Which is the best bike for Leh Ladakh? This question may seem a little complicated but the answer to it one is a very simple one really. The best motorcycle for the Ladakh trip is the one that you have. Yes, there will be a few factors that you will have to consider but in the end, it is all about you and the bike that you own. Confused? Let me explain.
Not so long ago, if anyone mentioned a motorcycle trip to Ladakh, only a Royal Enfield would come to mind. The discussions would go on to topics like would a 350CC Royal Enfield do or do you need a 500 CC Enfield for the trip.
People who did not own an Enfield but had some other motorcycle would either borrow or rent one. But Enfield was pretty much tagged as the only bike that was suitable for Ladakh.
Also Read: How to Plan a Trip o Leh Ladakh – A Complete Travel Guide
Not much has changed to be honest still. Even now, most of the pictures of a bike ride to Ladakh that you see will feature a Royal Enfield. But is it really true? Do you really need an Enfield for Ladakh? Will some other bike do?
Can you take a Pulsar to Ladakh? Or can you take a 125 CC or a 100 CC motorcycle to Ladakh? How about a Splendor or a Scooter maybe? Can it be done? Let us take a look.
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Best Motorcycle for Ladakh Trip
I will stand by my statement that there is no best motorcycle as such for Ladakh. The answer depends on a lot of factors like how much luggage are you carrying, do you have a pillion, how old your motorcycle is, and how well have you maintained it?
You need to know that it is not your motorcycle that will take you to Ladakh but it is you who is going to ride the motorcycle to Ladakh.
I have personally known people who have been to Ladakh on 100 CC bikes, an old Hero Honda Splendor to be exact. Do a simple Google search and you will come across numerous articles and travelogues by people who have been to Ladakh on a 100cc bike and even a Scooty.
Take a look at Leh Ladakh Trip on a Scooter to read about the journey of a 69-year-old scientist who rode a TVS Jupiter to Ladakh from Srinagar and returned via Manali.
The fact cannot be denied that having a more powerful motorcycle with a heavy engine of course gives an edge. If you have it then you will surely have an advance. I am of course referring to an Enfield here.
A bigger engine means more power which further means that the ride would be smooth, especially at steep ascents and you can dump all the luggage you want on your motorcycle.
But at the same time, it doesn’t mean that a lighter motorcycle cannot get the job done. If your motorcycle is in a good condition, isn’t as old as my grandfather, and you know how to ride it well then you can take it anywhere you want.
Is your Bike good Enough for Ladakh?
Whichever motorcycle you own, mentioned below are a few factors (most of which are applicable to smaller engine motorcycles) that you need to pay close attention to before deciding on whether to take it up the hills or not.
Age
No, I am not talking about your age but your motorcycle’s actually. I do not intend to get into the whole “Old bullet is better and more powerful” argument.
But the fact remains that the older the machine is, the higher the chance is of it breaking down or giving trouble at several places. If you have a 15-year-old 100 CC motorcycle sitting in your garage, do not even think about taking it to Ladakh.
If your bike is a few years old, you need to make sure there are no worn-out parts in it. Check for anything that can break or fall apart which will be the case with old bikes. Whatever seems dicey, replace it before going to Ladakh.
Also Read: Bike Trip to Leh Ladakh – TOP Tips for a Safe Ride
Odometer
Your motorcycle may be only 3-4 years old but if you have already abused it to over 1 lakh kilometers, best not to ride it to Leh.
Pillion
If you have a friend or a family member riding with you as Pillion, do not take a smaller engine motorcycle as it will start to huff & puff at steep ascents. It won’t just be 2 people but their luggage as well on the motorcycle.
If you are riding a 500cc motorcycle, luggage isn’t really a big concern. But if it is a 125cc bike, two riders with enough luggage to last 10-14 days will prove to be a bit much for the machine. More luggage on your motorcycle would mean a very uncomfortable and difficult ride, both for you and your bike.
Performance
This is the most important of all. If your bike had a history of performance issues in the past few months, it is best to not bring it to Ladakh.
If you have regularly been spending money on it for one thing or another, it is not suitable for such a long ride. It will just give you trouble in Ladakh as well and will be an even greater nuisance there.
Also Read: A Complete Road Map of Leh Ladakh
Best Bike for Leh Ladakh Trip
Now keeping all of the above points in mind, if you have a bike that is:
- Not too old
- Is not nearing the end of engine life
- Has no performance issues
- Is well maintained
Then it does not matter which bike you have. Even a 100cc motorcycle will be fine for the trip. All that you need to do is to make sure that you get your motorcycled serviced at least 1 week before the trip. Check all the cables, wires, clutch plates, chainset, tires, and wheels. After servicing, ride it for a week regularly to ensure that it is performing up to expectations.
You really need to know your motorcycle inside out. You should know how it performs at ascents or at great speeds. No matter which motorcycle you have, you need to be 100% confident of no performance issues. If you have even the slightest of doubt, then get it fixed first.
If you are on a smaller engine bike, then it would be best to ride without a pillion and as light as possible. And that is pretty much it. You do not need to think about it too much or go buy a new bike. Just prepare the one that you have and ride it to your dream destination.
Bikes Suitable for Ladakh Trip
With all of the above being said, there are of course a few motorcycles that will suit the journey better as compared to others. Let us take a look at which ones those are.
Royal Enfield
There is nothing like an Enfield to take to Ladakh. By Royal Enfield, I mean all of its models including Classic, Bullet, Himalayan, Thunderbird, Continental, Interceptor, and all engine sizes.
Despite all the criticism that these bikes face, they are still the most preferred motorcycles for a bike trip to Ladakh. The big engine, whether 350 CC or 500 CC gives it an edge over all other motorcycles.
The heavier size of the motorcycle makes it easier to tie luggage around. Good suspension and seating position make it comfortable for both the rider and the pillion making it suitable for the long journey.
Enfield was an acquired taste earlier due to a heavy kick that required decompressing, no electric start, and the left side brake system. But after all these changes in the newer models, it has now become everybody’s motorcycle. The company now has a variety of bikes that you can choose from.
The only drawback however with Classic, Standard, and Electra is the smaller tank which makes it a mandate to carry fuel while riding Enfield in Ladakh.
This drawback however is not with Thunderbird which has a larger fuel tank. If you own a Royal Enfield, you already know that you do not need to think twice before taking it to Leh.
Bajaj Pulsar
Pulsar has maintained its spot among the most popular and best-selling motorcycles in the Indian market ever since its launch. With a Pulsar, you can rest assured that you can rely on it and it won’t really ditch you anywhere. Be it a 220CC, 200CC, or 150CC pulsar, you can confidently plan your adventure ride on it.
The huge fuel tank makes it ideal for long journeys and you won’t have to worry about fuel so much. It does have its drawbacks though.
The first and the foremost one is the seating position and on bad roads, it is bound to get your shoulders to start aching so make sure that you are not seated in a leaning position. Sit straight to get the pressure off your shoulders.
The second drawback is its seat which is not comfortable at all and will kill your butt during long rides. So a good comfortable seat cover is highly recommended.
Also Read: How to pack your Luggage for a Long Distance Motorcycle Ride
KTM Duke for Ladakh
This is one motorcycle that would be fun to ride on bad and challenging roads that Ladakh is so famous for. In recent years, it has been counted as the best motorcycle for Ladakh.
Dual sport tires and long-travel shocks make it fun to ride on dirt tracks. The engine is adequately powered to handle the steep inclines, mountain passes, bad roads, and come what may. Other than Duke, the RC version of KTM is also a good bike for Ladakh.
The biggest drawback is the fuel tank size, 25 – 35 km per liter. This fuel efficiency will get reduced further on the hilly roads.
To some extent, it is a good bike for Ladakh only if you are going without a pillion. I am making this statement because of the inclined rear seat and its small size. Sitting on that for long every day for several days will really be a task in itself. Carrying luggage for 2 people will also become challenging.
I am not saying that it cannot be done but you will have to make some changes; get a carrier installed, add cushioning to the rear seat to make the ride more comfortable, and hassle-free.
Yamaha FZ and Fazer
These would be my next most preferred motorcycles for Ladakh. These bikes have pretty much the same advantages and disadvantages as Pulsar. The bike will perform well in Ladakh but you cannot just take it there the way it stands in your parking. Some amendments will have to be made.
Royal Enfield Himalayan
This motorcycle is perfect for riding in Himalayan terrains and it has often been tagged as the best bike for Leh Ladakh trip overall. As the name suggests, it is specifically designed for those. The 400 CC engine is capable enough to carry it through any trail or any ascent. Long-travel shocks make it fun to ride on dirt tracks.
The sitting position is straight and very comfortable, both for the rider and pillion. There is plenty of space to put all that luggage, including the Jerry cans for extra fuel. So yes, Royal Enfield will definitely be a fun bike to ride to Ladakh.
Also Read: How to Carry Spare Fuel on a Motorcycle Safely
Leh Ladakh on Avenger
Let us also talk about what has been tagged as India’s most comfortable bike for a long ride. Both variants, Street and Cruiser, have long-established their place among the top-selling bikes in India.
The engine is sufficiently powered to handle the bad and steep roads. The seating position is in fact very comfortable and helps during long hours of riding. The bike has 13 liters of fuel carrying capacity and can give a fuel efficiency of 35 km per liter in the hills.
During one of my Ladakh rides, a friend of mine was riding his Avenger and it did not really pose any challenge anywhere. He did take a fall at a couple of places though and I will tell you why.
It has a large turning radius making it a little troublesome in the hilly region, especially at sharp turns. The front disk and the entire seating position are that if you applied sudden brakes at a sharp turn, you are bound to fall. You will be on the ground before you get your feet down.
The small height and low seating can also become tiresome for someone tall. The rear seat is not really wide enough for a pillion rider. The height of the bike also makes it problematic to mount luggage and take it across water crossings without getting wet.
Do not get me wrong. A lot of people have been to Ladakh on Avenger and you can do so as well. The bike can surely manage and survive the trip. What I mentioned above are a few points that you will have to keep in mind before and during the ride.
Bajaj Dominar
The next entry in the list is also from Bajaj. On a lighter note, Dominar is like Bajaj Pulsar on juice. It has a 373 CC engine which gives you all the power that you need to handle Ladakh. It also makes it possible to bring a pillion along. The seating position is comfortable enough and the bike can easily manage the dirt trails as well.
The biggest problem is the fuel tank. Its fuel efficiency in Ladakh will only be around 20 – 22 km per liter so you will have to make arrangements for fuel. Finding a mechanic for Dominar can become a little challenging sometimes.
A friend of mine struggled with it in Ladakh. They were ready to fix a Bajaj Pulsar but not a Dominar. The DIY on Dominar is also strictly limited and there isn’t much that you can fix on your own.
