Leh Ladakh Bike Trip from Delhi: The Essential Guide

Leh Ladakh is the dream destination for bikers and adventure enthusiasts. This place offers some exceptional opportunities for a road trip to Ladakh. Leh Ladakh belongs to one of the world’s highest motorable roads. The riders can enjoy a visual treat of this enchanting region. The Leh Ladakh bike trip is like a dream come true opportunity.

Though it sounds very interesting, the bike trip to Leh Ladakh is not very easy. The unpredictable weather may cause difficulties at any time during your bike trip. So, if you are planning your Leh Ladakh bike tour all by yourself, you must have proper knowledge about the entire trip. Therefore, this post will discuss the essential guide for the Leh Ladakh bike trip from Delhi.

Why is Leh Ladakh the favorite destination for bikers?

Usually, bike riders prefer thrilling destinations that unfold the layer of excitement. And when it is about the thrill, Leh Ladakh is the ultimate destination. The main reason for that craze for the Leh Ladakh bike trip is the incredible beauty of the entire trip.

The spectacular landscapes, breathtaking passes, ancient monasteries, steep and narrow curves, snow-clad mountains, and the crystal clear blue sky everything makes the bike trip truly worthy. People who love to enjoy the natural beauty at its best can’t resist going on the Leh Ladakh bike trip.

Check out the Best Leh Ladakh Bike Tour Packages:

The Best Route for the Leh Ladakh bike tour from Delhi

Delhi is the starting point for the Leh Ladakh bike trip route. Manali to Leh and Srinagar to Leh are the two best routes for this bike trip. On both of these routes, you will get the best road conditions and breathtaking picturesque views. Manali to Leh Ladakh route includes the best views.

Route 1: Delhi to Leh via Srinagar

Route Map: Delhi → Jalandhar → Jammu → Srinagar → Kargil → Leh → Karu → Sarchu → Manali → Delhi

Distance Covered: Approximately 2,295 kilometers

Route 2: Delhi to Leh via Manali

Route Map: Delhi → Manali → Sarchu → Leh → Khardung La → Nubra Valley → Kargil → Srinagar → Delhi

Distance Covered: Approximately 2,569 kilometers

Route 3: Delhi to Leh via Patnitop & Sri Nagar

Delhi → Patnitop → Srinagar → Kargil → Leh → Tanglang La → Sarchu → Jispa → Manali → Mandi → Karnal → Delhi

Delhi → Patnitop → Srinagar

In this route, most of the journey will be via NH 44. However, the initial journey of this route will be pretty comfortable. But when you reach closer to Patnitop, the way becomes narrow. Also, there you may find a bit of traffic. Here, you must visit the Nag temple in Patnitop. The ride from Patnitop to Srinagar is short yet descent. The way to the Titanic Point is a bit bumpy. After this part, the road to Srinagar is mesmerizing.

Srinagar → Kargil

The way to Kargil from Srinagar is the most breathtaking part of the entire journey. From Srinagar to Sonmarg, the path is smooth. Here you may find a bit of traffic near the Gumri Post. Before reaching Kargil, you have to pass Drass, which is the coldest place in India. After reaching Kargil, make sure to visit the Kargil War Memorial and the Gumri War Memorial.

Kargil → Leh

It will be the last stretch of the road trip to Leh. On the way to Leh from Kargil, there are a lot of significant sites to witness. Here, you can explore the Namik La Top, Mulbekh Monastery, and the Lamayuru Monastery. In this way, you also can explore the gorgeous mountains in various colors.

Leh → Tanglang La

Tanglang La is the first stop from where you can make your way back to Delhi. His place is situated at the height of 17000 feet above sea level. In India, it is one of the highest passes. While driving, you can witness a lot of scenic beauties on both sides of the road. Riding on this route is challenging yet exciting.

Tanglang La → Sarchu

You have to drive down the Leh-Manali Highway until you reach the Lungta Restaurant. Here you will find a homestay in Sarchu where you can spend the night also. If you want to enjoy your trip to the fullest, you can also attempt the short trek to Zanskar.

