Have a look at some of the essential things to consider before planning a trip to Leh Ladakh.
Plan your trip accordingly to make your bike trip to Ladakh smooth and safe.
Planning to visit a place like Ladakh is much different than planning to visit any other place for vacation. Hence there are many factors and things to consider before you decide to embark on this journey. Firstly let me assure you that except for the rough terrain that you will be riding through, Leh Ladakh is a very safe place to travel in. However, let’s discuss about the important things you need to consider for making the bike ride exciting and pleasurable.
Acclimatizing in Ladakh :
Ladakh trip by bike is full of adventure and excitement. But your body should be equipped with enough strength to endure the tough weather conditions and changing temperatures. There are high chances of falling sick with Acute Mountain Sickness due to low oxygen levels at high altitudes. Therefore it’s important to let your body acclimatize properly to the change in climate and temperatures.
For that, you can start some exercises like walking, swimming, jogging or cycling well in advance to increase the stamina which helps you to tackle the low oxygen levels at high altitudes. Also ensure to go for a medical checkup atleast a week in advance of your Leh Ladakh tour.
Perfect time to visit:
Most popular time for a Leh Ladakh bike trip is between June and September. You can reach Leh by two roads, one from Srinagar and the other from Chandigarh via Manali. While you travel from Srinagar to Leh, the climb is very gradual, which will give you enough time to acclimatize with the rising altitude and reducing oxygen levels. However, do rest on the first day at Leh for proper acclimatization.
Comparatively, the climb is very steep from Manali to Leh passing through Rohtang Pass which makes acclimatization difficult riding through rapid change in temperatures and altitudes.
Select the right engine:
If you are considering taking the bike on rent, then the Royal Enfield or Bullet Classic, a bike for the Himalayan roads is the best bike that can carry the required supplies up the steep inclines and survive through the rough and challenging routes. Do get your bike serviced before you begin the trip and keep spares like air pump, spark plugs, puncture kit etc. Also, be aware of information about basic bike maintenance which can be helpful. Saddle bags attached to the bike can also help you in carrying handy stuff. Tank up your bike to the full as frequently as possible to avoid fuel shortage
Trip Duration :
Bike trip to Ladakh should be planned for a journey of atleast 10 – 15 days to truly enjoy and absorb the astounding beauty of this place while riding through the high passes. Apart from acclimatization, there are many beautiful treasures in Ladakh you would not want to miss. Also, allow yourself to relax for a couple of days to rest after the journey at the end of your trip before you head back home.
Apart from that, below are a few things you must carry along with when you plan Leh Ladakh tour :
- · Carry multiple packets of nuts, energy bars, biscuits, other glucose and food items that quickly energize the body
- Keep medicines for fever, headache, cold, cough, bandages, ointments handy always. Avoid painkillers when at high altitude cold locations.
- Mustard oil and lip balm must be carried along for moisturizing the skin and lips.
- Protective gears like gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, helmets, bandana, balaclava, UV sunglasses and sunscreen lotions
- Waterproof winter jacket, thermal inners, woolen gloves and socks, woolen/fleece upper layer, quick-dry t-shirts and pants, water resistant trekking shoes
- Keep identity proof and bike documents with you at all times through the trip in case of checking by local authorities or military.
- Mobile, camera (Gopro recommended for bike trip) and gadgets, memory cards, powerful torch, power banks and batteries for the phone. Do save some of the major routes and directions from Google Maps on the mobile phone.
- Carry enough cash to last a couple of days in case you don’t find an ATM. Also, the cards are not widely accepted
If you take into consideration the things mentioned above, your bike trip to Ladakh will be the best experience of your life. Enjoy making lifetime memories!
