Planning to rent a bike in Manali for your Ladakh trip, Spiti Valley adventure, or just a day ride to Rohtang Pass? The thrill of riding through the Himalayas on two wheels is something every adventure enthusiast dreams about. However, renting a motorcycle in Manali comes with its own set of challenges, and being well-prepared can make the difference between an amazing trip and a miserable one.
I have been watching the bike rental scene in Manali evolve for over a decade now. From a handful of shops offering beat-up Bullets to today’s wide selection of Royal Enfield Himalayans, Classics, and even adventure tourers, things have changed a lot. In this article, I will share 21 practical tips that will help you rent a bike in Manali the right way, whether you are heading to Leh, Kaza, or Zanskar Valley.
Last Updated: February 2026
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Should You Carry Your Own Bike or Rent a Motorcycle in Manali?
Before we get into the rental tips, let me address the most common question first. If your own bike is in decent condition, it is always the best bet to ship your own bike and make the journey on it. The rented bikes come no way close in terms of reliability, stability, fuel efficiency, and overall mechanical condition compared to your own bike.
I am not an ardent biker myself, but I have had countless conversations with bikers and members of the DwD Community who rent bikes from Manali every season. The consensus is clear: your own bike always wins. However, if shipping is not an option, then renting from Manali is perfectly doable as long as you follow the tips below.
The cost factor may not vary much when compared, but the RISK of taking hired bikes is far higher than what it can save you in cost terms. Depending upon your plan for a Ladakh trip, you can ship your bike to any of these places: Mandi, Chandigarh, Delhi, or Srinagar.
Similarly, in case you are making a trip to Spiti Valley, you can ship your own bike to any of these places and ride either from the Kinnaur Valley side or from Manali.
If you have your own bike and are confused about how to carry it via train, then please refer to the article: How to Carry your Bike in Train to Ladakh or Himalayas?
Where Can You Rent a Bike or Motorcycle in Manali?
There are several tour operators, mechanical workshops, and mechanics in Manali who offer bike rental services. The main areas where you will find bike rental shops are Old Manali, Mall Road area, and Vashisht. All three areas have plenty of options, and competition keeps prices relatively similar across shops.
Make sure that you test the bike thoroughly, understand the terms and conditions, and always try to rent after seeing the bike in person rather than booking over the phone. There has been a mixed response from travelers after booking bikes over the phone, and a few ugly instances have been reported as well.
Hence, I always suggest reaching Manali first and then looking among the many bike rental shops before making the call. In case you are one of those people who do not like to take any risk at all in peak Ladakh or Spiti season, then you may opt to book online or over the phone with some reliable bike rental shop in Manali. Just keep in mind that you will have less control over the bike you actually get.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Bike in Manali in 2026?
As of 2026, the cost of hiring a bike or motorcycle in Manali ranges from about Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500 per day depending on the model, make, and condition of the bike you choose. Here is a rough breakdown of the current rental rates in Manali.
| Bike Model | Rental Per Day (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Classic 350 | Rs 1,200 – Rs 1,500 |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan | Rs 1,500 – Rs 2,500 |
| Royal Enfield Meteor 350 | Rs 1,200 – Rs 1,800 |
| Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | Rs 1,000 – Rs 1,200 |
| Bajaj Pulsar / Avenger | Rs 800 – Rs 1,200 |
| Scooty / Activa (local rides) | Rs 500 – Rs 800 |
Keep in mind that the newer UCE and Himalayan models cost more to rent but offer significantly better mileage and reliability. As suggested by experienced riders in our community, paying more upfront for a well-maintained bike serves two purposes: fewer breakdowns and better fuel efficiency. The mileage difference between an old carbureted Bullet and a newer Himalayan can be well above 10 kmpl.
As for security deposit, be ready to shell out anywhere from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 for local rides (Manali to Rohtang and back), and Rs 10,000 to Rs 18,000 for long-route trips to Ladakh or Spiti. The exact amount depends upon the bike rental shop and the bike you select. You will also need to deposit one of your original identity proofs like Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport along with the money.
Important: Bikes rented in Manali are NOT allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh. You will need to rent a separate bike in Leh for local sightseeing to places like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri. The locals have check posts and barricades on all tourist routes and they will stop you to verify that the motorcycle is locally registered. Some Manali bike rental shops have tie-ups with Leh rental shops, in which case the Manali shop will charge you about 50% of the per-day rate for the days their bike is parked in Leh. However, please confirm all terms and conditions in writing before you finalize any deal.
What Are the Essential Tips for Renting a Bike in Manali?
Let me share with you some very important tips on renting a bike in Manali and things to consider before finalizing the deal. These 15 tips are based on years of feedback from DwD Community members and fellow travelers.
1. Check the Rental Bike Condition in Manali
First and foremost, the conditions of bikes on rent in Manali are not always great after being battered in hostile mountain conditions for several years. Although things are improving and you can now find newer models, you still need to pay more upfront to get a well-maintained rental bike. I suggest spending extra time inspecting the bike rather than rushing into a deal.
2. Make Sure You Have a Valid Driving License
You must have a valid, permanent driving license (not a learner’s license) to hire a motorcycle in Manali. No reputable agency will rent you a bike without one. If you are a foreign national, you will need an International Driving Permit. Some amount of experience riding in the hills will be an added advantage. It is always better to avoid challenging roads like Manali to Kaza or Leh to Manali unless you have some prior hill riding experience.
3. Better to Rent a Bike in Person, Avoid Phone Bookings
Avoid booking your bikes over the phone or Internet and always prefer hunting the right bike once you reach Manali. You must visit a few bike rental shops and see what everyone has to offer. You never know, you may find an out-of-the-box solution right away. Booking over the phone does not leave you with many options, and you do not have much control over what they will actually give you.
Wasting time searching for the right bike rental in Manali is much better than wasting time stranded in the middle of Manali – Leh Highway with no help around.
Make sure you are finalizing the rates with the right person and handing over the security deposit to the right guy in the rental shop.
4. Avoid Renting an Old Motorcycle
Some dealers provide old bikes, and you should know how to detect them to minimize the chances of being stuck in the middle of nowhere. So, it is quite important that you have some mechanical understanding of the basic parts so that you can detect any fault or guess the age of the bike after inspecting the parts. Beware of shops that try to pass off an old bike as “recently serviced.”
5. Go for a Test Ride Locally Before the Big Trip
Whenever you rent a bike in Manali, spare a day for testing the bike locally and getting any necessary fixes done right there in Manali itself, or replace the bike with a better version. This one-day testing will minimize the chances of being stranded in the middle of nowhere. A breakdown at a place like Taglang La, where oxygen content is low and you might already be dealing with AMS symptoms, is not something you want to experience. Hence, it is important to test the rented bike thoroughly.
6. Learn Basic Bike Mechanics Before Your Trip
It always helps to have some mechanical knowledge for doing basic fixes and repairs. You never know when you will need such skills on these rented bikes on Manali to Kaza road or Manali – Leh Highway. At the very least, learn how to change a spark plug, fix a flat tire, and clean the air filter.
7. Carry Spare Parts and Check for the Basic Toolkit
Do not forget to carry extra spare parts (at least the basic ones) even if you are going on your own bike, forget about hired bikes. Always make sure that the bike rental shop provides you with the basic toolkit, at least a single rider helmet, spare tube, and other common spare parts like chain links and spark plugs. Try to get as much as you can. You can check a complete list of things to carry on a bike trip to Ladakh for a comprehensive packing list.
8. Consider a Backup Vehicle and Mechanic If Budget Allows
If you are OK with the budget, carrying a backup mechanic with you is an excellent idea. Some groups also take an extra backup vehicle (car) to carry luggage, spare fuel, spare parts, and the mechanic. It is a safeguarded approach, but carrying an extra mechanic and backup vehicle will add to the cost factor significantly. If you have a decent group size, like 4 to 6 people, it will be worth the cost to ride with peace of mind. Hence, you need to judiciously decide whether it fits in the budget or not.
9. Beware of Mileage and Carry Spare Fuel
Most hired bikes offer poor mileage, and hence it is always better to play safe and carry a sufficient amount of spare fuel after analyzing the fuel efficiency on the test run. Never count on what the bike rental shop claims about the mileage. For detailed information on fuel availability on the route, you can check fuel availability in Leh – Ladakh.
10. Verify All Rental Bike Documents
Make sure that the RC (Registration Certificate), Insurance, and PUC (Pollution Under Control) documents related to the rented motorcycle are provided, they are up to date, and are completely valid. After all, you do not want to land in some dismal situation on your lifetime trip. Keep these documents handy because you will be checked at multiple points along the highway.
11. Discuss and Understand All Terms and Conditions
Make sure that you have in writing what you need to do in case you crash the bike or damage some parts. Generally, the bike will be transported to the nearest garage and the cost of repairs needs to be paid by the renter. Also, check out the other details like who will bear the transportation cost, what happens if the bike becomes non-repairable, and how the security deposit refund process works. Get everything in writing.
12. Ask for Luggage Support or a Ladakh Carrier
Many bike rental shops in Manali provide Royal Enfield luggage carriers that have luggage support (Ladakh Carrier) as well as space to carry jerry cans. You may not find these things on other bike models though. Make sure the shop has bolted it properly and it is well equipped and will not fall off in the middle of the road.
