Leh to Changthang Bike Trip 2025: A Journey Beyond the Ordinary

Have you ever dreamed of riding your bike through a raw, unfiltered landscape where nature still rules supreme? Where every turn brings you face to face with the surreal beauty of barren valleys, sparkling lakes, and wild nomadic culture?

If yes, then let us introduce you to one of the most underrated yet soul-stirring adventures of Ladakh — the Leh to Changthang Bike Trip.

This route is a hidden treasure that doesn’t get as much love as Leh to Nubra or Leh to Pangong, but that’s exactly what makes it magical. Far from the crowds, closer to peace, and painted with nature’s most dramatic colors — the trip to Ladakh isn’t complete without experiencing the Changthang Plateau.

Whether you’re a solo rider, a couple on an adventure, or a group of friends chasing altitude and adrenaline, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip.

📍 Where is Changthang and Why is It Special?

The Changthang Plateau lies in the eastern part of Ladakh, bordering Tibet. This region is known for:

• High-altitude plains at 14,000 ft and above

• Ethereal lakes like Tso Moriri and Tso Kar

• Nomadic Changpa tribes and their yak herds

• Unique wildlife like Kiangs (Tibetan wild asses)

• Almost zero mobile connectivity and human settlement

It’s not just a destination, it’s an experience that feels like visiting another planet.

🛣️ Route Overview: Leh to Changthang

Here’s a popular route many riders take:

Leh → Upshi → Chumathang → Mahe → Korzok (Tso Moriri)

Total Distance: ~220 km
Total Time: Around 8–10 hours depending on road conditions

From Korzok (the village by Tso Moriri), riders often go further:

Tso Moriri → Puga Valley → Tso Kar → Debring → Moore Plains → Leh (via Tanglang La)

You can either return the same route or create a circular loop via Tso Kar, making it even more thrilling.

📅 Best Time for Leh to Changthang Bike Trip

The ideal time to explore Changthang is June to September. This is when:

• Roads are open and weather is relatively stable

• Tso Moriri and Tso Kar aren’t frozen

• Local homestays and campsites are operational

• Nomadic tribes can be spotted grazing livestock

Avoid the region in early summer (May) or late September if you’re not used to extreme cold.

🏍️ Bike Preparation Tips

The terrain between Leh and Changthang isn’t your regular highway ride. You’ll be navigating through:

• Broken roads

• River crossings

• High-altitude gravel patches

• Minimal fuel stations

Tips:

• Opt for bikes like Royal Enfield Himalayan, RE 500, or any off-road capable bike

• Install a mobile mount, carry jerry cans for fuel

• Service your bike in Leh and carry spare clutch wire, spark plug, and tire repair kit

• Carry physical maps in case GPS doesn’t work

🛑 Permits You’ll Need

Since Changthang is a restricted area near the Indo-China border, Inner Line Permits (ILP) are mandatory. You can apply online via the Ladakh official website or get it done through local agents in Leh.

Places like Nyoma, Mahe, Hanle, Tso Moriri require your route to be pre-declared.

Carry at least 4–5 photocopies of the permits, as you’ll need to submit them at different army checkposts.

🧭 Must-Visit Spots on the Way

Your Leh to Changthang journey is full of unique stopovers:

🛁 Chumathang Hot Springs

A surreal hot water stream in the middle of cold desert — great place to relax your muscles mid-way.

🏞️ Mahe Bridge

Checkpoint with a stunning river view. This is where the route splits toward Tso Moriri or Hanle.

🏘️ Korzok Village

The base for Tso Moriri Lake, this village offers home stays and tent accommodations. The ancient Korzok Monastery sits peacefully overlooking the lake.

🐎 Tso Moriri Lake

Let’s talk about the main attraction — Leh to Tso Moriri Bike Trip is the highlight of Changthang.
Located at 14,800 ft, this brackish lake is 29 km long and surrounded by majestic mountains.

You can ride around the lake’s edge (as far as the road allows) and soak in the complete silence — broken only by the fluttering of Tibetan prayer flags or the occasional call of migratory birds.

🌋 Puga Valley

A geothermal area with boiling mud pools and sulphur springs. A natural science museum in itself!

🦅 Tso Kar Lake

Called the ‘White Lake’ because of the salt deposits around its edges. A birdwatcher’s paradise.

🏨 Stay Options

Accommodation in Changthang is basic, rustic, and charming:

• Homestays in Korzok run by locals

• Tented camps near Tso Moriri (advance booking recommended)

• No luxury hotels, so come with the spirit of backpacking

Electricity is often solar-powered. Carry power banks and backup batteries for camera and phone.

🥘 Food and Essentials

There are hardly any restaurants after Upshi. Here’s what you should do:

• Stock up on dry fruits, chocolates, and energy bars

• Carry a refillable water bottle with purification tablets

• Eat light to avoid altitude sickness

• Expect simple Ladakhi food — dal, rice, Maggi, and butter tea

🧳 What to Pack for the Trip

• Warm riding gear (temperature drops below zero at night)

• Layered clothing (daytime sun can be harsh)

• Riding gloves, boots, knee/elbow guards

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, and moisturiser

• First aid kit and Diamox for altitude sickness

• Offline music, journal, or book (no internet here!)

🫁 Acclimatization & Health Tips

Since the altitude is extreme (above 14,000 ft), you must:

• Stay in Leh for 2–3 days before starting

• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol

• Ride slow — your body needs time to adapt

• Don’t panic if you feel dizzy or breathless; rest and inform a local if symptoms worsen

🪪 Cultural Tips: Interacting with Changpas

The Changpa nomads are warm-hearted people but prefer privacy. Be respectful:

• Don’t take photos without permission

• Don’t offer plastic-packed food to children

• Purchase local handicrafts if you can — it supports their lifestyle

• Learn a few Ladakhi greetings — it goes a long way

🚫 Things to Avoid

• Littering near lakes and campsites

• Venturing into army-restricted areas

• Riding after dark

• Over-relying on Google Maps — roads often change or vanish

• Ignoring weather alerts (winds in Changthang can get wild)

💭 Final Thoughts

The Leh to Changthang Bike Trip isn’t just another checkbox in your travel bucket list — it’s a deeply humbling, life-changing journey. The solitude of the lakes, the wisdom in the eyes of the nomads, the harsh winds whispering through the mountains — they leave something inside you forever changed.

If you think Ladakh is only about Pangong and Nubra, think again.

The untamed, untouched Changthang plateau is calling.

Will you ride?