Leh-Ladakh: Roof of the World High Passes
Himalayas & High Passes • 12 Days / 11 Nights

Leh-Ladakh: Roof of the World High Passes

Cross the spectacular high-altitude mountain passes, from Manali through Khardung La to Pangong Tso.

Start Location
Manali, India
Departure Location
Leh (Ladakh), India
Duration
12 Days
Distance
1650 km
Peak Altitude
2,050m (Manali) to 5,359m (Khardung La Pass)
Fleet Machine
RE Himalayan 450

Expedition Overview

Expedition Photo Gallery

Real scenery, terrain, riders & camp highlights captured on this route.

Leh-Ladakh: Roof of the World High Passes expedition photo 1
Leh-Ladakh: Roof of the World High Passes expedition photo 2
Leh-Ladakh: Roof of the World High Passes expedition photo 3
Leh-Ladakh: Roof of the World High Passes expedition photo 4
Leh-Ladakh: Roof of the World High Passes expedition photo 5

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary (12 Days)

Day 1: Assemble in Manali • Mountain Acclimatization & Bike Handover

2,050m

Meet your expedition crew in the lush cedar forests of Manali. We test-ride our bikes through the Solang Valley and conduct comprehensive briefing on high-altitude riding and convoy protocols.

★ Old Manali cafes,Bike fitting & tune-up,Altitude safety briefing

Day 2: Manali to Jispa via Atal Tunnel & Lahaul Valley

2,050m to 3,200m

Ride through the engineering marvel of Atal Tunnel, emerging from lush green forests into the rugged, stark moonscape of Lahaul Valley. We follow the rushing Bhaga River to picturesque Jispa.

★ World's longest highway tunnel above 10,000ft,Crossing into Buddhist Lahaul,Bhaga River campsite

Day 3: Jispa to Sarchu • Baralacha La & High Altitude Plains

3,200m to 4,890m to 4,290m

An exhilarating ascent over Baralacha La Pass with snow walls and glacier viewpoints. We cross several thrilling water crossings before descending onto the windswept high plateau of Sarchu.

★ Baralacha La pass,Emerald waters of Deepak & Suraj Tal,Border of Himachal & Ladakh

Day 4: Sarchu to Leh • Gata Loops, Nakee La, Lachung La & Moore Plains

4,290m to 5,328m to 3,500m (Leh)

One of the world's most iconic riding days. We tackle the famous 21 Gata Loops, conquer twin passes of Nakee La and Lachung La, sprint across the otherworldly Moore Plains, and cross colossal Tanglang La into Leh.

★ 21 Gata Loops,40km flat-out Moore Plains,Tanglang La pass into Indus Valley

Day 5: Leh Rest & Acclimatization • Monasteries & Royal Palace

3,500m

A crucial rest day to allow your body to stabilize at 3,500 meters. We visit the grand multi-tiered Thiksey Monastery, reminiscent of Lhasa's Potala Palace, and stroll through the bustling old bazaar.

★ Thiksey Monastery morning chanting,Leh Palace,Shanti Stupa sunset

Day 6: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La Pass (5,359m)

3,500m to 5,359m to 3,000m (Nubra)

The bucket-list moment: twisting throttle up the winding ascent to Khardung La, one of the world's highest motorable passes. Descend into the Valley of Flowers (Nubra) to ride beside white sand dunes.

★ Khardung La summit photo,Diskit 106ft giant Maitreya Buddha,Bactrian camel sand dunes

Day 7: Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok River Canyon

3,000m to 4,250m

We trace the wild Shyok River through narrow rock gorges and raw wilderness. As we round the final ridge, the hypnotic shades of blue of the 134-kilometer-long Pangong Lake leave you spellbound.

★ Shyok River canyon ride,First glimpse of turquoise Pangong Lake,Milky Way stargazing

Day 8: Pangong Tso to Leh via Chang La Pass (5,360m)

4,250m to 5,360m to 3,500m

Witness sunrise over the lake as the water shifts from deep indigo to emerald green. We climb the formidable Chang La pass, guarded by the Indian Army, before cruising back down to Leh.

