A road trip from Kerala to Ladakh is not just a ride; it's a life-changing adventure. Spanning diverse terrains, cultures, and climates, this journey is the dream ride for any motorcyclist. In this blog, I’ll guide you through the best route, bike selection, fittings, budget, and a practical day-wise itinerary for this epic journey.
Planned Route: Kerala to Leh (via West & North India)
Here's the route I’ve planned, covering some of the best cities and landscapes of India:
Kerala → Bangalore → Mumbai → Ahmedabad → Udaipur → Jaipur → Delhi → Mandi → Manali → Sarchu → Leh
-
Approx. Distance (One-Way): ~4,000 km
-
Ideal Duration (One-Way): 14 to 18 days
Day-wise Itinerary
| Day | From → To | Distance (km) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kerala → Bangalore | 500–600 km | Easy start on NH44 |
| Day 2 | Bangalore → Hubli | 450 km | Smooth ride |
| Day 3 | Hubli → Mumbai | 500 km | Reach outskirts of Mumbai |
| Day 4 | Mumbai → Ahmedabad | 530 km | Avoid expressways where bikes aren't allowed |
| Day 5 | Ahmedabad → Udaipur | 260 km | Scenic route |
| Day 6 | Udaipur → Jaipur | 400 km | Ride early to beat heat |
| Day 7 | Jaipur → Delhi | 270 km | Congested but manageable |
| Day 8 | Delhi → Mandi | 430 km | Start of hill terrain |
| Day 9 | Mandi → Manali | 110 km | Short, hilly ride |
| Day 10 | Manali → Sarchu | 220 km | High-altitude acclimatization |
| Day 11 | Sarchu → Leh | 250 km | Arrive in Leh |
| Day 12–13 | Leh Local | — | Rest, explore Nubra & Pangong, get permits |
Best Bike for the Trip
✅ Recommended: Royal Enfield Himalayan (New)
-
Built for adventure & mountains
-
Excellent suspension and ground clearance
-
Comfortable for long rides
Essential Bike Modifications (For Himalayan or Any Touring Bike)
| Accessory | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Saddle stay / carrier | For luggage support |
| Crash guard + bash plate | For engine & leg protection |
| Auxiliary lights | For visibility in fog/night |
| Fuel jerry cans | Backup fuel in remote areas |
| Mobile holder + charger | Navigation support |
| Seat cushion | Comfort on long rides |
| Riding gear | Helmet, gloves, jacket, boots, guards |
Estimated Budget - 2024-2025
| Expense | Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Fuel (round trip ~8,000 km @ ₹110/ltr, avg 30 kmpl) | ₹30,000 |
| Stay (₹500–1000/day x 18–25 days) | ₹12,000–20,000 |
| Food (₹300/day avg) | ₹6,000–8,000 |
| Permits (Leh, Pangong, Nubra) | ₹600–1,000 |
| Bike Service + Spares | ₹3,000–7,000 |
| Emergency / Buffer | ₹5,000 |
Total Trip Budget (Estimate): ₹55,000 – ₹75,000
Final Travel Tips
-
Avoid night rides, especially in Rajasthan and Ladakh
-
Carry offline maps, medical kit, and water
-
Keep at least 2 buffer days for weather or delays
-
Acclimatize in Manali or Leh before major altitude climbs
-
Get all necessary permits in Leh for Nubra, Pangong, etc.
Best Time to Ride:
-
Mid-June to September
-
Manali–Leh highway and Srinagar–Leh route are fully open.
-
Weather is relatively stable.
-
Snow is cleared from high passes like Rohtang, Baralacha La, and Khardung La.
-
Conclusion
This trip from Kerala to Ladakh is not just about distance—it's about the memories, challenges, and spiritual peace you'll gain along the way. Whether you ride a Himalayan or an old Bullet, make sure your machine is ready, and your heart is set. The mountains await!
