Distance: ~90 km | Ride Time: 6–7 hours | Difficulty: Easy

This is the first riding day, intentionally short and relaxed. The purpose is not sightseeing alone, but to allow riders to get comfortable with their motorcycles, braking distances at altitude, and Ladakh's unique road behavior.

The route loops west of Leh, following smooth tarmac with gradual elevation changes.

Ride Highlights:

• Visit to Hall of Fame, introducing Ladakh's strategic and military history
• Ride to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
• Stop at Magnetic Hill
• Scenic halt at Sangam (confluence of Indus & Zanskar)

Evening Activities:

• Ascend gently to Shanti Stupa for sunset
• Ride past Leh Palace
• Free time in Leh Market

Overnight: Leh

Distance: ~125 km | Ride Time: 5–6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

The expedition truly begins today. Riders depart early, heading north toward the legendary Khardung La. The climb features steep gradients, broken patches, and rapidly thinning oxygen. Engines lose power, and riders experience their first taste of high-altitude endurance riding.

After crossing the pass, the descent into Nubra Valley reveals a dramatic change in landscape—wide riverbeds, sand dunes, and green villages.

Key Experiences:

• High-altitude riding above 18,000 ft at Khardung La
• Long descent testing braking control
• Visit to Diskit Monastery
• Evening ride through Hunder sand dunes

Distance: ~170 km | Ride Time: 6–7 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

This is a long but culturally rich riding day. The road follows the Shyok River, alternating between smooth blacktop and rough sections.

Turtuk is one of the most fascinating villages in Ladakh—lush, green, and culturally Balti, with a history shaped by border geopolitics.

Ride Character:

• River-side riding with scenic curves
• Minimal traffic, open throttle sections
• Cultural exploration on foot in Turtuk village

Return to Nubra by evening. Overnight: Nubra Valley

Distance: ~180 km | Ride Time: 7–8 hours | Difficulty: Moderate–Hard

One of the most adventurous riding days so far. The Shyok route is raw and unpredictable, with gravel beds, water crossings, and constantly changing surfaces.

This day demands focus, balance, and confidence on loose terrain. Arrival at Pangong Lake is nothing short of magical—vast blue waters stretching across the horizon at 14,435 ft.

Challenges & Rewards:

• Off-road riding and river crossings
• Remote stretches with no settlements
• Sunset ride along Pangong's shoreline

Overnight: Pangong Lake

Day 6 is the most demanding and defining day of the entire expedition—physically, mentally, and mechanically. Riders depart Pangong before sunrise, as this is a long-distance day that must be completed in daylight, with no margin for delays.

Soon after leaving Pangong, the route enters the Changthang Plateau, one of the most remote and least inhabited regions of Ladakh. Here, the landscape opens into vast plains broken only by distant mountains, frozen streams, and military outposts. Traffic is almost nonexistent, and mobile connectivity disappears completely.

As altitude increases, oxygen levels drop sharply. Engines lose noticeable power, and riders must rely on momentum, correct gear selection, and smooth throttle control. Wind chill is severe, even in summer, and weather can change rapidly.

High-Altitude Objective:

Depending on road conditions, BRO status, and local permissions, the route will include:

• Mig La – 19,400 ft: Currently the highest motorable road in the world
• OR
• Umling La – 19,024 ft

Crossing either pass is not just a riding achievement—it is an altitude milestone that very few civilian riders in the world experience.

Riding Characteristics:

• Extreme altitude with very low oxygen
• Long isolation with no settlements or fuel points
• Strong crosswinds and cold exposure
• Mental fatigue becomes a bigger challenge than technical riding

Reaching Hanle by evening feels like a genuine expedition accomplishment rather than a tour stop.

Distance: ~220 km | Ride Time: 8–9 hours | Difficulty Level: Hard

After the intensity of Day 6, Day 7 remains long and demanding but shifts from extreme altitude to endurance riding across open terrain. Riders leave Hanle after breakfast, heading toward the lesser traveled Chumur route—a newly accessible corridor that offers some of the most untouched riding landscapes in Ladakh.

This section is characterized by wide open plains, grazing grounds, and river valleys, with frequent sightings of kiangs (Tibetan wild asses), marmots, and migratory birds. Roads alternate between smooth stretches and broken gravel, requiring constant attention.

Fatigue management is crucial today. Riders must maintain hydration, ride in formation, and avoid unnecessary exertion.

As you approach Tso Moriri, the scenery shifts dramatically. The lake emerges gradually, vast and silent, with Korzok village appearing at its edge like a mirage.

Why This Route Is Special:

• Rarely used approach to Tso Moriri
• Minimal tourist traffic
• Expansive Himalayan wilderness riding

Distance: ~220 km | Ride Time: 7–8 hours | Difficulty Level: Moderate | Recovery Ride

Day 8 is designed as a controlled recovery ride after two very demanding days. While still long, the route is technically easier and allows riders to enjoy smoother roads and gradually descending altitude.

The ride begins along the shores of Tso Moriri before turning toward Puga Valley, famous for its bubbling geothermal fields and sulphur-rich landscape. Steam vents, colorful earth formations, and open grasslands make this a visually striking section.

Continuing onward, riders stop briefly at Chumathang, where natural hot springs flow beside the Indus River. From here, the road improves significantly, and the ride follows the Indus valley back toward Leh.

As altitude decreases, breathing becomes easier, engines regain power, and riders feel a noticeable physical relief.

Overnight: Leh - Final group dinner and expedition debrief.

Distance: 5–8 km | Ride Time: 15–20 minutes | Difficulty Level: Very Easy

After breakfast, motorcycles are handed back, and riders are transferred to Leh Airport for onward journeys.

This day marks the conclusion of a true high-altitude motorcycle expedition—one that goes beyond ticking destinations and instead delivers genuine adventure, endurance, and achievement.

Riders leave with:

• The experience of riding some of the highest roads on Earth
• A deep sense of accomplishment
• Stories and memories forged in one of the world's most extreme landscapes
• Tour Completion Certificate