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Your motorcycle expedition in the Himalayas, The Himalayan Expedition
Motorcycle trip Himalaya

The Himalayan Expedition

Itinerary Extensions Price Reviews
Adventure Tour
Duration
24 D
Tour Type
Tour Leader
Accommodation
Basic
Level
Sustained
Meal Plan
Full-Board
Vintage Rides → Destinations → India → Himalaya → The Himalayan Expedition
François
Your motorcycle expert
François
François is a biker always venturing out on the road to uncover new routes with as much passion as he has telling stories. He is an enthusiast and knows our itineraries like the back of his hand.
On the agenda

Take on a new challenge and join this extraordinary expedition across the Himalaya on your Royal Enfield. From the lush Kinnaur Valley to the untamed Zanskar River, from the majestic Spiti Valley to the town of Leh, through the Nubra Valley, the Tibetan Changtang plateaus, and Lahaul, you will embark on a 24-day motorcycle adventure like no other. High-altitude mountains and deserts, rocky trails, lakes, forests, rivers, and some of the world’s highest passes await. Cover 1,522 miles (2,450 km) on the most spectacular Himalayan roads in this iconic Himalaya motorbike tour!

Short on time? See The Trans-Himalayan, 13 days through Zanskar and Ladakh.

The Himalayan Expedition

Your motorcycle expedition in the Himalayas

24 stages - 1,522 miles (2,450 km)
Arrival in Delhi Stage 1/24
Arrival in Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to Delhi, the bustling Indian capital. We welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The day is free for you to explore the Indian capital and its treasures: the Jama Masjid, the tomb of Humayun, the Qutub Minar… This marks the beginning of your unforgettable India motorcycle tour.
Delhi - Nalagarh Stage 2/24 Train + 34 miles (55 km) by taxi
Delhi - Nalagarh
Early in the morning, you board the express train to Chandigarh. Arriving at the station, we transfer you to Nalagarh where you stay in the former royal palace. This is where the Royal Enfields await you. The afternoon will be devoted to relaxing and preparing for the next day, in the green and charming setting of Himachal Pradesh.
Nalagarh - Shimla Stage 3/24 59 miles (95 km)
Nalagarh - Shimla
It’s D-Day! Taking charge of your Royal Enfield marks the start of our Himalayan adventure. Direction Shimla, capital of the region, which during the colonial era housed the summer residence of the British government in search of cooler climates. We gain altitude and follow a pretty little asphalt road which winds up to Shimla. Night at 2,200 m (7,218 ft).
Shimla - Sarahan Stage 4/24 96 miles (155 km)
Shimla - Sarahan
Today, we are progressing in the Himalayan foothills which are still densely populated and inhabited. We follow the Sutlej river, crossing the small town of Rampur, known for its royal palace, before reaching the village of Sarahan which marks the entrance to Kinnaur. In this green region, Buddhism and Hinduism coexist. Sarahan is home to the superb Bhimakali temple with traditional wooden architecture. Night at 2,300 m (7,546 ft).
Sarahan - Sangla Stage 5/24 81 miles (130 km)
Sarahan - Sangla
This morning, we continue our exploration towards the east along the rushing Sutlej River. Dominated by the imposing Kinnaur Kailash (6,050 m / 19,849 ft), the villages clinging to the slopes of the green Kinnaur valley are of rare beauty. We leave the main road to take a narrow track which plunges into a rocky gorge. The dizzying track takes us to Chitkul, the last village in the valley, perched at an altitude of 3,450 m (11,319 ft). We then retrace our steps to spend the night in Sangla, dominated by its old fort typical of the region. Night at 2,700 m (8,858 ft).
Sangla - Nako Stage 6/24 93 miles (150 km)
Sangla - Nako
We continue our route north-east, towards the Tibetan plateau. The green landscapes gradually give way to a mineral and desert world. The last part of this day propels us into the magical landscapes of Spiti, this majestic valley clinging to the edge of the immense Tibetan plateau. Night in Nako located at 3,600 m (11,811 ft).
Nako - Kaza Stage 7/24 68 miles (110 km)
Nako - Kaza
Today, our route is dotted with wonders: the Tabo monastery, one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist sites, classified by UNESCO as a world heritage site. In the afternoon we continue in a lunar landscape, progressing north along the Spiti River. An essential stop at the splendid Dhankar monastery, perched on its rocky spur at an altitude of 3,900 m (12,795 ft), before arriving in Kaza, the capital of Spiti where we stay two nights. Night at 3,650 m (11,975 ft).
Kaza and surroundings Stage 8/24 47 or 62 miles (75 or 100 km)
Kaza and surroundings
Quieter day today. We go to visit the impressive gompa (monastery) of Dhankhar, perched on a ridge, before continuing towards the tiny village of Lallung. In the afternoon, rest and soak up the atmosphere of Spiti. Stroll through the pedestrian streets of the old town. This is an opportunity to recharge the batteries before continuing the adventure. Night at 3,650 m (11,975 ft).
Kaza - Chandra Tal Stage 9/24 62 miles (100 km)
Kaza - Chandra Tal
Today, we continue our crossing of Spiti towards the northwest. We visit the monastery of Kye, then the village of Kibber, before crossing the legendary pass of the region, the Kunzum (4,590 m / 15,059 ft). The last kilometers of track take us to the shores of Chandra Tal, “Lake of the Moon”. Night in camp at 4,300 m (14,108 ft).
Chandra Tal - Jispa Stage 10/24 87 miles (140 km)
Chandra Tal - Jispa
We depart Spiti to join the greener region of Lahaul. The first thirty kilometers to Koksar will put riders and machines to the test, as the track is rocky and brittle. Relieved to find the asphalt again, we soon find the traffic coming from Manali at the exit of the famous Atal tunnel, located at the foot of the Rohtang pass. We ride on the main road leading to Leh before reaching Jispa for the night. Night at 3,200 m (10,499 ft).
