Himalaya Expedition –
In the Footsteps of Heaven
North India Adventure: An Experience for All Senses
The journey starts in the bustling city of Chandigarh and passes through some of the most spectacular landscapes in northern India. The route first heads into the idyllic Tirthan Valley on the edge of the Great Himalayan National Park and leads through the flowering valleys of Kullu and Naggar to Keylong. From there, the journey continues into the remote heights of Ladakh, past the picturesque salt lakes of Tso Kar and Tso Moriri and over the highest motorable passes in the world, including the legendary Umling La Pass at 5,883 meters.
A highlight of the tour is Leh, the capital of Ladakh, known for the imposing Buddhist monasteries of Thiksey and Hemis, which offer deep insight into Tibetan culture and spirituality. The journey then continues through the secluded Zanskar Valley, famous for its dramatic scenery and tranquility.
The last leg takes travelers to spiritual Dharamsala, where the McLeod Ganj monastery and the Dalai Lama’s residence can be visited. This shows the region’s deep connection with Tibetan Buddhism. The trip finally ends back in Chandigarh. This unforgettable tour through the majestic landscapes of the Himalayas combines adventure and culture in a unique way. The guided self-drive car tour through northern India allows you to experience the fascinating diversity of the region from a new perspective – comfortable yet adventurous, authentic and exclusive at the same time.
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This trip offers the freedom of traveling in your own vehicle with the security of a professional tour guide. It includes both well-developed roads and exciting off-road passages – perfect for adventurers who do not want to forego comfort. The experienced crew of local guides and mechanics ensures a smooth journey so that the focus can be entirely on the beauty of the landscape.
Overnight stays in carefully selected boutique hotels, traditional camps and remote lodges provide deep insights into the culture and everyday life of the region. The route takes in the highlights of the Northern Himalayas, including the tranquil salt lakes of Tso Kar and Tso Moriri, the majestic monasteries of Thiksey and Hemis, and the legendary Umling La Pass – the highest motorized pass in the world. This tour is more than just a journey – it is a challenge, an adventure and an opportunity to discover the real North India in all its diversity.
AT A GLANCE
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10.08. – 24.08.2025 | ||||||||
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Please specify your car choice when booking! With driver or self-drive (surcharge with driver 750€) |
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15 days / 14 nights / 12 riding days | ||||||||
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All overnight stays in selected mid-range accommodations with private shower/WC |
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Date 10.08. – 24.08.2025 |
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Price Mahindra Thar: 3.190€ Toyota Fortuner: 5.590€ Passenger: 3.990€ Single Room: +490€ Please specify your car choice when booking! With driver or self-drive (surcharge with driver 750€) |
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Duration 15 days / 14 nights / 12 riding days |
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Accomodation All overnight stays in selected mid-range accommodations with private shower/WC, |
Himalaya Expedition – Highlights
- Umling La Pass – The highest motorable pass in the world
At an altitude of 5,883 meters (19,300 feet) above sea level, Umling La Pass offers spectacular views and a unique driving experience on the highest navigable road in the world. - Tso Moriri and Tso Kar – Shimmering high-altitude lakes
These two remote saltwater lakes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, present breathtaking landscapes, mirroring the colors of the sky. The tranquility and beauty of these lakes are unparalleled. - Thiksey and Hemis Monasteries – Spiritual highlights
Visiting these renowned Buddhist monasteries offers profound insights into Tibetan culture and spirituality. Thiksey, with its iconic architecture, serves as an impressive backdrop.
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- Zanskar Valley – Untouched wilderness
A journey through the remote Zanskar Valley takes you past deep gorges, glaciers, and dramatic rock formations. The untouched nature and isolation make this valley a true adventure. - Dharamsala – Spiritual center and residence of the Dalai Lama
In Dharamsala, the heart of Tibetan Buddhism in India, experience the unique atmosphere of this city, renowned for its spiritual and cultural significance. - Stargazing in Hanle – The clear skies over Ladakh
Known for its observatory, Hanle offers one of the best stargazing opportunities in India. The clear, light-pollution-free nights make it a paradise for astronomy enthusiasts. - Leh – Capital of Ladakh
This historic city at 3,500 meters is a fascinating blend of traditional and modern influences. The old royal palace and bustling bazaars provide cultural insights and shopping opportunities. - Tirthan Valley – Gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park
The valley features idyllic landscapes with rivers, forests, and charming villages, perfect for relaxing and hiking off the beaten path. - Alchi Monastery – One of Ladakh’s oldest Buddhist monasteries
Known for its well-preserved murals, Alchi Monastery holds historical significance as one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the region. - Off-road adventure – Challenge and excitement on remote routes
The tour includes thrilling off-road sections and challenging paths, ensuring not only driving fun but also a true adventure factor. - Panoramic Himalayan views – Breathtaking scenery
The entire route traverses some of the world’s highest mountains, offering spectacular panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and vast plateaus. - Encounters with Tibetan culture – Authentic insights
The tour passes through villages and monasteries where you can experience Tibetan culture firsthand, from traditional prayer flags to the warm hospitality of the locals.
