ZANSKAR & UMLING LA – LADAKH 2023

Zanskar is a land of stunning natural beauty, with snow-capped mountains, glaciers, turquoise rivers, and verdant valleys. Some of the most picturesque spots include the Suru Valley, Zanskar River Valley, and Drang-Drung Glacier.

The land of white copper, is a timeless Himalayan region tucked away between the Himalayan
and Zanskar ranges, once part of an ancient trade network with Tibet. Once in secluded Shade, the most
set-apart in Zanskar, we have an extra day to experience traditional village life before setting off on our
next adventure to Hanle. It is home to a variety of rare and exotic wildlife, including the snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan brown bear, and ibex. Visiting the Hemis National Park, which is the largest national park in India, is an excellent way to experience the region’s wildlife.

2023 Tour Starts
14. June | 28. June | 12. July | 26. July | 09. August | 23. August | 06. September | 20. September |

Shingo La for Starters, Lingshed for Appetizer & Umling La for Dessert

Type: Off Road Endurance Tour
Level: Expert
Vehicle Type: Adventure Bike

The only heat you will feel, will be of your engines…. Be Ready for spending nights at freezing temperatures.

Riding gears Recommended

1. ATGATT ( All the gear , all the time)
2. Thermals (recommended from Day 2 – day 9) A good pair of upper and lower to sleep in and another one for riding. Waterproof socks and gloves will help better in addition
3. Rain Gear – You should be well prepared for getting wet as we will have multiple water crossing’s
4. Personal Medicines to be carried along.

Please be informed, that our tours are all-inclusive. So you can completely focus on your holiday, the adventure, the riding, and the amazing India. There are no hidden costs or other surprises – our tour prices are final. All is paid. Come ride with us – the real deal!

Tour Cost

Foreign Nationals, Prices Per Person in USD (US Dollars)

Rented Motorcycle	Passenger in SUV
Solo Rider	Rider & Pillion	Per Person
1900	1700	1700

Inclusion

• Royal Enfield 411 CC Himalayan / BMW GS 310 CC / KTM ADV 390 CC motorcycle for the tour with Fuel and unlimited kilometers
• Bespoke twin-sharing accommodation (Hotel, Camps and Homestay)
• Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (Water, soft drinks, and coffee/tea in connection with the meals)
• Experienced Road Captain
• Experienced Mechanic
• Bonfire Activity Once during the tour
• Oxygen Cylinder and Basic Medical amenities
• Support vehicle for carrying luggage and other essentials
• Group pickup from and drop to Manali Airport (IXL)
• All Inner Line Permits for Restricted Areas and all Tolls
• All Entrance Charges, Activities and Visits to make the experience truly Memorable

Exclusion

• Applicable GST – 5%
• Flight
• Personal travel insurance
• Any spares consume during the ride
• INR 10,000 refundable security deposit for the motorcycle
• Single Occupancy add-on: INR 29,000
• Optional rental for the riding gears
• Anything not mentioned in Tour Inclusions
• Any Hotel, subsistence or other cost incurred before the tour’s official start date and after the tour’s official end date.
• Min 10 Riders in Group

Day-wise itinerary as you witness the route

Motorcycle Tour Route Details

Day 1 – Arrival at Manali

Manali Alt. – 2050 Mtr
Namaste Traveller!

As we all will be flying from different Parts of the country, a relaxed warm stay is must to our mind and soul. Amidst the smell of Oak and Maple trees, you will find the tingling sensation arising in your heart which is what we call as CONNECTION TO HIMALAYAS!

Say hello to the best adventure with a flight to Manali. Our representative /driver will pick you up from the Airport (in groups) and later take you to the hotel. After checking in at the hotel, take the day to acclimatise – minimum movement, 3.5 ltr water, and complete rest are the principles to avoid AMS. We will meet in the evening for an orientation followed by Bike allocation. Take a spin on the Bike and notify the issue that needs a fix. Overnight stay at the Manali city.

Transfers – Group pick up from Airport to Hotel
Stay – 4 Star – Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 – Manali – Keylong – 70 Kms

Keylong Altitude – 3080 Mtr

You will start the day with a sumptuous breakfast. Verify if your luggage has been placed well in the backup vehicle. We ride to Keylong, which is located about 70 km from Manali. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes, including the Rohtang Pass, which is famous for its snow-covered peaks and stunning views.

