DEXBA Touring Company
Ladakh/Zanskar
The lost Kingdom
- 21.Sep.2025 - 03.Okt.2025
- 13 Days / 12 Nights
- 1050 km
- Ladakh/Zanskar
$6750 AUD / Per Person
Intro
Into Ladakh and Zanskar Discover New and Adventurous Passe
This year, newly opened mountain passes in southern Ladakh have unlocked an exciting route into the mountain kingdom. By crossing the Sirsi La (4,786 m) and Singe La (5,056 m) passes, you’ll traverse breathtaking landscapes that connect Ladakh to the secluded Zanskar Valley, creating a fresh and adventure-filled itinerary.
The journey begins in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, where the famed Manali-Leh Highway—known as the “Highway to Heaven”—guides you into Ladakh and its historic capital, Leh.
Known as the “Land of Passes,” Ladakh is home to some of the highest motorable passes in the world, which we’ll tackle together. The regions of Ladakh and Zanskar are celebrated for their otherworldly landscapes, crystal-clear skies, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and unspoiled remoteness. Regarded by many as the most striking part of the Himalayas, these areas remain unexplored by most operators.
Over 13 thrilling days, we’ll cover around 1,050 kilometres, embarking on a motorcycle adventure that reveals the Himalayas in all their breathtaking diversity. This journey blends exhilarating off-road trails with awe-inspiring cultural gems like the Bardan Monastery, the vibrant city of Leh, the serene Karsha Temple, and the beautiful abandoned Zangla Palace. Along the way, you’ll have ample opportunity to dive deep into the vibrant Tibetan-Buddhist culture of this extraordinary region. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Himalayas.
The Lost Kingdom
Tour Highlights
Ride the stunning Manali Leh Highway, locally known as the "Highway to Heaven"
Leh, the Tibetan-Buddhist capital of Ladakh, is a place rich in culture and history, offering a glimpse into its unique spiritual heritage.
Explore the most beautiful monasteries in the region, offering a unique insight into the area's spiritual and cultural heritage.
Ride the infamous 22 hairpin "Gata Loops"
Ride 40 km across the stunning More Plains, a high-altitude plateau averaging 4,800 metres above sea level.
Breathtaking landscapes in the middle of the mighty Himalayas
Sunset in the serene surroundings of the 1,000-year-old Lamayuru Monastery.
A photo for eternity, at the foot of the majestic, standalone God Mountain – Gonbo Rangjon.
Conquer some of the highest motorable passes in the world, including the 5,053m high Shinkhu La.
Good to Know
Everything you need to know
ACCOMMODATION
12 nights in locally styled guest houses in twin share rooms and glamping accommodations.
MOTORCYCLE PACKAGE
11 days of Royal Enfield motorcycle rental, including fuel and daily maintenance at no extra cost.
SKILL-LEVEL
Challenging. This motorcycle tour demands confident riding on tough surfaces like gravel and asphalt.
RIDING TIME
The average riding per day is 6-8 hours including hour long meal breaks, photo opportunities and attractions.
WEATHER
During this tour, sunny and dry mountain weather is expected at temperatures ranging from 10-30 °C however we may experience everything from beautiful sunshine to snowfall.
GROUP
A maximum of 12 riders in a group, usually of mixed nationalities. Each group is accompanied by its own backup crew with a German and English-speaking guide.
ROAD CONDITIONS
The route is often in good condition. However, on this tour we can expect some sections on unpaved roads, river crossings, mud, sand, gravel, lots of bends and everything else you can imagine.
MEALS
All main meals are included in the package. Breakfast is served at the hotels, while lunch is often enjoyed at local roadside eateries or stalls. Dinner will be provided at either the hotel or a nearby restaurant.
MOTORCYCLE GEAR
Each rider is required to bring their own motorcycle protective gear and helmet. Ensure you have waterproof clothing if your gear isn’t moisture-resistant. Don’t forget essentials like gloves, a buff or bandana, a thermal base layer, and sturdy footwear.
- Professional tour guides
- Local guide + mechanic
- 12 Nights in Twin Share
- 11 days rental motorcycle Royal Enfield
- Fuel/oil as well as all spare and wear parts
- Support vehicle for luggage
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (excluding soft drinks and alcohol)
- Tea, coffee, water, and snacks
- All road fees, bridge tolls, and entry fees during the entire tour
- Flights
- Motorcycle damages
- Tips, souvenirs, shopping
- Tourist visa for India (online E-Visa available)
- Travel insurance and medical insurance
- Single room supplement 500 USD
- 1 Day Khardung La Tour 200 USD
Program
The Ultimate Himalayan Tour
Treffpunkt dieser Tour ist in Neu-Delhi am internationalen Flughafen von wo wir gemeinsam morgens um 06:00 nach Kullu fliegen. In Kullu angekommen, fahren wir mit dem Bus nach Manali in unser Biker-Hotel.
Before our first dinner together, a briefing unveils our imminent adventure.
Most flights from Europe arrive in New Delhi around midnight. It's your call whether to continue after a few hours or consider arriving a day earlier. We're more than happy to assist in planning your arrival.
Manali is a serene and idyllic small town perched at 1949 meters above sea level, offering a perfect respite after a long journey.
Today's agenda in Manali primarily serves as an acclimatization period before ascending to altitudes exceeding 4000 meters. In the afternoon, we'll collect the Royal Enfields, providing a brief introduction to handling these machines and navigating the 'logic' of Indian road traffic.
After a restful day, and time to acquaint yourself with your fellow riders, the adventure will begin.
