Roads to Heaven
New horizons between the “Valley of the Gods” and Ladakh: We ride from the foothills of the Himalayas into the remote Zanskar valley and on to Ladakh in the far north of India, nestled deep in the Himalayan Mountain range.
The newly opened passes Sisir La (4,790m) and Singge La (5,060m) make it possible. This brand-new route is guaranteed to put a grin on the faces of even the most hardened rider. 1,400 kilometres in 14 days will give us the time to savour a great new motorcycle adventure featuring the full diversity of the Indian Himalayas and daily highlights. Our journey begins in the green mountain ranges of the Himalayan foothills in Kullu, in the “Valley of the Gods”. From here we ride to Zanskar, one of the most remote regions of the Himalayas, via the Rohtang Pass. Across the newly built Shingo La Pass we head to Padum, Zanskar’s headquarters and we reach a dizzying height of 5,105 meters. It is a 150 km long, extremely rugged slope that opens completely new vistas for us.
In the following days we reach Ladakh in the extreme north of India via the Sisir La and Singge La passes, which have also been newly opened. This “Cliff Hanger” route, divided into several daily stages, is considered one of the most exciting routes in the Himalayas, which will put your riding skills to the test and require good nerves and concentration. Between the rugged gravel roads and the breath-taking landscape, you will experience an adrenaline rush beyond compare.
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Arriving in Ladakh, we treat ourselves to two nights in the beautiful mountain oasis of Tingmosgang and first explore the western Indus Valley before we reach Ladakh’s capital Leh. Civilization got us back for the time being, because Leh impresses with its colorful old town, cafes, and restaurants, and of course Buddhist culture, fortresses, and monasteries. A rest day here is a well-deserved treat.
Leaving Leh we head south on the Manali-Ladakh road. The route is also called “Highway to Heaven” because you get so close to the skies above! Sections of the road are now paved, but there are still plety of challenges waiting, as we ride across 4 high passes of more than 5,000 meters altitude. One of them is the Tanglang La (5,390m), the second highest motorable pass in the world. After two action-packed days of riding with endless curves, we reach the gentle Himalayan foothills again, where the journey comes to an end.
1,400 kilometres in 14 days gives us the time to enjoy a great new motorcycle adventure that shows the full diversity of the Indian Himalayas and is a classic adventure tour with challenging routes and gravel stages. The ride will put your riding skills to the test and require nerves of steel. Between the rugged routes and breath-taking scenery, you’ll enjoy some intense adrenaline rushes!
In addition to spectacular landscapes, this motorcycle tour through Ladakh and Zanskar leads to unique testimonies of the Tibetan Buddhist heritage of the region such as the Bardan Monastery, the Temple of Karsha and the mystical, abandoned Zangla Palace, which towers over wild valleys and gorges. There is enough time to get to know the culture of Tibet as most of the people here are Tibetans.
This guided motorcycle tour is only suitable for experienced riders. We also organize Leh Ladakh Motorbike Tours, Spiti Valley Motorbike Tours and the Golden Himalaya Tour along the lower Himalayan mountain range – for those with a little less experience on gravel roads or those just starting out.
