Mountain Biking in Ladakh

Ladakh never fails to amuse adventure enthusiasts, whether for trekking or Safari. Lined up in the row is Mountain Biking in Ladakh. Numerous biking fanatics love to ride on rugged terrains, pass by dusty roads, and unveil the mysteries behind sharp twists and turns.

Cycling in Ladakh is a journey to unreachable areas off the beaten track due to their high altitude. This unique experience of cycling to these untouched places adds an extra layer of excitement to the expedition. Imagine pedaling your way to one of the highest motorable roads in the world – Khardung La. Or cycling to the famous monasteries of Ladakh for a spiritual enlightenment like no other.

Cycling in Ladakh can be physically demanding and arduous, even for the fittest adventurer. The roads, the tracks, and the views are tricky and friendly. But the sense of accomplishment and the awe-inspiring moments you'll experience, filled with a mix of tired eyes, heavy breath, wildlife, and scenic beauty, make it all worth it.

Popular Routes for Cycling in Ladakh

Explore the popular cycling routes in Ladakh to explore the moonland-like plateaus. The following are the famous trails cyclists follow to make their cycle tour in Ladakh a lifetime sojourn.

1. From Leh towards Alchi

Despite its hairpin turns, the 64 km road from Leh to Alchi is a safe and reliable route for a cycling tour in Ladakh. The placid terrain offers a sense of security, and many attractions are en route, which are mentioned below, to keep you engaged and confident in your journey.

• Basgo Monastery
• Phyang Monastery
• Likir Monastery
• Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
• Sangam – the confluence of Zanskar and Indus River
• Magnetic Hill
• Alchi Monastery
• Chos-kor
• Dharma Chakra Monastery
• Statue of Avalokiteswara

2. From Leh towards Hemis

The distance between Leh and Hemis is 39.9 km. Cycling in Ladakh is the best way to travel from Leh to Hemis. The following attractions make the journey even more beautiful.

• Sindhu Ghat
• Shey palace
• The school where the shooting of 3 Idiots movie took place
• Stok palace
• Thiksey monastery
• Hemis monastery

3. All the way through Khardung La

If the thought of cycling through one of the highest motorable roads in the world – Khardung La, doesn’t excite you, then nothing else will. The pass acts as a link between Leh City, Indus, and Nubra Valley. The 40 km ride will surely be the best ride you will ever have. Some of the significant attractions en route to the Ladakh cycling expedition are as follows:

• Views of the Zanskar Range
• Scenic Karakoram Range

Best Time to Plan Cycling Tour to Ladakh

The best time to plan a Ladakh cycling tour is from mid-June to the end of September. Since the roads are not covered with snow, the passes remain open during this time.