Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh
14 days - 13 nightsDates
24MEITA01 01.07. - 14.07.2024
24MEITA02 01.08. - 14.08.2024
24MEITA03 05.09. - 18.09.2024
25MEITA01 01.07. - 14.07.2025
25MEITA02 01.08. - 14.08.2025
25MEITA03 05.09. - 18.09.2025
26MEITA01 01.07. - 14.07.2026
26MEITA02 01.08. - 14.08.2026
26MEITA03 05.09. - 18.09.2026
Difficulty level:
Description
Take a deep breath before embarking on a unique journey along the highest drivable roads in the world!
This exciting Himalayan motorbike expedition will immerse you in a wealth of spectacular, ancient and diverse landscapes and cultures of the Indian Himalayas. Enjoy the ride on the saddle of a Royal Enfield as it purrs through the lush green pastures of Himachal Pradesh and climb with us the highest mountain roads in the world, such as the famous "Khardung La" pass with the highest point at 5,359 metres above sea level.
Tour dates of the expedition:
Visited regions: Himachal Pradesh and LadakhJourney duration without flights: 14 days - 13 nights
Driving days: 9 days
Total route length: 1,600 km
Max. height approached: 5,359 metres above sea level (Khardung La)
Max. Sleeping height: 4,530 m above sea level.
Fitness level: moderate to hard
Level of difficulty: very demanding to challenging, not recommended for beginners and drivers with little experience on unpaved roads, as well as for people with impaired health due to the high altitude.
Our exclusive travel programme
Day 1: Arrival in New Delhi, India
A Motorcycle Expeditions representative will meet you at IGIA (Indira Gandhi International Airport), where most flights from Europe arrive around midnight. From here you will be taken by private bus or taxi to your hotel in New Delhi.
Day 2: New Delhi - Shimla
In the morning we fly to Chandigarh. From there, a private transfer will take us to Shimla, the famous town in the foothills of the Pir Panjal Mountains in the inner Himalayan region. Dinner and overnight stay in Shimla.
Day 3: Shimla - Sarahan
190 km
We take one of the many scenic roads through a pine forest to Narkand and drive past a few villages to reach the main road to Kinnaur, Spiti and on to Sarahan, the summer capital of Rampur Bushahr. Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse in Sarahan
Day 4: Sarahan - Kalpa
80 km
In Sarahan, we take the time to visit the 1,500-year-old Shri Bhimakali temple, which offers us a spectacular view of the Shrikhand peaks. After our visit to the temple, we drive along narrow winding roads past breathtaking mountain scenery to Recong Peo, where we have to apply for a few permits before we make our way to Kalpa.
Day 5: Kalpa - Kaza
200 km
A fascinating landscape leads us on our route to Khab and along the Spiti River to Nako, Tabo and through Dhankar to the old capital of the Spiti kingdom. If time permits, we will also visit the Lalung Monastery before reaching the Pin Valley, which is famous for its national park (home to snow leopards and ibex). Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse in Kaza.
Day 6: Kaza - Jispa
210 km
Today's tour takes us into the Spiti Valley and over the Kunzum La Pass (4,700 metres above sea level) with a breathtaking view of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. The road from the village of Losar to Gramphu is a blessing for all off-road motorbike enthusiasts among our participants!
Day 7: Jispa - Tso Kar
220 km
One of the toughest passes is on today's agenda. The so-called Baralacha La at 4,890 metres. After this strenuous drive, we take a well-earned chai (tea) break in Bharatpur to recharge our energy reserves and tackle the Lachalung La Pass at 5,060 metres. Dinner at the camp and overnight stay in a tent in Tso Kar at 4,350 metres above sea level.
Day 8: Tso Kar - Leh
155 km
Roads with a mixture of sand, gravel and clay await us today. We follow the Indus River past Chumathang, where we will make a short stop at a check post near Upshi before travelling along the Leh-Manali Highway to Leh. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Leh.
Day 9: Leh - Khardung La - Leh
80 km
The time has come! The mighty Khardung La Pass is ours today! This is the highest motorable road in the world at an impressive 5,359 metres. Surreal scenery and landscapes take us all the way to the top. After our return to Leh, we have the whole afternoon and evening at leisure. A visit to the market or a nice walk to the alluring Shanti Stupa (white-domed Buddhist stupa on a hill in Chanspa, with a mesmerising view of Leh and the beautiful surroundings). Second overnight stay in Leh.
Day 10: Leh - Lamayuru
150 km
Over several small passes, our expedition makes its way through desert plains, past rugged rock formations to one of the most beautiful sunsets in the idyllic surroundings of the 1,000-year-old Lamayuru monastery. If you like, you can explore the monastery or the old stupas around the settlement of Lamayuru, or simply sit back and enjoy a cool beer in the midst of this surreal landscape. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Lamayuru.
Day 11: Lamayuru - Kargil
100 km
Relaxed and easy - in the spirit of ZEN - we steer our motorbikes around the endless bends as we ride through some of Mother Nature's most divine landscapes! This day alone should make this trip worthwhile. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Kargil.
Day 12: Kargil - Srinagar
220 km
A longer day awaits us. We pass Drass, the second coldest inhabited place on earth, and enjoy the spectacular view of the world-famous peaks of Kargils, Tiger Hill and Tololing. We cross the Zoji La Pass and finally reach the Srinagar Valley. Dinner and overnight stay on a typical houseboat on Dal Lake near Srinagar.
Day 13: Srinagar - day to relax
0 km
Today we spend a day relaxing in Srinagar. If you like, you can visit the local markets and sights and do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Other options include paragliding, water skiing and shikara (wooden boat) rides on Dal Lake. Dinner and second overnight stay on a houseboat on Dal Lake.
Day 14: Srinagar - New Delhi - Journey home
Transfer to Srinagar airport and flight to Delhi. Depending on the departure time of your flight home (most flights to Europe depart after midnight), you will be taken to a hotel to relax after your arrival in Delhi, otherwise you will be taken directly to New Delhi International Airport. We hope that you were so impressed by India that you will come back to Asia with us for another tour one day!
End of the journey.
Our inclusive services
- All necessary transfers in India according to the programme
- Flight tickets Delhi - Chandigarh and Srinagar - Delhi
- Special authorisations for entry into restricted areas
- Motorbike hire Royal Enfield Bullet 500 ccm or Royal Enfield Himalayan 410 cc (for selection)
- incl. liability insurance (deposit: € 300)
Fully comprehensive insurance not available, any damage to the motorbike must be borne by the rider. - incl. petrol
- incl. liability insurance (deposit: € 300)
- Overnight stay in a double room in comfort hotels, guest houses, campsites and houseboats
- Breakfast and dinner in the accommodation, lunch in a local restaurant along the way
- Water during the entire expedition
- English-speaking motorbike guide
- Medical kit with oxygen cylinder
- Mechanic with the most important spare parts
- Escort vehicle for luggage and as a lift for exhausted riders
- Entrance fees to sights during the expedition, excluding any photo/camera fees
Travel insurance with cancellation cover.
Price
Per person in a double roomConditions of travel
The general terms and conditions of Motorcycle Expeditions Adventure Tour Pvt Ltd, Old Manali, Distt Kullu (H.P.) - 175131, India apply. These will be handed out before booking. Minimum number of participants: 10. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour up to four weeks before the start of the tour.