THE ZANSKAR & HIGH PASSES ADVENTURE
15 Days | Remote Frontiers & Ancient Trails
START / END
Delhi / Leh
MAX ALTITUDE
19,300 FT
GROUP SIZE
Max 15 Riders
MOTORCYCLE
Himalayan / RE 500
START / END
Delhi / Leh
MAX ALTITUDE
19,300 FT
GROUP SIZE
Max 15 Riders
MOTORCYCLE
Himalayan / RE 500
Expedition Overview
Push your limits on this 15-day odyssey deep into the remote Zanskar Valley. Navigate the legendary Shinku La, witness the mighty Drang-Drung Glacier, and ride through the untouched Changthang Plateau to reach the world’s highest pass—Umling La.
MOTORCYCLE
Classic 500 CC and Himalayan 411 CC—built for the toughest mountain terrain on the planet.
Zanskar Remote
Explore Phuktal and Karsha monasteries, carved into ancient cliffs far from the modern world.
Inclusions
Fuel, meals, stays in Swiss tents/houseboats, and a full backup team with a professional mechanic.
Route Highlights
Conquer Umling La (19,300 Feet)
Remote Zanskar & Padum Exploration
Drang-Drung Glacier Views
Pristine Tsomoriri Lake
Hanle Dark Sky Reserve
Traditional Srinagar Houseboat Stay
Key Information
Duration
15 Days / 14 Nights
Total Riding Distance
Approximately 2,000 – 2,200 KM of Himalayan riding adventure.
Highest Altitude Reached
Umling La Pass – 5,883 m (19,300 ft)
World’s highest motorable road.
Pricing
Price: US $3,950 For 15 Days Ride
Adventure Dates
2026
21 JUNE – 06 JULY '26
07 SEPT – 19 SEPT '26
Mystic Moto Adventure
The Ultimate Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Delhi – The Starting Line
Your epic Himalayan adventure begins in the bustling capital of India, Delhi. Arriving at an altitude of approximately 216 meters (709 feet), this day is about settling in, acclimatizing to the Indian pace, and feeling the first stirrings of anticipation for the grand journey ahead. It’s a day for essential preparations, ensuring your luggage is sorted and you’re mentally primed for the extraordinary ride that awaits.
Day 2
Fly to Leh and Transfer to Hotel, Acclimatise
The adventure truly kicks off with an early morning domestic flight to Leh, transporting you swiftly to the heart of Ladakh. This rapid ascent takes you from Delhi’s low altitude to approximately 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) in just over an hour. The dramatic change in altitude necessitates immediate and crucial acclimatization. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is strictly for rest, hydration, and allowing your body to adjust to the thin mountain air. Avoid strenuous activity; simply relax and soak in the initial views of this high-desert landscape from your window.
ALT:
3,500 M
Day 3
Take Bike Delivery and Acclimatisation & PM Ride to Stok Palace
Today, the excitement builds as you take delivery of your Royal Enfield motorcycles, your trusty companions for the journey. After a thorough briefing and familiarization with your bike, the morning is dedicated to further acclimatization in Leh (3,500 meters). In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a gentle shakedown ride, covering approximately 25-30 kilometers round trip, to Stok Palace. This initial ride is perfect for getting a feel for your bike in the Ladakhi environment, navigating easy roads, and enjoying the stunning views of the Indus Valley, with Stok Palace itself offering a slightly higher vantage point. It’s a crucial warm-up before the real adventure begins.
DIST:
25-30 KM
Day 4
Ride Leh to Tingmosgang – Gentle Beginnings in the Indus Valley
This day offers a relatively short and easy ride, covering approximately 90-100 kilometers. The journey takes you from Leh (3,500 meters) westward along the Indus River, offering good tarmac and gentle curves perfect for continued acclimatization. You’ll pass by key landmarks like the Magnetic Hill and the Sangam (confluence) of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. The ride to Tingmosgang, nestled at about 3,200 meters (10,500 feet), provides a peaceful transition into authentic Ladakhi village life. Staying at the Namra Hotel, you’ll experience tranquility away from the bustling town, allowing your body to further adjust to the altitude.
DIST:
90-100 KM
Day 5
Ride Tingmosgang to Kargil via Lamayuru Monastery
Today’s ride covers approximately 140-150 kilometers, leading you from Tingmosgang (3,200 meters) to Kargil. This route is a visual treat, passing through the surreal “Moonland” landscapes near Lamayuru Monastery, a stunning geological formation that makes you feel like you’ve ridden onto another planet. The roads are generally good, with some winding sections, making for an enjoyable ride. You’ll encounter the iconic Lamayuru Monastery, one of Ladakh’s oldest, perched dramatically on a hilltop. The journey culminates in Kargil, situated at 2,750 meters (9,020 feet), a town steeped in history and a vital transit point for those venturing deeper into the Himalayas.
