Bike Tour: Srinagar – Kargil – Leh – Nubra – Pangong – Tso Moriri – Manali

The Ultimate 10–12 Day Adventure Across Ladakh and the Himalayas
If you’ve ever dreamt of riding through winding mountain roads, crossing iconic high-altitude passes, and exploring centuries-old monasteries — this is your perfect itinerary. Starting from Srinagar and ending in Manali, this motorcycle expedition is more than just a road trip — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience through the heart of the Himalayas.

Route Overview

Route: Srinagar → Kargil → Leh → Nubra → Pangong → Tso Moriri → Manali
Duration: 10–12 Days
Total Distance: ~1,500 km
Best Time: Mid-June to early October
Perfect For: Motorcycle adventurers, photographers, thrill-seekers, culture lovers.

Route Map

Town/Village Pass Monastery

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar
Altitude: ~5,200 ft
Arrival and check-in at a houseboat or local guesthouse.
Shikara ride on Dal Lake.
Visit Shankaracharya Temple or relax by Nishat Bagh.
Cultural Experience: Interact with Kashmiri artisans at the local handicraft market.

Day 2: Srinagar to Kargil via Sonamarg & Zoji La

Distance: ~210 km | Ride Time: 7–8 hrs
Cross Zoji La Pass (11,575 ft), gateway to Ladakh.
Stop at Drass — the second coldest inhabited place on Earth.
Pay respects at the Kargil War Memorial.
Local Experience: Chat with army veterans or locals about life during the Kargil War.

Day 3: Kargil to Leh via Lamayuru & Magnetic Hill

Distance: ~220 km | Ride Time: 7–8 hrs
Visit Mulbekh Monastery and Lamayuru Monastery (the “Moonland” of Ladakh).
Cross Namika La and Fotu La passes.
Stop at Magnetic Hill and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib before entering Leh.
Cultural Experience: Witness daily monastic life at Lamayuru or chat with monks over tea.

Day 4: Acclimatization & Leh Exploration

Explore Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and Leh Market.
Rest to adjust to the altitude (~11,500 ft).
Local Experience: Join a family for a traditional Ladakhi dinner.

Day 5: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

Distance: ~125 km | Ride Time: 5–6 hrs
Ride over Khardung La (18,380 ft) — once claimed as the world’s highest motorable road.
Descend into the stunning Nubra Valley.
Visit Diskit Monastery and the Maitreya Buddha Statue.
Local Experience: Camel safari in Hunder’s sand dunes and meet locals in Turtuk (if time permits).

Day 6: Nubra to Pangong Lake via Shyok Route

Distance: ~180 km | Ride Time: 6–7 hrs
Scenic and adventurous ride via the Shyok River route.
Reach Pangong Lake (14,270 ft), the world-famous blue lake stretching into China.
Cultural Experience: Stay at a homestay or eco-camp; stargazing at night is a must!

Day 7: Pangong to Tso Moriri via Chushul & Rezang La

Distance: ~250 km | Ride Time: 8–10 hrs
Cross remote villages like Chushul, Tsaga, and Nyoma.
Pay tribute at Rezang La War Memorial.
Reach Tso Moriri Lake (15,075 ft) by late evening.
Cultural Experience: Visit Korzok Monastery and learn about the semi-nomadic Changpa tribe.

Day 8: Tso Moriri to Leh via Tso Kar & Tanglang La

Distance: ~230 km | Ride Time: 8–9 hrs

Early sunrise by the lake.
Stop at Tso Kar — a salt lake known for birdwatching.
Conquer Tanglang La Pass (17,582 ft) before returning to Leh.

Day 9: Leh to Sarchu via More Plains & Gata Loops

Distance: ~250 km | Ride Time: 8–9 hrs
Pass through Upshi and the wide More Plains.
Tackle the legendary Gata Loops.
Reach Sarchu for a night under the stars.

Day 10: Sarchu to Manali via Baralacha La & Atal Tunnel

Distance: ~230 km | Ride Time: 8–9 hrs
Cross Baralacha La Pass and the deep valleys of Lahaul.
Reach Manali through the Atal Tunnel.

Day 11: Manali Leisure Day / Departure

Explore Old Manali, Hidimba Temple, and local bakeries.
Departure by evening.

Major Places Covered

Location	Highlights
Srinagar	Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Kashmiri handicrafts
Kargil	War Memorial, Drass, Buddhist culture
Lamayuru	“Moonland” landscapes, Lamayuru Monastery
Leh	Shanti Stupa, monasteries, bustling market life
Nubra Valley	Sand dunes, Diskit Monastery, Turtuk village
Pangong Lake	Camping, stargazing, surreal blue waters
Tso Moriri	Wildlife, Changpa nomads, sacred monastery
Sarchu	High-altitude camping under the Milky Way
Manali	Temples, cafés, Himalayan crafts

Authentic Cultural & Local Experiences

Monastic Life: Join morning prayers at Thiksey, Diskit, and Korzok Monasteries.
Nubra Camel Safari: Ride Bactrian camels at Hunder Sand Dunes.
Local Cuisine: Taste dishes like Skyu, Thukpa, Chutagi, and Kashmiri Rogan Josh.
Changpa Lifestyle: Meet nomads who herd pashmina goats near Tso Moriri.
Stargazing: At Pangong, Tso Moriri, and Sarchu — unpolluted night skies for perfect astro shots.

Important Travel Tips

Permits:
Inner Line Permits are needed for Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri, Chushul, and Hanle.
Obtain at Leh DC Office or online before departure.
Fuel Stations:
Srinagar, Kargil, Leh, Diskit, and Tandi (before Manali). Carry extra fuel for Nubra–Pangong–Tso Moriri legs.
Altitude Precautions:
Acclimatize properly.
Carry Diamox, ORS sachets, and layered warm clothing.
Motorbike Readiness:
A full pre-ride service is a must. Essential spares: tubes, cables, spark plugs, tire repair kit.

Final Thoughts

This is not just a motorcycle route — it’s a life-changing adventure. From Srinagar’s shikara rides to Tso Moriri’s nomadic charm, every mile tells a story. Snow-capped passes, ancient monasteries, and serene lakes await — all you need is your bike and your spirit of exploration.