Sarchu → Jispa

You have to leave early in the morning to reach Jispa. Here you have to pass through the Rohtang Pass. This place is always crowded with tourists. To avoid the crowd, you must leave Sarchu early. When you reach Jispa, make sure to visit the Triloknath Temple.

Jispa → Manali

The route to Manali from Jispa is spectacular. It is the last part of the Leh Manali Highway. Here, you will pass through the Leh Ladakh bridge. Then you have to drive through National Highway 3. On this highway, you may stop at Kothi to have some food.

Manali → Mandi → Karnal → Delhi

The route to Mandi from Manali is a bit difficult to drive. In this way, you can stop at the Gurbaksh Dhaba in Roopnagar. Here you can enjoy delicious food. After passing Karnal, the roads are excellent. So it will be ultimate fun.

Popular stopovers during a bike trip to Ladakh

Amritsar
Patnitop
Srinagar
Sonamarg
Drass Valley

Popular Attractions of Ladakh during bike trip:

Listed below are some of the must-see places in Ladakh that we recommend for the next bike trip.

Pangong Tso
Hemis Monastery
Namgyal Tsemo Gompa
Tso Moriri Lake
Khardung La Pass
Lamayuru Monastery
The Zanskar Valley
Nubra Valley
Leh Palace
Shanti Stupa
War Museum
Jama Masjid
Sankar Gompa
Stok Palace
The Victory Tower

Duration for a Bike Trip to Leh Ladakh

The duration depends on a few factors, including the route you have taken and the weather. However, on average, it will take approximately 15 days or more to complete the Leh Ladakh bike trip. However, to enjoy a more convenient journey, you can go for the Manali to Leh route from Delhi.

Best Time for the Leh Ladakh Bike Tour

From June to September is the best time for the Leh Ladakh bike tour. During this time, you can enjoy your bike trip at its best. Also, at this time, you can attempt the Lahaul and Spiti trip. Many bikers also prefer to start their new year with this amazing bike tour to Leh Ladakh. You need to avoid the monsoon season as the adverse weather may cause road blockages and ruin the excitement.

Cost of the Leh Ladakh Trip

Before going on the Leh Ladakh bike trip, you need to figure out the approximate budget. However, the major part of the cost depends on the vehicle you will use for the journey. Also, the road trip cost varies on the food and accommodation. Under normal consequences, the approximate cost will be INR 35,000 for a Leh Ladakh bike trip for almost 15 days. However, the cost will depend on the specific route that you will choose to reach Leh Ladakh.

Accommodation Cost:

In Leh Ladakh, you will find a lot of budget-friendly hotels. Such hotels charge within Rs 500 to Rs 2,500 per person approximately. So, considering a lower budget plan, the 15-days trip will cost you around INR 7,500 to INR 8,000 for accommodation.

Cost of Meals:

The cost of the meals also depends on the specific preference of individuals. If you eat in a Dhaba, it will cost around INR 100 to INR 150. Where dining in a restaurant may cost around INR 400 to INR 500 per person. So, the approximate meal cost will range between INR 2,250 to INR 6,000.

Cost of Petrol:

For a bike, trip petrol is an essential thing. On this bike trip, you will cover around 3,500 kilometers. You should choose a bike with an average mileage of 35 kilometers per liter. So, you will need almost 100 liters of petrol for the entire journey that will cost almost INR 7,000 to INR 8,000.

Miscellaneous- For emergency purposes, you can have an extra amount of INR 2,500 to INR 5,000.

Best Bikes For Leh Ladakh Road Trip

When it is about the Leh Ladakh bike trip, every bike must give their total attention to their bike. When you are choosing a bike for a road trip, you should go for the sustainable ones. Choosing the perfect bike is the most essential part of the Leh Ladakh bike trip. You should pick bikes that are easy to handle and easy to maintain. Here we will share the five best bikes that will be suitable for the Leh Ladakh bike tour:

Royal Enfield – It is the best bike for the Leh Ladakh bike trip. This powerful bike comes with a 350 cc or 500 cc engine. This bike is sturdy and easy to handle for road trips.

