Contact us
+17603509700 on WhatsApp Request a quote Schedule a call
Motorcycle Trip in the Himalayas, Himalayan Expedition
Motorcycle trip Himalaya

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 → Himalayan Expedition
Alex
Your motorcycle expert
Alex
In 2006, after traveling 12,000 miles by motorcycle in India, Alex founded Vintage Rides. Since then, he has been developing our concept in more than 20 countries.
On the agenda
Embark on a new challenge! Join our unique expedition and traverse the Himalayas by motorcycle at the handlebars of your Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. From the verdant Kinnaur Valley to the untamed banks of the Zanskar, from the majestic Spiti Valley to the city of Leh, passing through the Nubra Valley, the high Tibetan plateaus of Changtang and Lahaul, you will experience an extraordinary 24-day Himalayan motorcycle tour! Mountains and high-altitude deserts, rocky tracks, lakes, forests and rivers, some of the highest passes in the world… These are the major stages you will need to cross to succeed in this 1,520-mile expedition on the most beautiful roads of the Himalayas.
Himalayan Expedition

Motorcycle Trip in the Himalayas

24 stages - 1,522 miles
Arrival in Delhi Stage 1/24
Arrival in Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to Delhi, the bustling Indian capital. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Free time to visit the Indian capital and its gems: the Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar...
Delhi - Nalagarh Stage 2/24 Train + 34 miles by taxi
Delhi - Nalagarh
Early in the morning, you will board the express train to Chandigarh. Upon arrival at the station, we will transfer you to Nalagarh where you will stay in the old royal palace. This is where your Royal Enfields await you. The afternoon will be dedicated to relaxation and preparation for the next day, in the green and charming setting of Himachal Pradesh.
Nalagarh - Shimla Stage 3/24 59 miles
Nalagarh - Shimla
Today is the day! Taking control of your Royal Enfield marks the start of our India motorcycle tour. We head towards Shimla, the region's capital, which, during the colonial era, housed the British government's summer residence in search of coolness. We gain altitude and follow a beautiful small asphalt road that winds up to Shimla. Overnight at 7,218 feet altitude.
Shimla - Sarahan Stage 4/24 96 miles
Shimla - Sarahan
Today, we progress through the still densely populated and inhabited Himalayan foothills. We follow the Sutlej River, cross 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 its traditional wooden architecture. Overnight at 7,546 feet altitude.
Sarahan - Sangla Stage 5/24 81 miles
Sarahan - Sangla
This morning, we continue our exploration eastward along the impetuous Sutlej River. Dominated by the imposing Kinnaur Kailash (19,849 feet), 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 that plunges into a rocky gorge. The dizzying track leads us to Chitkul, the last village in the valley, perched at 11,319 feet altitude. We retrace our steps to spend the night in Sangla, dominated by its old fort typical of the region. Overnight at 8,858 feet altitude.
Sangla - Nako Stage 6/24 93 miles
Sangla - Nako
We continue our journey northeast, 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. Overnight in Nako, situated at 11,811 feet altitude.
Nako - Kaza Stage 7/24 68 miles
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 through a lunar landscape, progressing north along the Spiti River. An essential stop at the splendid Dhankar monastery, perched on its rocky spur at 12,795 feet altitude, before arriving in Kaza, the capital of Spiti where we stay two nights. Overnight at 11,975 feet altitude.
Kaza and surroundings Stage 8/24 47 or 62 miles
Kaza and surroundings
A quieter day today. We set off to visit the impressive Dhankhar gompa (monastery), clinging to a ridge, before continuing towards the tiny village of Lallung. In the afternoon, we rest to soak up the atmosphere of Spiti. A stroll through the pedestrian streets of the old town. This is an opportunity to recharge our batteries before continuing the adventure. Overnight at 11,975 feet altitude.
Kaza - Chandra Tal Stage 9/24 62 miles
Kaza - Chandra Tal
Today, we continue our crossing of Spiti towards the northwest. We visit the Kye monastery, then the village of Kibber, before crossing the mythical pass of the region, the Kunzum (15,059 feet). The last miles of track lead us to the shores of Chandra Tal, "Lake of the Moon". Overnight in camp at 14,108 feet.
Chandra Tal - Jispa Stage 10/24 87 miles
Chandra Tal - Jispa
We definitively leave Spiti and its mineral landscape to reach the greener region of Lahaul. The first 19 miles to Koksar will put riders and machines to the test, as the track is rocky and rough. Relieved to find asphalt again, we soon encounter 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 axis leading to Leh before reaching Jispa for the night. Overnight at 10,499 feet altitude.
Jispa - Purne Stage 11/24 56 miles
Jispa - Purne