AT A GLANCE
AT A GLANCE
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16.07. – 29.07.2023 30.07. – 12.08.2023 13.08. – 26.08.2023 |
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RE Bullet only on request, please specify. |
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14 days / 13 nights | ||||||
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The hotels & guesthouses are the best that can be found locally. From simple village guest houses to 3* hotels. One night in the guest house of a Buddhist monastery. |
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23.06. – 06.07.2024 28.07. – 10.08.2024 11.08. – 24.08.2024 |
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RE Bullet only on request, please specify. |
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14 days / 13 nights | ||||||
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The hotels & guesthouses are the best that can be found locally. From simple village guest houses to 3* hotels. One night in the guest house of a Buddhist monastery. |
Roads to Heaven Motorcycle Tour Highlights
- Via the new adventure passes Sisir La (4,790 m) and Singge La (5,060 m) into the remote Zanskar valley
- Across the newly built Shingo La Pass trail (5,105m) from Zanskar directly to Ladakh, 150 km of pure adventure
- A day for the most beautiful monasteries in Zanskar: Bardan, Karsha & the mystical abandoned palace of Zangla
- The village oasis of Tingmosgang with the most beautiful Tibetan boutique hotel in the region
- Via the Meptak La Pass (4,030 m) to Likir Snake Buddha Monastery
- The Western Indus Valley with passes, monasteries and the unique culture of Ladakh
- The dreamlike Himalayan foothills in Himachal Pradesh, the “Valley of the Gods”
- Leh, the Tibetan Buddhist capital of Ladakh with its narrow old town streets and beautiful landscapes
- Manali–Ladakh road, known as the “Highway to
- Heaven” with 4 main passes at dizzying heights
We tackle eleven high altitude road passes on this tour:
5.030 m | Baralach La – action packed pass on the „Highway to Heaven“
4.739 m | Nakee La – across endless hairpin bends
5.065 m | Lachung La
5.390 m | Tanglang La – the second highest motorized pass in the world
4.790 m | Sisir La
5.060 m | Sengge La – most challenging pass of Zanskar
4,108 m | Fatu La
3,700 m | Namik La
5.105 m | Shingo La – recently opened and new gateway to Zanskar
3.980 m | Rohtang Pass – finally rideable again
4.030 m | Meptak La Pass
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 40/60.
These routes feature the most challenging, winding mountain roads with a variety of surfaces. Narrow, often single-track roads with hairpin bends offer challenges for experienced riders. Focus and stamina are essential.
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
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Roads to Heaven Motorcycle Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi, connecting flight to Kullu.
Arrive in Delhi by 02:30 early morning. The connecting flight to Kullu takes place at around 06:00 on the same day. Naggar is a traditional Hindu village in Himachal Pradesh, 500 km from Delhi. It lies in the heart of the Western Himalayas, in the Kullu Valley. Because this area is so beautiful, the gods – according to Hindu belief – chose this valley as their home. That is why it is known as the “Valley of the Gods”. Naggar was once the capital of the region, and the picturesque Naggar Castle, which towers over the village, bears witness to this era. Thousand-year-old Hindu temples are scattered in and around Naggar, at 1,760 meters. The view of the valley, the fields and meadows, the forests and the surrounding villages with their unique culture is breathtaking.
Our hotel today: In the Hotel Ragini and Cottages you immediately feel at home. Homestay Hotel Ragini Cottages is owned by our RC Vinod and his wife Nadia. It is a cozy family run hotel. The rooftop restaurant with a view of the eternal snow- capped peaks serves local and western cuisine. Ragini is located right in the village in the heart of the Kullu valley but far away from modern and busy life.
Naggar – 1.760m
Day 2: Warming-Up-Tour
The tour briefing takes place in the morning and all participants are informed about riding in India and the tour in general. Of course, the focus is on our Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles. We hop on our bikes and a short ride over lonely mountain roads brings us to a nearby waterfall and some beautiful vantage points overlooking the scenic mountain ranges. A perfect day to get to know the country, the people, and the motorcycles.
Naggar – 1.760m – 60km
Day 3: Over the Rohtang Pass
Start of our tour, the adventure begins! We ride on small roads over the Rohtang Pass (3,980m) to Keylong. For many years the Rohtang Pass could not be driven due to traffic, but this has changed after the completion of the Rohtang Tunnel in 2020. The Rohtang Pass offers the first challenges, but at the same time is perfect for getting used to road conditions.
Keylong – 3.080m – 120km
Day 4: Keylong to Padum via Shingo La Pass (5,105m)
One of the highlights of the Zanskar and Ladakh Himalayan Motorbike Tour – and we mean that literally. We ride off-road via the recently opened Shingo La Pass, which reaches an altitude of 5,105 meters. Today’s ride is not to be taken lightly. Crossing this pass is quite an adventure – many will find it a challenge. Padum was named after Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche (“born of the lotus”), an influential 8th-century Buddhist teacher. He is still revered today, and his texts are studied in all Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Padum.
