- Sport & Abenteuer Reisen
- Fahrrad & MTB
overview
This extraordinary bike tour through the rugged and impressive landscape of Ladakh is a real challenge and an unforgettable adventure. The route passes through some of the highest motorable passes in the world, including the legendary Khardung La (5,349 m) and the highest motorable pass, the Umling La (5,850 m). The journey begins in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, and leads through breathtaking valleys, past crystal-clear lakes and through remote villages where we experience the unique culture of the region at first hand. The extreme altitudes and demanding routes require excellent fitness and mental strength. But those who take on this challenge will be rewarded with incomparable views and a deep connection to nature.
Program
Day 1: Arrival in Leh
The flight to Leh takes us over the majestic peaks of the Himalayas and offers a foretaste of the adventure that lies ahead. On arrival, we are transferred to the hotel, where we can rest and acclimatize.
Day 2: Arrival and welcome dinner
We take it easy on our first day in Leh to get used to the altitude. In the evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner together and discuss the coming days.
Day 3: Acclimatization in Leh
A leisurely stroll through Leh helps us to get used to the thinner air. We explore the local market, visit the impressive Leh Palace and enjoy the view of the Indus Valley.
Day 4: Sightseeing in Leh
A sightseeing tour is on the agenda today. We visit the Thiksey Monastery, the Spituk Monastery and the Shanti Stupa before we continue to get used to the altitude.
Day 5: Test ride
A short test ride serves to check our bikes and equipment and prepare us for the challenging stages ahead.
Day 6: Khardung La Pass (5,349 m) – 69 km, 1980 m
The first major challenge awaits us: crossing the Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The long climbs are rewarded with breathtaking views.
Day 7: Hundreds – 52 km, 500 m elevation gain
We ride down into the beautiful Nubra Valley, known for its sand dunes and the rare double-humped camels. A rather relaxed stage after yesterday’s exertion.
Day 8: Agham – 56 km, 500 m elevation gain
Today you continue along the Shyok River, past small villages and spectacular mountain landscapes.
Day 9: Durbuk – 59 km, 1200 m elevation gain
A challenging stage with many meters of elevation gain takes us further towards Lake Pangong. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged and lonely.
Day 10: Man – 62 km, 820 m elevation gain
We reach the famous Pangong Lake with its deep blue waters. The route is challenging, but the view of the lake is worth the effort.
Day 11: Chusul – 40 km, 380 m
Today’s stage is a little shorter and takes us further along Lake Pangong through an impressive high mountain desert.
Day 12: Mahe – 73 km, 1340 m elevation gain
A long day with challenging climbs that take us to an altitude of over 5,400 m. The altitude makes cycling particularly challenging.
Day 13: Hanle – 96 km, 570 m elevation gain
The route leads through remote areas with little infrastructure. Hanle is known for its observatory, one of the highest in the world.
Day 14: Chisumle – 67 km, 1600 m elevation gain, Photila 5,500 m
Another extremely high pass awaits us. The thin air makes every turn of the pedals noticeably harder, overnight in a tent
Day 15: Umling La (5,850 m) – 50 km, 1150 m elevation gain, back to Chisumle
The highlight of the tour! We conquer the highest drivable pass in the world. An unforgettable moment! Overnight stay in a tent
Day 16: Hanle – 43 km, Nurbu La (5,240 m), 800 m elevation gain
After the summit victory, you return to Hanle via the Nurbu La.
Day 17: Transfer to Leh
We take a vehicle back to Leh and review the experiences of the last few days.
Day 18: Relax in Leh
A free day in Leh – perfect for buying souvenirs or simply enjoying the atmosphere.
Day 19: Return flight
With unforgettable memories and having mastered one of the most challenging cycle routes in the world, we start our journey home.
Services
- Transfer to and from the airport
- All entrance fees for sightseeing tours
- All overnight stays during the tour (Jigmet Hotel in Leh, homestays and guesthouses during the bike tour, in the Nubra Valley Hotel, 2 nights in a tent)
- Meals as mentioned (all meals included, except during the Leh days)
- Accompanying support vehicle
- Local guide and mechanic
- Water during the bike tours
- Mountain bike, you can also bring your own bike: €150 discount
- all permits
FlightVisaMeals and drinks not listedTips
Highlights
Leh 
Prayer flags 
Leh Palace 
Culture in Leh 
Leh 
Monks 
Lunch break 
Bactrian camels 
Traditional house 
Sand dunes Hundreds 
Nubra Valley 
Village Karzok 
Traditional costume in Karzok 
Ladakhi villages 
Karzok 
Pengong 
Kardung La Pass 5300 m 
Kardung La climb 
Interaction with monks 
Ladakh 
Ladakh bike tour 
Bicycle Travel Umling La 
Drive to the Umling la Pass 
500 m Before the Umling La Pass Bike Challenge Umling La
Dates & Prices
Fixed dates:
July 26 – August 13, 2025
This tour can also be organized privately according to your own schedule and in variations!
The recommended time is between June and September.
Prices 19 days tour:
2-3 participants from 3100 € per person
from 4 participants 2500 € per person
400 € single room supplement
Travel info
Requirements
The route is never steep, but always either uphill or downhill with some flat sections. Nevertheless, the climbs are sometimes very long and you need good stamina. Due to the altitude, the tour will be particularly difficult for you. The “thin air” is clearly noticeable and you may experience symptoms such as mild headaches and deep breathing. For more severe symptoms of altitude sickness, measures such as canceling the trip must be considered.
The descents can sometimes be quite fast and you should be careful. This tour is suitable for anyone who wants to cycle safely, enjoyably and for a long time. Mountain biking skills are not required.
Bicycles
We provide good mountain bikes with hydraulic brakes and gears as well as a helmet. If you need pedal plates, please bring your own, also if you prefer your own saddle.
This is not a mountain bike tour, but due to the poor road conditions, broken asphalt, some off-road sections or roads under construction, a bike with wide tires and good suspension is preferable.
It is possible to bring your own bike.
Route
This tour is new to our program. Of course, we know the route and have already undertaken several bicycle, motorcycle and car tours in this area, but never in this combination.
Please always be open to changes in the tour program at short notice. Due to the proximity to the border, the Indian army can close the roads at any time. Weather conditions also play a role.
Options
These tours can be combined with the Ladakh bike tour:
If you are well acclimatized, you can skip the acclimatization days and start the tour on day 5.
The acclimatization period can also be shortened by one day in Leh at your own risk.
You can also combine all our Himalayan bike tours to make an epic 35 to 50-day tour:
- Start in Shimla and drive through the Kinnaur and Spiti areas (Tour 1)
- Continue through Zanskar to Leh (Tour 2)
- Umlinga Ladakh bike tour
- Drive on the Manali-Leh Highway to Manali (Tour 3 in reverse)
- Optionally you can add the tour from Manali to Daramshala (tour 4 backwards) or end the round trip by bike back to Shimla
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in beautiful, comfortable guesthouses and hotels, but also stay with simple host families and in permanent camps in luxury camps
All the villages and areas we stay in are very remote and sometimes only offer basic amenities.
