Gravel Heroes
Himalayas 26.08 – 05.09.2023
MOTORCYCLE:
Royal Enfield Himalayan. Motorcycle rental is included in the tour price.
TOUR DESCRIPTION:
This is best described as a roller coaster motorbike ride: from the Buddhist monasteries of Ladakh, through the mysterious Zanskar Valley and desertic high-altitude landscapes, we will head straight up to the highest pass in the world ā Umling La (5848 m). The Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes are also on our way – followed by several more passes over 5,000m.
In the last years a lot of new roads have been built in the Himalayas and quite a few new passes have been made passable to vehicles. It opens for us, bikers, some areas which earlier could only be reached after days of trekking in the mountains. On this tour you can expect new tracks, passes and highlights never offered before on any organized tour. We will be reaching altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters multiple times, and riding over the highest passes in the world. The route covers all of the highlights of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh, as well as the most beautiful Himalayan lakes in the border region with Tibet.
Riding to the top of the world ā with the mythical Royal Enfield will give you memories to last a lifetime!
START:
END:
NUMBER OF DAYS AND NIGHTS:
NUMBER OF RIDING DAYS:
TOUR TYPE:
TYPE OF ROADS:
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
MIN./ MAX. NUMBER OF BIKES:
Available
Ā
Choose your options:
DETAILS OF THE TOUR
HIGHLIGHTS:
- New road connecting Zanskar Valley and Manali.
- Ride through Mount Gombo.
- Most famous Ladakh Buddhist Monasteries.
- Zanskar Valley.
- Nubra Valley.
- Gata Loops.
- Hanle Observatory.
- Leh.
Passes:
- Khardung La (5,359 m)
- Shingu La (5,091 m)
- Zang La (3,981 m)
- Singe La (4,200 m)
- Sir Sir La Pass (4,808 m)
- Chang La (5,360 m)
- Tsaga La (4,635 m)
- Polokong La (4,800 m)
- Lachung La (5,019 m)
- Naki La (4,740 m)
- Kanglajal La (4,908 m)
- Baralacha La (4,890 m)
- Umling La (5,848 m)
Lakes:
- Pangong Tso (4,350 m)
- Kiagar lake (4,522m)
- Tso Moriri (4,595 m)
- Tso Kar (4,620 m)
WEATHER:
If you donāt like the weather in the Himalayas just wait for a few hours… The Himalayas are so high that they create microclimates in each valley, and the weather conditions may change very fast. It can be bright and sunny, and a few hours later it could get cloudy and cold. Our tour is taking place during the most favorable time of the year in terms of weather conditions. However, it is very difficult to predict the temperatures. You have to be prepared for all kinds of conditions: days with bright sun shining, sudden gusts of strong cold winds, cold nights.
MOTORCYCLE GEAR:
Wearing adequate riding gear is an individual responsibility. We strongly recommend āadventureā or hard-shell type boots for this ride. Bring your own gear.
LUGGAGE:
We will be traveling light. Try not to take more than one 20kg luggage piece. It should be dust & water proof. For riding days take with you a small backpack or waterproof bag, with straps, to enable you to attach it to your motorbike.
IMPORTANT, REMEMBER:
Each participant is required to arrange a tourist entry visa to India for himself.
We will be traveling at very high altitudes, be sure you have sunscreen and sunglasses. The tour is rated 8/10 because of the altitude, not because of the riding difficulties.
During your trip, especially when crossing the highest mountain passes, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS). Remember that you must drink a lot of water to minimize thisĀ risk. In case you feel sick, we will have anĀ oxygen cylinder with us.
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE:
5848 (Umling La)
meters above seal levelDAY BY DAY TOUR PROGRAM
DAY 1
Arrival to Leh
DAY 2
Leh – Lamayuru
DAY 3
Lamayuru – Padum
DAY 4
Padum – Jispa
DAY 5
Jispa – Tso Kar
DAY 6
Tso Kar – Tso Moriri – Nyoma
DAY 7
Nyoma – Umling La – Hanle
DAY 8
Hanle – Pangong Tso Lake
DZIEÅ 9
Pangong Tso Lake – Nubra Valley
DAY 10
Nubra Valley – Leh
DAY 11
Leh – departure
THE ROUTE MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE DUE TO POLITICAL, SOCIAL OR WEATHER FACTORS.
PRICE INCLUDES:
MOTORCYCLE
4X4 CAR
GUIDE
SUPPORT CAR
MOTORBIKE MAINTENANCE
ACCOMMODATION & FOOD
TRANSPORT TO/FROM THE HOTEL
INSURANCE
PICTURES & GPX TRACKS FROM THE TOUR
WELCOME PACK
PRICE NOT INCLUDES:
- Motorcycle fuel.
- Airline tickets (tickets should not be bought until the organizer confirms the completion of the minimum group size).
- Tourist entry visa, if required.
- Covid tests and / or vaccinations, if required.
- Medical expenses not covered by MotoBirds insurance.
- Drinks other than water.
- Costs related to the transport of a participant to the nearest medical center, in case of injury or illness or inability to continue the tour.
- Costs related to the transport of the participantās motorcycle to the finish point of the tour, in case the motorcycle or the participant cannot continue the tour.
- Lunches and dinners in Leh.
- Entry tickets to the optional tourist attractions, i.e. buddhist monasteries.
- Motorcycle refundable security deposit of 500 USD, payable in cash on the first day after arrival.
