Trans Himalayan Classic, 12 Days Motorcycle Tour
DESTINATION: Ladakh, India
2023 ADVENTURE DATES:
Group 1: 06th July – 17th July
Group 2: 03rd August – 14th August
COST (in USD): USD2,725.00pp
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 12-day tour includes 10 days of riding a Royal Enfield. We start with a ride on World Heritage Site Kalka Shimla Toy Train to Shimla, which was once summer capital of British India. We ride in the middle Himalayas, up the Satluj valley and taking a small mountain road crossing, Jalori Pass, that is thickly wooded with cedar trees and provides exceptional views of Himalayan ranges. From here, we take a route for a sojourn in Manali which has an alpine feel. We then launch into the Trans Himalayan region, taking a roller coaster ride crossing valleys, mountains and high passes into Ladakh. We stay at Leh which was once part of Silk route connecting India to this trade route across the Karakoram ranges. While in Ladakh, we scale the famed Khardung La into Nubra valley where we can enjoy a ride in the sand dunes on a Bactrian camel, and then we take ourselves to the beautiful Pangong lake. If you have not done this ride, seriously consider adding this jewel-of-a-ride to your bucket list.
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
Shimla, Jalori Pass, Tirthan Valley, Naggar, Manali, Atal Rohtang Tunnel, Jispa, Baralacha Pass, Sarchu, Tsokhar, Tanglang La Pass, Leh, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Khardung La Pass, Nubra Valley, Deskit, Hundur, Pangong Lake, Chang La Pass, Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery.
HIGHLIGHTS OF TOUR
– Starts in Shimla and ends in Leh
– Experience Kalka Shimla Toy train ride, A World Heritage Site
– Stay at Shimla which was once the Capital of British India
– Discover middle Himalayan mountains, Tirthan and Kullu valley
– Roller coaster ride across Himalayan valleys and passes into Indus Valley reaching Leh
– Stay in Leh, also known as Little Tibet
– Enjoy the pristine beauty of Nubra valley and Pangong Lake
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive Shimla – hotel overnight
Arrive Kalka railway station and take Kalka Shimla Toy Train, chugging its way up to Shimla, criss-crossing hills and passing through 103 tunnels, an architectural marvel and among the World heritage Sites. Meet on arrival at Shimla station and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02: Shimla / Jalori Pass / Tirthan (200km) – hotel overnight
After breakfast, we assemble for a small briefing on the tour and we get introduced to our ride for next 10 days, The Royal Enfield. We start our ride, crossing the city and catching on to the Hindustan-Tibet Road, riding up the Satluj valley and getting excellent views of Himalayan mountains. At Sainj, we cross the river and start our ascend to Jalori Pass (3,120m), stopping at the Pass for a cup of tea at the local stall. We ride further downhill into Tirthan valley crossing a small town, Banjar. Our hotel is located on banks of a river. Rest & relax to the music of fast flowing river. Check in and overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Tirthan / Manali (110km) – hotel overnight
We start our ride along Tirthan River until Aut, where we cross a 3km tunnel to enter Kullu valley. We ride up the valley enroute stopping at a local shawl factory and continue to Naggar, which was the capital for the rulers of Kullu about 500 years ago. Here, we visit the Naggar Castle, Roeirch Art Gallery and walk past Tripura Sundari temple. We continue our ride to our retreat for the night at a hotel.
Day 04: Manali / Atal Tunnel / Jispa (100km) – camp overnight
We cross the Sollang Valley and Atal Rohtang Tunnel which at 3km, is the longest tunnel in World above 10,000 feet in altitude. We enter Lahaul valley and ride to Jispa riding along the Chandra River to Tandi and then crossing Keylong and Gemur villages to reach Jispa. On arrival, we check in and overnight in tents.
Day 05: Jispa / Baralacha Pass / Sarchu (85km) – camp overnight
We ride from Jispa to Sarchu, enroute crossing Darcha and over Baralacha Pass (4,800 m). On arrival check in at camp. Evening free to walk around in Sarchu.
Day 06: Sarchu / Tsokhar (122km) – camp overnight
This morning, we cross Naki La (4,800m), Chang La (5,065m) and the vast expense of More plains to reach Tsokhar. At 4,520m, this is one of the most amazing high-altitude lakes in the Ruspshu Nomadic belt. The crystal-clear lake is a protected bird sanctuary and home to thousands of migratory birds, including the endangered black-necked crane. We will walk around the lake and explore Tsokhar village.
Day 07: Tsokhar / Leh (150km) – hotel overnight
After breakfast, we ascend to Tanglang La Pass (5,328m) and then descend to Upshi to enter the Indus valley, and then further on to Leh along the river. At the ancient town of Leh, we check-in at our hotel. 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 08: 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.
Day 09: 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 10: Nubra / Shyok / Pangong Lake (140km) – camp overnight
Another mesmerizing ride today along the Shyok River to the beautiful Pangong Lake (4,250 m). This lake is the highest salt water lake in the world and shared by India and China.
Day 11: Pangong / Thiksey Monastery / Shey Palace / Leh (160km) – hotel overnight
After breakfast we ride over Chang La Pass (5,160m) and head to Leh. Enroute, we visit Thiksey Monastery and Shey Palace to reach Leh where we’ll check-in at our hotel.
Day 12: 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