ZANSKAR VALLEY
Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Zanskar Valley. An oasis of tranquility nestled in the heart of Ladakh, Himalayas. Renowned for its pristine landscapes, Zanskar captivates with snow-capped peaks, meandering rivers, and ancient monasteries. Accessible only through mountain passes, the valley offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure for intrepid travelers. Zanskar Valley promises an immersive Himalayan experience, blending cultural heritage, and the thrill of remote exploration.
- When: June, July, August
- Duration: 14 days
- Pillion Friendly: Possible, you'll need to have the skill to balance the extra weight on the offroad stretches.
- Distance: Approx 1100km
Included:
- Hotels & accommodation
- Activities: Visit Padum town & monastery, Khardung La Mountain Pass
- Motorbike Hire
- Fuel for tour itinerary
- Border fees and local permits
- Support: Tour Guide / Mechanic / Backup Van / Medical Kit
Guide price:
Per rider around £2150/$2730
and for pillions or passengers around £1550/$1970
and for pillions or passengers around £1550/$1970
Prices are made exact for your booking based on size of group.
Get in touch for your personal tour using the contact form below.
If you love…
- epic adventure
- breathing fresh mountain air
- riding all terrains
- meeting welcoming locals
- and being in the depths of rugged nature
then this is the unique adventure for you!
1
Arrival in Dharamshala- Rest and Tour Briefing
- Arrive in Kangra Airport in Dharamshala where we will meet you.
- We will move on to McLeod Ganj to enjoy a peaceful first day in the mountains.
- Attend a training briefing for the upcoming mountain adventure.
2
Explore McLeod Ganj
- Explore the beautiful and tranquil area of McLeod Ganj.
- Experience a blend of cultures here with wonderful Tibetan gifts for sale.
- Enjoy the lakeside and forest scenery.
3
Ride to Chamba
- Begin the journey with an exhilarating ride to Chamba.
- We will conquer our first Mountain – Jot Pass (2440 m).
- We reach Chamba, known as the land of lord Shiva for its untouched natural beauty.
- Tonight we sleep in a hotel.
4
Chamber to Killar
- After breakfast, we can explore the local town and savour local lassi.
- Then we set off on our bikes as we make our way to Killar, conquering Saach Pass (4414m) along the way
- Tonight we stay at a government hotel with stunning National Park views.
5
Off-Road Adventure with Scenic Views
- Experience thrilling off-road riding on wonderful roads.
- We journey on to Jispa (3200 m), a quaint town overlooking the Bhaga river.
- It’s a nice hotel here, so we can enjoy a relaxed evening in comfort.
6
Purne Visit and Homestay
- Embark on more off-road riding, witnessing incredible views of deep valleys and flowing rivers.
- We conquer Shingo La Pass (5091 m)
- We reach Purne, where we spend our evening in a welcoming homestay.
7
River crossing challenge
- We venture on to Padum
- We have a river crossing challenge, and some offroad riding – an incredible adventure ride
- We stay the night in a comfortable hotel.
8
Rest in Padum
- Wake up in Padum and enjoy a a well earned day off the bike.
- A mountain taxi can take you to Phuktal Monastery, where you can explore the amazing structures set in the mountainside. This involves some trekking to reach but well worth it.
9
Padum to Kargil
- We journey on, with another river crossing challenge and more offroad riding.
- Experience the incredible Tsarap glacial river.
- We sleep in a hotel tonight in Kargil city.
10
Kargil Adventure
- Immerse yourself in a full day to explore the city with market shopping and diverse food options.
11
Leh – Lamaryuru Monastery
- We journey on to Leh, the joint capital of Ladakh.
- Taking twisting roads with good surface. It’s an enjoyable, smoother ride following the river.
- We visit Lamaryuru, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery on the way and conquer Namika La mountain pass (3700 m).
- Finallly, we relax in the charming city of Leh with a good hotel for the night.
12
World’s Highest Pass Option
- Opt to change bikes and travel to the world’s highest motorable pass – Khardungla La (5359 m)
- Achieve a milestone in this lifetime adventure.
