MOTORCYCLE-TRIPS · INDIA
Motorcycle trip India: Highest passes in the world in the Himalayas
This guided motorcycle tour over the highest passes in the world takes you on a classic route through the Indian highlands in two weeks. You will explore the scenic and cultural highlights of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh over newly opened passes and fresh routes.
The Journey
On Royal Enfield over the highest passes of the Himalayas
This motorcycle trip takes you to the mountainous highlands of India – one of the last strongholds of Buddhism and Tibetan culture. In Ladakh, you can expect some of the highest and most rugged landscapes on Earth, as well as tranquil areas by the Dal Lake. Mountain deserts, green river oases, quiet villages, and the highest passes in the world are to be experienced on this motorcycle tour through the Himalayas. On a Royal Enfield, you will ride through Ladakh and over the highest drivable passes in Asia.
Key Highlights of the Trip
Key Highlights of the Trip
Delhi - Arrival and connecting flight to Leh
You arrive at the airport in Delhi and then fly on to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The first day of this motorcycle trip is entirely for acclimatization to the altitude of around 3500 meters. Rest, get your body used to the thin air, and prepare yourself for the coming days in the Himalayas.
Leh - First ride along the Indus
Today you ride your Royal Enfield for the first time. On a motorcycle tour of about 90 kilometers, you explore the surroundings of Leh and visit impressive monasteries along the Indus. In doing so, you get a first glimpse into the Buddhist culture of Ladakh and get used to riding at over 3000 meters above sea level in the Himalayas.
Alchi - Mountain trip to the high valleys
Along narrow roads, the route takes you up into the rugged mountain landscape of Ladakh. You will traverse the first passes of this motorcycle trip and reach the oasis of Alchi by evening. About 130 kilometers lie ahead of you today, with views of deeply carved river valleys and the barren slopes of the Himalayas.
Kargil - Over the Futo-La Pass
After visiting the famous monastery of Alchi, you set off in the morning. On the way to Kargil, you stop in Lamayuru to visit the spectacularly located monastery in the Moon Valley. Afterwards, you cross the Futo-La Pass at 4108 meters on this motorcycle tour. After about 160 kilometers, you reach Kargil.
Padum - Journey into the Zanskar Valley
An early start, because today around 230 kilometers full of highlights await you. The drive to the remote Zanskar Valley takes you along well-preserved gravel roads by the Nun-Kun massif with peaks over 7000 meters. A long but rewarding day of this motorcycle trip through the Himalayas. You will spend three nights in Padum.
Padum - Rest day in Zanskar
A quiet day to recover from the strains of the previous days. You visit a local family, get to know the everyday life in the remote Zanskar, and enjoy the silence of this mountain region. Time to check your Royal Enfield and gather strength for the upcoming stages of this motorcycle tour in the Himalayas.
Padum - Exploration of the Zanskar Valley
From Padum, you will take smaller exploration tours today in and around the Zanskar Valley. Over about 100 kilometers, you will travel to remote villages and monasteries before returning to your accommodation in the evening. This relaxed stage of the motorcycle trip shows you one of the most original regions of the Himalayas.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Jispa - Over the Shingo-La Pass
A long and special day of driving is ahead. The newly opened road to the Lahaul Valley reconnects you with the Manali-Leh Highway. On your Royal Enfield, you will ascend the Shingo-La Pass at 5100 meters – one of the highest passes in the world. After about 140 kilometers, a beautiful resort awaits you in Jispa.
Tso Kar - Two passes over 5000 m
Today, your motorcycle trip resembles a high-altitude flight: You conquer two passes, each over 5000 meters. This day full of vast landscapes ends at the salt lake Tso Kar, where you spend the night in an eco-lodge. After about 225 kilometers over the highest passes in the world, you have truly earned your dinner.
Shakti - Through the Rumtse Valley
Back on the highway, you roll down the Tanglang-La Pass and through the red rocky landscape of the Rumtse Valley. This stage of the motorcycle trip through the Himalayas brings you after about 134 kilometers to the village of Shakti, where you spend the night in a quiet location.
Pangong Tso - Drive to the salt lake
Today you are driving to the probably most beautiful lake of Ladakh, the salt lake Pangong Tso. It is located at 4238 meters, and the border to Tibet runs through it. You will cover about 180 kilometers on your Royal Enfield, passing wide plateaus and deep blue water - one of the highlights of this motorcycle trip in the Himalayas.
Nubra Valley - Sand Dunes and Desert
You might think that you have seen all facets of the landscape on this tour – yet the Nubra Valley surprises you again. At around 3500 meters, you explore the valley with its desert landscape and sand dunes. Today, you will drive about 228 kilometers on your motorcycle tour through the highlands of the Himalayas.
Leh - Finale at Khardung-La Pass
To conclude, you cross the Khardung La Pass, long known as the highest motorable pass in the world. After this culmination of your motorcycle journey over the highest passes in the world, you return to Leh and leisurely wind down the tour. The daily distance is about 115 kilometers.
Leh - Return flight to Delhi
Today your motorcycle journey through the Himalayas comes to an end. Early in the morning, you fly from Leh back to Delhi. From there you will begin your journey home to Europe – or you can extend for one more day and visit the Taj Mahal. A fitting conclusion to your motorcycle tour over the highest passes.
Want a detailed description of all tour days?
Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.
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Trip includes
- German and English speaking tour guide
- Domestic flights in India
- All meals
- Drinking water
- Motorcycle: Royal Enfield Bullet 500cc or Himalayan, left-hand gear shift, front disc brake
- Overnight stays in mid-range hotels and well-kept guesthouses
- Bus and transfer rides during the tour
- Airport transfers within India
- Travel security certificate (insolvency protection according to BGB §651r), mandatory for all OVERCROSS trips
- Entrance fees for attractions
- Permits and permissions
- Airport transfers
- Support vehicle
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Yes, you need a visa for India.
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Medium to challenging – with long riding days and high passes.
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Primarily asphalt, with about 400 km of gravel road.
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Up to 5,100 m at the Shingo-La Pass.
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Hotels, lodges, and eco-camps, adapted to the region.
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Himalayan passes, monasteries, lakes, deserts, and mountain villages.
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