Delhi-Manali-Leh-Nubra-Pangong Tso

Himalayas on W\heels over 7 Passes in the Himalayas: Experience the formation of the Himalayas driving around 800 km by entering into the Shivalik or the Outer Himalayas, then visiting the Lower Himalayan hillsalong the Beas river, continue driving over the Great Himalayan ranges, crossing Rohtang Pass (3978m), Baralachala Pass (4890m.), Nikeela Pass (4739m), Lochulangla Pass (5065m), Tanglangla Pass (5360), Khardung La (5359) & Changla (5360m), visiting Trans Himalayan valleys of Lahaul and Ladakh along the route.

ITINERARY

Day 01: ARRIVE DELHI                                                                       INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT                                       NO MEALS

Arrive Delhi airport.  On arrival meet and greet by the local partner and transfer to the hotel for overnight stay. Get to know all riders and set expectation for all in convoy travelling and safety aspects.

Day 02: DELHI – CHANDIGARH – MANALI                                        around 250 km, 3 hours train ride & 7 hrs drive             BLD

After breakfast. Transfer to the New Delhi railway station to catch the scheduled train to Chandigarh. On arrival at Chandigarh railway station, transfer to the cars and the team will be driven to Manali; 215 km, from Punjab plains to the Shivalik or the Outer Himalayas. There will be noticeable change in scenery; the fauna and flora as we journey along. It  gives an idea of formation of the stratum; vegetation layerings.  As we drive further, we will pass the narrow gauge along river Beas and enter Kullu Valley with the sudden opening. We will reach Manali by evening and we are free  to explore the Mall Road. This is the best place to buy world famous Kullu shawls and Kullu cap. Evening walk around Mall Road.

Day 03: MANALI 1950m                                         AACLIMATISATION                  BLD

After breakfast, there will be briefing by local guide and each get to familiarize with the Enfield Bike.  There will be familiarization ride to explore Manali and its surroundings with a local guide. We may visit Naggar Castle, Roerich Art Gallery, Hindu Temples and the hot spring in Vashisht village.  Return back to hotel.  Evening walk around Manali town for last minute shopping and own activities. This is a good acclimatization for this altitude. Sharing of Incredible Journeys’ slide show.

Day 04: MANALI – JISPA  3,320m                                           (115 km, 5-6 hours) (Road inaccessible on Tuesday)                BLD

After breakfast we start our exciting & spectacular journey to the High Himalayas reaching Rohtang Pass, at the elevation of 3,989m above sea level and finally into the mystic valley of Lahaul. We will be able to admire the view of the 5,000m Peaks; mountains and glaciers of Chandra-Bhaga range.  Most of the range are covered with snow all year round. The name Rohtang literally means ‘heap of dead bodies’, which tells the tale of olden days where lots of people die while attempting to cross this deadly pass. The legend has it that the area beyond the pass was not conquered by any king or army; they  will die on attempt to cross it.  The further journey will lead us to Keylong, the district headquarters of tribal district of Himachal Pradesh. Interestingly, due to heavy snowfall on the Rohtang Pass, this district will remain impassable by the outside world for more than 6 months. Ride further around an hour to reach Jispa.

Day 05: JISPA – SARCHU  4,253m                   (85 km, 3-4 hours)                         BLD

After breakfast we will ride on the main road for a few kilometres to Darcha, a check point to enter into ‘No Man’s land’. Today we will cross the Baralacha La (4,800m)! This was the area where commercial and barter’s  trade took place between traders from China, Tibet, Ladakh, Himachal and Central Asia.

There are 3 rivers; namely Yanum, Chandra &Bhaga originating from the pass flowing to 3 different valleys. We will have tea stop along the highway. These temporary tea houses are all in white along the highway. After tea, we will continue riding to Sarchu (4,205m).

Day 06: SARCHU – TSOKAR LAKE 4,267m                                                (133 km, 6-7 hours)                                                   BLD

We will leave the vast Sarchu plateau in the morning and head up to curvy ride until we reach Namik La (4,950 m).  This is where we can experience the spectacular views of rugged rocks and their unique geological formation. After this we will ascent and pass over Lachu Lang La (5.090m) before descending to the gorge of the cliffy GanglaJal.

