Leh Tso Moriri Cycling Expedition

Global Exposure That Shapes Future Leaders

Difficult

Leh Tso Moriri Cycling Expedition

BRS 5

Max Altitude

Ladakh

9 Days

218 Km

Max 15

Brief Description

Grade:
Difficult

Location:
Ladakh

Altitude:
4850 m

Duration:
9 Days

Tso Moriri is a large high altitude lake in Ladakh, on the eastern extension of the Changthang plateau. 26 km long, it is the largest of the big Ladakh lakes entirely in India, surrounded by the gigantic 6600 m Lungser Kangri and Chamser Kangri to the east and the 6100 m Mentok Kangri to the west. The cycle tour starts from Leh and follows the Indus River valley through Upshi, where the route diverges from the Leh – Manali highway, onward through military settlements and small villages at Hymia, Kiari, Chumathang, and Mahe. From Mahe, the road leaves the Indus Valley towards a subsidiary valley, climbing the only pass, Namshang La at 4850 m, and descending to Kiagar Tso and finally to the village of Karzok on the banks of Tso Moriri. The area is one of the largest wetlands in Ladakh, and a paradise for bird watchers, the lake being a breeding ground for bar-headed geese, black-necked crane, brown-headed gulls, and Brahminy ducks.

Gallery

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Leh (11,500 ft)
Day 2: Acclimatisation in Leh
Day 3: Leh (11,500 ft) to Karu (11,150 ft) – 36 km
Day 4: Karu (11,150 ft) to Hymia (12,150 ft) – 45 km
Day 5: Hymia (12,150 ft) to Kesar (13,000 ft) – 47 km
Day 6: Kesar (13,000 ft) to Sumdo (14,450 ft) – 46 km
Day 7: Sumdo (14,450 ft) to Karzok/Tso Moriri (15,000 ft) via Namshang La (15,900 ft) – 44 km
Day 8: Karzok to Leh – 220 km Drive
Day 9: Departure from Leh

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Leh (11,500 ft)

The most convenient way to reach Leh is by Air. But this has to be followed by at least 2 days of acclimatization in Leh before you head to higher altitudes. You can also reach Leh by road but this option requires at least 2-3 days of travel on the road. You will receive the detail of accommodation in leh through an email from us. After reaching leh check into the Guest House/Hotel. Have some rest. Evening can be utilized to explore the Leh market.

Day 2: Acclimatisation in Leh

Explore the cultural and natural beauty of Leh. This will make you familiar with the town and also help in acclimatize to the weather. Leh is the centre point of Laddakh and also a major town from where all expeditions begin. It is also a culturally rich place. There are dozens of monasteries and ancient temples that you can go around. They are located in and around the town. Enjoy the local cuisines which are major attraction for travellers.

Day 3: Leh (11,500 ft) to Karu (11,150 ft) – 36 km

Today’s ride will be a short and easy one. We will start from Leh and follow the Indus River towards the Manali – Leh highway. We’ll pass through the towns of Shey, famous for its palace and Thiksey, with one of the largest gompas in the region. The ride is mostly on flat paved road with a slight downhill gradient and the occasional short climb. We will ride till the Karu military station. Overnight in guest house/home stay.

Day 4: Karu (11,150 ft) to Hymia (12,150 ft) – 45 km

After starting from Karu, we will stray off the Leh – Manali highway at Upshi and continue along the Indus River. After Upshi, the valley soon narrows into a steep gorge with strange rock formations and cliffs hundred of feet high towering over the Indus. We will ride across a few small villages till Hymia, one of the bigger villages in the valley and the first village with a home stay after Upshi. The ride is on well paved roads with a slight uphill gradient, save for a few short broken sections. Overnight in guest house/home stay in Hymia.