★ Sunrise over Pangong,Mighty Chang La Pass,Sindhu Ghat Indus River

Day 9: Leh to Kargil • Confluence, Magnetic Hill & Lamayuru Moonland

3,500m to 2,676m

A fast, sweeping tarmac day along the western highway. We ride past Magnetic Hill, witness the two-tone collision of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, and navigate the geological wonder of Lamayuru Moonland.

★ Zanskar & Indus confluence,Lamayuru Moonland landscape,Ancient monastery

Day 10: Kargil to Drass & Return to Leh via Hidden Sham Valley

2,676m to 3,500m

Pay homage at the heroic Drass War Memorial nestled beneath Tiger Hill, then carve your way through the orchards of the Sham Valley, visiting Alchi's ancient Kashmiri-style Buddhist wood carvings.

★ Drass (2nd coldest inhabited place),Alchi 11th century frescoes,Indus river curves

Day 11: Leh Victory Ride • Khardung Village & Farewell Dinner

3,500m

A relaxed day to celebrate our achievements. In the evening, gather for a traditional Ladakhi feast with local butter tea, Chang, and celebratory toasts as you receive your official Nepal Bike Tours Finisher Medal.

★ Expedition certificate ceremony,Celebration gala dinner,Souvenir bazaar

Day 12: Homeward Flight from Leh (IXL)

3,500m

Board your morning flight from Leh. Gazing out of the aircraft window, you'll trace from above the passes, canyons, and serpentine roads you just conquered on two wheels.

★ Breathtaking aerial flight over Himalayan glaciers

2026 – 2027 Scheduled Departures

Dates Status Price (Solo Rider)
2027-06-18 to 2027-06-29 Guaranteed $2299 USD
2027-07-08 to 2027-07-19 Few Seats Left $2299 USD
2027-08-02 to 2027-08-13 Available $2299 USD
2027-09-01 to 2027-09-12 Guaranteed $2299 USD

Included in Expedition

  • ✔ Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 with fuel & lubricants for 1,650 KM
  • ✔ 11 Nights accommodation (Heritage hotels in Leh, glamping Swiss tents in Nubra & Pangong, mountain lodges)
  • ✔ Breakfast and hearty dinners daily
  • ✔ Inner Line Permits & Protected Area Wildlife fees for Pangong, Nubra, Khardung La
  • ✔ High-altitude oxygen cylinders & medical emergency monitoring
  • ✔ Airport transfers at Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL)
  • ✔ Luggage transfer in dedicated 4x4 chase vehicle

Not Included (Rider Responsibility)

  • ✖ Flights to Manali/Delhi and from Leh
  • ✖ Lunches & beverages
  • ✖ Security deposit for motorcycle ($300 USD refundable)
  • ✖ Personal travel insurance with high-altitude medical evacuation cover

Mandatory Protective Riding Gear

For international insurance and safety compliance, all riders must carry CE-certified protective apparel.

  • 🛡 Thermal base layers and windproof riding jacket
  • 🛡 Sub-zero motorcycle winter gloves plus rain gloves
  • 🛡 CE-certified adventure riding boots and knee armor
  • 🛡 UV400 sunglasses and neck gaiter for dust/wind protection

Bikes & Dedicated 4x4 Support Rig

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

Liquid-Cooled Sherpa 452cc • 40 PS • Showa USD Suspension

Provided with dual-sport tires, heavy-duty engine crash bars, sump plate, USB-C rapid charger, and luggage racks.

Dedicated 4x4 Mobile Workshop Rig

Luggage Transfer • Spares • Emergency Backup Bike • Medical Oxygen

4x4 Expedition Rig with high-capacity oxygen concentrators, Hyperbaric Gamow Bag, emergency medical supplies, spare tires, full tool kit, extra fuel tanks, and mechanic.