Ladakh

Arrival in New Delhi
Kickstart your Himalayan odyssey in the bustling capital of India, New Delhi. Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime with Royal Bikers. Join us for a mandatory briefing session at our hotel, where you’ll meet your fellow riders and our experienced crew. This briefing isn’t just about rules and safety; it’s a chance to connect with like-minded adventurers and fuel your excitement for the journey ahead. Remember to rest up for an early start tomorrow – the mountains are calling!

New Delhi to Pathankot (500 km / 10 hrs)
Rev up your engines and hit the road as we begin our epic journey from New Delhi to Pathankot. Navigate through the chaos of city traffic and bustling highways, soaking in the sights and sounds of rural India along the way. We’ll stop by sugarcane juice shops & lime juice vending outlets to remain hydrated & beat the heat. Keep your spirits high and your eyes on the horizon as we make our way towards the gateway to the Himalayas.

Pathankot to Srinagar (315 km / 9 hrs)
Today, we trade the plains for the mountains as we ride towards the picturesque paradise of Srinagar. Wind your way through lush valleys and towering peaks, with stops along the way to stretch your legs and capture the breathtaking scenery. Upon reaching Srinagar, indulge in a cup of traditional Kahwa tea by the serene Dal Lake, enjoy the ride on a shikara and get mesmerized. Let the tranquility of the surroundings wash over you.

Srinagar to Kargil (210 km / 6 hrs)
Prepare for a day of adventure as we traverse the legendary roads from Srinagar to Kargil. Marvel at the rugged beauty of the landscape as we pass through quaint villages and ancient monasteries, each steeped in centuries of history. Crossing the legendary Zozila Pass & the road to Drass will surely leave you awestruck. Take a moment to pay homage at the Kargil War Memorial, honoring the brave soldiers who fought for our nation’s freedom, and also hear the story of the Kargil War from the army veterans there.

Kargil to Aryan Valley (70 km / 4 hrs)
Today, we set our sights on the remote and enchanting Aryan Valley, hidden amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas. Ride through winding mountain roads, soaking in the pristine beauty of the surrounding landscape. Arriving in the Aryan Valley, you’ll be greeted by fertile valleys adorned with apricot orchards and ancient villages steeped in history. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Drokpas, one of the last remaining pure Aryan communities in the world, and prepare for an authentic cultural experience unlike any other. Get ready for an authentic cultural experience unlike any other.

Aryan Valley to Karu via Sham valley (190 km / 7 hrs)
Saddle up for another day of adventure as we journey from the Aryan Valley to Karu, traversing the lesser-known alleys of the Sham Valley. Make a stop at the Likir Monastery, perched atop a hilltop with panoramic views of the surrounding valley, and marvel at its ancient architecture and serene ambiance. Continue your journey to the Alchi Monastery, renowned for its exquisite murals and intricate wood carvings. Finally, pay homage to the Patthar Sahib Gurudwara and witness the confluence of the mighty Indus and Zanskar rivers at the confluence point, a sacred site revered by locals and travelers alike. Feel the thrill of riding through breathtaking mountain passes and pristine valleys, with each turn revealing a new facet of Ladakh’s unparalleled beauty as we stay on the outskirts of Leh City.

Karu to Hanle (220 km / 7 hrs)
Prepare to be awestruck as we make our way to the remote village of Hanle, nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas. Ride through rugged terrain and winding mountain roads, with the snow-capped peaks of the Changthang plateau as our backdrop. The Indus River accompanies us throughout, enhancing the picturesque journey as we cross the Mahe and Loma bridges, passing through smaller towns like Nyoma and Rongo. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of rare wildlife, from majestic yaks to mysterious mountain goats, and snow leopards, as we traverse this pristine wilderness. Nights in Hanle offer an unparalleled stargazing experience, with countless stars, constellations, and planets visible to the naked eye or through a telescope at our homestay.

Hanle to Demchok via Umling La and back (250 km / 10 hrs)
Get ready for a day of high-altitude adventure as we journey to the remote village of Demchok, crossing the dizzying heights of the Umling La pass, the world’s highest motorable pass at >19000 ft. Feel the rush of adrenaline as we navigate rugged mountain roads and steep inclines, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. Take a moment to soak in the serenity of the landscape, with the vast expanse of the Himalayas unfolding before you. Ensure you follow the lead rider’s instructions to mitigate altitude sickness, a common occurrence at these heights. Upon our return, get a glimpse of the nomadic lifestyle by visiting local nomads and experiencing their way of life. A visit to India’s highest Astronomical Observatory at Hanle is a must, where you’ll witness the larger-than-life equipment and learn captivating stories of stars and galaxies. Later, explore the Hanle Monastery and local schools, where our Headlight Foundation has been instrumental in strengthening infrastructure and brightening Ladakh’s future.

