Ladakh translates as "land of passes". And really, there is no country in the world with higher passable roads and passes than Ladakh. In the very north of India, on the upper course of the Indus River, on the border with Tibet, hides this rugged piece of earth.
Pricing
| - Prices for the date - | |
| 29.06.2024 - 21.07.2024 | |
| per rider in shared/double room incl. Royal Enfield Classic (Only available for a booking of two persons. Single travelers need to choose the single room surcharge.) | €3,500.00 $3,986.51 ? |
| per pillion passenger in shared twin/double room (pillion passengers cannot book without an accompanying rider) | €3,080.00 $3,508.13 ? |
| per person single room (surcharge - only available with an additional selection of the basic price "per rider in shared twin/double room") | €410.00 $466.99 ? |
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| Optional: | |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan (on request - no surcharge) | €0.00 |
| per person visit to the Taj Mahal incl. double room (surcharge) | €225.00 $256.28 ? |
| per person visit to the Taj Mahal incl. single room (surcharge) | €250.00 $284.75 ? |
Included
| 16 x overnight stay in hotel |
| 2 x overnight stay in a tent |
| 3 x overnight stay in a houseboat |
| 21 x breakfast |
| 20 x dinner |
| Rental motorcycle (depending on the booking) |
| Operating fluids (Petrol/Oil ) |
| Service vehicle |
| Mechanic |
| Airport transfer in India |
| Transfer by car or minibus to Chandigarh |
| Nat. flight: flight from Srinagar to Delhi |
| Tour guide on own motorcycle |
| Everything that is not listed under services |
| - |
| It is recommended to have travel cancellation insurance, travel health insurance, and travel interruption insurance. |
More details
| Total distance approx. 1915 km |
| Level of difficulty: very high |
| min: 4 - max: 12 riders |
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| Visa: |
| Swiss, Austrian, and German nationals require a visa to enter India. Your passport must be valid for at least another six months. Obtaining a visa is relatively uncomplicated. A visa valid for six months or an e-Visa valid for 30 days is sufficient. |
| Driving license: |
| You need a valid German and an international driving license of class 1 or A. Please note that the international driving license is only valid in combination with the national driving license. |
| Minimum number of participants: 4 - max: 12 riders |
| As an organizer, we have a right of withdrawal if the minimum number of participants has not been reached 6 weeks before the start of the trip. In this case, we will refund the amounts paid on account. |
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| In practice, however, we always try to do things in your best interest and, if you agree, we try to carry out the trip even with very few participants. In this case, there is no service vehicle available and there is a small group surcharge: |
| 1 participant: 10% of the travel price |
| 2 participants: 5% of the travel price |
| 3 participants: 2,5% of the travel price |
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| Half double room: |
| For single travelers, we offer the possibility to share a double room with another traveler. If there is no "half" double room available at the time of your booking, we will charge the single room supplement. You will be refunded as soon as a double room partner is found. |
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| Language: This offer is usually suitable for English and/or German speaking participants. Please enquire for language options. |
| Mobility: The offer is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please contact us for more information. |
Description
Ladakh is a foothill of the Tibetan Plateau and is therefore also called "Little Tibet".
The first settlers of Ladakh were Buddhist monks who stopped here on their pilgrimage from India to Tibet. In the 9th century, Ladakh's influence grew far beyond the borders of the Indus valley; during this time numerous fortresses and palaces were built. In the 14th century, a Tibetan pilgrim founded a Buddhist order, then known as "Gelupka", which was led by the first Dalai Lama. Until today, Buddhism is the dominant religion in Ladakh; Buddhist monasteries can be found everywhere. Thousands of worshippers from all over the world flock to this region to hear the teachings of Buddha from the mouth of the Dalai Lama and other teachers.
On - or off-road
This question cannot be answered so easily. Although there are roads everywhere, even if traces of old asphalt can still be seen, they are in a condition that requires a new definition of the term road. A large part of the routes consists of gravel and sand tracks. The latter turn into slippery mud tracks after a downpour. Additionally, some river crossings can also end with an "unwanted refreshment".
In any case, a motorcycle tour through Ladakh is the ultimate adventure. The climatic conditions are a constant challenge for the rider and the machine. Temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius in summer and can easily drop to freezing point at night. Roads are blocked from one minute to the next. Landslides, undermining or even political unrest can be the cause. The effects of all that are high demands on the bikers' performance and condition as well as on the reliability of the machines.
And what's the point?
The traveler is compensated for all his efforts by a true feast for the senses. First of all, the indescribable variety and beauty of the Himalayan mountain world. Surrounded by the most majestic peaks of this globe we cross desolate scree deserts and almost believe we have landed on the moon. Then again, the eye is refreshed by lush meadow valleys, which are crossed by quietly rippling mountain streams. The contact with the exceptionally friendly and endearing population is something like a "balm for the soul"; the blaze of colors and the variety of oriental smells that permeate and shape bazaars and markets are a treat for the eyes and nose.
