Bookable only as a motorcycle tour.
This tour is for everyone who likes it the hard way. We drive on exclusive roads that are definitely not on any beaten trek. Be assured that you will experience the Himalayan magnificence like no where else. The roads on this tour are a dream for passionate motorcyclists, often located on steep absurd slopes and almost always with a breathtaking panorama.
Initially the street from Killar to Kishthwar was scheduled as a closed Millitarystreet, now it is also accessible to civilian public. If the access would not be so remote, this road would be famous as one of the most spectacular in the world. The lovely Zanskar valley is still refreshingly undeveloped compared to touristy Ladakh. Our tour begins with another cultural highlight, the Golden Temple of Amritsar.
When I drove from Killar to Kishtwar for the first time, I could not believe my eyes. The track on which I drove did not seem like a road, but rather a poem carved in granite. After all these years as a motorcyclist in the Himalayas, I could not believe that I would still be surprised and amazed. And amazed i was!
This trip is also suitable for those who have already made the classic Ladakh tour with me, there is virtually no overlapping drive (only the day from Srinagar to Kargil would be repeated).
Day 1, 19.9: Arrival in Delhi – Onwards Flight or Train to Amritsar.
Transfer to the hotel.
Day 2, 20.9: Amritsar
Cozy day with a visit to the impressive Golden Temple. Here the bikes are waiting for us, a short test drive in the evening to get tuned into the first riding days in India.
Day 3, 21.9: Amritsar -Jot Pass (2800m) – Chamba
A beautiful little Himalayan pass on the very first day of driving, what more could one want. It is in the beautiful Chamba Valley over the Jot-pass.
Day 4, 22.9: Chamba – Bharmour – Chamba
Excursion into the Chamba Valley towards Bharmour, where we visit the beautiful woodencarved Chaurasi Devi Temple complex. Bharmour offers quite narrow valley roads and incredible, steep-scale terraced fields. In the evening back to Chamba.
Day 5, 23.9: Chamba – Killar
Today we ascend the incredulous Sach-Pass (4420m). Still a secret among the Himalayan passes,it is considered one of the most challenging and spectacular one, among himalayan connosoires. A long but unforgettable day.
Day 6, 24.9: Killar – Kishtwar
What is before us today, can hardly be described in words. In a sheer granite wall along the Pangi river, the stone-cut road winds towards Kishtwar. The section to Gulabgarh is just out of this world.
Day 7, 25.9: Kishtwar – Srinagar
Today it takes us through varied landscapes into lovely Kashmir Valley. We cross the beautiful and rather untouched Sinthan Pass (3800m) to reach Anantnag, from where a highway takes us into Sri Nagar. In Sri Nagar we spend a cozy night on a delightful houseboat.
Day 8, 26.9: Kishtwar – Kargil
First, it’s all about alpine-looking streets to Sonamarg, where the mighty Zoji La Pass (3528) takes us up steeply into another World, the transhimalaya. Overnight stop in the former trading town of Kargil.
Day 9, 27.9: Kargil – Parkachik – Rangdum
On gravel roads, it goes into the Zanskar valley. We will be passing the Nun-Kun massif (about 7000m)which makes some of the highest Himalayan mountain peaks on the Indian side. Overnight near the Rangdum Monastery a fantastic Panorama.
Day 10, 28.9: Rangdum – Padum.
The road today will pass small villages, hamlets and green oases. We reach the tiny capital of Zanskar, Padum. Afternoon is dedicated to some good rest.
Day 11, 29.9: Padum – Karsha – Padum
Cozy day with monastery tours and village walk. Visit with a local family.
Day 12, 30.10: Padum – Zangle – Padum
Sightseeing and small trips in the surrounding area.
Day 13, 1.10: Padum – Kargil
Today we leave early and drive in a day back to Kargil. A long but beautiful day of riding.
Day 14, 2.10: Kargil – Since Hano – Alchi
It is now again a former Millitaryroad recently opened for civilians that demands our attention. We visit Dahanu valley with its Dardic Budhist Population.
Day 15, 3.10: Alchi – Leh
A short drive brings us to Leh. Cosy afternoon stroll in the Market.
Day 16, 4.10: Leh – Delhi
An early morning flight brings us to Delhi. There are rooms to rest and freshen up. Flight to Europe the same evening possible. If you want to have a little more buffer, you can still independently add another day, we will be happy to make arrangements. End of the trip.
Day 17, 5.10: Arrival in Europe
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Price: € 3280 with Dbl Room (at least 6 participants)
Inclusions: Royal Enfield motorcycle, gasoline, mechanics, baggage car, best possible hotels (15 nights), half-board, 1x train ticket, 1x air ticket Leh – Delhi.
Not included: gratuities for baggage car-drivers and mechanics, alcoholic beverages, other purchases.