Hanle to Merak (140 km / 6 hrs)
Embark on a journey to the tranquil village of Merak, nestled on the banks of the shimmering Pangong Tso Lake, the world’s highest salt-water lake. While riding along the India-China border, we stop by at Rezangla War Memorial to pay our tribute to the brave soldiers and take a lunch break at the tiny village of Chushul. Ride through pristine valleys and rugged mountain passes, with the crystal-clear waters of the lake reflecting the blue sky above. Take a moment to dip your toes in the icy waters and feel the cool breeze against your skin, as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this remote paradise. Sipping a cup of your coffee/tea by the lake while witnessing the sun setting behind you makes every pain in the back worthwhile. Celebrate the night at the lake-side camp as we cross the mid-way of our journey.

Merak to Nubra Valley – Terith (180 km / 8 hrs)
Prepare for an unforgettable ride as we journey to the extraordinary Nubra Valley, home to towering white sand dunes and ancient monasteries via Agham. Ride alongside the meandering Shyok River, with snow-capped peaks looming in the distance. If lucky you’ll be crossing a few river streams (or else many) which would make it more challenging & memorable. Take a moment to pause and explore the mystical beauty of Tirith, where the stark desert landscape meets the lush greenery of the valley. Do visit the majestic Maitreyi Buddha statue at Diskit & get some cool pictures clicked on the dunes with double-humped Bactrian Camels & Nubra Valley in the backdrop.

Nubra Valley to Leh (100 km / 5 hrs)
Cruise through the winding roads of the Nubra Valley as you make your way back to Leh, the vibrant capital of Ladakh. Keep an eye out for yaks and marmots as you navigate the switchbacks and hairpin turns of this epic Himalayan highway. Don’t miss to get a photo clicked at the Khardung La top, the erstwhile highest motorable pass at ~18000 ft. Make sure to stop briefly atop the Pass before AMS sets in & you wouldn’t want to miss sipping coffee at the cozy cafes in Leh City. Visiting the Tibetan markets at Leh is a must and would surely make you buy more stuff than you can carry.

Leh – Rest Day
Take a breather and explore the ancient streets and hidden alleyways of Leh at your own pace. Visit Hemis, the oldest monastery of the land, Thiksey, and pay tribute to the holy Indus (Sindhu) river at the Indus ghat. Pay a visit to the Hall of Fame (war memorial) to learn about the life of a soldier & the battles they fought around the region to keep us safe. Visiting Pathar Sahib Gurudwara & knowing about the legend is a must while having langar there followed by experiencing the gravity-defying Magnetic hills. The Zanskar-Indus River confluence is a sight to behold before you return to Leh to complete shopping & café hopping.  You must try the Ladakhi cuisine at a local restaurant & get lost in the maze-like markets and haggle with the locals for some handmade souvenirs to take back home.

Leh to Sarchu (250 km / 10 hrs)
Gear up for another day of epic riding as we journey from Leh to Sarchu (Himachal Pradesh), crossing breathtaking mountain passes Tanglang La, Lachung La, Nakee La, and rugged terrain along the way. Ride through the dramatic landscape of the More Plains, and conquer the legendary Gata Loops with its 21 exhilarating hairpin bends where the horizon seems to stretch on forever. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of rare wildlife, from graceful ibex to majestic wild horses, as we traverse this untamed wilderness.

Sarchu to Bilaspur (340 km / 10 hrs)
Embark on the final leg of our journey as we make our way from Sarchu to Bilaspur, soak in the serene charm of Himachal’s hidden gems like Sissu, Keylong, and Jispa. Don’t forget to capture the moment at the Atal Tunnel, an engineering marvel cutting through the mighty Rohtang Pass. This 9.02 km tunnel is not just a road, it’s an adventure in itself, soaring above 10,000 feet! Ride through winding mountain roads and lush valleys, with each turn revealing a new facet of the Himalayan landscape. Take a moment to reflect on the adventures shared and the bonds formed as we approach the end of our epic journey through the Himalayas.

Bilaspur to New Delhi (380 km / 10 hrs)
Reluctantly say goodbye to your fellow riders as we make our way back to New Delhi, where our adventure with Royal Bikers comes to an end. Swap contact information with newfound friends and start planning your next epic journey through the Himalayas. Take a moment to savor the memories made and the friendships forged as we bid farewell to the majestic mountains that have been our home for the past two weeks.