Umling-la Pass Motorbike Expedition, the highest motorable road in the world. This journey is challenging, so be ready both physically and mentally.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Important Info

Overview

Umlingla Pass, the highest motorable road in the world, is now open for bike trips. This journey is challenging, so be ready both physically and mentally. Note that only BSNL postpaid mobile service works in the area, and it is only available in Hanle.

Start your trip in Hanle, where you cross Hanle Bridge. A few kilometers later, you’ll see the Kalatartar Plain, a long and empty road. If you’re lucky, you might spot a Tibetan Gazelle along the way. The ride features beautiful landscapes, especially on the blacktop road.

After some time, you will reach Nerbo-la Pass (5282 m). Take a break here to enjoy the view before continuing to Umlingla. Look out for a sign that says, “Now you are above Everest Base Camp.” This moment is special and shows the accomplishment of the ride. Soon after, you will arrive at Umlingla Pass (5798 m), which is now the highest motorable road, surpassing Khardung La Pass (5603 m).

If you travel a bit further, you will find Demjok, the last village before the Indo-China border.

From Hanle to Umlingla, there are no restaurants or ATMs. The distance from Hanle to Umlingla is about 75 km and will take around 5 hours from Nerbo-la Pass. There is another route that goes through Photi-la Pass, which is about 115 km and takes roughly 7 hours to cover one way. Keep all this in mind when planning your trip.

You can reach Hanle in a few ways:

First Route: Fly to Leh and spend one day there. Then travel to Hanle via Karu – Upshi – Chumathang – Nyoma. This route is about 260 km and takes about 8 hours.

Second Route: Start from Manali and travel through Jespa – Serchu – Tsomoriri – Hanle. This route is about 490 km and takes about 2 days.

Third Route: After visiting Nubra and Pangong, go through Chuchul – Tsaga-la – Nyoma – Hanle.

We offer guided group trips where we take care of all your needs. Feel free to contact us for more information about the Umlingla bike expedition.

Highlights

Shanti Stupa - Leh Palace - Chumathang Hot Spring - Nyoma - Hanle - Umling-la - Nerbo-la - Pangong Lake - Chuchul War Memorial - Merak village - Shayok Valley - Nubra Valley - Cultural Show - Zipline - Camel Riding and Much More.

Day 01 :

Arrival and acclimate for the new altitude

Difficulty: Easy
Altitude Gain: 3500m
Highlights: Shanti Stupa and Leh Palace

You will arrive at Leh airport today. A representative will meet you and take you to your hotel in Leh.

Drink plenty of water and avoid physical activity today to help your body adjust to the altitude.

In the evening, you will visit Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa. After that, you can explore the local bazaar in Leh.

You will stay overnight in Leh.

Day 02 :

Local Sightseeing in Leh | Sangam Point | Magnetic Hill

Difficulty: Easy
Altitude Gain: 3500m
Highlights: Hall of Fame, Sangam Point, Magnetic Hill

Today, you will visit Sham Valley in Leh. After breakfast, we will take you to the Hall of Fame at Spituk. Next, you will see where the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet at Sangam Point. You can also experience the unique gravity-defying effect at Magnetic Hill.

For lunch, stop at Nemo Market near Sangam before returning to Leh. In Leh Bazaar, you can buy souvenirs or pick up supplies for your ride to Umling-La Pass.

You will stay overnight in Leh.

Day 03 :

Leh to Hanle via Nyoma | Chumathang Hot Spring

Difficulty: Medium hard
Altitude of Hanle: 4280m
Highlights: Hot spring, Highest Astronomical Observatory of India

Start your day with a big breakfast. The journey from Leh to Hanle is 260 km, so you’ll need the energy. Leave early, around 7 am, to have time for sightseeing along the way.

First, go to the Karu market and fill up your bike with fuel. Then, head to Upshi market, where police will check your permit. After that, continue to Chumathang. If possible, take a bath in the hot spring there, but be aware that sometimes it may not be allowed or there may not be enough cold water to mix.

After some time, you’ll reach Nyoma village. Take a break for tea or lunch. The roads are mostly not asphalt, so enjoy the off-road experience.

Arrive in Hanle in the evening. Visit the Indian Astronomical Observatory or Hanle monastery, both located on a hill that offers great views for photography.

You will stay overnight in Hanle.

Day 04 :

Hanle to Umling-la Pass | Nerbo-la Pass | Kalatartar Plain

Difficulty: Hard
Altitude of Umling-la Pass: 5798m
Highlights: Off-road Adventure | Paved Road | Nerbo-la Pass (5282m)

Start your day with a hearty breakfast. Before you leave, oil your bike chain and check for loose nuts and bolts. Ride in a group and keep close to one another. Our road captain and backup vehicle will stay in touch with radios.

After crossing the Hanle bridge, you will reach Kalatartar Plain. This area is like the Moore Plain on the Leh-Manali road but is not paved. Expect off-road conditions with sand blowing from other riders. Feel free to ride in any direction to avoid the sand.

After some time, you will find a paved road, which is an impressive engineering accomplishment. Continue towards Nerbo-la. From there, you will be at a height above Everest Base Camp, just for reference.

This bike trip to Umling-la is all about the rugged terrain and the beauty of the surroundings. If you'd like, take a moment to meditate. When you reach the top, take some photos and feel proud of your achievement.

After enjoying the views, return to Hanle using the same route. You will stay overnight in Hanle.

Day 05 :

Hanle to Pangong Lake via Loma bend | Tsaga-la pass

Difficulty – Hard
Altitude of Pangong Lake – 4200m
Highlights – Tsaga-la | Pangong Lake | Chuchul War Memorial

After a delicious breakfast, start your ride to Pangong Lake early. Your tour captain will explain the route ahead. Please follow their instructions on riding.

Stop at Loma Bend to rest while your permit is checked at the Loma Checkpost. Then, head to Tsaga-la Pass. Along the way, you will see the Chuchul War Memorial. Take a moment to pay your respects to the fallen soldiers, and visit Chuchul village.

Have lunch at the village market. After lunch, continue to Merak village. You will see the stunning Pangong Lake on your right after passing through a village called Khaktat.

Enjoy the view and stay at the Pangong Lake campsite.

Day 06 :

Pangong to Nubra Valley | Sand Dune

Difficulty: Medium
Altitude of Nubra: 3000m
Highlights: Shayok Valley, Zipline, Camel Riding, Diskit Monastery

Start your day by enjoying the sunrise at Pangong Lake, which is known for its beautiful colors. Have breakfast with the group and get your motorcycles ready for the ride to Nubra Valley.

Be cautious as you ride through Shayok Valley, which has many bends and narrow roads. After reaching Nubra Valley, check into your camp and drop off your luggage. You can then enjoy activities like ziplining, adventure riding, or camel riding. Don’t miss the cultural show at the sand dunes.

Stay overnight at the Nubra campsite.

Day 07 :

Nubra to Leh | Khardong-la Pass (5359 m)

Difficulty: Medium
Altitude of Leh: 3500 m
Highlights: Khardong-la Pass | Valley of Flowers

Start your day with breakfast and then ride towards Leh. If you have time, visit Diskit Monastery along the way. Enjoy the beautiful Nubra Valley as you ride, which has many curves and bends, so be careful.

After some time, you'll reach Khardong Village. Take a tea break here before continuing to Khardong-la Pass, the second highest motorable road. After that, descend into Gangles Village and then head to Leh Market.

You will stay overnight at a hotel in Leh.

Day 08 :

Departure

Congratulations! You have finished the Umling-la bike expedition on the world’s highest motorable road. We wish you good luck in your future adventures. Your trip ends with many memories and new friends.