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A 7-day motorcycle adventure through the heart of Zanskar
A signature ride by Karma Yatri
Motorcycling in the wild Himalayas
The shortest Himalayan trip in our repertoire, this itinerary has been curated for those coming back to this magical landscape or for those who are interested in the less touristy parts of Ladakh.
The trek from Srinagar makes it a perfect trip to showcase the changing Himalayan landscape and is best suited for acclimatizing to the high altitudes of Ladakh.
The entry into Zanskar is reminiscent of time at a standstill and the vast views that unfold before you are a true testament to the greatest mountain range in the world.
The exit from Zanskar towards Leh may remain (if the road works aren’t completed) one of the best off-road trails that the Himalayas can offer.
This trip can easily be coupled with our Ladakh & Spiti itineraries to make for a more immersive Himalayan experience.
• 7-day motorcycle adventure in Kashmir and Ladakh
• Destinations in Srinagar, Zanskar and Leh
• Several high passes, off-road opportunities and stunning stretches of tarmac
• Fully supported tour with back up team
• Travel to lesser-explored parts of the Indian Himalayas
• Comfortable accommodation, a variety of cuisines and local content resources
• Back-up and medical support
Arrive at Srinagar ( No Riding)
Fly into Srinagar Airport and be received by our team member at the airport. Transfer to Hotel. Unpack, Unwind.
We recommend that you relax and take in the sights of this gorgeous Himalayan city. Your hotel is close to the Dal lake and the views an walks in the vicinity are what mountain dreams are made of.
There are several places to visit and activities to engage in, but we recommend taking it easy and enjoying the lazy charms and comforts, the food and the general vibe of the place, a sunset shikara ride or a sundowner at the Lalit hotel.
Today we get on the bikes and head out on a short 60/100 KM exploratory road trip to reach our staging point for the Transhimalayan traverse.
We divert off the main highways and hit small country roads that give you a flavor of riding in the alpine Himalayas, a landscape you will not see for the subsequent part of your road trip.
We visit a 7th century Shiva temple in a gorgeous setting, some of the less visited lakes around Srinagar and eventually make our way to our riverside resort in a quaint village 5 km short of the busy town of Sonamarg.
Soak in the views and just relax by the riverside, anticipating the next days.
We have a great deal of riding ahead of us.
We leave early to avoid the traffic at Zoji La. The route is covered in a series of hairpin bends and you quickly ascend from the valley floor. While they are not technical, it leaves you awestruck as you see the marvel of engineering that slithers up huge mountains and descends great heights.
This is the gateway to Ladakh and within a matter of a few Kms the landscape has taken such a dramatic transition that it leaves you quite speechless. We cross the war memorial at Drass and continue onwards to Kargil (the second largest city in Ladakh is predominantly Muslim) on quick paced roads, along a roaring river and enter the gorgeous Suru valley and onwards to our guesthouse at Chutak.
The final bits of Suru valley cross by in a dazzling display of cultivated green and the many-hued kaleidoscope of wild flowers as we race up river, through tiny villages and glacial streams. We cross the monastery at Rangdum riding along a mesmerizing landscape that takes you to the gateway of Zanskar, Pensi La (our highest point on this route).
It’s difficult to describe the feeling of viewing the Drang Drung glacier for the first time. The largest glacier in Ladakh redefines infinity
We descend into Zanskar and the valley opens up before you. Tiny villages surrounded by windswept barley, Yaks grazing in the horizon, and people with weathered faces turning a prayer wheel transpose you into a time far gone by.
We ride past busy Padum to our homestay on the outskirts of the town.
And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment we have all been waiting for.
Let the off-roads begin.
Probably the best off-road patch left in the Himalayas, 2 high altitude passes – the less said about this route, the better. This is one for the senses.
The focus must be unwavering but the scenery beckons a glimpse, the dust fills your visor but you cant stop smiling, it could be hot, it could be bone chilling cold. We could have rain, we could have snow, the roads could be blocked due to roadworks, we could have freshly paved tarmac – there is so much unpredictability on this road that makes it the perfect backdrop for a motorcycle adventure in the Himalayas.
We have a well-deserved half day’s rest at Leh city.
Based on the mood we can cover the 100 KM to Leh fairly quick, or we can choose to take a few detours, spend some time on off-road tracts and visit some of the famous monasteries en route.
We cross the Gurudwara Pather Sahib and finally ride into bustling Leh city – a dramatic transition after what we have experienced over the last few days.
Rest, eat, shop, chill.
We meet for a final farewell dinner at a popular restaurant in Leh city. 16 May 2025 Day 6- Lamayuru- Leh KM- 110
