Experience The Umling La Express an 7-day, 6-night motorcycle adventure through Leh, Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Pangong Tso and Hanle. Ride across high mountain passes, rugged off-road trails and remote border regions, culminating in an ascent to Umling La at an altitude of 19,300 ft.
With a Royal Enfield Himalayan, accommodation, meals, permits, an experienced local tour marshal and mechanical support, this expedition offers an opportunity to explore Ladakh's dramatic landscapes, remote villages and high-altitude routes.
What is included in the tour
- Motorcycle & Fuel: Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 cc BS-VI (by default), allocated for the full duration, inclusive of 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, alongside 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.
- Support Arrangements: On-road assistance and mechanical support as arranged for the departure.
- Riding Gear: Standard-size helmets, Level 2 riding jackets, and knee/elbow guards provided complimentary for both riders and pillion passengers.
- Safety Equipment: Oxygen and first-aid arrangements as specified for the departure.
- Logistics: Airport pick-up and drop-off in Leh, plus all sightseeing and excursions as outlined in the itinerary.
- 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 logistics to/from Leh are not included.
- Mid-Day Meals & Beverages: Lunch during the daily rides, room service, mineral water, soft drinks, alcohol and any dining not specified.
- Deposits & Damages: A standard refundable security deposit for the motorcycle (₹8,000 per bike). Costs arising from motorcycle accidents or damage to assigned riding gear while in the rider's possession are payable directly by the rider. No external insurance claims can be made to cover these costs.
- Entry Fees: Tickets for monastery or monument entrances and specific camera/video fees at sightseeing locations.
- Unforeseen Circumstances: Any 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 applies on top of the base package price for foreign nationals 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 2Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Nubra+
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 3Nubra 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 & Streams
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. As the landscape opens toward Pangong Tso, the mountains and lake create one of the most memorable arrivals of the trip. Overnight near Pangong.
Day 4Pangong Tso to Hanle via Rezang La
Hanle+
Pangong Tso to Hanle via Rezang La
Distance: Approx. 160 km | Saddle Time: 5–6 hours | Terrain: Broken Tarmac & Off-Road
Ride along the cobalt shores of Pangong Tso through Maan and Merak before reaching Chushul. Today's route follows the remote Indo-China border. We will stop to pay respects at the Rezang La War Memorial, dedicated to the heroes of the 1962 conflict. From there, the terrain opens up into the vast Changthang Plateau as we ride toward Hanle, home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory. Overnight stay in Hanle.
Travel Note: This border region is highly restricted; strict adherence to group riding and permit checkpoints is mandatory.
Day 5The Summit - Hanle to Umling La & Back
Umling La+
The Summit - Hanle to Umling La & Back
Distance: Approx. 140 km (round trip) | Saddle Time: 4–5 hours | Maximum Altitude: 19,300 ft
This is the ultimate test. We leave Hanle to conquer Umling La, officially the highest motorable road in the world at 19,300 feet. The ascent requires intense focus due to dropping oxygen levels, freezing crosswinds and rugged gravel tracks. After reaching the summit for a historic photograph, we safely descend back to the lower altitude of Hanle to rest and recover. Overnight in Hanle.
Day 6Hanle to Leh via Chumathang
Leh+
Hanle to Leh via Chumathang
Distance: Approx. 250 km | Saddle Time: 7–8 hours | Terrain: Tarmac & Winding Valleys
Our longest riding day begins early as we ride back toward civilization. The route takes us alongside the Indus River, stopping at the natural hot springs in Chumathang for a break. The final stretch offers smoother tarmac leading back into Leh, passing iconic monasteries along the way. We return the bikes by evening and celebrate the completion of the expedition.
Day 7Departure - Fly Out from Leh
Leh+
Departure - Fly Out from Leh
Distance: 0 km
After breakfast, transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport for your onward journey. Your 8-day Ladakh motorcycle adventure comes to an end.
The ride to 19,300 ft exposes riders to extreme elements. Layering and windproofing are absolute requirements.
- Mandatory Documents: Original valid driving licence (MCWG - Motorcycle with Gear is mandatory for riders), original Aadhaar card/passport/voter ID, and two passport-size photographs for permits.
- Riding Essentials: Heavy-duty waterproof riding gloves (mandatory), balaclava or buff for dust/wind protection, UV-protection sunglasses, and sturdy waterproof boots or trekking shoes.
- Clothing: 2–3 sets of heavy thermal innerwear, a heavy fleece jacket, a windproof/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 SIMs from outside J&K do not work in Ladakh). A high-capacity power bank.
- Miscellaneous: Sufficient cash. ATMs are rarely available or functional outside Leh city, especially in remote areas like Hanle.
Dust and Trails is locally operated in Leh, giving riders access to people who understand the roads, extreme passes, remote border villages and changing conditions of Ladakh first-hand. Our focus is providing a well-supported, secure motorcycle expedition to the world's highest altitudes.
- 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: A support setup with road assistance, tools and spare parts for the group, as applicable to the departure.
- Local Accommodation Network: Trusted stays and local arrangements in Nubra, Turtuk, Pangong and Hanle.
- Safety & Altitude Support: Emergency support and oxygen availability as part of the trip's rigorous safety arrangements.
