With Leh’s population doubling during the summer months, it can sometimes feel like the city is too crowded. The city is nestled between two mountain ranges, Stok in the south and the Karakoram range in the north. Take advantage of its unique topography to explore the region on a bicycle tour.
Take this day trip that is designed to showcase a different aspect of the region that an average tourist would not get to see. An added bonus, the entire ride is an easy downhill journey! It takes you through narrow alleys that run throughout Leh. Expect to see older parts of the city and finally end at Skara Village, which is in the lower part of town.
Details
- First Leg:
- Changspa Road- Gompa village
- Gompa-Gangles
- Gangles-Sankar
- Sankar-Town
- Second Leg:
- Old Town
- Old Town to Skara
- Back to Leh.
- First Leg:
- Changspa Road - Gompa:
- The ride commences from Changspa Road. From here, pedal your way up towards the village of Gompa that is situated in the northernmost part of Leh.
- Gompa - Gangles:
- After fueling up, prepare to explore the village of Gangles. Though the landscape is similar, it features more vegetation thanks to receiving glacial water first-hand from a nearby mountain.
- There is a quick stop at Donkey Sanctuary, which looks after ‘stray’ donkeys, pedal on to Ti-Suru, a ruined stupa built by king Takpa Bumde in the 15th century. This was the largest and also the highest stupa in Ladakh of the time and now in ruins.
- Gangles - Sankar village
- Then, head down to the village of Sankar, gliding on a wider path that leads towards the village gompa, which is affiliated with Spituk monastery, one of the prominent monasteries in Ladakh. After that, head to the Rock and Minerals Museum, which was started by two gentlemen who shared a love for rock, minerals and fossils. With a little help from numerous geologists, they have managed to collect minerals, precious stones, semi-precious stones and even fossils that are found in Ladakh.
- Sankar - Leh Town
- On an urban downhill track, marvel at the ease of the trail on the way into Leh town, where lunch at a restaurant is included.
- Second Leg:
- Leh- Old Town
- In the old town of Leh pushing your bikes through the ancient narrow alleys, notice the change in the landscape. The structural remnants of the Great Namgyal Dynasty, with the Leh palace towering above gives a glimpse of Leh’s rich history. After a visit to the place, the trip makes its way towards the main town.
- Old Town - Skara
- Descend towards the village Skara, where the route chosen will be primarily on a narrow concrete trail once again. A stop at Zorawar Fort, built by General Zorawar Singh, which depicts the military exploits by the Dogra dynasty in Ladakh, is one of the last stops before the ride concludes with an auspicious visit to the village’s Gompa (monastery). Continue back to the hotel on the bike or avail of a transfer.
Good to know
- Min. 2, Max. 6
- Kids above the age of 10 are allowed to participate, at full price
- Transportation from hotel to meeting point can be arranged at extra charge
- Guide instructions to be followed at all times
- 48 hours prior booking time is mandatory
- Easy to Moderate difficulty level
- What to wear: Comfortable clothing, sports shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses.
What's included
- -Expert Guide
- -Mountain Bikes
- -Helmets
- -Water
- -Lunch
What it's worth
- Price - Rs 5,000 per person
Where it is
Address : Changspa Road, Leh