7 Day Zanskar Hustle Guided Motorcycle Tour on Royal Enfield in India

Overview

The shortest Himalayan trip in their repertoire, this itinerary has been curated for those coming back to this magical landscape or for those who are interested in the lesser touristy parts of Ladakh. The traverse from Srinagar makes this a perfect trip to showcase the transitions of Himalayan landscapes and is best suited for acclimatizing to the high altitude of Ladakh.

Highlights

• Starts in Srinagar and ends in Leh
• Witness the greatest mountain range in the world
• Journey through one of the best off-road trails in the Himalayas
• Visit temples, lakes, and more
• Explore hairpin bends and stunning landscapes
• 6 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive Srinagar

   Fly into Srinagar Airport and be received by their team member at the airport. Transfer to the hotel, unpack and unwind. They recommend that you relax and take in the sights of this gorgeous Himalayan city. Your hotel is close to the Dal lake and the views an walks in the vicinity are what mountain dreams are made of. There are several places to visit and activities to engage in, but they recommend taking it easy and enjoying the lazy charms and comforts, the food and the general vibe of the place, a sunset shikara ride, or a sundowner at the Lalit hotel.

2. Day 2: Srinagar - Sonamarg (60 or 100 kilometers / 37 or 62 miles)

   Today, you get on the bikes and head out on a short 60/100 kilometers exploratory road trip to reach your staging point for the Transhimalayan traverse. You divert off the main highways and hit small country roads that give you a flavor of riding in the alpine Himalayas, a landscape you will not see for the subsequent part of your road trip. You visit a 7th century Shiva temple in a gorgeous setting, you visit some of the lesser visited lakes around Srinagar, and eventually, make your way to your riverside resort in a quaint village 5 kilometers short of the busy town of Sonamarg. Soak in the

3. Day 3: Sonamarg - Panikhar (190 kilometers / 118 miles)

   You leave early to avoid the traffic at Zoji La. The route is covered in a series of hairpin bends and you quickly ascend from the valley floor. While they are not technical, it will leave you awestruck as you see the marvel of engineering that slithers up huge mountains and descends great heights. This is the gateway to Ladakh and within a matter of a few kilometers the landscape has taken such a dramatic transition that it leaves you quite speechless. You cross the war memorial at Drass and continue onwards to Kargil (the second largest city in Ladakh is predominantly Muslim) on quick paced

4. Day 4: Panikhar - Karsha (170 kilometers / 106 miles)

   The final bits of Suru valley cross by in a dazzling display of cultivated green and the many hued kaleidoscope of wild flowers, as you race up river, through tiny villages and glacial streams. You cross the monastery at Rangdum riding along a mesmerizing landscape that takes you to the gateway of Zanskar, Pensi La (your highest point on this route). It's difficult to describe the feeling of viewing the Drang Drung glacier for the first time. The largest glacier in Ladakh redefines infinity. You descend into Zanskar and the valley opens up before you. Tiny villages surrounded by windswept barl

5. Day 5: Karsha - Lamayuru (195 kilometers / 121 miles)

   And now ladies and gentlemen, the moment you have all been waiting for. Let the off-roads begin. Probably the best off-road patch left in the Himalayas, the lesser said about this route, the better. This is one for the senses. The focus must be unwavering but the scenery beckons a glimpse, the dust fills your visor but you can't stop smiling, it could be hot, it could be bone chilling cold. You could have rain, you could have snow, the roads could be blocked due to roadworks, you could have freshly paved tarmac- there is so much unpredictability on this road- that makes it the perfect backdrop

6. Day 6: Lamayuru - Leh (110 kilometers / 68 miles)

   You have a well deserved half day's rest at Leh city. Based on the mood, you can cover the 100 kilometers to Leh fairly quick, or you can choose to take a few detours, spend some time on off-road tracts and visit some of the famous monasteries en route. You cross the Gurudwara, Pather Sahib, and finally ride into bustling Leh city- a dramatic transition after what you have experienced over the last few days. Rest, eat, shop, and chill. The coming week will be in some serious high altitude territory where your body and mind will be tested. The riding remains spectacular, the landscape transitio

7. Day 7: Depart Leh

   A taxi will drop you to the airport at the designated time of your flight.

Ride Details

Terrain

70% tarmac, 30% off roads

Bike

Rental bike (Royal Enfield Himalayan)

Mileage

800 kilometers / 497 miles

Daily rides

60 - 195 kilometers / 37 - 121 miles

Riding gear

Not included

Meals

All breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation

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

Food

All meals - breakfast, lunch, evening tea, and dinner - are included during the trip.

Getting There

The entry into Zanskar is reminiscent of, time at a standstill and the vast views that unfold before you are a true testament to the greatest mountain range in the world. The exit from Zanskar towards Leh, may remain (if the road works aren’t completed) one of the best off-road trails that the Himalayas can offer. This trip can easily be coupled with their Ladakh and Spiti itineraries to make for