13. Inspect and Document Any Scratches or Dents
Make sure you inspect the bike from all corners and call out any scratches, cracks, or dents to the shop person. Get them documented in writing or take photos and videos with a timestamp so that you can avoid issues when returning the bike. Otherwise, some bike rental shops in Manali may attempt to squeeze money from security deposits at the end of the trip. This is one of the most common complaints I hear from fellow travelers.
14. Confirm Terms in Case of Breakdown
You must confirm the terms and conditions about the pickup and replacement of the bike in case of a breakdown. This confirmation is important because you may end up in a mess if the bike breaks down in the middle of nowhere and there is no clear agreement. Most bike rental shops in Manali will provide pickup support in case of a breakdown, but it is better to confirm upfront and have it in writing.
15. Enjoy the Ride Instead of Reckless Riding
It is always helpful to ride safely and with caution. You will find lots of lonely stretches on roads to Ladakh or Spiti Valley, but better keep yourself in check. Riding at high speed will waste your precious fuel, may lead to an out-of-control situation due to a sudden bump, and puts unnecessary pressure on an already worn-off engine of a Manali rental bike. You do not want to spoil your bike trip just for speeding. Start early, sleep early is the mantra for a safe Himalayan ride.
What Are the Mechanical Checks Before Renting a Bike in Manali?
Now, let us look at the technical and mechanical tips for renting a bike in Manali. These checks will help you get more confidence before heading out to Manali – Leh Highway or the Spiti circuit.
16. Check and Replace the Engine Oil
Make sure you check and replace the engine oil of your rental bike in front of yourself before starting the long trip up in the Himalayas. You should go for low-temperature engine oils that perform better at high altitudes. Sometimes bikes will have less engine oil than required, so ask for a proper replacement.
17. Check the Spark Plugs and Carry Spares
You must check the spark plugs because most rental motorcycles will face spark plug issues due to high altitude and rarefied oxygen. Hence, replace one at the start and carry a couple of spark plugs as spare on your trip. This is one of the most common issues bikers face on high passes above 15,000 feet.
18. Check for Worn-Out Tires
Inspect the tires of the rental bike and make sure they are not worn out. Good tread on the tires will help you avoid puncture hassles in the middle of nowhere and give you better grip on wet mountain roads and water crossings. For tips on handling water crossings, check out how to safely handle water crossings on a bike ride.
19. Look for Oil Leakages
Inspect the bike you are renting for any signs of oil leakages around the fenders, usually caused by broken oil seals in the front forks. Oil leakage is a serious issue that can leave you stranded, so do not ignore even minor signs.
20. Inspect the Air Filter
Ask the bike rental shop to show you the air filter. In case of any signs of dirtiness or clogging, it is better to ask for a replacement to have a trouble-free ride to Ladakh or Spiti. A dirty air filter at high altitude will cause performance issues and poor fuel efficiency.
21. Replace the Bike Based on Your Test Ride
Take the rental bike for a local test ride and get it replaced in case you notice any of the following issues:
- Roll in 2nd gear and notice any occurrence of false neutrals to detect troublesome gear tooth
- Any unnatural sound from the engine means trouble
- White smoke coming from the exhaust
- Check battery by blowing the horn and starting the bike repeatedly
- A noisy ride around the chainset and sprockets means trouble as well
- Ride on a steep climb and notice if the bike ascends smoothly. If not, this could indicate clutch plate issues. Ask for a convincing reason and decide.
What About the Rohtang Pass Two-Wheeler Ban?
This is something many first-time riders are not aware of. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned two-wheelers from entering Rohtang Pass for environmental protection. This ban has been in effect since 2015 and continues as of 2026. If you plan to ride to Rohtang Pass just for a day trip from Manali, your rented motorcycle will not be allowed beyond a certain point.
However, if you are traveling beyond Rohtang Pass towards Keylong, Jispa, or Leh, you can obtain a special permit from the SDM office in Manali. This permit is different from the regular Rohtang Pass permit for day tourists. Your bike rental shop in Manali can often help you with this process. For detailed information on the permit process, check the Rohtang Pass Permit guide.
Also keep in mind that the Atal Tunnel (opened in 2020) does NOT require a Rohtang permit. If you are heading to Ladakh or Lahaul via the Atal Tunnel, you can bypass Rohtang Pass entirely. Many riders now prefer this route as it saves both time and the permit hassle.
Which Bike Should You Rent in Manali for a Ladakh Trip?
This is a question I get asked very often. The honest answer is: the best bike for a Ladakh trip is the one you are comfortable controlling and riding. If you cannot control a bike or you are not comfortable with the riding position, then that is not the right bike for you, no matter how popular the model is.
That said, here is my take on the popular rental options in Manali as of 2026:
- Royal Enfield Himalayan: The best all-rounder for Ladakh and Spiti trips. Good ground clearance, comfortable riding position, decent mileage (around 30 kmpl), and handles rough terrain well. This is what I would recommend if budget allows.
- Royal Enfield Classic 350: The classic Bullet experience. Slightly less suited for off-road compared to Himalayan but a reliable choice for highway riding.
- Royal Enfield Meteor 350: Good for cruising on relatively smooth highways. Not ideal for heavily broken roads.
- Bajaj Pulsar / Avenger: Budget-friendly option, lighter bikes that are easier to handle for less experienced riders. However, ground clearance is lower.
- Scooty / Activa: Only suitable for local rides within Manali. Do not take a Scooty to Ladakh or Spiti unless you know exactly what you are doing. For more on this, check Ladakh trip on a 100cc bike or Scooty.
Can You Rent a Bike One-Way from Manali to Leh?
Yes, one-way bike rental from Manali to Leh is available. However, keep in mind that it will make a big hole in your pockets, my friend! Unless you are a hardcore biker who cannot live without a bike ride, or someone with a deep budget who is OK to shell out Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 just for the one-way drop and pickup, I would suggest considering other options. Round-trip rental works out much cheaper.
Also remember, as mentioned earlier, you will still need to rent a separate Leh-registered bike for local sightseeing in Ladakh. So, do the math carefully before opting for a one-way rental.
What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Bike in Manali?
Here is a quick checklist of documents required when you rent a bike in Manali:
- Valid Permanent Driving License (mandatory, learner’s license will not work)
- Government ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or voter ID). One original ID will be kept as deposit by most shops.
- International Driving Permit (for foreign nationals)
- Security deposit amount (in cash, Rs 2,000 to Rs 18,000 depending on trip duration)
I suggest keeping a photocopy or digital copy of any ID you deposit with the rental shop. It gives you a safety net in case of any disputes.
What About Renting a Bike in Leh for Local Sightseeing?
If you have reached Leh by flight or by bus and want to explore Ladakh on two wheels, renting a bike directly in Leh is your best option. As of 2026, bike rental rates in Leh range from Rs 800 to Rs 2,500 per day depending on the model.
The advantage of renting in Leh is that these bikes are locally registered, meaning you can legally ride to all restricted areas including Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and Hanle. For a detailed list of bike rental rates in Leh, check out our Leh Ladakh bike rental rates article.
Keep in mind that Leh has a bike rental union, which means rates are more standardized compared to Manali. You will also need your Ladakh permits in order before heading out on any sightseeing route.
What Clothes and Gear Should You Carry for a Bike Trip?
Riding a motorcycle in the Himalayas is very different from riding in the plains. The weather can change dramatically within hours, and you need to be prepared for everything from scorching sun to freezing cold, rain, and even snow. Here are the essentials:
- Good quality riding jacket with armor (knee and elbow guards)
- Full-face helmet (do not rely on the rental shop’s helmet, bring your own if possible)
- Riding gloves (waterproof preferred)
- Rain gear (lightweight rain suit that goes over your riding gear)
- Warm layers for high passes (temperature can drop below freezing even in July)
- Riding boots (ankle protection is important for water crossings)
For a complete packing guide, check out clothes and accessories to carry for a Manali – Leh bike trip.
Safety Tips for Riding a Rented Bike in the Himalayas
I cannot stress this enough. Safety should be your top priority when riding in the Himalayas, especially on a rented bike that you are not 100% familiar with. Here are some important safety considerations:
- Acclimatize properly: Do not rush to high altitude on your first day. AMS is a real threat and it does not care whether you are riding your own bike or a rented one. Read our detailed guide on AMS prevention.
- Start early, ride slow: Mountain weather deteriorates by afternoon. Start riding by 6 to 7 AM and try to reach your destination by 3 to 4 PM.
- Do not ride after dark: Mountain roads are not lit and animals, unmarked potholes, and landslide debris are real hazards.
- Carry basic medicines: Diamox for AMS, painkillers, band-aids, and antiseptic cream at minimum.
- Inform someone about your route: Mobile network is spotty on most of the route. Tell someone your planned stops for each day.
- Ride in a group if possible: Solo bike rides are adventurous but risky, especially on a rented bike. Having at least one companion provides a safety net.
Please take a sensible call for yourself and your loved ones waiting for your safe return. The Himalayas will always be there for another trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bike to rent from Manali for a Ladakh trip?
The best bike for a Ladakh trip is the one with which you are comfortable in controlling and riding. If you cannot control a bike or you are not comfortable with the riding position, then that is not the best bike for the trip. That said, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is widely considered the best rental option for Ladakh due to its ground clearance, engine performance at altitude, and overall reliability. In 2026, the Himalayan costs around Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500 per day to rent in Manali.
