Zanskar Bike Trip with Phuktal Trek, Shinkula, Gombo Rangjon

Difficulty – Easy

Altitude gain – 3500m

Highlights – Briefing of trip & allocation of bike

Upon arrival at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, you will arrange a taxi on your own and proceed to your hotel. Leh sits at an altitude of around 3,500 meters, so the first day is dedicated to proper acclimatization. After check-in, take the day slowly—stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol, and refrain from any strenuous physical activity to allow your body to adjust to the high-altitude Himalayan environment.

In the evening, the group will assemble for a detailed tour briefing, where the ride leader explains the route, safety guidelines, riding formation, and important high-altitude riding tips for the upcoming Zanskar motorcycle tour with umlingla. During this session, motorcycles will be allocated and inspected, allowing riders to familiarize themselves with their bikes and ensure everything is in perfect condition before the journey begins.

Difficulty/Duration – Easy/Approx. 4 hours

Altitude gain – 10m 

Highlights – Moonland view | Lamayuru monastery 

After breakfast, the ride begins as you depart from Leh and head west on the scenic National Highway 1 (Leh–Kargil Highway) toward Lamayuru. The first stop of the day is the Hall of Fame, a museum maintained by the Indian Army that showcases war memorabilia and honors soldiers who served in the high Himalayas. From here, the journey continues along the Indus valley to Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, where riders often pause briefly for prayers and to experience the peaceful atmosphere of this revered Sikh shrine.

A short ride further brings you to the famous Magnetic Hill, known for its unique optical illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill against gravity. The route then gradually opens into the vast desert-like landscapes of Taru Thang, where riders can enjoy sweeping views of the rugged Himalayan terrain and the distant Ladakh Range. Today’s ride is relatively smooth and enjoyable, with long stretches of well-paved highway allowing you to settle into the rhythm of the journey.

Continuing further, you will arrive at the dramatic “moonland” landscape surrounding Lamayuru, famous for its unusual rock formations that resemble the surface of the moon. After taking some time to capture photos of this surreal terrain, you will check in to your hotel. In the evening, visit the historic Lamayuru Monastery, perched on a hill overlooking the village and valley below. Later, return to the hotel, relax, and prepare for the adventure that awaits on the following day.

Overnight stay at Lamayuru

Difficulty/Duration – Difficult/Approx. 8 hours

Altitude gain – 180m 

Highlights – Zanskar river and picturesque landscape

After an early breakfast, the ride begins from Lamayuru toward the remote landscapes of Zanskar Valley. The route passes through the villages of Wanla and Photoksar, where riders can admire the beautiful Photoksar Monastery. After a short break near Sirsir La, the road climbs to Singe La (5,050 m). From here the route descends toward Nyerak Village, eventually reaching the Zanskar River and the historic settlement of Zangla. Continuing past Stongday and its hilltop monastery, the ride ends at Padum, the main town of Zanskar.

Roam around the bazaar and overnight stay at Padum.

Difficulty/Duration – Moderate /Approx. 3 hours
Altitude gain – 200m at Purne as compared to Padum
Highlights – Phuktal Trek, Gombo Rangjun (sacred mountain of Ladakh), Skinku-la pass (16580ft)

After a healthy breakfast in Padum, the ride continues deeper into Zanskar Valley toward Purne on mostly smooth asphalt roads. The route passes through the scenic village of Purney, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, before reaching Kargyak, the last inhabited village in this remote part of Zanskar. From Purne, begin the trek to the spectacular Phugtal Monastery, a journey that takes about two to three hours depending on your pace. Built into a dramatic cliffside cave above the river, the monastery is one of the most unique spiritual sites in the Himalayas. After spending time exploring the monastery, enjoy a simple lunch or tea at the small guesthouse run by the monks. Later, trek back to Purne via the same route, have dinner, and enjoy the peaceful silence of this remote Himalayan valley. Overnight stay at Purne campsite.

