Introduction:
Leh Ladakh bike Trip is one of the most beautiful trips of all time. There is always a group of friends that always decides to go on a bike trip but somehow never ends up going. So here it is , a guide to the most popular bike trip ever.
Explore the mountains:
Bike trips are the best way to explore the mountains, as one can go at one’s pace and explore the simplicity of nature and local life; there is no schedule to follow, and you’ll feel a sense of pride and satisfaction that is unmatched by any other form of travel.
So, one can go to Leh-Ladakh two ways from Manali,or Jammu. One way from Manali to Leh is popular among bikers because it’s more scenic than Srinagar to Leh. So, from Manali to Leh by road, it is 473 kilometres; one can cover the whole trip from Manali to Leh in 4 days . The best time to road trip is from June to October ‘s first week. In winter,from December to March. Manali to leh road is closed due to harsh weather. One must be physically fit, possess all necessary driving licences and permits, and have plenty of experience driving at high altitudes because it is risky to drive on passes due to the unstable terrain and low oxygen levels. The road from Manali to Leh is not well maintained, so a key tip is to drive slowly at your own pace, as there is no hurry .First day of the bike trip:
On the first day of the trip , cover Manali to Jispa. Jispa is 92 kilometres from Manali. It’s a charming small village along the route, well-known for camping, and there are several homestays and cottages to spend the night in, gazing at the starry, bright sky in the most dreamy, but remote place. You can leave for Darcha early the next morning through the Baralachala Pass.. It will take two hours to reach baralachala pass , in middle you might cross heards of sheeps ,let them cross first,😀.
Schedule of the first day:
At Baralachala Pass, it is 4850 metres above sea level, so do not wait here for a long time as it is at high altitude and there is a chance you can have nausea .Then, 32km from Darcha, there is Sarchu, which is the border between union territory Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. Here, you have to register your vehicle number and the number of people on this road trip. Take a break over here for some hearty breakfast and rest, go to the restroom, and just soak in the sunrise. Following that, from Sarchu to Pangong.The route is reasonably smooth for the first 100 kilometres or so, but after that, it gets rougher. The road has its share of gravel sections as well as other segments that are winding and tight.
One will cross Ghata loops during the journey, and it’s a beautiful crisscross at the mountain top.
After 2 – 3 hours, it will end at Nakeela Pass, which is at an altitude of 15547 feet, and from there, at some distance, there is one more pass called Lachungla Pass, which is at an altitude of 16616 feet, and one can stop here for pictures as it is surrounded by some partially snow covered mountains and is one of the milestones as well.
Things to keep in mind while you are riding:
From Lanchungla to Pangong, it is 21 kilometres; drive slowly as the roads are in bad condition as of today. The gradient of the landscape varies throughout the entire drive. At first, there will be a stunning view of the Zanskar River and a green valley, but then you’ll be travelling over sandhills and then back around mountains that are partially covered in snow. If you reach Pangong in the evening, spend a night there and take a rest . Pangong Lake is most famous for the Bollywood movie “3 Idiots.” where the climax scene was shot, and it is as beautiful as in pictures; it is worth the stay.
The second day of the trip
The next day, leave for Leh; it will take 2 hours by bike, and you will cross Tanglangla Pass, which is also one of the highest mountain passes. It is at 17582 feet of altitude, which makes it the second highest pass. From there, you will reach the Morre Plains, where you will drive through vast plains for the best possible transition. Here is also where the lovely Chang Tang Plateau is. From Tanglangla Pass to Leh is another 4 hours, and finally you will reach Leh city!
Final:
You MADE IT TO LEH!! Now unwind, take a break, get used to Leh’s environment, and set aside two to three days to see the city of Leh, including its local monasteries and Sanchi stupas. And most importantly, have fun, remain calm, and be happy.