Other Bikes
These were some of the popular bikes that are often recommended and considered as the best bike for Leh Ladakh. Let us also quickly take a look at some of the other bikes that people wonder if it can go to Ladakh or not.
Leh ladakh on Honda CBR 250r
The stock Contigo tires can be a problem in the slush/ice/rain/gravel. If you can afford to replace it with better tires, this motorcycle can be a bliss to ride with its amazing torque and Fi advantage at higher reaches. You should also remove the lower fairing because that can get damaged in water crossings.
Hero XPulse
I earlier had Hero Impulse added to the list of the best bike for Leh Ladakh when I first wrote this article a few years ago. It was a good dirt bike but was discounted due to low demand and poor sales. Hero replaced it with an upgraded version, Xpulse, which is more like a juiced version of Impulse.
The best thing about this bike is the amazing 20mm ground clearance which makes it possible to pretty much take it anywhere. It has a long front suspension to handle the bad roads. It is also very lightweight and easy to manage off-road.
The problem however is that it underperforms on highway cruising speeds and feels very stressed. The build quality of the bike is also very poor.
Also Read: How to Handle Acute Mountain Sickness in Ladakh
Pulsar 220 for Ladakh
I know I already talked about Pulsar previously but this variant will be best suited for a Ladakh trip. Pulsar 220 has often been included in the list of the best bike for Leh Ladakh.
The large engine size will ensure that you do not have to get off your bike or push it anywhere. It is not suitable with a pillion though and the ground clearance can be a problem at water crossings.
Ladakh on Pulsar 150
This is another good bike for Ladakh. A lot of people have easily managed their trips without facing any problem anywhere. 150cc engine may sound like a little less but it is surprisingly strong enough to pull the bike anywhere.
Leh Ladakh on Splendor
Now let us move on to some smaller engine bikes. Can any of these be considered as the best bike for Leh Ladakh? I mentioned Splendor in the name but it applies to any other 100 or 125cc bike like Glamour. Can you bring it to Ladakh? Yes, you can but there are three things you should take care of.
- Get it completely serviced
- Do not bring a pillion
- Travel as light as possible
On the positive side, the lightweight of these bikes and the great fuel efficiency will surely count as an added benefit. The small engine size may struggle to climb steep ascents. You may have to get down at a couple of places and walk with the bike.
Scooter like Activa, Jupiter, Vespa, Aprilia
I have covered the topic of scooters in a different article How to ride to Ladakh on a small engine bike or a Scooter that I will urge you to take a look at.
Best Bike for Ladakh trip with Pillion
Without any doubt, a Royal Enfield is the best bike for Ladakh trip with a pillion. It is not only the engine power but the overall riding posture, ability to mount a lot of luggage, ease of installing a carrier make it a perfect bike for a ride to Ladakh.
I know this is open for a lot of debate but think about it, where you go, the one bike you will always see available for rent for Ladakh trip is a Royal Enfield. The bike can easily pull the weight of two people all their luggage. You can ride it for long hours without putting stress on your shoulders, back, or legs. It is also comfortable for your pillion to ride.
No matter where you are in Ladakh, it will easily handle the difficult roads and will not ditch you anywhere as long as it is well maintained and not too badly beaten.
FAQs
Which is the best bike for Ladakh?
There is really no best motorcycle for Leh Ladakh as such. Any bike that you own is good enough for Ladakh as long as it is well maintained and serviced before the trip. For more details, please take a look at Which is the Best Bike for Ladakh Trip?
Can I rent a bike in Leh Ladakh?
Yes, you definitely can. You can either rent a bike for the Ladakh trip in Manali, Srinagar, or even Leh. For details, please take a look at How to rent a bike in Leh Ladakh.
Which is the best month to visit Ladakh by Bike?
June to September can be considered as the best time to ride to Ladakh. This is when the highways from Manali and Srinagar will be open at this time and you can complete the entire circuit. For more details, please take a look at When is the best time to visit Ladakh.
How can I transport my bike to Ladakh by train?
I have covered this topic in great detail in another post How to transport motorcycle by Train in India that I will urge you to read. This explains the procedure and best tips on how it can be done.
Can I bring a bike that belongs to my brother/friend/cousin or any other relative?
No, you cannot. The bike that you are riding to Ladakh on must be registered in your own name. If it is registered to someone else, then you can use it to only ride to Leh city. After you get there, you will have to rent another bike for local sightseeing.
Best Bike for Leh Ladakh – Conclusion
To sum it all, these were some of the bikes that were more suitable for terrain like Ladakh. But you will of course not buy a new bike from this list for a trip to Ladakh. In the end, every bike can survive this trip and the testimony of hundreds of people is proof of that. Your own bike can be the best bike for Leh Ladakh as long as you have it maintained.
If a Scooty can do this trip then any other bike can. Your focus should be more on getting the bike that you own ready for the trip ahead. Take a look at How to Prepare your Bike for Ladakh for tips on how to do that.
I hope the information I provided above on the best motorcycle for Ladakh was of help. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below and I will be happy to answer. You can also follow me on Instagram and chat with me live there or subscribe to my YouTube channel and ask a question there.
341 comments
Hi, I am Ankit Gupta from Delhi. My height is 5’1 feet and 22 years old. I want to purchase a new bike for riding purposes on roading and off-roading like leh- ladakh. I want to purchase an average 220 cc cruise. I am confusing that someone told me that averager 220 cc cruse bike tyre is tubeless so it is not good for off roading like ladakh trip. please suggest me . If averange is not good so then suggest me a bike with my height according. I have invest money one time only.
Hi sir,
Is YEZDI ROADSTER good for ladakh trip?
Will purchase if yes.
Yes it is
Hi Vargis Bhai, will it be good to take Honda CB350 RS to Ladakh solo trip. What other suggestions you can give on this..
Looking forward for your response. Thanks
Hello Vagis bhai,
Thanks for very informative details.
Just wanted to know me & my wife are travelling to Ladakh in September month & my height is around 5.4 so which all bikes would be comfortable as per my height.
hi Brother, i have may2019 model honda unicorn 150 abs. i want to travel solo from pune to ladakh. Byke condition is good, nearing 13k kms in odo, gives me 55kmpl mileage in city, can this travel be done with my Uni .. ?
Hi Ramakrishnan – Yes you can. Just ride light and solo
thanks Vargis for the quick reply. 🙂 will plan.
You are welcome brother !!!
Is it good for leh trip on bike honda sp 125 for one person?
If the bike is in good condition then yes you can go.
FZ is not a good bike for long trip with wife specially. Thanks.
Can I do mumbai to ladakh on Honda hness 350 with my wife as pillion?
Better to go by car with wife.
I plan to go Ladakh from chennai in my Pulsar 150CC which is 2007 model and i rode the bike more than 1 lakh KM and serviced properly. Will it be reliable to travel 7000KM up and down Journey…
I will advise against taking a bike that old to be honest.
Hi Sir,
Could You Please Suggest Which Bike Is More Suitable For Couple Along With The Best Suitable Route For Completing Ciruit From Chandigard To Srinagar To Leh-Ladhak To Kullu Manali And Back To Chandigard
None. Better to go by car.
Hi sir, can we get rented bike in leh and drop it in Manali?
If yes what would be the cost like approximate
I am planning to go to Ladakh in 2021 with the recently restored Yezdi Roadking 1996 bike (24 years old vehicle and mechanically strong), could you please advise
Bhai I really can’t. With a bike that old and recently restored, you will have to be the best judge on how reliable it is now and can it handle the roads.
sir what about honda hornet 160R 2020 model traveling from delhi to leh
Hello Sir,
Would Meteor 350 be suitable for Leh Ladakh trip with Pillion?
Yes it is brother
Thanks a lot sir for confirmation and such a quick response! 🙂
Hello..can I complete the ladakh trip from kolkata on my HF delux(2016 model)which already run app-95000 km.
Hello mr. Vargis,
This is vivek, Iam planning a trip to leh leadak on my new gixxer sf fi 2019 model. And it was in good condition. But tell me is it suitable and comfortable for that roads. If not what changes should I take.
[…] The best bike for Ladakh is the one that you own, irrespective of its engine size. You just need to bring it to a mechanic and get it ready for the tough journey ahead. For more details on this, please take a look at Which is the Best Bike for Leh Ladakh Trip. […]
Sir, How is CBZ Xreme 2009 for a long ride for Goa – Murudeshwar-Kerala-Kanyakumari-Ooty for a single rider? What precaution I should take If I am riding an old bike?
It is a good bike Chetan Bhai but since it is an old one, you must get it thoroughly checked and serviced. Repair or replace whatever seems dicey.
Mr. Vargis,
How is Yamaha FZ 250 cc latest model for long ride to Leh?
Please advise me
Hi Rajesh – Yes it is doable but ride solo
Sir i have bajaj avenger 220 dtsi engine 2015 1 lakh km done but the condition is like brand new can i go delhi to leh in it
And i also have yamaha R15 vc bs6 model brand new c
Which bike is suitable
Hi Yash – I will recommend Avenger. It will be more comfortable for long rides.
And i have bullet 350 too
So which one avenger 220 or bullet 350 clasic
Bullet definitely
Sir i have bajaj avenger 220 dtsi engine 2015 1 lakh km done but the condition is like brand new can i go delhi to leh in it
And i also have yamaha R15 vc bs6 model brand new c
Which bike is suitable
Hi Yash – I will recommend Avenger. It will be more comfortable for long rides.
And i have bullet 350 too
So which one avenger 220 or bullet 350 clasic
Bullet definitely
Hello varghis bhai..can i go to ladakh by 150cc Suzuki Intruder FI ?
Sir I am planning Mysore to ladakh trip on Pulsar NS 200 it’s is good or bad Please provide me the Answer please.
I have planned to travel Ladakh In my Apache RTR 160 4vin June 2020..I’m Going to start my Travel in Erode(Tamilnadu) To Ladakh Around 3500 km..Is it possible to drive I’m My Apache 160 4v…I have Completed around 20k Km..Till Now….So please Suggest me to drive or Not
Vargis Bhai , I have a 2012 model Electra twinspark which has run around 14000 km. I was planning to go leh in June 2020 . Will the bike be good for that terrain if complete service and tyre change is done ? Last year we had serious issues with the rented bikes in leh .
Yes Neeraj Bhai it will be good. But make sure that the bike is registered in your name and you are carrying all the necessary paperwork.
I have a 2008 Electra that I have been to Ladakh on so many time, never faced any problem.
Thank you . Yes the bike is registered in my name but I don’t have insurance of it. Do I need insurance papers to get pass
for Manali route.
It will be better and safer to travel with insurance documents but they are not absolutely mandatory if that is what you are asking.
Sir my bike is on my father’s name. Will it be ok for the ladakh tour????
Yes but carry all the documents with you.
