Planning a Ladakh trip on bike and don’t know how to prepare for Leh Ladakh bike trip? Well, you need to focus on acclimatisation for high-altitude, ensure your bike and its parts are in good condition, and pack essential gears for unpredictable weather conditions and harsh terrains. Additionally, you will also be required to familiarise yourself with the route, obtain necessary permits, and have enough fuel and cash for unexpected expenses.
With our Leh Ladakh bike trip packages, you don’t need to worry about any logistics as we make sure all things are planned well in advance so that you can just vibe and create remarkable memories on your Himalayan bike adventure. Whether you are a solo bike rider, travelling with your partner, or with a group of friends, with our Leh Ladakh tour packages, you will definitely be able to experience the best trip of your life.
What is the Best Time to Go on a Bike Trip to Leh Ladakh?
While getting to know about how to prepare for a Leh Ladakh bike trip, the first and foremost point is to consider the best time to visit on a Leh Ladakh bike trip. Here’s about the suitable time to visit for the Himalayan adventure.
- May-September: The best time to go on a bike trip to Leh Ladakh is usually during the summer season which is between May-September as at this time the weather is suitable, with open roads, and stunning landscapes. Further, at this time, the roads are clear, making it easier and safer for navigation.
- July-August: You must usually avoid Ladakh bike trip in monsoons though travellers do visit in the peak season of July-August, but the paths at this time become slippery which is very dangerous, therefore you need to carry proper rain gear at this time and be cautious while riding.
- October-December: At the time of early and the complete winter season you should avoid riding as all the passes are closed and it becomes very difficult due to frequent weather changes like avalanches and heavy snowfall.
Which Route is Best for Ladakh Bike Trip?
The next thing to consider while doing the Leh Ladakh bike trip preparation is to get information about the best route.
- Manali-Leh Route: The Manali- Leh bike trip route is quite popular and it takes about 490 km to cover this distance. The roads of this route are adventurous and loved by bikers, it also offers a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, stunning views, thrilling passes, and breathtaking views of pristine lakes, rugged mountains, and harsh terrains.
- Srinagar to Leh Route: The other popular route is the Srinagar-Leh bike trip route that you can take is the Srinagar to Leh route, which offers a mix of nature and adventure. This route is best for first timers and those preferring a smoother journey. While taking this route you will get to discover the Aryan Valley, which is known for its pregnancy tourism in Ladakh.
- Leh- Leh Route: Another route that you can consider is the Leh-Leh route. This route can be taken by those who want the best of everything. Here you will be able to experience the best of sightseeing views and adventurous roads that will make your trip unforgettable.
Pro-Tip: You can take either of the route while starting your journey and return back using the other route as per your choice. This way you will be able to explore the best of everything and be able to cover as many spots as possible.
What to Pack for Leh Ladakh Bike Trip?
The next question while researching about how to prepare for Leh Ladakh bike trip, is to know about the things to pack for Leh bike trip for a convenient journey.
- First of all, you need to carry your driving license as well as identity proof, along with bike documents if you are taking your own vehicle like bike registration and other vehicle-related documents. You must also carry your health insurance and make sure it has travel insurance as well.
- Next, you need to pack clothing for high altitude weather as weather in Ladakh is very unpredictable, therefore layering is important. Do pack thermal innerwear (top & bottom), full sleeve t-shirts, warm fleece, woollen jackets, waterproof riding jackets, riding pants, woollen cap/ beanie, neck warmer or balaclava and also rain gear for unexpected rain showers.
- What safety gears do you need for a Ladakh bike trip? The safety gears you need for the Ladakh trip includes a riding helmet, riding jacket, elbow and knee guards, riding gloves, riding boots, riding pants. You can either buy these riding gears or rent them out locally in Ladakh.
- You must also pack luggage and packing gear such as saddle bags, rain cover bags, bungee cords/ rope, and a tank bag with a transparent pouch to keep maps/phone) for easy travel.
