Trans-Himalayan Motorcycle Expedition

Region:- Himachal Pardesh, (Kullu-Manali), and - Duration: - 15days 14 nights, 11 days motorcycling Country: - Indian Great Himalayas & Karakorum. Tour category: - It’s a package, everything is included. (AP base) Season: - June to Mid-September Ride Grade: - Full of Gravel, Adventurous Ride. Rough & Tough Kindly note: - itinerary and price valid for 2014/2015

Best of Trans-Himalayan motorcycle expedition

 The highest motor-able road 5,600mtrs  Visiting ancient Buddhist monasteries  Riding Indo-Tibetan frontier’s most remote roads of Indian Himalayas.  Visiting Tibetan nomads with their caravan of Yaks and Pashmina goats.  Discover trans-Himalaya’s impressive & enchanting culture.  Ride by some of the most impressive settlement of roof of the world”  Riding the mighty 500 cc Royal Enfield.

Ride article

This motorcycle safari is one of the best ways to discover the Indian Himalaya on your next holiday. Experience pure and complete pleasure taking the challenge of the twists and turns, riding your 500cc Royal Enfield motorcycle through the stunning landscape of the Indian Himalayas…

This journey starts in New Delhi but the real adventure on your Royal Enfield motorcycle starts with the snowcapped peaks of the Himalaya all around you in the lush green alpine forests of the Kullu valley, known as “The Valley of Gods”. From there we ascend to the high mountain passes of & Ladakh known as “The land of high mountains or high mountain passes.”

You will visit Changthang, known as “The valley of the Tibetan Nomads.” Here you will see the most amazing crystal clear high altitude Lakes - the Tso-mo-riri and Tso-khar in the region of Changthang on the Indo-Tibet border. This area is also the traditional summer pastures, where the Tibetan nomads bring their yak, goat and sheep to graze…

You will cross several of the highest and most beautiful mountain passes in – the Rohtang pass - 3978 meters; Baralacha pass – 4830 meters; Lachungla pass - 5060 meters, and the highest motor-able pass in the world the Khardung pass – 5602 meters!

Finally this tour offers awesome adventure, stunning panoramic views, a very real cultural experience and nonstop incredible fun the kind you only get when you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and just go for it!!!

Detailed itinerary day by day:

Day 1 – Arrive in New Delhi, India Himalayan Frontiers representative will meet & greet you at the airport IGIA, (Indira Gandhi International Airport) and most flights arrive around midnight. Transfer with a private bus or taxi to your hotel accommodation in central New Delhi for overnight stay.

Day 2 - New Delhi to Manali, 570kms - 13/14 hour journey Full day Visit Delhi evening transfer to Bus stand night in Volvo bus to Manali. Day 3 – Around Manali - checking and riding your bike Arrive manali, Transfer to Hotel, breakfast and a short briefing on the Motorcycle Tour. After a quick rundown of road safety precautions and check of personal equipment, we will start out on the narrow adjacent road of villages into the mountains. This is your chance to get acquainted with your bike and get to know the roads. In evening we get back to hotel to have dinner and rest and relax.

Day 4 - Manali to Jispa, 135kms 6-7 hours through Roh-tang pass 3980 meters First 35 km is nice road windings till Marhi and then we have to cross the famous traffic jam & challenging muddy road about 10 km on the way to Roh- tang pass (13,044ft). Here you catch fantastic views back towards Manali and the surrounding Himalaya! Next we descend into the Chandra Valley, stop(check point) take a “chai break” before we continue along the bank of the mighty Chandra & then after Tandi we enter in Ghar Valley along Bhaga river through the town of Keylong, have another chai break and then finally head to Jispa (Tod Valley)where we stay in the Hotel.

Day 5 - Jispa to Sarchu 90kms, 5 – 6 hours ride; including the BaraLacha pass 4890 meters. Quick stop at the police check post & and then we follow windings road until Baralacha. We cross one of the toughest passes of the journey: the Baralacha pass, lies at 4,890 meters and catch stunning views…Then we descend to "Bharatpur" for a well-deserved chai break and hot lunch. After lunch we ride some fantastic bits of road along the valley floor to our overnight campsite in Sarchu. This is a wonderful semi-permanent camp, dinner and night in the deluxe camp.

Day 6 - Sarchu – Rumtse 7H - 180 KMS

The road goes to the Lachlung La (5050 m) and plunges into gorge. Keeping an eye out for Tibetan Nomads, we will ascend quickly again and emerge into an amazing high altitude valley.After check-post Pang ride to the Tanglang La (5300 m), the second highest motor able pass in the world. We are rapidly losing altitude and reach the first village Ladakhi Rumtse. nIght in Guest house / camp or Home stay.

