The Great Himalayan Challenge, 15 Days Motorcycle Tour
DESTINATION: Himachal Pradesh, India.
2023 ADVENTURE DATES:
Group 1: 07th July – 21st July
Group 2: 04th August – 18th August
Group 3: 1st September – 15th September
COST (in USD): USD3,220.00pp
Price is twin-share basis. Additional charges applicable for single rooms.
GUIDED: Yes
DIFFICULTY: Challenging – a few long riding days at altitude.
TEAM SIZE: 6 – 15 riders
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel & Camping
MININIMUM AGE: 21 Years
High-altitude activities in mountainous regions calls for flexibility and adaptability to many conditions. In the wilderness, nature has the final say. For us to survive, we need flexibility and adaptability to circumstances as they unfold. While we endeavour to follow the itinerary below, we may need to change it to suit conditions. The end point will always be returning safely to our families. It is imperative to commit to pre-acclimatization training beforehand to cope with the low oxygen environment that we will be visiting. During the trip, our blood oxygen will be monitored and we will advise you how to handle any issues that will inevitably crop up. With this in mind, we will have the best time on a trip that has unparalleled mountain views.
ABOUT THE TOUR
This 15-day tour includes 13 days of riding a Royal Enfield with unlimited fun & challenges crossing several high mountain passes, including the world’s top two highest mountain passes. The tour involves crossing passes with spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, rugged terrain and traveling through one of the most spectacular and picturesque landscapes in the world. The tour starts from Manali, which has an alpine feel, into Kinnaur valley which is a mixture of Hindu & Buddhist cultures, riding into the Buddhist dominant region of Spiti, which is similar to rural Tibet. We then cross several more passes and enter Ladakh to finally conquer Khardung La. It is one epic tour for motorcycle enthusiasts across the globe and will test your endurance, both physically and mentally.
Come prepared for every possible weather imaginable, from scorching sunshine to freezing blizzards. This trip involves back-to-back days riding at high altitudes so we expect everyone to have some level of fitness to cope better with the low oxygen environment. Our itinerary is tried and tested with acclimatization days along the way, however, we can’t predict how each member will react to altitude.
At The Altitude Gym in Gosford, we can offer a 13-week membership for the price of 12 weeks (i.e., AUD300.00). Here, we pre-acclimatize at around 4,000m asl. The highest attitude gained is 5,600m at Khardung La. For reference, Everest Base Camp is 5,364m and the summit of Mt Kosciuszko is 2,228m.
PLACES COVERED
Manali, Tirthan Valley, Jalori Pass, Sangla valley, Kalpa, Nako, Tabo, Kaza, Ki monastery, Kibber Village, Chandertal Lake, Keylong, Jispa, Darcha, Baralacha Pass, Naki La, Lachlung La, Tanglang La, Leh, Spituk, Nimu, Khardung La, Nubra Valley.
HIGHLIGHTS OF TOUR
– Starts in Manali and ends in Leh
– Varied colours of Himalayan culture – Kullvi, Kinnauri, Spitian, and Ladakhi
– Ride to Spiti valley which is quite similar to rural Tibet
– Some of highest villages of the world in Spiti valley
– Centuries old monasteries of Tabo, known as Ajanta of Himalayas
– Ride across Trans Himalayan regions across several mountain passes
– Stay in Leh, also known as Little Tibet
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive Manali – hotel overnight
We will meet you on arrival at Kullu airport and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, we assemble at the hotel for a small tour briefing and meet our Royal friend – The Himalayan. Later, we go on a test ride to the Sollang Valley and Atal Rohtang Tunnel which at 3km, is the longest tunnel in World above 10,000 feet in altitude. We then ride back to Manali for the night.
Day 02: Manali / Tirthan (110km / 3.5hr) – guesthouse overnight
We head to Tirthan valley, riding on NH21, crossing Kullu, and after crossing the tunnel at Aut, we turn to enter Tirthan valley. We ride along Tirthan river to our abode by the river bank. Enjoy the gurgling river or ride deeper into Tirthan valley to explore its scenic views and villages.