Today, an exceptional day awaits us, with the beginning of our crossing of Zanskar, opened to vehicles thanks to the recent construction of a new road. The first miles are on a good asphalt road up to the summit of the Shingo La pass (16,568 feet), before returning to the track for the descent into the Kurgiak Chu valley, dominated by the impressive Gumbok Rangan peak, the most sacred mountain of Zanskar. We reach our camp in Purne at 12,795 feet altitude.
Purne - Padum Stage 12/24 34 miles
Purne - Padum
Early in the morning, we set off for a walk to the sublime Phuktal monastery, spectacularly clinging to 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 very beautiful panoramic view of the Zanskar plain from its terrace. Overnight at 12,041 feet altitude.
Padum - Lamayuru Stage 13/24 118 miles
Padum - Lamayuru
Still riding north to reach Ladakh, we will experience an intense and spectacular day. We first go up the Zanskar River, hoping that the waterway allows us to cross its gorges at certain passages. After this challenge, it will only be track with three passes of almost 16,400 feet. 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. Overnight at 11,713 feet altitude.
Lamayuru - Leh Stage 14/24 99 miles
Lamayuru - Leh
Today, we ride in the heart of the Indus Valley, in a mineral and magical landscape dotted with a few green oases, to reach the capital of Ladakh, Leh. En route, an alternation of track sections, good roads and small, more or less maintained asphalt snakes, rustic villages and monasteries clinging to the mountainside. This evening, we celebrate this great Himalayan adventure that we have been sharing together for two weeks around a good table. Overnight at 11,483 feet altitude.
Leh Stage 15/24
Leh
Relaxation day in Leh. A walk through this very special city, whose city center has been beautifully redeveloped. Many opportunities for shopping, nice little cafes and excellent restaurants. Overnight at 11,483 feet altitude.
Leh - Hunder Stage 16/24 75 miles
Leh - Hunder
Head north for an incursion into the spectacular Nubra Valley, crossing the mythical Khardung La pass (about 17,600 feet), mistakenly considered the highest motorable pass in the world. Magical panorama of the Zanskar range to the south and the great Karakoram range to the north. Overnight at 10,171 feet altitude.
Round trip Turtuk (Nubra Valley) Stage 17/24 106 miles
Round trip Turtuk (Nubra Valley)
A return to another world, that of the Balti region, where Shia Muslims are the majority, and which was part of Pakistan until the 1971 war. The faces, clothes, food, everything is different from the Buddhist Ladakh you have seen so far. It's a long distance but the road is in rather good condition.
Hunder - Pangong Stage 18/24 118 miles
Hunder - Pangong
Today, depending on the weather and road conditions, we have the choice of two different itineraries, each with a spectacular pass to cross at over 16,400 feet. The last miles to reach Pangong Lake are magical. 81 miles long, Pangong Tso is located astride the Indo-Chinese border. Overnight at 13,944 feet altitude.
Pangong - Tso Kar Stage 19/24 121 miles
Pangong - Tso Kar
This morning, we continue our journey to reach the high Tibetan plateaus of Changtang (or Rupshu). We follow an unconventional itinerary, adding several mountain lakes to the picture, as well as another pass higher than Khardung La, at about 17,700 feet, the highest of the tour. This area is populated by a few pashmina goat herders, from whom the softest and most refined wools on the planet originate. Overnight at 15,092 feet altitude.
Tso Kar - Jispa Stage 20/24 137 miles
Tso Kar - Jispa
Another magnificent day awaits us, where we only descend below 13,123 feet at the end of the stage. Morey Plain, Pang gorges, a pass above 16,400 feet, two other passes just below... Welcome to NH3, a legendary road, the oldest route between Leh and Manali. You'll be amazed on this last day at high altitude. We are not alone; a considerable number of Indian bikers have made this route their Grail. "Bike Fest" atmosphere at the chai stops, it's a good vibe. Overnight at 10,499 feet altitude.
Jispa - Naggar Stage 21/24 71 miles
Jispa - Naggar
We leave the mineral desert behind us and gradually rediscover greenery, forests, and humidity as we reach the Kullu Valley through the brand new Atal tunnel (5.6 miles). A break in Manali, the legendary hippie resort of Himachal, now mainly frequented by Indian tourists fleeing the unbearable heat of the plains this season. We then reach a quiet village, Naggar, surrounded by beautiful cedar forests and rich orchards. Overnight at 6,890 feet altitude.
Naggar - Bir Stage 22/24 87 miles
Naggar - Bir
The great crossing quietly comes to an end, with a final day of motorcycling in the Himalayan foothills. We alternate between asphalt roads and beautiful forest tracks in the Barot valley to reach Bir, a national paragliding hotspot. Last evening with your local team before returning to Delhi by plane the next day.
Bir - Dharamsala - Delhi Stage 23/24 2h 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 $6290,00 / rider
The price includes The price does not include

  • A Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycle and spare parts.

