Himalayas Motorcycle Adventure

Riding across the breathtaking Himalayas on a motorcycle seems to be one of those bucket list adventures for everyone, including myself, it has been on my list for years. And I can finally tick it off, after an incredible eight days of epic but largely intense riding I completed the ultimate Himalayan adventure across India on the new 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan 350cc motorcycle.

Day 1

Following 2 days of altitude acclimatization in Leh (12,500 feet / 3,810m) we set off into the Himalaya mountains. Leaving the hustle of Leh it was apparent within minutes that we were in for some spectacular scenery on this adventure. The expanses of rugged mountains, the rock formations, raging rivers and aggressive canyons. The road quality was an immediate expectation exceeder, with such high military activities close to the Chinese border the roads are better than most in Europe. We left the tarmac on some small windy canyon roads with dramatic rock faces and minimal traffic. With just 28km to go we turned a corner to face a huge landside, thankfully the Himalayan is made for all roads or no roads…

Day one landslide haults bucket list trip in Himalayas India

Day 1: Leh to Zangla

Total time: 11hr 10min
Riding time: 7hr 52min
Distance: 176miles (283km)
Max altitude reached: 16,257ft (4,955m)
Mountain passes/Road/Highway Names: Indus Valley, Yapola River, Sir-Sir La Pass, Sing La Pass, Zanskar Valley (landslide/diggers)

Day 2

The second day in India was by far the scariest & most intense day on a motorbike I’ve had outside of extreme desert racing! In the Himalayas you have to plan for the unexpected!

After an awesome day with some beautiful scenery, we arrived to the Shinkula Pass military check point at 15.30… which was less than ideal as the friendly soldier told us we were too late. The weather was pulling in and strong winds and snow would make it dangerous and impassable. The 2-hour ascent would mean a 17.30pm summit in the worst of the blizzard… But after showing him and explaining what gear we had and that we were equipped he happily let us pass. Well the 2 hour accent quickly turned into 3 and then into 4… The terrain was quickly becoming more slippery, the wind, snow and ice were increasing rapidly, and temperatures were dropping even quicker, the desicion to ride the 16,580ft mountain pass became questionable.

Caught in a snowstorm at 16580 feet in India – brutal day

Day 2: Zangla – Darcha

Total time: 9hr 43min
Riding time: 5hr 12min
Distance: 113miles / 181km
Max altitude reached: 16,532ft
Mountain passes/Road/Highway Names: Shinkula Top Pass (Blizzard Mountain pass)

The Himalayas as definitely living up to expectations! A trip of a lifetime! Next up we will be facing the infamous Manali Highway on motorcycles

Day 3

The day of three peaks, riding the Himalayas in India but on a magnitude like nothing before – the Manali Highway, notoriously known as one of the most dangerous roads in the world. And after facing numerous near head on collisions, suicidal chicken buses, plus herds of shaggy goats, pedestrians and stray dogs…and then a 4 hour traffic jam…I can see why! 

Riding the Manali highway we faced a mega traffic jam at over 16,000 feet. And at 16k ft on a motorcycle we’re vulnerable. A weather front could be life changing without a car for protection. Politely but forcefully we got vehicles to move slightly and allow bikes through. Soon, 50+ bikes were moving. I stopped to kick snow away to make a gap & quickly realised how little oxygen was available for my increased heart rate. Thankfully we had oxygen tanks and a few puffs later I was back hustling with the goal… Get off this mountain!  

4 hour traffic jam on world’s most dangerous road – the Manali highway

Day 3: Darcha – Tso Kar

Total time: 10hr 28min
Riding time: 7hr 03min 
Distance: 170miles/ 275km 
Max altitude reached: 16,643ft 
Mountain passes/Road/Highway Names: Baralacha La 16168 ft, Nakee La 16158 ft,  Lachalung La 16634 ft 

Day 4

As the ultimate Himalayas motorcycle adventure continues we get a scary reality check… altitude sickness. It’s a very serious, real and dangerous things. Starting the day at Tso Kar lake, a considerable altitude, our energy was grounded with the news that a fellow UK traveller had been taken ill with altitude sickness. His oxygen levels down to 52% instead of the desired +80% leaving him no option other than an ambulance ride to Leh hospital. The reminder kept us sharp on our own acclimatisation activities and encouraged us to get checked.

The views that followed across the Tso Kar salt flats as we headed on made from frequent wows with wild horses and wild asses roaming freely. Stepping into another Indian Army run cafe stop in Nyoma it was ideal timing as a sandstorm blew through. We could feel the rattles of the roof panels fluttering and totally lost sight of the bikes parked just outside with the clouds of dust.