On this tour through the Himalayas we tackle the highest and most famous passes in the world:
- Umling La Pass – 5,883 meters (19,300 feet)
The highest motorable pass in the world. Crossing it is an absolute highlight, offering spectacular views.
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- Tanglang La Pass – 5,328 meters (17,480 feet)
The second-highest pass on the route and one of the major challenges on the way to Leh. - Lachulung La Pass – 5,059 meters (16,598 feet)
This pass connects the valleys of Leh and Tso Kar, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. - Baralacha La Pass – 4,890 meters (16,043 feet)
An important pass linking the regions of Lahaul and Ladakh. The road here passes through dramatic mountain scenery. - Namshang La Pass – 4,800 meters (15,748 feet)
Located on the route between Tso Moriri and Leh, this lesser-known pass is equally impressive. - Fotu La Pass – 4,108 meters (13,478 feet)
The highest pass on the Srinagar-Leh Highway, providing grand views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. - Singge La Pass – 5,090 meters (16,700 feet)
Situated on the way to the Zanskar Valley, this pass offers a challenging route with fantastic views. - Sarchu – 4,290 meters (14,075 feet)
Although not a pass in the traditional sense, Sarchu is located between Baralacha La and Lachulung La and serves as an important overnight stop.
Parts of the route – up to entire day’s rides – are unpaved. In addition to good natural tracks, there are also tracks that were once paved and where the asphalt has crumbled. These are marked by potholes and bumps. Longer passages can be covered with sand or pebbles. The unpaved/paved ratio is around 20/80.
Most of the route is on good, paved roads. Two-lane roads alternate with narrow, single-lane mountain roads. Riders should be comfortable with hairpin bends and narrow, winding roads. Rough surfaces, potholes and the occasional unpaved road shouldn’t be a problem.
At least one place of interest per day.
With short breaks and photo stops, not counting breaks for lunch, which last about an hour. Average figures: 5-7 hours per day
Himalaya Expedition – Media Library
Himalaya Expedition – Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Chandigarh, India
Your journey begins in Chandigarh, a modern and well-organized city at the foot of the Himalayas. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a comfortable hotel where the 4x4s are already prepared for the adventure ahead. Use the rest of the day to relax and get ready for the upcoming drives through one of the most remote regions in the world.
Altitude: approx. 321 m (1,053 feet)
Day 2: Chandigarh to Tirthan Valley (Great Himalaya NP)
The journey begins on well-maintained roads that quickly take you out of the urban environment and into the mountainous landscape of the Himalayas. You drive through dense forests and along the crystal-clear Tirthan River into the Tirthan Valley, which is considered the gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park. The mix of alpine meadows, dense oak forests and crystal-clear rivers creates a picturesque backdrop. The road offers gentle curves that give you your first impression of the impressive beauty of this region.
Distance covered: approx. 240 km
Altitude: approx. 1,600 m (5,250 feet)
Day 3: Tirthan Valley to Keylong via Kullu/Naggar
Today takes you through the beautiful Kullu Valley, known for its blossoming apple orchards and traditional wooden houses. After lunch at Ragini Cottages in Naggar, the road continues to meander to higher elevations. You will drive through tight bends and switchbacks that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks before reaching Keylong. Here, amidst the pristine mountain scenery, you will find a mix of quiet roads and challenging tracks that will test your driving skills.
Distance covered: approx. 180 km
Altitude: approx. 3,080 m (10,105 feet))
Day 4: Keylong to Tso Kar
Today’s stage takes you to the remote high mountain plains of Ladakh. The road runs along the endless plateaus, framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The higher you go, the more barren the landscape becomes. In Tso Kar, a salt lake surrounded by rolling hills and snow-capped mountains, you will experience absolute peace and isolation. The drive there offers wide, winding roads and a feeling of freedom that only this remote region can convey.
Distance covered: approx. 240 km
Altitude: approx. 4,530 m (14,680 feet)
Day 5: Tso Kar – Umling La Pass – Hanle
A highlight of your trip awaits you today: the drive over the highest drivable pass in the world, the Umling La at an altitude of 5,883 meters. The roads are partly paved, partly challenging gravel roads, but the breathtaking views make up for every effort. At the top of the pass, a panoramic view opens up that seems to stretch to infinity. After crossing the pass, you drive down to the remote village of Hanle, which is famous for its clear starry skies.