Day 7: Rumtse - Leh (3500 m) 3h - 70 Km

The road winds through a gorge impressive before flowing into the Indus Valley. We follow the Indus 50 km and climb up a side valley to finally reach Leh, the capital of Ladakh. En route, visit the monasteries of , the largest monastery in Ladakh and Tikse, built atop a rocky peak overlooking the village. Free afternoon, overnight in guest house/ Hotel in Leh.

Day 8 – Leh – –Leh 125 km 6 hours

Ladakh is also known as the land of Lamas and monasteries – so we’ll take you to visit one of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh – the Alchi Choskar Montastery, which is renowned for its architecture and ancient wall paintings. The monastery was built by the great Buddhist translator Lottsava Rinchen Zangpo. We’ll have lunch in the restaurant run by the monastery. After lunch we’ll stop to visit the monastery, it offers a magnificent view over the entire Indus valley. Then we head back to Leh. You have a free evening and spend another night at the hotel. In evening visit the market.

Day 9 – Leh – Khardungla-Leh 5602 mtrs 5 hours

Today we ride to Khardung pass. This is the world’s highest motor-able road – the Khardung pass at a thrilling 5602 meters 39 km from Leh!! After noon Free, visit to market, or by foot visit Shanti Stupa a good view of Leh town & relax.

Day10 - Leh to Tso-Mo-Riri via 210 Kms, 8 - 9 hours

We will be riding 215 kms today so it is best to start early from Leh. We take the Leh – Manali highway until the town of Upshi. Near Upshi we stop at a check post where you need to submit your permits. For the better part of today’s journey we follow the and the tarmac is in good condition for the most part, barring a few landslide prone stretches…

Chumathang itself has little to offer to a visitor apart from a few local roadside restaurants, a Gompa and hot water springs. A quick lunch stop would suffice for most, instead we make our own track, riding off road and following the numerous tracks left by passing vehicles. The last 30kms are a pain, but a boon for those who love off road riding! The track here is a mix of sand and dirt trails littered with small stones. However the view one gets at the end of it makes it all worth it, overnight on the bank of the Tso-mo-riri or Korzok village.

Day 11 – (Korzok) to Tsokar 90 km 6hours

From Korzok we back track to the Junction Sumdo and from there take the diversion to reach Tso- Kar. This road tends to be a bit rough for some but great fun for those who appreciate off road motor biking!! It is believed that Tso- Kar was once connected to Tso- Moriri, even though TsoKar has salt water lake while Tso Mo-riri has fresh water… The area surrounding Tso- Kar is protected and forms the Tso- Kar wild life sanctuary. Dinner and night in the deluxe camp.

Day 12 – Tsokar to Jispa 240 kms, 8-9 hrs Lachulang la pass 5,060 mtr (16,602 feet) Baralacha pass 4890 meters

Today we climb up to the Lachlung pass at 5,060 meters. Lachlung, Once over the pass you’ll enjoy the winding ‘switchbacks’ known as the Gata Loops all the way down to Sarchu. We stop in Bhaartpur to have a chai before we tackle the Baralacha pass and night in hotel.

Day 13 - Jispa to Manali 135kms, 6 -7 hours including the Rohtang pass 3980 meters

Today is a short but pure bliss ride of bad roads! Streams to cross, frozen puddles and dirt tracks to navigate all the way up to and back over the Rohtang pass. We’ll take our chai and lunch break at Marhi before descending back to the lush green of the Kullu valley, the sparkling Bease River and finally you are back in Manali! As it’s the last night of this adventure we’ll celebrate and party with all our new friends. Night in hotel.

Day 14 - Manali to Delhi 570kms, 16 hours

You have the day to relax and enjoy more time in the hot springs, do a little shopping or perhaps book a massage… We’ll enjoy a farewell lunch together around 1:30pm. At 4:30pm you will be transferred to the bus station. This is a Deluxe Volvo Bus service from Manali to Delhi. The bus supplies bottled water and blankets and stops for dinner at around 10pm. (Each individual is responsible for the purchase of their own dinner).

Day 15 – Delhi to your onward destination

On arrival New Delhi we’ll transfer you to the hotel where you can have breakfast, shower and relax. It’s a free day so you can rest and relax, shop and eat or explore some of the many interesting sightseeing options, for example: seeing old Delhi by bicycle rickshaw, exploring the spice market, India Gate, the houses of parliament, the legendary red fort, walk in Lodhi gardens and much, much more! At the appropriate time we will transfer you to the international airport to catch your flight to your onward destination.

