The Trans-Himalayan

The Trans-Himalayan is a raid rated Sustained: 13 days with 9 days of riding, about 840 miles including some 130 miles of dirt tracks, with two days in Zanskar, the Shinku La and the lakes of Tso Moriri and Pangong. Oases and Himalayan Passes is a ramble rated Intermediate: 14 days, about 15% easy dirt roads, the Nubra Valley and the Khardung La, and riding two-up is possible if the rider has off-road experience. To go further, the Himalayan Expedition links Ladakh and Spiti in 24 days.

This raid is for experienced riders, comfortable on dirt tracks and physically fit. The two days in Zanskar are the most technical: water crossings, narrow rocky trails, sand and dust. We ride 50 to 130 miles a day; on dirt and at altitude, even a short stage fills the day. If you have never ridden off-road, Oases and Himalayan Passes will suit you better.

You reach Leh, at 11,500 ft, on day 2, and day 3 is a loop at the same altitude to acclimatize before climbing higher. The route then crosses several passes above 16,400 ft, up to 17,840 ft, and the two highest nights are spent at 14,760 ft. An oxygen cylinder travels in the support vehicle. Talk to your doctor about this trip before you go.

A Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, an adventure motorcycle 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.

We advise against it: the raid is demanding on the dirt, at altitude and physically. To ride two-up in Ladakh, Oases and Himalayan Passes is a better fit; your travel advisor will tell you what is possible.

An English-speaking motorcycle tour leader, who meets you in Leh, a mechanic and the driver of the support vehicle, which carries your luggage, the spare parts and the oxygen cylinder. The group is limited to 10 motorcycles.

$3,590 per rider. The price includes the motorcycle, gas, the team, round-trip flights between Delhi and Leh, the permit to travel in Ladakh, lodging, all meals on riding days and transfers. You pay for your international flights, the Indian visa, meals on days 1, 2, 12 and 13, drinks, tips and a $708 deposit per motorcycle.

You arrive in Delhi on day 1: our representative meets you at the airport and takes you to the hotel. The flight to Leh the next morning is included, with 44 lb of checked baggage at most. You fly back to Delhi on day 12: book your international flight for the afternoon or evening of day 13, as flights from Leh can be delayed by bad weather.

Departures run from June to September. At altitude it can be cold, especially in the morning and evening, and the weather changes fast: bring warm and waterproof clothing, waterproof riding boots, two pairs of gloves and good goggles or a mask against the dust.

In standard to basic hotels and guesthouses. By the lakes of Tso Moriri and Pangong, hot water and electricity are limited and there is no Wi-Fi; outside Leh, cell coverage is spotty. A sleeping bag liner adds comfort.