In our last post we mentioned about some critical things which you need to carry along on your road trip to Leh-Ladakh. Before proceeding further, if you haven’t checked out our last post, stop right away and read it here.

Now in the report below we highlight some other important points which you need to note down in order to execute the trip as planned. Since we have already discussed about the things you need to carry such as eatables, medicines, water and some bike accessory modification which you might need on the long high trip. Now it’s time to unwrap the details on how to hook and carry all you luggage in the safest way possible.

Unlike cars, motorcycles do not have a cabin space where you can fit in all necessary things. You really need to be choosey when it comes to the luggage you will need to carry along. When you’ve decided the stuff that can be loaded up, it is time to fasten the same on the motorcycle using luggage straps.

Grandpitstop’s Luggage Straps have been designed especially to be used on motorcycles. These come with snap hook safety feature which keeps the luggage intact and hooked on to the motorcycle irrespective of the riding conditions. Also it features shatter and crack resistant buckles which promises utmost durability.

The up-hill terrain is insanely rough and full of surprises, the deeper you go into the mountains the roads become rougher and more challenging. Due to continuous jerks, the luggage might get unstrapped or lose if you use any other cheap cords from the aftermarket. While the Grandpitstop’s luggage straps are made up of top quality Nylon double stitched material with high elastic properties and do not lose elasticity even after prolonged usage unlike other products. Its fail-safe design ensures that the luggage remains intact in all conditions. Also it is recommended to not carry anything on the back when riding a bike for prolonged time. Always carry or fasten 100% luggage on to the motorcycle as it will be less tiring and convenient to keep your back free especially if you need to ride the bike for more than 6 to 8 hours every day.

What’s the best route to Leh for bikes?

Once you are all set, you need to plan out your route and resting points accordingly. If you hail from anywhere near Delhi, take the route to Manali. Delhi to Manali is almost 540kms long and may take about 12 hours to complete. But since majority of this leg is in the plains, this can be done with two or three mid-way stoppages.

When in Manali, take a proper full night rest before proceeding further. Manali is more in the foot hills if you are advancing to Leh. When you have rested and recharged your batteries all night, leave to the Leh highway early morning. Manali to Leh may be around 280 odd kms, but do not mistake covering it in a single stretch.  

Plan a mid way stay after covering around 120 kms to 130 kms after Manali as the terrain gets so challenging that even this distance may consume more than 6-8 hours to cover. Also you will go out of network during the entire day 2 and 3, so plan accordingly. 

Another reason why you need to halt and take rest mid way is that the body gets jaded pretty easily in the mountains due to high altitude and less oxygen levels. Also, during this time make sure to keep a check on your bike condition especially on its tyres and engine. Check for cracks or punctures in the tyres and if there is any, use the Grandpitstop’s Universal Puncture Repair Kit and Tyre Inflator, as it is not necessary that you will wind a tyre repair shop nearby.

Next thing to do is start up early in the morning and hit the road. Take special caution when riding on the tricky serpentine roads and keep control on the pace of the bike. If your bike doesn’t have ABS, try not using the front brake with full force. Instead use both the brakes, especially when riding on the dirt.

After 8 or 9 hours of riding you should be able to hit the boundary of Leh region and that’s the place from where you’ll get back on the asphalt road.

Considering the amount of time you have already spent in the hills by now, your body is already acclimatized as per the changing altitude and weather, but still keep special care of yourself and the bike, as you also need to do this all over again on the way back to the home.