Heyy Vargis Bhai,
Can Ntorq 125 race addition jaa sakti he Mumbai se ladhak.
Bhai petrol vagerah ki bahut dikkat hogi coz I think uska fuel tank hi bas 5 liters ka hai?
Hi
I am planning to go on a Bike trip from Srinagar to Ladakh with my 9 year old kid, can we?
and can we get “bike with side wagon attached on rent”, as we are three to travel
Please advise.
Thanks
Is it just going to be you and your son? Or you, your wife and your son?
I have a pulsar 180 of 2012 model which has rubbed over 1lac kms can I go to ladhak from Delhi to Delhi by servicing it fully
sir i a
have yahama fzs v 2.0 3 years old 50000km is it ok to take that bike in double
sir i am planning a trip to dalhousie from chandigarh app 330 km. i am having a honda hornet 160r 2017 model . i have travelled app 11000 km till now . is bike good enough for ride to dalhousie in december. please reply fast. thank you . if yes any tips
Yes it is doable provided that your Honda is capable of managing steep ascents. Get it checked by a mechanic before you go.
Is Pulsar AS 150 suitable for ladakh road trip which is 3 years old
Yes it is. Just travel light and solo.
Dear Vargis bro, i am little confused about my next trip. Right now we done Spiti-Kinnaur tour with FZ S Fi 2018 Model and i wanted to crossing Jammu, Srinagar nd Leh within 12 days july 2020, we are couple. kindly suggest a suitable idea
, its a humble request.
thank you
Hi Harish – If you are asking whether or not Ladakh trip can be done in 12 days then the answer is yes, it can be.
Hi Vargis bhai, which bike will be for city and long drives like trip to ladakh tvs apache rtr 160 4v or Apache rtr 200 4v ot yamaha Fz v 3.0
Hi Lokeswar Bhai, definitely go for rtr 200. The larger engine size will be of much help.
Thanks bhai
You are welcome Bhai !!!
Hi Sir,
You have no idea how much aid one can get from just sharing ur experience. Specially when u r planning (trip) something which u have not done or went earlier.
So big thanks for your valuable suggestion of do and don’t.
Looking forward for a trip.
With warm regards
Thanks
Thanks Surya. I am glad that the information was of help.
Bajaj Dominar 400 or KTM Duke 390 or which is best for LADAKH trip????
More or less the same but KTM has a slight advantage with better ground clearance.
o thank you bro
you are welcome !!!
Vargis Bhai Classic 350 or Dominar what do you recommend for Ladakh and Spiti rides?
Classic 350 will be better Ajay Bhai
Is Xpulse200 good for Ladakh and what are the necessary precautions one should take…Thank You
Yes it is good as long as you are planning to travel solo.
I own a Bajaj Vikrant 125 cc bike. I have been riding it since two years and odometer shows 22000 km. I have taken V12 to Solang valley with pillion and luggage from Chandigarh. I have been to Mussoorie, Uttrakhand and Kota, Rajasthan with pillion also. I must say it lacks juice, low torque as compared to other 125cc bikes. It vibrates like hell after 60 kmph solo or with pillion both. Pillion seat is not at comfortable, brakes are not good. It struggle a lot at 6000 ft height, so its not comfortable at all. If you riding solo with minimum luggage, it can go but that will not be comfortable.
Bigger variant V15, which have 150cc displacement also lacks good low end torque. But i i have not ridden V15 much, so cant say anything concrete.
Now, i am planning to buy Xpulse 200 to relieve myself from pains that i went through with V12. Thanks.
Thank you so much for adding this information here. Reading what you went through, it does not seem like a good bike for Ladakh
Hello sir. Is RE CLASSIC 350 CC is good for leh ladakh ride with pillion?
Thanks you
Ramneet kaushal
Moga, punjab
Yes it is Ramneet Bhai as long as it is well maintained and serviced.
Hi Vargis, Thanks for writing such an informative blog. I am planning a Srinagar – Leh – Manali trip with a group of Enfield riders. However, I will be raveling solo on my Honda Hornet 160R which is 1 year old and I have done approx. 6000 KM on it. I have been to Ooty, Yercaud etc. and the bike performed flawlessly. Hence, I guess that based on the information provided in your blog and the answers you have given to earlier such questions, it will be OK to travel on the Hornet 160R — solo with my own luggage. Please confirm
Hi Aditya – You are right. As long as your motorcycle is serviced and prepared for the journey ahead, and you are riding light and solo, you will easily be able to complete it.
bhai kya apache 160 thik rahegi or agar main manali se leh bus se jau to kya permit ki jab bhi jaroorat hogi
Apache theek rahegi agar aap akele jaate ho bike toh and nahi, agar Bus se jaate ho toh permit nahi chahiye
Hi,
I am planning to buy new cbr 250 abs model, do you think this bike is perfect for Ladakh trip and off course for my daily use in city
Yes it is a good enough bike for Ladakh trip and great for daily city use.
Hi Vargis it’s nice to read your reply on questions.
My self sumit ghorpade. We are planning to Ladakh trip in month of September this year on CB unicorn 150 . So what is your opinion, is this bike suitable for Ladakh trip.bike is just 6 months ago to buy.
Hi Sumit – Yes you can definitely travel on Unicorn to Ladakh. But just travel light and solo, do not go with a pillion
It is great to see the beautiful and majestic nature of Ladakh with your companion – Hero Ignitor 125cc.
Thank you so much for sharing your recommendation. I’m really appreciate what you’ve done.
Thanks Amit
Thanks for sharing feedback Amit
Vargis Bhai, I’m planning to go to Leh by next year March. Right now I’m riding Hunk but it doesn’t feel very comfortable in long ride. I’ve completed 12K in 1.3 yrs. Now I’m planning to buy a new one but not able to decide between Yamaha Fazer v2 FI & Avenger 220 cruise. I’m 5’6 & 30yrs old. Ride quality & longivity are very important factors for me than speed. Requesting you to help me out.
Roy Bhai both the motorcycles have their own pros and cons and it all depends on which one you are comfortable with. On a personal level I would have opted for a Yamaha Fazer over Avenger though.
Thanks Bhai for sharing your thought. I just wanted to know your opinion. Is Fazer okay for city ride as well?
Yes it is
Bhai, once again thank you so much for your opinion. 3days back I got my Fazer fi v2. I guess after completing 2000 Kms I’ll look at Himalaya.
Good to hear that Roy Bhai. Which month are you planning for Ladakh?
Does it possible to ride to ladakh frm delhi-amritsar-srinagar-kaargil-leh-manali-chandigirh-delhi road on karizma r 2011 model with 60k of odo as a solo rider…if it’s possible please suggest me what are mandatory things to carry and to do..waiti Wafor youe response vargis brother… And thanks a ton for your efforts on putting all these valuable information here..
Yes you can plan the trip in this manner. For a list of things to carry, please read the article below.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/ladakh-checklist-things-to-carry-for-ladakh-trip/
So last thing i need to ask is….how to connect with riders or biker groups who do trips every year to extreme places like leh ladakh, spiti, kargil etc etc…..any ways to reach them and friendly wellcome us for travel plannings……. to join with them….???????
I have never traveled with any group ever so cannot help you with that information. Sorry.
So last thing i need to ask is….. how to reach riders or biker groups who do trips every year to extreme places like ladakh, spiti, kargil, etc etc ???? any ways to connect with them for trip plannings?
Greetings sir ,
We are two persons who want to travel to Leh ladakh one of them is heavy means me haha we want to rent a bike from manali which bike to rent for both person on a single bike .and pls suggest any bike rental places as it’s too costly too there in manali
Bhai if you are traveling with a pillion, it will be better to rent a 500CC bike. My advice would be that you both rent two bikes and ride solo
Hi
I am planning to go to Leh in 2019.
I am confused between the RE Byke to buy,
1. Classic 350
2. TB 350
Before going to Leh till then I want to have good practice on the bike. Mostly I will also use in City bumper to bumper traffic.
Can you please suggest?
Take a look a this post. This should help make a decision. I personally would prefer a Classic 350 though.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/which-royal-enfield-bike-is-best-to-buy/
Thank you for the best reply!
You are welcome !!! 🙂
Hello Varghis Bhai,
Excellent information covering all the aspect for a well Leh-Laddakh trip in all ur blogs….
i have 5 yrs old Yamaha SZR sport clocked 40000 KM .. good condition.. I am planning solo with just a 45 Lts backpack and fuel can. … any advise
Thank you Azhar Bhai. Yes, as long as your get your bike well serviced, replace all dicey parts and travel solo then yes, you can definitely do the trip.
Hi Brother. I’m planing to ride from Kerala to Leh on my Suzuki Gixxer SF SP 2016 Model. Im done with 15000Kms. Well maintained and Serviced on time. Is it oki if i take my ride for this purpose? If Yes, please advise if i need to make any alterations on my ride. Thanks.
Hi Sanjay – Yes Suzuki Gixxer is fine as long as you are traveling solo and light. Are you riding it all the way from Kerala or getting it to some place closer by train?
Thank you for your reply bro. Yes from Kerala to Leh. 🙂
In that case Bhai just make sure that you get a full servicing done on your bike, replace everything that seems dicey and even during your trip, continue getting it checked wherever you can.
This is awesome information. I am just planing for ladakh trip but i was not understand which bike good for me but when I read this blog post everything is clear in my mind.
Thanks Praveen
Wow, Ladakh is beautiful place. I love to Ladakh. Motorcycle trip for Ladakh is very careful ride. I’ve enjoyed reading the post. It is very supportive and useful post for Ladakh ride. Thanks a lot for this beauty Enjoying article with me. I appreciate it very much!
Thanks Amari
Hi Vargis, Me and my dad are planning for leh circuit starting June 22nd. I have a Avenger cruise 220. Will it pull through along with the pillion?. We have done the southern hills on avenger and it was very comfortable and never felt the need for more power. Any suggestions that you would like to give? I will go via Shimla Kaza kunzum.
Hello sir, I’ll be reaching leh by 19th of this month. I’m planning to visit three places nubra pangong and tsomoriri. I do not know how to drive a geared bike but I have been driving scooter for past 3years. I’ll be renting scooter from leh probably access 125cc. Will it be in good condition? I have read ur article pertaining to scooter ride to leh but my concern are the scooters available there serviced properly? What things should I pay attention too before renting a scooter? Any other tips for scooter ride for this year?
There are a lot of people offering bikes and Scooters on rent. Some of them are good and some bad. You will have to test ride a few to find a good one.
Thank you for the wonderful blog. I experienced the same while touring with Avenger, if you apply sudden break the next moment you will be on the ground. I have been driving Hero honda Splendor for 12 year or so, but never had this experience. I am 6 feet 1 inch planning to buy Bullet st 500. Advise me if any other suitable bike is there that I can try.
