Motorbike Tour of the Himalayas (15 nights/16 days)

Feast of scenic, topographic and ethnic diversity, the Trans-Himalayan biking expedition is one of the rarest of the world's biking trails, passing through the lush green valleys of Shimla & Kullu. From South to Central Asia, through the rarely visited old kingdom of Zanskar, tucked into the fabled mountains of the same name.
As you drive into the heart of this rugged region the landscapes become ever more Tibetan: vast highlands punctuated by ever-higher passes (the highest is 5602m), and placid blue mountain lakes. Along the way we visit Buddhist temples perched on crags, prayer flags rippling silently in the fresh wind, and bike through small green valleys and over highest motor able passes in world.

Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
Arrive at New Delhi’s international airport, our representative will be waiting for you outside the exit gate of arrival terminal, holding a placard. Met upon arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Delhi - Chandigarh by Shatabdi Express
Transfer to the railway station to board your train for Chandigarh. On arrival you are met and transferred to hotel. Afternoon intro to your bikes and crew members of your expedition.
Overnight at the hotel

Day 3: Chandigarh - Mandi 206 km, 7-8 hrs
After breakfast drive to Mandi.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Mandi - Manali, 86 km, 3 hrs
After breakfast we drive to Manali, which is 1896 m above sea level and situated at the northern end of the Kullu valley. A picturesque little town bustling with activity, Manali is the most popular place in Himachal Pradesh during the summer season. Around Manali, nature has lavished the region with forests, waterfalls, green slopes, rivulets and soaring snow covered mountain peaks. Manali also boasts of a Mountaineering Institute, which imparts training in mountaineering, skiing and other adventure activities.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Manali - Rohtang Pass - Jespa, 147 km, 6-7 hours
After an early breakfast drive to Jespa, a small village in the Lahaul region. En route cross Rohtang Pass (3980 M) and visit Keylong village. The lofty Shingri Glacier is seen in all its grandeur, its high passes standing between them and the civilised world. The people of these valleys have an intense love for their home culture. Spiti Valley is famous for Yaks and Choru.
2 nights at the hotel.

Day 6: Jespa - Keylong - Jespa and around
All day sightseeing Keylong, Trilokinath, Udaipur area - a visit to Shashur & Guru Ghantal monasteries in Keylong area and Trilokinath & Udaipur temples in Pattan Valley area.

Day 7: Jespa to Sarchu, 96 km, 5-6 hrs
Beyond Jespa, the regions main town, the road follows the Bhaga River up towards its source. We ascend to a height of 4800M to Suraj Tal (Lake). We will ascend Baralacha La (pass) 4830M and cross into the Zanskar range, one of the remotest regions of the world.
Overnight in camp at Sarchu

Day 8: Sarchu - Polokangla – Tsokar, 200 km
The road will be testing the nerves today. After crossing Brandy Nallah, 21 hair pin bends of the Gata loops shall bring us to the double humped Pass Lachulung La (5060M) and then Pang (4630m). After Pang start zipping along More Plains - a flat stretch of 48kms, at an average height of 4200m. At Debring Mor we will steer in the NE direction to reach Tsokar (Salt Lake). We will drive through the harsh unpaved terrain of Rupshu region. We shall stop to watch the abundant bird life and passing nomads.
Overnight in tents near the lake at Tsokar.

Day 9: Tsokar - Tsomoriri 76 km, 3-4 hours
We now enter, perhaps the harshest stretch of this tour, we climb through the rocky terrain, journeying eastwards across the pass of Pologonka La (5,060m). Changpas have travelled this way for centuries collecting salt, grazing herds and trading along the Indus or south into Spiti and Kinnaur. At Juksi they had an extensive camp of yak hair yurts set on the barren plain amongst flocks of pashmina goats, sheep and yaks. We shall stop for a while at Pologonka La, we shall then descend into the valley, passing through the land abundant with hot sulphur springs to reach the village of Sumdo. Drive through the mountainous terrain to reach the pass at Namshang La, we then descend to reach the lake of Tso Kiager, another small lake en-route, this stretch is very sandy and picturesque. Tsomoriri Lake with Korzok village is the most beautiful place of the Rupshu region. Tsomoriri, at a height of 4485m is a lake of fantastic beauty, lying between two mountain ranges of an average height of about 6000m, on the east and west. With a depth of 76m, the lake is about 27 km long and 5-8km wide. It is on the banks of this lake that the black necked cranes, bar-headed goose, ducks and several water birds breed. The bar-headed goose, one of the most endangered species of birds in India, come to the shore of this lake to hatch their eggs between June-August.
Overnight in Camps at Tsomoriri.

Day 10: Tsomoriri – Leh (3650 Mts) 240 km, 8-9 Hours
Take the same road back till Sumdo. Continue driving through Chumatang, another hot sulphur spring, pass through the Monasteries of Chemrey, Shey and Thiksey. Also visit Hemis Monastery which is situated in the South of Leh, at a distance of 43 Kms, on the south bank of the Indus River. Hemis Monastery is famous for its annual festival in the month of June/ July. The tenth day (Tse-Chu), of the Tibetan lunar month is celebrated as the birthday of the Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Its resident Lamas perform the sacred masked dances leading to the destruction of the evil forces, & sacrificial offerings.
3 nights in hotel in Leh.

Day 11: Day at leisure in Leh
Leh is an excellent base for excursions to several nearby monasteries and other worthwhile points of interest. Day for servicing the bikes and to explore the downtown.

Day 12: Leh - Khardung La (5606 M) - Nubra Valley, 125 km
After breakfast drive to Hunder village 125 kms; (5-6 hrs) over Khardong La pass (5606 mt), the highest motorable road pass in the world. The view from the top of this pass is amazing. One can see all the way south over the Indus Valley to the seemingly endless peaks and ridges of the Zanskar range, and north to the giants of the Saser massif. After crossing the pass, drive another 80 kms; (2-3 hrs) across the river Shyok to reach Hunder village.
Overnight at fix camp at Hunder

Day 13: Hunder – Disket - Panamic - Hundar
Bacterian camel safari subject to availability. Drive to Panamic, en route visit Disket. See the Disket monastery perched on a rock overhanging a stream, which is the source of energy, used by the mills of the monastery. The monastery is full of Tangkas (silk paintings), magnificent giant statues of the Buddha and old mural paintings in which can be noted a multitude of influences. Visit the hot springs at Panamic and drive back to your camp at Hunder.

Day 14: Hunder – Leh, by surface
After breakfast drive to Leh over Khardung la. Afternoon rest & relax or take a walk to the local market.
Overnight at Guest House/hotel

Day 15: Fly Leh - Delhi
Bid goodbye to the Land of Lamas, Monasteries and friendly people and fly to Delhi. Spend the day at leisure in Delhi OR half day city tour of Old and New Delhi.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: Delhi - Agra (OPTIONAL TOUR)
This day will also serve as the reserve day in case of any eventuality of cancellation of Delhi – Leh Flight, if every thing goes fine take a optional tour to AGRA to see the Famous Taj Mahal, return back to Delhi and transfer to the international airport to board the homeward flight.

Note : Seasonal Tour Jun - Oct only.  Minimum 6 people required