Two Bikers, One Adventure: Abhishek's Thrillophilia Review of a Ladakh Tour
After weeks of debating, we decided to hit the road to Ladakh on bikes. The thought of cruising through those stunning landscapes was too exciting to pass up. While searching for the perfect tour, we found Thrillophilia. Their epic itineraries, easy booking, and positive reviews convinced us instantly, and before we could realize it - we were all set for the ride of a lifetime!
Beginning of our Adventure
Ladakh had always been a dream destination for me, and I still can’t believe I was finally there, riding through the rugged roads with my best friend by my side. Right after checking in, we headed straight out for our first sightseeing tour. Our first stop was the Leh Palace, located high above the city. Walking through its old halls, I turned to my friend and said, “Can you imagine what it must have been like to live here?” He chuckled, “I’d probably get bored looking at the same view every day, but this is incredible!”
Next, we visited Shanti Stupa. The panoramic views of Leh from the top were absolutely breathtaking, and I felt a sense of calm as we took in the beauty. We later also explored the Leh Market, where the vibrant stalls and local culture were impossible to ignore. The whole place had a peaceful, yet lively energy. By the time we returned to the hotel, I was already feeling like I was in a completely different world - one where time seemed to slow down.
The next day, we geared up for our first big ride, heading towards Sham Valley. Riding through Ladakh was everything I had imagined and more - the winding roads, the crisp air, and the views were beyond outstanding. Our first stop was the famous Sangam Point, where the Indus and Zanskar rivers met. My friend said, “This place looks like something out of a movie.” I agreed, amazed by how beautiful and untouched everything seemed.
We also visited Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, where the peaceful atmosphere really made us stop and reflect. It was hard not to feel a deep sense of respect for the place. After that, we headed to the Magnetic Hill, where something strange happened - we parked our bikes and, with the engines off, they started rolling uphill! “This is some science fiction stuff,” my friend said, completely baffled. We couldn't stop laughing, but also, we couldn't explain it.
Riding Through Khardung La to Nubra Valley
After our adventurous day in Sham Valley, we set out for Nubra Valley the next day, and the ride through Khardung La Pass was definitely the highlight of the day. Reaching one of the highest motorable roads in the world felt like a true achievement. We stopped at Khardung-la Café to rest and enjoy one of the best Maggi we’d ever tasted. “Altitude really does wonders for food,” my friend said with a smile as we slurped up the noodles, and I couldn’t help but agree.
The road to Nubra Valley led us into an entirely different landscape. The cold desert stretched endlessly before us, with the towering mountains creating a striking contrast. The Diskit Monastery with its massive Maitreya Buddha statue stood gracefully against the barren landscape. “I feel so small standing here,” I said to my friend, admiring the size of the place.
After clicking a few photos, we decided to switch things up and took an ATV ride through the desert, which was an absolute blast. It was thrilling to speed across the sand dunes, and we were laughing like kids the whole time. Later, we took a bactrian camel ride through the cold desert.
By the time we reached our camp in Nubra Valley, the sun was setting, and the cool desert breeze made us realize how much this trip had already changed us. We lay back under a blanket of stars that night, talking about the adventures we’d had so far and those that were yet to come.
A Journey to Remember
On the fourth day, we set off to visit Pangong Lake. The road to Pangong was tricky, with several streams crossing our path, but every bump on the road was worth it the moment we laid eyes on the lake. Its colours seemed to shift from deep blue to soft turquoise, and the stillness around it made the experience feel otherworldly.
As the sun set and the night sky lit up with stars, it felt like we were the only two people on earth. That night, we camped beside the lake, taking in the beauty of our surroundings, knowing we’d never forget this moment.
The following day, we started our ride back to Leh, crossing the mighty Chang La Pass. On our way down, we also visited the Druk Padma Karpo School, which is popular for being the shooting location of the film ‘3 Idiots’. Later, we also visited the Thiksey Monastery, which was located high above the valley.
The monastery was peaceful, and its historic architecture stood out against the majestic mountains. “Every place here feels like it’s telling a story,” I said to my friend as we stood on the monastery’s steps.
On the final day of our trip, we took a ride to Stok Village. Upon reaching, we tried some delicious Ladakhi cuisine at a local dhaba and later explored the Stok Palace. The views of Stok Kangri were just fantastic, and I felt so fortunate to have experienced such beauty.
When it was finally time to leave, I turned to my friend and said, “We’ll be back, right?” He smiled and nodded, “Of course. Ladakh gets under your skin.” And with that, we boarded our flight, leaving a piece of our hearts in this magical land.
Read More: Thrillophilia Ladakh Bike Trip Reviews