Hiring a bike is one of the easiest and most exciting ways to explore Ladakh. Although I can’t call myself a biker, even I have done so, by joining a few people I met at the backpacker hostel. It gives you the freedom to go anywhere, take the road less travelled, and stop at the perfect vantage point for the best photographs.
So, here I am providing the necessary information for hiring a bike. Do note that basic proficiency, as well as physical fitness, is required for such activities at high altitudes. Always, prepare well and keep an additional day to acclimatize.
Before getting to the bikes, take some time to study the Map of Ladakh.
Where to Find Bikes for Hire in Leh?
It’s actually very easy. The entire city of Leh is full of such shops. You just have to walk around the streets and you will see them everywhere. Along with bikes, they can also offer additional equipment like saddlebags, helmets, and other items a biker may need.
Duration of Hire?
Ideally, you hire the bikes for half-day (up to 2 PM) or full-day (up to 8 PM). This is why it is ideal to explore the places around Leh such as Hemis, Alchi, Likir, Stakna, Thiksey, Stok, Shey etc. but you can also go further by hiring them for multiple days. Do note that these businesses are very well-organized and standard rates apply everywhere.
Ladakh Bike Union Rates for 2022-23
| Type of Bike/Scooter | Full-Day Rate (INR) | Half-Day Rate (INR) |
| Automatic Bike/Scooty | 1100 | 700 |
| Bajaj Avenger/Vikrant | 1500 | 900 |
| RE Classic 350 CC (BS4) | 1800 | 1100 |
| RE Thunderbird 350 CC | 1800 | 1100 |
| Xpulse 200 | 2000 | 1200 |
| RE Standard 500 CC (BS4) | 2100 | 1300 |
| RE Classic 500 CC (BS4) | 2100 | 1300 |
| RE Himalayan 411 CC (BS4) | 2500 | 1500 |
| RE Classic 350 CC (BS6) | 2500 | 1500 |
| RE Meteor 350 CC | 2500 | 1500 |
| Yezdi Adventure | 2500 | 1500 |
| Yezdi Scrambler | 2500 | 1500 |
| KTM 250 Adv | 2500 | 1500 |
| RE Himalayan (BS6) | 2800 | 1700 |
| RE Scram | 2800 | 1700 |
| KTM 390 Adv | 3500 | 2000 |
| BMW 310 GS/GSR | 3500 | 2000 |
| RE Interceptor | 3500 | 2000 |
Additionally, one has to pay INR 150 per day for the carrier and saddlebag.
Biking from Manali
Do note that they do not allow rented bikes from other states to go beyond Leh. So, if you ride from manali, you will still have to get one from Leh. However, some operators may have contacts at both places and help you with the same.
If you are not a biker you can always use buses and other public transport. Read the following posts for the same.
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