Day 5: Hymia (12,150 ft) to Kesar (13,000 ft) – 47 km

Today’s ride is going to be one of the toughest on this trip. From Hymia, there is a 35 km stretch of broken roads till the Kiari military station. The going will be slow, and you should expect a long day today. The landscape remains dry and sparse and offers little relief from the sun. Once you reach Kiari, the road condition improves and the gradient becomes steeper. It should take another 2-3 hours from Kiari to Kesar, another large village with a home stay and satellite phone. Overnight in guest house / home stay.

Day 6: Kesar (13,000 ft) to Sumdo (14,450 ft) – 46 km

We will start from Kesar and ride on well paved roads to Mahe, crossing Chumathang on the way, famous for its hot sulphur springs. From Mahe, we will cross the Indus on a bridge and finally leaving the Indus Valley, enter a subsidiary valley. The landscape becomes greener here, with a small, clear blue stream moving next to the road. On the way, you will cross grazing grounds with sheep and goat herds – an unusual sight for Ladakh. The road is paved, though broken in sections. The ride throughout the day is a gradual ascent till Sumdo. Overnight in guest house / home stay.

Day 7: Sumdo (14,450 ft) to Karzok/Tso Moriri (15,000 ft) via Namshang La (15,900 ft) – 44 km

We will start early from Sumdo today. Shortly after Sumdo, the hairpin climb to Namshang La begins. The gradient is gradual and the road is well paved. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes dry again. The climb to the pass should take around 3-4 hours. After reaching the pass, you will descend to Kiagar Tso, another beautiful blue lake that will be visible soon after the pass. You will ride along the southern shore of the lake and then make another short climb to a vast plateau. Although there is a tarmac road, there are also multiple tracks from vehicles going off-road. From here, it a descent all the way to Tso Moriri. After about 5 km of descent from this plateau, you will cross a bridge across the nallah flowing to your right. There is a dirt road 15 km from this bridge to the village of Karzok. Although you reach the lake basin after 5 km, it is another 9 km along the western bank to Karzok. The evening will be free to explore the lake and the village. Overnight in guest house / home stay.

Day 8: Karzok to Leh – 220 km Drive

Today, we will retrace our route and drive along the Indus River back to Leh. Overnight in hotel / guest house.

Day 9: Departure from Leh

The trip ends today. You cal fly out from Leh, drive to Manali or Srinagar, or choose to stay and travel elsewhere around Ladakh.

What’s Included

All Meals during the expedition ( Starting Lunch on Day 3)
Entry Fee,if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
Guest House / Hotel stay in Leh on Day 1,2 and 8
Home stay / guest house on all other days
One support vehicle per 6 Participants. 2 Support Vehicles in a batch of 12.
Services of a First Aid certified expedition leader & Asst. Leader in group of 12.
Certified first aid support & kit includes Oxygen Cylinder.
Energy Bars, Dry Fruits & Refreshment during day ride.

What’s Not Included

Bicycle Rent
Meals during Hotel Stays
Any Kind of Insurance
Any expense of personal nature
Any expense not specified in the inclusion list

Packing List

This is a list of essential items for individuals doing Leh Tso Moriri Cycle expedition with New Knight Adventure. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by New Knight Adventure on the expedition. We have divided the items into two categories. Items in Category A are essential for everyone. Items in Category B are only for participants bringing their own bicycles for the expedition. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.

Category A : Clothes & Accessories

Cycling Helmet – 1
Cycling Jersey or Any Dry Fit T-Shirt or Cotton T-Shirts -2
Cycling Shorts -2
Track Pant (Preferably Warm & Quick Dry) -2
T-shirt full sleeves -2
Undergarments – ( 6 to 8 )
Rain Coat of Good Quality -1
Warm Jacket (Preferably Water proof jacket) – 1
Thermal Inners Upper & Lower – 2
Woolen Sweater – 1
Woolen Glove – 1 Pair
Riding Glove – 1 Pair
Woolen Cap – 1
Sweat Band or Bandana or Gamchha – 1
Hand Towels -2
Cotton Socks – (6 to 8 pairs)
Light Cycling / Sport Shoes – 1 pair
Sandals – 1 pair
Big Towel – 1
Water Bottle -1
Polaroid U V Sunglasses -1
Small Day Pack/ Waist Pack -1
Energy Bars or Chocolate Bar or Dry Fruits
Personal Toiletries
Lip Balm
Sunscreen Lotion (SPF – 50 or above)
Hand or Head Torch with Spare Batteries
Pan card or Passport or Voter Id Card or Aadhar Card (State govt. ID cards not accepted on the route )
Medication in plenty for specific conditions, if any. Consult your Physician about this.