Day 03: Tirthan / Sangla (209km / 8.5hr) – guesthouse overnight
Today we start by climbing and crossing Jalori Pass from where, on a clear day, the long necklace of the Himalayan range can be viewed, including peaks of Kullu region like Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba etc. We then descend towards Satluj valley. We cross Rampur and continue on to Satluj valley, entering Kinnaur and taking a detour to the beautiful Sangla valley from Karcham. After a long and interesting day, we rest for the night in a guest house at Sangla.
Day 04: Sangla / Chitkul (90km) / Kalpa (51km) – hotel overnight
We explore the Kinnaur belt, riding to Chitkul the last remote village towards the Indo-China border. We then return to Sangla and continue on to Kalpa. This village is located in the backdrop of the Kinner Kailash mountain range. We check in to our hotel on arrival. The rest of day is free to explore Kalpa.
Day 05: Kalpa / Nako / Tabo (190km / 8hr) – guesthouse overnight
An interesting ride today along the narrow Satluj valley until Khab, where the Satluj river meets the Spiti river, which is also the point we enter the Spiti valley. We ascend to Nako, the last amongst Kinnauri villages located on the banks of a small lake. We explore the village and later continue on towards Tabo. Tabo monastery was founded in 996AD by the great teacher Richensang-po, and is renowned for its breathtaking murals and stucco images – it is often called ‘The Ajanta of the Himalayas’. This is the largest monastic complex in Spiti: the old section has 9 temples, 23 chortens, a monk’s chamber and a nun’s chamber. There are several caves adorned with frescoes and contemporary structures too. In trans-Himalayan Buddhism, Tabo’s sanctity is next only to Tibet’s Tholing gompa.
Day 06: Tabo / Dhankar / Pin Valley / Kaza (105km / 7hr) – hotel overnight
Today we ride around Spiti valley, exploring the mesmerizing landscape, varied colours of mountains and remote villages & gompas. We head towards Dhankar and its monastery, resting high over the valley and is a stunning example of local architecture. It is regarded to have once been a fort and was also the residence of the ruler of Spiti – the Nano. We ride further towards Pin valley, the land of Ibex and Snow Leopards. We conclude the day upon reaching Kaza, the main town of Spiti valley. This evening is free to explore Kaza and to make some noise… ‘ride hard, party harder!’.
Day 07: In Kaza – Touch the Sky – hotel overnight
We visit Comic, listed amongst the world’s highest permanently inhabited village, and then onwards to Hikim, that boasts of the world’s highest post office. Next is Langza, located in the backdrop of Chao Chao Kang Nilda Peak. The evening free to explore Kaza and its market.
Day 08: Kaza / Chandertal (117km) – camp overnight
We visit the Ki monastery, located 12ks from Kaza. This centuries-old gompa is a labyrinth of rooms and corridors, which at one time also acted as a fort. It houses valuable Thangkas and has panoramic views of the area. We continue riding further to Kibber at 4,205m which has now become famous for snow leopard sightings in the winter months. Next, we cross Chichim bridge, the highest bridge in Asia.
What a ride it will be from here onwards… catch your breath as you ride deeper into the Himalayas. From Chichim, we ride towards Losar, the last Spiti village, and from here we start the ascend towards Kunzam Pass (4,558m) which lies on the main Great Himalayan Range. We get beautiful views of CB ranges and continue further towards Chandra Taal Lake at 4,250m – the name coming from it’s crescent-moon shape. This lake is of exquisite beauty and lays between a lower ridge and the main Kunzum range, with its outlet flowing into the Chandra river. We check into camp for a brief rest then start our hour-long walk towards the lake to enjoy its beauty.
