12-DAY TRANS-HIMALAYAN EXPEDITION

Distance: 0 km | Saddle Time: 0 hours
Arrive in Srinagar and make your way to the designated hotel. Once settled, our local Dustandtrails crew will welcome you for a comprehensive tour briefing, motorcycle allocation, and a rundown of high-altitude riding protocols. Get plenty of rest to prepare for the ascent

Distance: ~200 km | Saddle Time: 6–7 hours
Kick off the expedition riding eastward out of the Kashmir Valley. Today’s major challenge is navigating the legendary Zoji La pass. As we descend into the Suru Valley, the landscape shifts dramatically from green alpine forests to the rugged, arid mountains of the Kargil district.

Distance: ~215 km | Saddle Time: 6–7 hours
Today’s ride takes us deep into the heart of Ladakh along the smooth tarmac of the Srinagar-Leh highway. We will cross the Namika La and Fotu La passes, witness the lunar-like landscapes of Moonland near Lamayuru, and experience the famous Magnetic Hill before arriving at our base in Leh

Distance: ~120 km | Saddle Time: 4–5 hours
The high-altitude ascents begin as we ride over Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The winding descent drops us into the spectacular Nubra Valley, known for its vast white sand dunes, double-humped Bactrian camels, and the sprawling Shyok River

Distance: ~160 km | Saddle Time: 5–6 hours
Avoiding the backtrack to Leh, we take the thrilling Shyok River route directly to Pangong Tso. This adventurous trail features water crossings, loose gravel, and shifting terrain. The day concludes on the shores of the iconic blue lake that stretches across the Indo-China border.

Distance: ~160 km | Saddle Time: 6–7 hours
Riding parallel to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), we push toward the remote Changthang plateau. Passing through Chushul and the Loma bridge, the vast landscape leads us to Hanle, home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory and some of the clearest, darkest skies on the planet.

Distance: ~150 km | Saddle Time: 6–7 hours 
The pinnacle of the Dustandtrails expedition. We ride from Hanle to conquer Umling La (19,300 ft). Our native Ladakhi marshals will closely monitor everyone's acclimatization and pace in the thin air. After celebrating the summit, we descend safely back to our base in Hanle for the night.

Distance: ~255 km | Saddle Time: 7–8 hours
We begin our return loop toward civilization, riding back to Leh via the Chumathang Valley. Following the Indus River, the sweeping tarmac corners make this an incredibly smooth and scenic riding day, allowing you to relax the throttle after the intense Umling La summit.

Distance: ~330 km | Saddle Time: 9–10 hours
Departing Leh, we head south on the demanding Leh-Manali highway, crossing Tanglang La, Nakee La, Lachung La, and Baralacha La. We bypass traditional high-altitude stops like Sarchu, intentionally riding further to Jispa for our overnight stay. This lower elevation promotes better sleep and essential physical recovery.

Distance: ~95 km | Saddle Time: 3–4 hours
The final riding day brings a dramatic shift in scenery as we cross the Atal Tunnel, leaving the barren Himalayan deserts for the dense pine forests of the Kullu Valley. We arrive in Manali by the afternoon, where you will hand over your motorcycles, officially concluding the riding leg of the journey.

Distance: ~530 km (by bus) | Saddle Time: No riding today
The Leh-Manali highway is demanding, so this buffer day is built in for your comfort. Spend the morning resting, shopping, or exploring Manali's cafes. In the evening, you will board our arranged luxury Volvo sleeper bus for a comfortable overnight journey.

Distance: N/A | Saddle Time: N/AV
The Volvo bus arrives at the New Delhi drop-off point in the morning. With the Himalayas behind you and a lifetime of high-altitude riding memories secured, the Dustandtrails expedition officially concludes here. You are free to arrange your onward travel.