  • Fuel, parking, any tolls.

  • Third-party motorcycle insurance.

  • Mandatory insurance: insurance covering medical expenses on site. Repatriation assistance, which covers you in case of 2-wheel accidents (large displacement).

  • Legal insurance and cancellation insurance highly 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 is not just a tour, it is an expedition: our longest adventure tour, reserved for riders with solid off-road experience and good physical fitness. About half of the 1,520 miles is off-road, with rocky tracks, river crossings and some vertiginous sections, and what makes it demanding is the combination of length, altitude, weather and off-road riding. If you have never ridden an adventure tour with us, talk to our team first. Riding with a passenger is strongly discouraged on this tour.

The route climbs gradually, but the highest pass reaches about 17,700 feet and the highest night about 15,100 feet: altitude sickness is a real risk. The support vehicle carries an oxygen bottle, and the treatment is to descend quickly, or to go to hospital in Leh. Two nights are spent in tents (Chandra Tal and Purne, where there is no running hot water), and five nights are without Wi-Fi.

Much of the route is far from medical facilities, phone networks are limited and satellite phones are prohibited in India. As with any mountain route, road conditions and difficulty depend on the weather, during and before the tour.

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

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

Himalayan Expedition
The Himalayan Expedition

Lucinda
17 Oct. 2025

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

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

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

Himalayan Expedition
It was a discovery full of…

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

Julien
04 Oct. 2025

Himalayan Expedition
The Himalayan Expedition is an extraordinary…

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

Pierre
30 Sep. 2025

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

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

Himalayan Expedition
See all reviews (23)
From
$6290 / Rider
$5290 / passenger
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
You might also like

Discover our current motorcycle trips

Volcanoes & Amazon Expedition
Motorcycle Ramble
Ecuador
Volcanoes & Amazon Expedition
$2690
/ rider
New
7 days • 2 departures
06 Jun. 2027
06 Jun.27
9 left
02 Oct. 2027
02 Oct.27
9 left
Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia
Adventure Tour
Argentina
Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia
$6990
/ rider
33 review
14 days • 4 departures
05 Dec. 2026
05 Dec.26
6 left
19 Jan. 2027
19 Jan.27
3 left
15 Jan. 2028
15 Jan.28
10 left
In the Heart of the Highlands
Motorcycle Ramble
Colombia
In the Heart of the Highlands
$2990
/ rider
New
7 days • 3 departures
20 Feb. 2027
20 Feb.27
2 left
17 Jul. 2027
17 Jul.27
10 left
12 Feb. 2028
12 Feb.28
10 left
The Land of Maharajas
Motorcycle Ramble
Rajasthan
The Land of Maharajas
$3290
/ rider
127 review
13 days • 5 departures
03 Nov. 2026
03 Nov.26
1 left
02 Dec. 2026
02 Dec.26
5 left
16 Jan. 2027
16 Jan.27
8 left
The Wonders of the Atlas
Motorcycle Ramble
Morocco
The Wonders of the Atlas
$2390
/ rider
273 review
7 days • 7 departures
24 Oct. 2026
24 Oct.26
3 left
30 Apr. 2027
30 Apr.27
10 left
08 May 2027
08 May 27
7 left
Inca Treasures and Andean Peaks
Adventure Tour
Peru
Inca Treasures and Andean Peaks
$5590
/ rider
95 review
13 days • 4 departures
25 Apr. 2027
25 Apr.27
3 left
06 Sep. 2027
06 Sep.27
10 left
26 Sep. 2027
26 Sep.27
4 left
Expertise
Since 2006, Vintage Rides has been the specialist in characterful motorcycle travel.
Serenity
When the unexpected happens, our experienced guides take care of everything.
Availability
Complete availability with 24/7 assistance.
Quality
Impeccable services with local partners committed to a charter of quality and safety.
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Vintage Rides Glasses

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the best of our travel inspirations.

Why join the 15,000 Vintage Riders?

Unleash the adventurer within you by riding characterful motorcycles on the world's tracks. Exceptional motorcycle trips for bikers seeking authenticity and sharing.
53 Rue Président Krüger 69008 LYON
teamvr@vintagerides.com
+1 (760) 350-9700
Top destinations
Learn more
Terms of use
Our partners
Secure payments
Mastercard Visa
International
Currency
The motorcycle trip has been added to your wish list.
The motorcycle trip has been removed from your wish list.
Contact Contact us