Divine Zanskar + Leh
14N/15D days
May - Aug
Availability 15
$ 2400
Per Person
OVERVIEW
Zanskar, which is part of the Kargil district in the Indian state of Ladakh, is known to be a Buddhist kingdom located in the western Himalayas. It is perched at a staggering 12,000 feet above sea level. As a sub division of the Kargil region, it still remains one of the least explored places in Jammu and Kashmir.
Zanskar is famous for its fijoor mountains ranges and exquisite landscape which serves as the ultimate holiday destination for dozens of international tourists. The phenomenal weather, snowing in the Himalayas and radiant rivers make Zanskar a stunning place. If you’re on the lookout for a heart pumping experience, join us on a road trip from Leh to Zanskar. Take a self drive out of bike trip to Zanskar Leh and revive yourself as if you’re rebooting your life.
Day 1-MANALI
Start your self-drive bike trip to Zanskar Leh with us and create unforgettable memories. We pick you up from the Kullu Airport or the bus terminal and transport you to your accommodation. Our representatives will brief you about all the required services and details of the bikes as well as the tour. Now it’s time to do some real riding. We’ll provide you with Go-Pro Cameras mounted on the helmets as well as riding gears with Royal Enfield Bikes. During the first day, our team members will explain the distances from Leh to Manali, Manali to Keylong, and Manali to Leh by road which is going to be very important to us.
Day 2-MANALI- JISPA
On the second day of the Zanskar Leh road trip, we head to Keylong, passing through the Rohtang Pass (4050m) with the stunning view of snow covered peaks of Lahaul Mountains. The Pass serves as a natural boundary between the humid sub Kullu Valley (south), dominated by hindu culture and the arid/semi arid high altitude Lahaul region (north) with mixture of Buddhist population. We proceed towards Keylong, which is located at a altitude of 3440m and is the headquarter of Lahaul and Spiti district. Keylong is a picturesque destination with its green fields, temples, monasteries and bazaars.
Day 3-JISPA – PURNE
Get ready for pure Himalayan wilderness as we cross Shinkula Pass (5091 metre). The Pass which can be challenging because of gravel and water streams, also offers wonderful view of snow capped peak mountains. We descend to the remote Purne village, then head to Pang, where we set up camp. We spend an enjoyable evening before drifiting off to sleep on the clouds.
Day 4 -PURNE -PADUM
As per the schedule for Zanskar Leh road trip, we ride along Zanskar river toward Padum. Padum is the largest town in Zanskar valley and is located at 3657 m, it was named after Padmasambhava who is said to have founded the town.
Day 5-PADUM
On this day we will take a short break from the long ride to see more of Zanskar’s main sights.
A number of notable Buddhist monasteries are located near Padum including Bardan Monastery and Kursha Monastery and the newly built Dalai Lama Photang.
Day 6- Padum to Lamayuru via Zangla
At the southernmost point of the Zanskar Leh road trip. This part of the journey is, by far, the most scenic and difficult ride in the Indian Himalayas. The ruggedness of Zanskar provides unending challenges. The passes are difficult with sharp hairpin corners and loose gravel, but the rewards are enormous. You are welcomed by Lamayuru ‘The Moonland of Ladakh’ where unique camouflaged landscapes surround the impressive Lamayuru Monastery.
Day 7- Lamayuru to Leh
Begin your day from Lamayuru to Leh with cherishing the landscapes of Ladakh. The ride is about 125 kilometers long with roads that have terrific cultural and natural beauty. The ride is thrilling in every aspect.
The ride begins in Lamayuru, famously known as the “Moonland of Ladakh” due to its unique, lunar-like landscapes. It culminates in Leh, the bustling capital of Ladakh, which serves as a hub for travelers and adventurers.
Day 8-LEH
Take a short break from the long drive and explore some of the sights in Ladakh. Leh, being the capital of Ladakh, has an array of cultural places and buildings which mark the Tibetan secular style of architecture.
In 1974 the region was opened for visitors and since 2002 has a substantial number of tourists. Nowadays, Leh is the most important town and the capital of the Ladakh region. With 27,513 inhabitants and an altitude of 3524m, the town tripled its size in the last two decades and became a focal point for sightseeing.
Day 9-LEH – HANLE
The journey from Leh to Hanle is approximately around 250 kilometers long with stunning views and high-altitude desert scenery. The village of Hanle has the famous Hanle Monastery and the Indian Astronomical Observatory.