Day 09: Chandertal / Chatru / Jispa (116km) – camp overnight
We leave Chandertal lake for yet another breathtaking day of scenic views and exciting rides. We ride through the trans-Himalayan region crossing Batal and Chatru, entering into Lahaul valley. From Gramphoo, we continue through the Lahaul valley, crossing several village likes Sissu, Gondla, Tandi, Keylong and Gemur to arrive at Jispa for the night.
Day 10: Jispa / Baralacha Pass / Sarchu (85km) – camp overnight
From Jispa to Sarchu, we cross Dacha and ride over Baralacha Pass (4,800m). On arrival, we check in at camp and have the evening free to walk around Sarchu.
Day 11: Sarchu / Tanglang La Pass / Leh (253km) – overnight at hotel
We cross over Naki La (4,800m), Lachang La (5,065m) and Moore plains today. After crossing Moore, we climb to Tanglang La pass (5,328m) which used to be the world’s second highest motorable pass (now the 12th), and continue on to Leh where we check in for the night.
Day 12: In Leh – hotel overnight
Easy day today. We ride to Nimo to witness the confluence of Zanskar & Indus River. Return to Leh enroute visiting Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Spituk Monastery. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Leh / Nubra via Khardung La (130km) – camp overnight
Today, we ride to the Nubra valley via the famed Khardung La (5,600 m), once the highest motorable pass in the world, where we can take plenty of stunning photos enroute. This is the natural home of the double-humped Bactrian camel and the famous old Silk Route. We have the option to enjoy a camel ride at the sand dunes here. On arrival at Hunder, we check-in at our campsite. In the evening, we explore the village before returning to our camp for the night.
Day 14: Nubra / Leh (120km)
We ride back to Leh, scaling Khardung La once again, to end our adventure. The evening is free to enjoy a walk around the market, a visit to the Leh Palace or simply enjoy the sunset from Shanti Stupa.
Day 15: Depart Leh
We transfer to Leh airport for flight to Delhi.
INCLUSIONS
– Airport – Hotel – Airport transfers.
– Accommodation on twin sharing basis in ‘A category’ hotels / guests houses / camps.
– Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the tour (during ride in remote areas, lunch may be at a local stall, restaurant or a packed box.
– Royal Enfield Himalayan or Standard 500.
– Fuel for the ride.
– English speaking guide.
– First Aid kit and emergency supplemental oxygen.
– Mechanics with all necessary spares where needed including spark plugs, brake wire, accelerator wire, brake shoes, engine oil etc for the bike (damages due to riding to be paid by rider).
– One standard helmet per rider / pillion (used helmet, not new)
– Support vehicles to carry luggage and spare fuel.
– Bottled mineral water throughout.
– Tea / Chai & snacks enroute.
– Permits & environment fees for restricted areas.
– All entrance fees to places of visit.
EXCLUSIONS
– International or domestic flights.
– Personal Travel Insurance.
– Personal and unexpected expenses e.g. lunches (AUD$2 – AUD$10), drinks, laundry, repairs etc. We recommend bringing about INR16,000 (AUD$300.00) for this.
– Tips.
– Alcoholic drinks.
– Anything not mentioned.
– Indian Visa fees.
– Additional accommodation for early arrival, late departure or early return due to any reason other than the scheduled itinerary.
– Personal riding / travel gear.
BOOKING
– Booking deposit: 25% of trip cost to confirm your seat.
– Balance of payment: 8 weeks before trip starts.
– Cancellations:
• >8 weeks before trip starts: Full refund, less USD200.00
• 8 to 2 weeks before trip starts: Full refund, less USD500.00
• <2 weeks before trip starts: No refunds will be given
• If we cancel the trip due to unforeseen circumstances, we will refund all payments made to us.
Travel Insurance
We recommend cancellation insurance to protect your investment. We require participants to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation. Please ensure that your chosen policy provides cover for riding at elevations up to 5,600m and travel within India. Evidence of insurance will be required. Emergency evacuation cost is not included in your trip costs.
Please take up travel insurance as soon as your booking is made.
Thank you for training and travelling with The Altitude Gym / Adventure Central Travel.
Contact us for more information