Keylong is the administrative center of the Lahaul district and is located about 20 km from Jispa. Visit the town’s bazaar, which is famous for its traditional handicrafts and jewelry. Also, visit the Shashur Monastery is located about 6 km from Jispa and is one of the most beautiful monasteries in the region. It’s situated on a hill overlooking the Bhaga River and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

After Lunch, we take a trek to the nearby village of Gemur, which is located about 8 km from Jispa. The trek takes you through beautiful landscapes, including lush forests and meadows. Gemur is a traditional village that’s famous for its apple orchards and traditional architecture.

Stay – Deluxe Hotel
Included meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 – Keylong to Purne 

Purne Alt. – 12150 Ft

A well relaxed body and a free Mind leads to creation of beautiful memories on this Ride. We embark on our mission to adventure as early as possible. We make our way from Darcha to Kurgiakh Via Shinkula Pass at 16,580 ft, is the first stretch of the toughest journey that we are going to undertake during the tour, for there is literally nothing on the way – no villages, no food, no help whatsoever.

The smooth tarmac at Darcha soon gives way to dirt, loose rocks, shale and GRIT trails further down the line, that will leave plenty of the riders on their rear ends through the course of the day. From Chika to until Shinkula Pass (about 40 km from Darcha) the route inclines from 3300m above sea level in Darcha to over 5000m above sea level at Shinkula Pass. From Shinkula, the descend starts and takes you to 3500m above sea level in less than 10km, so make sure you check your brakes before you start descending. Kurgiakh to Purne is an easy drive. Overnight at camps in Purne.

Stay – Camp
Included meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 – Purne – Phuktal Monastery – Padum

Purne Alt. – 12150 Ft || Padum Alt. – 12037 Ft

After breakfast, we will leave early morning for Phuktal Gompa, the largest Gompa in Zanskar. It is your turn to visit the most isolated monasteries. The 4 km trek takes a full day to explore (If you are not in a trekker-level fitness, please stay and relax at the homestay). Follow the footprints on the edge of the mountain, cross a river bridge and get captivated by the beauty of the river. After reaching there, read scriptures and meditate with the monks. Don’t forget to see the mythological tree. We will make a return journey before afternoon .

After Lunch , we ride from Purne Campsite to Padum which can be 3 hours ride, with a few steep uphill and downhill stretches. The route gives almost no water crossings and stays on one side of the valley for most of the time. Just like the rest of the route since you’ve left Darcha, expect no tar and just driving on a dirt-track today as well, Till the time you reach outskirts of Padum with black top road. Check in to Hotel at Hotel and explore the local market in padum. Dinner and Overnight at Hotel in Padum.

Stay – Hotel
Included meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 – Padum – Leisure Day

Padum Alt. – 12037 Ft

You will explore the signature places of Padum. Visit the beautiful Sani Lake and the Stongde Monastery.
Stongdey Monastery: The Stongdey Monastery is located about 18 kilometers from Padum and is one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in the Zanskar region.

Sani Monastery: The Sani Monastery is located about 6 kilometers from Padum and is believed to be the oldest monastery in the Zanskar region. It is home to ancient murals and statues and is an important pilgrimage site for the local Buddhist community.

These are just some of the many local sightseeing spots in Padum and the surrounding Zanskar region. Each of these spots has its own unique history and cultural significance, and a visit to them will provide you with a deeper understanding of the region’s rich heritage. Overnight at a hotel in Padum

Stay – Hotel
Included meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 – Padum – Lamayuru -7 Hrs 220 Kms Approx

Lamayuru – Shinge La – Padum

Lamayuru Alt. – 11520 Ft Padum Alt. – 12037 Ft

This riding day is super exciting and adventurous. After a short ride on the paved roads to Zangla, it will change to earthen roads. Enjoy the dust. While you ride to Sirsir La (15700 Ft), enjoy cruising on the Kankar and gravel roads. Take a snap at the top and move on to Photoksar for Lunch. You will be delighted to see the dirt road to Singe La (16590 Ft) with continuous downhill (Use your brakes wisely). After you cross Murgum La (15490 ft), the ride will get to the next level of adventure riding on the extreme edge of the mountain along the Zanskar river. The route is full of surprises and river crossings (not water-crossing). The off roading is close to God’s level. Later once we arrive at Wanla, we touch the black top Tarmac again. Overnight at Lamayuru