- Return to Leh and enjoy another evening in this wonderful, traditional city.
13
Leh Local Market and Final Meal
- Explore local markets in Leh and with sightseeing.
- Enjoy our final meal in the majestic mountains.
14
Return to Delhi – Homeward Journey
- Bid farewell to Leh as we drop you at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport for you to commence the onward journey back home.
Motorcycle Tour Inclusions:
Immerse yourself in a thrilling adventure with our motorcycle tour. Your experience includes:
- Vintage Motorcycle Experience: Embark on a journey aboard classic and meticulously maintained motorcycles, providing a vintage riding experience.
- Experienced Guides: Benefit from the expertise of seasoned guides who lead the way, ensuring a safe and enjoyable exploration of the chosen routes.
- Scenic Routes and Landscapes: Navigate through breathtaking landscapes and discover scenic routes carefully curated to offer awe-inspiring views and memorable riding moments.
- Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in local cultures and traditions, as our tours are designed to provide authentic encounters with diverse communities along the way.
- Accommodation: Enjoy comfortable accommodations that reflect the charm of the regions visited, offering a blend of comfort and local character.
- Fuel: Unike most other tour companies, fuel costs for the motorcycles are included in the tour package and will be covered for the mileage of our tour itinerary. The motorcycles must only be used in accordance with the tour itinerary.
- Border Fees and Permits: Fees or permits for border crossings are included in the package.
Motorcycle Tour Exclusions:
- Personal Travel Insurance: Travel insurance, including health and motorcycle coverage, is not included. Clients are responsible for securing comprehensive insurance for the duration of the tour.
- Meals and Beverages: Only breakfast is included within the package. Clients should budget for meals and beverages (such as lunch and dinner) as this is not covered in the tour package.
- Flights: Airfare to and from the tour starting point is not included in the package. Internal airfare inside India is not included in the package.
- Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses, including but not limited to souvenirs, additional activities, or optional excursions, are not part of the tour package.
- Motorcycle Gear: Personal riding gear, such as helmets, jackets, gloves, and boots, is not provided. Participants are required to bring their own suitable gear.
- Additional activities: Any optional activities or attractions are not covered and should be arranged and paid for by participants.
Riding Gear:
- Helmet: Ensure it meets safety standards and is comfortable for long rides.
- Riding Jacket: Provides protection against wind and possible falls.
- Riding Pants: Durable and protective against weather and road abrasion.
- Riding Boots: Sturdy and comfortable for both riding and walking.
- Gloves: Full-fingered gloves for grip and protection.
Clothing:
- Layers: Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking layers for varying temperatures.
- Waterproof Jacket and Pants: Protection against rain or unexpected weather changes.
- Thermal Underwear: Especially useful for chilly mornings and nights.
- Buff/Scarf: Protects against dust, wind, and can be used in various ways.
Essentials:
- Documents: International license, ID, travel insurance & Visa if needed
- Money: Sufficient cash and cards; ATMs can be scarce in remote areas.
- Emergency Contact Information: Written down and easily accessible.
- Personal Medical Kit: Bandages, pain relievers, altitude sickness medication, etc.
Personal Items:
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.
- Suncrean and Lip Balm: High SPF for protection against strong mountain sun.
- Sunglasses: UV-protected and suitable for riding.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, especially at high altitudes.
- Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits for quick bites.
Electronics:
- Camera: Capture the stunning landscapes.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged, especially if camping.
- Adapters/Chargers: Ensure compatibility with local power outlets.
Miscellaneous:
- Backpack/Daypack: For day trips and carrying essentials.
- Ear Plugs: For reducing wind noise during long rides.
- Dry Bags: Protect important items from rain or river crossings.
There is considerable offroad riding during this tour. If you’re unsure about this style of riding, please talk to us.
The highest pass on this tour is the “Khardungla La Mountain Pass” with an altitude of 17,580 feet (around 5359 meters). We do not recommend this tour for anyone with previous issues with altitude or pre-existing medical conditions. If in doubt, please talk to your doctor before booking with us.
For more information on booking Terms & Conditions, please click here.