Can I find a Scooty or Activa on rent in Manali?
Yes, you will find various models of Scootys like Activa, Jupiter, and NTorq available for rental in Manali at around Rs 500 to Rs 800 per day. These are mostly used for local short rides around Manali and Solang Valley. Do not take a Scooty for a Ladakh or Spiti trip as they are not designed for high altitude mountain roads.
Which are the best bike rental shops in Manali?
There are many bike rental shops in Manali across Old Manali, Mall Road, and Vashisht. Some are reliable, but some do have old bikes which can cause trouble on your trip. Like I explained earlier, the best option is always to reach Manali and inspect the rental bike before finalizing the deal. Check with fellow travelers in the DwD Community for recent recommendations.
Can I rent a bike in Manali and leave it in Leh?
Yes, one-way bike rental for Leh Ladakh is also available in Manali. However, it will cost you significantly more, around Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 extra just for the one-way pickup. Unless you are a hardcore biker who cannot live without a bike ride, or someone with a comfortable budget, consider the round-trip option instead. Also remember, you will still need a Leh-registered bike for local sightseeing in Ladakh.
Can I rent a bike from Manali to Rohtang Pass for one day?
As of 2026, two-wheelers are banned from entering Rohtang Pass by the NGT for environmental protection. If your plan is just a day trip to Rohtang from Manali, your rental bike will not be allowed. You will need to hire a local taxi instead. However, if you are heading beyond Rohtang towards Keylong or Leh, a special permit from the SDM office can be obtained. Check the Rohtang Pass Permit guide for details.
Which is the cheapest bike rental in Manali?
Manali has plenty of competition among bike rental shops, and you can find bikes starting from around Rs 500 per day for basic scooters and Rs 800 per day for motorcycles. However, do not make a deal that looks too cheap unless you have thoroughly inspected the bike. A cheap rental usually means an old, poorly maintained bike that can give you serious trouble on the highway. Spending a few hundred rupees more per day for a well-maintained bike is always worth it.
What is the security deposit for renting a bike in Manali?
The security deposit for bike rental in Manali depends on your trip duration. For local rides (Manali to Rohtang and back), the deposit is around Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000. For long-route trips to Ladakh or Spiti, the deposit ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 18,000. You will also need to deposit one original government ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or passport) which will be returned when you return the bike.
Is it safe for beginners to ride a rented bike to Ladakh?
If you are a complete beginner with zero hill riding experience, I would suggest gaining some experience first before attempting a Ladakh bike ride on a rented motorcycle. The roads are challenging with steep climbs, sharp turns, water crossings, and high altitude effects on both the rider and the bike. At the very least, do a few shorter hill rides before taking on Manali to Leh. If you are set on visiting Ladakh but are unsure about riding, consider taking a bus or taxi for the journey and renting a bike only in Leh for local sightseeing.
Conclusion
In the end, I will say it again. If you have your own bike, prefer it over a hired or rented bike from Manali. But, if you still plan to rent a bike from Manali, then do carry a test run for a day and get the required fixes done right in Manali itself or replace the bike if it is too troublesome.
If budget is not a concern, opt to carry a backup vehicle or a mechanic along with the required spare parts. Do understand all the terms and conditions thoroughly from the renter before handing over the security deposit and documents. Do go through all the 21 tips mentioned in this article to better prepare yourself for a safe and memorable Himalayan bike ride 🙂 …
I hope this guide on how to rent a bike in Manali will be useful in planning your trip. If you know your friends or family are planning a bike trip to Ladakh or Spiti, feel free to share this article with them. I will be looking forward to your responses and questions in the comments below. Have you rented a bike from Manali? If yes, then kindly share your own experiences with other fellow travelers here. Your tips will help ensure them a safe and hassle-free journey.
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Hello!
I and my friends are planning to go for the Manali-Leh bike trip at the end of October month. Can you suggest, if we will face any difficulty if so, what kind of? We hope that mostly we will face cold weather. Also, can you suggest what we should keep in our mind before reaching Manali?
Thanks in advance
Arun
Arun, it is not recommended to travel on Manali Leh road at that time: TOP 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali Leh Highway in October
Hi,
I am planning to rent bike from Manali to Ladakh, need few suggestions: (July 7th-2018 @ Manali for 9-10 days)
1) How should I book a bike, should I reach there and book ? What if I didnt get any bike?
2) DO I need to take another bike at Leh for Numbra, Pangong ?
Please suggest, I am very confused.
Hi Jeet,
Outside Ladakh rented bike are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh, so you will have to rent another bike after reaching LEh and pay twice for the bikes
Thanks for responding.
Twice for the bike means ? Are u referring to Bike from Manali and Leh bike?
Also, when should I book bike?
Yes Jeet, you have to pay for Manali bike and then when you hire in Leh, Manali bike will be parked but you will have to pay. So, you will be paying twice for the bikes. You can book the bike few weeks in advance.
Hi dheeraj ji,
We are 2 or 3 friends. We wish to enjoy the beauty of ladakh on rented bikes. I want to know the approximate costing of the below points:
1. Bike cost including fuel from Srinagar to leh to Manali, with breakup will be helpful.
2. Bike cost including fuel from leh to Manali only if I hire at leh.
3. SUV charges from Srinagar to leh.
For doubts related to budget for Leh – Ladakh trip, I am sure the link below will help you alot for getting an idea of overall budget:
How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip
Also, check the article: 5 Tips for a Budget Trip to Ladakh
Hi dheeraj, I’m traveling to ladakh via leh manali highway from September 18 to september 25 with a pillion rider. few queries that I want to ask
1. What is preferable prebooking of bikes or spot booking?
2. Which is the better choice RE classic 350 Or RE 350 Thunderbird?( with pillion rider)
3. If bike is brokedown who will be responsible for charges owner or me ?
4.Is it safe to ride during mid September to 25 September?
5. What are the emergency services or help that I can get in road?
Hi Vinay,
1. Late September, on the spot booking shall work.
2. Well, you need to see the bike with which you are comfortable riding.
3. Minor scratches, they don’t bother but for major damage, you will have to pay.
4. September is a good time for Ladakh trip
5. Barely any emergency help available, all will depend on the fellow traffic of tourists or locals or sometimes army
Hi Dheeraj,
You have mentioned that no to book bikes online but I also saw the offbeat escapes which you recommend. I have already booked my bike through offbeat escapes. How are they? I get my bikes in a good condition?
Also will i be able to buy spare parts / tool kit of the bike in LEh? Can i buy it from offbeat escapes?
Hi Ranga,
In Leh you will still be more or less OK and there have been many instances where people have not got the bike on reaching in Leh. Manali, on the other hand, has good supply while Leh is a market which is new and there are not many players. So, demand is more and supply is less. Also, Leh has fairly new bikes in comparison to bikes available in Manali market and hence, the risk gets a bit lower.
It is a choice in Leh between getting no bike at all or taking a chance with online booking. Also, I have not heard anything bad about them from anyone for a year or so since they started providing rentals. Check the bike on reaching there and ask for a replacement in case of not liking it.
Hi DOW Team,
I have a decent experience of driving bikes in city areas and have been to some hilly areas around bangalore with pillion rider as well. The roads were quite curvy but always well paved.
I am planning to rent a bike in Leh and do Leh-KhardungLa-Nubra Valley with a pillion rider(average weight). Though I have never driven a bike before in Himalyan regions, I am quite comfortable riding a RE in plain regions and never had any issues managing some rough patches of road outside city in the last couple of years. I have gone through the informative posts on this website about how to prepare/rent/ride for a bike tour also. But in the end what would you suggest –
1. Go for my first bike ride with a pillion OR
2. Take a cab?
Keshav, best will be to take a bike for a ride in around Leh – Sham Valley and then if you feel comfortable in the region, go for the trip with care and caution. Major issue is applying the front brakes in loose gravel that tends to skid the bike.
Hey.. i want to rent a bike to travel manali to Kaza… plss tell where i can book or get a rental bike from manali to kaza
There are many bike rental shops in Manali from where you can get them.
Ohh okie thnkeww sor for reply… God bless u 🙂
Hi We have planned for Manali to Leh trip on 24th June. We are planning to rent bikes from manali. We enquired some persons anf they said now there is no any such issues going on, it has been resolved and bikes are allowed in leh. So can we have a safe ride to Leh via manali.
Please read the latest circular and updates at the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/travel-news-updates/topic6285-10.html#p42178
Hey Dheeraj,
I’m going to delhi on 18th June, thats here……
1) Well what if we rent bikes from Delhi, go to Manali – Leh. In leh for 2-3 days we will rent another bikes for travelling in Leh.
Main thing I’m concerned about is would there be any problem in sarchu, will they allow us if we provide further bike booking details and all.
2) Or another route will be from delhi to srinagar to leh, but I fear some trouble about terrorist attacks. 🙁
So if you could help me out with my situation, as you are more experienced.
Well looking forward to your comments.
Have a good day.
Thank You.
Hi Devang,
With all the issues going on between Leh bike rental and Manali bike rental, I will not advice taking up any rental bike outside Leh to Ladakh. on a safer side. Best is to reach Leh by other means of transport, enjoy the experience of bike ride within Ladakh and then come back the same route.
