TRANS-HIMALAYAN MOTORCYCLE EXPEDITION

Overview

Welcome to a journey designed for riders who seek more than just travel — a true high-altitude expedition through the raw and breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh. Over 14 unforgettable days, this experience takes you across legendary mountain passes, remote valleys, ancient villages, and some of the most dramatic roads on Earth. From the surreal Moonland terrain of Lamayuru to the vast silence of Hanle and the thrill of riding at extreme altitudes, every day is crafted to deliver adventure, emotion, and discovery in equal measure.

This expedition is led by Al, creator of Himma, together with Aman Singh Gulati (Taranpreet Singh Gulati), Founder of High Mountains. Al is a Norwegian rider who has spent half her life on motorcycles and has been creating and leading group adventures across different continents for over 12 years. In 2019, she completed her first solo Himalayan ride, which sparked a deep and lasting connection with the region. She later left her engineering career to fully focus on designing and leading meaningful adventure journeys. On tour, she creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere where riders feel safe, informed, and genuinely seen — helping guests uild confidence on the bike while turning strangers into friends.

Aman brings strong Himalayan expertise and on-ground leadership to the expedition. With over 13 years of experience in adventure travel, he has successfully led 100+ journeys across high-altitude regions and has personally conquered some of the highest motorable roads in the world. As the founder of High Mountains, he combines deep local knowledge with a rider-first approach, ensuring every expedition runs smoothly, safely, and with authentic regional insight.

This unforgettable experience is brought to you by Himma, an experienced European adventure travel company, in collaboration with High Mountains, a trusted Ladakhbased operator with over 15 years of on-ground expertise in the Himalayas. Together, we combine international standards of safety and comfort with deep local understanding — creating more than just a motorcycle trip, but a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan expedition filled with connection, challenge, and unforgettable memories.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc motorcycle (solo riding basis)

Premium accommodation in Leh and Nubra Valley

Authentic homestay experiences in Lamayuru and Turtuk

Mud house / wooden camp stay at Pangong Lake

Wooden cottage stays in Hanle and Tsomoriri

Camps in Aryan Valley (for the Exclusive Batch itinerary)

Fuel for the motorcycle for the complete expedition route

Daily breakfast and dinner during all stays

Backup support vehicle throughout the journey

Professional mechanic with essential spare parts

Experienced Tour Captain and Bike Marshal

Inner Line Permits and all required environmental fees

First aid support and oxygen cylinders for high-altitude safety

Professional photography and videography coverage

Water bottles and packed snacks/meals during long riding days

Airport pickup and drop in Leh

Exclusions

International and domestic flights to and from Leh

Indian visa fees (for foreign nationals)

Lunches and any meals not specifically mentioned in inclusions

Personal riding gear and helmets (riders must carry their own)

Any motorcycle damage caused by the rider (except engine-related mechanical issues)

Activities or experiences not specifically mentioned in the inclusions

Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, beverages, minibar, or shopping

Alcoholic beverages and personal consumption beyond arranged group stock

Travel insurance, medical insurance, and emergency evacuation costs

Tips, gratuities, and personal payments to staff or local services

Additional hotel stays or transport due to flight delays, cancellations, or personal schedule changes

Any extra cost arising from landslides, road closures, weather conditions, political disturbances, natural calamities, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond the organizer’s control

Transportation Type	Total Pax	Per Person Cost
Trans Himalayan Motorcycle Expedition	-	$ 3700

Itinerary

Day 1 : ARRIVAL AND ACCLIMATISE

Guests arrive in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, situated at high altitude and surrounded by dramatic Himalayan landscapes. Upon arrival, the team assists with airport transfers to the hotel where guests can settle in comfortably. This day is intentionally kept light and relaxed to allow the body to gradually adapt to the altitude, which is essential for a safe and enjoyable expedition ahead.

Throughout the day, guests are encouraged to rest, hydrate, and take only short, gentle walks around the property or nearby lanes. The atmosphere of Leh itself offers a soft introduction to the journey — prayer flags fluttering in the wind, distant mountain views, and the calm pace of life in the high Himalayas.

In the evening, the tour captain conducts a comprehensive briefing covering
expedition flow, riding safety, altitude awareness, communication protocols, and motorcycle orientation. This session ensures everyone begins the ride fully prepared and confident.

Stay: Hotel in Leh
Estimated Travel Time: 30–45 mins (airport transfer and local movement)
Riding Level: Easy

Day 2 : LEH TO LAMAYURU VIA ALCHI

The expedition officially begins as riders receive their motorcycles and depart Leh, following the historic Indus Valley route. The ride starts gently, allowing guests to build confidence while enjoying wide mountain views and smooth roads. Early stops include Magnetic Hill, known for its optical illusion, and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib — a revered Sikh temple with deep historical significance where guests may pause, step inside, and enjoy a quiet tea break.

Further along the route lies the Sangam View Point, where the emerald-green Indus River meets the darker waters of the Zanskar River. The contrasting colours of the two rivers create one of Ladakh’s most iconic natural scenes and provide a perfect photography stop. A longer cultural halt follows at Alchi Monastery, famous for its ancient Buddhist murals and heritage architecture, offering insight into Ladakh’s spiritual history.