Padum – 3.670m – 170km
Day 5: Exploring the Zanskar Valley
Today we enjoy the beautiful valley of Zanskar. We ride to some of the most beautiful monasteries in the region, enjoy the most breath-taking views and experience Tibetan Buddhist culture up close. We start the day by visiting the mystical abandoned palace of Zangla, once the seat of the Zanskar Kingdom. An exciting ride on fantastic slopes takes us to Bardan Monastery, Temple of Karsha and of course we also learn about local Zanskari life. Alternatively, relax in the hotel without riding.
Overnight at our hotel in Padum.
Padum – 3.670m – 100km
Day 6: Through the gorge of Zanskar
After only a few kilometres we leave the paved roads – the slopes along the Zanskar River are calling! We continue north into the depths of the Himalayas. The road narrows more and more and the steep slopes often only give a glimpse of the sky – we are now deep in the Zanskar Gorge. The road conditions are also becoming more and more challenging, and in some places the river must be crossed. We slowly gain altitude and finally arrive at our destination for the day, Lingshed, at almost 3,800 meters. In Lingshed we visit the Tibetan Buddhist “Yellow Hat” monastery, where the Dalai Lama spent a week in the summer of 2022.
Lingshed – 3.800m – 90km
Day 7: Riding the “Highway to Heaven”
High up through Zanskar we ride over the newly opened gravel road and across the passes Sisir La (4,790) and Sengge La (5,060). Great challenges await on a large part of the route, as the challenging gravel roads with many hairpin bends has been newly carved out of the mountain. The landscapes in this far-flung part of the Himalayas are otherworldly and largely untouched. With a bit of luck, wild donkeys, birds of prey and other wild animals can be seen. In the afternoon we reach the green oasis of Tingmosgang, which is located in a side valley.
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We stay in a beautiful Tibetan boutique hotel in a fantastic and quiet location. Tingmosgang is located on the well-developed and paved road that links west and east Ladakh, connecting Leh with Kargil. We made it and can relax!
Tingmosgang – 3.100m – 140km
Day 8: To Leh via Hemis
Optional excursion to the passes of Fatu La (4,108m) and Namik La (3,700m). Today’s ride is pure on-road relaxation and in addition to the riding pleasure. We stay on the Srinaragar-Leh “Highway”, of course without much traffic, and visit the “invisible village” of the local Ladakhis, the Buddhist Lamayuru monastery built in the 15th century, that is picturesquely situated on a hill and surrounded by snowy mountains. Various other sights and vantage points await us. Again and again, we reach the banks of the Indus River, a sacred river in India and the lifeline of the entire region, which forces its way through the mountains and shapes the landscape. The area has a lot to offer in terms of landscape and culture and our tour guide will be happy to show you the hidden highlights. If you like, you can also relax in the hotel between the peach garden and the water fountain.
Tingmosgang – 3.100m – 170km
Day 9: Leh – Ladakh’s capital
Our adventure continues with a leisurely ride into the western Indus Valley. We visit the ruins and temples of the old royal palace of Basgo and the mighty Snake Buddha statue at Likir Monastery. We ride up the narrow mountain roads to Yang Tang village and continue over the Meptak La Pass (4,030m) to Hemis Supachen, famous for its ancient sacred juniper forest. After a few relaxing hours of riding, we arrive in Leh, where we can spend the rest of the day relaxing at our simple, yet charming, centrally located hotel. Later we explore the area on a walk to the old town.
Leh – 3.500m – 100km
Day 10: Relaxation day in Leh
Leh, the former capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, sits at an altitude of 3,524 meters in a wide valley surrounded by the high Himalayan Mountain ranges. The city was closely linked to Tibet, China, and India via an important historical trade route along the Indus Valley, a branch of the Silk Road. In addition to products such as salt, valuable goods such as brocade, cashmere wool, silk and indigo were also traded. The mighty ancient royal palace, built circa 1600, overlooking Leh and open to the public, is an impressive testament to the kingdom’s former power. Today is at leisure and in addition to a hike to the royal palace, you can also visit the Shanti Pagoda, which towers over the city. In particular, the old town with numerous shops, restaurants with roof terraces and cafes invites you to take a walk. This day also serves as a buffer day in case of delays during the adventure tour.
