Winds of Ladakh: Umling La & High Lakes Motorcycle Tour

Touch down at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh (3,524m), one of the highest commercial airports in the world. Our expedition team receives you at the airport and transfers you to our boutique heritage hotel. Because flying directly into 3,500m creates immediate altitude exposure, today is dedicated strictly to rest and physiological acclimatization. Drink plentiful water and relax. In the afternoon, we assemble for our comprehensive expedition safety briefing covering hydration protocols, altitude sickness management, and mountain road conduct. In the evening, take a gentle walk to the historic Leh Main Bazaar or Shanti Stupa before our welcome dinner.

After a hearty breakfast, take handover of your factory-prepared Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Today serves as an essential shakedown ride to calibrate throttle response, clutch engagement, and Showa suspension settings. We ride westward along the smooth asphalt of the Leh-Srinagar Highway to Nimmu to witness the spectacular Sangam—the confluence of the turquoise Indus and clay-colored Zanskar rivers. Test the gravity-defying phenomenon at Magnetic Hill and pause at the historic Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. In the afternoon, head east along the Indus Valley to explore the architectural marvels of Thiksey and Hemis monasteries, soaking in centuries-old Buddhist prayer wheels before returning to Leh.

The grand mountain adventure begins. We throttle out of Leh and ascend the switchbacks past South Pullu, climbing toward Khardung La (5,359m / 17,582 ft)—one of the highest motorable mountain passes on earth. The summit rewards you with breathtaking panoramic vistas across the snow-capped Zanskar range and Indus Valley. Descend through North Pullu into the surreal landscape of Nubra Valley ('Dumra'—Valley of Flowers). Visit the 106-foot Maitreya Buddha statue at Diskit Monastery, then cruise into the high-altitude white sand dunes of Hunder to watch double-humped Bactrian camels against stark mountain backdrops. Overnight at our luxury alpine camp under crystal-clear night skies.

Ride along the winding Shyok River canyon toward Turtuk, the northernmost inhabited village in India, opened to tourists only in 2010. Turtuk was under Pakistani control until the 1971 war and possesses a distinct Balti culture, language, and architecture completely unique from Buddhist Ladakh. Wander through stone-walled apricot orchards, explore ancient wooden mosques, inspect natural rock-cooled food storage chambers, and meet friendly local elders. Savor authentic Balti cuisine before our return ride along sweeping canyon asphalt back to our Hunder campsite for dinner around the bonfire.

Leave Nubra behind and ride east along the rugged Agham-Shyok riverbed route. This technical route cuts directly through colossal rock walls, boulder-strewn canyon corridors, and seasonal glacial water crossings that test off-road throttle discipline and bike balance. By mid-afternoon, crest the final ridge to behold the legendary Pangong Tso (4,350m)—the world’s highest saltwater lake, stretching 134 km across the Indo-Tibetan border. The lake’s iridescent waters transition through shades of cobalt blue, turquoise, and emerald as the sun shifts. Check into lakeside luxury dome camps and enjoy an extraordinary stargazing evening under crystal-clear alpine skies.

Wake early to witness the sun rise over the glassy stillness of Pangong Lake. After a hearty breakfast, ride southeast via the remote border outposts of Man, Merak, and Chushul, crossing Tsaga La pass (4,660m) into the wild expanse of the Changthang Plateau. Ride across untamed open grasslands alongside grazing Kiang (Tibetan wild asses) and Himalayan marmots, following dirt tracks into Hanle (4,500m). Hanle is designated as India's first official Dark Sky Reserve and hosts the Indian Astronomical Observatory, one of the world's highest optical telescopes. Visit the 17th-century Hanle Monastery perched on a hillock and spend the night in traditional warm Changpa homestays.

The ultimate milestone day. Today we ride from Hanle over barren scree, blacktop switchbacks, and high-altitude moonscapes to conquer Umling La Pass at an astounding 19,300 feet (5,883m)—officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the highest motorable road on planet Earth. Higher than Everest Base Camp, this engineering marvel by the Border Roads Organisation provides a once-in-a-lifetime motorcycling triumph. Our 4x4 chase rig with medical oxygen remains right behind the pack throughout the ascent. Celebrate at the summit marker with photographs, soak in 360-degree Karakoram and Himalayan vistas, and descend safely back to Hanle for warm soup and victory camaraderie.

