The Trans-Himalayan

The Trans-Himalayan is a raid rated Sustained: 13 days with 9 days of riding, about 840 miles (1,350 km) including some 130 miles (210 km) of tracks, with two days in Zanskar, the Shinku La and the lakes of Tso Moriri and Pangong. Oases and Peaks at World’s End is a ramble rated Intermediate: 14 days, about 15% easy tracks, the Nubra Valley and the Khardung La, and two-up riding 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 tracks and physically fit. The two days in Zanskar are the most technical: river crossings, narrow rocky trails, sand and dust. We ride 50 to 130 miles (80 to 210 km) a day; on tracks and at altitude, even a short stage fills the day. If you have never ridden off-road, Oases and Peaks at World’s End will suit you better.

You reach Leh, at 3,500 metres, on day 2, and day 3 is a loop at the same altitude to acclimatise before climbing higher. The route then crosses several passes above 5,000 metres, up to 5,437 metres, and the two highest nights are spent at 4,500 metres. 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 tracks, at altitude and physically. To ride two-up in Ladakh, Oases and Peaks at World’s End 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.

£2,690 (€2,990) per rider. The price includes the motorcycle, fuel, the team, return flights between Delhi and Leh, the permit to travel in Ladakh, accommodation, full board 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 €600 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 20 kg of hold luggage 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 wifi; outside Leh, the phone network is patchy. A sleeping bag liner adds comfort.