The iconic passes of Leh Ladakh cannot be missed when taking a bike trip. The passes to cover on Leh Ladakh bike trip includes the highest motorable passes like Umling La, Khardung La, Chang La and others like Baralacha La, Fotu La, Namik La and much more.
With our Leh Ladakh bike trip packages you can ride on mountain passes of Leh Ladakh and create unforgettable memories as covering these challenging passes is like an achievement.
In this blog, WanderOn presents key insight into the passes to cover, best time to visit, activities to indulge in and much more.
Breathtaking Mountain Passes Every Ladakh Bike Rider Must Cover
There are several mountain passes in Leh Ladakh that you can cover as per the route you take. Some of the best passes to cover on Leh Ladakh bike trip include Umling La, Khardung La, and Chang La pass.
With our Leh Ladakh tour packages, you can get complete information about the Leh Ladakh bike trip itinerary with passes so that your journey could be rewarding and unforgettable.
1.Khardung La
It is the one of the highest motorable passes situated at a height of 5359 m which serves as a gateway to Shyok and Nubra Valley. It offers breathtaking views of rugged terrains, snow covered mountains and the surrounding valley.
- Altitude: 17,582 feet
- Best Time: April-June & September to October
- Activities To Indulge In: Mountain Biking, Off-Roading, Sightseeing, Photography
2.Umling La
The highest motorable road in the world; Umling La, is known for its extraordinary landscape and majestic views. When taking this route, you can also explore two more passes which are Photi La and Nerbole or Nurbu La.
- Altitude: 19,024 feet
- Best Time: June to October
- Activities To Indulge In: Mountain Biking, Off-Roading, Trekking, Photography
3.Chang La
Chang La pass is another iconic mountain passes in Leh Ladakh, which serves as a gateway to the Nubra region. It is popular for being the world’s highest resort station established by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), functional at a height of 17,664 feet.
- Altitude: 17,664 feet
- Best Time: May to September
- Activities To Indulge In: Sightseeing, Trekking, Biking, Photography, Stargazing in Ladakh
4.Baralacha La
Another popular pass includes Baralacha La situated in Zanskar range. It is known as the “Pass with Crossroads on Summit” as all the roads from Ladakh, Zanskar, Spiti, and Lahaul meet here. Legends say that this pass is haunted.
- Altitude: 15,910 feet
- Best Time: April to October
- Activities To Indulge In: Hiking, Trekking, Camping, Rock Climbing
Also Read: 11 Days Ultimate Ladakh Road Trip with Zanskar
5.Nakee La
Situated between Sarchu and Pang, Nakee La is considered as one of the most dangerous passes due to poor road conditions like occasional gravel parts and unpredictable weather conditions
On this pass even an experienced rider has to be cautious.
- Altitude: 15,647 feet
- Best Time: June to September
- Activities To Indulge In: Hiking, Sightseeing, Camping, Bike Ride
6.Zoji La
Zoji La or Zero Point is regarded as a challenging and critical pass due to freezing temperatures, lack of oxygen, and frequent avalanches. Even after being challenging, the pass is quite popular among adventurers.
- Altitude: 11,575 feet
- Best Time: May to October
- Activities To Indulge In: Trekking, Sledging, Exploring Thajiwas Glacier
7.Namika La
Popular for its landscape which is typical of this region are brown mountains cut by serpentine trails. Known as “Pillar of the Sky Pass”, it lies between Kargil and Leh and has historical significance and cultural diversities.
- Altitude: 12,139 feet
- Best Time: June to September
- Activities To Indulge In: Trekking, Motorbiking, Monastery Visit, Observing Local Culture
8.Fotu La
Fotu La or Fatu La is the highest pass situated on Srinagar- Leh route that offers stunning views of Ladakh’s clear skies and snow covered mountains. There is a Prasar Bharati television relay station serving Lamayuru, located on this pass.
- Altitude: 13,478 feet
- Best Time: May to September
- Activities To Indulge In: Sightseeing, Photography, Mountain Biking, Birdwatching, Camping
Travel Tips for Passes on Leh Ladakh Bike Trip
- First and foremost you need to plan your travel according to the weather conditions which is mostly unpredictable, summers can be the ideal time.
- Next, you have to make sure that the bike you are riding upon is well maintained and has proper documents. You also need to carry your driving license and photo identity proof.
- Further to ride on these passes, you need to pay environmental fees in advance either online or offline.
- Furthermore, due to connectivity issues in the region, it is suggested to carry your own postpaid connection sim (any one -Airtel, Aircel and BSNL) to avoid long queues at STD booths.
- It is also advisable to carry extra cans of fuel as there are very limited petrol pumps in the region.
- Next, you need to make sure you have your own first aid kit, personal medications if required, proper riding gears, warm clothing, reusable water bottles, and dry snacks to avoid any health issues.
- Last, but not the least is that you need to relax on the first night in Leh in order to acclimatize well and begin your bike ride the next day.
Also Read-Cycle Tourism: Travel on Two Wheels
