High above the Indian lowlands rests the once enchanted and secluded little monastic territory of Ladakh. Where today ancient traditions are as present as the influences of modern life.

It’s a land, or rather a tiny strip, that has been able to retain its contagious charm over the course of centuries. It’s so peacefully nestled up in the Himalayas, wedged between towering mountains and mighty neighbors. At the same time, it’s attached to the Indian subcontinent. To which it somehow belongs, but where it has never truly felt at home.

Ladakh is indescribably beautiful and noble. Many travelers’ minds get trapped in the vastness of its empty mountain ranges, wandering back to long bygone times. When peace and tranquility still existed, and satisfaction with the simplicity of a pure life to which people were patiently submissive. Where hustle, greed, and rivalry were still hushed, barely perceptible alien words, and instead, a strong sense of community and happiness the ingredients for a scrumptious life.

The happiness of the Ladakhi people is simply contagious. It bewitches those who arrive from far and travel across this great earth. With their mischievous smiles, the Ladakhis melt even the stiffest of visitor’s hearts. And when elders’ eyes beam at them through often cracked and patched glasses, they warmheartedly welcome them to stay. The wiry Ladakhis indulge in such a remarkable cheerfulness that they joyfully keep snatching from each other for no reason at all.

The seemingly barren inhospitality of this land is reflected in the people’s appearance. Deep gouges often dig into their beautiful faces at an earlier age. They dare to paint a picture that may have its origins in high altitudes, extremes, and an arduous existence. Yet, the Ladakhis hold an innate serenity as if the thin layer of oxygen were the very elixir of their content lives.

Where wrinkles and furrows don’t mean the end but respectfully garnish age and wisdom.

In Ladakh, heaven is so close that it can virtually be reached with bare hands. It’s the one that watches over the uniqueness of the mountainous realm in daylight. That spans in a stunning azure blue from horizon to horizon. While tender shadows of shreds of clouds hovering above the scanty slopes perform their unusual show. An when the wind begins to play, it lovingly caresses the innumerable colorful prayer flags—fresh and disheveled—flapping ontop of monasteries, homes, and dizzying passes. Purring holy mantras imprinted towards the deities listening from above and below.

It’s the same sky that lends Ladakh its magic wand at night. When the lights dim and one instant gives way to another to radiate its most incredible nocturnal beauty. When millions upon millions of stars shimmer across the eternal sky, they leave the viewer with the impression that it was and probably always will be this way.

Under Ladakh’s star-freckled night sky, the rest of the world is no more than a teeny-tiny insignificant speck in the ginormous universe of many.

Then, there are the monks in their eternally red robes — Ladakh’s perhaps most prominent display of a vibrantly devoted culture that embraces and surrounds everything. It’s in each part, every single heart — no matter how remote. Prayer wheels keep turning unceasingly, with mantras buzzing from near and far. Simultaneously, brightly colored ceremonies in the country’s countless monasteries call upon their devotees and keep them united. Everything melts into a contagious wholeness that knows but little separateness and even less ambiguity. The Ladakhis’ faith and passion for life make the onlooker pause.

A familiar feeling of longing settles in — it’s a yearning for a more self-sufficient, grounded, and authentic lifestyle, which many of us no longer know.

This tiny country amid the Himalayas beguiles my spirits like hardly any other. Whoever soars up to the mighty plains of this miraculous land and tosses open the rusty door to their hearts — just like an eagle spreads its wings — will be embraced gushily.

By the simply contagious magic of a wild yet humble land that maybe once was my home.

Thank you for reading.

Written by Kerstin Krause

You can read the original article here

Building on our expertise in organizing motorbike tours for over 25 years around all of Asia, along with our on-going passion for travelling we have put together a wide range of unique tours, far from the beaten track, every one of them featuring our unique trademark – the perfect blend of riding pleasure and cultural discovery. It was 20 years ago that we explored the Manali Leh highway for the first time, it was an epic motorcycle adventure, and the first in a continuous series of more than a 100 successful motorcycle tours around Ladakh.

Our latest addition our “3 Lakes of Ladakh Motorcycle Tour”, which includes seven 5.000m passes and all the highlights of Ladakh in 11 days, has been a huge success for the last 4 years.

The choice of Himalaya Motorcycle Adventure is yours

We want to give our guests more personal freedom of choice…
So we have set up a new Himalaya motorbike tour program, which offers more individuality than ever:

We would like to offer you a catalog of interesting  so-called building blocks for your personal biking adventure, it’s up to you to combine all your favourite attractions in Ladakh, you will make your own itinerary, set your own travel dates and speed and decide on your level of comfort and service. We will do our best to put it all together for you. Making sure that all your needs and requirements are met to your complete satisfaction. Hey, we are the pros after all!

We will provide the latest model 500cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorbikes and one of our senior mechanics cum local guides will accompany you, a well trained professional with years of experience. We will book your accommodations as per your demands, and we will pick you up and drop you off at the Leh airport.

For your request, please contact us

Another adventure beckons …

Today we’ll be tackling the world’s second-highest road pass, the Taglang La (5,390 m). The leisurely ascent is followed by a spectacular motorcycle ride through a rugged gorge, descending nearly 2,000 meters to the Indus river. We’ll return to Leh in the early afternoon, bringing us to the end of the Himalayan Bike Adventure tour (130 km). Last chance for a stroll through the bazaar for some shopping, and in the evening it’s time for a farewell dinner at your favourite place of choice.

