The Great Trans Himalayan Motorbike Adventure

Introduction about this motorbike adventure….

This is an epic 15-day motorbike expedition through the heart of the Indian Himalayas, designed for the ultimate adventure seeker. The journey begins in the vibrant capital of Delhi, followed by a comfortable overnight bus journey to the hill station of Manali. From there, riders will embark on a challenging and breath taking traverse through the diverse landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, from the lush green valleys of Kullu and Kinnaur to the stark, high-altitude deserts of Spiti and Ladakh. The route is meticulously planned to ensure a gradual ascent in altitude, with crucial rest days for acclimatization, culminating in a historic ride to Umling La, the world’s highest motorable pass.

This tour offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, spiritual exploration through ancient monasteries, and the sheer thrill of riding on some of the planet’s most spectacular and demanding roads. It’s a journey that promises not just a trip, but a profound and unforgettable life experience.


A BRIEF ABOUT THIS TRANS HIMALAYAN MOTORBIKE ADVENTURE

This is not just a motorcycle trip….it’s a journey of a lifetime that will challenge your limits and redefine your perception of adventure. We invite you to join a curated expedition through the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes the Indian Himalayas have to offer.

Our tour is meticulously designed for a select group of riders, a maximum of 15, who share a passion for exploration and the freedom of the open road. Your Journey, Our Expertise …….We handle all the details so you can focus on the ride. Your adventure begins and ends in Delhi, India’s capital. Upon your arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), we will coordinate your transfer to a hotel for your first night’s stay. The next day, you’ll join us for a comprehensive tour briefing and lunch before we embark on an overnight journey in a comfortable luxury taxi / Volvo bus to Manali, the starting point of our ride. The tour concludes in Leh, a major hub and the capital town of Ladakh, from where you’ll fly back to Delhi for your onward journey home. We are committed to providing seamless support throughout your trip, with a 24/7 contact point to ensure you are never disconnected.

Unmatched Support and Comfort Our commitment to your safety and comfort is paramount. The expedition is supported by a dedicated team that includes experienced mechanics, a full set of spare parts, and backup vehicle. For your accommodation, we provide carefully selected hotels.

A Tapestry of Himalayan Wonders Prepare to witness the incredible diversity of the Himalayas. Our route takes you from the lush, pine-covered mountains and vibrant river valleys of Himachal Pradesh to the dramatic, stark beauty of the high-altitude deserts of

Spiti and Ladakh. Experience the thrill of riding across some of the world’s highest mountain passes, encountering landscapes that range from snow-covered peaks to vast, barren plains.

You’ll navigate exhilarating river crossings and witness chilling winds and unexpected snowfall, all adding to the thrill of this epic ride.

The Ultimate Riding Challenge This journey offers the monumental opportunity to ride on the world’s highest motorable pass, Umling La, at an astounding 19,300 feet. While others talk about riding the highest road, we take you to the very top. This is an experience that goes beyond imagination, a true ride of a lifetime that will challenge you physically and mentally, leaving you with a sense of profound achievement and a travel hangover that will last for months.

Cultural and Spiritual Immersion Beyond the riding, this tour is a deep dive into the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. You will encounter a fascinating blend of Hindu and ancient Buddhist cultures, with opportunities to explore sacred temples and stunning monasteries that are spiritual centers of the Himalayas. The diversity extends to the local cuisine and customs, offering a truly holistic and immersive experience that is impossible to capture in words alone. For a detailed list of passes, valleys, and monasteries, please refer to our full itinerary.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport

The journey begins with your arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, where you will be transferred to your group hotel for an overnight stay. This day is dedicated to recovering from your international flight and settling in. After breakfast the next morning, you’ll have a crucial pre-trip meeting to discuss the itinerary, safety protocols, and get to know your fellow riders. A brief visit to a monument like India Gate will be followed by a transfer to the bus stand, where you will board an overnight Volvo bus to Manali, covering a distance of approximately 540 km over 12-14 hours.

Day 2: Manali to Naggar

You will arrive in Manali in the morning, a gateway to the high Himalayas. After checking into your hotel, you will be handed your motorbikes. This is a critical day for acclimatization and getting comfortable with your machine. You will take a short 50 km (return) test ride to the scenic village of Naggar, famous for its historic castle, giving you a taste of the mountain roads ahead. The altitude of Manali is roughly 2,050 meters (6,726 ft).

Day 3: To Jibhi 

The real adventure kicks off today as you leave Manali and ride towards Jibhi. This approximately 100 km route takes you through the beautiful Kullu Valley and into the serene Tirthan Valley. The roads will be a mix of good tarmac and winding mountain sections, setting the stage for the dramatic landscapes to come. You will be staying in Jibhi, at an altitude of about 1,600 meters (5,249 ft).

