Biking India's Nubra Valley

This exhilarating trip through the high altitude mountain region of Ladakh, India, takes you over passes, into remote valleys, alongside glacier–fed rivers, across sand dunes, and through Tibetan villages.

After arriving on a flight from New Delhi to Leh, we begin the adventure with a 3-day acclimatization loop, gradually adjusting ourselves to the high altitude conditions. We gently cycle along the valley floors in search of vestiges of the ancient Ladakhi Kingdom scattered around the expansive landscape surrounding Leh. Monasteries here are dramatically perched on top of cliffs and etched into the hillside, reflecting the ancient and rich Tibetan Buddhist cultural background of the region.

Once acclimated we will depart Leh and burst up the Warila Pass before cycling through the beautiful Sakti and Nubra Valleys. You will be looking down spectacular gorges and up to snow-capped peaks while getting a true window into life deep in the Himalayas. Traversing the vast and expansive high altitude desert terrain of the Nubra Valley - skirting along rivers and cruising through villages - you will also discover a world of sand dunes, Bactrian camels and star filled nights. The tour ends on the highest note possible: a cycle up (and of course down) the highest motorable road in the world.

The road surfaces are predominantly paved; however, given the extreme high-altitude environment, riders should expect sections where the road has disintegrated due to snowmelt, frost heave, or landslides. These patches may be potholed, gravelled, or even water-splashed. While the Border Roads Organisation (the Indian Army’s engineering wing) works tirelessly to maintain these roads, the landscape is in constant flux. Weather in Ladakh is highly unpredictable. Daytime temperatures are typically around 20°C, but the sun is exceptionally strong and requires high-factor protection. On the passes, temperatures can drop to near 0°C very quickly. Strong winds are common, and wind-chill is a significant factor on all descents. You must bring a versatile layering system to manage these rapid temperature shifts. Rainfall is rare, but it can happen. We generally ride rain or shine, but at the guide’s discretion, or depending on your comfort level, modifications to the planned route can be made. It’s all part of the adventure!