Transhimalaya

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17 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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1870 km

Overview

This epic motorcycle journey through the Himalayas is a perfect blend of adventure and culture. We explore the valleys of the Western Himalaya, with a focus on Ladakh and the Zanskar Valley. Our tour begins in the Kangra Valley, at the foot of the Himalayas, with stunning views of the Dhauladhar range. After flying into Delhi and taking a train to Amb and Paragpur, the first hours are all about settling in. We rest in a charming guesthouse and wander through the village of Paragpur, full of authentic Indian charm.

In the Kangra Valley, we start with a short warm-up ride to India’s paragliding hotspot, Bir-Billing. From there, we continue into the Kullu Valley, crossing a small, lesser-known but scenic pass and riding through dense misty forests. Our overnight stop in Naggar, in the heart of the green Himalaya, offers a first glimpse of the region’s incredible variety. The next day we ride through the impressive Rohtang Tunnel into the Lahaul Valley. The Rohtang Pass marks the boundary between the lush green Himalaya and the stark and barrenTibetan Plateau—a striking contrast in both landscape and culture.

A long, unforgettable day takes us along a newly opened connecting road from Keylong to Padum. We set off early for an important milestone: our first 5,000 m pass. In Padum (3,660 m), we spend two nights to acclimatize. The Zanskar Valley impresses with its vivid colors and dramatic scenery. This remote, triangular valley was until recently accessible only with great effort. During our two days here, we dive into local culture with excursions to Karsha and Zangla, the former royal seat of Zanskar, and visits with local families, gaining rare insight into daily life—and, if lucky, a taste of locally distilled barley whisky. A true highlight is the challenging ride back toward the Indus Valley via the Singe-La Pass, another road only recently opened to motorized traffic.

From Lamayuru, we take a quiet, almost hidden side road to Hemis Shukpachen and Alchi, where we visit the historic small monastery. Arriving in Leh, we relax and recommend taking a rest day to recharge. After that, the adventure reaches new heights: we ride the legendary Leh-Manali Highway for two days, passing 5,000 m peaks, a high-altitude lake, and stunning geological formations.

Finally, a truly remote and spectacular route awaits. Leaving the highway near Keylong, we ride through the Pangi Valley to Sural and cross the mighty Sach Pass back to Chamba. The journey concludes at a cozy resort in Dharamshala, with the option to fly directly to Delhi on the final day and connect home.

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At A Glance

Category	Details
Best Travel Time	June, July, August, September
Tour Start / End	Delhi / Delhi
Duration	17 travel days, including approx. 13 riding days
Total Distance	Approx. 1,870 km
Daily Rides	Approx. 90–290 km per day
Road Conditions	Mostly paved roads; between Manali and Tso Kar, depending on the severity of the previous winter, varying sections of gravel and sandy tracks on the mountain passes
Motorcycles	Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 or 411; optional for nostalgics: Royal Enfield Bullet 500 (left-side gear shift, electric starter, front disc brake)
Riding Skill	Not extremely technical, but includes some very demanding riding days; solid riding experience recommended
Group Size	Minimum 4, maximum 10 riders. Space for passengers is always available in the support vehicle
Accommodation	Mid-range hotels and carefully selected guesthouses
Included Services	Motorcycle rental, fuel, support vehicle, mechanic, one train journey (Delhi–Amb), one domestic flight (Dharamsala–Delhi), all transfers, all accommodation, half board (excluding drinks) including a small additional lunch snack, drinking water with meals and en route, entrance fees, continuous tour guidance
Highlights	The highest roads in the world, Ladakh and Zanskar valleys, Buddhist monasteries, Dharamshala – home of the Dalai Lama, unique Himalayan landscapes and vibrant local culture
Tour Guide	Experienced English-speaking tour guides accompanying the entire tour on their own motorcycles (trained in Austria and Germany)
Extras	Local mechanic in the support vehicle, available as a replacement rider if required
Remarks	This tour requires good riding experience and physical fitness. Significant weather and temperature changes are possible on the passes, even in summer. Gravel tracks, water crossings and steep sections add an expedition-style character – an unforgettable adventure guaranteed.
Important	A visa for India is required and must be applied for online well in advance of the trip (not too early, not too late). Asia Bike Tours also offers a visa service. Simply send us a short email with the subject “Visa Service India”.

