The Roof of the World Awaits

Highlights of Ladakh 2026

Ride beyond the clouds on the ultimate Himalayan motorcycle experience.

The Ridelah Highlights of Ladakh is not just a tour; it is a pilgrimage for the modern adventurer. Designed for riders who seek the sublime, this 10-day expedition takes you deep into the high-altitude desert of the Changthang Plateau, where the air is thin, the light is pure, and the roads defy gravity.

From the vibrant Buddhist culture of Leh to the silence of the Great Himalayas, this journey is a study in contrasts. You will navigate the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road, ride alongside the borders of nations, and camp under the clearest skies on Earth. But the crown jewel of this adventure is the ascent to Umling La—at 19,300 feet, it is officially the highest motorable road in the world.

This is a ride of bragging rights and bucket lists. It combines the thrill of high-adventure motorcycling with the comfort of curated logistics, ensuring that your only focus is the road ahead.

Join us in August 2026. The mountains are calling.

Highlights

  • Conquer the World's Highest Road: Earn the ultimate badge of honor by riding to the top of Umling La (19,300 ft), surpassing the altitude of Everest Base Camp on two wheels.

  • The Twin Lakes of Changthang: Experience the surreal beauty of Ladakh's most famous high-altitude lakes. Witness the color-shifting blue waters of Pangong Tso and the pristine, mystical calm of Tso Moriri.

  • The Nubra Valley & Shyok Axis: Ride over the legendary Khardung La into the "Valley of Flowers." Navigate the famous sand dunes of Hunder and challenge your skills on the rugged Shyok River road.

  • A Brush with History at Turtuk: Journey to the edge of the map at Turtuk, a Balti village reclaimed by India in 1971. Experience a culture distinct from the rest of Ladakh, just miles from the Line of Control.

  • Stargazing in Hanle: Stay in the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, one of the few places on the planet with zero light pollution, offering an astronomical view of the Milky Way that will leave you breathless.

  • Strategic Borders: Ride through the legendary Rezang La, paying respects at the war memorial that marks the historic stand of 1962, surrounded by the stark beauty of the borderlands.

  • Cultural Immersion: From the ancient monasteries of Thiksey and Diskit to the gravity-defying Magnetic Hill, experience the spiritual heart of "Little Tibet."

  • Altitude: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)

    Highlights: Shanti Stupa, Leh Market.

    Description: Fly into Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL). Strict rest is mandatory today. The jump in altitude is significant, and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a real risk. Drink plenty of water and allow your body to acclimatize. Late afternoon, a gentle walk to the market or Shanti Stupa is permissible.

  • Distance: 70 km Round Trip | 2-3 Hours

    The Ride: Smooth tarmac on the Srinagar-Leh highway.

    Highlights: Magnetic Hill, Pathar Sahib Gurudwara, Sangam (Confluence of Zanskar & Indus Rivers).

    Description: A relaxed acclimatization ride. You head west on NH1. The roads are wide and smooth, allowing you to get a feel for the bikes and the altitude without physical stress. The optical illusion at Magnetic Hill and the contrasting colors of the rivers at Sangam are the main attractions.

  • Distance: 125 km | 5-6 Hours

    Altitude: 5,359 m (17,582 ft) at Pass; 3,048 m (10,000 ft) at Nubra.

    The Ride: Steep ascent on tarmac, rough/slushy near the top.

    Highlights: Khardung La (Top of the world contender), Diskit Monastery.

    Description: The adventure begins. You climb rapidly to Khardung La. It can be cold and windy at the top. The descent into the Shyok Valley (Nubra) is spectacular. You finish the day in the warmer, sandy dunes of Hunder or Diskit.

  • Distance: 160 km Round Trip | 5-6 Hours

    Altitude: 3,001 m (9,846 ft)

    The Ride: Winding road alongside the Shyok River. Generally good tarmac.

    Highlights: Turtuk Village, Balti Culture, View of K2 (on a clear day/vantage point), Pakistan Border proximity.

