Day 01
Delhi to Manali
Delhi → Manali (Overnight Volvo)
Your Ladakh adventure begins tonight. Board a comfortable overnight Volvo bus from Delhi to Manali. Settle in, let the city lights fade behind you, and wake up to the mountains. Approximately 14–16 hours journey through the night.
Overnight VolvoDelhiDeparture
Day 03
Manali to Sarchu
Manali → Rohtang La → Baralacha La → Sarchu
The expedition truly begins. Ride out of Manali early, crossing Rohtang Pass (3,978m) — the dramatic gateway to the Himalayan high-altitude world. Continue through Keylong and Jispa, then climb over the mighty Baralacha La (4,890m) before camping at Sarchu (4,253m). A long, glorious day on the saddle.
Rohtang LaBaralacha LaSarchu4,253m
Day 05
Leh to Nubra Valley
Leh → Khardung La → Nubra Valley
Today you conquer Khardung La (5,359m), one of the world's highest motorable passes. The Karakoram peaks surround you in every direction. Descend into the surreal Nubra Valley — a cold desert with warm sand dunes. See the famous double-humped Bactrian camels at Hunder and overnight in Nubra.
Khardung La5,359mNubra ValleyHighlight
Day 07
Pangong Lake to Hanle
After sunrise at Pangong, ride south towards the remote Hanle village. The landscape becomes increasingly desolate and beautiful — a moonscape of ochre mountains and vast plateaus. Hanle is home to one of the world's highest observatories. Overnight at Hanle under a sky full of stars.
PangongHanleObservatory
Day 09
Hanle to Leh
Ride back to Leh via the scenic Indus Valley route, passing ancient monasteries and small riverside villages. Arrive in Leh by afternoon. Rest, recover, and celebrate the expedition so far with the team. Overnight in Leh.
HanleIndus ValleyLeh
Day 11
Kargil to Srinagar
Kargil → Drass → Srinagar
The final ride. Pass through Drass — the second coldest inhabited place on Earth — and the historic Kargil War Memorial before descending into the lush Kashmir Valley. Arrive in Srinagar to the welcome sight of Dal Lake and chinar trees. The last night of the expedition. Overnight in Srinagar.
DrassKargil MemorialSrinagar
Day 02
Explore Manali
Manali — Acclimatisation & Gear Day
Arrive in Manali and check in to the hotel. Spend the day acclimatising to the altitude, collecting your Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc, helmets, and riding gear. Explore Hadimba Devi Temple, Old Manali, and Mall Road. Evening briefing and route overview. Get a good night's sleep — the mountains await.
AcclimatisationBike PickupManali2,050m
Day 04
Sarchu to Leh
Sarchu → Gata Loops → More Plains → Leh
Tackle the legendary 21-hairpin Gata Loops, cross Lachulung La (5,059m), and ride across the vast More Plains. This section feels like another planet. Reach Leh (3,500m) in the evening, check in, and rest. The city of Leh, framed by the Stok Kangri massif, is a magnificent sight after days on the road.
Gata LoopsLachulung La5,059mLeh
Day 06
Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake
Nubra → Shyok Valley → Pangong Tso
Ride through the stunning Shyok Valley — a river valley flanked by dramatic cliffs and sand dunes — to reach Pangong Tso Lake. The first sight of its electric blue waters against the barren mountains is absolutely unforgettable. Watch the colours change as sunset hits the lake. Overnight by the lakeside.
Shyok ValleyPangong Tso4,350mHighlight
Day 08
Hanle to Umling La to Hanle
Hanle → Umling La (5,883m) → Hanle
The crown jewel of the entire expedition. Ride to Umling La (5,883m) — the world's highest motorable pass. This is a feat achieved by very few riders on Earth. The views of the Himalayas, Karakoram and Zanskar ranges stretching to the horizon are incomprehensible. Return to Hanle for a well-earned night of celebration.
Umling La5,883mWorld Record PassHighlight
Day 10
Leh to Kargil
Head west from Leh through the dramatic Indus Gorge. Stop at the ethereal Lamayuru Monastery — the oldest in Ladakh — perched above a lunar landscape. Continue to Mulbekh and arrive in Kargil by evening. Overnight in Kargil.
LamayuruIndus GorgeKargil
Day 12
Srinagar Airport Drop
The final morning. After breakfast, transfer to Srinagar Airport for your onward journey. You leave with a riding certificate, a full heart, and memories that will last forever. Thank you for riding with Journey Of A Lifetime. Until the next expedition.
SrinagarAirport DropRiding Certificate
