Explorer
Himalayan Highest Passes Motorcycle Expedition — Umling La, Mig La & Zanskar ⎮19-29.08.2027
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The booking fee is 25%.
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The base price includes the rental of a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycle.
TOUR DESCRIPTION:
Ride beyond the standard Ladakh loop.
Over nine riding days, this Leh-to-Leh motorcycle expedition crosses Ladakh, remote Zanskar and the Changthang Plateau on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. We ride broken mountain roads, gravel, river crossings and exposed high-altitude tracks, reaching Umling La and attempting Mig La if permits, border restrictions and conditions allow.
The group is limited to ten riders. A Polish and English speaking MotoBirds tour leader, local road captain, motorcycle mechanic, support vehicles, spare motorcycle, oxygen provide the backup required this far from the ordinary. Motorcycle rental, fuel, accommodation, meals and required permits are included—leaving you to concentrate on the riding.
A high-altitude motorcycle journey for riders who want more than a famous road and a stamp in their passport.
This expedition takes you deep into the Himalayas, following a continuous loop through remote valleys, high mountain passes, and rarely visited regions. Instead of rushing between landmarks, the route is designed to flow with the terrain, building altitude gradually and allowing time to ride, recover, and truly experience life in the mountains.
Every element of the journey — distance, rest days, accommodation, and support — is built around one goal: letting you ride strong and safely in one of the most demanding environments on Earth.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
This tour will be enjoyed by experienced adventure riders who are looking for a meaningful challenge rather than an easy win. The main challenge for riders is the altitude
WHAT MAKES THIS EXPEDITION SPECIAL?
Many Himalayan tours visit high passes. Very few connect them into a complete, coherent journey. In addition (weather allowing), we will summit both Umling La (5,848 m) and the newly opened Mig La (5,913 m).
What sets this expedition apart:
- A true circumnavigation, not a return-the-same-way route
- Carefully planned altitude progression to reduce risk and fatigue
- A balance of challenging riding and more relaxed days
- Remote regions that most tours simply skip due to logistics
- A focus on riding quality, safety, and experience, not daily mileage
This is a tour built by riders, for riders — with no unnecessary filler days and no rushed sections.
Altitude & acclimatization
Altitude is taken seriously on this expedition. The route is designed to:
- Gain elevation progressively
- Include acclimatisation stops and lighter riding days
- Avoid sudden jumps that increase risk
Most nights are spent above 3,500 m, with several passes exceeding 4,000 m. You’ll receive clear guidance on hydration, pacing, and warning signs, giving you the best chance to enjoy the ride rather than fight the altitude. The car has an oxygen cylinder should it be requIred.
CULTURE & LANDSCAPE
This journey is as much about landscapes & culture as it is about riding. Along the route, you’ll experience:
- Ancient monasteries and prayer-flagged mountain passes
- Villages shaped by isolation and high-altitude survival
- Vast, silent landscapes where distance is measured in hours, not kilometers
- The world’s highest passes
- A Polish guide that speaks English and has a deep understanding of local culture.
Nothing is staged. These are working roads, lived-in valleys, and real communities — encountered naturally as part of the journey.
Ready to join?
DETAILS OF THE TOUR
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Summit Umling La and the newly opened Mig La.
- New road connecting Zanskar Valley and Manali.
- Ride through Mount Gombo.
- Most famous Ladakh Buddhist Monasteries
- Zanskar Valley
- Gatta Loops
- Hanley
- Leh
Main asses:
- MIg La (5,913 m)
- Umling La (5,848 m)
- Kaksang La (5,436 m)
- Chang La (5,300 m)
- Shingu La (5,091 m)
- Hor La (4,966 m)
- Baralacha La (4,890 m)
- Sir Sir La Pass (4,808 m)
- Naki La (4,740 m)
- Singe La (4,200 m)
- Zang La (3,981 m)
Lakes:
- Pangong Tso (4,350 m)
- Kiagar lake (4,522m)
- Tso Moriri (4,595 m)
- Tso Kar (4,620 m)
WEATHER:
If you don’t like the weather in the Himalayas just wait for a few hours… The Himalayas are so high that they create microclimates in each valley, and the weather conditions may change very fast. It can be bright and sunny, and a few hours later it could get cloudy and cold. Our tour is taking place during the most favorable time of the year in terms of weather conditions. However, it is impossible to predict the temperatures. You have to be prepared for all kinds of conditions: days with bright sun shining, sudden gusts of strong cold winds, cold nights.
