12 Days Manali to Srinagar Tour

Arrive in Manali, the gateway to the high Himalayas, and make your way to the hotel, where our team will welcome you and assist with check-in. Set amid deodar forests and framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Pir Panjal, Manali is the perfect place to slow down before the journey ahead.

The rest of the day is yours to relax, settle in and wander through Old Manali’s cafés or the lively Mall Road at your own pace.

In the evening, meet your fellow riders and tour team for a detailed tour briefing and safety orientation. Then comes the moment every rider waits for—the introduction to your motorcycle. Check the controls, adjust your mirrors and get familiar with your machine as the engine idles in the cool mountain air.

Tomorrow, the Great Himalayan Ride begins—twelve days across high passes, hidden valleys, ancient monasteries and some of the most remote roads on earth.

The road calls early today. Ride out of Manali and through the Atal Tunnel, emerging on the far side of the Pir Panjal into the stark, dramatic Lahaul Valley. Follow the Bhaga River past Keylong and Jispa to Darcha, the last settlement before the climb begins.

From here, the road rises towards Shinku La, approximately 5,091 metres above sea level and the gateway into Zanskar. Switchbacks wind past glaciers and snowfields, the air thins, and the silence at the top is broken only by fluttering prayer flags and the steady beat of your engine.

Descending into Zanskar, the landscape changes completely. Pass the striking Gonbo Rangjon, a solitary rock peak revered by local communities, and ride through remote villages where life still moves at the pace of the seasons.

By evening, reach Purne, a tiny village tucked between towering mountains. Rest well tonight—tomorrow brings one of the most extraordinary days of the expedition.

An early start today. Begin with a short hike to Phugtal Monastery, one of the most remarkable sights in the Himalayas. Built into the mouth of a cave high on a cliff face, its honeycomb of whitewashed cells seems to hang in the air above the river below.

Back on the motorcycles, ride towards Padum, the heart of Zanskar, through wide valleys and quiet villages set against a backdrop of rugged peaks.

From Padum, take the newly opened Nimmu–Padum–Darcha (NPD) road towards Leh. The route follows the mighty Zanskar River through one of the most dramatic gorges in the Himalayas—towering canyon walls, sweeping bends and a river that changes colour with the light. Few riders have experienced this road, and every kilometre feels like a discovery.

Joining the Indus at Nimmu, ride the final stretch into Leh after a long and unforgettable day. Rest well—tomorrow, your motorcycle takes a break, and so do you.

After two demanding days in the saddle, today is about rest and discovery. Your motorcycles stay behind for a routine service check, while a comfortable coach takes you on a relaxed sightseeing tour around Leh.

Begin at Thiksey Monastery, rising tier upon tier up a hillside and often compared to the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Inside, its towering Maitreya Buddha statue is one of the most striking in Ladakh. Continue to Shey Palace, the former summer residence of Ladakh’s royal family, with sweeping views over the Indus Valley.

Next, visit the Druk White Lotus School, better known as the "Rancho School" from the film 3 Idiots and admired for its eco-friendly design.

The coach then drops you at Leh Market. Explore at your own pace—browse pashmina shawls, Ladakhi handicrafts and local cafés—before making your own way back to the hotel.

Back in the saddle and fully refreshed, fire up your machine after breakfast and ride out of Leh towards the legendary Khardung La, approximately 5,359 metres above sea level. One of Ladakh’s most iconic high mountain passes, it offers spectacular views of rugged peaks, winding mountain roads and vast Himalayan landscapes.

After crossing the pass, descend towards the enchanting Nubra Valley, where the stark mountain terrain gradually gives way to a surprising landscape of villages, greenery and river valleys.

Upon arrival, visit Diskit Monastery, home to the impressive Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the valley. Continue to Hunder, famous for its cold desert sand dunes and striking contrast of golden sand against snow-capped mountains. You can also opt for a ride on the region’s distinctive double-humped Bactrian camels.

As evening approaches, unwind at your accommodation and enjoy a bonfire, weather permitting, beneath the vast Himalayan sky.

As you ride deeper into the Nubra region, the landscape softens, and Turtuk appears like a secret tucked away in the mountains. Once part of Baltistan, this green village of traditional stone houses, apricot orchards and barley terraces offers a fascinating glimpse into the distinctive heritage of the Balti people.

Park your motorcycle and explore Turtuk on foot. Wander through narrow village lanes, cross wooden bridges over flowing streams, visit the old mosque and discover the local heritage museum. If apricots are in season, you may even get to taste the village’s fresh produce.

Beyond its beautiful scenery, Turtuk offers a rare opportunity to experience a culture, cuisine and way of life that differ from those found elsewhere in Ladakh. Take time to meet the local community and appreciate the quieter rhythm of this remote Himalayan settlement.

