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.
Free as a bird, climb aboard your Royal Enfield for an adventure – by yourself, in a pair or with friends – packed with variety and other-worldly experiences. In the heart of the Indus Valley, admire Buddhist monasteries clinging to mountainsides. Head north for a descent into the spectacular Nubra Valley through its gateway, the mythical Kardhung La (5602m/18,379ft). Your final loop takes you to Changtang Plateau, and the infinite beauty of Tso Moriri and Tso Kar lakes. Stretch your limits and fill your lungs with pure air, on an exceptional Himalayan motorbike trip!
Period
June to September
Duration
15 days incl. 9 days' riding
Level
Intermediate
English-speaking tour leader
Accommodation
Standard
From
2960€/pilot
Welcome to India! You’re met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in central Delhi. Free time, then a night's rest at the hotel.
To Delhi airport for the flight to Leh, capital of Ladakh. An eye-opening walk for the group’s fitter members, while the others rest and adjust to altitude.
The big departure! We cross the awesome gorges of the Indus River. We then ride the Khargil road, heading to Lamayuru and its monastery perched on a clifftop: the most prestigious Tibetan gompa in Ladakh.
We pursue our way towards the east in the Zanskar region, going through Fotu La pass. We leave the nice paved road behind us for tracks and cross the mountainous chain by a small valley joining the Indus one. Then we go up the course of the sacred river, going through little villages completely immersed in tibeto-buddhist culture. We finally reach the village of Temisgam.
Today we ride back to Leh. During this short 90km stage we get to admire and visit several remarkable monasteries, such as the monastery of Likir, or the amazing Phyang Monastery and its 900 years-old museum.
Climb an endlessly zigzagging road to Khardung La (5,600m/18,372ft), the world’s highest motorable pass: to the south, a magical vista of the Zanskar Mountains; to the north, the soaring Karakorum range. Time stands still…
We enjoy this lighter motorcycle day to greatly appreciate the beautiful Nubra valley’s natural wonders. If the weather is good, we will go to Turtuk, a forgotten village at the edge of the valley, very close to the chinese border. Then head towards Summor valley, where we will stop off.
Early morning departure: we take a small asphalt road along the river Shyok. We stop in the village of Diskit, to visit the monastery dating back over 350 years. Picnic on the banks of the river and we then take the road to the Wari La pass (5,200m/17,060ft) before riding back down into the Indus valley.
After leaving behind the Indus River and Kang Yatse mountain (6,400m/21,000ft), we tackle the climb up to Tanglang La (5,328m/17,480ft), the world’s second highest motorable pass. Then, along a sandy trail, we reach Tso Kar salt lake, set in a breathtaking lunar landscape.
Via a sandy and sometimes stony trail, we travel deep into Rupshu, the most remote region in Ladakh. We join the famous turquoise lake, Tso Moriri. Unguided visit of Korzok village, one of the few in Rupshu region, and its little monastery. And a walk by the lake.
The road back to Leh is a biker's dream: smooth asphalt and virtually no traffic. The winding road shadows the river through its gorge, then the valley gradually widens and reaches monumental dimensions on the approach to Ladakh, the capital.
Free day, and a well-deserved rest. Visits possible to the Stok Palace, the Shanti Stupa and the city's markets. Souvenir shopping.
Morning transfer to Leh airport for the flight to Delhi. Transfer to your hotel.
Free day in India's capital.
Free day in Delhi. Your room is available until 10am. Transfer to the airport as per your flight-departure time.
“An awesome adventure lead by a very capable and fun tour leader. A great mix of riding from bitumen to two wheel dirt tracks and a great mix of accommodation experiences from hotels, hostels to large tents. Price was genuinely reasonable and our mechanic was a wizard. I will most definitely do it again in a couple of years time when I get sick of just looking at the photos and video!”
“Absolutely fantastic. The pre-trip organization and communication was stellar. The itinerary and accommodations were well planned and our guide, mechanic, and support driver collectively allowed for a trip where any risk of stress was quickly replaced with nothing but pure delight. I took the Spiti Valley tour ("Gateway to Tibet") which offered otherworldly views and rich cultural exposure. The remote area was particularly enjoyable as even when compared to other Himalayan routes there was very little traffic... truck or otherwise (The last thing I want to do is to go to a remote location to be stuck endlessly maneuvering around slow trucks). I sing the praises of Vintage Rides at every possible opportunity. I've ridden motorcycles all over the world either independently or with a tour group and this trip was tops! I wish I had sooner discovered Vintage Rides and they will certainly be my choice again. Vive la Moto! (If you like to see the video of the trip it is at advmotorbike dot com under "global moto"... it will say in image more than my words can convey!)”
“I would recommend Vintage Rides to any rider contemplating a guided motorcycle tour. Right from my initial email with Denise, the professionalism and attention to detail was reassuring. Everything was organised for us and our tour guide Josh was fantastic from start to finish. The Royal Enfields were a lot of fun and suited the type of riding we did, the scenery was simply mind blowing and the tour was the best holiday and adventure ever. On top of all this, the value for money was excellent. I will be touring with Vintage Rides again. I did the Trans Himalayan in India.”
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