Difficulty/Duration – Moderate/Approx. 7 hours
Altitude gain – 450m as compared to Purne
Highlights – Gombo Rangjon, Shinkula pass (16580ft), Baralacha-la pass

After breakfast in Purne, the ride continues toward Sarchu through remote sections of Zanskar Valley. The initial stretch remains rugged with off-road terrain as you pass the scenic village of Kargyak, surrounded by dramatic Himalayan landscapes. Along the way, riders will spot the striking peak of Gombo Rangjon, a sacred mountain rising dramatically from the valley floor. The route then climbs toward Shinku La, where the descent requires careful riding due to tricky sections. After reaching Darcha, the journey joins the Leh–Manali Highway, and the smooth asphalt road continues toward Sarchu, via Baralacha pass, offering a more relaxed ride after the adventurous mountain section. Overnight stay at Sarchu.

Difficulty / Duration – Difficult/Approx 7 hours

Altitude gain – 0m 

Highlights – Lachung-La, Ghata Loop, Pang, Moore plain.

After breakfast in Sarchu, the ride begins toward the stunning high-altitude lake of Tso Moriri. Soon you will encounter the famous Gata Loops, a dramatic series of 21 hairpin bends that climb toward Lachulung La, a perfect spot for photos. Continuing ahead, reach Pang for a lunch break before entering the vast More Plains, a 40-km stretch of open high-altitude plateau. At Debring, turn toward Puga Valley to witness the geothermal Puga Hot Springs. The route then passes the beautiful salt lake Tso Kar, where lucky travelers may spot the rare Black-necked Crane. By evening, arrive at Tso Moriri, relax by the lake, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight near the shores of this breathtaking Tsomoriri lake

Difficulty / Duration – Moderate/Approx. 6 hours

Altitude loss - 200m as compared to Tsomoriri

Highlights – Hanle Observatory, Hanle Monastery

After breakfast at Tso Moriri, begin the ride toward the remote Himalayan settlement of Hanle, a highlight of Himalayan motorcycle adventure itineraries. where the landscape gradually transforms into the vast high-altitude plains of eastern Ladakh. 

As you ride deeper into this isolated region, the scenery changes dramatically—barren mountains, wide valleys, and colorful rock formations create an unforgettable riding experience typical of a high-altitude motorcycle expedition in the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Hanle, visit the famous Indian Astronomical Observatory, one of the highest astronomical observatories in the world, ideally before 5 pm.

As night falls, Hanle reveals one of the clearest night skies in India, offering a spectacular opportunity for stargazing in the Himalayas. After a hearty dinner, relax in the peaceful atmosphere of this remote valley and enjoy an overnight stay at a cottage in Hanle.

Difficulty/Duration – Difficult/Approx 8 hours

Altitude gain – 1580m from Hanle to Umling-la

Highlights –Plain of Kalatartar, Nerbo-La, Umling-La (World highest motorable road) 19020ft.

After an early breakfast in Hanle, Getting ready for one of the most adventurous sections of the journey. Ride in formation and maintain a safe distance while following the road captain, as the team proceeds toward Hanle Bridge. After crossing the bridge, the route opens into the vast Kalatartar Plains, a high-altitude off-road stretch similar to the famous More Plains, but far more rugged and remote.

This section is a true highlight of the Zanskar Motorcycle trip, where riders experience wide open terrain, sandy tracks, and the complete silence of the trans-Himalayan plateau. The trail gradually climbs toward Umling La, the world’s highest motorable road, offering breathtaking panoramic views at the summit. After spending some time at the top capturing photos and soaking in the sense of achievement, the group rides back to Hanle via the same route.

Difficulty/Duration – Moderate/Approx 8 hours

Altitude of Leh - 3500m

Highlights – Chumathang Hotspring, 

Start the day early in Hanle with a hearty breakfast, as today’s ride back to Leh covers approximately 250 km. Depart around 7 a.m. to allow time for short stops along the way. The route passes through Chumathang, a small settlement known for its natural hot springs where riders can take a refreshing break for a balanced riding experience before returning to the main town.

After refueling and continuing toward Leh, there may be time to visit the beautiful Thiksey Monastery, one of the most impressive monasteries in Ladakh. If the schedule allows, you can also stop at Druk Padma Karpo School, popularly known as the “3 Idiots School” from the film 3 Idiots. By evening, arrive back in Leh and relax at the hotel after completing this memorable Himalayan motorcycle journey.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Leh.

 Zanskar bike trip with Umling-la ends with loads of smile and memories, See you on our next adventure.