Experience the ultimate Ladakh motorcycle adventure on this 7-day, 6-night circuit through Leh, Nubra Valley, Turtuk and Pangong Tso. Ride across dramatic mountain passes, rugged trails and scenic valleys, including Khardung La and Chang La, while exploring remote villages and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
With a Royal Enfield Himalayan, an experienced local tour marshal, mechanical support, accommodation, meals and essential permits included, this journey combines thrilling rides with cultural exploration and the raw beauty of Ladakh. From the sand dunes of Hunder to the turquoise waters of Pangong Tso, discover the region one unforgettable ride at a time.
What is included in the tour
- Motorcycle & Fuel: Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 cc BS-VI (by default), allocated for the full duration, including all fuel required for the official itinerary.
- Accommodation: Stays in hotels, Swiss camps and homestays on a triple-sharing basis. Couples are provided double-sharing rooms at no extra cost.
- Meals (MAP Plan): Daily buffet or set-menu breakfast and dinner at every overnight stop throughout the tour, beginning with dinner on Day 1.
- Permits: All required Inner Line Permits (ILP) for restricted areas, along with mandatory wildlife and environmental fees.
- Support Crew: An experienced local Tour Marshall (Road Captain) to lead the group, plus a dedicated Royal Enfield mechanic for daily morning maintenance and on-road troubleshooting.
- Backup Vehicle: A dedicated 4x4 support vehicle, such as a Bolero Camper, to transport rider luggage (one bag per person) and carry essential mechanical spares.
- Riding Gear: Standard-size helmets, Level 2 riding jackets, and knee and elbow guards provided complimentary for both riders and pillion passengers.
- Safety Equipment: Access to oxygen cylinders and comprehensive first-aid kits carried as part of the trip's safety arrangements.
- Logistics: Airport pick-up and drop-off in Leh, plus sightseeing and excursions as outlined in the itinerary. Entrance tickets and activity fees are excluded.
- Milestone: Official Dust and Trails Tour Completion Certificate upon finishing the circuit.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Taxes & Travel: 5% GST applicable to the total package billing. Airfare and transit to and from Leh are not included.
- Mid-Day Meals & Beverages: Lunch during daily rides, room service, mineral water, soft drinks, alcohol and any dining not specified in the inclusions.
- Deposits & Damages: A standard refundable security deposit of ₹8,000 per motorcycle. Costs arising from motorcycle accidents or damage to assigned riding gear while in the rider's possession are payable directly by the rider. External insurance claims cannot be made to cover these costs.
- Entry Fees: Tickets for monastery, monument and sightseeing entrances, as well as camera, video and activity fees, are not included.
- Unforeseen Circumstances: Additional accommodation or transit costs incurred due to force majeure events beyond our control, such as landslides, roadblocks, extreme weather or necessary itinerary extensions.
- Personal Expenses: Gratuities and tips for the support crew, laundry, telephone calls and optional adventure activities.
- Insurance & Medical: Personal travel insurance, medical emergencies and medical evacuation costs.
- Foreign National Surcharge: An additional surcharge of USD 100 per foreign national applies on top of the base package price to cover specialized Protected Area Permits (PAP) and administrative processing.
- Anything Else: Any service, meal or activity not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions list.
Day 1Arrival in Leh - Acclimatization & Bike Orientation
Leh+
Arrival in Leh - Acclimatization & Bike Orientation
Distance: 0 km | Altitude: Approx. 11,500 ft
Your Ladakh adventure begins as you arrive at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport. Since Leh sits at high altitude, the first day is kept relaxed so you can rest and begin adjusting to the thin air.
Later, meet the Dust and Trails team for a trip briefing and motorcycle orientation. We will check your riding gear, help you get comfortable with your motorcycle and, when conditions allow, arrange a short local test ride.
Day 2Sham Valley - Easy Acclimatization Ride
Sham Valley+
Sham Valley - Easy Acclimatization Ride
Distance: Approx. 80–90 km (round trip) | Saddle Time: 2–3 hours | Terrain: Tarmac
After breakfast, take an easy riding day through Sham Valley. The route follows the Indus River and includes Magnetic Hill and the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers at Sangam.
This is a good opportunity to become familiar with your motorcycle, mountain bends and the pace of riding at altitude before heading deeper into Ladakh.
Travel Note: Route distances and riding times may vary depending on road conditions, traffic and stops.
