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
€2,990/pilot
Your first day is all about a smooth arrival in Delhi: you’re 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 India’s 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 valley’s magnificent natural wonders. If the weather is good, we can take a swim in a waterfall or go for a pleasant walk between Summor’s 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 river’s 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, Ladakh’s 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 Rupshu’s 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 Ladakh’s 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 Temple’s modern architecture or discover the capital’s mini Taj Mahal, Humayun’s 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.
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.
“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.”
“My group of 12 friends had a wonderful experience riding in the Himalayas with Vintage Rides. From the fantastic Pierrey our tour guide to the work done by the backroom staff to ensure this unique experience went without a hitch, this a very experienced and highly recommended company to put your trust in for such a journey. Will definitely use them again at some time in the future - perhaps Mongolia.”
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