DIST:
140-150 KM
Day 6
Ride Kargil to Padum – Gateway to Zanskar
This is a momentous day, marking your entry into the remote and spectacular Zanskar Valley. Covering approximately 240-250 kilometers, this ride is long and challenging, often taking 8-10 hours, but promises an incredibly rewarding experience. Despite its reputation for remoteness, much of this road (around 90%) is now surprisingly good tarmac, offering an exhilarating riding experience through dramatic canyons and alongside the Suru River. The highlight is crossing Pensi La Pass, soaring to about 4,400 meters (14,436 feet), which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Drang-Drung Glacier. En route, you’ll visit the famous Rangdum Gompa, dramatically set against a backdrop of mountains and glaciers. You’ll arrive in Padum, the heart of Zanskar, at 3,670 meters (12,040 feet), feeling the raw energy of this untouched region.
DIST:
240-250 KM
Day 7
At Padum – Ride to Karsha Monastery & Explore the Valley
Today is dedicated to exploring the mystical Zanskar Valley around Padum (3,670 meters). You’ll embark on local rides covering approximately 30-40 kilometers, venturing deeper into the valley’s cultural heart. The primary highlight is the ride to the ancient Karsha Monastery, one of Zanskar’s largest and most significant, offering incredible views of the valley. This day provides a fantastic opportunity to ride through traditional Zanskari villages, interact with the welcoming locals, and soak in the serene, spiritual atmosphere that permeates this remote valley. It’s a chance to truly understand the rhythm of life in one of the most isolated parts of the Himalayas.
DIST:
30-40 KM
Day 8
Padum to Gonbo Rangjun via Phuktal Monastery Trek
This day is a unique blend of riding and trekking, immersing you deeply in Zanskar’s wilderness. You’ll ride approximately 56 kilometers from Padum to Purne village, situated at about 3,800 meters. From Purne, you’ll dismount your bikes and embark on a memorable trek of about 7 kilometers (taking 3-4 hours) to reach the awe-inspiring Phuktal Monastery. This ancient gompa is dramatically built into a natural cave on a cliffside, an engineering and spiritual marvel. After returning from the trek (about 2-3 hours), you’ll saddle up your Royal Enfields for a shorter ride of about 40 kilometers to the Gonbo Rangjun base camp. Here, nestled at approximately 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), you’ll spend the night in a comfortable camp, surrounded by the towering, sacred peaks, a truly humbling experience.
DIST:
56 KM
Day 9
Gonbo Rangjun to Sarchu – Conquering Shinku La & High Passes
Prepare for an absolutely amazing and incredibly challenging ride today, covering approximately 180-190 kilometers. This day is marked by significant elevation changes and the conquest of major high passes. The undisputed highlight is crossing the magnificent Shinku La Pass, soaring to a staggering 5,091 meters (16,703 feet). This pass is known for its rugged beauty, often unpredictable conditions, and exhilarating ascent. After descending from Shinku La, you’ll ride through Darcha (~3,360 meters), and continue your journey towards Sarchu, passing by the serene Deepak Tal (~3,750 meters) and conquering another mighty pass, Baralacha La, at approximately 4,890 meters (16,040 feet). The day culminates in Sarchu, a high-altitude plateau camp at 4,290 meters (14,070 feet), leaving you with a profound sense of accomplishment and awe.
DIST:
180-190 KM
Day 10
Sarchu to Tsomoriri – Into the Changthang’s Serenity
Today promises a long and captivating ride, covering approximately 230-240 kilometers, as you venture deeper into the vast and remote Changthang region. The route often involves navigating challenging unpaved sections, high-altitude plains, and possibly river crossings, making it a true test for riders and their Royal Enfields. You’ll traverse several high passes, including Polokongka La (altitude varies, but typically around 4,900 meters), offering sweeping vistas of the barren Ladakhi landscape. The day culminates at the pristine Tsomoriri Lake, a jewel nestled amidst the mountains. You’ll stay at a comfortable camp or in small cottages near Korzok village, situated at the lake’s edge at 4,522 meters (14,836 feet), providing a tranquil and breathtaking evening under the vast open skies.
