Ladakh: “The land of the High Passes”, between the Himalayas and Karakoram

Hard

This trip is done in an area called “Little Tibet” and  it can be considered as a paradise for those bicycle riders who love mountains. They will have the opportunity to find themselves closer to the skies than anywhere else on this planet. Also closer to “free” Tibetan culture.
The trail we will follow was designed to visit selected locations,  and 90 % of it will take place next to rivers and lakes. Some of them are the Indus River Valley, Nuba Valley and lakes Tsomoriri  and Pangon tso. There will be plenty of encounters with local inhabitants: monks, shepherds and farmers. It’s guaranteed that with their humility and charisma they will give us beautiful memories to treasure. At a slow pace, because that will be our trip’s rhythm, we will not be short of breath to take this paradise’s  special energy to the bottom of our hearts and lungs.

2 Dec 2023
Photos of the last travel in Ladakh: “The land of the High Passes”, between the Himalayas and Karakoram
Read more about the last travel in Ladakh: “The land of the High Passes”, between the Himalayas and Karakoram

Contact us for the travel day plan

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Leh (3450mosl), Shey, Tiksey, Hemis, Chumatang (4050mosl). Lake Kyagar Tso (4600mosl), Korzog (4550mosl) Lake Tsomoriri (4500mosl). Tsokar (4532mosl). Ubshi(3350mosl). Taglang-La Pass (5330 mosl). Sakti (3950mosl). Pangong Tso Lake (4300mosl). Chang La Pass (5360mosl). Shyok (3650m). Nubra Valley; Duskit and Sumur. Kardung La Pass (5360mosl). Leh (3450mosl)

18 days. 15 stages. Make inquiries regarding 13 day trip. 775 km (over 80 % is pavement, not always on good conditions. Some dirt stretches. The trip is done between 3000mosl and 5350mosl.

medium to high, some demanding stretches.
The slow pace and planning of stages will allow us to get used to altitude. In Ladakh –which means “land of countess passes”- we will get closer to the highest passes in the world.
Slopes are not usually over a 6 % tilt and they are easy on the rider. Support vehicles will always be available for those who need them. There will be 3 passes over 5300mosl, those who wish can do them on the support vehicle and so considerably reducing the effort. The positive level difference overall in this trip will be 9500m. We will ride an average of 52 km a day, with an average of +640m level difference. We probably will finish most of the stages by 2 pm and the rest of the day will be spend sightseeing or resting.

Note: this trip requires a thorough medical check-up and a doctor’s certificate.

Temperatures vary between 5 C and 25 C, but can go as low as 0 C at high altitudes during the night. This area is sunny 300 days a year.

there will be frequent stops and every 2 or 3 hours we will offer drinks (water, coffee, tea) and energy snacks. There will be a longer break at midday for lunch. The support vehicle will always ride along the cyclists and will be available for any need.

8 people. Maximum: 12. It is important to register early on in order to book flights.

  • Entry permits to Ladakh
  • Constant assistance by Mariano Lorefice, Agnese (eventually) and a local guide
  • Support vehicles to transfer equipment and any cyclist who wish to do so
  • Lodging in budget hotels or hostels in some of the villages (see itinerary)
  • Camping in the wilderness with tents every 2 people and tent for dining
  • All meals
  • Visits to monasteries, museums and tours seen in the itinerary –with guide-

  • airplane flight
  • airport tax
  • visas
  • Drinks and dinners that are mentioned as not included
  • Additional outings
  • Additional (alcoholic) beverages
  • Staff tips