As the day progresses, the landscape transforms dramatically into surreal moon-like formations. A final photo stop at Moonland gives guests their first taste of Ladakh’s otherworldly terrain before arriving in Lamayuru, a peaceful village surrounded by rugged mountains where the evening is free for rest and exploration.

Stay: Homestay / Guesthouse (Lamayuru)
Estimated Travel Time: 8-9 hours (including sightseeing stops, approx. 1 hour at Alchi, tea breaks, and 1 hour lunch)
Riding Level: Easy

Day 3 : LAMAYURU SUNRISE, RIDE TO ARYAN VALLEY

The day begins before sunrise with one of the most memorable moments of the
expedition. From the monastery viewpoint or rooftop surroundings, guests witness the first golden light slowly touching the Himalayan peaks, illuminating the valley below in shades of orange and gold. This quiet, majestic experience captures the true essence of Ladakh’ s spiritual and natural beauty.

After breakfast and a visit to Lamayuru Monastery (morning prayers subject to
permission), the ride continues toward Aryan Valley. The route combines smooth
highways with sections of rougher mountain terrain, gradually moving into more
remote landscapes rarely visited by mainstream travelers. The scenery feels raw, open, and deeply authentic, giving riders a sense of true expedition travel.

Arrival in Aryan Valley introduces guests to one of Ladakh’s most culturally unique regions. The evening includes interaction with locals and, where possible, a community-style dinner experience, allowing guests to connect with the traditions and lifestyle of the region in an organic way.

Stay: Camps (Dah / Hanu)
Estimated Travel Time: 7–8 hours (including monastery visit, scenic stops, and 1 hour lunch)
Riding Level: Medium – Difficult

Day 4 : ARYAN VALLEY VILLAGE WALK, RIDE TO LEH

The morning begins with a relaxed guided walk through the village, offering insight into daily life, local customs, and traditional architecture. Guests experience a slower rhythm of life before preparing for the ride back toward Leh.

The return journey is designed to be enjoyable and scenic, with flowing roads cutting through vast valleys and mountain ranges. Rather than heavy sightseeing, this day focuses on the pure joy of riding — long open stretches, changing terrain, and uninterrupted Himalayan views.

Upon arrival in Leh, guests have time to relax at the hotel. Depending on timing and energy levels, an optional visit to the local market can be arranged for those interested in exploring local cafés, handicrafts, and culture.

Stay: Hotel in Leh
Estimated Travel Time: 6-7 hours (including village walk, tea stops, and 1 hour lunch)
Riding Level: Medium – Difficult

Day 5 : LEH TO NUBRA VALLEY VIA KHARDUNG LA

Today’s ride takes guests over Khardung La Pass (approx. 5,359 m / 17,582 ft), one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The ascent is dramatic, with winding roads climbing into snow-lined landscapes and panoramic Himalayan views. Frequent short stops allow guests to acclimatise and capture photographs.

Descending from the pass, the terrain transforms into the vast openness of Nubra Valley — a striking contrast where desert-like sand dunes meet towering mountains. The region feels softer and wider, offering a completely different visual experience compared to central Ladakh.

Activities such as ATV riding and camel experiences may be arranged depending on weather and operational conditions. The evening is relaxed, allowing guests to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Hunder.

Stay: Cottages (Hunder)

Estimated Travel Time: 8–9 hours (including scenic stops, activity breaks, and 1 hour lunch)

Riding Level: Medium

Day 6 : HUNDER TO TURTUK

Ride along the Shyok River toward Turtuk, one of the last Indian villages near the Indo–Pakistan border in the historic Baltistan region. The scenery gradually changes from stark high-altitude desert to greener valleys filled with trees and cultivated land, creating a striking visual contrast.

The route itself is smooth and scenic, making this one of the more relaxed riding days of the expedition. The slower pace allows guests to truly absorb the surroundings and enjoy the journey rather than focusing on technical riding challenges.

After arrival, guests are free to explore the village, interact with locals, and learn about the region’s unique history and cultural identity. Evening bonfire may be arranged depending on weather conditions, creating a warm and social atmosphere under the mountains.

Stay: Homestay (Turtuk)

Estimated Travel Time: 5–6 hours (including scenic stops, tea breaks, and 1 hour lunch)

Riding Level: Easy

Day 7 : TURTUK VILLAGE TOUR, RIDE TO HUNDER

The morning is dedicated to a guided exploration of Turtuk, walking through narrow village lanes lined with traditional houses and apricot orchards. Guests visit the local museum, cross wooden bridges, and experience a café run by local women, gaining a deeper understanding of Balti culture and daily life in this remote border region.

Apricot tasting and interaction with local families add a personal and authentic touch to the experience. The pace is relaxed, allowing guests to enjoy the village atmosphere without rush.

Later, the ride back to Hunder follows the same scenic valley route, offering beautiful mountain views and a calm riding experience before returning to the cottages for the night.

