Ladakh Mountain Biking 2025 : Best Trails and Pro Tips!

Mountain biking is the dream of many bikers! Because they say, riding a bike in the mountains has its own thrill! And when it comes to the "Roof of the World"—Ladakh—the excitement reaches a whole new level! Get ready to add “chaar chand” to your Leh Ladakh tour packages with Ladakh mountain biking!

You’ll ride across Khardung La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, and cruise through the stunning Pangong Lake with its surreal blue waters. Nubra Valley offers a unique experience with its sand dunes and camels, making you feel like you’ve landed in a desert adventure. If you’re into peaceful vibes, Tso Moriri Lake will leave you speechless with its calm beauty, and Leh City is the perfect spot to rest and enjoy some local tea before heading out for more exploration.

And, of course, no Leh Ladakh bike trip is complete without a bowl of Maggi at 17,000 feet—because nothing beats that! So, if you're ready for the ride of a lifetime, pack your gear—Ladakh is waiting, and it’s going to be epic!

Best Routes for Ladakh Mountain Biking

Ladakh is a paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts, offering some of the most thrilling and scenic routes in the world. Here’s a guide to the best cycling routes in Ladakh:

1. Leh to Khardung La

• Distance: 39 km (one way)
• Difficulty: Challenging

Highlights:

• Ride to the world’s highest motorable pass (17,582 ft).
• Stunning views of the Himalayas and the Shyok Valley.
• A mix of steep ascents and thrilling descents.

Tip: Start early to avoid afternoon winds and traffic.

2. Leh to Pangong Tso

• Distance: 150 km (one way)
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Highlights:

• Ride to the iconic Pangong Lake, famous for its changing colors.
• Pass through Chang La Pass (17,590 ft), the third-highest motorable pass.
• Scenic views of monasteries, villages, and rugged landscapes.

Tip: Carry warm clothing as temperatures drop significantly near the lake.

3. Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La

• Distance: 120 km (one way)
• Difficulty: Challenging

Highlights:

• Cross Khardung La and descend into the beautiful Nubra Valley.
• Ride through sand dunes and visit Diskit Monastery.
• Experience the unique double-humped Bactrian camels in Hunder.

Tip: Plan for multiple days to explore Nubra Valley fully.

4. Manali to Leh

• Distance: 475 km
• Difficulty: Extremely Challenging

Highlights:

• One of the most iconic biking routes in the world.
• Cross high-altitude passes like Rohtang La, Baralacha La, and Tanglang La.
• Stunning landscapes, including rivers, valleys, and snow-capped peaks.

Tip: This route is best suited for experienced bikers and requires 10-12 days.

5. Leh to Lamayuru

• Distance: 120 km (one way)
• Difficulty: Moderate

Highlights:

• Ride through the Moonland landscape and visit Lamayuru Monastery.
• Scenic views of the Indus River and rugged mountains.
• Less crowded compared to other routes.

Tip: Combine this route with a visit to Alchi and Likir monasteries.

6. Leh to Tso Moriri

• Distance: 220 km (one way)
• Difficulty: Challenging

Highlights:

• Ride to the pristine Tso Moriri Lake, surrounded by mountains.
• Pass through remote villages and high-altitude passes.
• Experience the untouched beauty of the Changthang region.

Tip: Obtain necessary permits in advance.