Every biker wants to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of touring along Ladakh riding through the most beautiful terrains and climbing different terrains in the region at least once. The idea of driving through those curvy roads with steep mountain tops on one side and spectacular valleys on the other ignites a sense of thrill like no other.
Planning a Leh Ladakh trip from Delhi is not only about the thrilling bike ride but also about experiences that you can make in your lifetime during the journey. From the stunning high-altitude Pangong Lake to the thrilling Khardung La Pass, anyone who goes on a bike trip to Leh Ladakh will tell you- that it’s not a holiday, it’s a journey of a lifetime.
However, when it comes to grand adventure, there also comes the need for great planning. Well, let us assist in preparing you for this amazing experience. Starting from route selection to packing, our Leh Ladakh bike trip from Delhi is as great as the place itself.
How to Plan Your Leh Ladakh Bike Trip?
Just know that choosing your route while planning a Leh Ladakh holiday package is quite a daunting task. Here, we make it all easy for you to understand. Expect insights into when to go, the way to go, and the preparation of the bike and yourself for the journey.
1. Choose the Best Time to Visit
The first factor in the plan is setting the time for a trip that you are planning to make. The roads to Leh Ladakh are partially motorable because of the blockade of snow in most of the routes during the winter season. Winter is the ideal time to visit Leh Ladakh but the summer is also the best time to visit Leh Ladakh.
a) Best Time: May to September. During these months, the weather is favorable and the freedom of the road for travelers is available for those who want.
b) Avoid Winter Months: There is blockage of roads and movement is also very difficult because of harsh weather.
2. Select Your Route
The two most common entry points into Leh Ladakh are two different roads; each of which presents a different challenge and scenic beauty.
a) Manali to Leh: This is a longer route and it gives beautiful sights of the Himalayan mountains, it is very often chosen by tourists.
b) Srinagar to Leh: This is one of the most popular routes with a smooth ride with beautiful views. This route is ideal for first-timers.
c) The Ultimate Circuit: Both routes should be taken together- take the Srinagar route in and the Manali route out.
3. Choose the Right Bike
Your bike is your friend, and guide on this journey and it has to be in the best shape to tackle those tough roads of Leh-Ladakh.
a) Popular Choices: Royal Enfield Bullet (350cc or 500cc), KTM Duke, or Bajaj Dominar are quite suitable for short distances.
b) Rental Options: You do not have to own a bike but can hire in various centers within Manali Delhi or Leh.
c) Preparation Tips: Just to ensure, check the brakes, tires, and headlights, and then have your bike properly serviced if needed.
4. Prepare your Body and Mind
Riding a bike to Leh Ladakh is not only a challenge for your bike but it is a task for you as well.
a) Acclimatization: The effects of altitude sickness are usually shortness of breath and dizziness. This is why you should incorporate rest days into your trip itinerary to give your system some time to overcome.
b) Stay Hydrated: Do not become dehydrated, hence drink a lot of water.
c) Basic Fitness: Make sure to be in good physical condition because the trip can be intense.
5. Pack the Right Essentials
Organization, especially packing can be the making or breaking for your trip. Here’s what you need:
a) Clothing: Coats, windcheater jackets, gloves, and boots.
b) Bike Gear: Helmet, knee pads, and riding gloves.
c) Documents: License, insurance of the bike, permits, and medical insurance.
d) Other Essentials: Basic emergency kit, some lotion, portable battery charger, a small flashlight, foo,d, and water.
6. Make Arrangement for Staying at the Hotel in Advance
Leh is never short of accommodation; however, only a few places offer accommodations in the small villages along the route.
a) Options: Guesthouses, homestays, and campsites.
b) Book Early: To save the hassle that may arise due to late bookings, pre-book all the accommodation, especially during the holiday season.
7. Get Necessary Permits
Some parts of Leh Ladakh are restricted from access, especially to foreign nationals.
a) Inner Line Permit (ILP): Needed for Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, and Tso Moriri among others.
b) How to Get It: They can be completed online or at the DC office in Leh.
8. Plan Your Day-Wise Itinerary
Through proper scheduling, the client makes sure that he/she has visited all the important aspects of the tour without much fatigue.
Day 1: Reach Manali or Srinagar.
Day 2-5: If you have come this far, you should ride to Leh, Some places to visit on the way are Sarchu, Jispa, and Drass.
Day 6-9: Visit Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake and Tso Moriri.
Day 10-12: Return via your chosen route.
9. Be Ready for the Unexpected
Living the unforeseen is the beauty of Leh Ladakh, therefore it will always be wise to prepare for the unpredictable.
a) Weather Changes: Always have a raincoat handy.
b) Roadblocks: Always have more fuel for the trip, especially on onward journeys.
c) Health Issues: Carry enough medicines for altitude sickness and simple injuries.
Conclusion
I hope that by reading this blog, you have got all the information about bike road trip destinations in Leh-Ladakh.
Leh Ladakh bike trip is much more than just a ride, it is the tale that one gets to spend and cherish life long. You get to reach places that few can imagine, let alone fancy. From the world’s highest motorable roads to stunning lakes, all these moments are priceless. Are you ready to make this dream come true?
Capture a Trip is a travel company that focuses on turning dreams into reality. When it comes to the Leh Ladakh bike trip, you will get everything from customized itineraries to professional tips and tricks that will make your trip smooth and fun-filled. It’s time to get ready for the mission of an entire lifetime!
A Leh Ladakh bike trip lasts between 10-12 days, though it may vary due to the stops travelers make during their journey.
Well yes it is safe if well prepared and the right type of bike is taken for the trip. Make sure to stick to the safety measures.
The cost would include things such as bike rental, accommodation, and other permits required. Depending upon the number of days of the trip, it may cost approximately between ₹ 25000 to ₹ 40000/-.
Indeed, some of the permits such as the Inner Line Permit are necessary. It can be filed online or in person at the DC office in Leh, only Indian nationals are allowed.
Some of the best-suited bikes for this journey are the Royal Enfield Bullet, KTM Duke, and Bajaj Dominar. It would be best if you had a bike that can withstand off-road services.