Altitude sickness hospitalises biker – the brutal reality of the Himalayas

Tso Kar – Nyoma

Total time: 5hr 22min
Riding time: 2hr 12min
Distance: 57 miles / 92km Max altitude reached: 16,263ft

Day 5 is our marathon loop tackling a world record awarded road!

Day 5

It’s time to take on one of the riskiest roads in the world on a motorcycle! Umling La Pass in India.

Having to cover a large distance in one day of 386km and like all routes across the Himalayas, there is very little certainty on the road conditions you’re going to face. We’ve been using multiple data points to triangulate the best route plan, but the conditions change so quickly on the ground that you have to plan for the unexpected.

Umling La is the highest motorised road in the world, reaching 19,024 feet /5,798m – sailing higher than Everest base camp and only 12m lower than the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. The air density at the top is sub 50% of sea level oxygen levels. Having spent multiple days gradually increasing our altitude and progressively enhancing our exposure to the risk of altitude sickness we were still unsure if the three of us would make it to the top.

Riskiest roads in the world – Umling La Pass, Himalayas – the world’s highest!

Day 5: Nyoma – Day trip to Umling La via Henle

Total time: 11hr 19min
Riding time: 7hr 31min
Distance: 240miles / 387km
Max altitude reached: 19,009ft
Mountain passes/Road/Highway Names: Photi La (number of hairpins = 84) Umling La

Day 6

A roadside repair, a wrong turn, nose picking, snacking and some epic Himalayan mountain passes make this a fun day in India riding the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Today we take close proximity to the Chinese border at Pangong Lake after leaving the Diskit Eco lodge homestay in Nyoma. With enthusiasm for the 123km shorter day ahead, we may have got a little ahead of ourselves, and of course as we have learnt during this motorcycle adventure – not everything goes smoothly when in the mountains and when relishing in the off road “shortcuts” things are bound to happen, expect the unexpected.

Drama braving the Indian Himalayas on a motorcycle

Day 6: Nyoma – Pangong

Total time: 7hr 21min
Riding time: 3hr 56min
Distance: 105 miles / 170km
Max altitude reached: 17,800 feet
Mountain passes/Road/Highway Names: Kaksang La, Satatho La

Day 7

The Himalayas never give a dull moment especially on a motorcycle. Day 7 sees us leaving the Pangong Tso lake at Rangjon Resort and heading north west back towards Leh. But as always it’s not a smooth sailing adventure riding, I’ll give you some good tips about riding the Himalayas…including showing you that the holy cows are best not hit!

Our ride took us north hugging the lakes sandy banks running along the twisty single track road boasting breathtaking views of the Caribbean like crystal clear waters. Leaving the proximity of the Chinese/Tibetan border behind, our worries for being around an unexpected military conflict eased and the winding roads continued. The tarmac quality lulled us into a false sense of peace. With 60km left the tarmac ended and super rocky dusty adventure trails begin. A sporty final 15km for the day as we overtook and undertook between trucks, cars and 30+ motorcycles using our horns in the Indian way. Boop boop.

It was an adrenaline rush with our new Royal Enfield Himalayans absolutely sucking up the terrain. When you’re on capable off road adv bikes why wouldn’t you overtake and keep pace?

Close encounter with a cow while adv motorcycle riding Indians Himalayas

Day 7: Pangong – Nubra

Total time: 7hr 20min
Riding time: 4hr 22min
Distance: 116miles / 187km
Max altitude reached: 14,400

Day 8

The final push back to Leh was a strange feeling but it felt like the Himalayas didn’t want us to leave… landslide after landslide! As a team we were certainly starting to feel weary of the long 11+ hour days riding, basic sleeping and minimal washing so in some senses we felt ready to reach the end of the trip but with such incredible scenery, mind blowing views, epic roads/lack of roads and such reliable bikes…we also didn’t want the trip to end!

The final day saw us heading south conquering our final pass Khardung at 17,982ft. It’s mad to think that 10 days ago making 12,600ft in Leh had us breathless, and now we’ve been to 19,024ft on the worlds highest motorised road!

With 118km of terrain it was a day of tarmac. However the Himalayas were not going to let us have it easy on our last day! We must have encountered 5+ road blocks from landslides. At one in particular they were drilling into the towering rock face… quickly followed by stuffing some form of dynamite equivalent deep into the holes. We stood by our bikes watching and wondering if our life choices of being on this mountain side at this time was a wise one. Was there another way around?

