It’s time to conquer the highest passes for Leh Ladakh Bike Trip as we take you on a virtual tour with us….Rugged terrains, winding roads, and snow-covered mountain passes, Leh Ladakh isn’t a destination, it’s an emotion.
And to truly conquer this dream ride, knowing everything about the high-altitude passes for Leh Ladakh bike trip is essential. These mighty gateways will not only challenge you, but reward you with once in a lifetime memories.
In our ultimate travel guide, we’ll break down the key passes you’ll cross on Leh Ladakh bike trip and tips to tackle them like a pro. Do take our Leh Ladakh bike trip packages to make your journey smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
Complete Guide to 12 Mountain Passes For Your Leh Ladakh Bike Trip
There are a lot of iconic passes for Leh Ladakh bike trip that you must cover. Each of these offer some of the best activities that you should surely indulge in to create everlasting memories.
Passes To Cover During Leh Ladakh Bike Trip
One of the top passes in Leh Ladakh for bikers includes Khardung La. It is the second highest motorable road in the world.
Situated at a height of 5,359 meters above sea level, this pass serves as a gateway to the Shyok & Nubra Valley, beyond which lies Siachen Glacier. This pass provides some of the best views which makes it a challenging yet rewarding destination.
Whether you are planning an adventurous road trip or you want to relax in the beauty of the Himalayas, Khardung La offers an unforgettable experience.
- Altitude: 17,582 feet
- Best Time: April-June & September to October
- Activities To Indulge In: Mountain Biking, Off-Roading, Sightseeing, Photography
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The best passes for Leh Ladakh bike trip, includes the highest motorable road in the world; Umling La, which is located in the majestic landscape of Ladakh and is one of the world’s most extraordinary and challenging pass.
While the road itself is smooth as butter, the real thrill lies in reaching the place. The pass is strategically important due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China-occupied Tibet.
- Altitude: 19,024 feet
- Best Time: June to October
- Activities To Indulge In: Mountain Biking, Off-Roading, Trekking, Photography
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When on the Umling La route, you must stop and explore the must see passes on Leh Ladakh bike trip; Photi La and Nerbole or Nurbu La.
- Photi La: A high mountain pass located at an elevation 5,532 m or 18124 feet in southeastern Ladakh in eastern J&K. It is one of the highest roads in the country.
- Nerbole or Nurbu La: Nerbole is a campsite in Noyma, Leh district, Ladakh. It is situated near the mountain saddle Nurbu La.
Chang La is a high mountain pass in Ladakh range between Leh and Shyok River valley. It serves as a main gateway for the Nubra region.
The pass is known for being the world’s highest research station, established by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), functional at a height of 17,664 feet.
It is named after a celebrated sadhu by the name Sadhu Changla Baba, that means “ pass towards the South” or “pass in the south”. Legends say that this baba meditated in the caves for several years and gained enlightenment.
- Altitude: 17,664 feet
- Best Time: May to September
- Activities To Indulge In: Sightseeing, Trekking, Biking, Photography
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Pensi La or Pensi Pass or Penzella Pass is the mountain pass in Ladakh, which serves as the “gateway to Zanskar”.
It is situated at a height of 4,400 metres and connects the Suru Valley region to the Zanskar Valley. The pass is 25 km from Rangdum Monastery. Pensi La is also a gateway to Padum, the headquarters of Zanskar.
Earlier, due to heavy snowfall when the main roads were not constructed, the pass was apparently used to open only three months of the year.
- Altitude: 14,400 feet
- Best Time: Mid-May to October
- Activities To Indulge In: Cycling, Biking, Trekking, Photography
Also Checkout: Thrilling Leh Ladakh Tour Package | 8D/7N
Passes To Discover on Manali-Leh Route
Another popular pass to cover during Leh Ladakh bike trip is the Baralacha La which is known for its popular belief wherein a trio of soldiers were trapped here for two months, and after military vehicles reached, a stranger was found in the cabin eating one of the soldiers, the bodies were in pieces and have been half-eaten. Thus, Baralacha La is considered a haunted place.
Apart from that, this pass in the Zanskar range connects Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. Further, it is known as the “Pass with Crossroads on Summit” as all the roads from Ladakh, Zanskar, Spiti, and Lahaul meet here.
- Altitude: 15,910 feet
- Best Time: April to October
- Activities To Indulge In: Hiking, Trekking, Camping, Rock Climbing
One of the most dangerous passes due to poor road conditions like occasional gravel parts and unpredictable weather conditions like avalanches, severe snowfalls, landslides, leading to ice patches.
On this pass even an experienced rider has to be cautious, and the approach to the pass is known as Gata Loops.
Situated between Sarchu and Pang, it is one of the must-see passes on Leh Ladakh bike trip, as even after so many challenges, the pass is considered spectacular. Legends say that the pass is haunted by a ghost who died here and was buried.