Hello Subhadip Bhai – If you are planning to buy Enfield 500CC then by all means, go for it without any hesitation. You will not find a better motorcycle in Indian market right now that will suit your height and has an engine that large.
Hi,
I have a CBZ Xtreme 2012 model with 41K at the ODO. Have done quite a bit of solo touring with it but never went more than 2500 km. It’s well maintained and as of now, It didn’t give any issue. But most of my rides were on western ghats, though on my friends CBZ, I have traveled Delhi-Manali-Palampur-Dharamsala-Dalhousie-Simla-Delhi with a pillion, and it didn’t gave me any trouble at all.
So making my hopes high, I’m thinking of taking my Xtreme to the extreme terrain. I’m hoping with a new dual purpose tyre, clutch plate and chain sprocket, it should do the job. I will have a basic pair of saddle bag (full of basic needs like cloths, first aids & medicine, dry foods etc.) and a back full of cameras & accessories. And most probably, I will be driving solo.
Need your expert opinion on this and suggestions too.
Forgot to mention: Planing to go on this July for 2 weeks.
Bro I recently completed ladak trip on CBZ Xtreme from Karnataka. Up to Jammu it’s performance amazing, but srinagar to whole ladak range, it’s lost complet pick up, 2nd power due to low oxygen. That time it’s top speed only 30 to 50 at full throttle.. so u need to tune carburetor b4 go to ladak
Thanks for adding this information Lokesh Bhai
Hi – As long as the bike is well maintained and you get it ready for the trough trip ahead, yes you can bring it to Ladakh. Friend of mine rode with me solo on his CBZ a couple of years back and he did not face any problem anywhere at all. Just make sure that you get it checked once again after you reach Ladakh, specially the clutch plates. Also, take a look at the post below.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/how-to-prepare-your-motorcycle-for-ladakh-trip/
Thanks a ton. Great blog. Keep writing. 🙂
Thanks Dev Bhai
Hello dear thanks a lot for your helpful comments. My question is…. whether Harley Davidson 750 Street Rod With the ground clearance of 205 would be capable For road trip from Delhi-Shimla- Spiti -Laddakh -Manali -Delhi.???? I was little bit confused about comfortablity???
Hi Ashwani – Yes the bike is definitely capable of the trip. With 750 CC you got nothing to worry about. Weight of the bike may be a problem around sharp turns and bad roads but as long as you go slow and carefully, it will be a fun trip.
hello vargis, as of 5 person (2 girl) group will be going in july this year, we decided to take 2 enfield 350cc, what will be my 3rd bike for singel rider ( that can be run by accompanying girls as they are not pretty confident in driving offroad bullets)
Hi Sanket – I will recommend that you keep the 3rd motorcycle an Enfield as well. The space available can be used to accommodate some of the luggage and take the load of other bikes.
hello vargis sir im from kutch gujrat . and i have honda hornet 160r it’s also 20000km runing im planing for kuch to ladakh single rider and sum luggage . so whos time is best for travel and i can do that with hornet 160?? pliss sugest me abou travel rout and sicvation of ladakh road
September is usually considered as the best time to visit Ladakh. Yes you can definitely do it on your Hornet provided that it is well serviced, maintained, and you are traveling light and solo.
Hey bro…
We are two friends planning to go laddakh this june… And we both are going to buy a new bike , but we are confused that which bike we purchase…..
I like the dominar but i saw some comments here that, dominat is not preety good for there….
So, please suggest me that what i purchase….
And we both are planning to go there first time… And we don’t know anything about there rout place and everything…
So, will you please guide us about rout plan…
We are from DHANBAD, jharkhand
Hello Arman, In terms of bike, if your budget allows, definitely go for a Royal Enfield, either standard or Classic. If not, then definitely buy Dominar. The only problem will be that it may get a bit tiring on Dominar for long rides so get plenty of practice before you go to Leh. With Dominar, ride only Solo and not with a Pillion.
How many days are you planning the trip for? Are you going to ride all the way from Dhanbad or ship your motorcyles by train?
I don’t know how many days will be perfect for the tour……
And yes we are planning to ride from dhanbad…. So sir please tell me that how many days is perfect for this ride….
And should i purchase dominar for this ride…
Yes you can definitely buy a Dominar. It is a good motorcycle. For the trip, from Manali to Leh and return to Sriangar, keep a minimum of 10-14 days only for this part. Whatever time you take to reach Manali from Dhanbad and then from Srinagar to Dhanbad will be in addition to this. Overall, make a plan for a 3 week ride.
Hey bro can tvs apache rtr 200 fi can do leh Ladakh trip or not
Hi Abhishek – Yes you can take your Apache to Leh provided that you travel solo and have no pillion on the same bike.
What about a bike like the TVS RR310? would that work?
Yes it definitely would in terms of pick up and power. Three suggestions though,
1. Must travel solo
2. Make arrangements, maybe install a temporary carrier to put on all the luggage and specially additional fuel since you got only 11 liters fuel tank and will definitely not get anymore than 25 kms at most per liter up there.
3. Remove the lower faring to avoid damage to it
Hello Bro
My height is 5”3 I’m planning to buy a dominar 400 For leh ladakh and some more rides my height is to short please tell me Dominar is good for me Yes Or No
Hi Sriman – Can you buy and ride a Bajaj Dominar? Answer to that question is that yes you can but please take a few test rides before you finalise the purchase. About Ladakh, you must and must ride around the motorcycle in city for a few months and take it up the hills as well a few times before planning on Ladakh.
About the motorcycle, yes you will have a bit of initial trouble in getting your feet touch the ground. Friend of mine is of the same height that you are and owns a Dominar. You will have trouble with your feet touching the ground if you are barefoot or wearing just thin slippers. You will have to and must buy shoes / boots with a bit of thick sole. Do that, ride around, get enough safe practice and Dominar will feel like just another motorcycle. Your legs will hurt initially and you will have trouble bringing the bike to stall but it will get better with time.
Some will tell you about the weight of the motorcycle but that is quite evenly distributed and wont be much of a hassle.
what about dominar?
Yes you can go to Ladakh by Dominar
hello khan bhai
nice hear that u reply every comments to new roadies
i do had a question for u if u help me for that i had pulsar 150dtsi run over 45k but its in good condition if i go there everything changed as clutch plate tubeless Tyre and rest all changeable item to new one do u think my bike can go from mumbai to ladhakh ur frank suggestion well be welcomed if u brief me
thanx
Hello Tarun Bhai – How old is your motorcycle? If you get it serviced and prepared well then yes, definitely you can bring it to Ladakh. Last year I helped plan journey to a traveler who brought his Bajaj Discover from Mumbai to Ladakh. Take a look at this article.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/how-to-prepare-your-motorcycle-for-ladakh-trip/
Hey, Planning for Leh trip from Pune on Ninja 300.. Is it advisable to take Ninja 300 Recently Bought to Leh ??
Just make sure that you have gotten at least the first service done before you take your bike to Ladakh.
Did you go for the trip on Ninja 300, if yes, please share the experience of the bike?
Hello Vargis bhai,
I have one year old Bajaj V15 total 6000 km run. Its very comfortable in city, however I am planning for the first long distance ride in November last week, from Delhi to Bhangarh. Please suggest if the bike is good for long rides, and any suggestions as this is my first long distance bike ride.
Hello Sunil Bhai – For Delhi to Bhangarh, V15 will be a great and comfortable motorcycle. Just get it serviced before your ride though.
Is 2009 model thunderbird, good for leh or not??
Yes it is provided that you have maintained it well.
Sir which bike do you have ?
Bhai I have an Enfield
Can i go for a trip to ladakh with my 2018 suzuki intruder 155
Sir what bike do you have ?
Hello there ,i want to know..that bullet to achi hai …but i am just having one doubt in mind for it.. that is since it has a metal body..rusting hogi…so yehi disadvantage lagraha hai..so should i buy royal Enfield?
Rusting is not a problem at all, don’t let that stop you. Just maintain your motorcycle well, love it and she will serve you for a long time.
hello sir,
i am planning delhi to ladakh with my hero honda hunk 2008 its good
Hello Sahammi Bhai – Yes the bike is good enough as long as it is well maintained and you are traveling solo
thank you sir 🙂
You are welcome Bhai
Bro maine ek new bike leni hai under 2 lakh koi eesi bike suggest karo jisme abs ho achi loking ho millage ho and second think koi eesi batana jisko mai easily leh ladakh le ja saku and comfortable ho???
Bhai 2 Lakh ka budget hai agar toh Enfield hi le lo phir. Abs nahi hain par aapke touring and comfort ke purpose se best hai
Bro duke 200 kya mai lelu touring ke liye
I’m very comfortable with duke but duke’s seat is very hard and i’ll put the best seat cover on duke
And please tell me duke is good for touring
Bhai Duke’s petrol tank is only 10 liters which is the biggest problem. On a long trip, it may become a hassle. Rest everything is good with the bike, I just hope they come up with a bigger tank in future.
So mai ab kon si bike lu sir koi suggest toh karo under 2 lakh for touring
Maine toh Enfield kahi thi, aap shayad vo lena nahi chahte
Hello Mr. Vargis Khan,
Love all the articles written by you. Thanks for sharing your immense knowledge with other riders. My height is 5’11” and
I’ve two personal queries:
1. I’ve TB350 (2006 model) done 42k kms till now. Use it occasionally.. but it’s well maintained. Can I take it to leh ladakh- khardungla road with a pillion? If yes shall I get its tyres changed, if yes which brand and size you recommend.
2. If I need to buy new bike which one would you suggest out of these and why..
a) RE Classic 350
b) RE TB 500
c) RE Classic 500
Thanks and regards.
Kamz Singh
Phillaur, Punjab
Hello Mr. Singh, Thank you for your encouraging words. I am glad the information was helpful. With only 42k on the odometer and a well maintained motorcycle, you can definitely take it to Ladakh. No need to change the tires as well as long as there is enough tread on the existing ones. If you want to still buy a new one however, I will recommend Classic 500.
Hiiii… im Nagaraj.. from chennai… i am planning to do arode in leh ladak… bt i dnt about that place and i dnt know hindi.. can i manage there??? How much should have for this trip..?? What will be the pricing in tjose area like leh..??? Pls mak a reply bro
Yes you will be able to manage even if you do not known Hindi, all the foreigners visiting the area manage it. Cost of the trip will depend on how long you are traveling for and what is your mode of travel.
Hello Vargis Khan
October me Bajaj Pulser ns200 Fuel injection with abs launch hone wali hai and hum sab friends ne socha ns200 fi abs lene ka we are going to leh in April mein me and friends height is normal 5″5 and 5″6 ns is comfortable for us And second Think tell me how is it bike already I’m mention the bikes name and brand
Hello Manoj – First of all, you cannot go to Ladakh in April by road, it has to be May at earliest. Second, Pulsar as I mentioned above in the article will handle the trip well however I would recommend that you travel solo, not with a Pillion.
