Introduction
A bike trip to Leh Ladakh is on every adventurer’s list. Ladakh is surrounded by the Himalayas and offers unique experiences to travelers around the world. Although the area is accessible for all types of transportation, riding a bicycle there offers a unique experience. You can expect a Leh Ladakh Bike Tour that will take you over dangerous roads, mountain slopes, rocky terrains, and ancient monasteries, all surrounded by babbling rivers. It’s impossible not to take pictures of the stunning scenery at every turn.
The best things to do in Leh-Ladakh
Before you embark on your Leh Ladakh bicycle journey, here are some things to consider. Let’s take a look at them.
- Learn when it is best to ride a bicycle in Ladakh. Tourists can ride on the Ladakh road from May to October. The weather is perfect for sightseeing tours and bike rides.
- You should have your driver’s license and photocopies of any other government-issued ID proofs such as your voter card, aadhaar card, or passport.
- Vehicle breakdowns are quite common in Ladakh due to the rugged terrain. For common problems, you will need to be familiar with the self-repair of bicycles. These self-repairing tips will be helpful in an emergency, as there are not any mechanic shops in remote Ladakh.
What is the best Ladakh bike for a bike tour in 2022?
Royal Enfield is the first thing that springs to mind when I think about the Leh Ladakh tour. Riders are spoilt for choice with so many amazing bikes available. The bike you choose will depend on factors such as how far you plan to ride, your luggage weight, and whether you are traveling with a friend. No matter which bike you choose, long-distance riding is something you should be comfortable with. Let’s take a look at the top bikes for a smooth and comfortable ride.
Royal Enfield Himalayan
This versatile motorcycle can be taken almost anywhere riders want to go. This masterpiece has dual-purpose tires that allow for easy riding on any terrain. The Royal Enfield Himalayan offers comfort for long trips with its comfortable seats, 15-liter fuel tank, magnetic compass, and upright handles. The motorcycle also offers pillion comfort.
Bajaj’s Pulsar
Bajaj Pulsar F250 or N250 is another great option for a trip to Ladakh. These are reliable for long distances and will not disappoint. The F250 and N250 do not have a kickstart option. The engine’s ignition is completely controlled by the self-start mechanism.
Avenger Cruise 220 with Bajaj
Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220, a modern cruiser bike, has a classic look that will make your trip enjoyable. It is very comfortable. The bike is ideal for road trips due to its large windscreen, low seat height, and extra-wide grips. It is powered by a 220cc engine with a 5-speed transmission, making it ideal for many routes and weather conditions.
Royal Enfield Interceptor (650)
Its classic design makes it a favorite among bike enthusiasts. It is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 52 Nm of torque and an air/oil-cooled smooth engine that produces 47 bhp. The 6-speed gearbox also comes standard. Because of its powerful performance, the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 makes mountain riding easy.
Kawasaki Versys 650
The Kawasaki Versys650 is a great motorcycle for Leh Ladakh. The Kawasaki Versys 650 is suitable for long-distance journeys thanks to its adjustable shocks, adjustable windscreen, large extended seats, and modern 649cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine. It can still be driven on a road.
Popular Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Routes
Two routes can be used to make the amazing Ladakh bike ride: the Manali–Leh Highway or the Srinagar–Leh Highway.
Highway Manali-Leh
You will see sights you could only imagine on this route. The Manali-Leh highway has been a favorite route for cyclists due to the many spectacular mountain passes and gushing streams. Manali to Leh takes approximately 11 hours and 20 minutes and is 427 km long. This route crosses the Rohtang Pass, which connects Kullu with Lahaul and Spiti. This voyage would reach its midpoint at Sarchu. Keylong is, however, the most popular overnight destination. This route can be taken by travelers starting in May. However, heavy snowfall at Rohtang or Baralacha could cause road closures until June. There is also the chance of landslide jams during the wet season. Before you take a road trip, make sure to consult the tour operator.
Highway Srinagar-Leh
Although less well-known than the Srinagar-Leh highway, it’s just as beautiful. It takes approximately 10 hours to travel the 418-kilometer route from Srinagar, India to Leh. This route has more options for hotels and petrol refueling than Manali-Leh. Sonmarg and Zojila Pass are the highlights of this route, as well as Kargil and a few monasteries.
