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Manali – Leh – Manali Bike Trip
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Bike Trip 12 Days / 11 Nights Challenging

Manali – Leh – Manali Bike Trip

The great highway, there and back

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Duration12 Days / 11 Nights
Starts fromManali
DifficultyChallenging
Best seasonJun to Sep
Max altitudeTanglang La, 17,480 ft
Travel byRoyal Enfield Himalayan 450
Manali – Leh – Manali Bike Trip photo 1
Manali – Leh – Manali Bike Trip photo 2
Manali – Leh – Manali Bike Trip photo 3

Representative photos of the region.

Overview

The full circle: up the Manali-Leh highway, across Baralacha La, the Gata Loops and Tanglang La, a loop through Nubra and Pangong from Leh, and then back down the same road with the confidence and fitness you have built. Time is built in at both ends for acclimatisation.

  • Atal Tunnel, Baralacha La and Suraj Tal
  • The 21 Gata Loops, Nakee La, Lachung La and Tanglang La
  • Khardung La, Nubra and Pangong Tso
  • A rest day in Leh for service and recovery
  • Riding the whole highway in both directions

Route at a Glance

Manali Jispa Sarchu Leh Nubra Pangong Leh Manali

Altitude Profile

How high you sleep and travel through the trip. Gain height gradually and drink plenty of water.

1,5003,2505,000 Day 1: Manali · 2,050 m2,050D1Day 2: Jispa · 3,200 mD2Day 3: Sarchu · 4,290 m4,290D3Day 4: Leh · 3,524 mD4Day 5: Leh · 3,524 m3,524D5Day 6: Nubra · 3,100 mD6Day 7: Pangong · 4,250 m4,250D7Day 8: Leh · 3,524 mD8Day 9: Sarchu · 4,290 m4,290D9Day 10: Jispa · 3,200 mD10Day 11: Manali · 2,050 m2,050D11Day 12: Manali · 2,050 m2,050D12 Altitude in metres · overnight stop for each day

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Indicative plan. Road, weather and permit conditions can change the order or timing of days.

  1. D1

    Day 1: Arrive in Manali

    Collect bikes and gear, check the route and join the briefing. Short test ride towards Solang.

    Manali 2,050 m Hotel
  2. D2

    Day 2: Manali to Jispa

    Through the Atal Tunnel, then along the Bhaga river via Sissu, Tandi and Keylong. A gentle first day to start getting used to height.

    ~140 km · 5 to 6 hrs Jispa 3,200 m Camp or hotel
  3. D3

    Day 3: Jispa to Sarchu

    Over Baralacha La (16,040 ft) past Suraj Tal, with stream crossings at Zingzingbar, then into Ladakh and the Sarchu plateau.

    ~100 km · 5 to 6 hrs Sarchu 4,290 m Camp
  4. D4

    Day 4: Sarchu to Leh

    The big day: Gata Loops, Nakee La, Lachung La, the Moray Plains and Tanglang La, then down to Leh.

    ~250 km · 9 to 10 hrs Leh 3,524 m Hotel
  5. D5

    Day 5: Rest day in Leh

    Sleep in, service the bikes and explore Leh at an easy pace.

    Leh 3,524 m Hotel
  6. D6

    Day 6: Leh to Nubra

    Ride over Khardung La and descend into Nubra for the dunes at Hunder.

    ~125 km · 5 to 6 hrs Hunder 3,100 m Camp or guesthouse
  7. D7

    Day 7: Nubra to Pangong

    The Shyok river route to Pangong Tso, with gravel and water crossings.

    ~160 km · 6 to 7 hrs Pangong 4,250 m Camp
  8. D8

    Day 8: Pangong to Leh

    Over Chang La and back to Leh by early afternoon.

    ~140 km · 5 to 6 hrs Leh 3,524 m Hotel
  9. D9

    Day 9: Leh to Sarchu

    The return begins: Tanglang La, the Moray Plains, Lachung La and the Gata Loops, this time downhill.

    ~250 km · 9 to 10 hrs Sarchu 4,290 m Camp
  10. D10

    Day 10: Sarchu to Jispa

    A shorter day over Baralacha La and down the Bhaga valley.

    ~100 km · 4 to 5 hrs Jispa 3,200 m Camp or hotel
  11. D11

    Day 11: Jispa to Manali

    Back through Keylong, Sissu and the Atal Tunnel to Manali and a celebration dinner.

    ~140 km · 5 to 6 hrs Manali 2,050 m Hotel
  12. D12

    Day 12: Departure

    Return the bikes and say goodbye.

    Manali 2,050 m Trip ends

Good to Know

  • This is a demanding ride at serious altitude. Previous long-distance riding experience is strongly recommended.
  • Sarchu is at 4,290 m. Some riders sleep better at Pang or Jispa; your lead will decide based on how the group feels.
  • The highway usually opens in June and closes by October. Landslides and snow can change the plan.
  • Fuel is limited between Tandi and Karu. The support vehicle carries spare fuel and tools.

Suggested Packing

  • Riding jacket, gloves, boots and a full-face helmet
  • Thermal layers, balaclava and rain gear
  • Spare gloves and warm socks
  • Original ID, licence and permit copies
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
  • Personal medicines

Need the full list? See our packing guide.

Price, Inclusions & Dates

Price, what is included and the next available dates are shared when you enquire. Tap Get Enquiry and your message reaches us on WhatsApp.

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