Monasteries Of Zanskar – Motorcycle Expedition

Details
Map
Itinerary
Gallery
Review

Bike Tour Details

Whom is this for

If You are addicted to Adventure and looking for a new high, then this ride will deliver it in truck loads. The Zanskar Motorcycle Expedition is for the experienced adventure rider who is not afraid of riding on rough dirt roads and heights.

To know more WhatsApp at +91 98 3030 8847

What do you “Take-Away” from this ride

For thousands of years, the Zanskar Valley was accessible only to hardened trekkers. It has just about become possible to ride an adventure motorcycle through the valley. So enjoy exploring the valley before it gets commercial.

Riding through Zanskar is like travelling back in time. Gravel roads, gurgling brooks, ancient traditional mud homes and a shot at experiencing a subsistance lifestyle are just some of the take away of this ride.

What else

The breath-taking scenery, scale of mountains that dwarf all human endeavors, warm locals with a culture that has largely remained in isolation for many thousands of years, their ancient Monasteries and a subsistence way of life will make every moment in this ride memorable.

Highlights of the ride

The route highlights are Drang Drung Glasier, remote high altitude passes Singe La and Sirsir La (La in Ladaki means Mountain Pass) and viewing the tallest mountain peaks in Ladakh. We will pass thru hamlets like Rangdum and Purne. We will also get to visit Buddhist Monasteries that are over a thousand years old.

This ride is designed to be a combination of extreme riding and witnessing a culture that has kept the locals happy in this remoteness.

To know more WhatsApp at +91 98 3030 8847

Why NOW and not some other time

Now is the time to experience this really wild side of the Northern Himalayas. In the few two years, good roads, electricity and telephone connectivity will change everything. The old world novelty of Zanskar will be permanently lost to modern development.

Why ride with Red Panda Adventures

We have deep local knowledge of this terrain, culture and riding at high altitude. We also understand you need a good mix of hard riding thru the day and comfort at the end of it.

To know more WhatsApp at +91 98 3030 8847

Departure & Return Location

Leh

Price Includes

Airport pick up & drop
Hotel Accommodation
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Experienced tour guide & Sweep
Royal Enfield Himalaya rental fee
Fuel
Back up 4x4 SUV
Local Permits

Price Excludes

Airfare to and from Leh
Personal Insurance
Any private expenses
Additional meals, tips etc.
Indian Visa fees
Accidental expenditure

Zanskar Motorcycle Expedition

From Rs.

Date

Riders

Pillions

Explore The Tour Map

Tour Itinerary

Day

New Delhi to Leh

All our local and international guest riders will arrive at Leh Airport (IXL). Guest riders will be received at the Leh Airport and taken to the hotel. Group meet for dinner around 19:00hrs. Ride briefing and welcome kit distribution.

Leh Local

Leh 3493m | 50km | This day is to be exploring Leh town. Walk as much as possible this will help with acclimatization. Get familiar with the motorcycles and make adjustments as required.

Leh - Kargil

Kargil Alt 2676m | 270km | 6 hrs: Roll out at 7:00 am. Ride over the highest point on the Leh- Srinagar Highway, Fotu La (4,108m). Travel thru remote the Aryan Village. Cross Hambutling La (4060m) and descend in to Kargil. Check in to a lovely Resort by later afternoon.

Kargil - Rangdum

Rangdum Alt 4161m | 131km | 8 hrs: Roll out at 7:00 am. We will be riding along the Suru River. Tarmac roads will end at about 70km from Kargil. There on, we will be riding on dirt roads flanked by tall mountains and glaciers.

Rangdum - Padum

Padum Alt 3586m | 104km | 6 hrs: Roll out at 9:00 am. We will stop at the 500yrs old Rangdum Gompa to soak in the views of the Suru Valley. In about 25km from there, we will go over Pensi La (4400m). and enter the Zanskar Valley. Just past Pensi La, we will also get a bird’s eye view of the spectacular Drang Drung Glacier (23km long). Pensi La is the watershed divide for the Suru River and Stod River (a tributary of Zanskar River). If time permits, we can take a short detour to visit the mystical Dzonkul Gompa

Padum - Gumbok Rangjan - Purne

Purne Atl 3585m | 108km | 8hrs: Roll out at 8:00am. We will ride up to the spectacular holy mountain Gombuk Rangjan, turn around and get to Purne. The entire route is on rough dirt roads. This part of the ride will redefine the meaning of “remote” for you. Purne is a very small village sitting on the confluence of the Kurgiak river and the Tsrap River (both tributaries of Zanskar River).

Purne - Fugtal Gompa - Purne

Phugtal Gompa Alt 4000m | 7km | 8hrs: This is a 3.5km trek along the Trap River in the Lungnak valley to reach one of the most elusive Buddhist Monasteries in the world. Getting to this 2000 yrs old Cave monastery has been the main attraction of trekkers from around the world. While we highly recommend this trek, guests may also choose to stay back rest at the home stay.

Purne - Zangla

Zangla Alt 3375m | 85km | 6 hrs: Roll out at 9:00 am. Ride back to Padum. Visit Zanskar’s largest Gompa. View the entire Padum Valley and the snow-capped mountains beyond it. Then ride onwards to the Ancient Kindgom of Zangla.

Zangla - Lingshed

Lingshed Alt 3800m | 55km | 3 hrs: Roll out at 10:00am. Visit Zangla Palace and then ride in the Zanskar gorge for a while. The climb from the river to Margam La will be the steepest and the longest dirt road you would ever ride on. Crossing Margam La will reveal the beautiful Lingshed Village. The Lingshed bowl has been inhabited for over a thousand years.

Lingshed - Leh

Leh Alt: 3493m | 215km | 8 hrs: This is the last day of our adventure ride. We will be crossing two spectacularly beautiful passes and ancient villages. Till we get on the smooth fast highway to Leh.

Tour Gallery

Explore Our Exclusive, Otherworldly Retreats From The Ride.

Riding in the Himalayas is a lot of fun and promises adventure around every bend. Formed over millions of years, the Himalayas command and deserve respect. We try our best to inform our clients of all the possible challenges they might face and also of all the key highlights and attractions along the way. However, the ultimate responsibility of safety lies with the riders. We have had the pleasure of riding with over 150 riders in the last eight years and we hope to continue building these relations with like-minded individuals across the world.

This Monasteries of Zanskar motorcycle trip is not suited for someone who has just started riding and/or has fear of heights. The terrain and the altitude can get overwhelming. We do not believe in rushing through this and we have a time table which allows for many stops along the way, for photographs and chit chat. There are a multitude of ‘chai’ stops along the way but we aim to start and finish the ride each day while the sun is up. The accommodation and food we provide is considered to be top of the line for this part of the world but we do expect our clients to set their expectations accordingly. Luxury in this part of the world is relative to the terrain and needs a bit of adjusting. As a result of our extensive experience of operating in this region, we take full precautions for health and safety before and during our trips. We have a well-equipped support vehicle that is part of each our trips. We carry spares for all kinds of small and big breakdowns and a mechanic is always part of the crew. The team is trained in first aid and we carry a well-stocked first aid kit along with medicines to tackle altitude sickness, stomach bugs, nausea, fever and headaches. We have a list of all police stations, hospitals, military posts and emergency services for all our routes to handle all eventualities.