Table of Contents
Introduction:
Over the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of visitors to the undiscovered regions of the Northern Himalayas. Ladakh became the most visited Himalayan location in recent years, out of all the comparatively recent Himalayan destinations. Traveling by road to Ladakh has become one of the most popular road trips in the nation. In fact, the Manali Leh Manali Bike Tour has provided motorcycling in India a whole new meaning.
Here are some of the budget Himalayan treks
Manali Leh Manali Bike Tour begins in the thriving tourist town of Manali, as the name suggests. Although the length between Manali and Leh is only 472 kilometres, the journey takes three days due to acclimatisation stops in Jispa and Sarchu. The main reason sportbike riders make this trip is because it includes a variety of challenges such as changeable weather and cloudy dirt tracks. The 11-day motorcycle trip to Ladakh offers a plethora of adventures, including crossing some of the world’s highest motorable roads.
Itinerary:
Day 00- 530km from Delhi (321m) to Manali
Show up in Delhi on your own and board an overnight bus to Manali in the evening. The location and time of the bus will be provided before.
Arrival in Manali on Day 1 (2050m)
Gain in altitude – 1729m
Show up in Manali early in the morning and meet the Adventure Nation team at the hotel you’ve reserved ahead of time. After some rest, be ready to attend the introductory meeting led by our on-the-ground team. Later in the afternoon, the bikes will be assigned so you can test them out and see if they suit your riding style. Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Village, Mall Road, Old Manali Lane, and other popular places to visit in Manali. You are free to visit any location of your choosing.
Day 2: Manali to Jispa 140 km
Altitude 1150 m gain
Highlights include Solang Valley and Rohtang La.
Today, we’ll begin our Ladakh adventure by riding along the famous Manali-Leh Highway towards Jispa. We must leave early in order to cross the mighty Rohtang Pass (3978 m) before it becomes too crowded. After passing through Rohtang, the landscape dramatically changes as we enter the Lahaul and Spiti District. The lush green grasslands fade away, giving way to the desolate slopes of the cold desert. We continue our journey towards Jispa, passing through the charming mountain towns of Sissu and Keylong.
Day 3: Jispa to Sarchu 90 km
Difficulty and approximately 6 hours in duration.
Gain in altitude – 1090 m
Highlights include Deepak Tal, Baralacha La, and riding along the Tsarap River.
Keep yourself totally hydrated by sipping a tonne of water, as we will be spending the night at altitudes above 4000 mt. Today’s ride is among the expedition’s narrowest, but the adrenalin rush level remains high because the terrain is full of fun. After passing through Darcha, continue on the Manali-Leh Highway towards Deepak Tal. From here, the road begins to climb steeply towards the perilous Baralacha Pass (4890m), passing through Zing Zing Bar and crossing the spectacular gemstone lake known as Suraj Tal. Stop for a well-deserved meal near Bharatpur, just after crossing the Baralacha. We proceed on the same road to Sarchu, though the terrain changes quite a bit along the way, and the Tsarap River can be seen sculpting and seething through the mountain ranges on the left side. Arrive in Sarchu later in the day and be ready for an uncomfy night in a campsite.
4th day: Sarchu to Leh 250km
Difficult and approximately 8 hours in duration.
Gata Loops, Nakee La, Lachung La, Morey Plains, Tanglang La are some of the highlights. Riding down the Indus River
Begin riding after a leisurely breakfast, as today will be a long but thrilling day of riding. Water intersections are prevalent on the road to Leh, and the best time to cross them is early in the morning. We begin ascending towards Nakee La (4769m) shortly after leaving Sarchu, crossing the zig-zag Gata Loops, a series of 21 hairpin bends in a span of only 7km. The descent from Nakee La has only just begun, and the rise to another high pass, Lachung La (5059m), has already begun. The descent from Lachung La brings us to Pang (4600m), where we stop for lunch. After passing through Pang, the landscape begins to change and the Morey Plains plateau begins, stretching for 45 kilometres. After crossing the third high pass of the day, proceed riding towards Leh on the left bank of the powerful Indus River. Arrive in Leh in the evening and unwind in your hotel.
Day 05: Leh Rest Day
Enjoy a relaxing day in Leh after recharging your batteries with a healthy breakfast. The first quarter of the day is set aside for a routine bike inspection, and the remainder of the day can be spent sightseeing in or around the city. Visit the Leh Palace and take in the magnificent panoramic views of the Stok Kangri mountainous region from the balcony. You can also go shopping at the Shanti Stupa and the marketplace, and try out the Ladakhi cuisine at the local eateries.
Here are some of the budget Himalayan treks
Day 06: Leh to Nubra 160 kilometres
Difficulty and approximately 7 hours in duration.
Loss of altitude – 452m
Highlights include Khardung La and the Diskit Monastery.
After a rather comfortable day in Leh, we proceed our excursion and begin riding towards Nubra Valley via Khardung La, the world’s highest motorable road (5359m). The road to the throw is well paved and tarred until the checkpoint near South Pullu, after which the road becomes slushy with loose rocks on one side. After reaching Khardung La, take some photos and get back on the road quickly because it is not safe to spend too much time on top of the pass due to high altitude and earth’s atmosphere.
Day 07: Altitude Gain -1202m from Nubra to Pangong
Riding along the Shyok River, Water Crossings
After breakfast, we began our journey to Pangong Lake, Ladakh’s most photographed location. Despite the fact that we will not be crossing any high passes today, the journey should be quite intriguing as we will be travelling on a much less travelled road via Shyok. The majority of our journey will take us along the beautiful Shyok River and through villages such as Agham, Shyok, Durbuk, and Tangste. The road continues to remain slushy, with some thrilling water crossings and rocky terrain, so caution is advised. The final stretch of the ride will be along the lake after having crossed Durbuk.
Day 8: Pangong to Leh, 150km, 750m altitude loss
Highlights include Chang La and the Druk White Lotus School.
Wake up to an enthralling sunrise over Pangong Tso and resume your Ladakh adventure. We stop for lunch after crossing Chang La. After eating, we depart for Lah via Karu, where we begin riding on the Manali-Leh Highway. We’ll pass through Thiksey monastery and the famous Druk White Lotus School on our way to Leh. There will be a brief stop to explore the monastery and take some photos.
Day 9: Leh to Sarchu 250 km
Moderate/approximately 6 hours in length.
Gain in altitude – 790m
Gata Loops, Nakee La, Lachung La, Morey Plains, Tanglang La are some of the highlights. Riding down the Indus River
After experiencing everything that Ladakh has to offer, it’s time to leave. We’ll take the Manali-Leh Highway once more, passing through all of the high passes on our way back to Sarchu. Arrive in Sarchu in the early evening and unwind at the campsite. Napping at high altitude will be easier this time because you are more habituated to the climate and conditions. Spend the night in a campsite.
Day 10: Sarchu to Manali 230km
Moderate/approximately 10 hours in length.
2240m altitude loss
Highlights include the Baralacha La, Suraj Tal, Keylong, and Rohtang La.
Get up early in the morning and prepare for the final day of riding on this expedition. We’ll continue on the Manali-Leh Highway, arriving in Manali by late evening after passing through places like Baralacha La, Keylong, and Rohtang La. When you arrive in Manali, check into your hotel and return the bike. Later, go out with your new friends to explore Manali on your own. Stay for the night.
Day 11: Manali Departure
Wake up slowly and have breakfast in the morning. You have half a day today to discover Manali before catching the overnight bus to Delhi.