Day 4: Jibhi to Sarahan

Your ride continues from Jibhi to Sarahan, a journey of approximately 130 km. You will be traveling deeper into the mountains, with a continuous ascent in altitude, reaching Sarahan at about 2,313 meters (7,589 ft). This small town is famous for the ancient Bhimakali Temple and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Day 5: Sarahan to Kalpa: Along Saltuj River

The journey today takes you from Sarahan to Kalpa, a ride of approximately 90 km. The landscape becomes noticeably more rugged as you ride along the roaring Satluj River. Kalpa, at an altitude of about 2,960 meters (9,711 ft), is renowned for its spectacular panoramic views of the Kinnaur Kailash range.

Day 6: Kalpa to Tabo : A UNESCO World Heritage Site

A significant day of transition as you leave the lush valleys behind and enter the high-altitude desert of Spiti. The approximately 150 km ride from Kalpa to Tabo takes you through challenging roads. Tabo is an important stop, home to the ancient Tabo Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is located at an altitude of about 3,280 meters (10,761

ft).

Day 7: To Kaza

Today is a relatively short ride of about 50 km to Kaza, the main town and a key hub in the Spiti Valley. Kaza is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,800 meters (12,467 ft). This shorter riding day is planned to allow for better acclimatization to the rising altitude, and Kaza serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding high-altitude villages and monasteries.

Day 8: From Kaza to Keylong

This is one of the more challenging riding days, covering approximately 180 km from Kaza to Keylong. You will traverse the high Kunzum Pass, which connects Spiti Valley to the Lahaul Valley. The road is particularly rugged in sections, and you will then descend into Keylong, a serene town in the Lahaul district, at an altitude of about 3,080 meters (10,105 ft).

Day 9: From Keylong to Sarchu via Baralacha La Pass

You continue your ascent, covering a distance of about 110 km from Keylong to Sarchu. The ride involves crossing the formidable Baralacha La pass. The landscape is breathtaking with its raw, barren beauty. You will be staying overnight in Sarchu, a high-altitude camping site on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, at an elevation of approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 ft).

Day 10: Sarchu to Leh

The final and most anticipated riding day on the Manali-Leh highway. The approximately 250 km journey from Sarchu to Leh involves crossing several high passes, including Nakee La, Lachulung La, and the mighty Tanglang La. You will also navigate the famous Gata Loops (21 hairpin bends) and ride across the vast More Plains. Upon arrival in Leh, at an altitude of about 3,500 meters (11,483 ft), you will drop off your bikes and settle into your hotel.

Day 11: Relaxing at Altitude of 3500 meters: Visiting Leh Palace

This is a crucial rest day in Leh, at an altitude of 3,500 meters, for acclimatization. You can spend the day exploring the local markets, visiting Leh Palace, or simply relaxing to prepare your body for the further ascent to Umling La.

Day 12: From Leh to Hanle

Today’s journey takes you approximately 260 km from Leh to Hanle, a remote village in eastern Ladakh. The ride is long but incredibly scenic, with a final destination that’s home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory. Hanle is an officially designated Dark Sky Reserve making it one of the best places in the world for stargazing. You will be staying at an altitude of about 4,250 meters (13,944 ft).

Day 13: From Hanle to the Mighty UMLING LA Pass

This is the pinnacle of the trip. You will ride approximately 160 km (return) from Hanle to the mighty UMLING LA pass, which at an astonishing 5,883 meters (19,300 ft), is the world’s highest motorable pass. The challenging ride is rewarded with an incredible sense of accomplishment and unparalleled views. After conquering the pass, you will ride back to Hanle for an overnight stay.

Day 14: Ride Back to Leh

A long but beautiful ride back to Leh, covering a distance of about 260 km. Your body will be well-acclimatized, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular landscapes you may have missed on the way to Hanle. Upon arrival in Leh, you will check into your hotel.

Day 15: Depature to Leh Airport

Today marks the end of your incredible journey. After a farewell breakfast in Leh, you will be transferred to Leh airport for your onward journey, carrying with you memories of an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.