Solo and in which month leh will open
Now i have pulsar 150 is it good for leh
Sringar Leh highway will open in May 1st week and Manali Leh will open around June Mid so plan accordingly. Pulsar 150 is good but ensure that it is well prepared. Take a look at the article below.
https://www.bcmtouring.com/cms/how-prepare-your-motorcycle-ladakh/
Bro maine ek new bike leni hai under 2 lakh koi eesi bike suggest karo jisme abs ho achi loking ho millage ho and second think koi eesi batana jisko mai easily leh ladakh le ja saku and comfortable ho duke 200 kaisi hai
Dear Khan Sahab,
Greetings of the day. Just went through your post, its awesome, you have covered the details in a very professional manner.
Recently I have bought a Honda Hornet 162.71 CC with 140 mm wide rear tyres and max power 15.44 bhp @ 8,500 rpm and max torque 14.76 Nm @ 6,500 rpm.
With this motorcycle it is ok to go to ladakh with a pillion and light weight luggage ?
Please let me know.
Regards
Souvik.
Hello Souvik Bhai – Going by your word “recently”, since your motorcycle is new; yes it will be able to take you to Ladakh with a pillion and light luggage. Just be careful around water crossings, do not attempt it with the pillion on. Ask your partner to get down and be ready to push in case the bike gets stuck.
Thanks khan sahab, your reply is very encouraging. Hope to discuss few technical matters later on. If possible please share your contact no so that i can take few suggestions later on just before the trip. You can email your contact no at [email protected] or else if possible please whats app me at 9073732880 , i assure to ping very less 🙂
And yes recently means very recently i got my new bike i am riding since i was 16, and now i am 31, but this is the first time i got the taste of something brand new 🙂
You are welcome Souvik Bhai. Motorcycle is new so it should pull you through the trip. Just make sure it is well prepared and serviced. Take a look at the post below please. I will send you an email with my contact details.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/how-to-prepare-your-motorcycle-for-ladakh-trip/
Hello…
I’ve renegade commando 300 cc.. A cruise bike… Will it run smoothly on ladakh trip?
Hello Atul – Yes Renegade Commando will be great for Ladakh trip. Biggest benefit would be the 18 liters fuel tank, reducing the hassle of carrying spare fuel.
Thanx bhai..
You are welcome Bhai
Hi vargis
I want to travel to kaza, chandertal via shimla-recong peo in the end week ok of September month on my 125CC TVS PHOENIX bike. Please tell me the required information that i want to know from you as pointed below.
1. Is this journey possible with 125CC bike via shimla-recong peo-kaza-chandertal-rohtang and back via manali.
2. Is roads opened in September end week.
3. Can camping possible with own tent at chandertal lake.
Please reply brother…
Hello Rahul,
1. Yes it is possible but travel light and solo.
2. Yes
3. Yes it is possible but do not camp in the middle of nowhere. Find a camp site and pay them a little to give you a spot. In exchange, they will also let you use their washrooms. You may even order food with them
Successfully completed trip from chandigarh-recongpeo-nako-kaza-chandertal-rohtang pass-manali-bilaspur-chandigarh total-1145Km on tvs phoenix 125CC bike. Really adventure places.
Thanks virgis brother
Rahul Bhai how were the road conditions?
From chandigarh to recongpeo good
Recong peo to pooh bad
Pooh to nako good
Nako to kaza good
From kaza towards lossar 20km very good after that upto gramphu very bad.
Thanks for the update Rahul Bhai
And how was the experience of riding a 125CC bike to Spiti? Any quick tips for others?
Brother very good experience on 125CC bike. No any kind of issue occured during the journey.
Our journey detail is as follows.
Day1 chandigarh to recongpeo-341km
Day 2 recongpeo to nako-92km due to bad condition of road.
Day3 nako to lossar 165km
Day4 lossar-chandertal-batal-chattru 86km due to very bad road condition.
Day5 chattru-rohtang pass-manali-chandigarh-410km
We take just 8hrs 45 minutes from manali to chandigarh for 315km.
No matter what the bike you have.
Matter Just only one thing your hand on bike and faith on your bike.
Enjoy ride with carefull.
Don’t take risk to overtake at curves.
Thanks for sharing the feedback Rahul Bhai
hello vargis khan i have planned to Spiti valley from chandigarh via Shimla-Recong peo-Kaza-Chandertal and back via Rohtang-Manali-Mandi to chandigarh on my TVS phoenix 125cc new bike approx run is 7000km (single rider). please suggest me can it is possible to complete above mentioned tour on my 125CC bike.
also please tell me September month end week is suitable to visit Kaza, Chandertal or road closed in september end.
please tell me can i take my own tent in camping at chandertal along with all accessories needed at that place.
please help
Hi Rahul – Yes you can complete the trip on your Phoenix bike but must travel light and solo. September end week if find for the trip but do not delay any further. Yes you can camp on your own but do it at a spot provided by an existing camp site, you will have to pay them a little for it.
Hello bro
Mai ek bike lene ki soch raha hu kya aap bata sakte ho leh ladakh jaane ke liye kon si sab se achhi bike hai waise mai touring bhi karta rehta hu give me your suggestion and my height is 5 feet 3 inch
Hello Nikhil – Bhai aap KTM Duke, Avenger, dekh sakte ho. Chaho to ek baar Royal Enfield Classic 350 bhi try karke dekh lo. Jo seat aati hai vo hatwani padegi magar aapko baad mein and apni height ke hisaab se lagvani padegi doosri
Hello Sir
I am Abhishek Miglani My height is 5*1 and i am from Panipat Haryana please tell me which is the better bike for me going to leh ladakh ( I LIKE SPORTS BIKES )
Hello Abhishek – You can consider Yamaha YZF-R15, or KTM 200 Duke. Both are low in height.
But bro duke is so tall bike and uski seat bhi bhit hard hai
Bhai it is the shortest in sports bike that Abhi asked. All other sports bikes will be a bit taller than this.
Hlo vargis khan …..is pulsar rs200 is good for leh ladakh trip with pillion plz ans me
Hi Anntriksh – In terms of power output it is good. In terms of comfort you will have to make some adjustments.You will have to get a luggage carrier installed and get some cushion added to the rear seat so the pillion is comfortable during long rough rides. Also, remove the lower faring to prevent it from getting damaged. You can put it back on once you are back from Ladakh.
Hello Sir I’m GOUTAM and I’m 5″2 Sir please tell me which is the better for leh according to my height
Hello Gautam – Suziki Gixxer, KTM 200 Duke, Bajaj Avenger are some good motorcycles you can consider. TVS Apache has low height as well if you want to consider that.
New duke 200 ko kya mai leh ladakh leke ja sakta hu kya
Yes Nikhil Bhai you can
Hello Vrghis khan,
My name is Amal and am from kerala and i would like to make a ride on himalayan around 12000 km .wil thr be any problem that if i make this ride in Re himalayan ?
Am palning ths Ride from ernakulam (kerala)-banglore-mumbi-jamanagar-delhi-jammu-leh-manali-shimla-badhrinad-agra-varanasi-puri-pondichery-kanyakumari-thn back to ernakulam ths is the places to go…. Give me necesery advices and i am planing to make ths Ride in 7 aug obiviously nxt yr. Waiting for your valuble advic
Hello Amal – Yes you will be able to complete the trip on Himalayan. Just ensure to get a general check up done at every 1000 kilometers and serviced at every 2000 kilometers to ensure a hassle free ride.
Kkk thankuu sir
You are welcome Bro
Brother could u suggest me a another bike to finish this ride.
Hi Amal – Have you considered Classic 350 or Electra maybe?
Hi vargis, im from rajasthan and my age is 48 years, im doctor by profession, i. Planning to buy bike for adventure trips lije leh. Im confused between re tb 500 vs dominar. I tried both but im confused between both. Dominar is good but i
feel little stress at shoulder region & stress at arms. My height is 176cm. And I need your valuable opinion as budget is not issue. Tb 500 is almost 50k more vs dominar. What is your suggestion for me. Also please suggest if it is advisable at my age for such kind of trip? Thanks in advance.
Hello Dr. Hatuka – About the age and the trips, well you are a Doctor yourself Sir. As long as there is no medical or physical condition involved, there is nothing stopping you. I have seen 65 year old guys cycling from Manali to Ladakh, yes on a Bicycle, but they were all foreigners though. You are still young enough Sir, please explore as long as your health allows.
About the motorcycles, I will not recommend Dominar if comfortable crusing for long hours and trips are on your mind. It is a good motorcycle but not built for long comfortable rides. Yes, you are right, it will put stress on shoulders because of the seating position. A long trip will also mean carrying luggage, spare fuel etc for which there is really no suitable space on the motorcycle. So by all means Sir, please go for a Royal Enfield. It will serve you way better than a Dominar. I am not saying that Dominar is not a good bike, but it is not really for what you have in mind. Go for a TB.
Thanks a lot vargis bhai for your advice, i really appreciate your words and to encourage me. Im planning to buy tb500, is there any suggestions? I heard it needs a lot of maintenance. Also efi problem and no tubeless tyres so if flat during long journey what are the options? Or need to change alloys and tubeless at the time of purchase? Please advise if i stick to tb 500 or any substitute available in market regarding less maintenance required after purchase or 2017 model is less with problems like earlier. Thanks again for boost me up & quick response bro.
one more query if only re is best option which re u suggest.tb350/500,re himalayan ,classic or bullet 350vs500 for more comfort & less problems.
i rode yamaha rx100 in 90s more then 70000 km during medical studies but that was totally maintenance free .
but now speed is not priority ,now comfort and less problems is important as i mentioned issues with re above. your opinion matters a lot for me as you are most experienced person as a explorer, blogger and biker.
I will say that go for a Bullet 350 or 500. Buy an Electra 350, it will be better than TB or Himalayan.
You are welcome Dr. Hatuka,
I think you will agree when I say that “respect the machine and the machine will respect you”. All the fuss about Enfields being high on maintenance is just talk. Ask anyone who have had an Enfield for a while and they will tell your otherwise. Just keep a general rule, get a health check up done of the motorcycle after every 1000 kilometers and get it serviced every 2000 kilometers. Follow this rule and no Enfield will ever trouble you. I have had one for last 10 years, my father had one since he was in his 20s and none of complain about it.
Hello Mr. Vargis Khan,
Love all the articles written by you. Thanks for sharing your immense knowledge with other riders. My height is 5’11” and
I’ve two personal queries:
1. I’ve TB350 (2006 model) done 42k kms till now. Use it occasionally.. but it’s well maintained. Can I take it to leh ladakh- khardungla road with a pillion? If yes shall I get its tyres changed, if yes which brand and size you recommend.
