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High Passes Himalayan Moto Tour With UmlingLa
High Passes Himalayan Moto Tour with UmlingLa – 15th to 27th Aug 2026
Tour Detail
Duration: 13 Days
Leh - Nubra Valley - Pangong Lake - Hanle - Umling La - Spituk - Lamayru - Padum - Kargil
Get ready for one of the most exhilarating motorcycle journeys on earth - a ride through the rugged landscapes of Ladakh and Zanskar, where adventure meets raw Himalayan beauty. This extraordinary expedition takes you across 11 iconic highaltitude mountain passes, each with its own thrill, challenge, and breathtaking scenery.
Your journey begins in Leh, the heart of Ladakh, with time to explore its monasteries, palaces, and stupas before the adventure unfolds. From there, you conquer the legendary Khardung La, once considered the highest motorable pass in the world, leading you into the enchanting Nubra Valley. The route then takes you over the lesser-known but equally thrilling Wari La and the majestic Chang La on the way to the turquoise expanse of Pangong Lake.
The adventure intensifies as you ride towards the remote frontier village of Hanle, crossing Tsaga La and venturing further to scale the mighty Umling La (19,024 ft), the highest motorable pass in the world, along with the rugged Poti La. From Hanle, the journey turns towards the ancient landscapes of Ladakh’s spiritual and cultural belt before heading into the wild beauty of Zanskar Valley.
Here, the road challenges you with the dramatic Singe La and Sir Sir La on the way to Padum, where you rest amidst Zanskari culture. The adventure continues with a ride over the glacier-fed Pensi La, gateway to the Drang Drung Glacier, before heading back towards Ladakh. On the return leg, you ascend the historic Namik La and Fotu La, offering panoramic views of the barren yet mesmerizing landscapes, before finally circling back to Leh.
Day 01
Arrival at Leh
Upon arrival at Leh airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport) you will be picked up from the airport and check in to the hotel. Since Leh is located at the height of 3500Mtrs ASL, it is
very important for each one of you to have enough rest to get acclimatise for upcoming days. By evening we will meet for Bike allocation and followed by dinner.
Dinner Included
Day 02
Explore Leh Local Sightseeing - 50Kms
After breakfast we will pickup our bikes and start exploring the local sightseeing, Spend the day exploring the cultural gems of Leh. Visit Thiksey Monastery, perched on a hilltop with
sweeping views of the Indus Valley and home to the majestic Maitreya Buddha statue. Discover the historic Leh Palace, a 17th-century royal residence offering insights into Ladakh’s past and panoramic views of the town. Conclude with a visit to the serene Shanti Stupa, a white-domed monument of peace that looks especially magical at sunset.
Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 03
Leh to Nubra Valley - 145 Kms
Altitude: Leh (3,300 m) → Khardung La (5,359 m) → Nubra Valley (3,100 m)
Today’s ride is one of the most iconic highlights of Ladakh. From Leh, the road climbs steeply towards Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes at 5,359 m. Standing at the top is a thrilling achievement, offering breathtaking views of the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges. Descending from the pass, the landscape shifts dramatically as you enter the lush and wide expanse of the Nubra Valley, nourished by the Shyok and Nubra rivers. Along the way, you’ll visit Diskit Monastery, home to a towering Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the valley. The day concludes at Hunder, famous for its unique white sand dunes and the chance to see the rare double-humped Bactrian camels.
A day of high-altitude adventure, cultural exploration, and surreal desert landscapes - all rolled into one unforgettable ride.
Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 04
Nubra valley to Pangong Lake - 260Kms
Altitude: Nubra (3,100 m) → Wari La (5,312 m) → Chang La (5,360 m) → Pangong Lake (4,350 m)
Today’s ride is one of the most challenging and rewarding stretches of the journey, as you traverse two of Ladakh’s high-altitude mountain passes - Wari La and Chang La - before reaching the world-famous Pangong Lake.
From Nubra, the road gradually climbs towards Wari La Pass (5,312 m), a less-traveled and remote route that offers breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and rugged valleys. The ride is demanding with steep ascents, but the solitude and raw beauty of this pass make it a highlight. Descending from Wari La, the journey continues toward Chang La Pass (5,360 m), often called one of the toughest passes in Ladakh. The climb is steep, but the views from the top are simply spectacular, with endless panoramas of mountains and deep valleys.