Jispa - Purne Stage 11/24 56 miles (90 km)
Jispa - Purne
Today is an exceptional day and the start of our crossing of Zanskar, open to vehicles thanks to the recent construction of a new road. The first kilometers are on a good asphalt road to the summit of the Shingo La pass (5,050 m / 16,568 ft), before returning to the track for the descent into the Kurgiak Chu valley, dominated by the impressive summit of Gumbok Rangan, a mountain the most sacred of Zanskar. We reach our camp in Purne at 3,900 m (12,795 ft).
Purne - Padum Stage 12/24 34 miles (55 km)
Purne - Padum
Early in the morning we leave for a walk to the sublime Phuktal monastery, spectacularly set in the rock. Back on the handlebars we reach Padum, the small capital of the region. In the afternoon, we take the time to visit the Karsha monastery, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Zanskar plain from its terrace. Night at 3,670 m (12,041 ft).
Padum - Lamayuru Stage 13/24 118 miles (190 km)
Padum - Lamayuru
Still riding due north to reach Ladakh, we will experience an intense and spectacular day. We first go up the Zanskar River, hoping that the watercourse will let us cross its gorges at certain points. After this challenge, it will only be the track with three passes approaching 5,000 m (16,404 ft). Ki, Ki So, So Larghyalo! “the gods are victorious, the demons are defeated”. We arrive at the end of the day in Ladakh, in the enchanting landscapes of Lamayuru. Night at 3,570 m (11,713 ft).
Lamayuru - Leh Stage 14/24 99 miles (160 km)
Lamayuru - Leh
Today, we are driving through the heart of the Indus Valley, a raw and magical setting dotted with a few green oases, to reach the capital of Ladakh, Leh. On the way, alternating sections of track, good roads and rustic villages and monasteries clinging to the mountainside. This evening, we celebrate this great adventure we have all been sharing together for two weeks around the table in the Himalayan mountains. Night at 3,500 m (11,483 ft).
Leh Stage 15/24
Leh
Relaxing day in Leh. Walking tour in this very special city, whose city center has been nicely redeveloped. Numerous shopping opportunities, cozy little cafés and excellent restaurants. Night at 3,500 m (11,483 ft).
Leh - Hunder Stage 16/24 75 miles (120 km)
Leh - Hunder
Head north for an incursion into the spectacular Nubra valley, crossing the legendary Kardung La pass (5,370 m / 17,618 ft), wrongly considered the highest pass for vehicles in the world. We wonder at the magical panorama of the Zanskar range to the south and the great Karakoram range to the north. Night at 3,100 m (10,171 ft).
Return trip to Turtuk (Nubra Valley) Stage 17/24 106 miles (170 km)
Return trip to Turtuk (Nubra Valley)
A journey into another world, the Balti region, where Shia Muslims are the majority and which was part of Pakistan until the 1971 war. Faces, clothes, food: everything is different from the Buddhist Ladakh you have seen so far. It is a long distance, but the road is in rather good condition.
Hunder - Pangong Stage 18/24 118 miles (190 km)
Hunder - Pangong
Today, depending on the weather and the state of the roads, we have the choice of taking two different routes, each with a spectacular pass to cross at an altitude of more than 5,000 m (16,404 ft). The last kilometers to reach Pangong Lake are magical. 81 miles (130 km) long, Pangong Tso is located astride the Indo-Chinese border. Night at 4,250 m (13,944 ft).
Pangong - Tso Kar Stage 19/24 121 miles (195 km)
Pangong - Tso Kar
This morning, we continue our journey to reach the Tibetan highlands of Changtang (or Rupshu). We follow an unconventional route, adding several mountain lakes to the experience, as well as another pass higher than Khardung La, above 5,400 m (17,717 ft). This area is populated by a few pashmina goat breeders, from which the softest and most refined wool on the planet comes. Night at 4,600 m (15,092 ft).
Tso Kar - Jispa Stage 20/24 137 miles (220 km)
Tso Kar - Jispa
Another magnificent day awaits us, where we only drop below the 4,000 m (13,123 ft) mark at the end of the stage. The Morey Plains, the Pang gorges, a pass above 5,000 m (16,404 ft), two other passes just below… Welcome to the NH3, a legendary road, the oldest route between Leh and Manali. You will be amazed by this last day at high altitude. We are not alone ; a considerable number of Indian bikers have made this axis their Holy Grail. “Bike Fest” atmosphere at the tchai stops, it’s a good atmosphere. Night at 3,200 m (10,499 ft).
Jispa - Naggar Stage 21/24 71 miles (115 km)
Jispa - Naggar
We leave the mineral desert behind us and gradually find the greenery, the forests, the humidity as we reach the Kullu valley via the brand new Atal tunnel (6 miles (9 km)). We take a break in Manali, the legendary hippie resort of Himachal, today mainly frequented by Indian tourists fleeing the unbearable heat of the plains at this season. We then reach a quiet village, Naggar, surrounded by beautiful cedar forests and rich orchards. Night at 2,100 m (6,890 ft).
Naggar - Bir Stage 22/24 87 miles (140 km)
Naggar - Bir
The great crossing is slowly coming to an end, with a final day of motorcycling in the Himalayan foothills. We alternate asphalt roads and pretty forest trails in the Barot valley to reach Bir, a national paragliding hotspot. Last evening with your local team before returning to Delhi the next day by plane.
Bir - Dharamsala - Delhi Stage 23/24 2-hour drive + flight
Bir - Dharamsala - Delhi
Transfer this morning by private vehicle to Dharamsala for your domestic flight to New Delhi. Transfer to your hotel. Free day.
New Delhi - International Airport Stage 24/24
New Delhi - International Airport
Transfer to New Delhi International Airport according to your flight schedule. End of our services.
Price
From £4890,00 / rider
The price includes The price does not include

