Leh Ladakh Bike Expedition

Essential Tips for a Leh Ladakh Bike Expedition

Posted on | by backpackclan2

A bike trip to Ladakh is one of the things that adrenaline seeker aspires to do at least once in their lifetime. But, yes this comes with both pros and cons. Below we will discuss the top essential tips for a Leh Ladakh bike expedition, that every rider should take when going for this adventure.

Tips for a Leh Ladakh Bike Expedition

  1. To go to Leh there exist two different routes, one from Manali and the other from Srinagar. Manali to Leh trip is around 476 km, whereas on the other hand, Srinagar to Leh is around 434 km. However, the one that is most preferred between the two is the Manali route, which passes through treacherous terrains and also some of the highest motorable passes in the world. But, if you want our opinion, we would recommend you to choose the Srinagar route as you would hit the high terrain gradually rather than a quick, steep climb.
  1. The best time for Leh Ladakh Bike Expedition is between mid-May to October. The roads from Srinagar are thrown open from mid-May, whereas the Manali route is opened after May. So, you can take this road trip only during the autumn and summer seasons or else, you will have to take a flight.
  1. Be prepared to deal with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which might hit you at some point. Make sure that you follow all the required measures to cope with that. 
  1. Remember to keep yourself hydrated. Try drinking 3 to 4 liters of water every day.
  1. Make sure that you work on your endurance in order to prepare yourself for the journey well ahead. 
  1. After reaching Leh, ensure your Inner Line Permits (ILP) are in order. For this, you need to go to the DC office in Leh and obtain the permits yourself.
  1. Avoid smoking and drinking during the trip.
  1. Also, it is advisable to carry more cash with you rather than depending on ATMs.
  1. Wear protective biking gear if you want your limbs and head to remain intact in case of any unfortunate incident.
  1. Try carrying extra petrol with you, as there are fewer petrol pumps on the route.
  1. Carry with you an extra puncture kit, accelerator cables, clutch cables, tubes, fuses, and an air pump.
  1. Try to keep some days extra in your itinerary as it won’t be a good idea to visit Leh on a bike if you are running on a tight schedule.

Happy Leh Ladakh Road Tripping!

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