Ride into Zanskar
Cross the dramatic Penzi La approach and enter the
wide valley surrounded by rugged peaks and glaciers.
Ladakh – Zanskar
Ladakh · Zanskar · Himalayan Motorcycle Expedition
Explore the Hidden Zanskar Valley
Ride into one of the Himalayas’ most remote regions on a
14-day expedition through dramatic mountain valleys, ancient
monasteries and remarkable high-altitude roads.
Available departure dates
17 JULY – 30 JULY
21 AUGUST – 03 SEPTEMBER
Please confirm the departure year and availability before booking.
14 Days13 Nights
10 DaysRiding
1,370 km851 Miles
5,359 mMaximum altitude stated
Beyond the familiar routes
A Journey into the Heart of Zanskar
Starting in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, this motorcycle
adventure travels through the spectacular landscapes of
Lamayuru, the Aryan Valley, Kargil and the Suru Valley before
crossing Penzi La into Zanskar.
Discover remote settlements, mountain scenery and the
Buddhist heritage of the Himalayas. Visit remarkable
monasteries including Alchi, Rangdum, Karsha, Stongde,
Bardan and Sani, with an excursion towards the celebrated
Phuktal Monastery.
Remote Roads, Real Adventure
In addition, the route combines established mountain roads
with remote sections that require preparation and flexibility.
As a result, long riding days, high altitude and changing road
conditions are part of this demanding Himalayan journey.
ROUTE OVERVIEW
Delhi – Leh – Alchi – Lamayuru – Aryan Valley – Kargil –
Rangdum – Penzi La – Padum – Karsha – Zangla – Stongde –
Phuktal – Singe La – Tingmosgang – Leh – Khardung La – Delhi
Delhi – Leh – Alchi – Lamayuru – Aryan Valley – Kargil –
Rangdum – Penzi La – Padum – Karsha – Zangla – Stongde –
Phuktal – Singe La – Tingmosgang – Leh – Khardung La – Delhi
The highlights
What Makes the Zanskar Tour Special
A memorable mix of mountain riding, remote Himalayan
landscapes and cultural discovery.
Ancient Monasteries
Explore places of Buddhist heritage including Alchi,
Rangdum, Karsha, Stongde and Bardan, according to the
confirmed day plan.
Remote Himalayan Roads
Experience changing landscapes and demanding mountain
routes on a guided expedition with logistical support.
Phuktal Excursion
Visit the extraordinary Phuktal Monastery area on the
planned excursion, including the walk required to reach
the monastery.
Suru Valley Scenery
Ride through green valley sections and mountain
landscapes with views towards the Nun and Kun peaks,
subject to visibility.
Guided Riding Support
The listed package includes a road captain, mechanic,
luggage support vehicle and fuel and oil.
Your day-by-day adventure
14-Day Zanskar Valley Motorcycle Tour Itinerary
Explore the full schedule below. Open each day for the
riding route, highlights and overnight details.
Day 1 — Arrive in Delhi
Meet the team at Delhi Airport and transfer to the hotel.
As riders may arrive on different flights, the group
briefing and introductions will be arranged around the
group’s arrival schedule.
Day 2 — Delhi to Leh
Take the early flight to Leh. On arrival, transfer to
the hotel and spend the rest of the day resting and
acclimatising to the altitude.
Day 3 — At Leh
After breakfast, attend a briefing covering safety,
riding style, road conditions and personal equipment.
Become familiar with your motorcycle, controls and
handling, followed by a local trial ride around Leh.
Day 4 — Leh – Alchi – Lamayuru
Ride alongside the Indus River towards Alchi Monastery,
renowned for its historic Buddhist art and wall
paintings. Continue to Lamayuru, whose striking,
eroded landscape is often described as lunar scenery.
Explore the ancient monastery and surrounding terrain.
Day 5 — Lamayuru – Aryan Valley – Kargil
Ride towards Kargil via the Aryan Valley, passing
villages associated with the Brokpa people. Along the way,
enjoy changing mountain scenery and a distinctive cultural
landscape. Finally, arrive in Kargil for the overnight stay.
Day 6 — Kargil – Rangdum
First, follow the Suru Valley towards Rangdum, passing
green fields, dramatic mountain massifs and the settlements
of Parkachik and Panikhar. As the valley opens, look towards
the impressive Nun and Kun peaks, both rising above
7,000 metres, subject to visibility.
Day 7 — Rangdum – Penzi La – Sani – Padum
First, climb to Penzi La, the high pass on the road into
Zanskar, before descending towards the valley. Then continue
to Padum, the region’s principal town. Along the way, the
vast central plain and dramatic Karsha Monastery cliffs
provide an unforgettable introduction to Zanskar.
