The Grand Himalayan Circuit: A Rider’s Ultimate Quest from Delhi to Umling La and the Lost Kingdom of Zanskar

For those who believe a motorcycle is the ultimate key to freedom, there is one journey that stands above all others: The Grand Himalayan Circuit through Ladakh and Zanskar. It’s a name whispered with reverence in riding communities across the globe. This isn’t a vacation; it’s a rite of passage.

Having just completed this monumental loop on my Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, I can tell you the legends are true. The scale is incomprehensible, the beauty is raw and spiritual, and the challenge is immensely rewarding. For my fellow international riders dreaming of this, here is a detailed account of the epic journey we at Mystic Moto Adventures live and breathe.

Part 1: The Ascent – From Plains to the Heavens

Delhi to Manali (550 km / 14-16 hours) The journey begins not with a roar, but with the hum of wheels leaving the bustling metropolis of Delhi behind. The ride through Chandigarh is a glimpse of modern India before the real climb starts. As you approach Manali, the air cools, the scenery explodes into lush green valleys, and the Beas River becomes your constant companion. Manali itself is a vibrant hub, the perfect place to acclimatize and soak in the mountain culture.

• Cultural Highlight: Visit the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple, a wooden pagoda-style structure nestled in a cedar forest, and the Vashisht Temple with its therapeutic hot springs—perfect for soothing pre-ride muscles.

 Manali to Keylong (115 km / 4-5 hours) This is where the adventure truly begins. You’ll ascend towards the famous Rohtang Pass (3,978 m / 13,051 ft), or more likely, cruise through the engineering marvel that is the Atal Tunnel. Emerging on the other side, the landscape transforms dramatically into the arid, high-altitude desert of Lahaul Valley. The lush greens are replaced by stark, majestic browns and greys. Keylong, the administrative center of Lahaul, is a crucial acclimatization stop.

 Keylong to Sarchu (105 km / 4-5 hours) Prepare for a day of high passes and breathtaking vistas. You’ll conquer the mighty Baralacha La (4,890 m / 16,043 ft), a pass so vast it feels like you’re on a different planet. The stunning emerald Suraj Tal (Lake of the Sun God) near the summit is a must-see. The descent leads to Sarchu, a desolate but stunningly beautiful plain straddling the border of Himachal and Ladakh. Your accommodation here will likely be a fixed tented camp under a blanket of stars so clear you’ll feel you can touch them.

 Sarchu to Leh (250 km / 8-10 hours) This is the day of legends. The ride starts with the 21 hairpin bends of the Gata Loops, a serpentine road that climbs relentlessly. You’ll then cross two more formidable passes: Nakee La (4,769 m / 15,647 ft) and Lachulung La (5,059 m / 16,600 ft). After navigating the rugged canyons, you’ll emerge onto the Morey Plains, a 40 km stretch of arrow-straight tarmac at an altitude of 4,500m that feels like a superhighway on the Tibetan Plateau. The final ascent is over the second-highest pass on this highway, the formidable Tanglang La (5,328 m / 17,480 ft), before the final, rewarding descent into the Indus Valley and the historic town of Leh.

 Part 2: The Eastern Frontier – To the World’s Highest Road

Leh to Hanle (255 km / 7-8 hours) After a day of rest and acclimatization in Leh, exploring its vibrant market, Shanti Stupa, and Leh Palace, we ride east into the Changthang region. The journey along the Indus River is spectacular, but the real magic begins as we head towards the remote village of Hanle. You’ll ride through the vast, empty Chumathang plains, a landscape that redefines the word “scale.” Herds of Kyang (wild asses), yaks, and sheep are your only companions. Hanle is a stargazer’s paradise, home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory due to its incredibly clear, dark skies.

Hanle to Umling La and back (150 km round trip / 6-7 hours) This is the pinnacle of high-altitude riding. The day is dedicated to conquering the mighty Umling La (5,798 m / 19,024 ft). The road is a mix of tarmac and gravel, climbing relentlessly into the thin, cold air. The landscape is stark, barren, and utterly mesmerizing. Reaching the summit is a deeply emotional experience—you are, quite literally, on top of the motorable world. The sense of achievement is immense. After soaking in the 360-degree views of the Tibetan plateau, we ride back to the relative comfort of our Hanle homestay.

Bardan Monastery in Zanskar…

Part 3: The Lost Kingdom – Unveiling Zanskar

Hanle to Leh (255 km / 7-8 hours) We retrace our path to Leh, allowing for a more relaxed pace and another chance to absorb the otherworldly landscapes of the Changthang region.

Leh to Tingmosgang (90 km / 3-4 hours) A more relaxed day, we head west from Leh towards the Aryan Valley. En route, we’ll visit the gravity-defying Magnetic Hill, the sacred Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and the stunning confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. Tingmosgang is a beautiful, lesser-visited village known for its historic monastery and fort, offering a peaceful and authentic Ladakhi cultural experience.

Tingmosgang to Kargil to Padum (300 km / 9-11 hours) From Tingmosgang, we ride towards Kargil, passing through the moon-like landscapes near Lamayuru and crossing the high passes of Fotu La (4,108 m / 13,478 ft) and Namika La (3,700 m / 12,139 ft). Kargil, a town with a rich and resilient history, serves as our gateway to Zanskar. The next leg to Padum is a true off-road adventure, a journey into one of the most isolated regions in the world.

Padum, The Heart of Zanskar We spend a day exploring the wonders around Padum, the capital of Zanskar.

• Cultural Highlights: We visit the ancient cliff-side monasteries like Karsha Gompa (the largest in Zanskar) and Stongdey Monastery. The raw, untouched beauty of the valley, dotted with ancient stupas and remote villages, is an experience that stays with you forever. The highlight is witnessing the holy mountain, GonboRangjon, and the breathtaking DrangDrung Glacier, a massive river of ice that is one of the most spectacular sights in the Himalayas.

The famous Nun and Kum mountain peaks…

Part 4: The Final Leg – Closing the Loop

Padum to Keylong (via Shingo La) (190 km / 8-10 hours) This is the newest, most adventurous route on the circuit. We ride from Padum towards Darcha, tackling the formidable Shingo La (5,091 m / 16,703 ft). This pass connects Zanskar with Lahaul and is a raw, challenging, and incredibly rewarding ride. The descent brings us back to Keylong, completing the full circuit of the inner Himalayan ranges.

Keylong to Manali (115 km / 4-5 hours) & Manali to Delhi (550 km / 14-16 hours) From Keylong, we re-join the Manali-Leh highway, riding back through the Atal Tunnel to the familiar comforts of Manali. It’s a day to reflect on the incredible journey. The final leg is the long ride back to Delhi, carrying with you the dust, the memories, and the spirit of the mighty Himalayas.

The mighty DrangDrung Glacier we rode past……

This is Not a Trip You Take; It’s an Adventure You Earn

This Grand Himalayan Circuit is the stuff of legends for a reason. It tests your skill, your endurance, and your spirit. It demands respect and proper planning, from acclimatization to logistical support.

At Mystic Moto Adventures, we specialize in crafting these once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We provide perfectly maintained bikes, expert guidance, and the support needed to tackle this epic journey with confidence. You focus on the ride; we’ll handle the rest.

Your ultimate adventure is calling. Are you ready to ride into the legend?

Discover our meticulously planned Grand Himalayan Circuit tours at www.mysticmotoadventures.com and secure your place on the world’s most epic road trip.