Stay – Deluxe Hotel
Included meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 – Lamayuru – Hanle 9 Hrs 364 Kms

After breakfast, we will ride on the seductive road of the barren lands. To see a herd of Kiang along the road is not uncommon in this part of Ladakh. You will certainly enjoy the scenic panorama. Until Loma, the road is almost tarmac along the Indus River. We will have lunch at Chumathang. You will reach Hanle in no time. Overnight at Hanle Homestay.

Stay: Deluxe Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 – Hanle – Umling La – Hanle

Hanle Alt. – 14100 Ft Umling La Alt. – 19300 Ft

You will ride on the highest motorable road in the world. Among the multiple routes available to reach Umling La, we will take the route in the best condition or the open one. All of these will get you to the Chisumle bridge. Beyond the bridge, ride along the Kingdul river, ascending higher on the Chismule-Demchok road. Unlike other high mountain passes, you will not find a deep valley. Take a proud photo at the top of the world at 19300 ft. Later, have a hot tea at Oxygen Cafe. We will head back to the homestay

Stay – Homestay
Included meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 – Hanle – Tsokar

Tso Kar Alt. – 14860 Ft

We will ride to a beautiful destination on the Tibetan plateau. We will leave Changthang plateau and and head to the multi-coloured Tso Kar Lake. We will cross Pologongka La to and Puga Hot Sulphur Springs. Shortly afterwards we will reach the Tso Kar. With white sand, the lake is a biodiversity hotspot of Ladakh hosting unique flora and fauna including the Black-necked crane. Our stay is next to this Tso (lake) in the Tibetan Plateau.

Stay – Homestay
Included meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10 – Tsokar – Manali

We will start our return journey to Manali and cross the multiple high-altitude passes – Naki La (15,547 Ft), ride through the famous Gata Loops – 21 Loops and cross over to Baralacha La (15,910 Ft). By evening we arrive back to Manali.

Day 11 – Manali – Leisure Day

Manali is a beautiful hill station in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India, and there are several local sightseeing spots to explore in the area and German / Local Cafe for some exotic cuisine. Some of the popular local sightseeing spots in and around Manali are:

1. Hadimba Temple: The Hadimba Temple is a beautiful wooden temple situated in a forested area about 2.5 kilometers from Manali. It is dedicated to the goddess Hadimba, the wife of Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata.
2. Manu Temple: The Manu Temple is located in the old town of Manali and is dedicated to the sage Manu, who is believed to be the creator of the world in Hindu mythology.
3. Vashisht Hot Water Springs: The Vashisht Hot Water Springs is a natural hot spring located about 3 kilometers from Manali. It is believed to have medicinal properties and is a popular spot for visitors to take a dip in the warm waters.
4. Solang Valley: The Solang Valley is a picturesque valley located about 13 kilometers from Manali. It is famous for adventure activities like paragliding, zorbing, and skiing during winters.

DAY 12: Manali – Departure

A good bye breakfast and we transfer you to the Airport.

Terms and Conditions
Booking Policy: Advance 10% for confirmation of seat

Cancellation policy:
30 Days or Above: 25% Retention
20 Days or Above: 50% Retention
0 – 19 Days: Full Retention

No Refund, if the rider leaves the tour half way or doesn’t use any part of the trip.

Responsibility: Care My Tours shall not be held responsible for any accident, illness and loss of valuables, Breakage of damage to motorcycles and passengers or such other foreseen events during the trip, if you wish to proceed with the booking amounts.

We reserve the right to change any schedule in the interest of the trip participant’s safety, comfort and general well-being.

We shall not be responsible for any delays and alterations in the program, due to natural hazards, flight cancellations, accident, breakdown of machinery or equipment’s, sickness, landslides, or any untoward incidents.