Distance covered: approx. 240 km
Altitude: approx. 4,250 m (13,940 feet)
Day 6: Hanle – Chumur – Tso Moriri
From Hanle you continue through the remote expanses of Ladakh, past the small village of Chumur. The journey to Tso Moriri, one of the most beautiful high mountain lakes in the world, is a real off-road adventure. The landscape seems almost surreal, with barren mountains and the deep blue water of the lake. The peace and untouched nature here are unique and make everyday life seem far away.
Distance covered: approx. 170 km
Altitude: approx. 4,595 m (15,075 feet)
Day 7: Tso Moriri to Leh
Today the route leads back to civilization, but not without another cultural highlight: you will visit the famous Thiksey and Hemis monasteries, two of the largest and most impressive Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. The route to Leh takes you through an ever-changing landscape – from lonely valleys to lively villages. The roads are well maintained and offer you the opportunity to enjoy the majestic landscape to the fullest.
Distance covered: approx. 220 km
Altitude: approx. 3,500 m (11,483 feet)
Day 8: Leh Visiting Day
After the exciting journeys of the last few days, Leh offers the perfect opportunity to relax. Visit the old Leh Palace, stroll through the narrow streets of the old town or simply enjoy the peace and the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. This is your day at leisure.
Day 9: Leh to Tingmosgang via Chilling
Today you will drive along the Indus River and visit the impressive Alchi Monastery, known for its centuries-old wall paintings. The route is pleasant to drive, with gentle curves and a wonderful view of the river. In Tingmosgang you will stay in a boutique hotel that will give you a deep insight into the culture of Ladakh.
Distance covered: approx. 150 km
Altitude: approx. 3,230 m (10,597 feet))
Day 10: Tingmosgang to Padum (Zanskar Valley)
The road to Padum takes you into the remote and rugged Zanskar Valley. You drive through deep gorges, past steep rock faces and the roaring Zanskar River. The challenging route is an adventurer’s paradise and rewards you with a breathtaking landscape that is hard to beat in its isolation and wildness.
Distance covered: approx. 220 km
Altitude: approx. 3,657 m (12,000 feet)
Day 11: Padum to Keylong
The return journey to Keylong takes you through the rugged mountain landscapes again, which you now see with different eyes. The familiar route allows you to immerse yourself even more intensively in nature and the unique atmosphere.
Distance covered: approx. 240 km
Altitude: approx. 3,080 m (10,105 feet)
Day 12: Keylong to Dharamsala
You leave the high alpine regions and enter the green foothills of the Himalayas. The roads are in good condition and the drive offers numerous photo opportunities. Dharamsala is known as the seat of the Dalai Lama and offers a unique cultural mix of Tibetan and Indian influences.
Distance covered: approx. 250 km
Altitude: approx. 1,475 m (4,839 feet)
Day 13: Dharamsala Visiting Day
Use the day to explore Dharamsala. Visit the monastery of McLeod Ganj, the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism in India, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding mountains.
Day 14: Dharamsala to Chandigarh
On the last day of driving, the route takes you back to Chandigarh. The rolling hills and green landscapes of the Himalayan foothills offer a relaxing end to your adventure. Enjoy the last few kilometers on the well-maintained roads before you reach Chandigarh.
Distance covered: approx. 250 km
Altitude: approx. 321 m (1,053 feet)
Day 15: Chandigarh departure day
On the last day, you will be transferred to the airport, where your journey concludes. After this unique adventure, you will return home with unforgettable memories of the majestic Himalayas.
Don’t Miss Out On a Wonderful Experience
Book your Tour Now – Himalaya Expedition
Since our tours get filled up fast, please book our Himalaya Expedition package now to avoid disappointment.
Our Next available tours are as follows:
10.08. – 24.08.
Included Services
- All airport transfers
- All accommodations with private shower/WC
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (excluding beverages)
- Drinking water in the support vehicle during the tour
- All road tolls, bridge fees, and entrance fees as per the shared itinerary
- Vehicle: Mahindra Thar or Toyota Fortuner with comprehensive insurance (€500 deductible)
- Fuel, oil, and all spare and wear parts
- Experienced English-speaking off-road guide during the tour
- Service vehicle with spare parts and consumables
- Experienced mechanic (can drive your vehicle if needed)
Excluded Services
- International or domestic flights to/from Bishkek
- Optional tips for guides and mechanics, souvenirs, and shopping
- Travel insurance and health insurance
Tour Concept by RC Hendrik
