Srinagar Leh Manali Trip with Hanle & Umling La
About this activity
Set out on the ultimate motorcycle adventure across the roof of the world the Srinagar Leh Manali Trip takes you through the tranquil valleys of Kashmir, the raw high-altitude deserts of Ladakh, the remote plains of Changthang, and the lush green foothills of Manali.
This 12-day journey on a Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 CC offers the perfect fusion of adrenaline, culture, and wilderness as it leads you across some of the most breathtaking and technically demanding roads on Earth.
Your Srinagar Leh Manali Trip begins in Srinagar, where you explore the local bazaar before a team briefing with your road captain. Riding eastward, you cross the legendary Zoji La and pass through Drass — the coldest inhabited place in India — before reaching Kargil and paying tribute at the Kargil War Memorial. The journey then continues to Leh, with en-route stops at Sangam Point, Magnetic Hill, and Gurudwara Pather Sahib.
From Leh, the Srinagar Leh Manali Trip heads north over Khardung La (5,359 m) one of the world’s highest motorable passes into the flower-carpeted Nubra Valley, with its towering Diskit Monastery and iconic double-humped Bactrian camels on the Hunder Sand Dunes. The route then swings east along the Shyok River to Pangong Tso, the world’s highest saltwater lake at 4,300 m, whose waters shift between vivid shades of turquoise and cobalt.
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The defining stretch of this Srinagar Leh Manali Trip lies beyond Pangong, deep in the restricted Changthang plateau. Riding south to the remote village of Hanle home to India’s highest space observatory the group then launches a full-day excursion to Umling La at 5,640 m, the highest motorable road in the world, standing taller than Everest Base Camp. This is the centrepiece of the entire trip and a milestone every rider will carry for life.
The return leg of the Srinagar Leh Manali Trip crosses back through Leh before tackling the mighty Nakee La, Lachung La, and Tanglang La passes on the Manali-Leh Highway en route to the high-altitude camp at Sarchu. From there, the road descends into the lush Kullu Valley and arrives in Manali — where the bikes are handed back and the celebrations begin. An overnight Volvo bus then brings the journey full circle, concluding in Delhi.
Whether you are a seasoned biker or an adventurous first-timer, the Srinagar Leh Manali Trip is the definitive Himalayan expedition — combining world-record altitudes, ancient Buddhist culture, pristine alpine lakes, and the pure joy of riding free across the highest roads on the planet.
Quick Facts of Srinagar Leh Manali Trip:
- Region: Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh
- Start / End Point of Srinagar Leh Manali Trip: Srinagar / Delhi
- Duration of Srinagar Leh Manali Trip: 11N / 12D
- Srinagar Leh Manali Trip Distance: Approx. 1,800+ km
- Highest Altitude: Umling La Pass (5,640 m) — World’s Highest Motorable Road
- Srinagar Leh Manali Trip Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
- Temperature of Srinagar Leh Manali Trip: Day (10°C to 25°C) and Night (−5°C to 10°C)
- Best Time to Visit Srinagar Leh Manali Trip: May to September
- Bike: Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 CC (provided)
- Highlights: Kargil War Memorial, Khardung La, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Hanle Observatory, Umling La (5,640 m), Demchok Village, and the Leh–Manali Highway
How to Reach — Srinagar Leh Manali Trip
The trip starts from Srinagar. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, is well-connected to major cities across India via air, road, and rail. Here’s how you can reach the starting point of the Srinagar Leh Manali Trip:
By Road — Srinagar is connected via NH-44 from Jammu (267 km, 7–8 hours). Buses, taxis, and self-drive options are available, offering scenic views of the Pir Panjal range. From Delhi, the road journey takes approximately 18–20 hours.
By Air — Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) in Srinagar has regular direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and other major cities. The airport is about 12 km from the city centre; taxis and app-based cabs are readily available for onward travel.
By Train — The nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi, which is well-connected to cities across India. From Jammu, travellers can take a taxi or bus to Srinagar (approximately 7–8 hours).