2. If I need to buy new bike which one would you suggest out of these and why..
a) RE Classic 350
b) RE TB 500
c) RE Classic 500
Thanks and regards.
Kamz Singh
Phillaur, Punjab
Hello Mr. Singh, Thank you for your encouraging words. I am glad the information was helpful. With only 42k on the odometer and a well maintained motorcycle, you can definitely take it to Ladakh. No need to change the tires as well as long as there is enough tread on the existing ones. If you want to still buy a new one however, I will recommend Classic 500.
is the bajaj pulsar 150 good? & one more thing can two guys travel on 350cc bullet?
Yes to both your questions. I went to Leh last year with couple of my friends on 150CC bikes, CBZ and Pulsar, and we completed the journey without any problem at all. Just get the clutch plates checked once after you reach Leh.
Hi Vargis bhai I m planing to buy bajaj vikrant v12 125cc for ladakh tour.my height 5 feet 3inch.for comfort carrying and safety.
Hello Neeraj Bhai – You will be able to complete the trip, just make sure that you ride it back home enough to get the first servicing done before you go to Leh. Also, please take a look at the post below.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/ride-ladakh-on-100cc-motorcycle-scooter/
sir im planing leh trip bymy bike apachie 200 4v on january my plan is chndigarh to srinagar to leh and retun is by leh manali nh caN i move need tips
Hi Pavan – You are planning a road trip in January? Roads will be closed at that time, you can’t go
Good eve sir, just wanted to know should I buy the re Himalayan is it worth. I heard a lot of bad comments about it
What do you think ?
Hello Allan, It is an OK motorcycle to buy, not all that bad. Take a look at the article below for my review of Enfield Himalayan.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/royal-enfield-himalayan-review-really-worth/
Hello Sir,
Sorry for different topic, but if you can help..!
Would it be good to do bike trip from Manali to Leh & Leh to Manali in month of start or mid september ?
Hello Pratik – September actually is the best time to visit Ladakh so the answer to your question is a definite yes.
hiii sir. kya me apni fz-v2 2016 150cc 10,000km chali hui bike par leh ladakh ja sakta hu with pillion ? kuch modified krwana padega ? plzz reply
Bilkul ja sakte ho Rohit Bhai. Zyada khaas kuchh modify karvana nahi padega, bas saman vagerah baandhne ka intezaam karva lena and jaane se 10 din pehle servicing kara lena achhe se
hi vargis..am planning a trip to ladakh by honda unicorn ? ideally am thinking to transport bike from hyderabad to delhi then delhi to manali ( transport ) and start journey from Manali to leh…
have been trying to mak plans from last 4 years and this time had quit job to complete my dream tour.
i do not the routes, gas stations, fuel planning, etc.. n what precaution on a honda unicorn?/
Kindly advice…. the best plan for me and my friend.
Hello Samiullah – All the best for your driver brother. How many days do you have in hand from Manali? How old is your Unicorn and how well is it maintained?
Hello. Your writings are really inspiring.
i am planning for solo bike trip to spiti on my street 750. Will it be a good choice?
I also have avenger 220. Your views will be very helpful.
Hello Ashok – Street will be perfect for Ladakh trip, no problem at all. Just 2 things you will have to take care of. If I am not mistaken, Street gives you about 20 kmpl, correct? Second the tank capacity is about 12 to 13 liters? This would mean that you will have to make arrangements to carry fuel. Second would be of making proper arrangements to carry all the luggage and the additional fuel on the motorcycle.
Hi Vargis,
I’m planning for a Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi trip on my Avenger cruise 220 this year in the second to third week of October. Leaving from Delhi on the 13th and reaching back to Delhi on the 26th to be precise.
Now, I do understand that it is not advisable to travel on these dates on these roads due to the weather conditions, but I really have no choice about the dates. So, can you please advise about the precautions and any tips for this trip?
Bike is a year and a half old and has done about 34k. I got it serviced today and again plan to get it serviced in the last week of September.
Thanks in advance.
Hello Ajay – October is not an ideal time to travel on Manali Leh highway so by all means please avoid that. You should take Srinagar via Kargil to Leh and return via Batalik (just for an alternate route, if you get the permits). In Ladakh as well, it may snow at top of the passes in october so roads may close temporarily, for a day or two. Rest you are Ok traveling in October, a lot of people do that. Season is ending by that time but its not completely over so you will still find tourists in Ladakh.
Thank you for the prompt response Vargis. Much appreciated.
I do have one more question for you. Pangong tso and Tso Morris, is it possible that I can cover both of these?
You mean in October? Yes you can definitely.
So, my plan is to reach Leh on the 18th. Can I do Nubra Valley on the 19th and Pangong and Moriri on 20th and 21st a day then head back to Delhi from there??
If you are reaching on 18th then you will need a day in Leh to arrange permits. Provided that you arrange for those by 11 AM, you can still start for Nubra and make it there before dark. Pangong to Moriri however in a day is way too long a journey, best to give it two days.
I have been reading about a route from Nubra to Pangong without having to go to Leh.
Nubra-Shyok-Durbuk-Pangong
Any suggestions if it’s okay to take this route on a bike in the month of October?
If not, any other route from Nubra to Pangong without having to go to Leh?
It is a badly broken dirt trail that runs right next to Shyok river. It is tough and challenging but will see you from Nubra to Pangong within 5-6 hours.
Can I take Bajaj v15 for ladakh bike ride? How will the bike perform? What are your suggestions? Should I take it.. ??
You mean Vikrant, right? If yes then by all means do take it to Ladakh. It will perform well. Even Ladakh motorcycle rental association added it to their available motorcycles list
i own honda hornet 160r and one of my friend owns the same …we are planning ladakh trip most probably this year but will the bike survive till the journey (mumbai to ladakh) ?
also what all things which we need to keep in mind to make this trip successfull and hassle free ?
How old are your motorcycles? How many kilometers on the odometer and how is the condition?
its been one year i have taken my motorcycle …and i has run at around 17000 km till now…and the condition is well maintained by me …oil change at every 5000 km also proper servicing is been done time to time ….
Then your bike will definitely survive but you will have to get it serviced while on the way. From Mumbai, before hitting the hilly region, get it serviced and after coming down, before starting back to Mumbai, get it serviced again. Depending on what route you are taking, google about reliable Honda service center in any of the towns on the way.
Hi, just want to share a horrible experience with my as200 Pulsar during Ladakh tour. Just to mention that after crossing sarchu as more hight we pick, the bike began to show altitude syndrome. It reacts as if its not getting enough power, maximum 5 or 10 km p/h. And at khardungla it totalled. The bike at that time was in 1st year 12k run, all stock no modifications and had recent service before the ride. The mechanic there informed it was with every bike that it shut down and fail to response. I have shown this to the service centre here in Delhi. They said everything is fine with it. Luggage was little, so it was not a problem though. Any idea what went wrong. Cause I am planning on July to visit again on same bike.
Hi Sanjay, I am not really sure what would have gone wrong. The only thing I can think of is that the clutch plates were burnt out. During my last ride, one of my friends was on 150CC Pulsar and another on 150CC Karizma, both bikes over 3 years older. Karizma started to give same kind of trouble on Manali Leh highway, pick up was gone as if there is no power and at several places it almost stalled. We got it checked after reaching Leh, found out that the clutch plates were completely burnt, got them changed on both Pulsar and Karizma and did not face any trouble at all anywhere.
Clutch plate on a bike with only 12k on clock. Hard to think could be. Well some how after reaching Leh we went for magnetic, and also climb the nearby..hill.. everyone was trying for the sand hill nearby as who can reach top. Well suprisingly, mine was at top.
Yeah I know but that is the only thing I could think of. Even I am stumped that a brand new 200 CC bike would stall like that.
Received an email today from a reader asking if Bajaj Dominar is good enough for Ladakh so thought of adding this information here in comments for everyone’s sake. You can definitely take Bajaj Dominar to Ladakh. The big strong engine will give you all the power you need however the only problem is of fuel. It has a tank size of 13 liters and average will be around 25 in Ladakh so you will definitely need to make arrangements to carry spare fuel.
Pulsar 200 ns is good for ladakh .?..what precautions should i take ??
Thankyou in advance
Yep, Pulsar 200 ns is good enough for Ladakh. Just see if you can get the seats a bit more comfortable for long rides and make arrangements for roping the luggage around in a secured manner.
Dear Vargis, I am planning to Buy a Bike, Only and Only For Long Tours Like
1) Delhi To Leh-Dehradun-Nepal-Arunachal Pardesh-NE-Back To Delhi.
2) Delhi-Rajasthan-Delhi
3) Delhi-Central India-Along The West Coast-Kanyakumari-Along the East Coast-Central India-Delhi
4) Asian Highway 1 Delhi to Malaysia (5500×2=11k kms)
5) Delhi-Nepal-Delhi
I am 6’3″ tall. Don’t Need Speed (Not More Then 100kms/hr) only Need Comfort and Safety when i drive. I did hitchhiking but now want to travel on my own bike (Safety Issues). I will not drive with a pillion occupied. Only Solo Trips with luggage. (I don’t need much luggage as a hitchhiker i know how to survive with less resources).
So, Basically i need a bike which can be my partner and workhorse same time. I had TB Machismo 350,Pulsar 180,Apache150,Splendor,Activa..but I didn’t like TB Machismo (Need Maintenance Frequently). Well my choices are :-
❤️) Bajaj Avenger Street 220 CC (Providing TL Tyres/Sufficient Fuel Capacity/Cruise Bike).
2) RE Classic 350cc. (if No choice).
3) Bajaj Dominor 400.
Need Your Suggestions.
Regards
Armaan!
Hello Armaan,
With your height brother (which I envy you for by the way), Avenger is A big NO. It is good for someone with medium height. The large turning radius is a problem if you take it up the hills. The Renegade Commando is a better choice than this if you want to try something in avenger category.
You will either have to chose from Dominar or Classic 350. Since you have had a Pulsar before, imagine that with a bigger engine and more power. If you were comfortable riding that for long duration on regular basis, go for it. Or else, RE Classic will be the obvious choice.
If I was in your place, I will go for RE. It is better for cruising than a Dominar, is more spacious and comfortable.
Hey.. I am thinking of solo Delhi- Ladakh trip On Honda Shine 125 cc in july 1st week.. bike is 6 years old ,and i have done around 45,000 kms on it.. bike is in good condition.. i get it serviced and engile oil change on every 1800-2000kms, engine and everything is in good condition.. soo what precautions should take before going to trip?
As long as your bike is in good condition Rishi, the only precaution required is to ride solo which anyways you are doing. Travel as light as you can. Have you taken it up the hills ever before?
