Umling La & Hanle Expedition

The journey

A ride into the far east of Ladakh, along the border lakes to Hanle and up to Umling La — at 5,799 m, the world's highest motorable road from 2017 until Mig La opened nearby in 2025. Two big lakes, three high passes, and nights so dark you can see the Milky Way cast shadows. Umling La is currently open to Indian citizens only; foreign guests ride the full route to Hanle, and your trip planner confirms the latest permit rules for your passport before you book.

• Umling La, 5,799 m — once the world's highest motorable road
• Hanle Dark Sky Reserve and the Indian Astronomical Observatory
• Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri
• Khardung La and Chang La on the way

Day by day

1. D1

   Arrive Leh

   Rest day at 3,500 m — no riding. Your road captain checks in over dinner.

2. D2

   Leh

   Bike allotment and an easy ride to Shey, Thiksey and Hemis to acclimatise.

3. D3

   Leh → Nubra

   Over Khardung La (5,359 m) to the dunes of Hunder.

4. D4

   Nubra → Pangong Tso

   Along the Shyok river to the shores of Pangong.

5. D5

   Pangong → Hanle

   South past Chushul and over Tsaga La — remote, empty, unforgettable.

6. D6

   Hanle

   Visit the observatory and the monastery; a night of stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve.

7. D7

   Hanle → Umling La → Hanle

   The big day: up to 5,799 m and back. (Indian citizens; foreign guests have a free day around Hanle.)

8. D8

   Hanle → Tso Moriri

   Via Nyoma and Mahe to the lake at Korzok.

9. D9

   Tso Moriri → Leh

   Down the Indus valley through Chumathang and Upshi.

10. D10

    Depart

    Transfer to Leh airport.

Where you'll stay

Boutique stays. Hand-picked camps, lodges and boutique hotels, chosen for their setting and their welcome.

What's included

Safety & good to know

• Each day begins with a briefing on the route, weather and what to carry.
• Local guides who know the terrain walk with you throughout.
• Permits and transfers are arranged before you arrive.
• This journey reaches high altitude — see what thin air does in our altitude explorer, and tell your trip planner about any health conditions.
• Your trip planner sends a packing list and preparation advice before you travel.

Questions