Manali & Lahaul
Begin among the mountains of Himachal Pradesh before riding
through the dramatic Lahaul landscape towards Jispa.
The Trans Himalayan
Motorcycle Tour India · The Ultimate Himalayan Expedition
Trans Himalayan Motorcycle Tour
Manali · Zanskar · Ladakh · Changthang · Lahaul · Spiti · Kinnaur.
A 30-day journey through remote Himalayan valleys, legendary high
passes, ancient monasteries and some of India’s most extraordinary
mountain landscapes.
Scheduled departure
18 SEPTEMBER – 17 OCTOBER
30 DAYS · 29 NIGHTS
Confirm the departure year, availability and final route before booking.
30 Days29 Nights
24 DaysRiding
3,150 km1,958 Miles
5,883 m*Advertised Maximum Altitude
The ultimate Himalayan pilgrimage
Ride the Highway to Paradise
The Trans Himalayan is an ambitious motorcycle expedition for
riders drawn to remote mountain roads, dramatic high-altitude
scenery and the challenge of crossing some of the Himalayas’
most celebrated passes.
Starting in Delhi and Manali, the route ventures through Lahaul
and the remote valleys of Zanskar before continuing towards
Kargil and Leh. From Ladakh, explore Nubra Valley, Turtuk,
Pangong Tso, Hanle and the high-altitude landscapes around
Umling La and Tso Moriri.
The journey then turns towards the Leh–Manali highway, crossing
the dramatic mountain country of More Plains and the high passes
of Lahaul before entering Spiti Valley. Discover Kaza, remote
villages and ancient monasteries before continuing through
Nako and Sarahan towards Shimla.
Remote Roads, Ancient Cultures and High Passes
This is a demanding expedition involving long riding days,
high elevations, changing road surfaces and remote settlements.
Weather, road closures, permits and local access can affect the
itinerary. The final operating route must be confirmed before departure.
ROUTE OVERVIEW
Delhi – Manali – Jispa – Purne – Padum – Rangdum – Kargil –
Lamayuru – Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley – Turtuk –
Pangong Tso – Kaksang La – Hanle – Umling La – Tso Moriri –
Tso Kar – Jispa – Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Sarahan – Shimla – Delhi
Delhi – Manali – Jispa – Purne – Padum – Rangdum – Kargil –
Lamayuru – Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley – Turtuk –
Pangong Tso – Kaksang La – Hanle – Umling La – Tso Moriri –
Tso Kar – Jispa – Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Sarahan – Shimla – Delhi
The highlights
What Makes the Trans Himalayan Extraordinary
A rare combination of remote valleys, ancient monasteries,
high-altitude lakes and legendary mountain roads.
Remote Zanskar
Venture towards Purne and Padum, discover ancient monasteries
and explore the remote landscapes around Zanskar Valley.
Phuktal Monastery
The supplied itinerary includes a planned trek to Phuktal
Monastery, a remarkable cultural highlight of the Zanskar region.
Drang Drung Glacier
Ride through the Suru Valley region with planned views of
the spectacular Drang Drung Glacier near the route to Rangdum.
Leh & Nubra Valley
Discover Ladakhi culture, monasteries, Khardung La, Diskit
Monastery and the cold-desert scenery around Hunder.
Turtuk & Balti Heritage
Ride towards Turtuk on a full-day excursion to explore its
distinctive village character and cultural heritage.
Pangong Tso & Kaksang La
Follow remote mountain roads towards Pangong Tso and the
Kaksang La region, subject to permits and access.
Hanle & Umling La
Explore the remote Changthang region, with a planned
high-altitude excursion towards Umling La if permitted and safe.
Tso Moriri & Tso Kar
Discover spectacular high-altitude lake landscapes, open
mountain country and the wildlife-rich surroundings of Tso Kar.
More Plains & High Passes
Return towards Lahaul along the Leh–Manali route through
More Plains, Baralacha La and the celebrated mountain passes.
Spiti Valley & Kaza
Enter Spiti via Kunzum La and discover Kaza, ancient
monasteries and villages set among dramatic mountain landscapes.
Kinnaur & Sarahan
Follow the historic Hindustan–Tibet Highway region towards
Sarahan and its celebrated Bhimakali Temple before continuing
to Shimla.
Your day-by-day adventure
30-Day Trans Himalayan Motorcycle Tour Itinerary
Open each day to explore the planned route, riding information
and overnight arrangements.
Day 1 — Arrive in Delhi
Meet the team at Delhi Airport and transfer to your hotel.
Fellow riders may arrive on different flights, so group
introductions will be arranged around the arrival schedule.
Day 2 — Delhi – Manali
Enjoy part of the day at leisure before transferring to
the bus station in the evening. Board the planned overnight
Volvo semi-sleeper bus to Manali. The supplied itinerary
estimates a journey of approximately 10–12 hours.
Day 3 — At Manali
Arrive in Manali and attend a briefing covering safety,
touring style, road conditions and personal equipment.
Select your motorcycle and become familiar with its controls
and handling. Enjoy a trial ride around the Manali region,
with views of the Beas River Valley and surrounding mountains.
