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Delhi to Leh Ladakh

Embark on the ultimate motorcycle odyssey from Delhi to the high-altitude desert of Ladakh, crossing five majestic mountain passes including the legendary Baralacha La and Tanglang La. This 9-day solo expedition challenges riders with the thrilling Gata Loops, vast More Plains, and the mesmerizing blue waters of Pangong Tso. Experience the raw beauty of the Himalayas while navigating from the lush Kullu Valley to the barren moonscapes of Leh.

✓ Verified Route

Verified on: 19 March 2026
Verified by (4 riders): Umer Bhat, Chirag, Sankhadeep Paul, Utkarsh
Status: Active
Roads: RoughAdvanced Only

📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi → Chandigarh

5:00 AMStart from Delhi

Start early to escape city traffic. Head towards NH44 (GT Road).

0 km

7:30 AMBreakfast at Amrik Sukhdev, Murthal

Stop at the legendary Amrik Sukhdev Dhaba for stuffed parathas and white butter.

60 km

12:00 PMArrive in Chandigarh

Check into a hotel in Sector 22 or 35. Spend the evening at Sukhna Lake.

250 km

Day 2: Chandigarh → Manali

6:00 AMDeparture

Take the new Kiratpur-Nerchowk expressway to cut travel time. Enjoy the smooth tarmac.

0 km

10:00 AMPitstop at Mandi

Refuel your bike and grab a quick chai/snack at a riverside stall near Mandi.

160 km

⚠️ Be careful of heavy trucks on the narrow patches before the tunnel.

3:00 PMArrive in Manali

Cross the Kullu valley and reach Manali. Stay in Old Manali for the backpacker vibe. Visit Cafe 1947 for dinner.

280 km

Day 3: Manali → Jispa (Acclimatization)

9:00 AMAtal Tunnel Experience

Ride through the 9km engineering marvel, Atal Tunnel. Enter from lush Manali, exit into barren Lahaul.

25 km

11:00 AMFuel Up at Tandi

CRITICAL: Fill your tank and all jerry cans at Tandi Petrol Pump. No fuel for the next 365 km.

65 km

⚠️ Ensure you have enough fuel capacity for 365+ km.

1:00 PMArrive in Jispa

Check into a riverside camp (e.g., Padma Lodge). Rest is crucial for acclimatization.

100 km

Day 4: Jispa → Leh

5:00 AMEarly Start

Start before dawn to avoid melting snow streams (nalas) later in the day.

0 km

7:00 AMBaralacha La & Zing Zing Bar

Cross Baralacha La (4890m). Watch out for black ice. Breakfast at makeshift dhabas in Zing Zing Bar.

50 km

⚠️ High altitude pass, ride carefully on ice/slush.

11:00 AMSarchu & Gata Loops

Cross the HP-Ladakh border at Sarchu. Tackle the 21 dizzying hairpin bends of Gata Loops.

120 km

2:00 PMPang & More Plains

Lunch at Pang. Ride the surreal 40km straight road on More Plains at 4800m altitude.

200 km

5:00 PMTanglang La to Leh

Cross Tanglang La (5328m) and descend into the Indus Valley to reach Leh.

335 km

Day 5: Leh Local Sightseeing

10:00 AMPermits & Breakfast

Arrange Inner Line Permits (ILP) for Nubra/Pangong. Breakfast at The Tibetan Kitchen.

5 km

2:00 PMLeh Palace & Shanti Stupa

Visit Leh Palace and ride up to Shanti Stupa for a panoramic sunset view of the city.

15 km

Day 6: Leh → Nubra Valley

8:00 AMConquer Khardung La

Ride to the world famous Khardung La pass. Take a quick photo (don''t stay long due to altitude).

40 km

⚠️ Risk of AMS and heavy traffic on narrow pass roads.

1:00 PMDiskit Monastery

Visit the giant Maitreya Buddha statue at Diskit Monastery.

120 km

3:00 PMHunder Sand Dunes

Ride double-humped Bactrian camels in the white sand dunes of Hunder.

160 km

Day 7: Nubra Valley → Pangong Tso

8:00 AMShyok River Route

Take the direct Shyok route (if open) towards Pangong. It runs parallel to the river.

0 km

⚠️ This route is prone to landslides/water logging; verify status locally.

2:00 PMArrive at Pangong Lake

Reach the stunning color-changing lake. Check into a campsite at Spangmik or Merak.

160 km

Day 8: Pangong Tso → Leh

9:00 AMChang La Pass

Ride back towards Leh crossing the mighty Chang La pass (5360m).

80 km

12:00 PMHemis Monastery

Stop at Hemis, the largest and richest monastery in Ladakh.

120 km

3:00 PMBack to Leh

Final ride into Leh. Celebration dinner at Bon Appetit.

160 km

Day 9: Leh Departure / Buffer Day

10:00 AMMagnetic Hill

Short ride to Magnetic Hill and Pathar Sahib Gurudwara before bike handover/shipping.

20 km

12:00 PMTrip End

Conclude the expedition. Ship bike back or fly out.

20 km

💰 Cost Breakdown

Fuel4200
Accommodation₹8,000 - ₹25,000
Food₹6,000 - ₹12,000
Activities₹1,000 - ₹3,000
Estimated Total₹19,200 - ₹44,200

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