Departing Manali, we embark on our ascent towards the first Himalayan pass, the fabled Rohtang La (3978m) acting as a gateway to the Himalayas. Along the climb to the summit, we pass by numerous stalls that are sure to elicit a smile or two. Here, Indian tourists from warmer regions of the country don winter attire, reminiscent of the colourful fashions of the 80s, thus adding a whimsical touch to our journey.
The road leading to the Rohtang Pass, with its myriad bends, offers a splendid ride, unveiling breathtaking vistas of the valley below. As we climb, this ascent presents us with the last throng of traffic before descending into the Lahaul Valley. Our destination for today is the small town of Keylong.
Today will test our mettle against extreme altitudes as we venture beyond the 4000m mark for the first time.
Traversing well-paved roads through Jispa, across the Barsi Bridge towards Sing Sing Bar, we'll navigate scenic landscapes and negotiate exquisite curves whilst ascending to the formidable 4883m Baralacha La Pass. Here, amidst isolation from civilisation, we'll embrace tranquility.
Yet, we won't linger too long at this height, before we begin our descent to lower altitudes where our glamping tent camp await us - a haven for recuperation and rest.
Today marks one of the most stunning and unforgettable legs of our journey—a chapter destined to linger in your memory.
Following breakfast, we fire-up our beloved Enfields, diving straight into the action! Our expedition kicks off with the 22 hairpin bends of the 'Gata Loops,' setting the stage for this remarkable day. After navigating the seemingly endless curves, we ascend to the 4738m Nakee La. The road climbs further, breaching the 5000m mark for the first time at the 5065m Lachung La.
In the next 27km, we descend more than 400 meters, to reach Pang. We will pause here briefly before our odyssey continues through a landscape reminiscent of another world. The 'More Plains,' a plateau averaging 4800m in altitude and stretching 40km, resembles a lunar terrain. Despite our elevation at 4800m, another ascent awaits. We conquer one of the world's highest passes, the 5317m Taglang La.
As this spectacular day draws to a close, we arrive at the town of Karu, settling in for the night's respite.
Today promises a spectacular journey, showcasing the highlights of the stunning Ladakh region.
Following breakfast, our path leads us toward Sakti, where we'll savour an epic view of the Buddhist monastery of Chemrey which dates back to 1664. Its a wondrous sight and a awe-inspiring beginning to our day.
Continuing our expedition, we venture to explore some of Ladakh's most renowned monasteries. Foremost among them is the Hemis Monastery, esteemed as Ladakh's largest and wealthiest.
On our journey towards Leh, we will pause at the base of the mighty Thiksey Monastery, arguably Ladakh's most exquisite. Within its walls lie numerous religious artefacts and shrines and this Monastery is home to approximately 250 monks.
Enriched by this cultural feast and profound glimpse into Ladakh's spirituality, we reach our destination: Leh, the former capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, where our tour draws to a close.
Den heutigen Tag kann jeder nach seinen eigenen Bedürfnissen gestalten – heute ist Relaxen angesagt.
Ob bei einem Spaziergang durch die schmalen Gassen der Altstadt, dem Besuch der Shanti-Stupa, der Besichtigung des mächtigen Königspalast oder gemütlich eine Tasse Chai schlürfen in einem der vielen Cafés.
Wer erst einmal auf den Geschmack gekommen ist, möchte diese Stadt am liebsten gar nicht mehr verlassen. Die ruhige, fröhliche Ausgeglichenheit der buddhistischen Bevölkerung ist extrem ansteckend.
Nach einem erholsamen Tag in Leh, geht unser Abenteuer mit einer gemütlichen Fahrt nach Lamayuru in die zweite Runde.
Auf dem Weg besichtigen wir die Ruinen und Tempel des alten Königspalastes von Basgo. Weiter Richtung Westen machen wir einen kleinen Abstecher und besuchen das Likir Kloster.
Returning to the main thoroughfare, our journey continues through awe-inspiring rugged terrain. Days end at Lamayuru, sees us enjoying a cold beverage and magnificent sunset over the thousand year old Monastery.
Die kürzlich eröffnete Verbindungsstrasse, welche aus dem Berg geschlagen wurde in Angriff und bezwingen unteranderem die Pässe Sirisir La (4786m) und Singe La (5056m). Ein herausfordernder Tag mit zahlreichen Haarnadelkurven und hohen Pässen wartet auf uns! Die Landschaften in diesem entlegenen Teil des Himalayas ist weitgehend unberührt und nur sehr wenig Touristen gelangen hier her. Die Strasse verengt sich zunehmend und die steilen Hänge lassen den Himmel oftmals nur noch erahnen – wir befinden uns tief in der Zanskarschlucht. Auf den letzten Kilometern folgen wir dem Zanskar- Fluss bis wir unser Tagesziel, Padum erreichen.
Akkordeon Inhalt
Einer der Höhepunkte der Zanskar und Ladakh Himalaya Motorrad Tour – und das meinen wir wörtlich. Über den kürzlich eröffneten Shingo La Pass, der eine Höhe von 5.105 Metern erreicht, fahren wir ins Gelände. Die heutige Fahrt ist nicht leicht zu nehmen. Das Überqueren des Passes ist einrichtiges Abenteuer – viele werden es als Herausforderung empfinden. Am Nachmittag bringt uns eine aufregende Fahrt auf fantastischen Pisten zum Bardan–Kloster, bevor wir in unserem Hotel in Padum einkehren. Padum wurde nach Padmasambhava benannt, der auch als Guru Rimpoche („geboren aus dem Lotus“) bekannt ist, einem einflussreichen buddhistischen Lehrer des 8. Jahrhunderts. Er wird heute noch verehrt und seine Texte werden in allen tibetisch–buddhistischen Klöstern studiert. Übernachtung in einem komfortablen Hotel in Padum.
Akkordeon Inhalt
Akkordeon Inhalt
