Day 1 – Arrival in Manali (By bus)-
Upon arrival in Manali, head to the pre-decided hotel. Complete the check-in formalities and rest for a while. Gorge on scrumptious lunch and get ready for a thrilling experience of motorcycle trip to Ladakh. Kick start your motorcycle and ride on the meandering roads of the Kullu Valley. The valley reverberates with sounds of your bike. Delight in a joyride with gushing River Beas on one side and the mighty Himalayas on the other.
Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 – Manali – Jispa (150 km)- 5 Hrs
Wake up in the morning as an exciting day await you. Today you will be driving on the breathtaking Rohtang Pass. Perched at a high altitude, the pass features hairpin bends, thereby, evoking the daredevil in you. Weather is also unpredictable here but you will find a number of visitors who come here to enjoy snow activities. Counted as one of the highest, the pass also serves as a gateway to Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Owing to a number of monasteries, Lahaul is home to Buddhist monks.
From there, you head towards Tandi which is a small village nestled above the confluence of Bhaga and Chandra Rivers. Here, you can also top up your fuel tanks. Next, you move to Keylong. This is the last place where one could get a mechanic before Leh. Moreover, your mobile will also stop working from here. Make sure you get all your bike problems (if any) sorted out here. Next, you will be heading to your final destination Jispa which is a beautiful village. Roads become much smoother from here. Savor your dinner and retire for the night.
An overnight stay is planned at the hotel.
Day 3 – Jispa – Sarchu (80 km)- 3 Hrs
Day 3 of your Discover Ladakh by Bike 2020 tour is going to be equally amazing. Today, you will make way to your next destination Sarchu on your bike. The first challenge of the day is crossing Bara-Lacha La (4890 m). Difficulties start to crop up from here. As the altitude increases, one might start observing the effects of Acute Mountain Sickness. One must take it easy and not over stress oneself, especially at the summit of Bara-Lacha La. From here, it is a downhill and a rough ride till Bharatpur. After this point, the road condition starts improving gradually as one approaches Sarchu.
Nestled on the boundary between Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, Sarchu resembles Ladakh with its barren splendor. After arriving at the Sarchu camp, enjoy the rest of the day leisurely. It is advisable that you consume lots of fluids during your motorbike tour in Ladakh.
Enjoy an overnight stay at the camp.
Day 4 – Sarchu – Leh (250 km) 08 hrs drive-
On day 4, you are going to delight in fun-filled moments as the ascent of Gata Loops starts from here. The loop is a series of 21 hairpin bends that takes you to the top of Nakee La, keeping your spirits high all the times. It is the 3rd high mountain pass on the Leh-Manali route. As much as the loop, a story associated with the place will keep you intrigued throughout your sojourn. After descending down for a few kilometers from Nakee La, you will again start climbing up to Lachulung La, the 4th high mountain pass of this route and an easier one.
The descent from Lachulung La will take you to Pang which is a temporary tent settlement. Pang is also the place where most of the visitors suffer from AMS even if they haven’t experienced it so far. The road from Pang to Leh is excellent and greets you with the spectacular sight of Moore Plains about 4 km away. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, the place is a beautiful plateau. The road is bumpy and can test your vehicle’s suspensions and your stomach. Thus, do not try to accelerate at any cost.
From there begins the climb towards Taglang La, the fifth and last high mountain pass on this route. It is not the height but the severely deteriorated road that makes it difficult to cross. You may suffer AMS here as well. Roads will get much better from here and will take to Leh with receding AMS. En route, visit two scenic monasteries Thiksey and Shey to soak in the serenity. Once you reach Changspa, check in at the hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. Relish tasty dinner and retire for the night.
An overnight stay is planned at the hotel.
Day 5 – Leh – Nubra (160 km)- 5 Hrs
On the 5th day of the trip, you will leave for the Nubra Valley via Khardung La after having breakfast. You will stop at South Pullu for a break and then start your journey to the Khardung La, which is among the world’s highest motorable roads. Enjoy the view from here and click some pictures, then resume your journey. North Pullu will be the next stop, where you will rest for a while and have some snacks. Then move forward for the Nubra Valley. On the way, you will visit the Diskit Monastery and seeks blessings. From the monastery you will get an opportunity to enjoy the enchanting beauty of the valley will leave you spellbound.
Check-in at the camp upon your arrival and after taking some rest you will leave your camp to enjoy the camel ride on the double-hump camels.
Later return to the camp and have a sumptuous dinner. Overnight stay at the camp in Nubra Valley.
Day 6 – Nubra – Pangong Lake via Shyok route (275 Km)- 7 Hrs
After breakfast you will leave for Pangong Lake. This is the largest brackish lake in Asia and the two-third area of the lake is situated in China. On your way to the Pangong, you have to cross the Chang La which is also among the highest motorable roads in the world. The majestic beauty of the lake will leave you stunned. Upon your arrival check-in at the camp. Explore the serene and tranquil surroundings of the lake.
Overnight stay in the camp at the Pangong.
Day 7 – Pangong – Leh (225 km)- Hrs
Start the day with a breakfast. Thereafter, start your expedition back to Leh. This is going to be your last day at the scenic destination. Indulge in a day trip to Leh. Today, you will be exploring Shanti Stupa. The white-colored Gompa is an iconic attraction in the town. The Stupa looks truly spectacular when it gets illuminated in the evening.
This is followed by shopping in the markets of Leh. Buy souvenirs from here so that they keep on reminding you of this wonderful journey. Next on the list is marveling at beguiling views of the Indus Valley and the Zanskar Range.
Enjoy an overnight stay at the camp.
Day 8 – Leh – Sarchu (215 km)-
Begin your road trip to Sarchu from Leh. Drive on the same path you followed while traveling from Sarchu to Leh. Meanwhile, cross Pang en route. Upon arrival in Sarchu, check in at your camp. Rest of the day is at your leisure.
An overnight stay is planned at the hotel.
Day 9 – Sarchu – Manali (215 km)-
Bid adieu to Sarchu today. You will reach Bara-Lacha La till afternoon. From here, you can enjoy a smooth ride to Lahaul. Drive carefully as you make your way through Rohtang Pass. You will reach Manali at night. Complete the check-in formalities at the hotel and enjoy an overnight stay.
