Trans-Himalayan Motorbike Trip

Day 4 Sarahan-Chitkul 106 km

Today we drive to one of the most beautiful Himalayan valleys- The Sangla Valley. Sangla means “pass of light” in Tibetan and we are actually very close to the Tibetan border. The Baspa River flows through the valley. Up to the valley entrance we have a relatively cozy ride in front of us. First it goes downhill from Sarahan back to the main road, from there on one of the most impressive sections partly slightly uphill, partly slightly downhill. Here the road was carved out of the rock far above the Satluj River! Today is spent exploring the beautiful Sangla Valley to the last village of the valley: Chitkul at 3450m. (Overnight stay in guesthouse) F/M/-

Day 5 Chitkul-Kalpa 71 km

First we return for almost 45 km from the Sangla valley, where we come back on our main route through the Satluj valley. For about 10 km we now walk relatively flat past hydroelectric power plant projects and small villages until we come up to the road to Rekong Peo and Kalpa. A 17 km long ascent with about 900 meters of altitude awaits us. Rekong Peo is the capital of Kinnour. Here we get our official permission to continue into the Spiti valley near the Chinese border.

It is a 10 km long ascent up to the beautiful idyllic Kalpa. Kalpa is a good place to buy scarves and the typical Kinnaur caps. (Overnight stay in the inn) F/M/-

Day 6 Kalpa-Nako 109 km

First we head towards Puh. Puh is a beautiful 5000 inhabitants village with apple, apricot and almond trees. It is the first village that belongs to the “Higher” Kinnaur region and during today’s tour we notice a strong change in the landscape. While it was relatively green until Rekong Peo, the area is now much drier, with steep rocky slopes and high snow-capped mountains in the background. The road is being extended, but still runs steeply along the abyss of the Sutlaj. The route goes uphill relatively moderately.

Then we leave the Sutlaj river and follow the river Spiti. Nako, located at an altitude of 3662 m in the Hingrang valley, is the largest village in the area. Here yaks, horses and donkeys graze peacefully next to each other. There will be a long 20 km ascent up to Nako. Here there is not only a lake, but also an old monastery and a traditional village that invites you to explore. (Overnight stay in the inn) F/M/-

Day 7 Nako-Tabo-Dankhar-Kaza 127 km

On the right side of the spiti river is the ancient village of Tabo, flanked by high mountains on both sides. Here you will find one of the most famous Buddhist monasteries: more than a thousand years old, the Tabo Gompa has exquisite frescoes and stucco statues. We visit the monastery Then we continue on our way. For a short distance we go on the “main road” in the direction of Kaza, then drive up on a branch to the village of Dhankar. Dhankar is the ancient capital of the Spiti king. The incredibly beautiful monastery is located between high rocks. From here it goes downhill and then flat on to the district capital Kaza.

In Kaza there is little more than a bus station and a market where people from the surrounding villages do their shopping. We take the opportunity to stay in a beautiful and country-type hotel. (Overnight stay in the inn) F/M/-

Day 8 Visit the villages and monasteries around Kaza 70 km

Today is quite flexible, but we recommend a tour to the high villages to Langza, Komik and Hikkim up to 4500 meters. Here there is a Golden Buddha, the highest post office in the world and the highest village connected to a road.

Afterwards you can take a trip to the Ki Monastery and the interesting village of Kibber. If you like, you can cross the highest bridge in Asia. It connects the villages of Kibber and Chicham via a deep gorge. (Overnight stay in the inn) F/M/-

Day 9 Kaza-Losar-Chandra Valley 93 km

Today we leave the Spiti valley and cross our first real pass: the 4550 meter high Kunzum Pass with a beautiful temple.

Today we can see over 6000 meters high mountains with white glaciers. In addition, we will now be traveling increasingly more on jeeppistes and dirt roads. We live in a luxury camp near the beautiful Chandrat Lake. (Overnight stay in the luxury camp) F/M/A

Day 10 Chandratal-Jispa 135 km

We are now officially starting our tour to Leh. before we reach the Manali Leh Highway, however, we go today for about 60 km to the probably worst developed section: Loose debris, soft sand, a lot of streams. This section is not for beginners! Then we go down to Gramphu and on to the checkpoint in Koksar and we have finally arrived on the well-developed part of the Manali-Leh Highway. On the drive along the Chandra River you will pass through small villages, potato and pea plantations and past spectacular mountains and their glaciers. We reach the district capital Keylong. Here is the last permanent market. Then we continue for 35 km to Jispa. (Overnight stay in the luxury camp) (F/M/A)

Day 11 Jispa – Tsokar Lake (4267 m) 220 km

We start after a good breakfast and cross the 4800 meters high Baralacha Pass. Then it goes down to Sarchu – the center on the route from Manali to Leh. We leave the Sarchu plain and take the 21 narrow bends up to the Nakeela Pass ( 4780 m). A little later we cross our first 5000 meter pass, the 5090 meter high Lachung La. The way down to Pang is bad and makes a lot of trouble on the stony ground. The landscape, however, is spectacular and constantly changing. It goes for 40 km on a flat and new road through the Morray Plains. Then we turn to the beautiful Tsokar lake. (Overnight stay in the luxury camp) (F/M/A)

Day 12 Tsoker to Leh (3500 m) 131 km
Today we will cross the second highest pass in the world, the Tanglang Pass (5328 m). We pass the first tranquil villages of Ladakh and finally reach Leh. We check into our hotel and spend the evening with a little first exploration of Leh. (Overnight stay at the hotel) (F/M/-)

Day 13 Leh Sightseeing Day (Thiksey, Spituk and Hemis Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace )
Today we are issued with permits for the trips to Lake Pengong and the Nubra Valley, which we will visit in the next few days. So we use the day to explore Leh and its surroundings. Here there are many ancient Buddhist monasteries, a palace and the famous Shanti Stupa, from where we will have a wonderful view of Leh. (Overnight stay at the hotel) (F/-/-)

Day 14 Leh to Khardungla Pass (5640 m) and further to Nubra Valley (3048 m) 125 km

Today we go to the highest pass in the world, at least that’s what it says. Here it can snow in summer and you can enjoy a tea in the highest café in the world. The view from here is breathtaking! Then we drive into the fascinating Nubra valley. In Deskit we visit the monastery. It continues to Hundur. We can take a walk around the beautiful village as well as visit the sand dunes and take a ride on the camel. (Overnight stay in the luxury camp) F/M/A

Day 15 Nubra valley round trip, 160 km

Today we explore the Nubra Valley and drive to the end of the valley to Turtuk. (Overnight stay in the luxury camp) F/M/A

Day 16 Nubra to Pengong (4300 m) via Shyok River 180 km

This famous lake is more than 200 km long and on average 5 km wide. Most of the lake is already in Tibet. So we can take a look at Tibet. This lake has been the venue of various Bollywood films many times. We will spend the night in a camp. (Overnight in the camp) F/M/A

Day 17 Pangong Lake back to Leh 223 km

In the afternoon we return to Leh and use the evening for a little shopping. (Overnight stay at the hotel) F/M/-

Day 18 Departure

Today is the day of departure. The flight to Delhi departs in the early morning.