MOTORCYCLE GEAR:
Wearing adequate riding gear is an individual responsibility. We strongly recommend “adventure” or hard-shell type boots for this ride. Bring your own gear.
LUGGAGE:
We will be traveling light. Try not to take more than one 20kg luggage piece. It should be dust & water proof. For riding days take with you a small backpack or waterproof bag, with straps, to enable you to attach it to your motorbike.
IMPORTANT, REMEMBER:
Each participant is required to arrange a tourist entry visa to India for himself.
We will be traveling at very high altitudes, be sure you have sunscreen and sunglasses. The tour is rated 8/10 because of the altitude, not because of the riding difficulties.
In case you feel sick, we will have an oxygen cylinder with us.
Important: book the early morning flight when coming and leaving Leh. Later flights can be cancelled because of the weather.
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE:
5848 (Umling La)
meters above seal levelDAY BY DAY TOUR PROGRAM
DAY 1 (13.08)
Arrival to Leh
Acclimatize in the rooftop capital of Ladakh. Stroll through Leh Bazaar and soak up that thin, high-altitude buzz.
DAY 2 (14.08)
Leh – Lamayuru
Ride along the Indus River Valley, flanked by lunar landscapes. Visit the stunning Lamayuru Monastery, perched above eroded rock towers that feel like a Star Wars movie set.
DAY 3 (15.08)
Lamayuru – Padum
Cross into the remote and mystical Zanskar Valley: Narrow dirt tracks, river crossings, wild roads. End the day in Padum, land of monks, yaks, and zero cell signal
DAY 4 (16.08)
Padum – Jispa
Ride over the dramatic Shingo La Pass: Wild alpine scenery, fast-flowing rivers
DAY 5 (17.08)
Jispa – Tso Kar
Conquer the Baralacha La Pass (4,890 m). Discover the surreal, salt-rimmed Tso Kar Lake.
DAY 6 (18.08)
Tso Kar – Hanle
Cross Taglang La Pass (5,328 m) — another world-class high.
Reach Hanle, home to one of the world’s highest astronomical observatories.
DAY 7 (19.08)
Hanley – Umling La – Nyoma
The crown jewel: Umling La Pass (5,848 m) — Second highest road on Earth. Descent into the stark wilderness of Nyoma, feeling like you’ve crossed planets.
DAY 8 (20.08)
Nyoma – Mig La – Nyoma
We summit the Mig La pass reaching the highest point of our expedition: 5,913 m – Here we come!
DAY 9 (21.08)
Nyoma – Pangong Tso – Tangtse
Ride across the open Changthang plateau, following remote military roads. The landscape shifts dramatically, revealing Pangong’s deep blues before descending toward Tangtse, a quiet settlement at the eastern edge of Ladakh.
DAY 10 (22.08)
Tangtse – Leh
A classic high-altitude riding day, featuring a sustained climb to Chang La followed by a long, technical descent.
DAY 11 (23.08)
Leh – departure
THE ROUTE MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE DUE TO POLITICAL, SOCIAL OR WEATHER FACTORS.
YOUR OPINIONS
FROM GOOGLE
Google rating score: 5.0 of 5,based on 47 reviews
PRICE INCLUDES:
MOTORCYCLE
4X4 CAR
GUIDE
SUPPORT CAR
MOTORBIKE MAINTENANCE
ACCOMMODATION & FOOD
TRANSPORT TO/FROM THE HOTEL
PERMITS
ACTIVITIES
Visit in the Alchi and Lamayuru Bhuddist Monasteries.
INSURANCE
- Basic travel insurance.
- Tourist Guarantee Fund fee.
- Tourist Support Fund fee.
IMPORTANT: For an additional fee, there is an option to independently extend the insurance within the Signal Iduna Safe Travels and/or Global Rescue partner offer. The price of the tour includes basic travel insurance.
WELCOME PACK
PRICE NOT INCLUDES:
- Airline tickets (tickets should not be bought until the organizer confirms the completion of the minimum group size).
- Tourist entry visa, if required.
- Any expenses not covered by standard MotoBirds insurance.
- Motorcycle fuel.
- *Motorcycle refundable security deposit: US$500 payable at the start of the tour in cash only
- Lunches and dinners in Leh.
- Drinks.
- Tips.
DEPOSIT FOR THE MOTORCYCLE:
Refundable motorcycle deposit of US$500. Cash payment on site on the first day. If the damage to the motorcycle exceeds the amount of the refundable deposit, the driver is obliged to pay the difference.
