12 Days Manali to Srinagar Tour

Welcome on board, Rider!

You can reach Manali by bus or taxi from Delhi, Chandigarh, or Kullu. The moment your cab starts winding through the pine-covered hills, you’ll feel it — this isn’t just a trip, it’s the beginning of your Ladakh Motorcycle tour from Manali to Srinagar, an epic Himalayan motorcycle expedition. The cool mountain air brushes against your face as snow-capped peaks rise in the distance, whispering promises of the adventure of a lifetime.

After checking in to your hotel, take a moment to soak it all in. You’re free to explore the town at your own pace. Visit the mystical Hadimba Devi Temple, nestled among ancient cedar trees. Stroll through Old Manali, where vibrant cafés overflow with laughter and music. As evening falls, return to the hotel. The air is crisper now — and so is the excitement. Tonight is orientation night.

You’ll meet your tour manager who will guide you though the Land of high Passes- the riding etiquette, road map, potential challenges, then you will shake hands with your fellow riders — strangers for now, but friends by tour’s end. The collective pulse of anticipation will rise as the motorcycles are handed over — shiny, roaring beasts ready to conquer the Himalayas with you.

Give your motorbike a thorough check. If anything needs fixing, let our mechanic know — he’ll be with you throughout the tour to keep your ride in top shape. Share dinner with your soon-to-be riding buddies, and get ready: because the Himalayas await.

The sun in Manali wakes up shyly, brushing the pine forests with strokes of gold. Today marks your first stretch on this Ladakh motorcycle tour from Manali to Srinagar. The route today takes you across one of the most iconic high-altitude passes of the journey: Baralacha La Pass at 4889m (16,040 ft). 

You’ll feel the buzz in the air as engines roar to life outside the hotel. After a short morning briefing, luggage is loaded into the backup vehicle, helmets are strapped on, and it’s time to hit the road. As you leave Manali behind, the road snakes alongside the Beas River. Soon, Manali’s charm fades into the raw, untamed beauty of the Lahaul Valley. Snow-capped peaks watch over you as you cross the Atal Tunnel, an engineering marvel that opens the way to Ladakh.

By noon, you approach the legendary Baralacha La — a high mountain pass where three valleys meet, and you can almost feel the pulse of ancient trade routes beneath your wheels. The air is thin, the silence is deep. Take a moment here — switch off the engine, listen to the stillness, and let the adventure seep in.

As you ride further, the air grows sharper and drier — welcome to one of the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh. The terrain changes rapidly: emerald valleys give way to rugged slopes and then to open, barren plains dotted with greens.    

By the time you reach Sarchu, the day’s ride has etched itself into memory: the changing skies, the thrill of conquering Baralacha La, and that deep sense of freedom only the Himalayas can give. The evening here is quiet, the stars close enough to touch, and the cold crisp enough to remind you that you’re truly in the lap of the mountains.

The dawn in Sarchu is unlike anywhere else—silent, sharp, and painted in shades of gold. The road to Leh is calling, and it’s going to be a day you’ll remember forever.

As you roll out of Sarchu, the landscape begins to transform. The green patches vanish, replaced by rugged, wind-carved mountains that seem to rise straight out of the desert floor. Soon, you enter the Gata Loops—21 exhilarating hairpin bends. A word of caution: carry a spare water bottle with you, the reason why will become clear when you ask the tour manager over dinner. At the top, Nakee La Pass greets you at over 4738m (15,547ft).

The ride then takes you to Lachung La, another high-altitude pass where prayer flags flutter against a backdrop of barren grandeur. But the true crown of today’s ride still lies ahead—Tanglang La, one of the High altitude pass at 5328m (17,480 ft). The climb is raw and humbling, with snow-dusted peaks standing sentinel. At the summit, the spine of the Himalayas stretches endlessly, their jagged silhouettes carved against the sky.

From here, the barren cliffs soften into More plains — a high altitude plateau, and soon the Indus River appears, winding its silver ribbon through the desert. The closer you get to Leh, the more the air changes—lighter, warmer, carrying hints of apricot blossoms and ancient monasteries.