Culinary Ladakh leaves nothing to be desired. The Tibetan, as well as the North Indian cuisine, are so varied that two or three weeks are just enough to take the first impression back home. And for those who find it too "Indian", there are numerous international restaurants in Manali or Leh.
Route:
Day 1: Arrival
The adventure can begin. Only a few hours lie between your usual everyday life and a world that is completely different in terms of landscape, climate, culture, and cuisine.
Day 2: Arrival in Delhi, transfer to Chandigarh
Your plane will land in New Delhi in the night or early in the morning. When everyone has arrived, we continue by jeep or minibus to Chandigarh (approx. 250 km), the capital of Punjab, which was created on the drawing board. There we reach the hotel in the early afternoon and you will have enough time to visit this extraordinary city.
Overnight stay at approx. 375m altitude
Day 3: Chandigarh - Shimla (about 135 km)
After breakfast, we take over the bikes and start our first tour. The short ride to Shimla, one of the most famous hill stations in India, gives us a first impression of what to expect in the next few days. Curve after curve we swing unceasingly up to about 2,200 meters. In the afternoon, we reach our hotel and can recover from the first motorcycle ride in India.
Overnight stay at approx. 2.158m altitude
Day 4: Shimla - Chindi (about 150 km)
Breakfast. In countless bends, we wind our way up and down a narrow but well-maintained road. Depending on the weather conditions, we have to reckon with obstructions due to landslides and flooding. In Himachal Pradesh the monsoon is ruling. But only now the passes are passable. We are compensated by a very beautiful landscape, terraced rice fields with their bright green, wooded slopes, and wide meadow valleys.
Overnight stay at approx. 1.975m altitude
Day 5: Chindi - Rewalsar (about 120 km)
Today, Rewalsar is on the day's schedule as a stage destination. As yesterday, the route passes through fertile farmland and orchards. There are also plenty of curves. Rewalsar is located on the lake of the same name. It is a very religious town, Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs live peacefully next to and with each other. The landmark of the town is the gigantic statue of Padmasambhava, around which numerous exciting stories and myths entwine.
Overnight stay at about 1.335m altitude
I am happy to inform you that we can stay overnight in Rewalsar again. The HPTDC Tourist Inn has been completely renovated, and the photos they sent us look really good.
Day 6: Rewalsar - Nagar (about 115 km)
Breakfast. The next station is Nagar near Manali. Before we reach our destination, we cross the Kullu Valley, the fruit and vegetable garden of India. We stay overnight in the former royal palace, which was lovingly restored by the government and converted into a hotel. From here we have on the one side a beguiling view over the valley and on the other side, we recognize the Himalayas, our destination for the next days.
Overnight stay at about 1.780m altitude
Day 7: Nagar day trip (about 60 km)
Breakfast. The Indian authorities have come up with a new obstacle for travelers. Since recently, one needs a permit to cross the Rohtang-La, which is only available in Manali. Therefore we will spend a second night in the beautiful town of Nagar and its old royal palace. We fill the day with an excursion to some interesting places in the surrounding area.
Overnight stay at about 1.780m altitude
Day 8: Nagar - Keylong (about 135 km)
Breakfast. The band begins to play! From Nagar, we continue for a good 40 km through wooded heights before we gradually reach the tree line. The vegetation retreats completely, it becomes more and more sparse and at some point, there is nothing left but rock massifs, on which however an amazing number of beautiful mountain flowers grow. We cross the Rohtang Pass (3,978 meters) and reach our stage destination Keylong in the afternoon.
Overnight stay at approx. 3.090m altitude
Day 9: Keylong - Sarchu (about 85 km)
Breakfast. Today we cross the 5,000-meter border for the first time. With 5.029 meters the Baralachla comes quite close to the clouds. Our Enfields remain completely unimpressed by this. Effortlessly they follow the winding roads. To the right and left we find nothing more than rocks and scree. We have reached the moon landscape of Ladakh.
They sleep in a tent camp in Sarchu at 4,250 meters above sea level.
Day 10: Sarchu - Leh (about 260 km)
Breakfast. The longest and by far the most strenuous part of our journey lies ahead of us. We pass three passes. In narrow hairpin bends, we fight for every meter. Depending on the weather we will ride through the snowy landscape. Warm clothing is appropriate. A good 60 km before Lehents relaxes, the road is in excellent condition, there is vegetation again and the climate is becoming friendlier. In the evening we reach our hotel in Leh.
Overnight stay at about 3.500m altitude
Day 11: Rest day in Leh
Breakfast. Leh! Once you have acquired a taste for it, you will want to stay in this city forever. The calm, cheerful balance of the Buddhist population is extremely contagious and soon the last remnants of stress and hecticness fall away from us. Whether you take a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town or go to "observation posts" in one of the many coffee shops, today you can relax.