More Ladakh Bike Trips:
Highlights
- Ride the world's highest motorable road — Umling La Pass at 5,640 m, higher than Everest Base Camp
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 CC bikes provided with fuel from Srinagar to Manali
- All Inner Line Permits and bike permits arranged by the organiser
- Stay in deluxe hotels, Swiss camps, and cottages with attached bathrooms throughout
- Explore Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Hanle, Demchok village, and the sand dunes of Hunder
- Riding jacket, knee pads, and standard helmet included in the package
- Experienced road captain, mechanical backup, daily bike check-up and 24×7 oxygen cylinder
- Conquer Khardung La (5,359 m) — one of the world's highest motorable passes
Included/Excluded
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 CC bike with fuel (Srinagar to Manali)
- 10 nights accommodation: Srinagar (1N hotel), Kargil (1N hotel), Leh (1N hotel), Nubra (1N camp), Pangong (1N cottage), Hanle (2N deluxe homestay), Leh (1N hotel), Sarchu (1N camp), Manali (1N hotel) — triple sharing basis
- Buffet breakfast (Day 2–11) and buffet dinner (Day 1–10)
- Riding gear: helmet (58–60 cm), riding jacket, knee pads
- Experienced Team Captain throughout the trip
- Mechanical backup and daily bike check-up
- Spare wheels carried for punctures
- All Inner Line Permits and bike permits
- Driver night charges, toll tax, and parking charges
- Medical kit and 24×7 oxygen cylinder in the support vehicle
- Volvo bus transfer from Manali to Delhi (overnight)
- Applicable GST (5%)
- Personal expenses (telephone, laundry, tips, table drinks)
- Any type of insurance — medical, accidental, theft
- Airfare or rail fare not mentioned in inclusions
- Airport / railway station / bus stop pick-up or drop
- Cost of spare parts for accidental damage while bike is in rider's possession
- Cost to transfer or tow the bike if dropped mid-route
- Vehicle servicing or maintenance cost
- Lunches and meals not mentioned in inclusions
- Security deposit of ₹10,000 per motorbike
- Parking and monument entry fees during sightseeing
- Costs due to itinerary changes caused by natural calamity, road blocks, vehicle breakdown, etc.
- Any medical or evacuation expenses
- Extra luggage beyond 60 litres rucksack (charged at ₹250/day per 10 kg)
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival At Srinagar
- Arrive in Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir and head to your hotel.
- Complete check-in formalities and freshen up after your journey.
- Explore Srinagar Market on your own local handicrafts, Kashmiri food, and the famous Dal Lake ghats await.
- Attend a short briefing session with the Team Captain to prepare for the next day’s ride.
- Overnight stay in Srinagar.
Day 2: Srinagar To Kargil via Sonamarg, Zojila & Drass
- Wake up to a pleasant Srinagar morning, have breakfast at the hotel, and get your bikes ready.
- Depart for the scenic town of Kargil, crossing the ancient Silk Road meadows of Sonamarg.
- Conquer Zoji La (3,528 m) — one of India’s most challenging and breathtaking mountain passes.
- Pass through Drass village — the coldest inhabited place in India and often called the Gateway to Ladakh.
- Stop at the Kargil War Memorial to pay homage to the brave soldiers of the 1999 Kargil War.
- Continue to Kargil and check in to the hotel. Enjoy dinner and rest for the day.
Day 3: Kargil To Leh via Lamayuru, Sangam & Magnetic Hill
- Wake up in Kargil, have breakfast, and prepare for one of the most scenic rides of the Srinagar Leh Manali Trip.
- Cross two high-altitude passes — Namika La (3,700 m) and Fotu La (4,108 m).
- Pass through the picturesque Lamayuru town, famous for its surreal moon-like landscape and ancient monastery.
- Stop at Sangam Point to witness the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers — a photographer’s delight.
- Visit Magnetic Hill, where vehicles appear to roll uphill, creating a fascinating optical illusion.
- Pay your respects at Gurudwara Pather Sahib, dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, which houses a sacred boulder bearing his imprints.
- Arrive in Leh, check in to the hotel, and call it a day.
Day 4: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La (5,359 m)
- Have a hearty breakfast in Leh, prep your bikes, and rev up for the world-famous Khardung La climb.
- Conquer Khardung La at 5,359 m — one of the world’s highest motorable passes — and soak in the spectacular panoramic views.
- Descend into the Nubra Valley, located between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas.
- Stop at Diskit Monastery, home to a towering 106-foot Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the valley.
- Pass the Shyok River on the way to Nubra, also known as Ldorma or the Valley of Flowers.
- Explore the surreal Hunder Sand Dunes — the cold desert of Ladakh. Optionally ride a double-humped Bactrian camel or an ATV (on your own).
- Head to your camps/hotel and settle in for the night.
Day 5: Nubra to Pangong Tso via Shyok Valley
- Wake up in Nubra Valley and get ready for the adventurous ride to the iconic Pangong Tso.
- Ride through the charming Agam and Shyok villages, known for their scenic beauty and dramatic landscapes.