By late afternoon, you roll into Leh, the soul of Ladakh. The day’s dust settles on your jacket, but your mind is still awash with everything you’ve seen—the climbs, the landscapes, and the feeling of riding on the very roof of the world. Tonight, Leh’s starlit skies and quiet streets will be your resting place, before more adventures unfold.

Leh wakes slowly, as if savoring its own beauty. Today, the motorbike takes a rest—your journey shifts to four wheels, giving you space to simply watch the magic of Leh, Ladakh unfold without the hum of the engine.

Your first stop is the Shanti Stupa, perched high above the town. Built by Japanese monks, this white-domed monument isn’t just a viewpoint—it’s a place where silence feels alive. From here, Leh spreads out like a miniature painting: flat-roofed houses, dusty lanes, and the Indus River in the distance.

Next, you step into history at the Shey Palace. Its sun-warmed stone walls echo with centuries-old stories of kings and queens who looked out from these same balconies. Inside, golden statues and intricate murals tell tales from Buddhist scriptures, their colors surprisingly vivid against the aged walls.

Then, you’re on the road to the Thiksey Monastery—a twelve-story architectural marvel that mirrors Tibet’s famous Potala Palace. Climbing its steps is like walking into another world. The air smells faintly of butter lamps, monks chant in deep, rhythmic tones, and the main prayer hall cradles a massive Maitreya Buddha statue, serene and watchful.

Before returning to Leh, you make a detour to the Druk White Lotus School—famously known as the “3 Idiots” school or “Rancho School”. You might even spot the famous courtyard wall from the film, now a favorite selfie spot. As evening drapes Leh, you return to town. You can explore the local Market on your own. You end the day knowing that while yesterday’s passes tested your endurance, today’s journey touched something quieter—an inner stillness that only Ladakh can offer.

The morning in Leh is calm, almost deceptive—because today’s ride is pure adrenaline. Your journey begins early, the first rays of sun turning the snow on distant peaks into molten gold. Ahead lies Khardung La, world’s 2nd highest Motorable Pass, a name whispered with awe among riders.

As you ride, the road narrows and the air thins, the engine working harder with every turn. The landscape changes from green fields to rocky slopes, and finally into stark, snow-clad ridges, you reach Khardung La at 5359m (17,582 ft), you pause—half from wonder, half to catch your breath. The air bites, but the view is worth it: the Zanskar range to one side, the Karakoram to the other, and the road you’ve conquered curled into the clouds.

From here, the descent into the Nubra Valley feels like gliding into another world. The mountains slowly peel back to reveal a wide, sunlit valley split by the shimmering Shyok River. Our first stop in Nubra is Diskit Monastery, perched on a hilltop. The towering Maitreya Buddha statue here is not just a monument—it's a timeless guardian. Inside, prayer halls echo softly with chants, their walls glowing with ancient murals.

A short ride from Diskit brings you to Hunder, where you’ll find the famous double-humped Bactrian camels resting lazily, their lineage tracing back to the old Silk Route caravans. A camel ride across this desert is surreal—snow peaks on one horizon, golden dunes on the other.

As evening falls, you settle into your accommodation. The Nubra sky puts on a show—countless stars and a silence so deep you can almost hear your own heartbeat. Today, you didn’t just cross a pass—you earned the badge of riding to the world’s 2nd highest motorable Pass.

Morning in Nubra arrives softly—the dunes still cool from the night, the peaks glowing faintly under the first touch of sunlight. This is the calm before the storm, gear up and get ready for today’s adventure.

You begin your ride by tracing the Shyok river - a name that in Ladakhi, means “River of Death.” It’s a title earned over centuries. Today, it runs beside you and soon you’ll realise the name is earned. 

The off-road journey starts mildly, with occasional patches of cracked tarmac, but soon intensifies into tougher terrain. You’ll navigate extended stretches of soft white sand and rough, unpaved tracks strewn with loose stones and debris. After passing Agham village, the difficulty reaches its height. Here, streams of glacial meltwater weave across your route, transforming the track into a blend of mud and water crossings.