It is far better IMHO do under take this approach rather than worrying about beaten up by some freaks on the roads and spoiling your trip 🙁
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to rent a bike from Chandigarh for leh Ladakh via srinagar then coming back to chandigarh via Manali. There is some news going on that the manali bike association will not allow rented commercial bikes from outside states.
Can you please help me and confirm if I can take the rented bike from chandigarh and complete the trip as I have planned? Please let me know if the rented bike from chandigarh will create any issue in the travel path.
Awaiting your reply.
thanks,
Yes Nirmit, no Ladakh bike can cross Sarchu post and allowed in HP and no HP bike is allowed in Ladakh to enter. There is too much tensions going on and I will not recommend taking the rented bike to Ladakh unless things settle down.
Hey Dhiraj,
I am planning to travel LEH in month of August.
Which would be best and the most affordable ,means of transport.
Our journey will start from Mumbai and need to reach LEH.
Also , we are too much concerned about the time that would be required for journey and ..Is it advisable to hire RE bike from Manali???
Hey Rahul,
With which mode of transport are you comfortable with? August is monsoon time and you will have to go through hassles of rains in lower hills. Have you ride bikes before in tough roads of Himalayas?
Hey Dheeraj,
Awesome site you have here.
Me and my friends are planning to do a Ladakh trip on June 21 to July 3rd. We havent been able to book any bikes so far. Is it fine to pop in and get bikes from Fort Road. We wanted to be part of a package cos we will have a guide and mechanic and a support vehicle with us, in case we have any issues. Do you suggest we do like that or do independently? without any of the backup? Supposing we get newer 2016-17 bikes at any of these places.
Well, Rahul, Leh does not have many shops available and bike inventory is not much to withstand the tourist rush of the season now. It is best to book bikes in Leh at least in advance and rely on luck rather than getting there with no bikes. You do not need any group to make it happen, the mechanic and backup vehicle will be there which you can get for yourself too from the bike rental shop.
Thanks for the reply Dheeraj. Are you aware of any dependable rental ppl. Not been able to get across to Gurmet. Any other options?
May be Dr Rahul, check with info@offbeatescapes.com, they might have some reliable contacts. Try to talk it through the different parameters which seems doubtful to you.
Hi Deeraj,
thanks for all your comments. its helpful for me to get an idea for this trip. I am planning to visit Leh during Aug 12-19th. Am planning to reach Srinagar by Taxi (12th & 13th) & by bike (14th-19th) to Various visiting spots. Is it practical to travel all areas by RE Bikes from 14th – 19th to various spots? or We need Taxi ?
If you have not ride bike before in such high Himalayan regions, then in that case better not to under take it and go by taxis.
Hi,
I wanted to know if there are any self drive car rental agencies in Leh? We wanted to rent a car in Leh to drive to Nubra, Pangong and Tso Morriri? Is there any such facility?
There are no self-drive car options in Leh. You will have to rent a taxi only.
hi, i want to rent a bike from Srinagar so any one have any bike rental team contact number?
You can surely take bike on rent from Srinagar but you will have to hire another bike in Leh because outside Leh rental bikes are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh.
For Srinagar bike rental you can refer the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/outside-rented-bikes-banned-ladakh-t1009-50.html#p12858
Dheeraj,
I am a solo traveller taking Amarnath Yatra from baltal/Sonmarg on June 30 ’17. I wanna rent bike. I don’t want to travel back to Srinagar to rent bike and again travel back to sonmarg then to kargil-leh. My query is can I rent a bike in Kargil please share any reliable contacts to rent a bike in Kargil ?
An addition: I will be travelling from Katra to baltal by bus and reach baltal on 29th afternoon as I have helicopter booked on 30th June morning. If I rent the bike from Srinagar I would end up parking the bike for 1.5- 2 days in baltal with loss. I want to avoid this and thinking of renting the bike from Kargil. Please do suggest me an economical way to take the bike on ride from Srinagar/Kargil to Leh one way drop off.
Like I said, best is to reach Leh and then rent Leh based bike so that you don’t pay twice for outside rented bike
No Deepak, there are no bike rentals in Kargil. Best is to reach Leh and get the bike on rent from Leh only.
Yeah I understand. But I am planning to take kargil-batalik-dah hanu- leh route by bike with one way drop off at leh by getting both batalik and dha hanu permits from kargil itself. Again rent another bike from leh for nubra and till manali further.
(hoping to get permits as the situation is critical now)
Hmm, yeah, you should be able to get the permit though.
I am planning to visit leh, nearby 10th of july, and want to take bike in leh, should I go for online booking or take it on the same day and what will be the price?
For Leh, I will suggest you book online because the problem is in rush time bikes in Leh get overbooked and are not much available. Prices please check: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2017-18
Hi Dheeraj, i am planning to go Leh from manali from 15 august to 20 august, Is it a good time or rainfall will be there ?
Thanks in Advance. you help a lot
Regards,
Arjun Dhawan
It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
Please refer the link in our community: FAQ | Is Monsoon season good time to travel to Ladakh? for more details.
Please let me know how to rent a bike in leh for 4 day stay in leh.?
Please check: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2017-18
Thanks for the valuable information its really helpful,
Just a quick question
1.Is there any rentals that rent bikes at Manali and we can return at Srinagar or Delhi and Sringar?
2.We planning to visit leh and Spiti Valley in 9days,Is this advisable??
Are you planning Spiti or Ladakh?
Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
HI DHEERAJ,
Thanks for all the valuable information provided in this article, extremely helpful.
Regards,
Arjun Dhawan
Pleasure Arjun, best wishes for your trip. Feel free to post any questions you may have for the trip.
Hi Dheeraj,
Hope you are keeping well.
I have tried prebooking the bike using this link “Advance book your bike rentals in Leh online”.
I have submitted the request and shared my number as well.
No reply till now. Any luck on this please?
I am not sure Dhananjay, I will search through forms. We don’t come in between, but since you are not getting reply I will track down and ask the folks to reply you with promised discount of DoW members or readers.
Thanks Dheeraj. I appreciate your quick response. I will wait for few more days.
That will be better choice.
Hi Admin
Waited for couple of weeks
Still no luck on this?
Any update from your end
TIA
Alright, I gave him a call and asked personally to call you and then update me whether he called you or not.
Thanks He did call
That’s great !! Happy to help 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
My wife and me are planing to travel from leh to srinagar by bike around 23rd of July 2017.
Is there one way bike rental option available in leh?
How many stops we should take between leh and srinagar ?
Is it safe to travel by bike as we are only two people?
Regards
Peeyush
Hello Peeyush,
Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
Leh to Srinagar needs an overnight stop at Kargil to split the journey in 8 hrs ride each day.
hi can u provide me wit some contact number to hire bike in manali or 2-3 days and lemme know which are the best places in manali to go for
Bharat, there are plenty of bike rental shops in Manali. Go for after inspecting the bike. You can makea ride to Solang – Rohtang, ride to Naggar – Kasol
Hi Dheeraj,
Its being very good about your article.
I’m planing alone trip to Manali-Leh-Manali in the month of August could you please let me know if is there any group of people traveling in august, Is there any problem if we take our own bike from bangalore to manali. If any problem can please let me know can i get a good bike in the range of 1300-1500. What about the cost of overall trip.
Is there any problem means AMS problem.
Thank you in advance.
Regards,
Raghavendra
9164937073
It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
Please refer the link in our community: FAQ | Is Monsoon season good time to travel to Ladakh? for more details.
Will you hire bike in Manali or Ladakh?
Can you share a website where common interest people can join and share a Innova or other vehicle and share all expenses from Delhi onward to Ladakh back to Delhi.
I am my wife plan to visit ladakh on a 12 day tour with birding and wilderness as main interest along with visiting all the great places of Ladakh.
Hi Dr. Hemant,
An options will be that you post your travel calendar entry on DoW Travel Partner Calendar from the menu as well and traverse the calendar for other entries in next two months. You can use main menu to submit the event.
Hi Dheeraj ,
I and my friends are planning for a road trip( bike ) in September this year. 2 weeks is the planned time. we are coming in from Bangalore . so basically we want to go to manali -, leh ladakh, golden temple in Amritsar , wagah border.
yes I know the places are ou of the way but if you could just help me out in planning . Just give a brief idea of how to go along .
Thank you
Hello Titus,
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can easily fit the Amrtisar either after reaching Manali from Ladakh or while going from Delhi to Jammu for a day or two in between. Rest can work out as mentioned in the article.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
Hi Dheeraj
So it’s just 10days in total is what we have… So if you could guide me on how to go on with trip..
And also if we rent bikes from Delhi / chandigarh, can we go through the whole trip? I have read one of your posts which says outside vehicles are nt allowed in Ladak.
Kindly help
Thank yoy
It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Srinagar side starting from Delhi with stop overs at Jammu, Srinagar, Kargil and 3 days to come back from Leh from Manali side to Delhi with stopovers at Sarchu, Manali. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization. You have about 10 days. 1 Day can be used as Day trip to Pangong Tso and other day can be used as day trip to Nubra Valley or just Khardung La pass.
Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days. You can fit in plan I suggested in above para in this plan
Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
Hi Dheeraj
Apologies for bothering you a lot.. I just want this trip to be a memorable one..