ITinerary

Day	Description
Day 1	Delhi – Paragpur/Garli (300 km): The journey begins with a pickup from Delhi Airport and continues to the train station for the very early 5:50 AM train to Amb, followed by a short taxi ride to Paragpur/Garli. This first day offers a vivid introduction to northern India, from the bustling city of Delhi to the peaceful rural regions of the Himalayas. Alternatively, an overnight stay in Delhi can be arranged to rest and start the tour fresh and energized.
Day 2	Paragpur – Bir (80 km): The route to Bir winds along scenic country roads through small villages and gentle hills, marking the transition from the plains of northern India into the mountains of the western Himalayas. Nestled in lush green hills, Bir is known for its relaxed atmosphere and outdoor activities like paragliding—a perfect preview of the landscapes to come.
Day 3	Bir – Naggar (180 km): The journey to Naggar passes along narrow forest tracks and short highway stretches. Along the way, the landscape changes from dense forests to open highlands before reaching Naggar, a village rich in traditional architecture and history, reflecting the region’s old trade and cultural routes.
Day 4	Naggar – Jispa (130 km): Traveling through the Rohtang Tunnel, one of the longest road tunnels in the world, ensures a smooth and weather-independent journey through the high mountains. The route continues along the Leh-Manali Highway to Jispa, a high-altitude village surrounded by towering peaks and crisp, fresh air.
Day 5	Jispa – Padum (350 km): This is one of the longest and most dramatic days of the journey. Crossing the mighty Shingo-La Pass, the road winds through breathtaking high-altitude landscapes to Padum in the Zanskar Valley, revealing a calmer, more remote side of the Himalayas.
Day 6	Padum: A rest day allows time to explore the surroundings on foot, experience local traditions, and acclimatize to the altitude. Traditional monasteries and village life give this day a peaceful atmosphere. Several interesting excursions in the Zanskar Valley are also available for those who wish to explore further.
Day 7	Padum – Lamayuru (150 km): The ride to Lamayuru is one of the most spectacular and challenging of the tour. The route over the recently opened Singe-La Pass offers unforgettable views of the dramatic high mountain landscapes and lunar-like terrain of the Trans-Himalaya.
Day 8	Lamayuru – Alchi (70 km): A shorter ride leads to Alchi and its historic monastery, one of the oldest monastic centers in Ladakh. Built in the 11th century, the complex is famous for its ancient wall paintings and the blend of Tibetan and Kashmiri artistic influences visible in the intricate frescoes and wood carvings.
Day 9	Alchi – Leh (70 km): Continuing along the Indus Valley, the journey reaches Leh, the cultural and administrative heart of Ladakh at around 3,500 meters. Dramatic mountain scenery accompanies the river, creating a stunning panorama. Leh is vibrant with a mix of cultural influences, local markets, and cozy cafes.
Day 10	Leh: A free day in Leh allows time for rest or an optional excursion to the Khardung-La Pass, long celebrated as one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The pass offers spectacular views but can be busy due to its popularity. Leh itself invites relaxed exploration with its pedestrian streets, cafes, and regional cuisine.
Day 11	Leh – Tso Kar (160 km): The route continues across the open high plateaus of Ladakh to the Tso Kar Salt Lake, a wide, tranquil expanse surrounded by mountains. The striking contrasts of this landscape offer a peaceful and awe-inspiring natural experience.
Day 12	Tso Kar – Keylong (240 km): Heading back towards greener valleys, the road passes through varied high-altitude landscapes before reaching Keylong, a key town in the Lahaul Valley. Here, the changing vegetation, climate, and settlements illustrate the transition from high mountains to the valleys below.
Day 13	Keylong – Sural Valley/Killar (140 km): The route winds through the Sural Valley along the Killar Road, a thrilling stretch of road with sharp bends, steep cliffs, and incredible mountain scenery.
Day 14	Sural Valley – Bairagarh (120 km): Crossing the Sach Pass, this stage brings the journey back to greener landscapes, where the terrain softens and vegetation becomes denser before arriving in Bairagarh.
Day 15	Bairagarh – Dharamshala (180 km): Traveling to Dharamshala marks the return to a culturally rich mountain region, with spiritual significance and breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar mountain range.
Day 16	Dharamshala: A rest day to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Day 17	Dharamshala – Delhi: On the final day, the journey continues to Dharamshala Airport and then on to Delhi for the international flight home. This day completes a diverse tour through a variety of altitudes, climates, and cultural regions of northern India, leaving unforgettable memories.