The long rough ride up from Kargil to Padum in Zanskar Valley

This is another great trip we can offer. A detailed description is available. If you want to learn more about this rough Himalaya adventure ride, please write to us…

Motorcycle Touring in India: The Ultimate Guide to Safety

Are the Roads Safe in India?

When most people think about driving in India, they think of congested streets where rickshaws, scooters, and pedestrians jostle for position. And it’s true, roads in Indian cities like Mumbai and Delhi are notoriously busy, and dangerous too. Driving in these urban centers can feel like a game of Russian roulette, as each motorist prays the others will give way first.

But it’s worth looking beyond the stereotypes, because the state of India’s roads varies hugely, and so does the traffic that travels on them. Away from the cities, India has some of the most beautiful roads in the world – from narrow mountain passes to secluded routes through the rainforest. The best motorcycle tour operators in India plan their journeys carefully, avoiding the worst roads and focusing on the most spectacular routes the country has to offer.

Safe motorcycle riding in India depends on respecting the traffic ‘food chain’: if another vehicle is bigger than yours, and it doesn’t stop, then give it the right of way. Safe riders take a common sense approach – and neverassume other drivers will follow the traffic laws. Ultimately, riding a motorbike in India is a calculated risk, but you can tip the odds in your favor by staying on safer roads, traveling with experienced guides, and applying smart road safety measures.

Road Conditions in India

Road surfaces vary from tarmacadam through to gravel and – in the most remote regions – dirt. Route planning comes into its own here, and it’s vital to choose a rugged, capable motorbike that’s well serviced. You can also prepare yourself as a rider by riding on poorly maintained roads or dirt tracks closer to home. Motorcyclist Online have published a great article looking at how to ride a motorbike on gravel and dirt roads.

Still worried? It should give you a warm, fuzzy feeling inside to know that our own Indian motorcycle tours are fully serviced and accompanied by a service vehicle. If our riders ever struggle with the conditions then they can ride in the service vehicle while our mechanics take over on the bike.

Which Bike is Safest for Road Trips?

It seems that every biker has their own favorite bike for road trips (we’d guess this question has led to a few arguments at bars around the world). But, when it comes to safe motorcycle riding in India, one brand stands out: Royal Enfield, and that’s the brand we use for our own tours.

The brand’s 500cc models have enough power to cope – but they don’t reach the break-neck speeds of some motorbikes. This makes these bikes easier to control, and an all-round safer ride for India’s roads.

What Else Do I Need?

While a helmet, motorcycle boots and gloves are essential, it’s also smart to equip yourself with further safety equipment when touring unfamiliar roads. Many bikers feel safer with knee and back protectors, and these can significantly lessen the physical trauma caused by an accident.

The Boring (But Very Important) Bits…

Insurance Requirements

Want to tempt fate and invite problems? Then you should consider traveling to India without adequate travel and medical insurance. But for the rest of us, insurance is a basic must-have.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover theft and loss, and there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself from having to make a claim in the first place. When you leave your motorcycle, ensure it’s somewhere safe – like a secure parking facility, or a private lot for hotel guests. Pack light and only take items you truly need. Leave high-value jewelry at home (sure, we know your Rolex looks great, but a cheap quartz watch is less likely to end up on a robber’s wrist). Keep essential valuables (like your phone and cash) with you at all times.

Many comprehensive insurance policies also cover emergency medical costs. It’s important to remember that India is a developing nation, so medical facilities can be limited – especially in remote areas. Many travelers prefer to be treated in their home country, so always ensure your policy covers bills linked to international medical transfers.

Vaccinations for Travelers to India

The World Health Organization recommends several vaccinations for travelers to India, such as cholera, typhoid, rabies, tetanus, polio, yellow fever, hepatitis (A and B), and Japanese encephalitis. Be sure to speak to your doctor well in advance of your departure to arrange your vaccinations.

Both dengue fever and malaria are present in areas of India, and travelers may wish to take preventative medication, as well as investing in deterrents like insect repellent.

High-Altitude Sickness

Some of the best motorcycle tours in India include the high mountain passes – where the scenery is at its best. But some riders are affected by high-altitude sickness. This condition is caused by the lower oxygen levels at altitude and the drop in air pressure as you climb.

High-altitude sickness is most risky for those traveling above 8,000 feet. It can affect people who are very fit, young, and otherwise healthy. The commonest form of high-altitude sickness is Acute Mountain Sickness (or AMS). Some common symptoms to watch out for include nausea, headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness – the last two are especially risky for motorcyclists navigating mountain roads.

If your route takes you to altitudes above 8,000 feet, then you should plan a gradual ascent and avoid climbing more than 1,000 feet per day, taking regular rest days as you go. Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise until your body has acclimatized. You may wish to take Acetazolamide medication with you. If taken just before reaching high altitudes, this drug can help you acclimatize, so be sure to speak to your doctor in advance of traveling.

You can learn more about altitude sickness and other preventative steps on the UK National Health Service’s website or Web MD.

Medical Supplies

If you use any prescription medications, ensure you have enough supplies for the duration of your motorcycle tour of India. You may also wish to bring along some basic non-prescription medicines for common complaints such as headaches, sickness, and muscle fatigue.

While most responsible tour operators (including ourselves) bring along first aid supplies, many bikers like to make up their own first aid kits. This UK National Health Service article on travel health includes a list of the kinds of first aid supplies you should pack.

Don’t Panic!

Reading about the risks of motorcycle touring in India leaves some travelers feeling panicked – but it shouldn’t. The majority of tours are completed safely, without any major incidents. By reading this guide, you’ve set yourself up for success and taken the first step toward a safe motorcycle tour that you’ll remember for all the right reasons!