Day 4 — Manali – Jispa
Ride through the Atal Tunnel beneath the Rohtang region
and enter Lahaul Valley. Follow the Chandra River and
continue towards Tandi, near the confluence of the Chandra
and Bhaga rivers. Overnight in a guest house.
Day 5 — Jispa – Purne via Shingo La
Ride towards Purne through the mountain terrain of the
Shinku La region. The supplied itinerary describes paved
and unpaved sections on the route into Zanskar. Depending
on arrival time and local conditions, undertake the planned
trek to Phuktal Monastery. Overnight in a village homestay
or tent as arranged.
Confirm the final road alignment, pass name, trekking duration
and monastery access before departure.
Day 6 — Purne – Padum
Continue towards Padum, the main town of Zanskar. The
route includes a planned visit to Bardan Monastery.
Road construction and mixed road surfaces may affect
the day’s riding time. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 7 — At Padum
Explore remote villages and ancient monasteries around
Zanskar Valley on a full-day excursion. The final route
will depend on road conditions, local access and timing.
Overnight in a hotel.
Day 8 — Padum – Rangdum via Phenzi La
Ride towards Rangdum along the historic route linking
Zanskar and the Suru Valley. Enjoy views of the dramatic
mountain scenery and, when visible, the Drang Drung Glacier.
Visit Rangdum Monastery as planned. Overnight in a village
homestay.
Day 9 — Rangdum – Kargil
Continue through the Suru Valley towards Kargil. The
supplied route mentions views of the Nun–Kun mountain
region and a planned tea stop at the Parkachik Glacier
viewpoint. Roadworks may affect progress. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 10 — Kargil – Lamayuru via Aryan Valley
Ride through the Aryan Valley region before continuing
towards Lamayuru Monastery. The supplied itinerary describes
some unpaved sections. Confirm visitor access and any
required permissions for the chosen route. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 11 — Lamayuru – Leh via Sham Valley
Follow the road through Sham Valley, known for its
settlements, cultivated land and apricot-growing areas.
Continue towards Leh and settle into your hotel.
Day 12 — At Leh: Town Exploration
Explore Leh town on foot, discover the local market and
enjoy time to rest and acclimatise. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 13 — At Leh: Monasteries
Spend the day visiting monasteries around Leh and learning
about the region’s Buddhist heritage. The final sightseeing
schedule will depend on opening hours and local arrangements.
Overnight in a hotel.
Day 14 — Leh – Diskit via Khardung La
Ride over Khardung La towards Nubra Valley. Visit Diskit
Monastery and the Hunder sand dunes, known for their
distinctive cold-desert landscape and Bactrian camels.
Overnight in a homestay or camp as arranged.
Pass altitude and current road access should be verified
before the tour information is published.
Day 15 — Diskit – Turtuk – Diskit
Enjoy a full-day excursion towards Turtuk, a village known
for its distinctive Balti cultural heritage and dramatic
mountain setting. Return to Diskit for the night.
Overnight in a homestay or camp as arranged.
Day 16 — Diskit – Pangong Tso via Shyok
Follow the Shyok River through remote mountain landscapes
towards Pangong Tso. The supplied itinerary describes
settlements, military areas and gravel sections along the
way. Road access and permitted routing must be checked
before departure. Overnight in a village homestay.
Day 17 — Pangong Tso – Hanle via Kaksang La
Leave Pangong Tso and ride through remote high-altitude
terrain towards Hanle via the Kaksang La region, as planned.
The route offers striking mountain scenery and lake views.
Overnight in a village homestay or camp as arranged.
Confirm current permit requirements, access restrictions,
road conditions and the exact route for foreign visitors.
Day 18 — Hanle – Umling La – Hanle
Set out from Hanle for the planned excursion towards Umling La.
This is an exceptionally high-altitude route requiring careful
assessment of weather, road conditions, permits and rider
wellbeing. The excursion will proceed only if permitted and
judged safe by the tour team. Return to Hanle for the night.
Day 19 — Hanle – Tso Moriri
Ride through the open landscapes of Changthang towards
Tso Moriri. The planned journey includes photo stops near
Kyagar Tso and a lunch stop at Sumdo, subject to the final
route. Overnight in a village homestay or camp as arranged.
Day 20 — Tso Moriri – Tso Kar via Polokongko La
Ride towards Tso Kar through open high-altitude terrain,
following the planned route via Polokongko La and the
Phuga Hot Spring region. The area is known for its
distinctive landscapes and birdlife. Overnight in a village
homestay or camp as arranged.
Day 21 — Tso Kar – Jispa
Return towards Lahaul along the Leh–Manali highway, crossing
the More Plains region and several high mountain passes.
The supplied itinerary includes Baralacha La, Nakee La,
Lachung La and the Gata Loops. Expect a long riding day
with unpaved sections. Overnight in a guest house.
Confirm the final pass sequence, distances and road conditions
for the operating season.
Day 22 — Jispa – Kaza
Ride towards Spiti Valley, crossing the Kunzum La region
and continuing towards Kaza. The route may include rough
or unpaved sections, particularly around the pass and
construction areas. The supplied itinerary also mentions
Chicham Bridge, Kibber Village and Key Monastery; the
order of visits depends on the final route and timing.
