Introduction
Ladakh, known as the “Land of High Passes,” is a mecca for bikers and provides exceptional opportunities for a road trip to Ladakh. For keen adventurers, meandering through some of the world’s highest motorable roads and taking in the sights of this enthralling region of India is a dream come true.
They anticipate an exciting and scenic journey, but the truth is that a road trip to Leh Ladakh is not for the faint of heart. The rugged landscape and unpredictable weather never cease to pose challenges and present some barriers to the bikers, no matter how thrilling it sounds. So, if a Leh Ladakh bike trip is on your itinerary, we have a well-prepared guide to Ladakh bike trips from Delhi for you. This will help you have a smooth bike trip to this cold desert while overcoming the obstacles along the way.
When is the best time to ride a bike from Delhi to Ladakh?
From June to September is the best time for a bike trip to Leh Ladakh from Delhi. During these months, bikers can enjoy the best tourist circuits in the area.
During the winter months of October to March, many roads and passes remain closed. It could last until May. During these months, avoid taking a road trip to Ladakh. If you choose to visit Leh-Ladakh during this month, you may encounter inclement weather and inaccessible roads. A bike trip to Ladakh should be avoided during the monsoon season as well.
Routes: Delhi to Leh Ladakh by Bike
Routes will take you to your desired location. If we talk about the distance between Delhi and Ladakh, it is approximately 1023 kilometers. Depending on their curiosity, bikers can beat the roads of Ladakh by taking one of two or three incredible routes from Delhi to Leh.
Due to the difficulty of covering the distance between Leh and Ladakh in a single day, it usually takes 2 to 3 days to reach Leh-Ladakh by road. The length of the drive or day may be extended depending on the number of stops made along the way.
Route 1 connects Delhi and Leh via Manali.
If you enjoy landscape photography and want to experience nature’s magnificence at a high altitude, take Delhi to Leh via the Manali route.
Delhi – Chandigarh – Manali – Rohtang Pass – Keylong – Jispa – Sarchu – Tanglang La – Leh is the ideal route from Delhi to Ladakh via Manali.
Distance from Delhi to Ladakh via Manali: 1008 km (approx.)
Time to travel: 26 hours (approx.)
The route from Delhi to Leh via Manali is divided into two sections:
The main road connecting Delhi and Manali is NH 1. You can easily enjoy the ride until you reach Chandigarh. The thrill begins as you approach Rupnagar and begin the uphill climb. After arriving in Mandi, you can take a short refreshing break before continuing to Manali.
From Manali to Leh – This stage features an extremely hilly road that crawls straight to Leh. After a 51-kilometer drive, you will arrive at Rohtang Pass, a high mountain pass in the Himalayas’ eastern Pir Panjal Range.
Enjoy a breathtaking ride through the pass and arrive in Sarchu after a 172-kilometer drive through Keylong and Jispa. After arriving in Sarchu, you are only 250 kilometers away from your dream destination.
Route 2 connects Delhi to Leh via Srinagar.
If you prefer adventures that require the most daring in you but want to avoid mountain sickness, Delhi to Ladakh via the Srinagar route is recommended. Unlike the Manali route, it allows you to adapt to a gradual increase in altitude or new conditions.
Ideal Route: Delhi – Amritsar – Patnitop – Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zojila – Drass – Kargil – Lamayuru – Nimmoo – Leh
Distance from Delhi to Ladakh via Srinagar: 1230 km (approx.)
Time to travel: 28 hours (approx.)
A road trip from Delhi to Leh via Srinagar differs from the route described above. Unlike the Manali route, biking from Delhi to Ladakh via Srinagar allows you to adjust to a gradual increase in altitude or new conditions.
Ideal Duration for a Bike Trip to Leh Ladakh from Delhi
The ideal duration for a bike trip from Delhi to Ladakh is 15 days or more for a decent round trip. However, it is also affected by several factors, including:
- The chosen path
- The total number of halts made
- Problems with bicycles/climatic conditions
- Timetable for the trip
Instructions for a bike trip to Leh Ladakh from Delhi
Before you hit the road, there are a few things you should do to ensure that you have a safe ride.
Always use heavy motorcycles or motorcycles designed specifically for off-roading.
You should inspect the condition of your motorcycle. If necessary, have the motorcycle serviced properly.