  • A Royal Enfield motorcycle and spare parts.

  • Fuel, parking fees and any tolls.

  • Third-party motorcycle insurance.

  • Compulsory insurance: cover for medical expenses on site, and repatriation assistance that covers you for accidents on large-capacity motorcycles.

  • Legal protection and cancellation insurance, strongly recommended.

  • International driving permit.

Important
Documents requested :
International motorcycle license if necessary
Motorcycle Driving License
Passport valid for the whole trip
Valid Visa, if required

This expedition is reserved for experienced riders. It includes long stages at high altitude, with passes above 4,500 m (14,764 ft), far from medical help.

First aid to reach the nearest medical centre is mainly provided by our support vehicle, as helicopters and ambulances are very rare.

Limited phone networks and the ban on satellite phones can make contacting the emergency services difficult.

As with any mountain route, road quality and difficulty depend on the weather, both during and before the trip.

Reviews on this trip
4.7/5 · 23 review
I have discovered India over the…

I have discovered India over the years thanks to your trips. This last one was...

Gallo
26 Oct. 2025

The Himalayan Expedition
A magnificent trip. Three weeks is…

A magnificent trip. Three weeks is really good for settling into the atmosphere, getting to...

Thierry
21 Oct. 2025

The Himalayan Expedition
The Himalayan Expedition

Lucinda
17 Oct. 2025

The Himalayan Expedition
An unforgettable experience to share with…

An unforgettable experience to share with my parents, this is a real adventure at the...

Jack
17 Oct. 2025

The Himalayan Expedition
An exceptional trip in every way…

An exceptional trip in every way: weather, landscapes, riding pleasure and emotions. Everything is XXL...

Stéphane
16 Oct. 2025

The Himalayan Expedition
An exceptional trip, discovering extraordinary landscapes.…

An exceptional trip, discovering extraordinary landscapes. It is a demanding trip because of the altitude,...

Francois
12 Oct. 2025

The Himalayan Expedition
It was a discovery full of…

It was a discovery full of emotions, flavours, culture and change of scenery.

Julien
04 Oct. 2025

The Himalayan Expedition
The Himalayan Expedition is an extraordinary…

The Himalayan Expedition is an extraordinary adventure… for seasoned riders!

Pierre
30 Sep. 2025

The Himalayan Expedition
The Himalayan Expedition with VR This…

The Himalayan Expedition with VR This was a truly epic, magnificent, exciting adventure, an adventure...

Phil
30 Sep. 2025

The Himalayan Expedition
VR had warned us… A demanding…

VR had warned us… A demanding road trip that calls for a good level of...

bernardbernard
29 Sep. 2025

The Himalayan Expedition
See all reviews (23)
From
£4890 / rider
£3990 / pillion
From 05 Sep. 2027 to 28 Sep. 2027
1 registered • Motorcycles available: 9
OPTION
From 03 Sep. 2028 to 26 Sep. 2028
0 registered • Motorcycles available: 10
OPTION
50% deposit
Cancellation and postponement with conditions
PRIVATIZE
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