Distance: ~125 km | Riding Difficulty:

The expedition officially begins today, easing riders into motion through the culturally rich Sham Valley. Riding alongside the Indus River, the road is smooth and scenic, allowing riders to find rhythm and confidence on their motorcycles.

The first stop is the Hall of Fame, where the sacrifices and resilience of soldiers stationed in extreme conditions offer perspective on the terrain you are about to enter. The ride continues to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a place of calm reflection before reaching the curious Magnetic Hill and the dramatic Sangam, where two mighty rivers meet.

As the ride progresses westward, the landscape slowly morphs into eroded rock formations resembling a lunar surface. This signals arrival at Lamayuru, one of Ladakh's most visually striking regions. The ancient monastery overlooks the valley, and sunset here feels otherworldly.

Sightseeing: Hall of Fame, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Sangam, Lamayuru Monastery

City: Lamayuru | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance: ~165 km | Riding Difficulty:

This day marks the transition from civilization into true Himalayan isolation. Leaving Lamayuru, the road narrows, surfaces break, and traffic disappears. You begin ascending toward Singe La, where gravel tracks, steep inclines, and sharp turns demand full rider attention.

Beyond Singe La, the route crosses Sirsir La, a remote pass where weather and road conditions can change rapidly. River crossings, loose stones, and long silent stretches dominate the day. Mobile networks vanish, and the scale of the mountains becomes overwhelming.

As you descend into Zanskar Valley, greenery slowly returns. Fields, small villages, and prayer flags appear, eventually leading to Padum. Reaching Padum feels like arriving at a frontier outpost at the edge of the known world.

City: Padum | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance: ~90 km | Riding Difficulty:

Today blends riding with exploration on foot. The ride from Padum to Purney follows the Zanskar River through narrow gorges and scattered settlements. The terrain is gentler compared to the previous day, but the remoteness remains absolute.

From Purney, motorcycles are parked, and the journey continues on foot along a winding trail carved into the rock. After hours of walking through a deep gorge, Phugtal Monastery suddenly reveals itself—built into a cave, clinging impossibly to a cliff face. Time here feels suspended. Monks, prayer wheels, and echoing chants create a profound sense of stillness.

City: Padum | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance: ~230 km | Riding Difficulty:

This is the most physically and mentally demanding day of the expedition. Leaving Zanskar, riders pass the sacred monolith of Gonbo Rangjon, rising abruptly from the valley floor like a natural shrine. The ascent to Shinku La is long and relentless, featuring loose gravel, narrow switchbacks, and high exposure.

Crossing into Himachal Pradesh, the road improves briefly before climbing again toward Baralacha La, where snow, wind, and altitude combine to test endurance. By evening, riders reach Sarchu, a stark high-altitude desert. Nights here are cold, silent, and unforgettable.

Sightseeing: Sarchu, Baralacha La Pass

City: Sarchu | Accommodation: Alpine Camps | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance: ~220 km | Riding Difficulty:

Leaving Sarchu, the route cuts across open plains before diverting toward the Changthang plateau. The landscape opens up dramatically, with endless horizons and fast-changing light. You reach Tso Kar, its white shores contrasting sharply with the blue sky.

Continuing onward, the ride enters Puga Valley, where steam vents and mineral-stained earth reveal geothermal activity beneath the surface. By evening, you arrive at Tso Moriri, one of the most pristine lakes in Ladakh. The silence and reflections here offer a rare moment of calm after intense riding.

Sightseeing: Tsokar Lake, Gata Loops, Lachungla Pass, Puga Valley, Moore Plains, Nakeela Pass

City: Tsomoriri | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance: ~170 km | Riding Difficulty:

Today's route follows the remote Chumur sector, running close to international borders. Roads are rough, signage is minimal, and settlements are rare. The ride feels exploratory, as if following a line drawn across an empty map.

Gradually, the landscape shifts into rolling plains dotted with yaks and nomadic tents. Arrival in Hanle feels surreal—this isolated village is home to one of the world's highest astronomical observatories. The night sky here is among the clearest on Earth.

Sightseeing: Hanle Observatory

City: Hanle | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance: ~170 km | Riding Difficulty:

This is the crown jewel of the expedition. Riding toward Umling La, altitude increases relentlessly. Oxygen levels drop, engines struggle, and riders must manage pace carefully. The terrain is barren, vast, and intimidating.

Reaching Umling La at over 19,000 feet is not just a milestone—it is a personal triumph. Few roads on Earth offer such a sense of isolation and achievement. After limited time at the summit, riders descend cautiously back to Hanle.

Sightseeing: Umlingla Pass (19,300ft)

City: Hanle | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance: ~255 km | Riding Difficulty:

The return journey begins early, passing through Chumathang, where natural hot springs offer brief relaxation. As civilization slowly reappears, you visit Thiksey Monastery, Shey Palace, and Rancho School before rolling back into Leh.

Sightseeing: Shey Palace, Chumathang Hot Spring, Rancho School, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery

City: Leh | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Riding Distance: 0 km | Riding Difficulty:

After breakfast, transfers to the airport mark the end of a journey that few riders ever experience. You leave Ladakh not just with photographs, but with the deep satisfaction of having crossed some of the most extreme motorable terrain on the planet.

Meals: Breakfast