- What do you need to carry a basic first aid kit for a Ladakh bike trip? You must carry basic medicines in your first aid kit for Ladakh bike trip, these include diamox (for altitude sickness), paracetamol, painkillers, antiseptic cream and ointment, ORS sachets, band-aids with cotton, and personal medications (if any).
- Further, you need to make sure that you carry extra jerry cans of fuel, as there are very limited petrol pumps in Ladakh. Some of the places where you can get your tanks filled are Leh, Nubra Valley, Hanle, and Karu town.
- What about Leh bike rentals? Lastly, if you are planning to rent a bike you can easily get it in Leh, Sarchu and with our Ladakh trip packages you can get the rented bikes at your accommodations. Leh bike rentals for different bikes are decided by the union, and nobody can rent it less than the mentioned price. You are suggested to check the condition of your bike, engine oil, brakes, handles, indicators, tyres and major parts beforehand and take pictures or videos if you find any dents or scratches to avoid later hassles.
Also Checkout: 8 Days Ladakh Bike Trip to Zanskar
How to Physically Prepare for a High Altitude Ride in Ladakh?
For Leh Ladakh bike trip preparation, the most important thing is to acclimatise well for a few days in Leh in order to adjust with the harsh surroundings. Your first few hours must be spent adjusting and relaxing so that you can be fully prepared. After acclimatising well, you can start your Ladakh bike trip journey from the next day.
Q. How to deal with acute mountain sickness in Ladakh?
Ans. To deal with acute mountain sickness in Ladakh, you need to prepare physically for a high-altitude bike ride in Ladakh. You can prepare in advance by indulging yourself in proper exercises even before the trip begins which improves cardiovascular fitness by aerobic training, hill training, building strength and consider altitude training.
Where to Stay During Ladakh Bike Trip?
During your Ladakh bike trip, you can find a variety of accommodations and best places to stay in Ladakh for bikers ranging from homestays, guesthouses, camping sites as well as hotels and eco-huts. While Leh is known for its hotels, guesthouses, and homestays followed by Nubra Valley known for its camps and hotels.
Then comes Pangong Lake which is again popular for its campsites from where you can do stargazing as well as guesthouses and eco huts. Tso Moriri also offers scenic camping sites and in Kargil you can find some of the best hotels and guesthouses.
Ladakh Bike Trip Budget: How Much Does it Cost?
You also need to make sure that you are well aware of the Leh Ladakh bike trip budget. Though the cost may vary depending upon your travel style, travel duration, accommodation preferences, meal choices, and the type of bike you are planning to rent.
However, a 7 days round trip can cost anywhere between INR 30,000-50,000 per person. This includes bike rental, fuel, accommodation, 3 times meal, environmental fees, permit costs, and miscellaneous expenses.
Conclusion: Prepare Smart, Ride Safe, and Live the Ladakh Dream
So when planning a Leh Ladakh bike trip, you have to make sure that preparation is the key to a smooth and unforgettable journey. You need to select the best time (May-September) and the best route (Manali-Leh, Srinagar to Leh or Leh to Leh circuit), to carry proper documents, riding gears, layered clothing, and a basic first aid kit, every essential thing needs to be carried.
Whether you are planning to rent a bike or taking your own bike, ensure it is in good condition. Moreover, you need to acclimatise well, carry cash as well as extra jerry cans of fuel due to limited petrol pumps in Ladakh. Your accommodation options vary from guesthouses to campsites across Leh, Nubra, Pangong and more.
Lastly, however, the most important part is to know about the budget which is around INR 30,000-50,000 for a week long trip including stay, meals, bike rentals, and environmental fees.
So that’s all you need to prepare for a Leh Ladakh bike trip. To make your journey hassle free, you can try WanderOn as our Ladakh bike trip packages are quite popular among travellers, and with us you can create unforgettable moments and have the best trip in the lap of Himalayas.