Conquering the Himalayas: The Journey of “Hans”

🏔️ Trans-Himalaya Adventure by Sidecar: How “Hans” Became the Star of Our Motorcycle Tour

It all started with a phone call. A long-time friend and guest asked quite casually: “Shankar, a sidecar for the Enfield – that shouldn’t be a problem, right?” My spontaneous answer: “Hmmm... ahhh... sure, we’ll manage that.”

I had barely hung up when E. and H. signed up for our “Himalayan Dream” motorcycle tour – sidecar included. What I hadn’t quite realised at that point:

• A) I had practically no experience with sidecar rigs.
• B) Absolutely everyone in India advised me against it.

The kindest comment? “That’s a suicide machine on three wheels.”

🚚 From Idea to Reality: A Sidecar “Made in Bombay”

But a promise is a promise. The flights were booked, the tour was getting closer – there was no turning back. Luckily, I soon discovered Cozy Wheels in Mumbai, a company that exports sidecars to Europe. In record time they built us a custom “Rural Ural” model (without its own drive).

Just a few weeks later, the rig arrived by truck at my base in Dharamsala. Six porters (locally called “coolies”) heaved the beast into our courtyard. The only problem? Nobody in the entire region had ever assembled a sidecar rig.

So the crate travelled another 250 km to Manali, to one of our trusted partner workshops. Two mechanics on site, supported by two more via Zoom, spent hours putting everything together. But they did it: right on time for the start of the tour, the Royal Enfield and its sidecar stood gleaming in front of the hotel. Ready for action.

👀 The Eye-Catcher on India’s Roads

What I hadn’t expected: the sidecar instantly became a real crowd-puller. Children waved non-stop, people smiled and cheered, and one man followed us for 40 minutes just to ask whether I would sell the vehicle. It was a hit.

Huge praise goes to our rider G., who steered the rig like a true pro through chaotic Indian traffic and up steep Himalayan tracks. Passenger H. also deserves applause – her composure never wavered, even when the Himalayan drop-offs were just 10 cm from the tyres.

⛰️ The Ultimate Test: Shingo La Pass (5,100 m)

But the real challenge was still ahead of us: the Shingo La Pass, freshly opened and 5,100 metres high – unpaved on one side. Everyone said: “There’s no way the sidecar will make it.” And yes, it was tough. H. had to get out a few times.

But “Hans” – as we lovingly named the rig halfway through (Sanskrit for “wild swan”) – fought its way through.

At the top, there were tears. Twelve mountain passes, five of them above 5,000 metres, and a total of 2,019 kilometres. Hans had conquered them all.

☕ A New Chapter for Hans

Today Hans is resting in Dharamsala. Soon he will be converted – with a roof and a coffee machine – as part of our project “The Other Space”, a small travel café for like-minded people.

But make no mistake – that was certainly not his last ride.

👉 Conclusion:

This Trans-Himalaya motorcycle tour was more than just technically demanding – it was emotionally overwhelming. Sidecar adventure, the Himalayas, Royal Enfields and the thrill of the open road – all combined in one unforgettable journey.

Want to know what real road trips feel like? Meet Hans. Or even better: join us yourself next time.

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