Explorer

Himalayan High Pass Expedition – Umling La & Mig La 13-23.08.2026

High-altitude motorcycle circumnavigation through Ladakh, Zanskar, and the Changthang plateau
BASIC INFORMATION
DETAILS OF THE TOUR
PRICE INCLUDES / NOT INCLUDES

Available

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Reserve your spot on the trip by paying the deposit or making the full payment.

The booking fee is 25%.

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START:

13 August 2026 / LEH, INDIA

END:

23 August 2026 / LEH, INDIA

NUMBER OF DAYS AND NIGHTS:

11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS

NUMBER OF RIDING DAYS:

9 DAYS

TOUR TYPE:

Explorer

TYPE OF ROADS:

40% paved / 60% gravel

DIFFICULTY LEVEL:

8 / 10

MIN./ MAX. NUMBER OF BIKES:

Min. 6 / Max .12
Himalayan High Pass Expedition – Umling La & Mig La 13-23.08.2026

MOTORCYCLE:


The base price includes the rental of a Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 motorcycle. Motorcycle rental is included in the tour price.

Price for Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 rider: 3650 EUR
Price for Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 rider with a passenger: 5650 EUR

Price for Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 rider: 3840 EUR
Price for Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 rider with a passenger: 5840 EUR

An upgrade to the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is available for an additional 190 EUR on top of the base price.

PASSENGER

Motorcycle passenger price: 2000 EUR

CAR

*Price per participant traveling by car (local driver): 2200 EUR

ROOM

Single room supplement: 600 EUR

TOUR DESCRIPTION:


Himalayan Circumnavigation Motorcycle Expedition

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 tour for?

This tour will be enjoyed by experienced adventure riders who are looking for a meaningful challenge rather than an easy win. However, there is no demanding off-road riding on this tour. The main challenge for riders is the altitude

It is a strong fit if you:

  • Want to be among the first riders to summit both Umling La and Mig La
  • Already have some mixed-terrain experience
  • Are comfortable riding several days in a row
  • Understand that in the Himalayas, conditions dictate the plan: weather can change!
  • Value remote routes, silence, and space over comfort and nightlife
  • Want a journey that feels earned, not packaged

This tour is not suitable for those who need fixed schedules and perfect roads to enjoy a trip.

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.

Riding & terrain

This is real Himalayan riding, not a polished adventure brochure.
You can expect:

  • Dirt roads, gravel tracks, and broken mountain asphalt
  • Construction zones and changing road conditions
  • Narrow roads with exposure and technical sections
  • Occasional river crossings, depending on weather

Daily distances are intentionally moderate, but altitude and terrain make each riding day substantial. You will finish days tired in a good way — knowing you’ve actually ridden.

Full logistical support and experienced guides allow you to focus on the ride, not on problem-solving.

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 requ

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

Nothing is staged. These are working roads, lived-in valleys, and real communities — encountered naturally as part of the journey.

In short

This is a true Himalayan motorcycle expedition for riders who want a complete journey: physically demanding, mentally grounding, and deeply rewarding.

If you are looking for the easiest way through the Himalayas, this is not it. If you are looking for one of the most authentic ways to discover them, this expedition delivers.

Ready to join?

DETAILS OF THE TOUR


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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)
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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.

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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.

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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 level

DAY 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:

motocykl

MOTORCYCLE

Royal Enfield Himalayan. Motorcycle rental is included in the tour price. It is possible to upgrade to the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 for 190 EUR.
motocykl

4X4 CAR

Local driver option for participants traveling in the 4x4 car. Contact us if you would like to explore a self-drive 4x4.
PRZEWODNIK

GUIDE

Assistance of a MotoBirds guide and local guide on a motorbike.
SAMOCHÓD WSPARCIA I SERWIS

SUPPORT CAR

A support car will assist us during the tour. Our luggage will be loaded in the car. The price includes fuel for the support car and driver expenses.
SAMOCHÓD WSPARCIA I SERWIS

MOTORBIKE MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance and periodic service are included in the tour price.
ZAKWATEROWANIE I WYŻYWIENIE

ACCOMMODATION & FOOD

Accommodation in hotels, guesthouses or camps (tents), in twin or triple rooms. One night in the local family homestay. Breakfast, lunches and dinners are included in the price, except the lunches and dinners in Leh. Upon request, subject to availability, it is possible to organize a single room - against an additional fee of €600. Extra night in Leh can be booked for €90, including one airport transfer.Remember that a big part of our route is off the beaten track areas. Accommodation in such areas can be more simple. It is always clean, but do not expect urban luxuries, hot showers, central heating / cooling, lavish buffets. What these places may lack in amenities they make up with their authentic local experience, closeness to nature, locally sourced organic food, and heart warming hospitality.
ZAKWATEROWANIE I WYŻYWIENIE

TRANSPORT TO/FROM THE HOTEL

Group airport transfers are included in the tour price, provided your arrival date is on the tour program dates. Individual transfer can be organized on different dates, but is not included in the tour price (€30/ person).
WIZY I DOKUMENTY

PERMITS

All permits for the restricted areas are included in the price.
WIZY I DOKUMENTY

ACTIVITIES

Visit in the Alchi and Lamayuru Bhuddist Monasteries.

DOKUMENTY

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.

ZDJĘCIA Z PODRÓŻY I TRAKI

WELCOME PACK

Each Participant will receive a 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.

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