So I can fit a visit to Golden Temple on the way to jammu?
Also from would you suggest to get rented bikes… Delhi or chandigarh? Keeping in mind the cost and quality…
Thank you
No worries, I am here to help only 🙂
You have to spend a day at least for Golden Temple. In just 10 days it will be very difficult to include it as you can clearly see you are not doing much in Ladakh anyways. Outside rented bikes are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh. Do you want to rent outside rental bikes?
How good is it to take a newly purchased bullet 350/500 cc on leh trip
Thanks in Advance
Well, it depends on your budget. In case planning to buy just for the trip well, renting might be better option.
You got me wrong sir,
What i mean is not cost wise but performance wise.
I have been told by few of my friends that vehicle needs to be quite old, by old they mean i should have used if for a while may be say 5k to 10k kilometers…
And one of my friend was also pointing about some MPFI engine v/s carburetor engine, he was mentioning that MPFI engines tends to fail when exposed to water on river crossing (is it really true) I don’t think so though…
I am planing “Desert Storm” or “Battel Field Green” 500 CC with Single Seat
Please advise…
Thanks in advance
Rohit
Well Rohit, I am not exactly a pro technical person in terms of biking performances but logically any vehicle must have clocked decent amount of mileage, about 2-3K KMs at least just to uncover any potential manufacturing issues which did not get attention in the inspections.
Thanks for reply, will consult some one who is technically stronger in this point.
Well have you seen or come across people who take new bullets to leh trips, have they faced any issues…
Not really Rohit, I have known people who have taken new bullets, not exactly brand new but even less than 1000 KMs on clock. Never heard of any issues from them.
don’t take brand new one’s.atlist do two service on the bike
Yeah, a brand new one may have some unforeseen issues too.
What will be the cost for Manali to Leh and back to Manali on rented bike. and how many minimum days will require for the Manali-Leh-Manali tour.
Manali – Leh – Manali tour requires around 9 days if you do at least couple of sightseeing places in Ladakh. Per day cost of bike starts around 1000-1300 depending upon model, make and condition of the bike. Also, Manali bikes will not be allowed in Ladakh for sightseeing so for 5 days double the rent of the bike as you will be hiring bikes in Ladakh as well which is usually 100-150 bukcs more than cost of Manali bikes. This cost plus fuel for about 1800 KM
Thanks Deepak …Can u plz suggest some alternate ways to avoid taking bike on rent two times…and also plz suggest day wise tour plan..actually we will travel from Nagpur – Delhi – Manali ..
Sry for the typo…. Dheeraj* ..
There is no way Rahul. You have to hire two bikes because they check the bikes mostly at barriers to Khardung La, Pangong Tso. If you just want to roam around Leh without going to sightseeing places in Ladakh, it is OK in that case.
Hi Dheeraj,
Last month myself alongwith my family have been to Ladakh for a week. Before proceeding, I have extensively read DoW for information and places to visit. I was very much impressed by the accurateness of information shared by you herein which is of uttermost help when you are travelling with your parents.
Furthermore based on the recommendations of drivers, I had availed the services from Chamba Rinchen and the guy is really fantastic with full of courtesies.
Thank you for sharing the information.
Planning next trip to Kinnaur & Spiti valley next year. Looking for more info on DoW.
Cheers!!!!
Sameer, that is fantastic to know. Feels wonderful when fellow travellers make some memorable trips and DoW played its good part in spreading smiles in this way in Himalayas 🙂
You can go through the entire Spiti Valley category from the menu, you will find everything you need to make a trip to Kinnaur Valley or Spiti Valley or both 🙂
Which type of process I’ll have to do to higher a bike for a day.
Just go over to any bike rental shop and hire a bike 🙂
Sar I m listing devilonwheel company so give me mobile number
Parvez, what do you mean by listing? We have a registered legal entity in India by this name registered under Company of Registrar of India. Please use some other name else if reported we will not be hesitant to send a legal notice of using our brand name.
What is the cost riding from Chandigarh to Leh Kargil and back to chandirgh on my own bullet.
For doubts related to budget for Leh – Ladakh trip, I am sure the link below will help you alot for getting an idea of overall budget:
How to calculate cost or budget for Leh – Ladakh trip
Also, check the article: 5 Tips for a Budget Trip to Ladakh
We are coming in Ladakh begin of September and I think we find a reliable company which rent new Royal enfield. Not the cheapest one but seems ok…. a lot of good feedbacks on tripadvisor…. I’ll give a feedback when we comes back … 🙂
Sure Ben, thanks for the updates will look forward to your post trip updates
Dear,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS THAT END WITH SUCCESSFUL TRIP TO LADAKH LAST YEAR,
this year we are planning to visit again and its Spiti valley this time,
can you suggest night stay places, best travel path, not to miss places.
Regards and thanks in advance.
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley.
PS: If possible, do pay a visit to our DoW Spiti Library in Kaza. Who knows you short walk there may help it remain active for the kids up there for much longer time 🙂 :)…
Can we get bike from leh to delhi one sided as we are planning to come to leh directly.
No Amit, you can get bikes from Leh to Manali but the cost of one side drop will put a deep hole in your pocket. If you have a lavish budget, then may be yes. Cost of drop only is around 10-12K per bike.
Hi dheeraj u r being god of traveller who wann do leh ladakh trip and i too feel same as last year when i plan to trip to leh laddakh the first website i came across was ur DOW. Seriously u have great knolwedge of that trip every single thing u said here i followed there and that helped me alot coz we were initially 10 person planned but on final trip we left 5 persons. I was the one who planned all that so responsibility was on me u helped me like a guru there. I wanna thank u again and planning to be there again. Thank u dheeraj millions travelled there but ur the only person who is guiding others selflessly
We are planning a bike trip manali to leh, which are most reliable bike rental services in manali anyone have contact no please suggest me?
I am planning for manali to leh and i have my own tents and other equipments so can i use these tents to stay on that way and also can i install my tents and stay over night near pangong lake..??/
Hi chetan, you can refer: Top 10 Tips for Camping in Ladakh & Spiti Valley
Hi
Thank you for your reply. I just want to know is there any permit or formality for foreign people for manali – leh highway or for stay in leh.
Thank you
Chetan, not on Manali – Leh Highway. Travelin from Manali to Rohtang pass and beyond require a permit which is issued from SDM office in manali and is applicable for all. But, once in Ladakh, you need Protected Area Permit for your foreigner friends. Details: Protected Area Permit in Ladakh for Foreigners
Dear Dheeraj
I m going to leh on my Bike. But its paper are on my friends name. I had done a lot of trips on my bike and I have proofs of that too.I really don’t want to hire bike from Leh.
please Advice me
thank you
achin, you can keep a NOC with you and that should be OK. Try to prove and dont enter into a fight.
Is there any permit for foreign people to go from manali to leh..??
Not to go to Leh from Manali except Rohtang Pass permit but oncein Leh, to do sightseeing in Ladakh they need a protected area permit.
hlo sir . can i take my hero honda hunk bike with me . but i dont have licence .
Without license, you should not ride a bike
Dear Dheeraj,
Hi, we are three italian guys. we arrive in India in next July.
We have a question: it’s possible to rent a motorbike in Manali to go to Leh and bourogh (rothang, panggong, nubra valley)?
Thanks a lot. Bye
Hello Matteo,
Yes, it is possible to get the bike on rent and go to Leh. However, once you reach Leh, you need to rent a local Leh bike to go to Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. Once you return back, you can take the Manali bike and get back to Manali
Hello me and my friend are travelling to manali leh on july 15 or 16 we were thinking if we can travel along as the biking groups are too costly and travelling alone on bike are not safe due to whether and road conditions. If u are travelling on same dates maybe we can go along.
Thanks
Cheers
Hi bro me and my one of friend is planning to go leh… we will reach manali by July 17 or 18 .you guys going leh by your own bike or rent a bike .
Hey Matteo.
Im planning to do the trip too.. but finding it very difficult to find bike groups . Do you think it will be possible for me to join you guys as a group.
thanks
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all it is really nice of you to guide people about these trips with your experiences and tips. Can you please advise me on my plan.
I wanted to know if you could tell me how the weather can be in the month of September as we a group of 8 are reaching Srinagar on the 15th September (just an overall idea as its of course unpredictable).
To just give you an idea about our itinerary,
15th Reach Srinagar and drive to Sonmarg (overnight Sonmarg)
16th Leave for KArgil/Mulbekh/Alchi (where should we possibly stay overnight to get a local experience
17th Leave for Leh (overnight at Leh)
18th Leave for Nubra valley (overnight there)
19th Leave for Pangong lake via Leh (to not waste a night in Leh)
OR 19th Stay in LEH (if this is advised then the whole plan will shift by 1 day)
20th Leave for Tso-moriri from Pangong
21st Back to Leh and just spend time there
22nd Possibly visit Turtuk village
23rd just explore local markets and etc.
24th fly back from LEH.
Also we are really keen on experiencing bike rides to Pangong and Tso-moriri from Leh, can we rent 3 bikes and go with a mechanic support with us? Not too sure about the fuel pumps and road conditions.
If you could advise me about the DO’s and DONT’s on the above itinerary. Or if you suggest something different to this.
Hi Dheeraj,
We’re planning for Chandigarh-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Chandigarh route.