DIST:
230-240 KM
Day 11
Tsomoriri to Hanle – The Isolated Frontier
Continuing your journey through the awe-inspiring Changthang Plateau, today’s ride covers approximately 160-170 kilometers from Tsomoriri to the truly isolated village of Hanle. The roads on this stretch are predominantly unpaved and remote, offering a true sense of exploration and adventure. You’ll experience the vastness of the high-altitude desert, with seemingly endless plains and distant mountain ranges. Reaching Hanle, perched at a significant 4,500 meters (14,800 feet), is a moment of profound realization of the remoteness of the region. This village is famous for its ancient monastery and the Hanle Observatory, making it a unique stop for riders seeking solitude and unparalleled stargazing opportunities due to its exceptionally clear, unpolluted skies.
DIST:
160-170 KM
Day 12
Hanle to Umling La and Back to Hanle – The Ultimate Summit
This is the absolute pinnacle of your riding expedition – conquering Umling La Pass. This approximately 180-kilometer round trip from Hanle involves an ascent to a staggering 5,882 meters (19,300 feet), officially recognized as the highest motorable road in the world. The ride is incredibly demanding, with extremely thin air, challenging gradients, and often difficult road conditions (loose gravel, steep inclines, and possibly icy patches even in summer). Reaching the summit is an unparalleled achievement, a moment of immense triumph that rewards you with an expansive, otherworldly view of the barren landscape stretching endlessly to the horizon. The arduous yet deeply rewarding ride back to Hanle (4,500 meters) solidifies the experience of having truly ridden on the roof of the world, a feat few motorcyclists accomplish.
DIST:
180 KM
Day 13
Hanle to Leh – The Long Ride Back to Civilization
This is the highlight of the expedition. You will ride approximately 160 km (round trip) from Hanle to Umling La Pass, which at about 5,883 meters (19,300 ft) is the world’s highest motorable pass. The challenging terrain and extreme altitude make this day both demanding and deeply rewarding. After reaching the pass, you will ride back to Hanle for an overnight stay.
DIST:
250-260 KM
Day 14
Leh to Srinagar Flight & Houseboat Check-in – Transition to Tranquility
After an incredible high-altitude riding adventure, today marks a shift to a more serene pace. You’ll be transferred to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh (3,500 meters) for a short domestic flight (approximately 55 minutes non-stop) to Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Upon arrival at Srinagar International Airport (1,585 meters or 5,200 feet), you’ll be transferred directly to a traditional Kashmiri houseboat on the iconic Dal Lake. This unique accommodation offers a stark contrast to the rugged mountains, providing a peaceful and luxurious retreat. Spend the rest of your day relaxing on the houseboat, enjoying the gentle lapping of the water, and taking in the picturesque views of the lake life, with the majestic Zabarwan mountains as your backdrop. It’s the perfect way to unwind after days of challenging riding.
Day 15
Explore Srinagar – Gardens, Rides, and Culture
Today is dedicated to exploring the enchanting beauty of Srinagar. After a leisurely breakfast on your houseboat, you’ll set out to visit the famed Mughal Gardens. These terraced gardens, including Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi, are architectural marvels from the Mughal era, boasting meticulously manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and cascading fountains against the stunning backdrop of Dal Lake. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the quintessential Srinagar experience with a serene Shikara ride on Dal Lake. Gliding gently in these traditional wooden boats, you’ll explore the lake’s hidden channels, visit floating gardens and markets, witness local life, and perhaps stop at iconic spots like Char Chinar. It’s a deeply relaxing and culturally rich experience, offering incredible photo opportunities and a chance to truly connect with the “Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir.”
Key Information
Duration
15 Days / 14 Nights
Total Riding Distance
Approximately 2,600 – 2,800 KM
Highest Altitude Reached
Umling La Pass – 5,882 m (19,300 ft)
Route
Delhi → Leh → Zanskar Valley → Padum → Sarchu → Tsomoriri → Hanle → Umling La → Leh
Adventure Dates
2026
21 JUNE – 06 JULY '26
07 SEPT – 19 SEPT '26
What’s included?
Included
- Motorcycle rental limited damage insurance
- Meals as mentioned: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Fuel
- Accommodation: 12 nights
- Lead Motorcycle Tour Guide
- Support Vehicle with Driver/Mechanic
- Airport Pick up and Drop off
Not Included
- Flights
- International Driving License
- Nepal Visa
- Personal Items, gifts, snacks, etc.
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal, Medical, Trip Cancellation, or Travel Insurance
- Optional Activities