By late afternoon, the cliffs pull back, and the world opens into a high, wind-swept plain. The air grows colder, sharper, and then, over a ridge, you see it—Pangong Tso, a turquoise jewel cradled between mountains. Its stillness is almost unreal after the restless Shyok.

You follow the shoreline to your accommodation, the wind carrying the scent of snow and salt. As the sun dips, the lake shifts colors—deep sapphire, then teal, then a silver mirror under the rising moon. At night, the stars burn bright above, the lake whispering at your doorstep, and you sleep knowing you’ve conquered one of Ladakh’s most exhilarating roads.

The sun rises slowly over Pangong Tso, spilling molten gold across its blue surface. The morning air is crisp. You zip up your jacket, take one last lingering look at the lake’s hypnotic hues, and kickstart your motorcycle — the hum of the engine echoing against the silent peaks.

As the convoy rolls, the ride feels like a cinematic reel: the lake on one side, brown mountains on the other, and in between, a road that feels as if it was carved just for you. Your first milestone today is steeped in history — Rezang La.

The wind grows sharper as you climb higher, and soon you’re standing at the Rezang La War Memorial — the ground where the 1962 battle was fought, and where a tribute to 114 Indian soldiers stands. You pause here, helmet in hand, eyes tracing the engraved names, feeling the weight of courage in the thin mountain air. It’s not just a stop — it’s a moment of reverence.

From Rezang La, the road to Hanle feels like a passage into another world. By late afternoon, Hanle appears like a secret— a tiny hamlet, home to one of the world’s highest astronomical observatories. As night falls, you stand under a dome of stars so thick it feels as if you could scoop them up. There’s no city noise, no blinding streetlights — only the quiet hum of the universe.

You end the day with a warm dinner, but your mind keeps replaying the solemn silence of Rezang La. Today was a journey through time, courage, and the infinite.

The first rays of sunlight creep over the mountains, painting the region  in soft gold. The air is thin, cold, and still — as if the land is holding its breath for the ride ahead. Today, you’re riding to Umling La Pass, a place so high, it feels like it belongs to the clouds.

The wind is brisk, the road quiet, and the scenery vast enough to make you feel like the last traveler on earth. Gradually, the track grows steeper and more rugged. At over 5798m (19,024 ft), every twist of the throttle is a battle against altitude. Your breath shortens, but your heart races — each turn revealing sharper peaks, deeper valleys, and skies bluer than any postcard.

There are no bustling tea stalls here — just the raw symphony of wind, engine, and your own heartbeat. And then, it appears — the signboard you’ve been dreaming of: “BRO Welcomes you to Highest Motorable Pass in the World - Umling La”. You step off your motorcycle, lungs burning, cheeks flushed with cold, and look out at a horizon that seems endless.The silence is deep, broken only by the flutter of prayer flags in the mountain wind. And in that stillness, it sinks in—you’re standing at a place higher than Everest Base Camp.

After soaking in the views, you start the return ride to Hanle. The descent feels lighter, both in oxygen and spirit. As the road unwinds, the sun begins to dip, and you find yourself back in Hanle by evening — where the same night sky that witnessed your climb now spreads its starry blanket above.

Dawn in Hanle feels quieter today, as if the mountains know it’s time to bid goodbye. The road ahead will take you from the heights of Changthang to the capital city of Ladakh, Leh — a long, beautiful stretch.

The first leg is pure high-altitude bliss: endless open plains, brown ridges rolling into each other. The air slowly grows thicker as you descend, and the landscapes turn gentler.

By midday, you roll into Chumathang, a small village wrapped around the Indus River. At first glance, it looks like any other Ladakhi hamlet — until you notice the steam rising from its banks. Here lie the Chumathang hot springs, bubbling up from the earth, their warmth a surreal gift in the middle of the cold desert. You pause for a break, dipping your hands into the mineral-rich water, feeling the heat seep into your bones. Locals say these springs have been here for centuries.