Stay: Cottages (Hunder)

Estimated Travel Time: 6–7 hours (including guided village exploration and 1 hour lunch)

Riding Level: Easy – Medium

Day 8 : HUNDER TO PANGONG VIA SHYOK ROUTE

This is one of the most adventurous riding days of the expedition. The route follows the Shyok River through remote landscapes where terrain conditions can vary, adding an element of real expedition riding. If this route is closed due to weather or road conditions, an alternate route via Wari La and Leh will be used.

The journey feels increasingly remote, with dramatic mountain walls, river crossings, and long stretches of untouched scenery. A tea stop at Durbuk offers a welcome break before the final approach.

Arrival at Pangong Lake is unforgettable — a vast high-altitude lake stretching across the India–Tibet region, known for its shifting shades of blue depending on light and weather conditions.

Stay: Mud House / Wooden Camps (Pangong)

Estimated Travel Time: 8–10 hours (depending on route and conditions, including breaks and 1 hour lunch)

Riding Level: Difficult

Day 9 : PANGONG TO HANLE VIA REZANG LA PASS

This day is dedicated to pure riding through some of Ladakh’s most raw and untouched landscapes. Wide open plains, endless horizons, and minimal human presence create a feeling of true isolation and freedom. Crossing the Rezang La region, guests may catch distant views toward the Chinese side of the mountains. The experience here is less about traditional sightseeing and more about the emotional impact of riding through vast Himalayan wilderness. The silence, scale, and remoteness define the day.

Arrival in Hanle marks a transition from adventure to wonder. Home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, one of the highest observatories in the world, Hanle is renowned for its clear skies and minimal light pollution, making it one of the best stargazing locations on Earth.

Stay: Wooden Cottages (Hanle)

Estimated Travel Time: 7–8 hours (including breaks and 1 hour lunch)

Riding Level: Medium – Difficult

Day 10 : UMLING LA PASS EXPEDITION

Today is one of the defining highlights of the expedition. The ride climbs toward Umling La Pass (approx. 5,883 m / 19,300 ft), one of the highest motorable roads on Earth — higher than Everest Base Camp. The altitude, thin air, and dramatic landscapes make this both physically and emotionally rewarding.

The route offers surreal high-altitude scenery where mountains stretch endlessly in every direction. Riders take time at the top for photographs and to absorb the achievement of reaching such an extreme elevation.

After completing the ascent, the group returns to Hanle for rest and recovery, carrying the satisfaction of having completed one of the world’s most legendary rides.

Stay: Wooden Cottages (Hanle)

Estimated Travel Time: 6–7 hours (including high-altitude stops and 1 hour lunch)

Riding Level: Extreme

Day 11 : MIG LA PASS EXPEDITION

Depending on route and weather conditions, the expedition attempts Mig La Pass (approx. 5,200 m+ / 17,000+ ft), another high-altitude crossing above Everest Base Camp elevation. This section represents true expedition riding, with unpredictable terrain and minimal infrastructure.

The landscapes are vast and untouched, offering a strong sense of exploration and adventure. If conditions do not allow safe passage, the route continues directly toward Tsomoriri Lake, maintaining the same high-altitude expedition spirit. Arrival at Tsomoriri brings a shift in energy — peaceful waters surrounded by mountains, creating a calm and reflective atmosphere after intense riding days.

Stay: Wooden Cottage (Tsomoriri)

Estimated Travel Time: 7-9 hours (depending on route and conditions, including breaks and 1 hour lunch)

Riding Level: Difficult

Day 12 : TSOMORIRI VIA PUGA VALLEY

Ride through the geothermal landscapes of Puga Valley, known for steaming vents and mineral-rich terrain that feels almost alien in appearance. Wide plains and dramatic mountain backdrops make this one of the most visually striking sections of the journey.

The riding today is smoother and more relaxed, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery at an easy pace. Frequent photo opportunities and scenic pauses make this a rewarding experience for both riders and photographers.

The evening is free to relax by the lake, enjoy the quiet surroundings, and reflect on the journey so far.

Stay: Wooden Cottage (Tsomoriri)

Estimated Travel Time: 5-6 hours (including scenic stops and 1 hour lunch)

Riding Level: Medium

Day 13 : TSOMORIRI TO LEH

The final riding day takes guests back toward Leh through vast high-altitude plains and mountain roads. The pace is steady and comfortable, allowing riders to enjoy the landscapes one last time while reflecting on the expedition.

This stretch often feels emotional for guests as the journey nears its end. Long open roads and expansive views create a fitting finale to the adventure.

Arrival in Leh is followed by a relaxed evening and group gathering to celebrate the completion of the expedition.

Stay: Hotel in Leh

Estimated Travel Time: 8-9 hours (including multiple breaks and 1 hour lunch)

Riding Level: Medium

Day 14 : DEPARTURE

After breakfast, guests are transferred to the airport as per flight schedules. The expedition concludes with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and the achievement of having explored one of the world’s most extraordinary high-altitude regions by motorcycle.