Royal Enfield Himalayan – This bike comes with an engine of 400 cc. Undoubtedly, this bike will make your ride smooth and hassle-free on offbeat roads.

CBR 250 – Honda CBR 250 is an excellent bike for a road trip. However, the Contigo tires can be a bit tough to handle the terrain of Ladakh in some adverse weather. If you can replace the tires, these bikes will be perfect for the Leh Ladakh bike tour.

KTM Duke – As this bike is very lightweight, it is suitable for road trips on adventurous roads like Ladakh. You can choose from Duke 390 and Duke 250 for this Leh Ladakh bike trip.

Bajaj Pulsar – Except for the bullets, and KTM, Bajaj Pulsar is one of the most favorable bikes of riders. You can choose from the 150CC, 200CC, and 220CC as per your preference.

Apart from these five best bikes, some bikes will be suitable for the Leh Ladakh bike tour. Such bikes are; Bajaj Vikrant, Yamaha Fazer, Hero Impulse, and Yamaha FZ. However, these bikes are not very heavy on the engine.

Leh Ladakh Bike Rentals

People who don’t have a bike but want to experience the Leh Ladakh bike tour don’t need to worry. They can rent bikes from Delhi and Manali for the Leh Ladakh tour. You just need to submit the necessary documents. From Karol Bagh, you can rent a bike in Delhi. It will cost INR 900 for each day. To rent a bike, you have to submit a driving license, and photo id proof. Also, the bike renter will take INR 10,000 as the security deposit. Also, you have to submit a consent letter from your parents if you are under 25.

You also can rent a bike from Manali to reach Leh Ladakh. Here, the cost will be INR 1000 to INR 1800 for the bike each day. And you have to pay a deposit amount of INR 12,000 to INR 18,000. Also, you have to submit the original copy of your valid ID proofs. Here you can also hire a mechanic on the daily wage base for the entire trip of the Leh Ladakh bike tour. Before renting a bike, make sure to have a test ride to be on the safe side on your Leh Ladakh bike trip.

Ladakh Places Visit by Months:

Important things to carry for the Leh Ladakh bike trip

Documents

The important documents that you will need for this bike trip are:

Valid Driving License
Government-issued identity proof
Original motorcycle registration certificate
Valid motorcycle insurance & PUC
Inner Line Permit or Protected Area Permit

Motorcycle essentials

The necessary motorcycle essentials that you will need are:

Extra tubes
Spare key of motorcycle
Puncture repair kit
Foot pump
Clutch and brake lever, with the yoke

Riding gear-

The required riding essentials are:

Helmet
Gloves for riding
Jackets for riding
Pants/knee guards for riding
Riding boots or hiking boots

Luggage solutions for motorcycles-

The luggage solution that you will need on this trip are:

Saddle Bags
Tank Bags
Tail Bags
Panniers
Jerrycans

Miscellaneous-

The other necessary things are:

Phone Charger
Ear Plugs
First Aid kit
Tissue Papers, Torch
Lighter / Matchbox

Physical fitness requirements

Before going for the bike trip to Leh Ladakh, make sure to go for a check-up. It is necessary because you can’t go on this bike trip if you have any serious health concerns. Otherwise, mountain sickness is one of the biggest issues for riders. To deal with such a problem, you need to take time to adjust yourself to the high altitude of Ladakh. Also, you have to be prepared mentally to ride to the high-altitude zone. We recommend taking proper halts while you ride for such a long distance.

Conclusion

So these are the basic guidelines that you need to follow while planning a Leh Ladakh bike trip. On this trip, make sure to visit popular destinations such as; Namgyal Tsemo Gompa, Zanskar Valley, and Pangong Tso. The spectacular views of the entire trip will surely make this bike tour worthy.

Leh Ladakh Bike Trip from Delhi: The Essential Guide

Why is Leh Ladakh the favorite destination for bikers?