Overnight stay at about 3.500m altitude
Day 12: Leh - Diskit (about 115 km)
Breakfast. Things are really looking up now. Just behind Leh, the pass road rises to Kardung La, the supposedly highest pass in the world. With a cloudless blue sky and bright sunshine, there is a magnificent view of Leh and the Stok mountain range. At Kardung La we enjoy tea in the highest tea house in the world and continue our journey after the obligatory "passport photos" to Diskit in the Nubra Valley.
Overnight stay at approx. 3.180m altitude
Day 13: Diskit
Breakfast. Today can be arranged by everyone at will. There are several options. Relaxing with a visit to the monastery of Diskit, camel riding in Hundur (approx. 30 km), an excursion to Turtuk (approx. 180 km), a small dreamy village at the border to Pakistan or along the Nubra river into the valley of flowers (approx. 100 km). The km figures refer to the outward and return journey. We meet again for dinner together.
Overnight stay at approx. 3.180m altitude
Day 14: Diskit - Pangong Lake (about 160 km)
Since recently the route from Diskit directly to Pangong Lake is regularly navigable. Road closures are now only occasional. So we will not take the detour via Leh, as we have done up to now, but ride directly to Spangmik.
Overnight stay at 4.200m altitude
Day 15: Pangong Lake - Leh (about 160 km)
Breakfast. On the way back to Leh, we stop at some monasteries along the way. The program includes a visit to the two most famous Buddhist monasteries in Thikse and Hemiss as well as a visit to the former royal palace in Stok. Back in Leh, a (shopping) stroll through the shopping streets of Ladakh's capital concludes the day.
Overnight stay at about 3.500m altitude
Day 16: One last day in Leh
Before we set off for Srinagar, we spend a relaxing day in Leh. The last days of riding were very exhausting, so a rest day comes in handy.
Overnight stay at about 3.500m altitude
Day 17: Leh - Lamayuro (about 115 km)
Breakfast. After about three to four hours of riding along the Indus River and through spectacular canyons we reach the small village of Lamayuro. Here is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh, from where we have a breathtaking view of the "Moonland".
Overnight stay at about 3.520m altitude
Day 18: Lamayuro - Kargil (about 105 km)
Breakfast. The further west we go, the more lovely the landscape becomes. A pass is on our way, the FotuLa. A little later we reach Kargil. Here we leave the land of the Buddhists. Kargil is a Muslim city. We notice this immediately by the changing street scene and also by the fact that there is no beer, or if there is, it's at highly inflated prices.
Overnight stay at approx. 2.700m altitude
Day 19: Kargil - Srinagar (about 200 km)
Breakfast. The last "few" kilometers of our Himalayan adventure lie ahead of us. There's one more pass we have to cross, Soji La. It can be a real challenge. The road is narrow and has never seen asphalt. It gets quite slippery when it rains.
The route continues through dense forests, wide meadows, and agricultural land. It is easy to understand why Kashmir is called the Switzerland of India. After a few hours, we reach our houseboat on Nagin Lake, the smaller and more contemplative of the two lakes in Srinagar.
Sleeping in a luxury houseboat
Overnight stay at about 1.600m altitude
Day 20: Srinagar
Breakfast. Today is the day to relax. If you want, you can hang out all day on the houseboat, take a "shikara", a typical Srinagar water taxi, cruise the lakes and waterways around the city, and visit the famous Mughal Gardens or go on foot and go shopping at one of Srinagar's bazaars. The operator of the houseboat provides for the physical well-being with typical home-style cooking from Cashmere.
Overnight stay at about 1.600m altitude
Day 21: Srinagar
Breakfast. It was the unanimous wish of our guests to extend their stay on the houseboat in Srinagar by one day, and this has been done with this. How you spend the day is entirely up to you. Abdul and his son Rouf will fulfill your wishes as best they can.
Overnight stay at about 1.600m altitude
Day 22: Srinagar - Delhi
Breakfast. We leave Srinagar by plane and land a short time later at Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi. Now we have more or less time, depending on the flight connection, to explore the capital of India. How this is done is entirely up to you. The range of things to see is so varied that we limit ourselves to suggestions and let you go off on your own
For Taj Mahal visitors
All those who have booked a visit to the Taj Mahal after the tour will be picked up directly at the airport and taken to Agra by car.
Day 23: Flight home (or visit the Taj Mahal)
The adventure comes to an end. Sometime in the night from today your plane will take off for home. Until then you will have a room at the hotel in Delhi.
We would be happy to welcome you soon on one of our other trips to Incredible India, perhaps in the desert state of Rajasthan or in tropical Kerala.
For Taj Mahal visitors
Early in the morning, before sunrise, we will go to the Taj Mahal and admire this amazing wonder of Muslim architecture. Afterward, we have breakfast at the hotel and ride back to Delhi.
Day 24: Flight home
Now the adventure also comes to an end for the visitors to the Taj Mahal. Sometime in the night to this day your plane will also take off for home. Until then you will have a room at the hotel in Delhi.
We would be happy to welcome you soon on one of our other tours in "Incredible India", maybe in the desert state of Rajasthan or in tropical Kerala.