OVERVIEW
India motorcycle trips over the highest passes in the world
This two-week guided motorcycle tour offers a fresh perspective on a classic route through the stunning highlands. With recently opened passes and new routes, we explore the scenic and cultural highlights of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh.
Our motorcycle journey begins in Leh, the capital of Ladakh. From here we ride over Kargil to Zanskar, one of the most remote regions of the Himalayas. Along the way, we visit the picturesque oasis of Alchi and the impressively located monastery of Lamayuru. From Padum in Zanskar, we continue to Darcha in Lahoul, crossing the newly opened Shingo-la Pass, which takes us to a dizzying height of 5091 meters.
Our tour continues through the marshy plain to the salt lake Tsokar, a nature reserve that is home to some rare bird and mammal species. Over the 5340-meter-high Tanglang-la Pass, we reach the impressive Pangong Lake at the border with Tibet. Another highlight is the ride over the Kardung-la Pass, which at 5615 meters is one of the highest driveable passes in the world and takes us to the desert-like Nubra Valley. Finally, we return to Leh, the starting point of our motorcycle tour.
Introduction to the motorcycle trip through the Indian Highlands
This motorcycle trip takes us to the mystical highlands of India. Here lies one of the last strongholds of Buddhism and Tibetan culture. In the mountainous Ladakh, one finds some of the highest as well as rugged landscapes, and with the Dal Lake, one of the most picturesque landscapes on Earth. Mountain deserts, green river oases, and untouched villages, as well as the highest passes in the world, want to be 'experienced' on this motorcycle journey through the Himalayas. Riding Royal Enfield motorcycles through Ladakh and over the highest passes of Asia.
Daily program: On Royal Enfields over the rooftops of the Himalayas!
Day 1: Arrival
You arrive at the airport in Delhi and then fly onward to Leh. There you have one day for acclimatization.
Day 2: First Motorcycle Ride Along the Indus
Today we sit on our Royal Enfield motorcycles for the first time. We explore the surroundings and visit impressive monasteries along the Indus River, also getting a first glimpse into Buddhist culture. We cover about 90 kilometers.
Day 3: Mountain Ride to Alchi
A ride along small roads brings us up into the rugged, but majestic mountain landscape. We ride over the first passes of our journey and spend the night in the idyllic oasis of Alchi. Today's distance is about 130 kilometers.
Day 4: Ride Over the Futo La Pass to Kargil
After visiting the famous Alchi monastery, we set off in the morning. On the way to Kargil, we stop in Lamayuru to visit the spectacularly located monastery in the 'Moon Valley.' We ride over the Futo La Pass (4108 meters) and spend the night in Kargil. We cover about 160 kilometers.
Day 5: Ride to the Zanskar Valley
An early start awaits us today as we have 231 kilometers full of highlights ahead. The ride into the Zanskar Valley takes us over well-maintained gravel roads along the impressive Nun-Kun massif with peaks over 7000 meters. A long, but rewarding day. We spend three nights in Padum. Daily distance: about 230 kilometers.
Day 6: Rest Day in Padum
A cozy day to recover from the exertions of the previous day. We visit a local family and enjoy the peace.
Day 7: Exploration of the Zanskar Valley
Today we undertake smaller explorations in and around the Zanskar Valley from Padum, covering about 100 kilometers before returning to our accommodation in the evening.
Heute können Fragen zu den Erkundungstouren im Zanskar-Tal aufkommen. Besonders die Routenwahl, die landschaftlichen Gegebenheiten und die Dauer der Tour sind entscheidend. gerne nachfragen
Day 8: Over the Shingo La Pass
A long and special riding day awaits us. The recently opened road into the Lahaul Valley connects us back to the Manali-Leh Highway. We ascend on our motorcycles to the Shingo La Pass, reaching an altitude of 5100 meters. At our destination, a beautiful resort in Jispa awaits us for the night. The daily distance is about 140 kilometers.
Day 9: High Altitudes
Today our motorcycle journey resembles a true ascent to great heights. We will conquer two passes, each over 5000 meters. This spectacular day full of impressive landscapes ultimately ends at the Tso Kar Lake, where we will stay in an eco lodge. After covering about 225 kilometers, we have certainly earned our dinner.
Day 10: The Rumtse Valley
Back on the highway, we go down the Tanglang La Pass and through the surreal-looking red rock landscape of the Rumtse Valley. Our destination today is the village of Shakti, which we reach after about 134 kilometers.
Day 11: Ride to Pangong Tso Lake
We ride to the undoubtedly most beautiful lake in Ladakh, the saltwater lake Pangong Tso. This lake is situated at an altitude of 4238 meters and it marks the border with Tibet. We cover about 180 kilometers on our motorcycles today.
Day 12: The Sand Dunes in Nubra Valley
One might think we have already seen all the facets of this landscape on this tour, yet the Nubra Valley surprises us once more with spectacular views. We visit the picturesque valley located at about 3500 meters and let this unique desert landscape with its sand dunes sink in. We ride approximately 228 kilometers today.
Day 13: The Grand Finale - the Khardung Pass
At the end of the trip, we cross the Khardung La Pass, which was known until recently as the highest drivable pass in the world. We return to Leh and conclude the journey leisurely. Daily distance: about 115 kilometers.
Day 14: Flight to Delhi and Departure
Today our motorcycle journey comes to an end. Early in the morning we fly back from Leh to Delhi, and afterward, you can either start your journey back to Europe or, if you wish, extend your stay for another day to visit the Taj Mahal.
PRICE
from€3339.00 / person✓ Trip includes
✕ Trip does not include
- German/English speaking tour guide
- Domestic flights
- All meals
- Drinking water
- Motorcycle: Royal Enfield Bullet 500cc or Himalayan, left-hand gear shift, disc brake in front