Oases and Peaks at World’s End

Oases and Peaks at World’s End is a Motorcycle Ramble rated Intermediate, open to pillions: 14 days with 9 days of riding, on a loop from Leh via Lamayuru, the Nubra Valley, the Khardung La and the Pangong and Tso Moriri lakes, with about 15% on tracks. The Trans-Himalayan is an Adventure Tour rated Sustained, with about 130 miles (210 km) of technical tracks (river crossings, rocks, sand): it is for experienced riders only and not recommended for pillions.

The tour is rated Intermediate: a full motorcycle licence and regular riding are enough, with no off-road experience needed. You ride about 864 miles (1,390 km) over 9 days, from 47 to 149 miles (75 to 240 km) a day: half on good roads, a third on rough roads and about 15% on tracks, with gravel, river crossings and a little sand. Stages are far from medical help: the support vehicle follows the group.

The flight from Delhi lands in Leh, at 3,500 metres. The first three days stay at this altitude, including a first riding day in the Indus Valley, so you acclimatise before the passes above 5,000 metres, including the Khardung La (5,370 metres). The support vehicle carries an oxygen bottle. Follow the advice on rest and hydration, and talk to your doctor about the altitude before you go: our health tips for India.

A Royal Enfield Himalayan 411, built for mountain roads and tracks, serviced by our mechanic, who follows the group with the spare parts. If your height makes you hesitate, either way, talk to your travel advisor before booking.

Yes, if the rider already has off-road experience: the rough roads and the track sections are ridden two-up. The tour costs £2,690 (€2,990) per rider and £2,290 (€2,590) per pillion. Talk to your travel advisor before booking.

An English-speaking motorcycle tour leader, a mechanic and the driver of the support vehicle, which carries your luggage, the spare parts and the oxygen bottle. The group is limited to 10 motorcycles (12 participants with pillions).

£2,690 (€2,990) per rider and £2,290 (€2,590) per pillion. The price includes the motorcycle, fuel, the team, the return flights between Delhi and Leh, accommodation, full board on riding days, the permits for the Nubra Valley and Changthang, and transfers. You pay for your international flights, the Indian visa, meals on days 1, 2, 12, 13 and 14, drinks, tips and a €600 deposit per motorcycle.

You arrive in Delhi on day 1, where our representative meets you at the airport. The next morning, the flight to Leh is included, with up to 20 kg of checked luggage. On the way back, you return to Delhi on day 12, day 13 is free and the transfer to the international airport is on day 14, according to your flight. To arrive earlier or stay on, ask your travel advisor about the options.

Departures run from June to September, when the passes are open. Days are pleasant, but evenings and overcast days are cold, around 5 to 10°C, and the weather changes fast in the mountains: bring a lined jacket, two pairs of gloves and rain gear. The route can be adapted to conditions.

In standard or basic hotels and guesthouses. At the Pangong and Tso Moriri lakes, comfort is simple: little or no hot water, no wifi and limited electricity. The phone network works in Leh and is patchy elsewhere.