Day 3Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Nubra Valley+
Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Distance: Approx. 130 km | Saddle Time: About 5 hours | Terrain: Tarmac, Gravel & Rough Sections
Leave Leh early and climb toward Khardung La, one of the major high passes on the Ladakh circuit. Conditions can change quickly at altitude, so riders should be prepared for cold weather and rougher sections around the pass.
From Khardung La, descend into Nubra Valley and continue toward Hunder, known for its distinctive sand dunes and dramatic mountain landscape. Overnight in Nubra Valley.
Day 4Nubra Valley to Turtuk Village
Turtuk+
Nubra Valley to Turtuk Village
Distance: Approx. 165 km (round trip) | Saddle Time: 5–6 hours | Terrain: Mixed Tarmac
Ride north from Nubra toward Turtuk, a remote Balti village in the far reaches of the valley. Leave your main luggage at the Nubra accommodation and ride lighter for the day.
In Turtuk, explore the village on foot, see traditional homes and apricot orchards, and experience a culture distinct from central Ladakh. After the village visit and lunch, ride back to your Nubra base.
Travel Note: Turtuk access and local movement are subject to prevailing administrative and road conditions.
Day 5Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok
Pangong Tso+
Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok
Distance: Approx. 170 km | Saddle Time: 6–7 hours | Terrain: Rough Sections, Sand & Stream Crossings
Today's route connects Nubra Valley with Pangong Tso through the Shyok region. Expect a more remote and changeable riding environment, with loose surfaces, rough patches and, depending on the season and recent weather, stream crossings.
The route demands concentration and steady riding. As the landscape opens toward Pangong Tso, the mountains and lake create one of the most memorable arrivals of the trip. Overnight near Pangong.
Travel Note: Road and water-crossing conditions are seasonal and may change. The final route will follow current local conditions and permitted roads.
Day 6Pangong Tso to Leh via Chang La
Leh+
Pangong Tso to Leh via Chang La
Distance: Approx. 150 km | Saddle Time: 5–6 hours | Maximum Altitude: Approx. 17,586 ft
Start the return journey from Pangong Tso and ride toward Chang La before descending toward Leh. The route includes high-altitude mountain roads, tight bends and changing surfaces.
After crossing the pass, continue toward the Indus Valley and Leh. Arrive by evening, return the motorcycles and finish the riding circuit with the Dust and Trails team.
Day 7Departure - Fly Out from Leh
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Departure - Fly Out from Leh
Distance: 0 km
After breakfast, transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport for your onward journey. Your 7-day Ladakh motorcycle adventure comes to an end.
Ladakh's weather is unpredictable. Layering is key, and waterproofing is essential for stream crossings.
- Mandatory Documents: Original valid driving licence (MCWG - Motorcycle with Gear is mandatory for riders), original Aadhaar card, passport or voter ID, and two passport-size photographs for permits.
- Riding Essentials: Waterproof riding gloves (mandatory), balaclava or buff for dust protection, UV-protection sunglasses, and sturdy waterproof boots or trekking shoes (ankle-high preferred).
- Clothing: 2–3 sets of thermal innerwear (top and bottom), a heavy fleece jacket, windproof and waterproof outer shell, comfortable riding pants or thick jeans, and 4–5 pairs of warm woollen socks.
- Toiletries & Medical: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm, personal medication and basic first-aid supplies for headaches or acidity.
- Connectivity & Electronics: A postpaid BSNL or Jio SIM card. Prepaid SIM cards from outside Jammu and Kashmir may not work in Ladakh. Carry a high-capacity power bank.
- Miscellaneous: Sufficient cash. ATMs are rarely available or functional outside Leh, especially in Nubra and Pangong.
Dust and Trails is locally operated in Leh, giving riders access to people who understand Ladakh's roads, passes, villages and changing conditions first-hand. Our focus is not simply getting you from one destination to another, but providing a well-supported motorcycle experience from arrival to departure.
- Local Ladakh Team: Based in Leh and operated by people with first-hand knowledge of the region.
- Motorcycle & Workshop Support: Locally maintained motorcycles and on-ground mechanical support, where applicable.
- On-Road Support: Road assistance, tools and spare parts for the group, as applicable to the departure and prevailing road conditions.
- Local Accommodation Network: Trusted stays and local arrangements in Nubra, Turtuk and Pangong.
- Safety & Altitude Support: Emergency support and oxygen availability as part of the trip's safety arrangements.
