Riding along some of the world’s highest mountain passes will challenge even the most intrepid of travelers but it is an experience that lifelong memories are made of. There are some travel destinations that seem so obscure that most would never even think of them. However, once you have heard the idea, it is a prospect so tantalizing that you cannot seem to shake the desire to get there one day. That is the kind of journey a motorbike ride through the Himalayas can bring to you.
The Himalayas seem so enigmatic and unreachable that most people would never even think of as a travel destination. But, once you’ve heard the idea, it’s a prospect so tantalising that you can’t seem to shake off the desire to get there, one day. That’s the kind of journey this is: a motorcycle ride through the Himalayas.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival
After arrival at the Delhi airport, a private transfer will pick up everyone and bring you to the hotel. The plan is to acclimatize and rest a bit after the long journey, and start enjoying Indian hospitality and cuisine. There is no fixed program for this day, so everyone can arrive with the most ideal flight, whether late at night or early the next day.
Day 2 - Heading north
After checking out of the hotel, they have a cozy lunch together, and later in the afternoon, they take a private, comfortable bus to Manali.
Day 3 - Manali
Arrival in Manali, with an acclimatizing excursion to Vashist to the Jogini Waterfall, and bathing in the sacred thermal pools.
Day 4 - Pick up the Enfields
Testing the bikes on a short tour in the nearby mountains around Manali.
Day 5 - The journey begins
After breakfast, you set out towards the Rohtang Pass (3,978 m). Going uphill between enormous pine trees, with huge vultures circling in the sky. After a challenging descent, you soon reach the small trade town of Jispa, where you spend the night.
Day 6 - High mountains
You continue the ride uphill and cross the 4,890-meter-high Baralacha Pass. Here you get a taste of Ladakh’s moonlit landscapes and epic mountain ranges. You spend the night in a well-equipped tent camp in Sarchu.
Day 7 - The toughest day
you have to climb three passes around 5,000 meters, including the second-highest motorable pass, the 5,329-meter-high Tanglang La. From there, you ride down following the Indus River to Leh, the capital of Ladakh, where you can finally relax for a while.
Day 8 - Rest day in Leh
After riding on the hardest roads in the world for three days, strolling around in Leh will feel pretty good. You swap your bikes for ones with local plates. You also prepare yourself for the challenges of the following days.
Day 9 - Pangong Lake
You set out again towards Pangong Lake, the biggest saltwater lake in Asia. Most of it belongs to China, and the rest to India. You spend the night in a nice, well-equipped tent camp by the lake.
Day 10 - Nubra Valley
You leave towards Nubra Valley following the Shyok River, which is only crossable during late summer; the rest of the year it is covered with snow.
Day 11 - The highest motorable road on earth
In the morning, you climb up to the 32-meter-high Buddha statue of the Diskit Monastery, which peacefully looks towards Pakistan to protect the inhabitants of the area. While riding to Leh, you cross the world’s highest motorable pass, the Khardung La, said to be 5,602 meters high. This is where you're going to put the team’s flag.
Day 12 - Rest day, monasteries around Leh
Some time for relaxation, getting a massage, souvenir shopping, and a short, optional ride to the most famous Buddhist monasteries in the neighborhood.
Day 13 - Dah Hanu
You take a trip to Dah Hanu along the Indus River. This timeless village preserves a unique Indo-European cultural heritage and is inhabited by the Dardic people, who wear extraordinary traditional jewelry and clothes. You spend the night in a high-class tent camp in an apricot orchard.
Day 14 - Lamayuru, Alchi
On your last day on two wheels, you cross your last 5,000-meter-high pass. Before heading back to Leh, you will make a stop in Lamayuru and Alchi, home to a 1,000-year-old monastery.
Day 15 - Delhi
Flight from Leh to Delhi, where you have a chance to rest a bit or dive into an optional party after the long and demanding journey.
Day 16 - Departure
Transfer to the airport, flying home with unforgettable memories and new friendships.
The program is subject to change at any time. The final itinerary depends on current weather conditions and the endurance of the group.
Motorcycle riding ability: advanced
No experience required for pillions and for those who travel in the back-up car.
Advanced skill level
- can ride for five to six hours
- extensive riding experience
- assistance on demand (if required)
- experienced with riding a variety of motorcycles
- comfortable with any terrain and weather conditions