10 Day Spiti Scramble Guided Motorcycle Tour on Royal Enfield in India

Overview

An epic road-trip starting in Ladakh and covering the mystical regions of Spiti. Back by popular demand, the Spiti region has all the trapping of an epic Himalayan motorcycle adventure on the iconic Royal Enfield.

Highlights

• Starts in Leh and ends in Chandigarh
• Explore the mystical regions of Spiti
• Witness stunning sceneries
• Journey through remote villages, monasteries, and more
• Cross the Leh-Manali highway
• 9 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in Leh

   Fly in from Delhi to Leh and be received by their team member at the airport. Transfer to the hotel and unpack and unwind. They recommend that you relax and take it easy and focus on monitoring your body and the effects of high altitude. Communicate with your team and don’t ignore any signs of discomfort. The usual symptoms of AMS could be headache, lack of appetite, insomnia, and difficulty in breathing. Only mild activity is advised as you are in high altitude territory. Based on how you are feeling, you can visit the Leh city and marketplace in the evening.

2. Day 2: Leh - Sakti (60 or 100 kilometers / 37 or 62 miles)

   Today, you get on the bikes for the first time and head out on a short 60 kilometers / 37 miles exploratory road trip. You get accustomed to your bikes, the traffic in the mountains, the dogs and cows, and the everchanging road conditions. You break for lunch at one of the popular cafes in or near town. Based on the level of fatigue and the mood of the group, you can head out for a short evening ride or you could take a car tour of the popular sights and monasteries around Leh town. Alternatively, you could just relax. You have a great deal of riding ahead of you.

3. Day 3: Sakti - Jispa (270 kilometers / 168 miles)

   The longest leg of your journey so far, but one that is necessary in order to escape the high altitude and the remoteness of the region you are passing through. The over 5000 meters Tanglang La, the Tibetan plateau (More Plains), several high altitude passes (Laclung La, Nakee La, Baralaca La), the Ghost of Gata Loops (22 switchbacks) - There is so much drama on today’s ride that it feels like the last two weeks thrown into 1 day. However, the roads are amazing and the pace quite fast. You spend a long day on the road but the visual delight of the surroundings leave the mind elated and the bod

4. Day 4: Jispa - Chicham (185 kilometers / 115 miles)

   It's tough to imagine that after more than 2 weeks of riding the Himalayan highs that a landscape will still surprise you, the views take your breath away- anew. The crossing of Kunzum La does just that and the dramatic gateway to Spiti is visually stunning and the roads still challenging. Spiti, also called mini Leh, is just that and barring the new spate of construction, it still looks like a land locked in time. The landscape is remote and the valley floor with the braided Spiti river catches the dying light in a bright reflection of sparkling gold, giving the land an aura of divinity - a c

5. Day 5" Chicham - Tabo (high village loop) (80 kilometers / 50 miles)

   Today is short day on the road but you traverse some high roads leading to remote villages, monasteries, and post offices. It's one of the most enjoyable riding day, since the roads are traffic free, the landscape vast and the general vibe and pace of this region just conducive to easy riding that allows you to take in the energy. There are many monasteries to cover, remote villages that are habited through the harsh winters, the highest post office in the Himalayas, and the trails connecting them, traverse a high path in the mountains that allows splendid views of the valley below. Kaza is th

6. Day 6: Tabo - Sangla (125 kilometers / 78 miles)

   From the stark treeless landscape of the high Himalayas to the lush alpine greens of the lower Himalayas - the transitions of today’s ride are reminiscent of Kashmir. You ride through the windy funnel of the Spiti ore, crossing villages that are distinctly more populated and busier. There is a lot more traffic on the roads and the air takes on a different, thicker consistency and while the replenished oxygen in the air is quite noticeable, the proximity to the fossil fuel burning civilization is also clearly discernible.

7. Day 7: Sangla - Chitkul - Sangla (rest day)

   It's your final rest day and you spend it in the lap of lush, embracing nature. Fresh water streams, pine covered forests, and emerald green meadows invite you to take a walk, a swim, or just find a nook to lie down and soak in the mountains. You take a short ride to the village of Chitkul and if you feel like, trek to the border with Tibet (China). Drink chai, chat with the locals, and just hang out with your fellow travelers - reliving the memories of the last few days.

8. Day 8: Sangla - Narkanda (160 kilometers / 99 miles)

   You are traveling through apple country and as far as the eyes can see, the mountains have been denuded of their natural cover and now a monoculture of apple dominates the landscape.

9. Day 9: Narkanda - Chandigarh (170 kilometers / 106 miles)

   Your final days ride is a stark reminder of the reality you are returning to. Descending the Himalayas towards the gangetic plains, the population and traffic rows exponentially and it’s a rude reminder that you are travelling through the most populated country in the world and while the previous days were spent in the same country, the region you have travelled through is a world within this world.

10. Day 10: Depart

    It’s a straightforward journey to Delhi either by train or by road. Its takes anything between 3-5 hours and they are happy to help organize a taxi or train tickets based on your preference.

Ride Details

Terrain

70% tarmac, 30% off roads

Bike

Rental bike (RE Himalayan)

Mileage

1,100 kilometers / 684 miles

Daily rides

60 - 270 kilometers / 37 - 168 miles

Riding gear

Not included

Meals

all breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Accommodation

You will be staying in various accommodations on a twin sharing basis.

Food

The package includes all meals - breakfast, lunch, evening tea, and dinner during the trip.

Getting There

While Ladakh had taken the limelight when it comes to touring the Indian Himalayas, Spiti still remains relatively untouched and the ability to explore smaller villages and lesser marked trails make it an adventure that is reminiscent of the early years of Himalayan touring. Starting with Leh, you cross the legendary Leh- Manali highway, cross Kunzum La, the gateway to Spiti, and enter a landscape