HIMALAYA Where the Sky Begins

Day 5     Test ride in the Kullu Valley / 60 km

After the allocation of the motorcycles, a short test tour of about 60 km through the beautiful Kullu Valley.

Overnight stay in a guesthouse. (B/-/-)

Day 6     Manali to Jispa (3250 m) / 135 km

We drive along the Beas River, passing through numerous villages, and ascend to the Rothang Pass (3980 m) (or alternatively through the Rothang Tunnel). Then we descend to Gramphu and continue to the checkpoint in Koksar. Driving along the Chandra River, we pass through small villages, potato and pea plantations, and past spectacular mountains with their glaciers. We reach the district capital, Keylong, where the last permanent market is located. From there, we continue for another 35 km to Jispa.

Overnight stay in a guesthouse. (B/L/D)

Day 7     Jispa to Purne (3950 m) / 90 km

We start after a good breakfast. After crossing Darcha, 9 km away, we leave the Manali-Leh Highway and turn towards Zanskar. Initially, we travel 18 km on a well-maintained road with a gentle uphill gradient. We pass through small mountain villages and reach Zanskar Sumdo, a confluence of streams. From here, we continue for another 18 km up to the Shinku La pass, at over 5000 m! The last few kilometers are on a gravel road. We then descend along a narrow, undeveloped winding road on the northern side of the pass, where we stop for lunch. After crossing a river, we pause a few kilometers later to admire the mighty Conbo Rangjon rock towering before us. The next 30 km are relatively flat until we reach the village of Purne, which consists of only three houses. On the way, we pass the first villages and yaks of Zanskar.

Overnight in simple homestays or tents. (B/L/D)

Day 8     Phuktal Monastery (4300 m) to Padum (3700 m) / 80 km

In the morning, there is an optional hike to the Phuktal Monastery (4300 m) and then a drive to Padum (3700 m), covering 80 km. We have a short hike planned to the spectacular 2500-year-old Phuktal Monastery, which is built into a cliff. The 5 km trail leads us to the monastery, which is still only accessible on foot. In the afternoon, we continue by motorcycle: traveling through the narrow valley along the Kurgiak River on a sandy jeep track towards Padum, the administrative center of Zanskar. The last few kilometers are on a brand-new paved road. We reach the wide valley of Padum. In the afternoon, we visit the Karsha Monastery, and also the Sani Lake and the waterfall in the village of Sheela are worth a visit.

Overnight stay at the hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 9     Padurn - Lamayuru (3500 m) / 200 km

Today we face a long journey on a recently opened jeep track. After the first few kilometers on an asphalt road, the next 80 km are particularly challenging. We will traverse the Zanskar Gorge and cross the two high passes, Singge La (5009 m) and Sri Sri La (4832 m). We will continue passing through small villages. Towards the end of today’s route, the landscape becomes noticeably greener. Upon reaching the highway between Leh and Kargil, we drive for about 7 km towards Kargil to Lamayuru.

Overnight stay at the hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 10     Lamayuru - Leh (3500 m) / km 140

After so much "off-road," it’s really enjoyable to ride on good asphalt. We speed through the high-altitude desert. After visiting the Lamayuru Monastery, we also take a detour to the Alchi Monastery.

Overnight stay at the hotel. (B/-/-)

Day 11     Visit to the city of Leh and various monasteries / 80 km

Today, we will receive the permits for the onward journey to Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley, which are located near the border with Tibet. So, we will use the day to explore Leh and its surroundings. There are many old Buddhist monasteries here, a palace, and the famous Shanti Stupa, from where we will have a wonderful view of Leh

Overnight stay at the hotel. (B/-/-)

Day 12   Leh - Khardungla Pass (5620 m) - Nubra Tal (3048 m) / 125 km  

Today we cross what was once the highest motorable pass in the world: the Khardung La Pass. Here, it can snow even in summer, and you can enjoy a tea at the world's highest café. The view from here is breathtaking! We then continue into the fascinating Nubra Valley. In Deskit, we visit the monastery. We proceed to Hundur, where we can take a walk around the beautiful village, visit the sand dunes, and enjoy a camel ride.

Overnight stay at the hotel. (B/-/-)

Day 13    Nubra - Shyok Valley - Pangong (4300 m) / 227 km

The famous Pangong Lake is more than 200 km long and on average 5 km wide. Most of the lake is already in Tibet. So, we can take a look into Tibet. This lake has been the location for many Bollywood films. We will spend the night in a nice, comfortable camp.

Overnight in tents. (B/L/D)

Day 14     Pangong - Hanle (4500 m) / 176 km

Today, a wonderful peaceful journey first along Pangong Lake and later through the vastness of the Changthang region with some remote villages. We cross the Tsaga Pass at 5300 m. The village of Hanle is one of the last villages before the Tibetan region. Here is the highest astronomical observatory in the world. Only since last year have foreign guests been allowed to stay here overnight and continue to the Umling La Pass.

Overnight stay in hotel or tent. (B/L/D)

Day 15     Hanle (4500 m) - Umling La Pass (5800 m) - Hanle / 150 km

Journey to Umling la Pass (5800 m), 150 km, the highest motorable pass in the world, and back to Hanle. Today, we mostly travel on well-paved roads over the Photila Pass (5500 m) to Umling La Pass. The return route takes us via Nurbo La at 4900 m, where some off-roading awaits us.

Overnight stay in hotel or tent. (B/L/D)

Day 16     Hanle - Leh / km 270

A long ride on a well-paved road will take us back to Leh.

Overnight stay in hotel. (B/-/-)

Day 17     Dheli - Leh - Zürich

Flight to Delhi in the morning (e.g. 8:30-9:55).

International flight Air India 14:05-19:05.