After crossing Chang La, you descend towards the turquoise expanse of Pangong Lake (4,350 m),one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world. Stretching across India and Tibet, the lake’s mesmerizing blue hues change with the shifting sunlight, creating a surreal atmosphere.
The evening is spent on the banks of Pangong, soaking in the tranquility of this iconic Himalayan wonder
Day 05
Pangong lake to Hanle - 170 Kms
Altitude: Pangong (4,350 m) → Tsaga La (4,600 m) → Hanle (4,270 m)
The ride from Pangong Lake to Hanle takes you across the remote Changthang plateau, climbing over Tsaga La (4,600 m) with stunning views of barren mountains and open valleys. The route passes nomadic settlements and wildlife before reaching Hanle, home to the ancient monastery and one of the world’s highest observatories. With its clear night skies, Hanle is a stargazer’s paradise and a fitting end to this adventurous ride.
Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 06
Hanle - Umling La - Hanle - 160 Kms
Altitude: Hanle (4,270 m) → Umling La (5,883 m)
This day marks the pinnacle of high-altitude riding as we set out from the remote village of Hanle, home to the world’s highest observatory. The road takes us across the barren yet mesmerizing landscapes of the Changthang plateau, where vast open skies, grazing Kiangs (wild asses), and snow-clad peaks define the scenery. Gradually, we ascend towards Umling La Pass (5,883 m), officially the highest motorable road in the world. Riding here is both a physical and emotional challenge—oxygen levels are thin, the winds are strong, and the roads are rugged. Yet, reaching Umling La is an unparalleled achievement, a true badge of honor for every motorcyclist. Standing atop this legendary pass, surrounded by endless horizons, you experience a sense of triumph like no other.
Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 07
Hanle to Spituk - 255 Kms
Leaving behind the remote silence of Hanle, today’s ride is one of the longest stretches of the expedition. The route takes you through vast, open landscapes where the Himalayas tretch endlessly and wildlife like kiangs (wild asses) and marmots are often spotted along the barren plains. As you cruise through this highaltitude desert, the remoteness slowly gives way to more settled regions of Ladakh.The ride is a test of endurance, with long straight sections across wide valleys, broken by river crossings and rugged terrain. Approaching Leh, the scenery begins to change with green patches, monasteries perched on cliffs, and signs of civilization reappearing. By evening, you reach Spituk, a historic village near Leh, home to the ancient Spituk Monastery overlooking the Indus Valley.
Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 08
Spituk to Lamayuru (130 km | 3,500 m to 3,510 m approx.)
The ride from Spituk to Lamayuru is one of the most scenic stretches of Ladakh, following the Indus River and winding through dramatic gorges and mountain landscapes. The route passes through charming villages, fluttering prayer flags, and rugged cliffs before opening into the spectacular Sham Valley, often called the “Apricot Valley” for its orchards.
As you ascend further, the terrain turns otherworldly, with the surreal Moonland landscape of Lamayuru - famed for its lunar-like formations—welcoming you. By evening, you arrive at Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in Ladakh, perched dramatically on a hilltop.
This ride is a blend of culture, history, and breathtaking geology, offering a perfect balance between adventure and spirituality.
Breakfast included
Day 09
Lamayuru to Padum (210 km | via Singe La 5,190 m & SirSir La 4,830 m)
The ride from Lamayuru to Padum is a true test of endurance and adventure, taking you through some of the most remote and rugged terrains of Ladakh and Zanskar. The journey begins with winding mountain roads before tackling two challenging high passes - Singe La (5,190 m) and SirSir La (4,830 m). These passes, less traveled and raw in their beauty, offer breathtaking panoramas of jagged peaks, deep gorges, and vast open valleys.
As you descend into the Zanskar Valley, the landscape transforms into a dramatic mix of barren cliffs and green patches of villages. The route is thrilling, with rough trails, water crossings, and hairpin bends that demand skill and patience. By evening, you arrive in Padum, the heart of Zanskar, surrounded by monasteries and towering mountains.
Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 10
Rest Day at Padum (Zanskar Valley)
After days of riding through high mountain passes and rugged trails, a rest day in Padum offers the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge amidst the serenity of the Zanskar Valley. Padum, once the capital of the ancient Zanskar kingdom, is the cultural and administrative hub of the region.
Riders can spend the day exploring nearby monasteries such as Karsha and Stongdey, which showcase the rich Buddhist heritage of Zanskar, or take leisurely walks through the village to experience the warm hospitality of the locals. The town also provides a rare chance to interact with the Zanskari people, learn about their traditions, and witness a way of life largely untouched by modernity.
Day 11
Padum to Kargil - 255 Kms
The ride from Padum to Kargil (≈250 km, 14,500 ft at Pensi La) is one of the most spectacular stretches of the entire journey, blending high-altitude adventure with raw Himalayan beauty. Leaving Padum, the route gradually ascends towards Pensi La Pass, often referred to as the gateway between Zanskar Valley and Suru Valley.
At the top of Pensi La, riders are rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Drang Drung Glacier, the second-largest glacier in Ladakh after Siachen. This massive river of ice, with its winding white expanse snaking down the mountains, is a sight few ever forget. The crisp mountain air, the silence broken only by the wind, and the overwhelming grandeur of the glacier make this a truly soul-stirring stop.
Descending from the pass, the road winds through the enchanting landscapes of the Suru Valley, with its green pastures, wildflowers, and charming villages framed by the towering peaks of Nun and Kun (over 7,000m). The dramatic shift from the stark Zanskar terrain to the more fertile Suru Valley makes this ride incredibly diverse and rewarding.
By evening, riders reach Kargil, a historic town that has long served as a crossroads of cultures and trade routes, marking the end of a thrilling day’s ride.
Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 12
Kargil to Leh - 225 Kms
The ride from Kargil to Leh (≈225 km, Namik La 12,139 ft & Fotu La 13,479 ft) is a stunning journey across Ladakh’s central highlands. Leaving Kargil, the road follows the Suru River before joining the historic NH-1 (Srinagar–Leh Highway), passing through charming villages and ancient monasteries.
The first ascent takes you over Namik La, a relatively gentle pass offering sweeping views of barren mountains and deep valleys. Further ahead lies Fotu La, the highest point on this highway, where the road snakes through rugged brown peaks under vast Himalayan skies.
Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 13
Departure from Leh
After days of riding across high mountain passes, remote valleys, and surreal landscapes, it’s time to bid farewell to Ladakh. Guests will be transferred to Leh Airport for their onward journey. As you take off over the Himalayas, the memories of conquering passes like Khardung La, Chang La, Umling La, Singe La, and Fotu La—along with the friendships and experiences built on the road-will stay with you forever. This marks the end of the journey, but the spirit of adventure continues long after.
Breakfast included
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450cc Motorcycle with Petrol throughout the trip as per the itinerary.
- Accommodation on Double sharing basis (Hotels/Camps/Guest House).
- Breakfast and Dinner (Set Menu meals, Starts from Dinner on Day 1 and ends with Breakfast on Day 11).
- Half Day Leh Sightseeing Tour with Lunch
- English Speaking Tour leader for the whole tour as per the itinerary.
- Mechanic for the entire tour as per the itinerary.
- A backup vehicle for Luggage.
- Portable oxygen cylinders during the entire tour & First aid Kit.
- Inner line permits and Restricted area permit for Ladakh region.
- Airport transfers at Leh.
- All tours will be accompanied by an Australian Team Leader
- Trained Medical Personnel in each tour
- All your International and Domestic flight tickets.
- Visa charges.
- Medical or Travel Insurance.
- Accidental Minor or Major damage to the Motorcycle is not included and has to be paid by the client.
- Alcohol, Room Service or anything which is not mentioned in the above inclusions.
- Lunch or any other meals which are not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Any extra cost arising due to weather condition, local disturbance, etc, the client has to pay the cost of extra days.
- Tips for support staff at the end of the tour
Where will you ride?
Unknown. Unbounded. Untravelled.