1. What to bring on the expedition:

 A snood or (Dust Mask) for keeping dust and cold out of your nose

 Sunglasses or bike glasses are essential  Sun hat is essential  Thick warm as well as light socks  Lightweight sleeping bag, we recommend you to pack for -10c, if you’re going on any Himalayan motorcycle expedition  Travel towel

 Kidney-belt can be helpful support for the long hours of riding  A fleece is good for under your jacket  Day Pack to carry a water bottle, rain suit and other stuff you will use during the day  A money belt or waist pack in which to carry your passport and other valuables  Very strong bungee cords or cargo nets  Basic first aid kit: a few plasters and antiseptic cream  Any regular medication you need  Spectacles: bring spares, or your prescription with you  Helmet  Knee protection  Waist belt  Riding gloves

A deposit of 300 Euro -Must be made to on arrival in India. You are responsible for any damage to your bike during the trip, the repair charges will be deducted from this deposit and the balance will be reimbursed once the trip is over.

What does this tour include?

 All ground transfers in India, airport to airport.  Motorcycle 500cc Enfield and fuel.  Permits for Restricted areas (India - Tibet boarder control, Ladakh, Spiti valley, north- east India)  Accommodation (twin sharing hotels / guesthouses - home stay and camping) neat & clean.  Breakfast and dinner in the hotel (lunch on the way) in the local restaurants.  English speaking guide  medicines including oxygen cylinder  mechanics with all necessary spare parts  back-up vehicle with spare parts  Mineral water  Monument entrance fees during the entire trip·

Not included:

 Visa (details sent with rider pack)  Travel Insurance  Personal expenses  Tips  International & domestics flights

 Alcohol drinks.  Any damage to the motorcycle must be covered by the rider in full

Accommodation: Accommodation in 3 star /Charm small hotel, or guesthouses / fixed deluxe tent and home stay in Rumtse. All accommodation on twin-sharing basis, (couples double-room) Single Room with a supplement.

Documents: riders must bring with them appropriate travel insurance and documents as follows:

 Full Motorcycle License - valid  International Driving License / Permit - valid  You are required to bring your travel insurance policy with you on the tour. Please print off a photo-copy and keep it safe. As well as the address of your travel insurance company. Riders are requested to handover the insurance numbers and addresses to our guide.  Without these documents you will not be able to take part in your chosen tour (your safety is our primary concern).

What to bring on ride

Here is a selected and detailed list of items that are primordial for the safety and comfort of all our riders. This list has been carefully elaborated, year after year, on the basis of our experience on the terrain. All and every item that we have considered most suitable will guaranty a better course of the expedition. As we do not provide any of these, be aware in not forgetting to pack any of them. There is neither time nor facility to equip yourself adequately during your trip in India, so please read through the following list. We strictly recommend our guests to acquire, specifically, all of the required items.

Clothing Camping

Sun hat/cap Warm sleeping bag -10deg. C ( Warm clothes Himalayan tours) Water Resistant Jacket/Raincoat Dense travel towel/Quick drying Strong and warm pair of trousers towel Fleece/under jacket Penknife Warm socks Torch light/Head torch Warm underclothes Thermos for Hot & Cold Shoes or boots Warm scarf

Bike gear Other

Helmet 2 Passport pictures (Himalayan tours) Goggles/sunglasses Prescription glasses/Spectacles Bike gloves Alarm watch/wrist watch Snood/Dust mask Money Belt Kidney belt Medication (consult PD) Water resistant backpack Basic first aid kit Bungee/Cargo net Insect repellent Sunscreen/sun block UV 30/40 Lip balm Earplugs

Ladakh Motorcycle Tour Grade

This ride requires minimum 2 years off- road ride experience; this ride is rough and tough, full of hairpins and gravels, off roads, climate can be extremely harsh. You’ll ride world’s highest motor-able road, minimum altitude is 3,500meters and maximum you’ll go up to 5,600meters. If it rains during the ride, be ready for some grimy, outreaches patches.

Motorcycle Expeditions & Logistic

Every tours are escorted by our hugely experienced motorcyclists (Guides) staffs are well able to take care of all planning and logistics, we have years of terrain experience leaving you to get on with enjoying the bike and the many wonders Indian Himalayas has to offer. We believe that in terms of everything from safety provision, through machinery, to accommodation, our local knowledge allows us to provide the best motorcycling experience on the Indian Subcontinent. Our tours are designed to cater for riders of all abilities looking to make something extra-special of their traditional two-week break. We know how important the time is to you, so we don't skimp on organisational detail. Whatever tour you choose, we'll take care of all transport and accommodation while you're here, and then whisk you safely back to the airport for your trip home - simple as that.

A word of caution Kindly note this itinerary can be changed or modified due to any uncertainty of Mother Nature such as landslides, heavy rainfall blocks roads. This is beyond our reach. In this case our guide will take the appropriate decision according to the situation on the spot, which gives priority to your safety.

W - www.motorcycleexpeditions.com E – [email protected]