Category B : For bike – Only in case you are not renting from us

Bike Reflectors Front & Rear – 1 each
Spare Tubes – 4 Nos.
Brake Shoes -1 Set
Brake cables – 2 Set
Gear cables – 1 Set
Spokes – 5 Nos
Lock (for cycle) – 1 Set
Spare Tyre – 1 No.

FAQs

This adventure is suitable for individuals with good physical fitness and basic outdoor experience. Beginners with proper preparation can also participate.

You should be able to perform cardio activities like running, cycling, or brisk walking for 30–60 minutes comfortably. Strength training is recommended.

No advanced technical skills are required, but basic stamina, discipline, and willingness to adapt to outdoor conditions are essential.

Minimum age is 13 years. Participants below 18 must be accompanied by guardians. Participants above 60 must carry a medical fitness certificate.

The best season depends on the expedition, but most Himalayan adventures run between May and September.

This expedition takes place in the Himalayan region, offering stunning landscapes and high-altitude terrain.

Beautiful mountain views, remote trails, challenging routes, and an immersive outdoor experience.

Altitude, weather changes, long distances, and physical endurance are the key challenges.

Accommodation includes hotel stays at base locations and tents during the expedition.

Temperatures can range from mild during the day to near-freezing or below freezing at night.

It is physically demanding but does not require advanced technical climbing skills.

You need to reach the base location on your own. Pickup details will be shared before departure.

Network is limited in remote areas. BSNL and Airtel may work intermittently.

ATMs are available in nearby towns before the expedition begins.

Pickup is arranged from the designated hotel or meeting point at the base location.

Return is usually by evening on the last day of the expedition.

Basic safety gear, tents, and logistical support are provided.

Carry proper clothing, trekking shoes, and personal essentials. A packing list is shared after booking.

Some basic items may be available locally, but it is recommended to carry everything in advance.

Yes, luggage support is available depending on the expedition.

Yes, extra luggage can be stored at the base location.

Nutritious vegetarian meals with snacks and tea are provided.

Yes, all required permits are arranged by NK Adventure.

Basic toilet facilities are available at camps and accommodations.

First aid kits and trained staff are available for emergencies.

Yes, NK Adventure ensures a safe and inclusive environment.

Emergency evacuation to the nearest medical facility is arranged if required.

Valid ID proof and medical certificate are mandatory.

Insurance is highly recommended for safety and emergency coverage.

You will receive confirmation, preparation details, and updates via email and WhatsApp group.

Payment & Cancellation Policy:

When you have firmly decided to undertake the Tour with New Knight Adventure, you will need to book the trip with us. We must allocate enough time to prepare, obtain necessary documents and permits, and book hotels and Transport for the trip.
25% advance during the time of booking for confirmation
50% Amount one month prior of arrival in India
25% Amount to be one week prior of arrival in India

Cancellation Policy:

• If the cancellation is made 30 days before the tour starts, 25% of the full payment will be deducted and 75% will be refunded.
• If the cancellation is made 20 days before the tour start, 35% of the full payment will be deducted and 65% will be refunded
• If the cancellation is made 10 days before the tour start, 80% will be deducted and 20% will be refunded.
• No refund is made if the trip is cancelled after the departure for Expedition.
• No refund is made during the running tour.
• The cost of travel permit or any other documentation charges will not be refundable

Note: New Knight Adventure do all the ground operations in advance (As soon as we received the confirmation request from the guest). We pay advance payment to all our vendors to ensure all the services that we promise with the guest.