Overview

Welcome to the flagship Himalayan expedition by Dustandtrails. This carefully crafted Manali-Leh-Srinagar (MLS) circuit is designed for riders who want to experience the absolute extremes of the Trans-Himalayan landscape. Going beyond the traditional Leh-Ladakh circuit, this itinerary pushes eastward to the remote Changthang Plateau, taking you to Hanle and conquering Umling La, the world's highest motorable pass.

We have strategically optimized the altitude profile. By choosing Jispa over Sarchu for our first high-altitude halt, we significantly reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), ensuring you are fit and ready for the grueling passes ahead.

Route: Delhi → Manali → Jispa → Leh → Umling La → Kargil → Srinagar

11 Nights 12 Days Available on request
Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • Accommodation: Double/triple sharing basis in standard hotels, camps, and guesthouses.
  • Meals: Breakfast and dinner, starting from dinner on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 12.
  • Motorcycle: Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc / Standard 500cc / Classic 350cc, as per the chosen package.
  • Backup Vehicle: 4x4 vehicle for carrying luggage and emergency breakdown support.
  • Support Crew: Experienced Road Captain/Lead Rider and a certified mechanic with spare parts.
  • Permits & Fees: Inner Line Permits (ILP), wildlife fees, and environmental taxes for Ladakh and Hanle.
  • First Aid: First-aid kit with a portable oxygen cylinder equipped in the backup vehicle.

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Fuel: Fuel for the entire expedition (riders bear their own fuel costs).
  • Transportation: Transportation to Manali (Volvo) and from Srinagar (flights/cabs).
  • Meals & Beverages: Lunches, en-route snacks, bottled water, and beverages.
  • Personal Riding Gear: Helmets, riding jackets, gloves, boots, and knee guards.
  • Motorcycle Damage: Any physical damage to the motorcycle must be borne by the rider.
  • Unforeseen Expenses: Refunds or additional accommodation costs due to natural calamities, landslides, or route changes.
  • Insurance: Medical, travel, and evacuation insurance.
Highlights
What makes this tour special
  • Conquer Umling La (19,024 ft), the highest motorable road in the world.
  • Ride through the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel into Lahaul Valley.
  • Experience the stark beauty of the high-altitude Pangong Tso lake.
  • Navigate the thrilling off-road trails of the Shyok River Valley.
  • Stargaze at Hanle, home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory.
  • Cross the legendary passes of Khardung La, Baralacha La, and Zoji La.
Itinerary

PHASE 1: THE ASCENT TO LADAKH

  • Day 01: Delhi to Manali: The journey begins. Board the overnight Volvo bus from Delhi to Manali. Watch the landscape transition from the plains of North India to the foothills of the Himalayas.
  • Day 02: Manali Arrival & Preparation: Arrive in Manali, check into the hotel, and rest. In the afternoon, you will be allocated your motorcycles. We conduct a detailed briefing, a short test ride around the valley, and finalize packing for the expedition.
  • Day 03: Manali to Jispa (140 km): We kick off the ride by crossing the engineering marvel, Atal Tunnel, bypassing Rohtang and entering the pristine Lahaul Valley. We ride alongside the Chandra and Bhaga rivers to reach our riverside camp in Jispa.

Safety First: Why Jispa?: 

Many operators push riders to Sarchu (14,000+ ft) on Day 3. This massive altitude gain from Manali often triggers AMS. By halting at Jispa (10,500 ft), your body gets a crucial stepping stone to acclimatize, ensuring a safer, more enjoyable ride into Leh the next day.

  • Day 04: Jispa to Leh (335 km): The longest and most demanding day of the first leg. An early morning start takes us over Baralacha La, through the Gata Loops, Nakee La, and Lachulung La. We cross the vast Morey Plains before conquering Tanglang La (17,480 ft) and descending into Leh.
  • Day 05: Leh to Nubra Valley (130 km): We ride up to the legendary Khardung La, one of the highest passes globally. After capturing the moment, we descend into the surreal Nubra Valley, famous for its white sand dunes and double-humped Bactrian camels.

PHASE 2: THE EASTERN FRONTIER

  • Day 06: Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso (170 km): We skip returning to Leh and instead take the rugged, adventurous Shyok River route. This challenging trail requires multiple water crossings and delivers us straight to the mesmerizing blue waters of Pangong Lake by late afternoon.
  • Day 07: Pangong Tso to Hanle (160 km): Riding along the edge of the lake, we head deeper into the Changthang region. We cross the remote Chushul sector and the Rezang La War Memorial, navigating dirt trails and tarmac to reach Hanle, home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory.
  • The Ultimate Checkpoint: Umling La: At 19,024 ft, Umling La has officially surpassed Khardung La and Bolivia's Uturuncu as the world's highest motorable road. The air is exceptionally thin, oxygen levels drop to nearly 50%, and the crosswinds are fierce. This is the true test of machine and rider.
  • Day 08: Hanle to Umling La to Hanle (150 km): The pinnacle of the tour. We ascend through stark, unearthly landscapes to the top of the world. After a brief celebration and photos at the summit signboard, we descend quickly to avoid altitude sickness, returning to Hanle for the night.
  • Day 09: Hanle to Leh (255 km): We trace our way back towards civilization, riding alongside the mighty Indus River via the Nyoma and Chumathang routes. The tarmac here is generally excellent, allowing for a smooth cruise back into Leh for a well-deserved rest.

PHASE 3: THE DESCENT INTO KASHMIR

  • Day 10: Leh to Kargil (210 km): Leaving Ladakh behind, we ride west on the Leh-Srinagar Highway. We pass the mysterious Magnetic Hill, the lunar landscapes of Lamayuru, and cross Namik La and Fotu La before reaching the historic town of Kargil.
  • Day 11: Kargil to Srinagar (200 km): Our final riding day takes us past the Drass War Memorial and up the treacherous, unpaved inclines of Zoji La. Crossing the pass, the barren mountains suddenly give way to the lush, green meadows of Sonamarg and the Kashmir Valley.
  • Day 12: Srinagar Departure: The expedition concludes after breakfast. Exchange photos and memories with your fellow riders before taking your transfer to Srinagar Airport for your onward journey homeward.