Overnight in a hotel.
Day 23 — At Kaza: Rest and Permits
Enjoy a rest day in Kaza and allow time for the permit
arrangements described in the original itinerary. Confirm
which permits are required for the planned excursions and
complete any formalities before setting out. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 24 — Kaza: Remote Spiti Villages
Explore remote villages in Spiti Valley, with the supplied
programme listing Demul, Komic, Hikkim and Langza.
Discover highland settlements, striking mountain views
and the region’s distinctive village culture. Overnight in a hotel.
Village access, road conditions and the advertised post
office altitude should be checked before publication.
Day 25 — Kaza – Nako via Tabo and Dhankhar
Leave Kaza and ride towards Nako, with planned visits to
Dhankhar and Tabo monasteries along the route. Enjoy the
changing scenery of Spiti and the surrounding mountain
settlements. Overnight in a guest house.
Day 26 — Nako – Sarahan
Continue towards Sarahan through the Kinnaur region,
following the Sutlej River and the historic Hindustan–Tibet
Highway corridor. The supplied itinerary includes a visit
to Bhimakali Temple. Overnight in a temple guest house
as arranged.
Day 27 — Sarahan – Shimla
According to the supplied itinerary, travel by small bus
towards Shimla, with a planned stop at the Sun Temple
en route. Confirm the exact temple, transfer schedule and
transport arrangements before departure. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 28 — At Shimla
Enjoy time to explore Shimla on foot, with planned visits
to the Viceregal Lodge and Mall Road. Relax after the
mountain expedition before the return journey to Delhi.
Overnight in a hotel.
Day 29 — Shimla – Delhi via the Toy Train and Kalka
The supplied itinerary describes a journey on the historic
Shimla–Kalka railway followed by a train to Delhi. Enjoy
the celebrated mountain railway scenery, tunnels and
bridges along the route. On arrival in Delhi, transfer
to a hotel near the airport as arranged.
Train tickets, connections, departure times and the
advertised arrival time must be reconfirmed for the
selected departure date.
Day 30 — Delhi and Departure
Transfer to Delhi Airport for your onward flight home.
Your Trans Himalayan motorcycle expedition concludes
after an extraordinary journey through the Himalayas.
Choose your accommodation
Trans Himalayan Tour Prices
The following prices are taken from your supplied tour details.
Prices are per person; choose the package matching your room preference.
Twin sharing
Shared Room Package
US$6,000
Rider: US$6,000 per person
Pillion: US$5,500 per person
Per person on a twin-sharing basis.
Single sharing
Private Room Package
US$7,500
Rider: US$7,500 per person
Pillion: US$7,000 per person
Per person on a single-sharing basis.
Scheduled dates: 18 September – 17 October.
Confirm the departure year, availability, room arrangements
and final package details with the team before booking.
Know what is covered
What’s Included in Your Trans Himalayan Tour
Review the supplied package inclusions and exclusions as
you prepare for this extended high-altitude expedition.
Cost Includes
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc, Himalayan Scram 411cc or Himalayan 450cc, subject to availability
- Listed spare parts for the motorcycles
- Support vehicle for luggage
- Toyota Innova or small bus as arranged
- Mechanic
- English-speaking road captain or tour guide
- Fuel and oil
- First-aid equipment
- Breakfast in Delhi, Manali, Leh and Shimla; all meals on the remaining tour days as specified
- 3-star or heritage-category hotels as arranged
- Fixed camps where specified in the programme
- Inner Line Permit, as included and applicable
- Oxygen support in the unlikely event of altitude sickness; this does not replace medical treatment or evacuation
Cost Does Not Include
- Charges for motorcycle parts broken while riding
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips, mineral water and beverages
- Expenses arising from unforeseen circumstances such as roadblocks, landslides or flight cancellations
- Personal insurance
- Sleeping bags
- Helmets and other riding gear
- Indian visa and international flights
- International Driving Permit
Confirm the final written inclusions and exclusions for your
departure. Accommodation, meals, motorcycle model, permits,
transport and support arrangements should match the package
being sold.
Before you travel
Prepare for a High-Altitude Himalayan Expedition
Riding and Equipment
Bring suitable protective riding gear, a helmet, gloves,
sturdy boots, warm layers and weather protection. The supplied
package excludes helmets and riding gear, so arrange them
before departure.
Altitude and Flexibility
This route reaches very high elevations and includes remote
terrain. Follow the tour team’s guidance, allow time for
acclimatisation and understand that weather, road conditions,
permits or rider wellbeing may require itinerary changes.
Documents and Insurance
Check passport, visa, driving-document and permit requirements.
Arrange suitable travel and medical insurance that specifically
covers motorcycle riding, high-altitude travel and any planned
evacuation requirements.
Your ultimate Himalayan adventure
Ready to Ride the Trans Himalayan?
Cross remote valleys, discover ancient monasteries, ride legendary
mountain roads and experience the extraordinary landscapes of
Zanskar, Ladakh, Changthang, Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur.
Contact our team to discuss departure dates, motorcycle options,
accommodation and the final operating itinerary.