Do you have any idea, how much renting would cost us? It is 12 Day trip.
I saw your post regarding rents in ladakh for 2016. Also please provide info on parking charges in ladakh for non-ladakh bikes.
Thanks in Advance.
Swapnil, there will not be any parking charges. The rents of bikes starts from 1100-1600 depending upon model and make and condition of the bike.
Rented bikes from Chandigarh is not allowed to Nubra valley and Pang?
Is it possible to return to LEH on the same day when we travel to Nubra valley and Pang?
Yes, they are not allowed. I asssume you meant Pangong tso lake. Day trip to both Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso is around 12 Hrs each
Hey Dheeraj !
Hope you are doing great 🙂
Me and 2 of my friends are going to leh-ladakh via plane on 5th sept.
We plan to hire 2 bikes in ladakh and travel around ladakh, pangong, nubra in that.
What do you suggest. Should we book the bikes over phone if there is a trustworthy dealer or should we wait till september. Because i want to hire 2 bikes for 7 days so i am wondering if it possible to book a less expensive and good quality bike on phone or in september itself.
Also Do you think renting bikes will be expensive in september ?
Hi Dheeraj, I have one question. While renting out bikes in Leh, do they provide knee and elbow guards along with it or we need to carry on our own??
They do have available for extra charges.
Hello Dheeraj, Good day!!!
We planned to reach Shimla by Himalayan Queen train. Is there any bike rentals in Shimla..?
Yes, there are couple of bike rentals in Shimla, AFAIK.
Hi we are planning to make a trip on Himalayas by bike. We are from south india, we need some suggestion and help from you.
We have only 12 days dedicated for this trip (4 days for up and down travel). We are confused with what all are the places we can visit and how much we can cover a day (as you mentioned one of your post ” I have done 800 KMs drive in a day, so, 400 KMs in a day in Ladakh is nothing in for me”) and where we can stay.
Which is the good option like “Manali to srinagar” or from “srinagar to Manali”.
Also only few of us taking on bike, rest of us planning to rent\hire a bike. Is there a option to pick a bike on one location and return in another location (either from “Manali to srinagar” or from “srinagar to Manali”.) if so what about the original proof which we are submitting. Also share if you have any contact no# if you have any.. 🙂
Thanks in advance.
Hello Karthik,
Well, can you plz tell from where do you have these 12 days? Delhi to Delhi?
No, some from Chennai, Bangalore and Pune. Planning 7or 8 days in Himalayas with bike.
We decided to start from Srinagar and finish at Manali. But worried about bike whether we will get or not. Is there any shop they agree to take from Srinagar and return in manali?
We got stuck with this bike thing, please throw some light..
Hi Dheeraj, any update on my query. Still I am not getting blank and not getting anything from online.. 🙁
For 2 people a bike will be better or a car? Just for travelling in Leh.
Chirag, well, it depends if you are comfortable on bike or comofrtable in car
Hello dheeraj
Thanks for replying about rental services in srinagar. Since the options are very limited over there & we have very limited no of travels days, we are thinking to start our journey from manali. So would could you please suggest some reliable bike rentals in manali? or can you please point to me to thread having relevant information?
Thanks
Mayur
Hi Mayur, you will find many bike rentals in manali, as suggested in the article please try and book on the spot only. Also, I hope you read outisde rented bikes are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh
Dheeraj, Man, u r doing a great job for guiding people to maka a tour……i live in bikaner rajasthan and i have 10 days for a trip…..cansh in hand 50k and i have 2 frnds total 3 are we. can u plz guide me and tell me the best plan for manali, kasol and places nearby and we want some cream also….our ages are 18 only so cand we get any bikes…..i have a 2 wheereler with gear licesce…….will wait for ur reply bro.
Hi Dheeraj,
I went through your articles, and you did a great job back there. I have a question for you. We are around 4-5 guys, and want a adventurous trip to ladakh, I went through many travel agencies online, and I see that the bike trips are pretty expensive and also comfy journey. Would you recommend us to travel on ourselves without any guides and all? What will be the risks involved? And what things we need to carry with us (like may be tents, ropes etc.). We are planning a trip early this july. It would be great if you can help us anyway, may be recommend local dhabas, rental places etc.
Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
I will suggest that you go through the articles mentioned under the DwD Community thread for bike trip to Ladakh or any other part of Himalayas at the link: All About Bike Ride to Ladakh & Himalayas. This will help you cover almost all your queries related to bike trip to Ladakh or Himalayas.
Hi Dheeraj,
Must appreciate your efforts on a very detailed articulation of your experience that is helping 100s of like minded travelers. I am planning a trip to Kullu and Manali with my wife this July, while i have more or less freezed on the locations i intend to visit i found out that most of them are near about 60kms surrounding manali.
Since it is only about 60 sqkms roaming around we have decided to rent bikes on daily basis for the period of stay 4 nights and 5 days. Could you please suggest if its viable to hire one bike for two of us on daily basis or are there any discounts for 4-5 days hire? And what are the possible number of options for renting bikes, since it would be an off-season in july i prefer to check the bike condition and pick it up rather than do a telephone booking and repent later.
Could you please suggest places that can be visited by couples as we do not intend to trek a lot and would prefer sight seeing with proper road till the points (max half km trek).
Yes Kumar, you shall be able to get the bikes easily on rent in Manali. I am not sure about discounts but you can surely negotiate. 4-5 days is not that much of a number which might appeal them because in general in season time the bikes are hired for 10-12 days tours to Ladakh and Spiti 🙂 … But, you can surely try. Like I said it will not be an off season but season time for bike rentals. Avoid telephone bookings anyhow.
You can check out Naggar Castle stay overnight, move to Kasol – Manikaran stay overnight and come back to Manali. Of course before going to Naggar – KAsol tour, you can visit Solang Valley and Rohtang PAss tourist point.
Hello Dheeraj,
This is Varusa from Bangalore, Let me first thank you for writing such an amazing and detailed article, articles like these are sole reason why a lot of people are able to plan such trips and accomplish them too. So a great job with all the articles and Thank you again for all the knowledge that you are sharing.
Me along with 5 of my friends will be travelling to Spiti in the second & third week of August and I was planning to either take a private car from Manali for 5 Days or Rent bikes for the same days. Considering we are planning to cover Spiti Valley along with a couple of treks, hence we would prefer a personal vehicle, instead of relying on Buses.
What would you recommend and if you can also give me an approximate idea on cost which we may incur on both the Car or Bike would be very helpful for us to determine our budget.
Thanks again.
Varusa
Thank you Varusa, glad you loved them.
Bikes in general cost around 1100-1300 per day while taxi cost you around 3000-3500 per day which divided by 5 will come down to 600-700 per day with a comfort of driver and sitting and taking pictures or enjoying the journey. You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali / Shimla / Delhi / Chandigarh too, of course with a price of pickup as well.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
So, Taxis seem to be the way to go.
Thanks a lot for your help.
Hello dheeraj, I am planning solo ride from Srinagar to manali on bike! I will ship it to Srinagar in train. The thing is I have hero passion, no doubt its in good condition but little scared abt steep ascents. whether it will work or not!?? Is it safe with 100cc hh bike or not?? I knw people did it with activated n bajaj super but need ur advice!
Nirav, you cant ship it to Srinagar in train, you may need to use Gati services. You will be able to do it but it will be very slow in high altitude specially the passes. If you have patience to ride at slow speed then we have tales of Gutso too doing the trip to Ladakh in DwD Community 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for your time in writing up such wonderful posts. I have been reading a few articles and I must say they are really well written and informative!!
I will arrive in Delhi in July and I am looking to rent a Enfield. I have got approx 12-14 days. I have read that the most recommended route is via Srinagar – Leh – Manali. However, there doesn’t seem to be any rentals located in Srinagar. Even so, returning the bike in Srinagar is such a hassle.
What do you suggest I do? My next alternative is to rent a bike in Manali before heading to Srinagar, or do Manali – Leh – Manali, or just take a taxi to Leh and the rent a bike to Pangong, Nubra etc for a few days.
Hear from you soon!
Cheers!
My recommendation always is to travel to Leh the way it should be without bikes and then rent bikes within Leh to feel the ride experience. Why?
Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
Hi Dheeraj,
I have done my entire planning reviewing all your articles. Thank you so much for this. As mentioned earlier too, my husband and i want to travel from Sringar to Leh to Manali on a rented bike. In Leh, we would probably use local taxis for all the places we would want to see in Leh and then use our bike to travel back from Leh to Manali. We are planning to fly to Srinagar and then from Manali take a overnight volvo to Delhi and Fly back to Bangalore from there. Where i can find info on bike rentals in Srinagar and would they be ok with us dropping the bike in Manali. Since Srinagar-LEh-Manali is the most recommended route, i believe this should be possible but i am not able to find any details.
We were not to keen on riding from Delhi to Jammu to Srinagar on a bike as these are normal highways and would just be extra riding strain. Would prefer to start riding the bike from Srinagar itself.
Also since the highways are opening way earlier this time, when is the most ideal time for us to visit if we want to enjoy snow while we also see the beauty of Ladakh ?
Let me know what are my best options based on your experience. I haven’t made my bookings yet so i am ok to make changes if you think my plan wouldnt work out.
