South East of Rangdum Stands the Pazila watershed across which lies Zanskar Valley nestling along the main range of the greater Himalayas, the valley most isolated of all the Himalayan ranges is cut of from the World for almost 6 months in a year due to High passes covered with snow. Ladakh sector is an arid landscape with high altitude deserts, snow covered peaks and high mountain passes - we will cross the Khardung La - the highest motorable pass in the world on this Royal Enfield Motorcycle Tour. In spite of the high passes this Motorcycle Tour is not simply about burning out energies but also relaxing. The ride is mainly in valleys - it is only when we cross the High Mountain passes that we will take on the challenges. Of course the road conditions on this route can be challenging as they are not always metalled or in the best state of repairs.
Between the Great Himalayan Range and the jagged mountains of the Zanskar Range is the 300-km long, remote valley of Zanskar. It is to be noted that this area is not accessible by road for the maximum part of the year. With an average valley bottom altitude of 13000-ft/4000 m it is one of the highest inhabited regions in the world. The two major rivers are Stod and Tsarap, which join to form the mighty Zanskar River. This eventually merges with the Indus River at Nimu having cut an impressive gorge through the Zanskar Mountains. This gorge is famous for the winter expedition (Chaddar).
This area is still insulated from the effects of modernisation and from the pollution of city life. The inhabitants are simple in their lifestyle and religion plays a very important role in their day to day life. In this bleak, inhospitable land the people are warm and friendly. They live an unsophisticated life subsisting on barley and peas the only two items that the unyielding weather allows them to grow. For a living they make woollen goods from the wool yielded by sheep and Yak, and butter. Shepherds move in camps with their sheep, fighting the harsh weather. The wealth of the people lies in their flocks and ponies.
Day 01: Delhi - Leh
Arrive Delhi ex International Flight & take connecting flight to Leh early morning. Day at Leisure to acclimatise.
Day 02: In Leh
Today is again a "leisure" day because is essential at this altitude to acclimatise properely. We will explore the delights of Leh in the morning and in afternoon get introduced to the "Bullet", your close companion for the next few days as you start your motorbike holiday into Zanskar.
Day 03: Leh - Alchi - Lamayuru
Drive to Alchi & Lamayuru Monasteries. Enroute visit - Nimu, the confluence point of Zanskar & Indus rivers. See Basgo - A Ruined fortress which houses a statue of Maitreya enroute. O/Nt Camp.
Day 04: Ride to Dha - Hanu (Indo Aryan Village)
Spend the day exploring the villages and interacting with the local people known as the Dards or Brokpas. O/Nt Camp.
Day 05: Ride to Kargil
In the town around Drass and Kargil live the people of the Dard origin whose homeland was originally in Gilghit, in present day Pakistan. O/Nt Hotel.
Day 06: Ride into the Zanskar Valley.
Drive to Rangdum. Visit Gompa perched on a steep sugar loaf hilltop. The walls more Ornate than in Ladakh valley. Buddha reliefs carved in stone with Chortens and Mandalas in the background. Over night, Camp
Day 07: Ride to Karsha & Padum
Drive to Padum - the head quarter of the Zanskar region. The township clings to hillock. At leisure to explore the area including a visit to the Karsha Gompa, the largest and most important Gompa in the Zanskar Valley. Overnight Camp.
Day 08: Drive to Karu
Day 09: Ride to Tso Moriri
Drive to Upshi and along the Indus riverbank to Chumathang. The region is sparsely populated but rich in wildlife. Red fox, Wild ass and the highly endangered snow leopard inhabit the area. Cross Mahe Bridge to Tsomoriri. Overnight Safari camp near the lake.
Day 10: Tso Moriri and Around
Explore the lake. Reflections of the snow-covered peaks further enhances the beauty of the region. We will also ride up to Tso Kar, a smaller brackish lake near Tso Moriri and make an excursion to Korzok Gompa in the evening.
Day 11: Ride back to Leh
Have a welcome break overnight in the hotel in Leh. Nothing like a hot Shower after the last few days of camping!
Day 12: Leh - Khardung La (5602 M) - Nubra Valley
Today we are heading further north. Our objective is the head of the Nubra Valley, the Khardung La, at 5,602 meters the highest motorable pass in the world!
After a short break we will have to move on to reach the Nubra Valley. This is a stretch where we can drive on much faster but you will be compelled to stop many times to capture the Shyok River and the beautiful scenery on camera. We will drive to Deluxe tentage accommodation for Overnight stay.
Day 13: Nubra Valley - Leh
After an early breakfast we will head out to explore the beautiful Nubra Valley. After some great riding experience in this remote area we will head back for Leh. We will cross over Khardung La a second time, in the afternoon and drive down to Leh. Over night at Hotel in Leh.