Day 8 — Padum – Karsha – Zangla – Stongde – Padum
Begin by exploring the area around Padum by motorcycle.
Visit Karsha Monastery, one of the largest monastic
establishments in Zanskar. Afterwards, continue to
Stongde Monastery overlooking the river, and see the
dramatic setting of Zangla and its hilltop castle.
Day 9 — Padum – Phuktal – Padum
First, ride through villages including Raru, Muni and
Bardan. Visit Bardan Gompa, set on a rocky promontory.
Afterwards, continue with the planned excursion towards
Phuktal Monastery, famed for its dramatic setting beneath
a rock face. Allow time for the walk; confirm the actual
walking distance and duration with the tour team.
Day 10 — Padum – Singe La – Tingmosgang
Because this is a long riding day, start early for the
route via the remote Yapo Gorge and Singe La towards
Tingmosgang and the Sham Valley. However, this route
depends on current road access and conditions. Therefore,
confirm the pass, distance and overnight plan for your
departure before travel.
Day 11 — Tingmosgang – Leh
Ride back to Leh, with a visit to Likir Monastery
en route. Enjoy the changing landscape on the return
towards the regional capital.
Day 12 — Leh – Khardung La – Leh
Weather and official restrictions permitting, take an
excursion ride towards Khardung La. Afterwards, return
to Leh and enjoy time at the local market.
Day 13 — Leh – Delhi
Transfer to Leh Airport for the flight to Delhi.
On arrival, continue to your planned accommodation
or onward arrangements as confirmed for the group.
Day 14 — Delhi and departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
The expedition concludes.
Choose your accommodation
Zanskar Tour Prices
Prices are per person. Twin sharing means sharing a room
with another tour participant; single sharing is for
a private room, subject to availability.
Twin sharing
Shared Room Package
US$3,500
Rider — US$3,500 per person
Pillion — US$3,200 per person
Single sharing
Private Room Package
US$4,500
Rider — US$4,500 per person
Pillion — US$4,200 per person
Departure dates: 17 JULY – 30 JULY and
21 AUGUST – 03 SEPTEMBER. Please confirm the departure
year, remaining availability, current rates and room
arrangements with our team before booking.
Know what is covered
What’s Included in Your Zanskar Motorcycle Tour
Before booking, review the listed package inclusions and
exclusions. This way, you can prepare for your Himalayan
expedition with a clear understanding of what is covered.
Cost Includes
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 cc, Himalayan Scram 411 cc or Himalayan 450 cc, subject to confirmation
- Hotels in the 3-star or heritage category, as arranged
- Fixed camp, where specified in the tour programme
- Listed spare parts for the motorcycles
- Support vehicle for luggage
- Toyota Innova or small bus for transfers as arranged
- Mechanic and English-speaking road captain
- Fuel and oil
- First-aid equipment
- Breakfast in Delhi and Leh; all meals on the other tour days as specified
- Inner Line Permit, where required and arranged
- Oxygen support in the unlikely event of altitude sickness
- Delhi–Leh–Delhi flight tickets, as specified in the package
Cost Does Not Include
- Costs for motorcycle parts damaged or broken while riding
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips and beverages
- Expenses arising from unforeseen events such as roadblocks, landslides or flight cancellations
- Personal travel and medical insurance
- Sleeping bags
- Helmets and other riding gear
- Indian visa and international flights
- International Driving Permit
Please obtain the final written inclusions and exclusions
for your selected departure. Food, accommodation, transfers,
flights, permits and support arrangements should be confirmed
in the booking terms.
Before you travel
Prepare for a High-Altitude Motorcycle Expedition
Riding and equipment
Bring suitable protective riding gear, layered clothing
and equipment for changing mountain weather. Helmets and
riding gear are listed as excluded, so arrange these
before departure.
Altitude and flexibility
Acclimatisation, hydration, rest and following the
road captain’s safety guidance are important. Weather,
road conditions and access to high passes can change.
Documents and insurance
Check passport, visa, driving permit and travel
requirements applicable to you. Arrange suitable travel
and medical insurance that covers the activities and
altitude of your planned trip.
Your next Himalayan adventure
Ready to Ride into Zanskar?
Ask us about either departure — 17 JULY – 30 JULY or
21 AUGUST – 03 SEPTEMBER — as well as motorcycle availability,
room options, route conditions and package inclusions.
We’ll help you understand the details before you book.
