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 

More episodes to come with a new episode posted on my YouTube every Sunday at 6 pm (GMT)

https://www.youtube.com/@TheGirlOnABike

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