Important Buddhist Monasteries on This Route

  • Tabo Monastery: Located in Tabo, this is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas, often called the Ajanta of the Himalayas due to its preserved frescoes and stucco sculptures.
  • Key Monastery (Kye Gompa): The largest and most famous monastery in the Spiti Valley, it is located on a hilltop and is a major center of learning for Tibetan Buddhist monks.
  • Dhankar Monastery: Situated on a cliffside overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers, this ancient monastery offers a stunning visual and spiritual experience.
  • Tangyud Monastery: A prominent monastery located in the village of Komik, one of the highest villages in Spiti.
  • Lhalung Monastery: Known for its ancient murals and a peaceful setting in the Lhalung village of Spiti.
  • Thiksey Monastery: A large and impressive monastery in the Indus Valley, near Leh, famous for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.
  • Hemis Monastery: One of the richest and largest monasteries in Ladakh, known for its annual festival and a large collection of Thangkas and artifacts.
  • Shey Monastery: Located on a hillock in Shey, it houses a magnificent copper-gilded statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha.
  • Hanle Monastery: Located in Hanle village, it is a significant monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage and is home to a large number of monks.

Valleys on This Route

  • Kullu Valley: The starting point of the journey from Manali, known for its lush green fields, apple orchards, and the Beas River.
  • Tirthan Valley: A serene and beautiful valley you pass through on the way to Jibhi, part of the Great Himalayan National Park.
  • Kinnaur Valley: A land of gods and fairies, known for its terraced fields, orchards, and the magnificent Kinnaur Kailash range.
  • Spiti Valley: A high-altitude cold desert valley known for its surreal landscapes, ancient monasteries, and challenging terrain.
  • Lahaul Valley: A fertile valley connected to Spiti by the Kunzum Pass, known for its stunning glaciers and river landscapes.
  • Indus Valley: The valley in which Leh is situated, home to the mighty Indus River and many of Ladakh’s famous monasteries and settlements.
  • Changthang Valley: The high-altitude plains of eastern Ladakh, home to nomadic communities, remote villages like Hanle, and unique wildlife.

High Passes that you will conquer on this journey

  • Kunzum Pass (Kunzum La): ~4,551 meters (14,931 ft)
  • Baralacha La: ~4,890 meters (16,043 ft)
  • Nakee La: ~4,739 meters (15,547 ft)
  • Lachulung La: ~5,065 meters (16,617 ft)
  • Tanglang La: ~5,328 meters (17,480 ft)
  • Umling La: ~5,883 meters (19,300 ft)

There will be only four departures for this itinerary and the dates are as follows…

  • first Date – 26th May 2026
  • second date – 17th June 2026
  • Third departure – 18th August 2026
  • Fourth departure – 08th September 2026

Tour Info

Dates

The Great Trans Himalayan Motorcycle Expedition

Level 2 RIDERS

2025
  • October 01 – 11
  • November 15th – 25th
2026
  • March 29th to 08th April
  • November 15th to 25th

PRIVATE TOUR DATES: Inquire for details.

Inclusions

Included:

  • Motorcycle rental w/ limited damage insurance
  • Meals as mentioned: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Fuel
  • Accommodation: 10 nights
  • National Park and other entrance fees
  • Lead Motorcycle Tour Guide
  • Support Vehicle with Driver/Mechanic
  • Airport Pick up and Drop off
  • Bhutan Visa Fees and SDF Fees
  • Permits for Bike
  • Mechanic 
  • All government Taxes

Not Included:

  • Flights
  • International Driving License
  • Personal Items, gifts, snacks, etc.
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Personal, Medical, Trip Cancellation, or Travel Insurance
  • Optional Activities

Pricing

*Book 6+ months in advance, save 5% off your base package price!

Price is based on twin sharing basis

Tour Bike.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 411

Single Room Upgrade: $ Please email to us for the price

*Please keep in mind, spots on these tours can be sold out 6-8 months in advance! Reservations are only confirmed after receipt of the deposit as indicated in our Terms & Conditions.

Tour Info

Highlights:

  • The Confluence of the Satluj and Spiti Rivers: A spectacular sight where two major Himalayan rivers meet.
  • Key Monastery: Perched on a conical hill, its panoramic views are a photographer’s dream.
  • Dhankar Lake: A short, but rewarding trek from Dhankar Monastery, offering stunning views of the monastery and the valley.
  • Hikkim Post Office: The world’s highest post office, where you can send a postcard from 4,400 meters.
  • Langza Village: Famous for its magnificent statue of the Buddha and the discovery of marine fossils.
  • Gata Loops: A series of 21 hairpin bends on the Manali-Leh highway that are an exhilarating riding experience.
  • More Plains: A vast, flat, and surreal expanse of land at a high altitude on the way to Leh, offering a unique riding experience.
  • Umling La: The ultimate highlight of the tour, a monumental achievement for any rider to reach the world’s highest motorable pass.
  • Hanle Dark Sky Reserve: One of the best places on Earth for stargazing due to its high altitude and lack of light pollution.

Tour Map

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