The Great Himalayan Odyssey
Ride seven legendary passes, including Umling La (19,024 ft) and Khardung La, on Royal-Enfield Himalayan 450s. Explore Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Zanskar, backed by expert road captains and full 4x4 support.
Expedition Overview
Embark on the definitive trans-Himalayan motorcycle expedition through the rugged wonderland of Ladakh and Zanskar. This 1,800 km, 12-day journey takes you across the world’s highest motorable roads including Umling La (19,024 ft), Khardung La, and Shinku La. Ride beside surreal color-changing lakes (Pangong Tso & Tso Moriri), carve through the dramatic sand dunes of Nubra Valley, and tackle thrilling river crossings in remote Zanskar. Accompanied by experienced Himalayan Road Captains, backup mechanics, and a dedicated 4x4 support vehicle carrying your luggage and spares, this is the ultimate rite of passage for every motorcycle explorer.
Day-by-Day Expedition Itinerary
-
Day 1: Delhi to Manali (Overnight Volvo Bus)
Route: | Distance: 560 km | Altitude:
Board an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi to Manali, leaving the city behind as you travel towards the Himalayan foothills and prepare for the expedition.
-
Day 2: Manali to Jispa
Route: | Distance: 100 km | Altitude:
Arrive in Manali, freshen up and prepare your motorcycle before riding through the Atal Tunnel into Lahaul's dramatic mountain scenery, ending the day in Jispa.
-
Day 3: Jispa to Leh via Sarchu
Route: | Distance: 160 km | Altitude:
Ride across the spectacular Manali–Leh highway, passing Sarchu and vast high-altitude landscapes before reaching Leh after a demanding day on the mountain roads.
-
Day 4: Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La
Route: | Distance: 230 km | Altitude:
Ascend the legendary Khardung La before descending into Nubra Valley, where rugged mountains, river landscapes and distinctive high-altitude desert scenery await.
-
Day 5: Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake
Route: | Distance: 220 km | Altitude:
Ride through remote mountain terrain and along the scenic Shyok River corridor towards Pangong Lake, famous for its striking blue waters and barren Himalayan surroundings.
-
Day 6: Pangong Lake to Umling La and Hanle
Route: | Distance: 130 km (one way) | Altitude:
Journey into eastern Ladakh towards Umling La, at approximately 19,024 feet, before continuing to remote Hanle. A Koyul extension depends on permissions and conditions.
-
Day 7: Hanle to Leh
Route: | Distance: 160 km | Altitude:
Return to Leh through the expansive Changthang region, riding past isolated settlements, open mountain plateaus and spectacular landscapes that showcase Ladakh's remote wilderness.
-
Day 8: Leh to Padum via the NPD Road
Route: | Distance: 230 km | Altitude:
Leave the familiar Ladakh circuit behind and ride towards Padum via the Nimoo–Padum–Darcha road, traversing rugged terrain and the dramatic landscapes of Zanskar.
-
Day 9: Padum, Pensi La and Drung Drang Glacier
Route: | Distance: 190 km | Altitude:
Explore the Pensi La region and admire the spectacular Drung Drang Glacier viewpoint. Enjoy a hot lakeside lunch before returning to Padum for the night.
-
Day 10: Padum to Manali and Overnight Volvo to Delhi
Route: | Distance: 320 km | Altitude:
Retrace the connecting mountain route towards Manali, subject to road conditions and the confirmed itinerary. Freshen up before boarding the overnight Volvo to Delhi.
-
Day 11: Arrive in Delhi
Route: | Distance: 100 km (ride) + overnight Volvo bus to Delhi | Altitude:
Arrive in Delhi in the morning, bringing your Himalayan motorcycle adventure through Ladakh and Zanskar to a memorable conclusion.
What is Included
- 14 nights accommodation in double or twin-bedded rooms or tents
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 EFI rental, including fuel
- English-speaking ride leader and experienced support crew
- Experienced motorcycle mechanics throughout the trip
- Breakfasts and hot authentic dinners included
- Support vehicle with driver for luggage, gear, and occasional passengers
- AC coach/train transfers between New Delhi & Shimla/Manali
- Inner Line Permits (ILP) and high-altitude access fees
What is Not Included
- Spare parts used during the ride
- Personal riding protective gear (jackets, gloves, boots, etc.)
- Lunch, personal cafe stops, snacks, alcohol, bottled water
- Entry fees for monasteries, museums, and monuments
- Towing charges if bike is left midway
- GST @5% and personal expenses (tips, laundry)
- Early check-in before 12 PM