Our grand Ladakh circuit, ridden rather than driven. The route is the same one our ten-day Land Tour follows — Khardung La into Nubra, Turtuk, Pangong, then south through Changthang to Hanle and Tso Moriri — but you take it on a Royal Enfield, with a backup car carrying every bag so the bikes stay light. A guide rides with the group, a mechanic travels in the support vehicle, and if the altitude catches up with you there is always a seat in the car.
The same circuit as our ten-day Ladakh Land Tour, on two wheels. Khardung La, the Nubra valley, Turtuk near the border, Pangong, then the long quiet run south through Changthang to Hanle and Tso Moriri.
A backup car follows the group the whole way, carrying luggage, spares, oxygen and a mechanic. That keeps the motorcycles unloaded on the passes, and it means a rider who is tired or feeling the altitude can hand the bike over and ride in the car for a stage without the group having to stop. If you would prefer not to ride at all on a given day, we can provide a rider for your machine.
We quote this trip both with and without fuel. Fuel included is the simpler option and the one most groups take; without fuel works out cheaper if you would rather pay at the pump as you go. Petrol stations are far apart between Hanle and Tso Moriri, so we carry reserve fuel on that leg either way.
You should be comfortable on a loaded bike over rough surfaces, water crossings and loose gravel before you book. These are high passes — Khardung La is 5,602 m — and the riding days are long. Riders need a valid motorcycle licence; carry the original with you.
Acclimatisation, Leh Market walk, Thiksey, Shey Palace, Leh Palace and Namgyal Tsemo
Khardung La at 5,602 m, Diskit's 32 m Maitreya, Hunder dunes, Balti culture and apricot orchards
The Shayok valley drive in, high-altitude landscape at 4,250 m
India's astronomical observatory, one of the best stargazing places in the country, via the Chushul route
The Changthang plateau, nomadic villages and India's largest high-altitude lake at 4,522 m
Sangam, Magnetic Hill, Likir's 22 m Maitreya and the 11th-century murals of Alchi
Arrive in Leh and transfer to your hotel. Rest completely for acclimatisation.
In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk in the Leh Main Market.
Thiksey Monastery — resembles the Potala Palace of Tibet, with a 14 m Maitreya Buddha.
Shey Palace — the former royal summer palace.
Leh Palace — the 17th-century nine-storey palace above the old town.
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa — panoramic views over Leh town.
Cross Khardung La and descend into the Nubra Valley.
Visit Diskit Monastery and the 32 m Maitreya Buddha, then enjoy a camel ride at the Hunder Sand Dunes.
Drive to Turtuk, the last village of India on the northern border, known for its unique Balti culture, apricot farms and views over the Shyok River.
Explore the village, visit the museum and walk through the orchards.
Return to Nubra Valley for the night.
A scenic drive along the Shayok River leads you to the spectacular blue Pangong Lake.
Drive via Chushul and Nyoma — an inner line permit is required for this route.
Reach Hanle, one of the best stargazing places in India.
Visit the Indian Astronomical Observatory (outside view), then Milky Way and night-sky photography after dark.
Drive through the remote Changthang region to reach Tso Moriri.
Return to Leh via Mahe Bridge. On the way, visit Hemis Monastery — the largest and richest monastery in Ladakh, known for its 8-metre Padmasambhava statue.
Explore the Indus–Zanskar confluence and Magnetic Hill.
Likir Monastery with its 22 m Maitreya Buddha, and the ancient 11th-century murals of Alchi Monastery.
Transfer to Leh Airport for departure.
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Leh – Nubra – Turtuk – Pangong – Leh – Sham Valley
Leh – Nubra – Turtuk – Pangong – Hanle – Tso Moriri – Leh
Leh – Nubra – Turtuk – Pangong – Hanle – Tso Moriri – Leh – Sham Valley
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