The Himalayas didn’t want us to leave…landslide after landslide

Day 8: Nubra – Leh

Total time: 7hr 32min
Riding time: 3hr 26min
Distance: 73miles / 118km

Route Planning

If you would like to see the full route we took whilst riding through the Himalaya mountains in India, or use our route as a basis to plan your next adventure you can find the map files in the links below

Royal Enfield Day 1

https://www.outdooractive.com/en/r/293931179?share=%7Ezyy74jia%244osssyki&utm_source=unknown&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=user-shared-social-content

Royal Enfield Day 2

https://www.outdooractive.com/en/r/293968170?share=%7Ezyykbdav%244ossszxw&utm_source=unknown&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=user-shared-social-content

Royal Enfield Day 3

https://www.outdooractive.com/en/r/294072589?share=%7Ezyz3qnrg%244ossw3ri&utm_source=unknown&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=user-shared-social-content

Royal Enfield Day 4

https://www.outdooractive.com/en/r/294072726?share=%7Ezyz3rpmz%244ossw3rj&utm_source=unknown&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=user-shared-social-content

Royal Enfield Day 5

https://www.outdooractive.com/en/r/294156256?share=%7Ezyzaucua%244osswamy&utm_source=unknown&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=user-shared-social-content

Royal Enfield Day 6

https://www.outdooractive.com/en/r/294309414?share=%7Ezzou3uom%244osswuyz&utm_source=unknown&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=user-shared-social-content

Royal Enfield Day 7

https://www.outdooractive.com/en/r/294309421?share=%7Ezzou3abe%244osswuyz&utm_source=unknown&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=user-shared-social-content

Royal Enfield Day 8

https://www.outdooractive.com/en/r/294390861?share=%7Ezziisi74%244osswx39&utm_source=unknown&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=user-shared-social-content

If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.

You can find me Vanessa, The Girl On A Bike over on Threads, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

Motorcycles Save Lives – Two Wheels For Life

What is Two Wheels For Life

For many people across Africa the only way of reaching medical care is to walk miles by foot, travel the bumpy roads on a donkey and cart or get pushed in a wheelbarrow. And many do not make it at all. Two Wheels for Life works to ensure healthcare reaches people in the poorest and most remote parts of Africa – using reliable, appropriate vehicles including motorcycles. This is a charity for moto lovers!!

They support the mobility of healthcare in areas where the roads would be considered more like a ‘fun enduro track’ to many of us. Providing 300+ motorcycles and 100+ vehicles without Two Wheels For Life many people would be left with absolutely no medical help. The sounds of that two-stroke entering their village must be an incredible noise to hear.

In the video below I will share with you everything you need to know about the incredible work Two Wheels For Life do to support the mobility of healthcare in Africa. Including a guided tour of the Riders For Health HQ that is supported by the funds raised by Two Wheels For Life in The Gambia. I will be showing you the key elements of the organisation from the mechanical workshops, maintenance bar, stores and stock department, refueling areas and processes, plus showing the Yamaha AG bikes used by healthcare workers and of course riding them, testing out their capabilities and exploring the remote villages of The Gambia.

Motorcycles save lives – here’s how

Two Wheels For Life have a zero breakdown policy supported by extensive mechanical training to both the healthcare workers and the network of facilities across The Gambia for vehicles to have regular services. Here, if a vehicle breaks down it means medical support stops and that could quite literally mean a life being lost. They also train them on riding and provide safety gear for a holistic life cycle for use.

Without them, there would be zero ambulances or healthcare vehicles in The Gambia – zero!! That’s something I personally want to continue to support.

I hope you also feel inspired by the work they do. It’s an honour to be working amongst such brands and individuals.

How can you help?

The simplest way you can help that does not cost anything is by watching or sharing my video above. Every extra soul who sees this video is a step towards greater awareness, support and hopefully donations.

As the official charity partner for the Goodwood Festival of Speed and MotoGP, Two Wheels For lIfe provide merchandise you can purchase, take part in auctions, buy official MotoGp memorabilia, meet your motorcylce hero’s, exclusive behind the scenes tickets for MotoGp and so much more! With which every penny raised helps Two Wheels For Life deliver this life saving healthcare.

Alternatively you can make donations directly via the Two Wheels For Life website.

What does a day in the life of a healthcare worker look like in The Gambia?

It’s time to get behind the scenes and see! I had the opportunity to ride alongside Lamin, a local Gambian healthcare worker, on the Yamaha AG motorcycle and spend the day visiting the remote villages and seeing firsthand the amazing and impactful work that Two Wheels For Life provide.

Watch here:

It was an absolute honour to be able to spend time on the ground, visit rural villages, visit the immunization clinics, and be part of this incredible programme. I hope you enjoyed watching and reading about Two Wheels For Life, this is an organisation that does so much more than I could fit into these videos and article so if you would like to learn more, see what else they do, or see other ways you can help or support, please check out their website below.

www.twowheelsforlife.org

If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.