    Description: You ride to the edge of India. Turtuk was under Pakistan's control until 1971 and offers a unique Balti culture, distinct from the rest of Ladakh. The landscape changes to stark, jagged peaks. Return to Hunder/Diskit for the night.

  • Distance: 160 km | 6-7 Hours

    Altitude: 4,250 m (13,940 ft)

    The Ride: "The Shyok Grind." Rough patches, river bed crossings, potential water crossings.

    Highlights: Riding along the Shyok River, First view of the blue Pangong Lake.

    Description: Instead of returning to Leh, you take the direct Shyok axis route. This road runs parallel to the river and can be unpredictable with water crossings (nallahs) caused by glacial melt in August. You emerge at the world-famous, color-changing Pangong Lake.

  • Distance: 160 km | 6-7 Hours

    Altitude: 4,500 m (14,760 ft)

    The Ride: Mostly dirt/off-road along the border (Chushul route).

    Highlights: Chushul, Rezang La War Memorial, Tsaga La, Hanle Dark Sky Reserve.

    Description: A ride for the purists. You hug the shoreline of Pangong and head south towards Chushul. You will pass the legendary Rezang La War Memorial (1962 conflict). The terrain is sandy and vast. Hanle is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory and offers the clearest night skies in India.

  • IDistance: 150 km Round Trip | 5-6 Hours

    Altitude:5,883 m (19,300 ft)

    The Ride: Excellent tarmac (BRO engineering marvel) but extreme altitude.

    Highlights:Umling La – The Highest Motorable Road in the World.

    Description: The summit day. You ascend higher than Everest Base Camp. The road is surprisingly well-paved, but the lack of oxygen is the challenge. You stay at the top for only 15-20 minutes for photos before descending back to the safety of Hanle.

  • Distance: 150 km | 5-6 Hours

    Altitude: 4,522 m (14,836 ft)

    The Ride: Mix of tarmac and broken dirt tracks.

    Highlights: Mahe Bridge, Kyagar Tso, Korzok Monastery.

    Description: You head west toward the Changthang Plateau's other gem, Tso Moriri. This lake is higher and less commercial than Pangong. The village of Korzok is a rustic settlement of Changpa nomads.

  • Distance: 220 km | 7-8 Hours

    The Ride: Scenic descent along the Indus River. mostly good tarmac.

    Highlights: Chumathang Hot Springs, The purple mountains of Upshi.

    Description: The long ride back to civilization. You follow the Indus River, passing the hot sulphur springs at Chumathang. The road improves significantly as you near Upshi and rejoin the Manali-Leh highway, cruising back into Leh for a farewell dinner.

  • Description: Transfer to Leh Airport for the morning flight out.

3 to 12 August 2026

  • Duration: 10 Days
    Capacity: 8 (Min.) to 16 Riders (Max.)

  • Cut-off Date: 4 June 2026
    Mandatory Pre-ride Briefing: 27 June 2026

  • Total Distance: Approx. 1,000 – 1,100 km

  • Highest Altitude: 5,883 m / 19,300 ft (Umling La – World Record)

  • Terrain: High passes, water crossings (Shyok axis), sandy flats (Nubra), and smooth military tarmac.

  • Adventure Level: Moderate to Extreme

    Tour Price*: RM10,999
    (Ridelah members only.)

Sign Up

* Exclusions:

  • Return airfare

  • India visa (if applicable)

  • Travel and medical insurance

  • Incidentals/Gratuities

What you’ll get (Tour Inclusions)

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    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycle rental.

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    Petrol for the motorcycle.

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    All tolls and entry fees.

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    Accommodation (twin-sharing).

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    Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

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    Daily bottled water (X2).

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    Experienced Road Captain.

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    Mechanic throughout the ride.

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    Support vehicle (for luggage & other essentials).

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    Dainese Explorer WP Upbag 19L.

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    Exclusive ride merchandise.

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    Ridelah vouchers*

View Other 2026 Rides.