Many people hope to take a bike trip to Ladakh at least once in their lives. Others, on the other hand, are seasoned veterans of epic bike expeditions like Leh Ladakh. A bike trip to Leh forces you to try new things, whether you’re a pro or not. Prepare for rough terrain and unpredictable weather; it will test you both physically and mentally.
The route has earned the reputation of being one of the best road trips in the world. That’s right! Snow-capped mountains, narrow roads with sharp curves, Karakoram mountain ranges, ancient monasteries, and other surreal sights add to the experience.
The best time to visit Leh Ladakh on bike is from mid-May to October. The roads from Srinagar open in mid-May, with the Manali route following later in the month. This road trip is only available in the fall and summer months.
Ladakh’s summers (June-September)
Are truly beautiful, with mild temperatures and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. For the rest of the year, the only way to get to Ladakh is via the Manali-Leh highway. Although there is an alternate route to the location, the Srinagar-Leh highway, it is also susceptible to landslides.
Furthermore, the entire atmosphere of the establishment is best enjoyed during the summer. Most people consider Ladakh to be a dream destination, and it appears to be a worthwhile destination for travellers. Be it the breathtaking scenery of snow-capped mountains interspersed with enticing valleys and lakes, Ladakh will undoubtedly resonate with you. This location begs to be endured with the best experience, beautifully displaying the sights of the magnificent field of valleys and slopes coupled with the relishing knowledge of perseverance via the spectacularly beautiful surroundings.
Summer is one of the best times to visit because you can fully appreciate and enjoy the energising surroundings. The snow appears to have softened this time of year, creating a spectacular buzz of scenery. Late April is full of exciting developments. At this time, the Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes begin to melt quickly, revealing the area’s spectacular colour and sight. Leh is currently blessed with beautiful weather and a clear sky. You should consider visiting Stongdey Monastery, Likir Monastery, Shey Monastery, and Thiksey Monastery at this time.
Significance
During this time, you can also enjoy the best festivals, such as YuruKabgyat, Hemis Festivals, and SakaDawa, which are only held in June. The Hemis festival, which honours the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Padmasambhava, is well worth seeing. It includes incredible masked performances, brightly coloured costumes, and unique music that should not be missed.
Learn before you go
Between April and mid-May, there is no heavy snowfall, and the summer season gradually and steadily takes over. Visitors planning to visit Ladakh during this time can search for homestays, hotels, places, and guesthouses on a variety of online travel websites.
The road to Leh is now open, and eager bikers are raring to go. And, because “precaution is better than cure,” we’ve compiled a list of things to keep in mind during your adventure.
- There are two routes to Leh: one from Manali and another from Srinagar. Manali to Leh is approximately 476 kilometres, while Srinagar and Leh are approximately 434 kilometres apart. The most popular route, however, is the Manali route, which traverses treacherous terrain and some of the world’s highest motorable passes. Our advice is to take the Srinagar route, which will take you gradually up the high terrain rather than in a quick, steep climb.
- You must be prepared to deal with the inevitable Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It all comes down to your coping mechanism and level of preparedness.
- Always keep yourself hydrated. Drink three to four litres of water per day.
- Try not to switch to your intense yoga mode the moment you reach Leh. Even brisk walking will take a toll on you at such a high altitude. Wait till your body is sufficiently acclimatised.
- Prepare for the long journey ahead of you. Jog to increase your endurance.
- Once in Leh, check your Inner Line Permits (ILP). To obtain the permits, you must go to the DC office in Leh.
- Don’t be hurried. Take frequent breaks and give yourself plenty of time to acclimate and enjoy the scenery.
- Avoid smoking and drinking while travelling, and carry more cash with you instead of relying on ATMs.
- If you want your limbs and head to be safe in the event of an accident, wear protective biking gear.
- Carry extra gasoline, an extra puncture kit, accelerator cables, clutch cables, tubes, fuses, and an air pump with you because there are few gas stations along the route.
- It is free to smile at strangers. Be a responsible tourist, and remember to be courteous to the truck drivers! If something goes wrong, trucks are the best way to get help.
- Include a few extra days in your itinerary. It is not a good idea to visit Leh by bike if you are on a tight schedule.
