The Himalayan Expedition

This morning, we continue our exploration towards the east along the rushing Sutlej River. Dominated by the imposing Kinnaur Kailash (6050 m), the villages clinging to the slopes of the green Kinnaur valley are of rare beauty. We leave the main road to take a narrow track which plunges into a rocky gorge. The dizzying track takes us to Chitkul, the last village in the valley, perched at an altitude of 3450 m. We then retrace our steps to spend the night in Sangla, dominated by its old fort typical of the region. Night at 2700m altitude.

We continue our rout northeast, towards the Tibetan plateau. The green landscapes gradually give way to a mineral and desert world. The last part of this day propels us into the magical landscapes of Spiti, this majestic valley clinging to the edge of the immense Tibetan plateau. Night in Nako located at 3600 m altitude.

Today, our route is dotted with wonders: the Tabo monastery, one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist sites, classified by UNESCO as a world heritage site. In the afternoon we continue in a lunar landscape, progressing north along the Spiti River. An essential stop at the splendid Dhankar monastery, perched on its rocky spur at an altitude of 3900m, before arriving in Kaza, the capital of Spiti where we stay two nights. Night at 3650m altitude.

Quieter day today. We go to visit the impressive gompa (monastery) of Dhankhar, perched on a ridge, before continuing towards the tiny village of Lallung. In the afternoon, rest and soak up the atmosphere of Spiti. Stroll through the pedestrian streets of the old town. This is an opportunity to recharge the batteries before continuing the adventure. Night at 3650m altitude.

Today, we continue our crossing of Spiti towards the northwest. We visit the monastery of Kye, then the village of Kibber, before crossing the legendary pass of the region, the Kunzum (4590 m). The last kilometers of track take us to the shores of Chandra Tal, “Lake of the Moon”. Night in camp at 4300m.

We depart Spiti to join the greener region of Lahaul. The first thirty kilometers to Koksar will put the drivers and machines to the test, as the track is rocky and brittle. Relieved to find the asphalt again, we soon find the traffic coming from Manali at the exit of the famous Atal tunnel, located at the foot of the Rohtang pass. We drive on the main road leading to Leh before reaching Jispa for the night. Night at 3200m altitude.

Today is an exceptional day and the start of our crossing of Zanskar, open to vehicles thanks to the recent construction of a new road. The first kilometers are on a good asphalt road to the summit of the Shingo La pass (5050m), before returning to the track for the descent into the Kurgiak Chu valley, dominated by the impressive summit of Gumbok Rangan, a mountain the most sacred of Zanskar. We reach our camp in Purne at 3900m altitude.

Early in the morning we leave for a walk to the sublime Phuktal monastery, spectacularly set in the rock. Back on the handlebars we reach Padum, the small capital of the region. In the afternoon, we take the time to visit the Karsha monastery, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Zanskar plain from its terrace. Night at 3670m altitude.

Still driving due north to reach Ladakh, we will experience an intense and spectacular day. We first go up the Zanskar River, hoping that the watercourse will let us cross its gorges at certain points. After this challenge, it will only be the track with three passes approaching 5000 m altitude. Ki, Ki So, So Larghyalo! “the gods are victorious, the demons are defeated”. We arrive at the end of the day in Ladakh, in the enchanting landscapes of Lamayuru. Night at 3570m altitude.

Today, we are driving through the heart of the Indus Valley, a raw and magical setting dotted with a few green oases, to reach the capital of Ladakh, Leh. On the way, alternating sections of track, good roads and rustic villages and monasteries clinging to the mountainside. This evening, we celebrate this great adventure we have all been sharing together for two weeks around the table in the Himalayan mountains. Night at 3500m altitude.

Relaxing day in Leh. Walking tour in this very special city, whose city center has been nicely redeveloped. Numerous shopping opportunities, cozy little cafés and excellent restaurants. Night at 3500m altitude.

Day exploring Leh and its surroundings.

Head north for an incursion into the spectacular Nubra valley, crossing the legendary Kardung La pass (5,370m), wrongly considered the highest pass for vehicles in the world. We wonder at the magical panorama of the Zanskar range to the south and the great Karakoram range to the north. Night at 3100m altitude.

Today, depending on the weather and the state of the roads, we have the choice of taking two different routes, each with a spectacular pass to cross at an altitude of more than 5000m. The last kilometers to reach Pangong Lake are magical. 130km long, Pangong Tso is located astride the Indo-Chinese border. Night at 4250m altitude.

This morning, we continue our journey to reach the Tibetan highlands of Changtang (or Rupshu). We follow an unconventional route, adding several mountain lakes to the experience, as well as another pass higher than Khardung La, above 5400 meters. This area is populated by a few pashmina goat breeders, from which the softest and most refined wool on the planet comes. Night at 4600m altitude.

Another magnificent day awaits us, where we only drop below the 4000m mark at the end of the stage. More Plains, Pang gorges, a pass above 5000m, two other passes just below… Welcome to the NH3, a legendary road, the oldest route between Leh and Manali. You will be amazed by this last day at high altitude. We are not alone ; a considerable number of Indian bikers have made this axis their Holy Grail. “Bike Fest” atmosphere at the tchai stops, it’s a good atmosphere. Night at 3200m altitude.

We leave the mineral desert behind us and gradually find the greenery, the forests, the humidity as we reach the Kullu valley via the brand new Atal tunnel (9 km). We take a break in Manali, the legendary hippie resort of Himachal, today mainly frequented by Indian tourists fleeing the unbearable heat of the plains at this season. We then reach a quiet village, Naggar, surrounded by beautiful cedar forests and rich orchards. Night at 2100m altitude.

The great crossing is slowly coming to an end, with a final day of motorcycling in the Himalayan foothills. We alternate asphalt roads and pretty forest trails in the Barot valley to reach Bir, a national paragliding hotspot. Last evening with your local team before returning to Delhi the next day by plane.

Transfer this morning by private vehicle to Dharamsala for your domestic flight to New Delhi. Transfer to your hotel. Free day.

Transfer to New Delhi International Airport according to your flight schedule. End of our services.