What are the best places to visit on your Himalayas Motorcycle tour: Ladakh Edition?

1. Umling La – The Highest Motorable Pass in the World

At an altitude of 19,024 feet, Umling La is not just a road, it's the roof of the world. Just reaching it is a badge of honor. Oxygen levels are 50% of what you're used to. Your Motorcycle will gasp for air and your lungs will work overtime. Your machine will grunt. Your resolve will be tested. But the moment you throttle into the sky and reach that summit? It’s transcendent. You don’t just ride to Umling La—you become part of the Himalayas.

Tip: Respect the Altitude, Acclimatize thoroughly.

You can visit Umling La in Our Ladakh Motorcycle Tour: The Umling La Journey

Must Read: Umling La pass at 19024ft

2. Zoji La Pass – Gateway to Madness

If roads had moods, Zoji La would be absolute chaos. One minute you're hugging cliffs, the next you're dodging landslides, loose gravel, and slush-laced hairpins. Sitting at 11,649 ft, this treacherous gateway from Kashmir into Ladakh is not for the faint-hearted.

Zoji La is the kind of road that makes you question your sanity. This narrow, serpentine pass connects Ladakh with Kashmir and is as treacherous as it is scenic. Landslides, slushy curves, and sheer drops keep your adrenaline maxed out.

Why It’s Legendary: It’s your rite of passage. Conquer this, and you earn your Himalayan Badge.

You Can visit this Pass in our Ladakh: The Great Himalayan Ride

3. Hanle – Stargazing at 14,700 Feet

Nestled in the remote and serene high-altitude desert of Ladakh, India, the Hanle Astronomical Observatory stands as a vital gateway to the cosmos. Officially known as the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), it is one of the highest astronomical observatories in the world, located at an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters (14,764 feet) above sea level in the village of Hanle, near the Indo-China border.

The Hanle Astronomical Observatory is a testament to human curiosity and perseverance. In the thin air of the Himalayas, far from urban lights and distractions, scientists peer into the vastness of space, seeking answers to some of the most profound questions about our universe.

Whether tracking distant galaxies or catching the fleeting light of a supernova, Hanle is not just a telescope on a mountaintop—it’s a bridge between Earth and the stars.

Must Read: Hanle Star Observatory

4. Tso Kar – The Ghost Lake

Less famous but arguably more haunting than Pangong, Tso Kar is a salt lake surrounded by stark plains and snow-dusted peaks. It’s remote, rugged, and hauntingly quiet. Flocks of migratory birds cut across the sky as you ride through landscapes that seem pulled from a Martian dream.

What Makes It Epic: You’ll rarely see another soul here. It’s just you, your bike, and the wind.

5. Kargil War Memorial – Echoes of Bravery

Located in the windswept valley of Dras in Ladakh, India, the Kargil War Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the valor and sacrifice of the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the Kargil War of 1999. Built by the Indian Army, this memorial is a symbol of national pride, courage, and remembrance.

The Kargil War Memorial is more than a military monument—it is a place of pilgrimage for Indians. Every year, on 26th July, Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed at the memorial to commemorate India's victory and pay homage to its heroes. The event is attended by military officials, war veterans, families of martyrs, and civilians from across the country.

Don’t Just Ride Past: Take a moment to read the stories, look at the faces on the Wall of Heroes, and feel the pulse of patriotism.

6. Hunder – Ride the Desert Dunes

Yes, you read that right: a desert in the Himalayas. Hunder, in Nubra Valley, is a high-altitude cold desert with sand dunes and Bactrian camels. It’s surreal, wild, and a perfect spot to test your off-roading chops.

Bucket List Moment: Swap your motorcycle for a double-humped camel for a short ride—it’s unforgettable.

7. Aaryan Villages – Dah & Hanu

For a detour into mythology and mystery, head to Dah and Hanu, home to the Brokpa or “Aaryan” tribe—said to be descendants of Alexander the Great’s army. These villages feel like hidden alcoves where the old ways of life still flourish. The ride is equally magical—terraced fields, cascading streams, and narrow mountain paths.

Why it’s Special: It’s one of the last places on Earth where you can see and experience a pure lineage of Indo-European culture, language, and customs.

You can Visit Dah and Hanu in our Ladakh Motorcycle Tour Package