Ride west from Hanle across the Changthang high desert, passing Nyoma, Mahe Bridge, and the turquoise sulfur hot springs of Chumathang. Ascend through remote nomad grazing lands into the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary to reach Tso Moriri (4,522m) and the quaint lakeside village of Korzok. Tso Moriri is the largest high-altitude sweet-to-brackish lake in the Trans-Himalayas and a pristine Ramsar Wetland site, home to rare bar-headed geese, black-necked cranes, and Tibetan gazelles. Walk along the lakeside under the shadow of 6,000m glaciated peaks and visit the ancient Korzok Monastery. Overnight in premium alpine tents overlooking the lake.

A peaceful morning along the shores of Tso Moriri before embarking on the final 220 km leg back to Leh. We ride past the small salt lake of Kyagar Tso, rejoining the Indus Valley highway via Mahe and Upshi. The road sweeps along dramatic granite gorges and cascading rivers, offering exhilarating high-speed curves on smooth asphalt after days of rough gravel. We roll back into Leh by late afternoon, return our motorcycles, and check into our hotel. In the evening, gather with fellow riders, road captains, and mechanics for our farewell expedition dinner, sharing photos and celebrating the completion of Ladakh’s most formidable riding circuit.

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

Dedicated 4x4 Mobile Workshop Rig with certified Royal Enfield Master Mechanic, comprehensive spare parts inventory, mobile tool workshop, backup motorcycle, rider luggage transfer, first-aid & medical trauma oxygen with pulse oximeters.

What makes Winds of Ladakh different from other Ladakh motorcycle tours?

Winds of Ladakh includes Umling La Pass at 19,300 feet (5,883m), the officially certified highest motorable road in the world. In addition to Khardung La, Nubra Valley, and Pangong Tso, this 9-day circuit also takes you to the remote border village of Turtuk, the pristine waters of Tso Moriri, and the starlit skies of Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, backed by our dedicated 4x4 mobile workshop chase rig.

Can I bring a pillion passenger on Winds of Ladakh?

Yes, pillion passengers are welcome provided they have good physical stamina. Because sections through the Agham-Shyok riverbed and Changthang Plateau involve water crossings, sand, and rough scree, our dedicated 4x4 support SUV travels directly behind the motorcycle group, offering a comfortable seat with heating and oxygen whenever your pillion prefers to rest.

What motorcycle will I ride on this expedition?

You will ride a factory-prepared Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 featuring a liquid-cooled 452cc Sherpa engine producing 40 bhp, Showa 43mm upside-down front forks, 200mm suspension travel, switchable rear ABS, tubeless cross-spoke wheels, and heavy-duty crash protection. Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 and bring-your-own-bike options are also supported.

How do you manage high altitude and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?

Altitude safety is managed strictly according to medical protocols: Day 1 in Leh (3,524m) is mandatory total rest for acclimatization, followed by a gentle local shakedown ride on Day 2 before ascending higher passes. Our 4x4 chase vehicle carries continuous medical oxygen cylinders, fingertip pulse oximeters for daily morning and evening rider vitals checks, and a comprehensive emergency trauma kit.

What permits are required for Ladakh, Hanle, and Umling La?

All required permits—including Ladakh Inner Line Permits (ILP), Hanle and Umling La border zone clearances, Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary entry, and local ecology fees—are completely arranged and paid for by Nepal Bike Tours prior to your arrival in Leh. You only need to provide a digital copy of your passport/ID upon booking.

What is your booking deposit and refund cancellation policy?

A $500 USD booking deposit secures your seat with an automatic 48-hour refundable cooling-off window. If your plans change, cancellations made 90+ days before departure receive a 100% refund of the remaining balance; cancellations 89–60 days before departure receive a 50% balance refund; cancellations under 60 days before departure are non-refundable.

What is the accommodation standard on Winds of Ladakh?

Accommodations combine boutique heritage hotels in Leh (with private bathrooms and hot water), premium deluxe alpine campsites in Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso (with attached western toilets and heavy quilts), and authentic, warm Changpa heritage homestays in Hanle that provide authentic cultural immersion.

Where do I fly into and out of for this tour?

You fly into and out of Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh, Ladakh. Multiple daily morning flights operate between New Delhi (DEL) and Leh (IXL). All airport transfers in Leh are included in your expedition package.