You can find me Vanessa, The Girl On A Bike over on Threads, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

The Ultimate One-day Motorcycle Trip in the UK – The Wye Valley

The UK has some incredible riding and it’s time to get out and make the most of it! The ultimate one-day road trip in the UK begins and ends in the beautiful Wye Valley. I challenge you to try this route in Monmouthshire near Bristol or simply get out and explore your home area.

In the video below I will show you where to go, best places to stop, things to see and do, where to eat and as well as riding footage of some exceptionally scenic roads.

The ultimate one-day road trip in the UK – Welcome to the Wye Valley

Below I have detailed the full road trip including a route plan, the best roads and top places to stop for refreshments and photos.

Google Maps Motorcycle Route of the Wye Valley:

First half: https://maps.app.goo.gl/97VahyfAEfe1pzy57
Second half: https://maps.app.goo.gl/U88X4wPmf2N5mw6z9

Roads:

• A466 – Devauden Road Chepstow Race course to Monmouth
• B4235 / 134293 – Chepstow Race course to Monmouth
• A4136 / Woodland Road – Monmouth to Symonds Yat
• A466 / Upper Redbrook – back to Chepstow

Places to stop on route [all with easy bike parking]:

• Lion Inn, Trellech [lunch/coffee/sleep]
• Monmouth High Street & Cattle market picnic area [viewing point / rest area / food / drink]
• Salt & Pepper Cafe [coffee / food]
• Monnow Bridge Fish and Chips [food]
• Yat Rock view point, Symonds Yat [view point]
• Log Cabin cafe, Symonds Yat [coffee / snack / food]
• Paddle Café Firetruck, near Symonds Yat [view point / coffee / snack / food]
• Bigsweir Bridge, River Wye [to see not stop]
• The Old Station Tintern [coffee / snack / food]
• Tintern Abbey [view / self-guided tour]
• Anchor Inn Tintern [coffee / food]
• Chepstow race course

This is a fantastic one-day road trip around the Wye Valley but if you are able to spend more time or wish to make it into a weekend trip there are plenty more scenic roads to ride, along with many other attractions, activities, viewing points and scrumptious restaurant and cafes around. I have compiled a small list below of some of the other exciting things you could do and see.

Other Attractions nearby

• Clearwell caves: spectacular natural cave system that has been mined for more than 4500 years underneath the Forest of Dean.
• Wild Bore spotting in the Forest of Dean
• Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean: A magical, enchanting, ancient woodland, filled with fantastic tree and rock formations. A popular film location, from television series such as Merlin & films such as Star Wars
• Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo: Walk amongst free-flying tropical butterflies, play mini golf, get lost in the maze, plenty of things to see and do.
• Goodrich Castle Ruins: One of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a remarkable history and unforgettable views.
• MTB adventure (Pedal A Bike Away Bike Hire)
• Sex education tour: Have you ever watched Sex Education TV series on Netflix? A large amount of this was filmed in the Wye Valley, including the infamous red house where Otis and his mum lived, the woods where Otis and Eric cycle to school, the high school, the shop where Adam and Ola work, plus so much more

Accommodation

There are numerous amounts of places to stay in the Wye Valley area, below are a few auggestions that are following the route I have provided above, but be sure to check out others online as there are many hidden little gems and Bed and Breakfast tucked away in the magical forests and valleys.

• Lion Inn, Trellech
• Premier Inn Monmouth
• The Wye Valley Hotel, Tintern
• Booking.com / AirBnB

If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.

You can find me Vanessa, The Girl On A Bike over on Threads, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and YouTube, and www.thegirlonabike.com.

Wern Ddu Quarry – UK’s toughest hard enduro location

Wern Ddu Quarry, arguably the best and toughest hard enduro venue in the UK. Offering an array of different level hills, tracks, gnarly rocky streams and more.

Welcome to Wern Ddu Quarry, arguably the best and toughest hard enduro venue in the UK. Finding decent places to ride and train hard enduro can be tough, especially with so many places closing down. The venue offers an array of different level hills, climbs, single track and even gnarly rocky streams. This means it is suitable for notice through to highly experienced riders.

In this video I’ll share a day riding at Wern Ddu Quarry in North Wales and you can see for yourself why it is one of the best enduro venues in the UK and how it nearly killed me!

Welcome to Wern Ddu

Expect to be exhausted and bruised by the end of the day, but you will be leaving with a huge smile and improved skills. It is open on weekends pretty much all year round, with pre booking available on their website.

Enduro bikes and trials bikes are allowed but there is a noise limit on bikes, so be sure to check as they are strict [OEM pipes recommended].

More information about Wern Ddu Quarry
https://www.werndduquarry.co.uk/

If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.

You can find me Vanessa, The Girl On A Bike over on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, Whatsapp and www.thegirlonabike.com.