Hello Mythri,
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike. For Srinagar bike rental you can refer the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ladakh-zanskar-travel-guides/outside-rented-bikes-banned-ladakh-t1009-50.html#p12858
Best will be to keep the plan around mid of May, there is no 100% assurance that highways will open early though they are speculated to be opening early. LAst week snowfall has already hampered the plans. One or two more such snow spells and we are back to old dates.
Thanks so much Dheeraj.. I really want to do the circuit so i am considering doing a round trip from Delhi to Delhi. Lets see how that works out. I will keep you posted.
Do you think it would be safe to book during early to mid June itself? Want to be 100% certain that Rohtang will be open too.. May be start by June 5th or 6th and take it from there?
Well, Rohtang Pass is about to open in April. Manali – Leh shall also be open by mid of May. Mid June bookings shall be fine.
Hi Mythri,
I was planning the exact same trip sometime in May. Unfortunately even i haven’t come across a cost efficient way to go about this.
If you have gathered any information about your trip, would you kindly share it with me?
My email id is maniksajnani@gmail.com
Hi Dheeraj,
We are 4 friends planing a trip to leh and pengong lake from manali.
please suggest me for bike rent. that from where we can hire a bike and what is the normaly cost of day for bike. and pls also tell me that how many days will be required for this trip from manali.
Thankyou
Hi Prince,
Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
I will suggest that you go through the articles mentioned under the DwD Community thread for bike trip to Ladakh or any other part of Himalayas at the link: All About Bike Ride to Ladakh & Himalayas. This will help you cover almost all your queries related to bike trip to Ladakh or Himalayas.
Hi,
I want to rent motorbike from srinagar and we have flight from leh. I wanna know if it’s possible to rent bike in srinagar and drop it in leh
Basu, Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
I will suggest that you go through the articles mentioned under the DwD Community thread for bike trip to Ladakh or any other part of Himalayas at the link: All About Bike Ride to Ladakh & Himalayas. This will help you cover almost all your queries related to bike trip to Ladakh or Himalayas.
Hi Dheeraj,
your post is really awesome and helpful for novice.
I am planning to for Manali in Apr and I booked Volvo bus ticket from Delhi to Manali. I am planning to book hotel on Go Ibibo. The only thing left is to arrange a car in manali in which we can roam around and go at sight scenes.
Do you have any contct detils of trustworthy car rental service in manali.
Thanks in advance
Huzefa, you will be able to get the car on rent there in Manali itself at the taxi stand which will help you save some good money too. OR you can ask your hotel as well to arrange the taxi for you.
I got one contact of Taxi owner, he is asking 30% Advance and he will charge 5,300 for 3 days sight scene.
is it worth and reasonable?
Will I get Taxi easily there if I don’t book in advance and book directly after reaching there.
You will get plenty of taxis once you reach there. There is a big taxi stand, dont worry on that front.
Hi Dheeraj,
Your website is a great help to me. Thanks for that
I want to know is it safe to book directly calling the hotel owners? They ask for 50% amount to be deposited for booking purpose.
I want to book hotels my self, as booking.com charge extra for pangong delight camp-pangong, yangphel hotel-leh, hotel pc palace -kargil,hotel at srinagar.
For these hotels I am getting 30% discount on bookings.com price when i directly contact the hotel owner.
But I am afraid of any fraud.I will be travelling in July.Hotel owners are ready to provide reciept on mail,but what if they deny when I reach there.
Please help me
Sindhu, people in Ladakh are quite quite honest and there is not a single instance I heard of such a thing, may be a rarest of rare with taxi and never with hotel. They will not deny, do not worry 🙂
Hai every one ,
We 4 Frnds planing to travel Kasol on February from Delhi via bullet for 10 days
pls give us some option
What options you need? Alsom are you sure 10 days for Kasol??
agreed unless one needs to smokeup every night.. you dont have much to do in kasol for 10 days
Hey Dheeraj,
Your article is very helpful. Can you please tell me if I am allowed to ride my friend’s bike, all the documents are in his name. Thanks in advance
It will be very difficult to convince the locals in case you get caught and asked for document proofs. You will then have to leave that bike in Leh and do the rest of the Ladakh sightseeing on a rented Leh bike. You can take that bike back from Leh to Manali or Srinagar though.
Thanks! and Can I take someone on my pillion seat for the whole journey?
Aniket, before doing that I will suggest you read: 5 Tips to Rent Bike in Leh – Ladakh and Ride with Pillion
Hello Dheeraj bro.Kindly request you to inform me about trip to rohtang from manali from rented bike like about whether issue about permint issue. Should i have to take permission from any authority or not.Plz also tell me about any risk factors also.This is humble request.Reply soon bro m waiting.”M coming on 5th october in manali.Thnx
Yes Aditya, you need to take permits for travel to Rohtang Pass. You can get the permits online now: Rohtang Pass Permits now available online
Avoid hiring bike from The Bling salon at town road manali, Juneja 9882160078/9218549478 is the owner n have pathetic Classic Bullets, bikes were not serviced at all which made our trip Manali to Spiti worse.
For those who don’t know, you need to have permit to go to Rohtang,Spiti Klong Leh which you can get for FREE by submitting the xerox copies of RC Insurance PUC and the DL at the Tourist Info center at mall road Manali and will get the Permit from the SDM office nearby.
Trip to Rohtang from Manali is banned on Bike(If you go to Rohtang on Bike you will be fined there are 2 checkpoint first at Gulaba n 2nd at Marhi) , however you can go on Car owned/hire. And if you plan to go on car to Rohtang Pass you MUST carry the FIRST AID kit.
If planning to go on Bike you must carry Extra Fuel, tyretubes, airpump necessary clothes. You will not get anything if you crossed the Gulaba Checkpoint.
Gurjeet, owned cars are also banned. Any private vehicle or taxi or bike is banned to be taken to Rohtang Pass from Manali. If you are going beyond Rohtang Pass, it should be fine with permits.
HI Dheeraj,
I have seen the permit myself 3 days ago which says Permit to ROHTANG all taxis were having one of them..
Very strange, the permit is issued only in case taxi want to go beyond Rohtang Pass. As per NGT rule, taxis wanting to go only to Rohtang Pass and come back, cannot get any permit.
Hello DOW’s,
Where can I buy Enfield Luggage Carrier (used/new) for my bike in Chandigarh , Ludhiana or Patnitop?
I am riding to Leh from Chandigarh with a group of 5 from Bangalore. We are shipping our bike over the weekend (23/08) till Chandigarh. We would reach there on 04/09 early morning and start our ride the same day. I do not have much time here in Bangalore to fix the carrier before shipping it. So the option for me is to reach Chandigarh and fix it there or in Ludhiana or after the first day in Patnitop.
Any suggestions would be helpful.
Many Thanks,
Ankul Shetty
I think Ankul, you have found the thread int he DwD Community. I have tagged preet there who is the local and a hard core biker. He will be able to reply soon 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for all your blogs. I successfully completed my Srinagar-Leh-Jammu trip during 30th July to 10th August15. I literally followed everything you mentioned in your blogs and I must say you are the best in the business. Mentioned information in your blogs is spot on and one would never fail if he follows it as specified.
Only mistake I did is that I booked the bike in advance with Ladakh Bike Rentals and paid the prize. I should have followed your comments regarding rental bikes conditions and all. Even though I booked the bike well in advance bikes were not ready. We wasted half of the day getting them in working condition. These guys “chalata hai” attitude towards bike conditions is really dangerous.
Now I completely agree that one should not book bikes in advance and search for at least 3-4 shops there and get the best deal out of it.
Thanks again for your expert opinions 🙂
Regards,
Sujit
Thank you Sujit, DoW site helped you in a wonderful journey to Ladakh and yes I completely agree with you and that is the main reason I mention that it is always good to not book bikes in advance and search for 2-3 shops, see the bike and then go ahead with it.
Hi Sujit,
Thanks for the information. I am planning to book through them only. How was your overall experience with the Ladakh Bike Rentals. Did you pay in advance via bank transfer? How was the condition of the bikes? Is it a complete NO or just that you had a bad experience with them?
SInce we are starting tomorrow, we have no other option but to go through them since we have done all the planning accordingly.
Thanks.
Hi,
We have spoken to Vivek bhai from Ashtavinayak travels to rent 3 bikes. Can you please let us know some reviews about this Travels?
He has promised to give us good bikes, but he sounds a little arrogant. I am not sure if i will get one.
Can anyone share your experience with Ashtavinayak travels bike rentals?
Thanks
Sree
we are planing to go ladhak and manali in month of oct in our personal 4 wheeler vechile.Is there any issue of permit if we come from kashmir to leh towards manali.Is there any route prblem in that month.
Pankaj if you travel from Leh to Manali, no permit is required. BUT, please read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October
I rented bike from Manali bike Rental aka Ashtvinayak travel (manalibikerental@yahoo.com). but very bad experience. Guy charged for old damages to bike and refused to return ID card at the end of journey. He is some local guy and his attitude changed as soon as he too the money from my hand. Me and my brother has terrible time delaing with this agency. Bike condition was also terrible.
Please avoid this agency.
Anshul
Thanks for the feedback.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are 5 guys travelling the route from Manali to Leh by bike in August. Only one of us has a MC permit, the rest only car permits. Do you think that will be a problem, or are the rentalshops flexible on that as long as you know how to ride? Thanks:)
Jonny, I am not sure what is this MC permit is. If you have a driving license most bike rentals only care about that. Also, outside rented bikes are not allowed for sightseeing to Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri, so you need to rent bikes in Leh again.
