in, take the day slowly. Stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol, and refrain from strenuous physical activity. In the evening, the group will assemble for a comprehensive briefing.

Route: Arrival – Leh
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 3,500 m
Highlight: Trip briefing & bike allocation
Briefing details: Route details, safety guidelines, riding formation, high-altitude tips, and bike inspection

Depart from Leh and head west along NH 1 toward Lamayuru. Stop at the Hall of Fame army museum, ride through the Indus Valley to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and experience the optical illusion at Magnetic Hill. Reach Lamayuru, explore the Moonland geological rock formations, and visit the historic hilltop Lamayuru Monastery.

Destination: Lamayuru
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: Approx. 4 hours
Altitude Gain: 10 m
Highlights: Moonland View, Lamayuru Monastery, Magnetic Hill, Hall of Fame
Overnight stay: Lamayuru

Ride from Lamayuru into the rugged heart of Zanskar. Scale Sirsir La and conquer Singe-La at 5,050 metres before descending towards Nyerak Village. Trace the majestic Zanskar River through Zangla and past Stongday Monastery to reach Padum, where you can explore the bustling local bazaar.

Destination: Padum
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: Approx. 8 hours
Altitude Gain: 180 m
Route: Wanla → Photoksar → Photoksar Monastery → Sirsir La → Singe-La (5,050 m) → Nyerak → Zanskar River → Zangla → Stongday → Padum
Highlights: Singe-La Pass, Zanskar River, Nyerak Village
Overnight stay: Padum

Continue deeper into Zanskar Valley towards Purne. From Purne, embark on an unforgettable 2–3 hour trek to Phuktal (Phugtal) Monastery, dramatically carved into a cliffside cave overlooking the river gorge. Have simple monk-hosted tea/lunch before trekking back to Purne.

Destination: Purne
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: Approx. 3 hours riding + 2–3 hours trekking
Altitude Gain: 200 m
Highlights: Phuktal Monastery Cave Trek, Kargyak Village, Gombo Rangjon view
Overnight stay: Purne campsite

Ride past Kargyak and marvel at the monolithic sacred spire of Gombo Rangjon rising vertically from the valley bed. Cross the mighty Shinku-La Pass (16,580 ft), negotiate technical gravel descents to Darcha, and join the Leh–Manali Highway to cross Baralacha Pass into Sarchu.

Destination: Sarchu
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: Approx. 7 hours
Altitude Gain: 450 m
Highlights: Gombo Rangjon, Shinku-La Pass (16,580 ft), Baralacha-La Pass
Overnight stay: Sarchu

Tackle the 21 steep hairpin switchbacks of the legendary Gata Loops, climb over Lachulung-La, and take a midday break at Pang. Ride across the vast 40-km high-altitude expanse of the More Plains, detour at Debring to Puga Hot Springs and Tso Kar, and reach the pristine high lake of Tso Moriri.

Destination: Tso Moriri
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: Approx. 7 hours
Altitude Gain: 0 m
Route Highlights: Gata Loops, Lachulung-La, Pang, More Plains, Puga Hot Springs, Tso Kar Lake
Overnight stay: Near Tso Moriri Lake

Depart Tso Moriri and cross desolate high-altitude plains towards Hanle. Visit the Indian Astronomical Observatory and historic Hanle Monastery before settling in to experience Hanle's renowned dark, crystal-clear skies for nighttime stargazing.

Destination: Hanle
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Altitude Loss: 200 m
Highlights: Indian Astronomical Observatory, Hanle Monastery, world-class stargazing
Overnight stay: Cottage in Hanle

Start early from Hanle, ride through Hanle Bridge, and traverse the wide off-road sandy expanse of the Kalatartar Plains. Climb past Nerbo-La to conquer Umling-La at 19,020 ft—the world's highest motorable road. Celebrate and take photos at the summit before descending back along the same route to Hanle.

Destination: Umling-La (Round Trip)
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: Approx. 8 hours
Altitude Gain: 1,580 m
Summit Elevation: Approx. 19,020 ft (5,798 m)
Highlights: Hanle Bridge, Kalatartar Plains, Nerbo-La, Umling-La Summit off-road ride
Overnight stay: Cottage in Hanle

Depart Hanle around 7:00 AM on the 250-km ride back to Leh. Route passes Chumathang, known for its natural bubbling hot springs. Time permitting, visit Thiksey Monastery and Druk Padma Karpo School (“3 Idiots School”) before checking in to your Leh hotel.

Destination: Leh
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: Approx. 8 hours
Distance: Approx. 250 km
Leh Altitude: 3,500 m
Highlights: Chumathang Hot Springs, Thiksey Monastery, “3 Idiots School”
Overnight stay: Leh Hotel

The Zanskar Bike Trip with Umling-La officially comes to an end. Bid farewell to your fellow riders and support crew with life-long Himalayan adventure memories, and begin your journey back home.

Destination: Leh Airport Departure
Tour conclusion & farewell

Pickup Point & Location

Starting/Ending Location: Leh, Ladakh, India
Pickup Point: Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh
Starting Price: ₹40,400
Availability: Available on Request
Current Status: Sorry, no more departures are currently listed. Please contact for enquiries.

What is Included in the Tour

Tour Completion Certificate
Accommodation on triple-sharing basis in camps/hotels mentioned or similar
Double-sharing accommodation for couples
Breakfast and dinner throughout the tour (Breakfast on Day 1 is excluded)
All inner-line permits for the mentioned itinerary
Royal Enfield 500cc or Himalayan 410 on demand
Fuel for the mentioned itinerary
Complimentary riding jacket
Knee guard
Helmet for rider and pillion
Backup support vehicle for safety and luggage
Skilled mechanic
Tour Marshal
Daily bike maintenance & spare parts support
First-aid box in the support vehicle
Oxygen cylinder in the vehicle 24/7
All sightseeing and excursions mentioned in the itinerary

What is Not Included

Anything not mentioned in the cost inclusions
Cost arising from damage to the bike
Costs arising due to unforeseen events such as landslides
Costs arising due to roadblocks
GST @ 5%

Route Map & Terrain

Total Road Type: ~85% well-constructed asphalt highway, ~15% unpaved and gravel tracks
Major Mountain Passes: Singe-La (5,050 m), Sirsir La, Shinku-La (16,580 ft), Baralacha-La, Lachung-La, Nerbo-La, Umling-La (19,020 ft)
Key Geographic Landmarks: Moonland Lamayuru, Phuktal Cave Monastery, Gombo Rangjon, Gata Loops, More Plains, Tso Moriri Lake, Hanle Observatory

The expedition traverses Ladakh, Zanskar Valley, and the Changthang plateau, taking riders through remote mountain valleys, high passes, and open sandy plains.