We willl then continue through the vast plateau of Kyang Chu-Thang (plateau of wild donkey) to Tsokar, via dusty and unidentified trails. The Tsokar Lake – also called ‘White Lake’ because of the salt deposits around it. This is where extracted salt from the shores is still sold all over Ladakh, Pled Wagtail, Desert Wheatears, Raven, Horned Lark etc.

Day 07: TSOKAR – LEH  3,506m                                                        (145km, 4 hours)                                                                 BLD

Early morning after sunrise, we will ride to Leh over second highest Motor-able pass in the world, Tanglang La. You can enjoy the experience of peeing in the highest toilet in the world at the height of 5,320m above sea level. If you feel dizzy and shortness of breath, this is normal as you are experiencing mild AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).

You can have an enchanting view of the Trans Himalayan range while on this pass.  We will descend to the Indus Valley; the oldest civilization of the world called “Indus Valley Civilization”. After crossing the River Indus, which originates from Mount Kailash in Tibet, , we will ride along the river up to Leh, stopping at Hemis monastery &Thiksey Monastery.  Interestingly, this river  finds its way to Ladakh after meandering hundreds of kilometres in the Trans Himalayas. Such phenomenon is the wonder of nature.

Day 08: LEH                                                                               EXPLORATION                                                                              BLD

An exploration day at Leh. And get the ILP & SAP (Inner Line Permits & Special Area Permits) ready for the next days. Walk round the Leh town, also can walk up to Japanese Peace Stupa to admire the bird view of Leh town after climbing up the stairs numbring around 500 or more.

Day 09: LEH – KHARDUNG LA 5,540m – NUBRA                                     (145 km, 5-6 hours)                                                    BLD

The ultimate challenge today will be riding up to Khardung La! This is the highest point and AMS will set in for some.

However, we will be carrying oxygen cylinders will be   accompanying the vehicle throughout the journey. Once we reach the highest motor able pass in the world, we can enjoy the magnificent view of the Himalayas and its valleys. We will descent and head down to Nubra Valley. Overnight stay at Deskit.

Day 10: NUBRA – KHARDUNG LA  5,540m – LEH                                    (145 km, 5-6 hours)                                                   BLD

After breakfast time to explore the Sand Dunes of Nubra at Hunder, also you can ride double hump camel i.e. one of the species of Bactrian Camels.  Head back for Leh. For those experiencing AMS, they will feel much better at this elevation. The concept of ‘Climb high & Sleep low’ will be shared during lunch at Leh. After lunch will be ‘free and easy’ for all.

Day 11: LEH – CHANG LA (5,360m) – PANGONG TSO  (165 Km- 5-6 Hours)

Today we will ride back a few kilometers on the same route Manali – Leh road till the diversion of Karu. We will then ride our way up into the thin air spiraling along the barren landscape till the pass of Chang La. After a short break at the pass we will descend to another sub-valley joined to Indus Valley. The long ride today may need a few more stop to register ourselves as a motorbike rider at Army & Police check points. This area marks the actual line of control between India and China. Although the Sino-Indian border cannot be accessed by an ordinary citizen, however it is obvious due to the presence of Army garrisons along the way. You will be delighted to be here as you ride past the land-locked sea, the ‘Lake of Pangong’. We will ride into the camp site.

Day 12: PANGONG TSO – LEH                                                                 (165 Km  around 5 hours                                            BLD

Today we shall be doing the back track to Reach Leh

Day 13: LEH – DELHI – FLY HOME                                                       INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT                                                    B

Early morning after breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport for the scheduled flight to Delhi.  On arrival transfer to the town and spend your time at Delhi as per your interest or visit India Gate, Parliament House or trip to Old Delhi. Transport and Odyssey Manager at your disposal. In time transfer to the airport to board your scheduled flight home.

Hotels Subject to availability

SRS: Single Room Supplement, CWB: Child With Bed, CNB: Child No Bed

Note: Sequence of itinerary may change due to domestic flights availability or any other operational reasons