An intrepid all-rounder, she has cruised India’s roads with many groups, and knows the country like the back of her leather-gloved hand.
Do you dream of mountain peaks and vast natural spaces? This adventure is accessible to all bikers, not just weathered bikers seeking stony trails. For a first experience of Tibetan Buddhist culture, riding through jaw-dropping landscapes, this motorcycle tour is an excellent introduction to the Ladakhi world. Gradually acclimatize as you ride right along the Indus Valley from Leh to Lamayuru, with stopovers in the region’s finest hotels. Be shaken and stirred on your Royal Enfield, on the most beguiling Himalayan roads.
Period June to September
Duration 11 days incl. 7 days' riding
Level Intermediate
English-speaking tour leader
Accommodation Comfort or Superior Comfort
From €3,790/pilot
You’re greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the centre of Delhi. You room is available from midday. You can spend the rest of the day visiting the centre, if you wish.
We have an early morning transfer to the airport and a domestic flight to Leh. We are then transferred in a private vehicle along the Indus river to Nimmu. We use the day to acclimatize to the high altitude and rest in this idyllic village and especially in the beautiful Ladakhi residence that hosts us. We can take a walk in the oasis surrounding Nimmu House.
We take the bikes for a spin across the vast Indus plains surrounding Nimmu. We ride, either for a loop towards the charming and authentic Ney valley and the ancient Basgo palace and its monastery or for a round trip into the Zanskar gorge. We go back to Nimmu for lunch or tea, depending on how much you all want to ride.
We take the road towards Kargil, heading for Kashmir. Along the way, we visit the Alchi monastery, known for its architecture and Kashmiri-style murals. We then cruise on a superb road alongside the Indus river and climb on up towards the charming basin, where we find Temisgam and its monastery perched atop a hillock.
We set off to explore Lamayuru’s hilltop monastery, the oldest Tibetan gompa in Ladakh, in a remarkable setting, locally called Moonland for its lunar landscapes. We take a slightly different route back to Temisgam, where we can continue towards the peaks of its lush valley to the monastery where young lamas train, Drukpa Nunnery.
We return to the green banks of the Indus, surrounded by the Zanskar and Ladakh mountain ranges. But this time we follow the Indus up a different route, passing through traditional Ladakhi villages, like Yangthang, and across two nearby passes with an elevation of 4,000 m but which are not difficult to navigate. Picture perfect views guaranteed! We stop off at Likir monastery before getting back on the main road to Leh.
Today the riding becomes more intense; a long but beautiful and adventurous day awaits us. After visiting the famous Thiksey Monastery, we take a small asphalted road to cross the Wari La, an aerial pass at 5300 meters of altitude and very little frequented. Stony passages and water crossing possible. We picnic after the pass, between yaks and mountain stream. Grand views, and small authentic villages make for this unforgettable motorcycle day!
Today we really appreciate Nubra valley’s magnificent natural wonders. We can swim in a waterfall, drive up to the Hunder Dunes and the Diskit Monastery or take a relaxing walk between Summor’s old stone walls, willows, poplars and irrigation channels, a typical oasis in this high-altitude desert.
Today’s challenge: we climb towards Khardung La, the highest motorable road in the world (5,370 meters above sea level) via a series of hairpin turns. The scenery is magical with the Zanskar range to the south and the Karakoram mountains to the north. We descend through the Indus valley and its capital, Leh. This pass is very popular, it is necessary to remain very vigilant during riding time
Your Indian Himalayan adventure comes to an end! In the morning, you are transferred to Leh airport to take a domestic flight to Delhi, and then transferred to the hotel.
Your last day: you have time for one last chai, the traditional Indian spiced tea. Your room is reserved until 10 am. You are transferred to the international airport, according to your flight’s departure time. This is where our services end.
You're taken to Agra from New Delhi in a private vehicle with driver. During 2 or 3 days, visit the fabulous Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and the Red Fort of Agra.
2 days to discover the sacred town of Varanasi. An English-speaking guide shows you around the Buddhist city of Sarnath, one of the four holy Buddhist cities. As the sunsets, you take a stroll along the Varanasi ghats and attend Aarti, a daily worship ritual. On the second day, you take a boat tour at sunrise, visit the University, Bharat Mata Mandir and the rest of the city.
“One of the most challenging and intense experiences of my life. The route was extreme and remote, but the scenery and experience were both spectacular. The weather provided every season from snow and ice to heat and monsoon rains. Accommodations were rudimentary in the more remote areas, so do not expect luxury. The motorcycles are easy to ride, but well used. Our guide was great, and the support team efficiently fixed any issues with the bikes. This is not a trip for everyone, but I am so pleased I did it.”
“Outstanding adventure with Vintage Rides crossing the Himalayas on Royal Enfield motorcycles. Excellent operation from trip preparation to support through the entire tour. Dedicated staff to ensure participants can experience an adventure with optimum safety and reliability. Highly recommend Vintage Rides as the ideal adventure motorcycle tour operator wherever they operate around the world.”
“My 2nd trip with Vintage Rides and yet another brilliant trip exploring another aspect of India.This was an 'adventure' trip to the Himalays so less comfort and more difficult riding conditions , so if you aren't prepared..beware!. If you have all the riding kit, then it's brilliant. Just booked my 3rd trip with them , so that says it all Steve (UK)”
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