Leh – 3.500m
Day 11: The Indus Valley & the “Highway to Heaven”
We drive to Ladakh’s most famous monasteries, Hemis and Tikkse, in the upper Indus Valley. Founded in the tenth century, Hemis Monastery is closely associated with Yogi Naropa, the founder of the esoteric Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. We then drive south on the Manali-Ladakh Highway, also known as the “Highway to Heaven”. Although most of the road is paved, it still offers enough challenges. After a light lunch we ride across the 5,328 meter high Tanglang La, known as the second highest motorized pass in the world, and then leave the last settlements of Ladakh. Overnight in a guesthouse near Tso Kar Salt Lake, a small, picturesque mountain village near the salt lake with abundant wildlife at 4,500 meters.
Tso Kar – 4.500m – 160km
Day 12: Oh, HimalaYa!
A challenging, long day on the spectacular “Highway to Heaven” awaits. We start early in the morning and ride to Himachal Pradesh via three main passes: Lachung La (5,065m), Nakee La (4,739m) and Baralacha La (5,030m). The road alternates today between grabel and asphalt. Throughout the day we are rewarded with fantastic views of high Himalayan mountains and enraptured high plateau landscapes.
Jispa – 3.200m – 230km
Day 13: Back to Naggar
Today’s riding day is short because we want to relax a bit before leaving the next day. Arrival at our motorbike base in Naggar in the early afternoon. If you like, you can take a walk to the Nikolas Roehrich Museum after arrival. Roehrich was a well-known 20th-century landscape painter who lived here and was inspired by the Himalayas.
Goodbye dinner in the evening.
Naggar – 1.760m – 130km
Day 14: Goodbye India
Flight to Delhi and connecting flight home with many beautiful memories. The international flight can take place from 4 p.m. onwards. If you want, you can extend your stay individually. Dharamsala, seat of the Dalai Lama, is about 6 hours by car away. There are also flights to Delhi from Dharamsala. We are happy to help with the realization of individual travel extensions.
Don’t Miss Out On a Wonderful Experience
Book your Tour Now – Roads to Heaven
We can accommodate only 14 motorbikes on this tour.
Since our tours get filled up fast, please book our Roads to Heaven Motorcycle Tour now to avoid disappointment.
Our Next available tours are as follows:
2023
16.07. – 29.07.
30.07. – 12.08.
13.08. – 26.08.
2024
23.06. – 06.07.
28.07. – 10.08.
11.08. – 24.08.
Excluded Services
- International flights to/from Delhi
- Optional tips for guides and mechanics, souvenirs, shopping
- Tourist Visa for India
- Travel insurance and travel health insurance
- Additional baggage for domestic flights, this can be bought cheaply at the counter
Included Services
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Domestic flights Delhi – Kullu and Kullu – Delhi incl. 15KG main luggage + 7KG carry- on luggage
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All airport transfers
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All overnight stays, accommodation in double rooms with shower/toilet
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Breakfast, lunch, dinner (excluding drinks)
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During the motorcycle tour, drinking water in the escort vehicle
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All road tolls, bridge tolls, entrance fees during the joint program
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Motorcycle: Enfield Himalayan 411 cc with fully comprehensive insurance (EUR 500 deductible), touring equipment of the motorcycles with saddlebags
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Gasoline/oil and all spare and wear parts
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Experienced English speaking motorcycle tour guide during the tour
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Support vehicle for luggage transport and Experienced motorcycle mechanic
Included Services
-
Domestic flights Delhi – Kullu and Kullu – Delhi incl. 15KG main luggage + 7KG carry- on luggage
-
All airport transfers
-
All overnight stays, accommodation in double rooms with shower/toilet
-
Breakfast, lunch, dinner (excluding drinks)
-
During the motorcycle tour, drinking water in the escort vehicle
-
All road tolls, bridge tolls, entrance fees during the joint program
-
Motorcycle: Enfield Himalayan 411 cc with fully comprehensive insurance (EUR 500 deductible), touring equipment of the motorcycles with saddlebags
-
Gasoline/oil and all spare and wear parts
-
Experienced English speaking motorcycle tour guide during the tour
-
Support vehicle for luggage transport and Experienced motorcycle mechanic