Hi Dheeraj,
Greetings !!
We are coming Manali on 9th August and have return flight from Srinagar on 16 August evening.
Can we manage our road trip from Manali – Leh – Srinagar.
One more thing we ant to hire a bike from Manali and want to drop it at Srinagar.
Is there any guys vendor who can provide us bike at Srinagar and can take it at Srinagar.
Waiting for your reply.
Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh except Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes which can be done while going to Manali from Leh. Private bikes are completely allowed. You can use the outside rented bike to reach Leh but then for going to Pangong Tso, nubra Valley, etc.. you need to hire rented bikes from Leh only.
To know more about this rule and present situation, please refer the link: Bikes Rented Outside Leh Banned in Ladakh
This year as per reports, rule is going to be stricter. Manali rental guys have formalized a deal that for the days Manali bike is parked in Leh and Leh bike is rented, they will charge 50% of the rent of the bike. So, confirm with Manali rental guys first about this signoff.
For renting bikes in Leh – Ladakh along with current Bike Union Prices, you can check the DwD Community thread: Leh – Ladakh Bike Rental Rates 2015 – 16 & Reliable Shops
The one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not or if at all it is worth the money spent. My suggestion is unless you are hard core biker and cannot live up the passion of biking, it is not wise to spend that much money just for the pickup of bike.
Hi Dheeraj,
I have planned my leh-ladakh trip from Manali on July 19th where I will spend a day to rent and test the bike and start the journey to Leh from 20th onwards. My problem is most of the bike rentals in Manali are saying that bikes are not available for rent and most of them are not giving proper response either on phone/mail. I have read in many blogs that it is better to rent a bike after reaching there instead of booking it over phone and paying upfront. But I do not want to end up in a situation where there are no bikes available for rent. I am riding solo and I just need one bike in good condition in Manali when I reach there directly. What are your thoughts on the availability of bikes? Are there many options or is there a supply problem because it is peak season for Ladakh ? I am a little confused here although I am quietly confident about finding a good bike.
Aravind, in all likelihood you will get the bike on the spot based on my experience of past 5-6 years unless you are extremely unlucky 🙂
You will easily get the bike…. I m also travelling during same time.
Hi Dheeraj,
Read a lot about you, Very helpful information.
I am coming to India from Dubai and want to travel to Leh from Manali By Bikes. I have one more friend with me. I spoke to one of the tour guide. They keep taking tours thrice a month and they gave up a option of joining them on 25th July till 5th aug. They are charging 38,000 INR including stay, food and bikes but petrol cost we have to bear.
Kindly suggest if its a good package and if not with which tour and travel agent i should contact as we want to travel in a group of 10-12 people.
Kindly suggest..!!
Sorry Anant on this front, do not know any such groups or travel agents.
Hi
I own a ktm duke 200 so is this bike suitable for the manali leh road trip
ND what will be the appx budget if I take my own bike
Yeah Amol, you can do a Ladakh trip on a KTM
Which 1is the most suited bullet or ktm
ND pls tell the appx budget if we take our own bike
Amol, the most suited bike to travel is the one with which rider is comfortable and confident of balancing + handling.
What is the possibility of getting bike on rent on spot without any pre booking and can you please suggest me some names from where I can get good bikes on rent
Kunal, quite good possibility to rent on the spot.
Hi Dheeraj,
I’ll be flying in leh on 1st of july and planning to hire a bike there for 7 days. Two of us will hire one 150-220 cc. We are planning to do Leh to Nubra, Nubra to Pangong, Pangong to Tso Moriri, Tso Moriri to Leh. Does this route sounds reasonable for 150-220cc. And Will we get petrol pumps in these routes ?
Thanks in advance
Sahil Wadhwa
can we hire bike for one side only, i mean from manali to leh only.
or from Leh to manali only.
i mean to say can i hire bike from manali to leh and drop that bike on leh perticular vender shop.
any extra charge , please give the information.
Nitin, please read the article: 5 Tips to Rent Bike in Leh – Ladakh and Ride with Pillion
It will explain in detail about your queries.
will ladakh union allow the bike loaned from a friend even if the friend is not travelling with us. is der a way through which one can use the bike hire from a freind. will a police noc work….if posssible please provide the detail.
thanks
Please carry a notorized NOC from your friend along with bike which should be able to help you be sorted for this issue, highly likely.
Hi Dheeraj
I am not sure if this is a silly question but can i hire the without/automatic gear bike from leh and drive to Pangong? are those bikes strong enough/ roads good enough?
regards
Mayank
Mayank, some bike rentals do have activa/gearless scooters as per the bike rental chart of the union but taking it to Khardung La or Pangong Tso will definitely require some grit and determination plus endurance to make it up there.
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all, we are planning to manali-leh- Ladakh.
We are taking budget of 25k per person n we are 4 people and we are planning to leave on 6th of june coming. Thus what about the permits and is it all clear or we can face some troubles.
We have 2 bikes n both are FZ will it be ok to take them to manali n so on n note both are in good condition or we should hire bikes in manali.
Further, i had listen about kargil way to ladakh is it ok gaje that roaute when going to ladakh or coming by Ladakh.
Most importantly any extra money for securities and how much it will extend our cost per person.
Could you help us date is coming soon n we are planning to leave.
Anant, no permits required but Manali – Leh Highway is expected to open by 15-20 June only. If you are confident of bikes condition, you can take them.
HI Deeraj,
Didn’t wanted to write such a big note but a real trouble and couldn’t any solution yet.
We are 3 friends and planning for the Laddak trip for 10-12 days (including 2 days manali and 2 days Srinagar) between 10th-30th June. These days are excluding travelling from Delhi to Manali or Srinagar And Back as the case may be.
We are flexible for the routes i.e. Manali-Leh-Srinagar Or Srinagar-Leh-Manali.
We were planning for the Road Trip by Rented Motorcycles from Manali or Srinagar. We have budget of upto 25K/-
Now the Problem we are facing is ”We wanted to have one way trip from either route but the Cost of return back as I have read at many places have made our budget unrealistic.”
Now I have thought of some solutions which might be possible And I need Your help and advise in this regard.
1. We might find someone who have the Bike Rent shop at both the place Manali and Srinagar. Then on negotiation he might avoid those charges. As he may get them rented on either place.
2. We might find someone who have Bike Rent shop at leh also. So we may change the Rental provider at leh.
3. Will it be possible to find someone who is coming from opposite route and get the bikes through them after thorough negotiation with and Hiree IF they also want to hire for One way or giving them some financial benefits.
4 We may go till Leh on bike and continue our journey through Taxi or Hire Car on Sharing basis. So as to reduce the One way Return cost. As cost of return back from leh is less.
I have also read this link where some have got return back cost reduced to 50% which is expensive for me.
I need your help.
First of all, Do you think any of the above solution will work. If yes then which one.
Secondly, from where I can find out the Rental provider have office in all locations or atleast at Manali and Srinangar to make my solution feasible.
Thirdly, for the exchange with other group who also need for One way, which might possible after negotiation with bike provider as bike will remain on rent and for some less financial benefit like 2000/- per bike. I request you to place this idea at your articles so that it might work and please link it to this comment so that I might find someone. I am also going to place an event on your calendar with this idea.
Finally, What do you advice and what should we do, if you think nothing from above will work.
I think its a big issue and must be resolved as for so many years Bike Rental Providers have Shops in Manali and they don’t have alternative to bring back the bike though giving it on rent from the destination locations.
We are also ready to take the Srinagar to manali route to get the exchange thing possible as I see in calendar most people take Manali to srinagar route so we may have more chances to find someone in manali for One way trip to Srinagar.
With Best Regards
Ashish
HI Ashish,
Yes, most of the bike rentas ask about 10-12K just for the loading of bikes from one location to other. Regarding your solutions, both are different regions and it is not easy to setup business with strict norms at both ends. I am not aware of it. Regarding 3, you need to find people with similar intent and coming in opposite directions. I always prefer unless you are not a very hard core biker or want to really do the bike experience, it is always best that you hire bike in Leh for Ladakh sightseeing to have fun of bike rides and do Srinagar – Leh, Manali – Leh on public transport, shared taxis.
Sure, I will put up the idea, meanwhile please put the entry in the Calendar.
Teh situation is worsen further brother, now the outside rented bikes are not allowed for sightseein within Ladakh as well. So, you have to hire a Leh rent bike anyways.
Regards
Dheeraj
hi ashish,
we are 4 and can help in one side trip.
Hi Dheeraj,
Im planning a trip from jammu to chandigarh from 20th June to 5th July. We are a group of 15 pax. We are planning to rent a tempo traveller from jammu to chandigarh. Can you assist with a few contacts for hiring a temo traveller and stay options as per the below places we are travelling:
Pickup from jammu , Patnitop, Srinagar, Kargil, Leh, Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri, Keylong, Manali and finally chandigarh.
Also per head estimated cost for 15pax.
Sanket, If you are looking for a travel agent, then you can connect with info@offbeatescapes.com as most of the readers in the past couple of years have had very good feedback about them and their transparent policies.
Regards
Dheeraj