The closer you get to Leh, the busier the route becomes — more motorbikes, more jeeps, more signs of civilization. As you arrive, the familiar streets of Leh welcome you back. Settling in for the night, your memories feel layered — of riding through history at Rezang La, touching the sky at Umling La, and finding warmth in Chumathang’s waters. Tomorrow will bring a different adventure, but tonight, you rest with the road still humming in your mind.

Morning in Leh greets you with the bustle of the city. You gear up and ride west. Your first stop is the Magnetic Hill, where legend and illusion meet. You park your motorcycle, switch off the engine, and watch in quiet amusement as your motorcycle appears to roll uphill on its own — a playful trick of nature.

A few kilometres ahead lies a sight that stills the chatter in your mind — the Zanskar–Indus confluence. From the roadside viewpoint, you see two rivers meeting in a swirl of contrasting colours: the earthy brown of the Indus merging with the deep emerald green of Zanskar. It’s a reminder of how nature’s artistry is often both grand and subtle, all at once.

From here, the road narrows and winds through remote valleys toward Dah Hanu — the fabled “Land of the Brokpa.” These villages, with their unique culture and striking traditional attire, feel like a world apart from the rest of Ladakh. The people here — the Brokpa — are believed to be descendants of Alexander the Great’s army. Their distinct features — lighter eyes, high cheekbones, and tall stature — set them apart, as do their vibrant traditional clothes, elaborate floral headdresses, and ornate jewellery worn during celebrations.

The air here is rich with history — not just of centuries, but of ancient migrations and empires. As the sun dips low over the Indus, the villages glow in the golden light, their culture and identity preserved like a living time capsule.

After breakfast you gear up and ride out of the Aryan village, their centuries-old traditions still vivid in your mind — a living reminder of cultures preserved in the remote corners of Ladakh. The road takes you towards Hamboting La (4,056 m), one of the high altitude passes opens the way to the western frontiers of Himalayas and takes you to Kargil. 

By noon, you arrive at Kargil War Memorial in Drass and the mood shifts. The mountains here seem to stand taller, as if in eternal salute. The Tiranga flutters against the very peaks that once echoed with the thunder of battle during the 1999 Kargil War. You walk to the Wall of Heroes, running your fingers over the engraved names, each one a story of grit and sacrifice. 

The photographs bring those stories alive — young soldiers holding their ground against impossible odds. You bow your head in quiet reverence, honoring not just the fallen but also the soldiers who still guard these heights, day and night.

From Drass, the ride resumes, and the mountains once again demand your full attention. The road climbs steeply to Zoji La Pass, a dramatic gateway between Ladakh and Kashmir. As you crest the pass, the stark, rugged ridges give way to a softer world — emerald valleys, alpine meadows, and pine-clad slopes that smell of rain and earth.

The descent into Sonamarg feels like entering a living painting: golden meadows rippling in the wind, silver streams catching the sunlight, and snow-dusted peaks glowing in the evening light. By the time you roll into the “Meadow of Gold,” the day has shifted into a gentle hush.

Morning light spills gently over Sonamarg, washing the meadows in a golden hue. The river hums softly beside the road, You step outside for one last deep breath of crisp Himalayan air, knowing it’s almost time to say goodbye to the 12 days of once in a lifetime Ladakh adventure.  

You leave Sonamarg by car, gliding down winding roads shaded by tall pines. The rugged peaks gradually give way to gentler hills. As you descend further, the landscape softens — saffron fields stretch in the distance.

Reaching Srinagar, You head towards the airport, carrying a heart full of Himalayan memories — the crisp air of Pangong, the solemn silence of Rezang La, the dizzying heights of Umling La, the warmth of Chumathang, the honor of Kargil, and the golden glow of Sonamarg.

As you board your flight, the mountains fade into the clouds, but their stories — and your own — will travel with you forever.

Travel Note: The drive from Sonamarg to Srinagar can take 3–4 hours (approx 100KM), depending on road and weather conditions. Schedule your flights after 1:00 PM.