The Leh to Pangong Lake bike trip is a journey that must be taken once in your lifetime as it will definitely leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul. Pangong Lake is the most beautiful lake in the country and with our Leh Ladakh bike trip packages you will be able to witness the mesmerising views of it and its ability to change colours from blue to green and to even red.
With our Leh Ladakh tour packages, you will get a chance to visit some iconic destinations from Chang La Pass, Nubra Valley, Spangmik, Diskit Monastery, Shyok Valley, and even Durbuk before you will land into Pangong.
WanderOn presents you with the best-detailed guide that will help you understand how to plan your Pangong Lake bike trip from Leh? Here you will get details about the best time to visit, the popular route to take, the best accommodations as well as places to visit.
A Complete Overview of the Leh to Pangong Lake Bike Trip
The Leh to Pangong Lake bike trip is a popular adventure journey during Leh Ladakh bike trip, known for its stunning landscapes and challenging high-altitude terrains. This journey takes you through some of the iconic destinations including Chang La which is the highest motorable passes in the world, followed by Nubra Valley, a cold desert known for scenic views where you can indulge in quad biking in Ladakh (ATV ride) or even Bactarian camel ride, and Durbuk which is known for its strategic location and finally Pangong Lake which is a must visit for riders who are on Leh Ladakh bike trip.
Wide by about 5 to 6 km on its broadest part, Pangong is the highest situated saline water lake, with very limited vegetation around and less number of species like Crustaceans living inside the lake. The best feature of this lake is its perfectly still water in the midst of majestic snow-capped mountains. The lake gained prominence after the bollywood movie 3 Idiots and has now become the best sight for travellers.
The blue water of the lake reflects the sky and the mountains, making it the most picture-perfect place in Ladakh. The distance from the Pangong Lake bike trip from Leh is approximately 160 kilometers and this journey typically takes 5-6 hours to complete. Though challenging due to rugged terrains, low oxygen levels, and rough stretches, it is one of the best and most unforgettable journey of your life.
What is the Best Time to Visit Pangong by Bike?
The best time to visit Pangong by bike is usually between the summer months which is ideally May to September as at this time the weather becomes pleasant with clear blue skies, when temperatures range between 15 to 25 degree celsius, roads become operational, and most of the adventure activities start in full swing, therefore Ladakh becomes ideal for sightseeing and biking expedition during summertime.
You can also travel to Pangong Lake on a motorcycle during monsoons or post monsoons as in Ladakh there is less rainfall, however you have to be careful beside the lake and also on the road due to slippery edges and slopes. The little rain showers in Ladakh add more charm to the already stunning Pangong Lake and nearby areas.
Also Checkout: 6 Days Leh Trip with Nubra Valley & Pangong Lake
What is the Best Route to Pangong Lake?
Route: Leh-Shey-Karu Sakti-Chang La-Durbuk-Tangste-Lukung-Spangmik-Pangong Tso
This route is quite popular among bikers and road trip enthusiasts, as this is the only scenic route to reach Pangong Lake. During the journey here you can experience stunning views of some iconic destinations.
- Leh to Shey: You need to start your journey from Leh from where Shey is just 15 km away. The roads of the region are smooth and ideal for an early start. For a quick stop, you can get down and visit the Shey Palace.
- Shey to Karu & Sakti: Karu is a small town where you can get fuel, eateries and even mechanic shops- this could be perfect for a pit spot. From here you have to head to Sakti, a beautiful village from where you will begin your journey to Chang La.
- Chang La Pass (17,586 ft): One of the highest motorable passes in the world. The roads of the pass are steep and snowy, so you need to be careful while driving. Here you can refresh yourself by drinking tea at an army-run tea stall.
- Durbuk & Tangste: After covering Chang La, you will reach two villages where you take a short break-Durbuk and then Tangste. Tangste lies near a river where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the region.
- Lukung to Spangmik: Lukung marks the beginning of Pangong Tso’s shores. This is the best part of the journey as the road from here to Spangmik runs parallel to the lake offering stunning views. Spangmik is the main tourist hub with options for accommodations and campsites near Pangong for bikers.
