India Himalaya Fellows Ride - Spiti & Ladakh

Today you experience one of India's classic travel experiences: a train journey from Delhi to Chandigarh. Your Royal Enfield is already waiting for you there. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, Chandigarh is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana and serves as the perfect gateway to your Himalayan motorcycle adventure.

After breakfast, you collect your motorcycle and begin the first stage of the tour. The road gradually climbs higher, passing small villages and the first fresh mountain air of the Himalayas. Shimla, situated at approximately 2,200 metres, is one of India's most famous hill stations. After checking into your hotel, you can relax or explore the colonial, traffic-free centre of town. It is the perfect place to stroll around and experience your first impression of life in the mountains.

Today's ride takes you through spectacular mountain scenery that changes almost every kilometre. On the way to Sarahan, you stop in Rampur (1,000 m), where you can visit the historic Padam Palace. Afterwards, you reach the southern gateway to the Spiti Valley. The first kilometres of the Spiti route are now paved, although today's stage also includes your first short section of unpaved road.

Sarahan lies at 1,920 metres, slightly lower than Shimla, making it an ideal place to continue acclimatising. From here you already enjoy beautiful views of the Himalayan peaks. The Bhimakali Temple complex, built largely of wood, combines Hindu and Buddhist architectural elements and perfectly reflects this region, where both religions have coexisted for centuries.

Today you continue following the Sutlej River deeper into the Kinnaur region. After approximately four hours of riding, you arrive in Sangla (2,680 m). Following lunch, you continue further up the valley to Chitkul. Located almost 800 metres higher than Sangla, this picturesque village is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is considered the last inhabited village before the Tibetan border. In the late afternoon, you return to Sangla, where you spend the night in a guesthouse.

Today you ride through one of the most impressive sections of Kinnaur. Peaks rising above 6,000 metres come ever closer, the valley narrows, and the road follows the Tibetan border like a silver ribbon. The 6,727-metre Leo Pargial dominates this remote mountain landscape. As you climb towards Nako, you enter a true high-altitude world—rugged, vast and peaceful. Nako is one of the most magical villages of the journey, with its Tibetan architecture, small monastery, ancient stupas, colourful prayer flags and increasingly dramatic scenery.

From today onwards, you ride through the heart of the Spiti Valley, often referred to as the "House of Mani", named after the Buddhist mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. Over countless centuries, wind and water have shaped this remarkable landscape into something that resembles the surface of the moon. You ride well above the tree line through one of the world's most remote mountain regions. Due to centuries of isolation, many of Spiti's monasteries have remained even more authentic than those found in Tibet itself. Two monasteries lie along today's route, and you will certainly visit one of them. In the afternoon, you arrive in Kaza, the main town of the Spiti Valley. Spending two nights here allows you to explore the region at a relaxed pace while giving your body time to acclimatise to the increasing altitude.

A day to relax—or to explore. You can spend the day in Kaza or join an optional motorcycle ride to Kibber, once considered the highest permanently inhabited village in the world with road access and electricity (4,270 m / 14,009 ft). Along the way, you'll visit the spectacular Key (Kye) Monastery, where the 14th Dalai Lama has his own room for his visits. The route then continues to Komic Gompa, one of the highest monasteries in India.

Today is one of the longest but also one of the most rewarding riding days of the tour, so you'll set off early. The road is often so narrow that there is only enough space for a single bus to pass. On one side, the mountains rise steeply; on the other, the road drops away dramatically. Fortunately, some sections are now paved. Even so, this is a day that requires experience and full concentration. You cross the Kunzum Pass (4,551 m / 14,931 ft), decorated with colourful prayer flags. The pass marks the boundary between Spiti and Lahaul and is only open during the summer months. On the other side, you follow the Chandra River through a landscape that becomes noticeably greener than the Spiti Valley due to the lower altitude and higher rainfall. The local population here is no longer predominantly of Tibetan origin.

Keylong lies at the foot of the highest part of the Indian Himalayas. From here, the road climbs once again as you ride back into the high mountains. While Keylong is still surrounded by lush greenery, the landscape soon changes into a barren, moon-like environment above the tree line. Today's ride follows the famous Manali–Leh Highway, often referred to as the "Highway to Heaven." The road is mostly paved and offers constantly changing scenery. Along the way, you cross the Baralacha La (over 4,890 m / 16,043 ft), an approximately 8 km (5 mi) long mountain pass in the Zanskar region. Tonight, you'll stay in a tented camp in Sarchu (4,250 m / 13,944 ft).

Shortly after leaving Sarchu, you'll enjoy magnificent views over a dry riverbed filled with unusual sandstone formations. The road then climbs onto the high plateau. Two more mountain passes await: Nakeela (4,739 m / 15,548 ft), with its 21 hairpin bends, and Lachulung La (5,065 m / 16,617 ft). One of the defining features of the Himalayas is the constantly changing landscape. You ride across the Rupshu Plateau, also known as "Little Tibet," before climbing to Tanglang La (5,330 m / 17,487 ft), the gateway to Ladakh. Via Upshi, the route continues through a variety of landscapes before reaching Leh. The road is now in good condition, vegetation gradually returns, and the climate becomes noticeably milder.

Today is a well-deserved rest day, giving you the opportunity to explore Leh at your own pace. The multi-storey Royal Palace, located at the foot of Tsenmo Hill, can be reached by climbing the staircase at the end of the main street. Dating back to the 16th century, the palace, with its small windows and wooden balconies, resembles the famous Potala Palace in Lhasa and reflects the region's strong Tibetan cultural and religious heritage. You may also visit several temples, including the Lhakhang Temple on the way to the palace, climb to the top of Tsenmo Hill, or explore the Changspa Stupa, Jampa Lhakhang Temple and Sankar Monastery, located about 4 km (2.5 mi) from Leh. Or simply spend some time shopping for souvenirs and enjoy the atmosphere of the town from one of its many terraces.

Another unforgettable highlight awaits: Khardung La (officially 5,606 m / 18,393 ft), one of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world. The special permit required for this ride was arranged shortly after your arrival in Leh. One last time, you'll gear up, start your rental motorcycle and begin the climb. As the road winds higher into the mountains, the air becomes noticeably thinner. Reaching the summit, you'll be standing at one of the highest points in the world accessible by motorcycle.

Your journey comes to an end in Leh. From here, you'll fly via Delhi before continuing your journey home. The flight is considered one of the most scenic in India, often offering spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks you have ridden around over the past two weeks. Filled with unforgettable memories and perhaps a new perspective on the world, you begin your journey home.