An intrepid all-rounder, she has cruised Indiaâs 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 â by yourself, in a pair or with friends â 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!
Your first day is all about a smooth arrival in Delhi: youâre met at the airport and transferred to the hotel in the city centre. Your room is available from noon onwards. You have two options: you can stay at the hotel and rest after the flight or go out and explore Indiaâs bustling capital.
We set off for Delhi airport for a domestic flight to Leh. We use this day in Ladakh to acclimatise. You meet your tour leader, who will be pleased to introduce you to your motorbikes.
We start from Leh in the morning and head west along the majestic Indus river. We take the road towards Kargil, heading for Kashmir. We reach Lamayuru monastery perched atop a cliff.
We continue west between the Zanskar and Ladakh mountain ranges and over Fotu La pass. We cruise through vast, arid landscapes peppered with oases until we reach Bodh Kharbu village. We leave the main road to take a small mountain road through a peculiar valley that meets the Indus valley. We then follow the course of the sacred Indus river, which gave India its name, and finally reach the village of Temisgam.
We head towards Leh on a small road north of the Indus valley through Hemis Shukpachan. We make the most of this short leg to visit several sites: Likir monastery, picturesque Yangthang village or even Basgo, which was once the royal capital. We return to Leh and can spend the rest of the day as we wish.
We climb up a series of hairpin turns towards Khardung La pass, the highest motorable road in the world at 5,370 metres above sea level! The scenery is magical with the Zanskar range to the south and the Karakoram mountains to the north. We descend through the Shyok and Nubra valleys, where time seems to have stood still. At Khalsar, we turn northwest towards the Hunder sand dunes.
We use this short biking stretch to really appreciate Nubra valleyâs magnificent natural wonders. If the weather is good, we can take a swim in a waterfall or go for a pleasant walk between Summorâs old stone walls, willows, poplars and irrigation channels, a lively oasis that never disappoints.
We make our descent along the Nubra valley, then on a superb asphalted road that runs alongside the Shyok river and its valley with an end-of-the-world sort of vibe. We leave the riverâs vast valley behind us and head up towards the authentic Tangyar village and Wari La pass, at 5,300 m altitude. We pass the 4,000 m mark zigzagging down minor roads.
We head towards Tso Kar Lake. In no time, the Indus river is behind us and we head south on a small road winding down the Rumtse gorge, where we experience a real explosion of colours. Then, we make for Tanglang La pass (5,315 m), the second highest motorable pass in the world! We coast down on a smooth, sandy track to the salt lake surrounded by an indescribably beautiful lunar landscape.
Via a sandy, sometimes stony track, we travel deep into Changtang, Ladakhâs most remote region, where only a few villagers permanently live. We reach the famous Tso Moriri Lake with its varying shades of turquoise, depending on how the light catches it. We have some free time to visit Korzok, one of Rupshuâs only villages, and its pint-sized monastery.
We head north and reach the Indus river at the Mahe bridge check post. The road back to Leh is a dream: it winds its way along the sacred river through gorges that become narrower and narrower. Then, the valley gradually opens out in all its glory as we approach Ladakhâs capital.
Today is a free day in Leh (a buffer day, just in case). You can take a bike ride to Stok palace or buy some souvenirs for your friends and family.
This is the end of your amazing Indian Himalayan adventure! In the morning, you are taken to Leh airport for a domestic flight to Delhi, where you are transferred on to the hotel.
You have a free day in Delhi today (buffer day). Among this hustle and bustle, havens of peace do exist: recharge your batteries in Lodhi Gardens, admire the Lotus Templeâs modern architecture or discover the capitalâs mini Taj Mahal, Humayunâs Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You are transferred to Delhi international airport according to your flight schedule, 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.
2â days to discover the sacred town of Varanasi. âAn English-speaking guideâ âshows you around âthe Buddhist city of âSarnath, one of the four holy Buddhist cities.â As the sunsets, you take a stroll along the Varanasi ghatsâ andâ attend Aarti, a daily worship ritual.â âOn the second day, you tâake a boat tour at sunriseâ, visit the University, Bharat Mata Mandirâ and the rest of the city.â
âOne 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.â
âOutstanding 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.â
âMy 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)â
Please fill the fields below
Please fill the fields below
Please fill the fields below
Please fill the fields below