From Magnetic Hill to Frozen Treks: A Complete Guide to Leh Ladakh

The Man, the Machine and the Mission are the three beads strongly threaded in one string to overpower the hurdles of the Manali to Leh Bike Trip. The jagged and rough terrain though seems tiresome but the natural marvels and landscapes along the ride make the  Trip to Leh Ladakh a beautiful memory which lies embedded in the pendrive of the brain cells. Ladakh boasts of the coldest deserts, massive mountains, and fluttering prayer flags. This region is also known for its monasteries and most popular ones being Hemis Monastery, Spituk and Phugtal. A trip to Nubra Valley is incomplete without a ride on the Bactrian camels. Make sure to visit the Shanti Stupa on a full moon night -a white-domed stupa which houses Buddha’s relics. Khardung La and Tanglang La are no doubt the highest motorable roads which offer amazing views of the encompassing area. For the bikers, the most renowned route is the Chang La Pass and of course, the trip has an underlying vibe of patriotism as you visit Kargil which lies close to the LOC(Line of Control). A shopaholic is always a shopaholic as they can buy souvenirs like Tibetan handicrafts, Pashmina Shawls and local jewellery before heading home.

 

Trip to Leh Ladakh with Places to visit itinerary

 

Khardung La

Trip to Leh Ladakh commences with the highest motorable roads in India with an elevation of five thousand six thousand and two metres. Khardung La is also popularly known as Khardzong La and is tagged as the gateway to Shyok and Nubra Valley. To visit the pass an inner line permit is compulsory. It has huge historical importance as Khardung La was once part of the silk route. It was built in 1976 and was opened for public use in 1988.An ideal getaway for peace seekers, mountain biking fanatics and even adventure enthusiasts. As you reach the top you can view the Karakoram range and the Himalayas.

 

Magnetic Hill

The next highlighted place to visit with the Trip to Leh Ladakh checklist is Magnetic Hill. It is located at an altitude of fourteen thousand feet above sea level. Magnetic Hill defies all the forces of gravity as the parked vehicle moves upward from the marked location. To witness the natural occurrence park the car in neutral gear in the marked yellow box as from this point the car starts to move. There are many illusions and myths which are related to the Magnetic Hill which range from logical beliefs to superstitions.

 

Zanskar Valley

Located in the east of Ladakh is the next place of interest on the Trip to Leh Ladakh -Zanskar Valley. The region is a semi-desert which is laced with snow-dusted mountains and sparkling clean rivers dotted with fauna and flora. The best way to Zanskar is from Kargil via Suru Valley. As pronounced Zahar by the locals is separated from Ladakh by the Zanskar mountain range which is also part of the Tethys Himalayas. It is known for its barren landscape and is mostly travelled for river rafting and trekking and remains cut off for over nine months due to heavy snowfall in the region. The main highlights of the Zanskar Valley are Chadar Trek which is also known as the Frozen River Expedition is a challenging trek of India and takes around six days to complete. Phugtal Monastery happens to be a Buddhist monastery located in the southeast part of the Zanskar region of Ladakh. The summer days starting from June to September are perfect to visit the Zanskar Valley which is easily reachable via airways roadways and railways.

 

Manali To Leh Bike Trip

Leh Ladakh better known as the “land of high passes “ becomes overwhelming with an adventurous bike trip. The Manali To Leh Bike Trip is filled with exotic animals and a pristine environment. The Snow Leopards are native to these parts along with migratory birds to watch like black neck cranes, Himalayan vultures and Tibetan snowcock.

 

Itinerary of Manali To Leh Bike Trip

Day 1-The Manali To Leh Bike Trip sees the chequered flag as soon as you reach Manali and check in at the hotel. At the hotel spend time as you recharge yourself before you head out for some sightseeing and later assemble for a tour briefing and orientation. The major attractions to visit include the Hadimba Temple and Manu Temple which is located near the Beas river. The day ends on a high note with dinner as you tuck yourself in.

 

Day 2 The next day is full of excitement on the Manali To Leh Bike Trip as you begin your sojourn with the adventurous ride . On the way, the riders and their partners pass through the Atal Tunnel, Tandi and Keylong. And once you reach Jipsa, call it a day as you prepare yourselves for an overnight stay in the camps and dinner.

 

Day 3 After enjoying a scrumptious breakfast it’s time to ride your saddle and proceed towards Sarchu and leave Jispa behind and enter the Great Himalayan landscape and enjoy a magnificent view as you pass through Baralachha Pass and continue driving towards Sarchu as it is the border line between Kashmir and Himachal. After reaching Sarchu take a rest for the rest of the day and keep yourself hydrated and keep AMS( acute mountain sickness) at bay.

 

Day 4 It is a little tedious day as you ride the bikes through the flatlands and also drive through the Tanglang La Pass which is the second highest motorable mountain pass at an elevation of 5300 metres. After passing the crossing ride the well-maintained roads which lead towards Leh. En route, you get to see the monasteries of Thiksey and Shey. Spend and rest for the night at Changspa.

 

Day 5 On the fifth day of the Manali To Leh Bike Trip the trip becomes exhilarating as you visit Nubra Valley through Khardungla Pass at 18360 feet as you break the journey at South Pullu and grab a bite. Clicking a selfie becomes mandatory as you conquer the highest passes before reaching North Pullu. The main attractions on the way to Nubra are the Diskit Monastery which features the Maitreya Buddha statue which is 32 metres high and can be easily spotted. Enjoy a camel ride on the two-humped camels in the sand dunes before you return to camp for a pipping hot and delicious dinner.

 

Day 6 The sixth day of the bike trip takes you to the mesmerising Pangong Lake along with River Shyok as you take a halt at Durbok and enjoy lunch and proceed towards Chang La and go towards the checkpoint at Tangse. Take a rest at the campsite and enjoy a leisurely evening as you stroll around the lake and enjoy the sunset.

 

Day 7 Today you head towards Leh and on arrival, you get transferred to the hotel and later on, you can enjoy some sightseeing as you visit Shanti Stupa and shops at a local market. Wander through the streets of Leh and enjoy the captivating views of the Zanskar range and Indus Valley before you return to your hotel.

 

Day 8 The journey towards home starts as you ride from Leh to Sarchu and see Pang which is a scenic spot of the landscape. Halt at Sarchu for a camp stay.

 

Day 9 Rise and shine with the morning sun as you drive through Sarchu and reach Baralaccha till noon and cross through the Lahaul ranges and reach Rohtang Pass. As the pass lays a challenge of crossing mini rivers full of mud and you reach Manali. Enjoy a comfortable stay at the hotel in Manali. And on the 10th day bid your adieus to the adventure in Ladakh.