Later, ride back towards Nubra Valley, enjoying the dramatic mountain scenery along the way.

 

Leave Nubra Valley and ride towards the mesmerising Pangong Lake via the spectacular Shyok route. There are long stretches of remote terrain here, with the river winding alongside rugged mountains layered in shades of rust, violet and grey.

Expect an adventurous riding surface, where smooth tarmac can give way to gravel, sand patches and occasional water crossings, depending on current conditions. This is where riding skill, concentration and respect for the terrain matter most. Follow the road at a pace appropriate to the conditions, taking in the immense scale and isolation of the landscape.

As you approach Pangong, the scenery transforms into an extraordinary panorama of mountains and brilliant blue waters. The lake’s changing shades create one of the most memorable sights in Ladakh.

Arrive at your lakeside accommodation and settle into a traditional-style wooden cottage. Spend the evening admiring the tranquil surroundings and, weather permitting, the changing colours of the lake at sunset.

Leave the shores of Pangong Lake and ride through the remote and spectacular landscapes of Changthang, one of Ladakh’s most isolated regions. The route takes you through Chushul village, surrounded by vast open plains, rugged mountains and the stark beauty of the high-altitude desert.

Today’s journey takes you far beyond Ladakh’s popular tourist circuits, through expansive horizons and remote settlements where the sense of wilderness is unmistakable.

The highlight of the day is the planned summit ride to Umling La, an extraordinary high-altitude mountain pass that has become one of the defining experiences of a Ladakh motorcycle expedition. The route leads into a stark, remote landscape where thin air, rugged mountains and immense open horizons make every kilometre feel like a genuine achievement.

Following the summit attempt, continue towards Hanle, a remote settlement renowned for its dramatic landscapes, peaceful atmosphere and exceptional stargazing opportunities. If the weather cooperates, look up after dark and experience the extraordinary night sky away from major sources of light pollution.

The exact riding sequence and feasibility of completing the summit and reaching Hanle on the same day will depend on the confirmed route, access permissions, weather, road conditions and the team’s safety assessment.

After an extraordinary day in the high-altitude wilderness, begin the return journey from Hanle towards Leh. Today’s ride takes you through the striking landscapes of the Chumathang valley, known for its natural hot springs and dramatic high-altitude surroundings.

As the journey progresses, watch the scenery change from remote open plains and rugged mountains to winding roads following the Indus Valley, with quiet settlements, mountain backdrops and ever-changing terrain all along the way.

Arrive in Leh after an unforgettable journey through some of the region’s most extraordinary landscapes. Spend a relaxed evening in town and rest well—the ride is not over yet, and the road west towards Kashmir awaits.

Leave Leh and head west on the Srinagar–Leh highway, following the Indus through wide, open valleys past Magnetic Hill and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar at Nimmu.

The landscape soon turns surreal as you reach Lamayuru, famous for its "Moonland"—eroded, pale-gold formations that look like another planet. Above them sits Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh. Stop, stretch your legs and take in the view before riding on.

The road then climbs over Fotu La, approximately 4,108 metres and the highest point on the Srinagar–Leh highway, followed by Namika La, with sweeping views in every direction. Near Mulbekh, pause at the ancient Maitreya Buddha carved into a towering rock face.

As the mountains turn greener and the valley widens, ride into Kargil, set along the Suru River, for the night.

The final riding day of the expedition. Ride out of Kargil towards Drass and stop at the Kargil War Memorial, where the names of the soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War stand against the very mountains they defended. It is a moving, humbling moment for every rider.

Then comes the last great climb of the journey—Zoji La, approximately 3,528 metres above sea level. Narrow, dramatic and often lined with towering snow walls early in the season, it marks the gateway between Ladakh’s stark high desert and the green valleys of Kashmir.

As you descend, the landscape transforms almost instantly into pine forests, rushing streams and lush meadows. Ride into Sonamarg, the "Meadow of Gold", where your motorcycle journey comes to an end.

In the evening, come together with your fellow riders and tour team for a farewell dinner, sharing stories of high passes, hidden valleys and the incredible road that carried you from Manali to Kashmir.

After breakfast, our team will transfer you by coach from Sonamarg to Srinagar Airport for your onward journey, following the Sindh River through the beautiful valleys of Kashmir.

As the aircraft lifts off and the Himalayas fall away beneath you, you carry home more than photographs. You take with you the snowfields of Shinku La, the cliffside wonder of Phugtal, the Zanskar gorge, the heights of Umling La and the camaraderie forged along the journey.

The ride may be over, but the spirit of the mountains stays with you long after you leave the Himalayas.