Hi Vargis , I’m planning to buy the upcoming BMW G310 GS and would plan to go to ladakh on it … Would it be a good bike as in considering the foreign make … worrying about breakdowns and spares hence the question ?
Hi Ved – First of all, let me congratulate you on your plans to buy this hunk of a machine. I envy you brother. Did they announce the launch date yet though? Last I heard it was still not confirmed when it will be available in the market.
Coming to your question, you have a very valid point. Though this motorcycle is more than capable for terrains like Ladakh, a breakdown may get you in trouble. You may not find a mechanic there who would be ready to fix it for you and the ones agreeing may even cause more damage than fix. I have known people who have been to Ladakh on superbikes and BMWs but they were mostly in groups with a mechanic on tow.
If you do however plan to ride it to Ladakh, ensure that it is well serviced and carry some essential spare parts with you.
As per the latest news the bike is expected to be launched by end of the year , keeping my fingers crossed !!! Thanks for your valuable feedback Vargis.
You are welcome brother !!!
Hi i am planning to go delhi to leh on KTM RC 200 In october first week
My route as planned
Manali
Pang
Tso mirrori
Leh
Nubra
Kargil
Srinagar
Delhi
Is this the a adventurers roads to travel.
Cause this time we want adventure thats why this route.
Guide me if there is any changes needed in anything. We are 3 people all solo bikes
Ktm rc 200
Yamha fazer 150
Duke 200
Hi Vicky – Plan looks good enough. You may and probably will face AMS problem at both Pang and Tso Moriri though. I hope when you say Tso Moriri to Leh, you mean via Upshi and Tanglang La and not via Chushul Pangong, correct?
Thankyou. Yes i am planning to go from chushul only. What are the disadvantages if u can let me know please.
Take a look at this article Vicky. I have explained the entire Moriri route in detail here.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/pangong-tso-to-tso-moriri-travel-guide/
thankyou.
I just want to know from u can I travel via chushul in October starting week ?
Yes you can but in first week only.
I have a query, I am planning to hit Ladakh via below route
Amritsar-Udhampur/Patnitop-Srinagar-Kargil-Lamayuru/Leh-Nubra Valley/Turtuk-Pangong Lake-Pang/Sarchu-Manali-Chandigarh.
My tour date shall start on 12th June end shall end on 23/24th June.
With your much experience on the tough terrains about the above route, i intend to complete it on my 1980 Royal Enfield 350 Bullet.
Last month I got the complete gearbox overhauled (except the shaft). on June 1, i will get my bike fully serviced and will carry mandatory spares along with me. My bike is running on 3 clutch plates. Do you recommend to get the same upgraded to 4 clutch plate set? Or the 3 plate is also fine for the given route.
Kindly suggest the same. Would be happier if any like minded will like to join my trip schedule.
I will be travelling in train from Mumbai to Amritsar (bike in luggage van) on 10th June and will reach Amritsar on 11th June evening 7PM.
Thanks in advance for your attention.
Regards,
Jaskaran S Chawla
Hi Jaskaran – I would advise against replacing the clutch plates. Number of plates assigned depends on a lot of factors like friction area and required power output with packaging of the entire set up. A 3 plate clutch would start to slip in a 500 CC bullet and the same way, a 4 plate clutch may just cause more problem if squeezed in a space designed for 3.
As long as clutch plates are not burning out too soon, and there is no other problem like slipping gears or bike refusing to pick up after a bit of heating, you are OK and have no need to replace the clutch plates.
You can tweak things a bit for better performance like installing a heavy duty clutch cable and clutch springs but only if you are not happy the way your Bullet is picking up as of now. If there are no issues in city and it runs smooth, getting it well serviced will do the job just fine.
Hi Vargis. I am referring to many of your articles as I am preparing for this trip. You have penned down so many helpful inputs with much details. I am glad that people like you exist. May god give you best of health so that you can explore more places and enlighten us.
Coming down to your suggestion, i will keep it with 3 plate set (and carry extra set) and surely install heavy duty springs.
Btw, i will be using a little bigger size main jet while starting from Amritsar as i just do not want to take a risk of losing pickup at such high altitudes.
Further will need your guidance on this, in your link for obtaining ILP for vehicles, you stated that vehicles older than 10 years are not allowed for ILP. Is it applicable for motorcycles too? Because you know mine is in her 37s. ;).
Regards.
Hello Jaskaran Bhai , Thank you so much for your kind words. God bless you !!!
The age factor of vehicle is applicable to Rohtang Pass permits, no such rule exists for ILP as of now. You will have to go via Srinagar and return via Manali.
Hi Jaskaran
Even we are planning to hit Srinagar Leh Manali on same dates a tour guided by HMC. If u allow 1 of my friend would like to join u as a pillion on sharing basis.
Pl find link of our itinerary as below:
Pl revert at the earliest
#Shrikant G Baldi
Hi Shrikant. Thank you for the suggestion. I would have happily accepted your offer to let your friend become my pillion, provided I had new age Enfield. Mine is 1980 bullet of which I am myself little bit of unsure of how it will take care of my load + luggage at such steepy roads of Ladakh. I am myself looking for a companion (but with his/her own bike) as I am travelling solo, as its always better to have a helping hand in the times of unforeseen situations. But carrying a pillion on that route that too on a 37 years old bike is the risk which I cannot afford to take. If I can help you out in any other way, do reach me on [email protected]
Regards,
Jaskaran S Chawla
Hi guys ..
Wt about KTM RC 200 and RS 200..?
Hi Naveen –
KTM RC is good for Ladakh but I will suggest that you remove the lower faring. That may get damaged. Another thing is the fuel tank is only 9.5 liters so you will have to make arrangements to carry extra fuel.
Pulsar RS 200 is good for Ladakh.
One suggestion though, go solo on both these motorcycles. Not really built for a journey to Ladakh with pillion.
Has anyone ridden to Ladakh on a dominar yet?
Bajaj Dominar is perfect for a Ladakh trip. Riding position is quite comfortable on a split dual seat for long rides. Cruising is effortless be in on the highway or going uphill. It is just the weight of the bike and the long wheelbase that will take some extra effort while steering at tighter sections. Another thing is that due to the wide saddle, someone with a short height may have trouble putting feet on the ground. But that is pretty much about it. Rest all is positive and positive about this motorcycle. Take it to Ladakh and you will have no problem be it the steep ascents or crossing those rough sections or taking it across the water stream.
It has a 14 liter petrol tank, city average is about 35 so expect it to be between 25-30 in Ladakh. You will have to carefully calculate the distance without a gas station in between and make fuel arrangements.
Hi Arif – If you mean Mumbai – Leh – Mumbai all the way on motorcycle in 10 days then no it is not possible. If you however catch a flight, then rent a motorcycle and fly back home then yes you can do it.
Hi vargis, this is possible mumbai- leh- mumbai in 10 day.
Of course it’s possible to ride
Per day you ride atlest 5 hours & maintain min 65 to 70 km then it’s possible
Hi Vargis, nice to read your all article.
Just want to know, u have a bike for rent from manali to leh return & what will be the cost
Hi Arif – If you are asking that am I offering motorcycle for rents in Manali, then the answer is No. Please read the article below for more information on how to rent a motorcycle in Manali and what will be the cost.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/rent-a-motorcycle-in-manali/
Thanks for sharing this beautifully pictures related to Ladakh motorcycle tour
Hi i am planning to do kanyakumari to kashmir trip (and back i live near kanyakumari) on a fazer fi next month. i know fazer does not have a good top end it can do 80 – 85 comfortably i think it is enough for me.The bike is 1.5 years old and has done 15k kms till date.I was planning to buy dominar but decided to skip for now.I will replace rear tyre ,chain,sprocket ,air filter, spark plug,fork oil seal and a new amaron battery and keep old battery as spare. can you tell me what other things to do regarding bike maintanace for this trip?.thanks.
Hi – Are you just planning to bring your bike from Kanyakumari to Ladakh or are you planning to cover other places as well in between?
I am planning to cover many important places on this trip.planning to stay on the road for three months
Since you will be travelling for so long, it will not make much sense to carry a lot of spares with you. Just carry a few essentials like clutch, accelerators wires eitc, puncture kit, tubes if the tires are not tubeless, spare headlamps. The key to a hassle free travel here would be to get your bike checked after every 1000 kilometers and serviced after every 2000 kilometers. Since you will be covering several major towns on the way, finding a mechanic should not be a problem. While you are getting it serviced, make sure that they check the electric wiring as well
Hi Verges sir,
Thanks for your kind guidance to the query of Aparna Kumar. This is Neeraj Kumar, her husband. One more advice needed. I’m having brand new Enfield’s Thunderbird 350cc and want to go along with my wife Aparna. She rides on Activa 110cc which we can upgrade with Aprilia 150cc. Now the dilemma is will it be better to ride pillion on Thunderbird only or solo on Thunderbird and Aprilia? Solo riding is more comfortable for me as we can change postures and gives better balance. Aprilia has some limitations you have already answered. It is very difficult to decide between these two choices. Please suggest.
Hi Neeraj Bhai –
Advisable would be that you both ride on TB but if your wife indeed wants to ride on her Aprilia then below is what you will need to do.
1. Carry all the luggage on TB. Do not put anything on Aprilia and let her ride it freely.
2. While crossing a water stream, you go across first. Park your TB, come back and carefully inspect for a section which does not seem deep or does not have lose stones underneath the water. A better choice would be that you ride it across the stream but if your wife insists on doing it herself, ensure that you are right behind her to push in case Aprilia gets stuck.
3. Buy your Aprilia ASAP and ensure that it is ridden for a couple of months and at least has been serviced once before taking it to Ladakh.
4. Another challenge would be slush. While crossing one, only ride it across if you can firmly put your feet down while sitting. If your entire feet is not touching the ground, better to get off the scooter and walk it across while accelerating slowly.
5. Your biggest challenge however would be in terms of fuel. Can you let me know your itinerary so I can advise where can you find fuel and how much should you be carrying?
is bajaj discover first model of about 8 years old good for ladakh trip ???
You could have done it if the motorcycle wasn’t that old. A 100CC 8 years old bike for Ladakh, I would say no. How many kilometers do you have on it and how is the condition?
Hii. Is karizma zmr is good for a long road trip to ladakh??
Absolutely. Karizma ZMR will be great for a Ladakh trip. The large fuel tank and good mileage will be a benefit. Just one thing though, remove the lower fairing if you can before the trip. Friend of mine damaged the fairing while crossing a water stream that turned out to be deeper than expected.
Hello Vargis, Awesome blog post. Liked it.
I have one question. I am planning for ladakh trip in June 1st week. I planned this route:
Delhi
Chandigarh
Amritsar
Patnitop
Srinagar
Kargil
Leh
Diskit,Nubra Valley
Leh
Pangong Tso
Tso Moriri
Sarchu
Manali
Bilaspur
Delhi
Is this route is suitable in June 1st week?
also i have Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350. I am travelling with my wife. So is this bike ok with two person and some luggage?