- Pangong Tso: Now you will finally arrive at Pangong Lake, your ultimate destination. Whether you plan your stay in eco-camps or biker-friendly homestays, this route ensures a scenic, memorable, and thrilling route.
9 Places to Cover on Leh to Pangong Lake Bike Trip
Here are the top 10 places to cover on Leh to Pangong Lake bike trip:
1.Leh Palace: Situated above Leh town, the Leh Palace was built in the 17th century. It offers panoramic views of the Indus Valley. Earlier, the royal residence of Namgyal Dynasty, the palace has traditional Tibetan architecture and houses ancient murals, artefacts and even photographs.
2. Shey Palace: Situated 15 km from Leh, Shey Palace was once the summer capital of Ladakh. It is famous for its 12 m high Buddha statue which is entirely gold plated. Shey Palace also offers a peaceful setup surrounded by stupas and breathtaking views of the valley.
3. Chang La Pass: At an elevation of 17,586 ft, Chang La is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The entire pass that connects Leh to Pangong Lake is covered with snow, making it thrilling and adventurous for bike riders.
4. Tangste River: On the route to Pangong, lies the Tangste River which offers stunning views of landscapes and could be a refreshing break spot during the journey. The place is an ideal spot for photography and nature walks.
5. Thiksey Monastery: Situated just 19 km from Leh, it is a 12-structure monastery resembling the Potala Palace of Tibet. Thiksey Monastery is home to a massive Maitreya Buddha statue and offers glimpses into Ladakh’s culture of Buddhism through its shrines, temples and resident monks.
6. Shanti Stupa: Shanti Stupa was built to promote world peace. A white-dome structure situated on a hilltop overlooking Leh, the stupa is the ideal point to witness the breathtaking views of the valley as well as the best sunrises and sunsets. When lit with lights in the night, the monument appears to be more beautiful.
7. Hall of Fame: A museum situated in Leh, built to pay tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during Kargil War of 1999. The Hall of Fame Museum also highlights the Ladakhi culture and the Indian Army’s role in the region.
8.Nubra Valley: A must visit place during your Leh Ladakh bike trip, the valley is a cold desert with oasis, sand dunes and the Bactaruan camels. Nubra Valley lies north of Leh, and travellers here must experience quad biking and camel riding.
9. Pangong Tso: A stunning high altitude saline lake stretching from India to China is known for its colour changing ability and the magical experience that it offers. Pangong Tso is one of Ladakh’s most iconic sights and when here, you must indulge in camping and stargazing in Ladakh to have the best moment of your life.
Pro-Tip: The accommodation near Pangong Lake for bikers includes several camps and homestays. You must note that there are no guesthouses and hotels near Pangong Lake.
Travel Tips for Leh to Pangong Lake Bike Trip
Here are some of the travel tips for Leh to Pangong Lake bike trip:
- First and foremost you need to have complete information about the route to take, the best time to visit, list of documents that will be required for the Leh Ladakh bike trip which usually includes bike registration, bike insurance papers, driving license, and life insurance papers that include travel insurance as well.
- Next you need to make sure that the bike you are planning to ride should either be your own bike and it must be well maintained and in the right condition. However if you are planning to rent a bike you need to make sure that your bike is well equipped with all the necessary things required.
- As Ladakh is situated on a height, it is recommended to relax and acclimatize yourself by staying in Leh for the first night in order to adjust with the harsh climate of Ladakh. You can also take a stroll around the nearby areas before starting your bike trip.
- All the petrol pumps of Ladakh are situated in Leh, therefore it is advised to fill the tank in Leh and carry extra jerry cans of fuel for journey ahead as there are no petrol pumps nearby Pangong Lake.
- Next, you also need to carry a first aid kit and your personal medicines to avoid any last minute challenges. Further on the journey, you need to carry a reusable water bottle or portable water filter so that you can hydrate well enough to avoid dehydration. You are also suggested to carry a few snacks like protein bars, biscuits, nuts to munch to make sure your health is not affected during the bike trip.
