Rent a motorbike in Leh, Ladakh

Motorbike trip in Ladakh

A wild land known for some of the highest roads in the world, Ladakh is the ideal destination for an off-the-beaten-track adventure. This Indian region nestled in the Himalayan range offers varied landscapes and wide-open spaces for exploration. Punctuated by vertiginous peaks sometimes reaching 8,000 m in altitude, Ladakh unfolds through sumptuous lunar landscapes and deep valleys shaped by erosion and time. From the Tibetan monasteries perched on the mountains to the remote villages of the valleys, visiting Ladakh is also a journey through time that we invite you to experience in an original way.

Designed as a road-book and illustrated with numerous maps and photographs, EXPLORE LADAKH is both a tool and a guide for independent travellers wishing to discover, understand and explore Ladakh. In this book, we offer you a selection of small trails to discover by motorcycle, 4×4 or bike.

Road conditions in Ladakh

There are well-maintained tarmac roads between Manali and Leh, as well asbetween Leh and Srinagar (via Kargil). The road to Diskit (in the Nubra valley) via the Kardung La pass is also well-groomed.

Apart from these roads, you’ll be riding on mountain trails of varying degrees of maintenance. Some tracks are in very good condition, as they are maintained by the army. But that’s not the case for all tracks. Landslides are common and rocks can be found on the tracks. Rivers often overflow (especially at the end of the day when the snow has melted).

Remember that you’ll be crossing some of the highest roads in the world! The slope of these trails can reach 30% in some areas, so a powerful motorcycle is highly recommended. Don’t forget that in addition to your own weight, you need to add your pack, equipment and fuel reserves, which can quickly weigh down and slow down the bike.

Note also that conditions can become extreme with snow and slippery roads, especially when crossing passes. Most of the trails are stony or sandy, so a trail bike is highly recommended.

As a general rule, be careful and never drive at night. If an obstacle is in your way, take the time to analyze the situation.

Which motorbike to hire in Ladakh?

Due to growing demand, local authorities have decided to regulate motorcycle rental in Ladakh.

Prices are regulated, fixed and non-negotiable. Here’s the list of motorcycles you can rent in Leh, with daily prices. In July and August, advance booking is recommended.

Given all these possibilities, our choice for exploring Ladakh naturally fell on Royal Enfield’s Himalayan 411 cc. This recent bike is perfectly suited to the trails we offer. With its off-road suspension and all-terrain tires, we chose this bike so there would be no limits to our explorations. There are three Himalayan models: 2016, 2018 and 2021. We highly recommend the latter two models, as they feature a new fuel injection system that enables the engine to perform better at high altitudes.

Our advice before hitting the road

Checks

Before hitting the road, it’s a good idea to do a few checks on your bike! The first thing is to make sure that the tires are in good condition; they should still be a long way from their wear indicator. Also check their pressure and adjust it before setting off. If you’re traveling with a passenger, slightly over-inflate your tires. Next, remember to check the oil level (even if you set off with a small can), the condition of the brake pads and the chain kit. As a general rule, never forget to check everything to do with the transmission (tension, adjustment and lubrication must be perfect). Finally, pay particular attention to the suspension. If it’s possible to adjust them, do so according to the expected additional load.

Fuel management

Service stations are few and far between. You’ll find them on the general map in the EXPLORE LADAKH book. Bring two 5-liter cans of gasoline.

You need to allow between 25 and 30 km of range per liter of petrol. This gives you a range of around 625 km if you’re in the Himalayan 410 with two 5-liter cans. Fuel consumption varies according to the model of motorcycle, and the rental company will be able to give you a more precise range.

Inner Line Permit (Permis d’accès aux zones réglementées)

Access to certain areas of Ladakh is regulated for foreigners. So you need to apply for an Inner Line Perm it to enter these areas (where most of the trails in this book are located). Foreigners must also pay a preservation fee (Protected Area Permit). For full details of the permit and a map of restricted areas, see our article on the Inner Line Permit.

Rent a motorcycle in Leh

The majority of motorcycle rental agencies are to be found in Leh. Please note that it isforbidden to make a road-trip in Ladakh with a motorcycle rented outside Ladakh (such as Manali). Here is a selection of very serious and professional rental companies in Leh.