Srinagar to Leh Cycle Trip via Kargil: 9Nights, 10Days with MTB Kashmir

Embark on an extraordinary journey from Srinagar to Leh via Kargil with MTB Kashmir. This 9-night, 10-day cycling tour offers an incredible mix of challenging terrains, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences. Here’s a detailed itinerary for this epic adventure.

Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar

Morning

• Arrival: Fly into Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar.
• Transfer: MTB Kashmir will arrange your transfer to your accommodation.

Afternoon

• Acclimatization Ride: Enjoy a short, easy ride around Dal Lake to acclimatize and get a feel for your bike.

Evening

• Welcome Dinner: Gather with your fellow cyclists and guides for a traditional Kashmiri dinner and a briefing session about the tour.

Day 2: Srinagar to Sonamarg (80 km)

Morning

• Start Your Ride: Begin your journey from Srinagar, cycling through picturesque landscapes to Sonamarg.
• Scenic Stops: Pause at key viewpoints to take in the stunning vistas.

Afternoon

• Arrival in Sonamarg: Check into your accommodation and rest.

Evening

• Free Time: Explore Sonamarg, known as the ‘Meadow of Gold’, and prepare for the next day’s ride.

Day 3: Sonamarg to Drass (65 km)

Morning

• Early Departure: Start early to tackle the ascent to Zoji La Pass (3,528 meters).
• Zoji La Pass: Experience the thrill of crossing this high-altitude pass, with spectacular views.

Afternoon

• Descent to Drass: Continue cycling to Drass, the second coldest inhabited place in the world.

Evening

• Overnight in Drass: Rest and acclimate at your accommodation in Drass.

Day 4: Drass to Kargil (58 km)

Morning

• Ride to Kargil: Cycle through beautiful valleys and past war memorials, gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s history.

Afternoon

• Arrival in Kargil: Reach Kargil and check into your hotel.

Evening

• Explore Kargil: Walk around the town, visit local markets, and learn about its significance during the Kargil War.

Day 5: Kargil to Mulbekh (40 km)

Morning

• Shorter Ride: Enjoy a shorter, more relaxed ride to Mulbekh.
• Cultural Stops: Visit the Mulbekh Monastery and the iconic 9-meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha.

Afternoon

• Rest and Relax: Spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking in the serene surroundings.

Evening

• Overnight in Mulbekh: Stay in a local guesthouse and enjoy a quiet evening.

Day 6: Mulbekh to Lamayuru (80 km)

Morning

• Challenging Ride: Tackle the climb to Namika La Pass (3,700 meters) and Fotu La Pass (4,108 meters).
• Spectacular Views: Enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of the passes.

Afternoon

• Descend to Lamayuru: Cycle down to the ancient Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh.

Evening

• Explore Lamayuru: Visit the monastery and explore the ‘Moonland’ landscape of Lamayuru.

Day 7: Lamayuru to Leh (115 km)

Morning

• Long Ride: Prepare for a long but rewarding ride to Leh.
• Scenic Beauty: Pass through picturesque villages and rugged landscapes.

Afternoon

• Arrival in Leh: Arrive in Leh and check into your hotel.
• Rest and Acclimatize: Spend the rest of the day resting and acclimatizing to the altitude.

Day 8: Rest Day in Leh

Morning

• Leisure Activities: Take a break from cycling to explore Leh.
• Sightseeing: Visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and local markets.

Afternoon

• Cultural Immersion: Experience the local culture, cuisine, and interact with the friendly Ladakhi people.

Evening

• Preparation for Nubra Valley: Prepare for the upcoming ride to Nubra Valley.

Day 9: Leh to Khardung La to Nubra Valley (120 km)

Morning

• Epic Climb: Cycle up to Khardung La Pass (5,359 meters), one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
• Thrilling Descent: Enjoy a thrilling descent into the beautiful Nubra Valley.

Afternoon

• Explore Nubra Valley: Visit the Diskit Monastery and the sand dunes of Hunder.

Evening

• Overnight in Nubra Valley: Stay in a comfortable guesthouse or camp.

Day 10: Nubra Valley to Leh (120 km)

Morning

• Return Ride: Begin your ride back to Leh, re-crossing Khardung La Pass.
• Final Challenge: Conquer the pass once more, celebrating your achievement.

Afternoon

• Descent to Leh: Enjoy the final descent into Leh.

Evening

• Farewell Dinner: Celebrate the completion of your epic journey with a special farewell dinner organized by MTB Kashmir.

Conclusion

Cycling from Srinagar to Leh via Kargil is a challenging but incredibly rewarding adventure. With MTB Kashmir’s expert guidance and support, you can focus on enjoying the ride and the stunning landscapes. This 9-night, 10-day tour offers the perfect blend of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. Get ready for an unforgettable cycling experience!