Mystical Highlands

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14 Days

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Delhi

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Ladakh

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Delhi

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India

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1732 km

Overview

This 14-day motorcycle tour is a newly-interpreted classic through the most spectacular Highlands in the World! With brand-new passes and recently opened routings, we cover all of the scenic and cultural highlights of the ancient Buddhist Kingdom of Ladakh.

Our journey starts in the regional capital of Leh, Ladakh, from where we ride via Kargil to Zanskar, one of the most remote regions of the Himalayas. On the route we visit the charming oasis of Alchi and the most spectacularly situated monastery of Lamayuru. From Padum in Zanskar to Darcha in Lahaul we ride via the newly opened Shingo La Pass, taking us to a dizzying altitude of 5.091 meters.

Our journey continues on the vast and breathtaking Moore Plains to the Salt Lake of Tso Kar - a nature reserve and home to some rare and reclusive birds and mammals. We cross Tanglang La Pass - at 5.340 meters - and eventually make our way to undoubtedly the most beautiful lake at the frontier to Tibet. This journey is not complete without a stop at the far-reaching deserts of Nubra Valley and a ride over Khardung La - one of the highest motorable passes in the world at 5615 meters - back to Leh.

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At A Glance

Category	Details
Best travel-time	June, July, August
Start/Finish	Delhi / Delhi
Duration	14 travel days, 12 riding days
Distance covered	870 mi / 1.400 km
Day rides	50 - 180 mi / 80 - 290 km
Roads	Mainly tarmac; around 400 km / 280 mi some stretches with gravel
Motorcycles	Royal Enfield Bullet or RE Himalayan, 500cc, left side gear shift, front disk break
Rider's requirements	A comfortable ride on tarmac and gravel. Steady nerves for the traffic needed!
Group size	Min. 4 and max. 10 riders - space for pillion rider in our follow up car.
Accommodation	Middle-class hotels and Guest houses
What's included	Domestic flights, All meals, all non-alcoholic beverages, all entry fees, petrol for the bikes
Highlights	Some of the highest passes in the world: Khardung La (5,604 m), Tanglang La (5,390 m), Shingo la (5100 m) Undoubtedly, some of the the most beautiful lakes situated at over 4,500 meters Picturesque Buddhist monasteries Spectacular new routing and majestic mountain landscape Sand dunes at 3,600 meters Captivating cultural and historical insights in German and English
Important	VISA needed! For many nationalities "Visa on arrival" possible now. You need to apply online!

ITinerary

Day	Description
Day 1	Arrival in Delhi, onward flight to Leh, Ladakh. Acclimatization and rest day.
Day 2	Today we cover the first kilometers on our Royal Enfield Motorcycles. We visit beautiful monasteries and ride along the Indus River. Brief insights into Buddhist culture are of course included! Approximately 90 km.
Day 3	A ride up the mountain along small roads brings us closer to the rugged but majestic mountain landscape. The first passes of our journey are conquered today. We spend the night in the oasis of Alchi. Approximately 130 km.
Day 4	After visiting its famous 11th century monastery, we leave Alchi in the morning. On the way to Kargil we stop in Lamayuru to visit what is probably the most spectacularly situated monastery in the "Moon Valley". Drive over the Futola with 4108 mtr (13,477 ft). Overnight in Kargil. Approximately 160 km.
Day 5	Today we leave early, because today there are 231 kms (145 mi) superlative on the program. The drive into the Zanskar valley, on a well-preserved gravel road along the Nun Kun massif with its 7000 mtr (22,965 ft) is unforgettable. This is a long but very rewarding day. We spend 3 nights in Padum. Approximately 230 km.
Day 6	A leisurely day to recover from the exertions of the previous day. Today we pay a visit to a local family.
Day 7	Small exploratory trips in and around the Zanskar valley. Approximately 100 km.
Day 8	A long and special day of driving is ahead of us. The recently opened road into the Lahaul Valley reconnects us with the Manali Leh Highway. It goes over the Shingo la pass with 5100 mtr (16,732 ft). Overnight stay in a beautiful resort in Jispa. Approximately 140 km.
Day 9	Motorcycle rides at the highest altitudes. Two passes with altitudes over 5,000 mtr (16,500 ft) have to be conquered. A crazy day! Stunning landscape on the way and around the Tso Kar Lake, where we stay in the Eco Lodge. This is the Himalayas showing its best sides! Approximately 225 km.
Day 10	Back on the highway, the motorcycle ride first goes down the Tanglang la pass and through the surreal red rock landscape of the Rhumtse valley. Our destination is the village of Shakti. Approximately 134 km.
Day 11	We drive to undoubtedly the most beautiful lake in Ladakh, the salt lake Pangong tso. Approximately 180 km.
Day 12	Even if we think we have already seen all facets of this landscape, the Nubra Valley will astonish us again. We visit the picturesque Nubra Valley and its sand dunes at 3,500 mtr (11,500 ft). Approximately 228 km.
Day 13	End the trip with a drive over the Khardung La Pass at 5,359 mtr (17,582 ft), until recently known as the Highest Pass in the World. We are back in Leh, Ladakh. Comfortable end to the trip. Approximately 115 km.
Day 14	Early morning flight to Delhi and in the afternoon return flight to Europe. Optional extension with a visit to the Taj Mahal or shopping in Delhi!