A thrilling bike trip through the swirling roads across the rugged terrains in the “Land of High Passes”, the Leh Ladakh bike trip ought to be a bucket list trip for every biker. One of the most sought after bike trips in the country, the Leh Ladakh bike trip has its admirers from all over the world. This article focuses on the reasons for which one should go for this trip at least once in their lifetime.
Duration: 6 days.
Starting/ Ending point: Leh, Ladakh.
Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult.
Starting from the capital of Ladakh, the Leh Ladakh bike trip will take one through one of the most adventurous routes in the country. The trek covers places like the Sham valley, Khardung la (altitude : 18,000 feet), Nubra valley, Pangong and Chang la (altitude: 17,688 feet), confluence of the Indus and Zanskar river, and the Cyclop’s hill. Each of these places has their own significance. While the Khardung la pass has the highest all season motor-able road in the world; the Pangong lake is the world’s highest saltwater lake; and the Cyclop’s hill (famously known as the Magnetic Hill) is where the mountains defy gravity. Other notable places to visit along this route include the world’s highest river rafting point at the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar river, the world famous Hall of Fame- where one can learn about the Indo-Pak wars, Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, the white sand dunes at the Nubra Valley and a ride on the double-humped camels (exclusively found in Ladakh), the Pangong lake at the Indo- China border and the scenic beauty of the Shyok river, and the Thiksey monastery -the largest Tibetan monastery in Ladakh.
Apart from all these notable places, another important feature of this trip is the unparalleled natural beauty of the mountains. A paradise on earth and a sheer delight for every nature lover, the trip will take one open meadows and grasslands, streams and waterfalls, forests and cold deserts along with the snow capped mountains in the backdrop. The dynamic geography of the region is also a reason behind the rich variety of flora and fauna in the region. No wonder this place comes under one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the subcontinent. One gets to closely experience the rich natural biodiversity and wildlife from close vicinity. The place is also home to some rare and endangered plants and animals, making it worth all the physical exhaustion and fatigue. The breathtaking views along with the serenity of the mountains is what inspires nature lovers to ignore the challenges and set out on one of the most famous bike trips in the country. Apart from all these, one also gets a chance to witness the age-old tradition and rich cultural heritage of the region, especially in the small picturesque villages on the lap of the mountains.
It is generally the most suitable to visit this trip during the months of May to October. The summers and autumns are ideal for this bike trip. The monsoons make this trip immensely difficult owing to the slippery roads and frequent landslides; and the entire route is covered in snow during the winters, making it completely inaccessible for bike trips. A moderately difficult bike trip at such a high altitude and adverse climatic conditions, the Leh Ladakh bike trip is surely not meant for the faint hearted.
Weather conditions at such a high altitude are harsh, and it is generally advised for bikers to take a day or two to get acclimated to the climate. One should preferably seek help from professionals as they are fully aware about the routes and the possible challenges one could face along the way. Apart from the harsh weather, the narrow and steep ascents pose yet another challenge, but one can easily traverse them with help and guidance from experts.
A thrilling ride along the swirling roads will give one all the adrenaline rush, and is definitely a lifetime experience. The Leh Ladakh bike trip is the most visited in the country, owing to the perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural diversity that it offers. There is no other way than a bike trip to explore a place and feel connected to nature at the same time. The Leh Ladakh bike trip has every element one could possibly ask for in a bike trip, and is definitely a must visit for every nature lover.
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The Washington Magazine 