We take the early morning flight from Delhi to Leh, to leave the chaos and heat behind and land at the heights of the Himalayas in Ladakh. The approach and landing in the Indus Valley are spectacular and introduce the adventure well. Leh is located at an altitude of 3,500 m, so we need a day to acclimate. We explore the cuisine of Ladakh and the local market. A short trip to the “Shanti Stupa” gives us a fantastic panoramic view of the Indus Valley. In the evening, there will be a kick-off briefing for the tour by our road captain with all the info about motorcycling in India and the route. 

Accommodation: Lharimo Hotel/similar

Today, it’s time to get more familiar with our companions for the next 11 days: the Royal Enfield motorcycles. On our first ride, today will be a great day because today’s tour will take us to the top of the world. We will drive over the highest drivable pass in the world, the Khardung La (5,602 m), with breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. We climb from Leh 2,000 m up – first on immaculate roads and then from the army checkpoint South Pullu over a hill and dale the last 10 km to the summit. At the top, there is the obligatory summit photo with a big grin. If you are lucky, you can see Indian tourists on the pass, who see snow for the first time in their lives and celebrate a kind of snow party. The descent then takes us to the picturesque wild Nubra Valley at the confluence of the Shyok and Nubra rivers, which form a mighty stream in the middle of this brown rock desert with oases. Finally, we are greeted by the surprising sight of dunes just before we reach today’s destination.

Accommodation: ECO Villa Hunder/similar

Today, we explore the Shyok Valley, which takes us east towards Tibet. Mountain giants tower to the left and right of our path, which leads through the barren, wide and very high valley that forms a grandiose stage for this desert mountain landscape. We are now on a stretch of road where there are practically no villages but many adventurous Indian tourists. Depending on the monsoon, the road becomes a bit more of a challenge and water crossings await us until we leave the river valley to reach the Changtang. The Changthang, which reaches far into Tibet with its great plateaus, is home to some of the most majestic prairie landscapes on earth. This is the home of the nomads with their herds of yak and goats, which we will be lucky enough to see. Our drive continues to the fascinating Pangong Tso Lake with its deep blue colours shining against the panorama of bare mountains and hills. After today’s drive, we will rest in Spangmik village right on the lake shore at an altitude of 4,400 meters, where we will spend the night and where the more adventurous among us can plunge into the cool waters of the salty lake.

Accommodation: Horizon Camp/similar

The morning view of the Pangong Tso is not one that we will forget quickly. After we have seen our fill, we now turn our backs on the lake for today’s leg of the journey and ride through a tall valley to Thangtse. Then we climb the Chang La Pass, the third-highest pass in the world (5,320 m). After the summit photo with the glacier in the back, we then descend in endless wonderful curves until we arrive back in the Indus Valley. At the end, we will have descended almost 2000 meters in altitude. On our ride along the Indus Valley back to Leh, we are greeted again and again by the picturesque Buddhist monasteries, which are prominently enthroned on small hills in front of the mountain slopes.

Accommodation: Lharimo Hotel/Similar

After all the riding you have been doing, today you can have some rest and enjoy the day walking around Leh’s main town or get some rest at your hotel. Our team will be working on checking the motorcycles, and in case any maintenance on the motorcycles is needed, it will be fixed and ready to go on the road again for the remaining days of the tour.

Accommodation: Lharimo/ similar

We explore the Indus Valley towards the west, where we ride through a fascinating desert landscape, past lonely monasteries, through small oasis villages and in the shadow of the 6000m giants on a very good road. Today, we will also be introduced to the peculiarities of Indian road traffic. We will then swing into the heights from the valley to arrive at the spectacular “Moonland”. A landscape created by erosion looks very extra-terrestrial and makes you feel like you are on the moon. A short time later, we reach Lamayuru, our destination for the day. The monastery here is one of the oldest and largest monasteries of Ladakh, and we will have the opportunity for a visit. The visit to the halls of the monastery will get us in touch with the strange and fascinating spirituality of the Buddhist monks.

Accommodation: Hotel Moonland/Similar

After breakfast, we make an early start for the beautiful capital town of Padum, lying in the heart of the Zanskar Valley. We ride downhill back to the junction of khaltse and Wanla and take the road to Wanla, with a good, paved road and hit Photksar village and over the Singay la pass, from Phanjila bridge, the road to Padum is unpaved and challenging with a steep incline and hairpin turns, but the scenery is truly amazing, with towering mountains, sparkling rivers and vast open plains.

Accommodation: Potala Hotel/Similar

Rest day in Padum today, you can explore Padum town. Visit the famous waterfall on the other side of the riverbank. In case you need a pair of sunglasses, there is a store in the main market with hundreds of sunglasses hanging on the store wall, an interesting store to get cheap sunglasses. 

Accommodation: Hotel Potala/ similar

One of the highlights of the Trans Himalaya Tour – and we mean that literally – is the trail ride over the recently opened Shingo La Pass, which reaches an altitude of 5,105 meters. Crossing the pass is a serious adventure – many will find it a real challenge. The snow remains for the whole year on the top of the pass; it’s a great view and a great place to get some photos. Road construction has been an ongoing process for years now, so the water crossing can be challenging. From Shinkula Pass, we head down towards the Lahaul Valley.

Accommodation: Hotel Dekyid/ similar

Check out from the campsite and leave for Sarchu. Ride to Deepak Tal, a mirror-like lake. You can make a quick stop at Zinging Bar, one of the world’s highest roadside bars. Continue to Suraj Tal, a green, emerald lake nestled in the Himalayas. Next ride to the Baralacha La Pass and enjoy breathtaking views. Finally, reach Sarchu by afternoon and check in at the camp.

Accommodation: Adventure camp/similar.

Check out of your campsite in Sarchu and head towards Leh. En route, enjoy the ride through Gata Loops, a series of 21 hairpin bends that lead to the Nakee La Pass. The next stop will be at Lachung La Pass, another high mountain pass. Take a halt on the More Plains, a vast expanse of green land surrounded by snow-capped peaks. We stop at Rumtse village for a tea break and snacks. Enjoy the view as you head back to civilization again.

Accommodation: Lha Ri Mo/similar.

As our time in the beautiful city of Leh draws to a close, it’s time to say goodbye to our amazing gang and the unforgettable memories we’ve created together. Our dedicated team will assist you in arranging transportation to the airport, ensuring that you reach your departure gate by your flight schedule until we meet again on your next adventure, farewell and safe travels!