Hanle is a remote village located in the Hanle Valley, home to the Hanle Monastery and the Indian Astronomical Observatory, making it an intriguing destination for stargazers and those interested in the region’s cultural and scientific heritage. The journey from Leh to Hanle offers a unique adventure through some of the most remote and picturesque areas of Ladakh.
Day 10-HANLE- UMLINGLA – HANLE
Driving from Hanle to Umling La includes navigating with mountain roads and high-altitude passes. One of the highest motorable passes in the world is Umling La which drivers prusin captivating views alongside snow peaked mountains and raw nature.
The path from Hanle to Umling La presents an adventure that’s both physically demanding and spiritually rewarding, providing an immersive experience in the untouched beauty of the Ladakhi wilderness.
Day 11-HANLE – LEH
Traveling with a bike from Hanle to Leh gives you the chance to ride in the most jaw dropping and away from the city sceneries in the region of Ladakh. So, starting 13000 feet above sea level in Hanle, you are surrounded with the peace of the high-altitude desert and clear blue skies.
Day 12-LEH – TSO-MORIRI LAKE
The ride on the motorcycle towards Tso Moriri Lake is something I had never experienced before. Riders circumvent steep mountain passes and rocky terrain, the lake’s altitude is measured to be 4522 meters, classifying it as one of the highest lakes in the world.
Day 13-TSO-MORIRI LAKE – SARCHU
We do get back on the road to Tso Moriri Lake followed by Sarchu (Sir Bhum Chun), which happens to be one of the major tented accommodation stops. We will sleep there for the night at 4290 meters!
Day 14-SARCHU-MANALI
From Sarchu, we start the motorcycle ride back in the direction of Manali, and still through the beautiful region of Keylong which still enchants you with its majestic and unique landscape. This is the time we went back to Manali where our motorcycle riding days reached the climax. During the last night, the amazing Hardev Motors Team organized a warm farewell get together with a campfire barbecue and a live guitar show. We are sure that you had a wonderful ride with us along the journey.
Day 15-MANALI
The tour is now over. Feel free to share your thoughts and experience regarding your self-driven bike tour to Zanskar Leh with us. You can do some shopping for friends and family. Manali is well known for its local arts and crafts, so you will be able to purchase shawls, tweed jackets, costume jewelry, and even Tibetan handicrafts at a reasonable price. Our team will arrange for you to be taken to Kullu airport or Manali bus station after lunch, depending on what time you want to go.
Departure
MANALI
Return Time
MANALI
Services Inclusions
- 25 Motorbike (HIMALAYAN SCRAM 411CC)with fuel for the whole trip of 15 day
- 1 member with a Motorbike (HIMAYAN 450 CC) FOC
- 2 Road captain with Motorbike.
- 2 Backup vehicles to carry luggage, spare parts, Fuel.
- Mechanic for the entire trip as per the itinerary.
- Accommodation for 14 Nights ( Twin sharing/Deluxe/Swiss tent/3 star Hotel).
- Food (Breakfast & Dinner) MAP.
- Mineral water bottles.
- Juices
- Helper / Back-up- Rider.
Services Exclusions
- International / Domestic Flights.
- India Visa.
- Motorbike damages during the tour.
- Spare parts used on the go.
- Medical insurance/Travel insurance coverage.
- Trip extension in case of road blockage / natural crisis.
- Personal Riding Gears.
- Personal insurance and evacuation charges.
- All expenses of personal nature such as Alcohol, laundry etc.
- Insurance against or for accidents/loss of life, loss of goods etc.
- Third party insurance.
- Motorbike damage will be covered from your Refundable security amount
- Tips to guides, drivers etc.
- Any item not included in the above “INCLUSIONS”.
Route Map
FAQs
From May to September the roads are open and the weather is good. But this would be the perfect time for a bike trip.
The landscape is breathtaking for self-driving or biking to Zanskar Leh, passing by snow-capped peaks, tranquil valleys, the renowned Shinkula Pass, and Padum this trip works wonders. It is where thrill and nature find the perfect balance.
For a self-drive bike tour to Zanskar Leh, it is advisable to use a sturdy motorbike like a Royal Enfield or similar that can easily withstand rugged terrains and high-altitude conditions.
Yes, some places in Ladakh need Inner Line Permit (ILP). Just be sure to check on current requirements and get any needed permits before hitting the road.
Absolutely! Zanskar is a hidden gem in the Union Territory of Ladakh, offering unparalleled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling adventures. Whether you're trekking, rafting, or simply soaking in the breathtaking landscapes, Zanskar promises an unforgettable experience. With Hardev Motors, you can embark on a seamless and exhilarating journey to explore the wonders of Zanskar on a self-drive bike trip.