- Altitude: 15,647 feet
- Best Time: June to September
- Activities To Indulge In: Hiking, Sightseeing, Camping, Bike Ride
Also known as Lungalacha La, is a paved motorable pass situated in Ladakh, considered one of the easiest passes to ride on. The pass is known for its natural beauty and gorgeous views.
The best part of the pass is the signpost which declares your arrival in Lachulung La, which is decorated with Buddhist prayer flags. It is one of the popular passes amongst riders and tourists.
You must be aware that this pass is open only for four and a half months in a year that too in summer season, therefore if you want to visit the pass, you need to plan your trip accordingly.
- Altitude: 16,600 feet
- Best Time: March to June
- Activities To Indulge In: Trekking, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Camping
Another popular pass for riders who are on Leh Ladakh bike trip, is the Tanglang La pass whose beauty will leave you spellbound and will leave an impression on your mind.
This incredible pass cuts through rocky mountains which are crisscrossed by gently flowing streams, and on a distance you can see snow covered mountains, with clouds appearing to sit on top of it.
Two of the nearest settlements to this pass include Sarchu and Upshi, which also serves as the best relaxing points. The pass is mostly inhabited by Changpa herdsmen, who are primary cattle and goat herders.
- Altitude: 17,480 feet
- Best Time: June to September
- Activities To Indulge In: Trekking, Cycling, Biking, Jeep Safari in Leh Ladakh
Shinkhu La is regarded as one of the best passes by travellers not just because it offers beautiful views but also the peace and tranquility it imparts. The crisp cold air and the majestic mountains surrounding the pass, makes it a must visit.
Shinkhu La, also called Shingo La, is a pass on the border between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. There is a shallow lake or pool 20m below the pass which is a hidden gem.
Shinkhu La pass is undoubtedly one of those rare places wherein you can make memories for a lifetime. The pristine whiteness of the snow here along with clear blue skies, makes the place a picture perfect spot.
- Altitude: 16,703 feet
- Best Time: May to September
- Activities To Indulge In: Trekking, Biking, Photography, Sightseeing
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Passes To Discover on Srinagar-Leh Route
One of the best mountain passes in Leh Ladakh for bikers is the Zoji La. Known as the Zero Point, the pass offers breathtaking views of Amarnath Start Point and Kashmir Valley.
Regarded as a challenging and critical pass, Zoji La serves as a strategic lifeline connecting Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. The pass has freezing temperatures, lack of oxygen, and frequent avalanches.
Even after being so challenging, the pass is popular amongst riders who are adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Historically, the pass was used for trade and travel, including the entry of rulers like Renchen Shah of Leh into Kashmir.
- Altitude: 11,575 feet
- Best Time: May to October
- Activities To Indulge In: Trekking, Sledging, Exploring Thajiwas Glacier
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One of the highest mountain passes popular for its landscape, which is typical of this region, with brown mountains which are cut by serpentine trails. It is one of the best spots for shopping and photography.
Known as “Pillar of the Sky Pass”, Namika La lies between Kargil and Leh, the pass is an excellent opportunity for those who want to experience the rugged beauty, historical significance, and cultural diversities.
Namika La has a landscape of rugged barren mountains, deep valleys, along with rock formations typical of the Trans- Himalayas.
- Altitude: 12,139 feet
- Best Time: June to September
- Activities To Indulge In: Trekking, Motorbiking, Monastery Visit, Observing Local Culture
Fotu La or Fatu La is another popular mountain pass situated on the Srinagar- Leh highway, in the Zanskar Range. There is a Prasar Bharati television relay station serving Lamayuru, located on this pass.
It is the highest point of the Srinagar- Leh route and offers some of the stunning views. The roads are very well-maintained and the beautiful Lamayuru Monastery can easily be spotted from here.
The best part of this pass is the lunar-like landscapes and the snow-clad mountains, which feels like pure magic and makes your journey unforgettable.
- Altitude: 13,478 feet
- Best Time: May to September
- Activities To Indulge In: Sightseeing, Photography, Mountain Biking, Birdwatching, Camping
Travel Tips for Best Biking Passes in Leh Ladakh
Crossing these magnificent mountain passes is quite challenging, therefore for a safe and unforgettable journey, it is important to know Ladakh bike trip travel tips and guidelines.
- Firstly, it is important to plan your travel according to the weather report, as these passes have unpredictable conditions.
- Next, you have to make sure that the bike you are planning to ride on is well maintained and has proper insurance papers.
- You need to carry your driving license as well as photo identity proof for a hassle free journey. Further, it is recommended to pay the environmental fees in advance either online or offline.
- Furthermore, to avoid standing in long queues at STD booths, it is recommended to carry your own postpaid connection sim. Only Airtel, Aircel and BSNL postpaid sims work in this region.
- Some of the items that you must carry include a first aid kit, personal medications, if any, proper riding gears, warm clothing, reusable water bottles, and dry snacks.
- It is advisable to carry extra cans of fuel as there are very limited fuel stations that to at faraway places.
- The most important travel tip is to plan one or two nights stay in Leh in order to acclimatize and adjust to the harsh weather conditions and lack of oxygen.
