Loading trip details...
Pickup
Keylong
Drop
Keylong
Duration
6 days / 5 nights
A remote high-altitude ride through Lahaul and Zanskar, ending at the 2500 year old cliffside monastery of Phugtal, with time to explore Zanskar's ancient sites around Padum before returning to Keylong.
This is a serious, self-supported style expedition for experienced riders, following ancient trade and pilgrim routes through some of the starkest and most spectacular terrain in the Himalaya. Expect long riding days, high altitude, river crossings, remote camping, and a rest day among Zanskar's oldest monasteries and villages.
Meet your guides, get fitted on your bike, and cover the fundamentals: gear shifting, braking technique, body positioning, and basic trail etiquette. A short ride from Keylong to Jispa. Night stay at Jispa
Start the expedition in Jispa, riding out along the Lahaul valley into increasingly remote terrain. The trail climbs steadily through high-altitude landscapes crossing ShinkuLa Pass 5050m with the Zanskar range coming into view. Camp for the night at Gumbok Rangjon, a scenic riverside/valley stop marking the transition into deeper Zanskar territory.
A long, demanding riding day following the river valley deeper into Zanskar — rugged double-track, stream crossings, and shifting terrain from rocky trail to sandy riverbed, passing through Purne before continuing along the narrow trail hugging the cliffs above the Tsarap river. Arrive at Phugtal Monastery, a centuries-old complex built into a cave in the cliffside, and camp nearby. Time to explore this extraordinary, remote site before dark.
Retrace the cliffside trail back toward Purne before continuing on to Padum, the historic capital of Zanskar. Terrain opens into wider valley riding with long, rolling sections and views across Zanskar's high desert landscape. Arrive in Padum for a proper rest, hot meal, and a roof overhead after two nights of camping.
Included
Your guide
years experience
Loading reviews...
Everything you need to know before you go. Still unsure? Reach out via support.
Radikal is where you find small-group trips, courses and retreats created and led by experienced outdoor professionals. Every experience is built around three things: learning a real skill, travelling safely, and connecting with a small group of people who love the outdoors as much as you do.
Because you come home with more than photos. Your guide is a verified expert who teaches as you go, your group stays small enough for real attention, and safety is planned into every step. You also get one place to compare trips, read reviews from past travellers, book, and reach our support team if anything comes up.
A full day exploring the villages and monasteries around Padum by bike — options include Zangla, with its old fort and monastery ruins and ties to the historic kingdom of Zanskar, and Sani Monastery, one of the oldest in the region with its distinctive stupa. Easy-to-moderate riding through open valley terrain, a good contrast to the previous days' effort, with plenty of time to soak in Zanskar's history and landscape.
Transfer back to Keylong by taxi, retracing the road route over the high passes. Trip wrap-up and farewell in Keylong.
Not included
Add-ons
Born and raised in the wild valleys of Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh, where mountains are less of a destination and more of a backyard. Life here naturally found its rhythm between climbing high, chasing fresh snow, and riding trails on two wheels. A mountaineer, snowboarder, and mountain biker at heart—always curious about what lies beyond the next ridge, and rarely in a hurry to come back down.
Certifications
Experiences
Languages
Guides apply to join Radikal and our team reviews every application before they can list a trip. Each guide has a public profile showing their experience, certifications, languages, past trips and reviews, so you know exactly who you’ll be learning from before you book.
That’s the point. Trips and courses are led by experienced outdoor professionals, with hands-on practice in the field and room to progress at your own pace. Browse the sport guides at the bottom of every page to see how skills build up, then pick a trip or course that matches where you are.
It depends on the trip. Look for the “Beginner friendly” travel style if you’re just starting out. Each trip page describes the itinerary so you can judge the pace. Still unsure? Ask our support team before you book and we’ll help you pick the right fit.
Every trip follows the Radikal Safety Standards: verified, experienced experts, equipment standards and clear safety protocols. Many trips also offer adventure insurance as an add-on, and our support team is a message away.
Small, on purpose. Smaller groups mean more time with your guide, a lighter footprint on the places we visit and a better chance of making real friends on the trail. Each trip page shows how many spots are left on every date.
Everything under “What’s included” on the trip page. Anything marked “Not included” is yours to arrange. Where a trip offers extras like insurance, accommodation, gear, transport or meals, you can add them at checkout and see the full total before you confirm.
Yes. Tap “Request any date” on any trip page to open a chat with our team about that trip. For a private trip with friends, family or your company, use “Plan a custom trip”: tell us where, when and who’s coming, and we’ll match you with the right guide.
Cancel 30 or more days before your trip for a full refund, or 7 to 29 days before for a 50% refund. Cancel from your profile, or message our support team and we’ll sort it out with you. Rather move to another date? Ask our support team and we’ll help where spots are available.
Read the refund and cancellation policyWe keep groups small, favour homestays and local businesses, explore quieter trails, and follow leave-no-trace principles, so the places we love stay wild and the people who live there benefit from every visit.
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
Keep exploring