- Arrive at Pangong Lake (4,300 m) — at 136 km long and 4 km wide, it is the world’s highest saltwater lake.
- Admire the lake’s famous shifting shades of blue as it reflects the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
- Take photos at the famous 3-Idiots filming set on the lakeshore.
- Check in to the campsite near the lake, enjoy dinner around a bonfire, and spend the night with unbeatable star-gazing.
Day 6: Pangong Tso to Hanle via Rezang La War Memorial
- Wake up to breathtaking sunrise views over Pangong Lake and enjoy a delicious breakfast at the campsite.
- Begin the ride toward the restricted and remote Hanle village in the Changthang plateau.
- Pass through Chushul and stop at the Rezang La War Memorial — a tribute to the heroes of the 1962 Indo-China War.
- Cross the Loma Bridge on the Indus River and ride through rugged, high-altitude landscapes.
- Stop for lunch en route (subject to time) before completing the journey to Hanle.
- Arrive in Hanle by evening, check in to the deluxe homestay, and enjoy a tasty dinner under a sky ablaze with stars.
Day 7: Excursion to Umling La (5,640 m) & Demchok Village
- The highlight of the entire Srinagar Leh Manali Trip ignite your engines for the world’s highest motorable road!
- En route, cross Nurbu La / Photi La at 5,524 m through stunning, raw Ladakhi landscapes.
- Conquer Umling La at 5,640 m higher than Everest Base Camp and soak in the unparalleled, planet-like views.
- Click photos at the summit and celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime achievement with your fellow riders.
- If time permits, visit Demchok village near the Indo-China border a truly remote and unique experience.
- Return to Hanle and, if time permits, visit the Hanle Observatory India’s highest space observatory, renowned for advanced astronomical research.
- Return to the homestay in Hanle for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 8: Hanle to Leh via Chumathang & Thiksey
- Wake up early and soak in the captivating orange-pink hues of the Ladakh sunrise before bidding farewell to Hanle.
- Ride back toward Leh passing through the scenic towns of Chumathang, Upshi, Karu, and Thiksey.
- Stop at Thiksey Monastery one of the largest and most impressive gompas in Ladakh.
- Pass the famous Rancho School (Druk Padma Karpo School, made iconic by 3 Idiots).
- Arrive in Leh by evening, check in to the hotel, freshen up, and explore the Leh market on your own.
- Shop for local crafts, go café hopping, and try Ladakhi delicacies on the vibrant Main Bazaar street.
Day 9: Leh to Sarchu (4,290 m) via Nakee La, Lachung La & Tanglang La
- After breakfast, depart Leh and begin the long but spectacular ride toward Sarchu at 14,100 ft (4,290 m) — approximately 250 km, 6–7 hours.
- Cross three iconic high-altitude passes — Nakee La, Lachung La, and Tanglang La (17,582 ft) — on the Manali-Leh highway.
- Bid farewell to Ladakh as the road winds down into Himachal Pradesh and the dramatic landscapes gradually change colour.
- Arrive in Sarchu, deposit your bike keys with the road captain, and settle in for the night at the high-altitude camp.
Day 10: Sarchu to Manali (2,050 m) - Epic Journey Ends
- Begin the day early with breakfast and set off on the final riding day of the Srinagar Leh Manali Trip — approximately 200 km, 5–6 hours.
- The route is slightly rough in sections — aim to cover the maximum distance with minimal stopovers.
- Descend from the barren high plateau into the lush, tree-lined Kullu Valley as Manali comes into view.
- Upon arriving in Manali, celebrate the completion of this epic two-wheel journey with your group.
- Deposit your bike keys with the road captain — your machine has carried you across the highest roads on Earth!
- Enjoy a celebratory dinner and an overnight stay in Manali. Explore the Mall Road and Old Manali in the evening.
Day 11: Manali to Delhi Departure (Overnight Volvo Bus)
- Check out of the hotel by 10 AM after breakfast.
- Spend the morning exploring Manali’s cafés with fellow riders, reminiscing about every pass, every camp, every epic mile.
- Depart for Delhi in the evening aboard an overnight Volvo bus — approximately 540 km, 14–15 hours. Bus is included in the package.
- Carry home memories worth a lifetime and friendships to treasure forever.
Day 12: Arrival in Delhi - Trip Ends
- Arrive in Delhi in the early morning.
- Your Srinagar Leh Manali Trip officially concludes here — with memories of the world’s highest roads etched forever in your heart.
- Onward travel arrangements are on your own.