Thanks
Hemant
Hi Hemant – Yes you can cover this entire route in June 1st week except for the Manali route. That may be a little dicy. Manali Leh highway usually opens by late May or early June however a delay is expected this year. It is still snowing up there and BRO hasnt even started working on clearing the snow. Best to wait until May before you finalise your itinerary and time of travel.
Coming to Royal Enfield TB, It is definitely a good motorcycle and you will have no trouble completing the trip on it. Just one suggestion though, you may want to do something about the seat. In my opinion, it is not really that comfortable for pillion rider for long hours everyday. See if you can maybe add a cover to it with more cushion or change it to make the ride comfortable for your lady.
Hi, Will Yamaha FZ (FI) ver 2.0 be suitable for Ladakh tour?
Yes it will be Mitesh
I’m planning to buy APRILA 150cc. Will that be suitable bike for ladakh without pillion?
I know two people who have been to Ladakh on a scooter. One girl took her Activa to Ladakh and another guy went surprisingly on Bajaj Chetak. So it is definitely doable but I would still not call Aprili suitable for Ladakh. Below is why,
1. Small size of tires: Because of the small tire size, you will have trouble riding it at rough patches and specially while crossing numerous water streams that you will come across on your way to Ladakh. Taking it across a water crossing will be quite a challenge and you will have to be extremely careful and have help standing nearby.
2. Low ground clearance: Because of the small tire size, gound clearance is low because of which your scooter will be at risk of getting damaged at rough sections of the road.
3. Fuel: This will be your biggest challenge. Tank size of Aprilia is merely 6.5 ltrs with an average of 30 kmpl. This average too will drop further in Ladakh. You will have to ensure that you are carrying additional fuel in large quantity depending on your itinerary.
Engine size of Aprilia is not a problem. If you are able to tackle the first 2 points and make arrangements for third point, you should be able to ride it.
If you must, I would advise that you plan your trip someone in September. Roads at that time are in near perfect condition, you will not find a lot of rough patches and water streams too will be less. The ones that are still there will not be too deep or difficult or dangerous to cross. Do not plan in July or August.
i am planning bangalore to ladakh with my gixxer sf its good
Gixxer SF will be good for a Ladakh trip. Try not to carry too much luggage, ride solo if you can and depending on areas you plan on covering, make arrangments for fuel. Get your bike serviced at least a couple of weeks before the trip and ride it in the city for a few days before going on the trip.
Hey bro i m planning for ladakh trip on classic350 with pillion rider is it good or not?
Hi Arpit – It is good enough brother provided that it is well maintained and you get it serviced before Ladakh trip. Whatever seems problematic, get it fixed or replaced and you will have no trouble at all.
Hi ,
I am planning to with my Ninja 650, can you advise whether it’s advisable or not…
I would advise against it Ramesh. The low ground clearance of Ninja 650 can cause some real damage to the motorcycle. The weight of the motorcycle too can be a little problematic. It is way too heavy for off-road conditions. I am not too sure about the seating position too, it is not really meant for riding every day for 8 hours off-road.
If you must however take it then you will need to make a few adjustments,
1. Create better ground clearance. Remove the lower faring and see if the silencer can be adjusted to a slightly higher position.
2. Put a couple of additional accessories to protect the bike. A crash guard would be helpful to protect the plastic in case you took a fall. Install a radiator guard. Some sort of metal plates underneath to protect it from below.
3. Create better and comfortable seating by changing foot pegs position and bringing handle bar to be more upright.
4. You will need to seriously consider about how you will carry all that extra fuel that you will need.
5. You MUST ride solo, do not even think about taking a Pillion.
Hi Vargis, nice to read your article.
Just want to know, what problem we will going to face if we use honda hornet and gixxer sf.
will wait for your feedback.
Hi Arnab,
Thanks for your kind words bro. Coming to your questions …
Honda Hornet has the same engine which we saw earlier in Honda Unicorn, just tuned up a little better. In terms of performance, the 160 CC engine will take you well enough throughout your ride to Ladakh. Company claims an average of 60 kmpl in plains, in reality it would be between 50-55, so expect it to be around 40-45 in Ladakh. So with a fuel tank capacity of 12 litres, it will minimize the need of carrying extra fuel drastically unless you are planning to cover areas like Changthang in which case you will definitely need to carry extra fuel. Both the front and rear mono shock absorbers do a great job at rough patches. The problem however is with sitting position. You do not sit straight while riding a Hornet but in a slightly sportier position. This can prove to be tiring for longer rides. The handlbar is too a bit short which can be a bit tricky around those sharp turns. Another problem will be of roping the luggage around the bike. So the question of can you take Honda Hornet to Ladakh? Answer is yes in terms of performance but ensure that you do not carry way too much luggage and ride solo. Do not try to speed up, ride slow and carefully and you will be OK.
Coming to Gixxer SF, Pros and Cons are pretty much as Hornett with slightly better and comfortable ride and better mileage as well. The handlebar too on Gixxer is a bit taller, adding to comfort and a better seating position.
So you can take both Hornett and Gixxer to Ladakh but as I said, do not carry too much luggage, ride solo and depending on areas you plan on covering, make arrangments for fuel. Get your bikes serviced at least a couple of weeks before the trip.
Pl find below my itinerary for Leh Ladakh tour.
As per your expertise is it possible to do entire trip on a 150 Cc CBZ xtreme bike ?
DAY 03 | 184 KMS | PATNITOP – SRINAGAR
Patnitop – Ramban – Banihal – Verinag – Anantnag – Awantipora – Pampore – Srinagar
DAY 04 | 202 KMS | SRINAGAR – KARGIL
Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zorji La Pass – Drass – Kargil
DAY 05 | 227 KMS | KARGIL – LEH
Kargil – Mulbekh – Namik La – Fotu La – Lamayuru – Khalsi – Saspul – Basgo – Nimmoo – Leh
DAY 06 | MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE, LOCAL SIGHT SEEING, ACCLIMATIZATION & REST DAY
Our team will work on your motorcycles today and you can spend your time in exploring the locale and take good rest to get acclimatize for our onward journey.
DAY 07 | 130 KMS | LEH – NUBRA VALLEY
Leh – South Pullu – Khardung La Pass – North Pullu – Khardung Village – Khalsar Village – Diskit Monastary – Hunder (Nubra Valley)
DAY 08 | 173 KMS | HUNDER – PANGONG TSO [Direct Route]
Hunder (Nubra Valley) – Diskit Village – Khalsar Village – Agham Village – Shyok Village – Durbuk – Tangtse – Spangmik (Pangong Tso)
DAY 09 | 160 KMS | PANGONG – LEH
Spangmik (Pangong Tso) – Tangtse – Tsoltak – Chang La – Sakti – Karu – Leh
DAY 10 | 220 KMS | LEH – TSO MORIRI
Leh – Karu – Upshi – Kumdok – Kere – Chumathang – Mahe – Sumdo – Karzok (Tso Moriri)
DAY 11 | 228 KMS | TSO MORIRI – SARCHU
Tso Moriri (Karzok) – Tso Kar – More Plains – Pang – Lachung La Pass – Namik La Pass – Gata Lopes – Sarchu
DAY 12 | 222 KMS | SARCHU – MANALI
Sarchu – Killing Sarai – Baralacha La – Xing Xing Bar – Darcha – Keylong – Tandi – Koksar – Rohtang La – Rani Nala – Manali
DAY 13 | 330 KMS | MANALI – KULLU – MANDI – CHANDIGARH
Manali – Kullu – Bhuntar – Mandi – Bilaspur – Chandigarh
Regards,
Shrikant
pulser 200 ns good for ladakh trip?
Yes it is
Hi, Will Karizma be suitable for Ladakh tour?
Hi Bharath – Yes it will be provided that it is well maintained and serviced.
I have a bullet 350 elctra 2005 model. Do you suggest to travel to leh with my bike
You may face problem at Rohtang Pass because permits to vehicles 10 years or older are not being issued. If your bike is well maintained then yes, by all means you can take it to Leh but travel via Srinagar to reach there and return via Manali so that you do not face any hassle at Rohtang. I myself own a 350 Electra 2008 model and have been to Ladakh and Spiti multiple times on it, and always with a pillion. Went there last year as well and even though it is more than 7 years old now, did not give any problem at all. They key is that your Electra should be well maintained and if yes then take it to Leh.
How is Um renegade commando for leh trip, is it any good ?
Renegade Commando is a good enough bike for the trip Karan. 2800 CC engine produces enough power for steep ascents, 18 kms fuel tank would be helpful but do carry some spare fuel. The rear brake positioning on this bike is a bit high which can prove to be tricky while riding through rough terrains but if you are habitual to it it won’t bother much. Overall, a good enough comfortable cruiser for Ladakh.
Hi Vargis.. Some advice please. 4 of us are planning a trip from Amritsar to srinagar to lah over to manali back to Amritsar ….yes round trip. Can your recommended a motorcycle hire company in amritsar.??.
Hi Mark – I am sorry but I do not have any rental contacts in Amritsar.
which bike is good for Leh ladhAK trip dominar cs 400 are std bullet 500CC?, thanks in advance
Both bikes are good for the trip but Bullet would be better in terms of comfort, carrying all the luggage and a better seating position.
which bike is good for Leh ladhAK trip dominar cs 400 are std bullet 500CC?, thanks in advance
Am planning in discover 125 ,it’s good ?
It will be as long as you do not carry a pillion rider and do not overload it with too much luggage
Is it possible to do a solo trip on bajaj v15 to leh ladakh???? 2 years ovr….18k km done.
Yes definitely. Just get it well serviced before starting the journey and you will be OK
I m planning to buy Hero Ignitor 125cc. Will that be suitable bike for Ladakh tour without pillion rider?
Hi Imran – Yes, a Hero Igniter for Ladakh trip without Pillion will be good enough.
As a college student….with limited budget… things which you have mentioned to carry for any long trip – ladakh…. for bike( cables, saddle bags, fuse, headlight bulbs etc etc) and for rider( riding Jacket, pant, shoes, expensive stuff and accessories … Do you think all these things really need while traveling….??? i mean what percent chances will be there for breakdown in-between journey if i carry only important stuffs…..
Spare parts – I will recommend that you carry. At least cables, fuses, spare tube, puncture kit etc.
Saddle Bags – It is a luxury. If you would rather rope your bags on the bike then yes you can. Just wrap them well.
Riding Jacket, Shoes etc – Even I don’t have any of it. Just a heavy wind and waterproof jacket and that is all you need.
Can Hero Ignitor 125 cc be taken to Ladakh? I am planning to buy it. Please provide me the answer