Adventure Tours

Trans Himalayan Traverse

23-Day Spiti, Zanskar & Ladakh Motorcycle Expedition

India, Northern India: Country, region
35°C to -2°C Approx.: Weather
Jun-Sep: Seasons
Tarmac, Gravel, River crossing: Driving terrain
± Approx. 2,950 km: Driving distance
23 days / 22 nights: Duration
Moderate, Advanced: Expedition difficulty
Maximum 10 riders: Max group size

Highlights

What you will remember

Four Himalayan Ranges
Local Himalayan Food
World’s Highest Motorable Passes
High-Altitude Lakes
Green to Dry Landscapes
Remote Himalayan Valleys
Ancient Monasteries
Water Crossing
Snow-Covered Mountains
Massive Himalayan Peaks
Unforgettable Mountain Roads

Three valleys. One line across the Himalaya.

Most operators sell Spiti, Zanskar and Ladakh as three separate tours. We ride all three, end to end, in one continuous journey.

Twenty-three days. Around 2,950 kilometres in the saddle. Thirteen mountain passes above 4,000 metres, seven of them above 5,000. You start in the pine forests above Shimla and finish under the Dhauladhar in Dharamshala, and in between you cross every major range of the Indian Himalaya — the Shivaliks, the Dhauladhar, the Pir Panjal, the Great Himalaya, the …

From

$6,512per rider

Expedition price

Rider$6,512

Machine

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450ccIncludedIncluded in the rider price

Custom expedition

Prices are set in Indian rupees and converted for display, so the figure you pay depends on the rate on the day. Flights are not included. Offhorizon Adventures may revise these prices without notice.

Day by day

Expedition program

23 days

Day 1CloseArrive in DelhiMore detailsArrive in DelhiWhere you stayDelhiMeet the Offhorizon team at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel.
This is your arrival and preparation day.
Meet the expedition team, review the route and make final preparations for the journey ahead.
Sleeping altitude: Delhi — approx. 216 m
Included: Hotel and dinner
Day 2CloseDelhi to ShimlaMore detailsDelhi to ShimlaWhere you stayShimlaTravel north towards Shimla.
The mountains begin to replace the plains as you approach the former summer capital of British India.
Your Royal Enfield Himalayan is introduced and you complete the initial motorcycle preparation and shakedown.
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 3CloseShimla to KalpaMore detailsShimla to KalpaWhere you stayKalpaThe first major riding day.
Ride through Narkanda and Rampur before joining the Sutlej Valley.
Continue towards Kinnaur and Kalpa, with views towards Kinner Kailash.
The green Himalayan environment begins to dominate the route.
Distance: Approx. 220 km
Sleeping altitude: Kalpa — approx. 2,960 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 4CloseKalpa to NakoMore detailsKalpa to NakoWhere you stayNakoFollow the Sutlej towards Khab before climbing towards Nako.
The landscape changes from green mountain country to high-altitude desert.
Nako sits beside its small lake at approximately 3,662 metres.
This is your first night well above 3,500 metres.
Distance: Approx. 105 km
Sleeping altitude: Nako — approx. 3,662 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 5CloseNako to KazaMore detailsNako to KazaWhere you stayKazaRide through Gue, Tabo and Dhankar before reaching Kaza.
Visit the ancient monastery at Tabo, then climb towards Dhankar above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers.
Continue to Kaza, the main settlement of Spiti.
Distance: Approx. 145 km including detours
Highest elevation: Approx. 3,894 m
Sleeping altitude: Kaza — approx. 3,650 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 6CloseKaza: Langza, Komic & HikkimMore detailsKaza: Langza, Komic & HikkimWhere you stayKazaA shorter acclimatisation day.
Ride into the high villages around Kaza.
Visit Langza, Komic and Hikkim, with elevations reaching approximately 4,587 metres.
This is deliberately a shorter day before the route crosses higher passes.
Return to Kaza for the night.
Distance: Approx. 45 km
Highest elevation: Komic — approx. 4,587 m
Sleeping altitude: Kaza — approx. 3,650 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 7CloseKaza to ChandratalMore detailsKaza to ChandratalWhere you stayChandratalVisit Key Monastery and Chicham Bridge before crossing Kunzum La at approximately 4,551 metres.
The road then turns rough as you enter the Chandra Valley.
Reach the Chandratal area and walk to the lake.
Distance: Approx. 105 km
Highest elevation: Kunzum La — approx. 4,551 m
Sleeping altitude: Chandratal — approx. 4,300 m
Included: Camp and meals
Day 8CloseChandratal to JispaMore detailsChandratal to JispaWhere you stayJispaOne of the first genuinely demanding riding days.
The road from Batal towards Gramphu includes broken surfaces, rocks and water crossings.
Continue into Lahaul and follow the Chandra and Bhaga valleys towards Jispa.
The character of the landscape changes again.
Distance: Approx. 139 km
Highest elevation: Chandratal — approx. 4,337 m
Sleeping altitude: Jispa — approx. 3,200 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 9CloseJispa to Padum via Shinku La & PhuktalMore detailsJispa to Padum via Shinku La & PhuktalWhere you stayPadumLeave Jispa and ride towards Darcha before climbing to Shinku La at approximately 5,091 metres.
Cross into Zanskar.
Continue towards Padum, with the opportunity to reach the area around Phuktal Monastery.
This is one of the most remote sections of the expedition.
Distance: Approx. 148 km plus Phuktal section
Highest elevation: Shinku La — approx. 5,091 m
Sleeping altitude: Padum — approx. 3,669 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 10ClosePadum & Drang Drung GlacierMore detailsPadum & Drang Drung GlacierWhere you stayPadumA deliberately easier day.
Ride towards Pensi La and the Drang Drung Glacier.
The glacier is visible from the road, making this an impressive high-altitude experience without requiring a major trek.
Return to Padum.
The motorcycles receive additional checks before the hardest Zanskar riding day.
Distance: Approx. 90 km
Highest elevation: Approx. 4,600 m
Sleeping altitude: Padum — approx. 3,669 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 11ClosePadum to LamayuruMore detailsPadum to LamayuruWhere you stayLamayuruThe hardest riding day of the expedition.
Ride approximately 210 km through the heart of Zanskar via Lingshed.
Cross Singge La at approximately 5,060 metres and Sirsir La at approximately 4,804 metres.
Much of the road is unpaved.
There are no reliable fuel stations across the middle section, phone coverage is limited and medical facilities are unavailable for much of the route.
That is why the support vehicle remains with the group.
Finish at Lamayuru.
Distance: Approx. 210 km
Highest elevation: Singge La — approx. 5,060 m
Sleeping altitude: Lamayuru — approx. 3,510 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 12CloseLamayuru to LehMore detailsLamayuru to LehWhere you stayLehA shorter riding day after yesterday's demanding route.
Visit Lamayuru Monastery before following the Indus towards Leh.
The road is predominantly paved.
Arrive in Leh with time for the team to service the motorcycles and for riders to rest.
Distance: Approx. 115 km
Sleeping altitude: Leh — approx. 3,524 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 13CloseLeh to Nubra via Khardung LaMore detailsLeh to Nubra via Khardung LaWhere you stayNubra ValleyClimb out of Leh towards Khardung La.
At approximately 5,359 metres, the pass is one of the expedition's major milestones.
Descend into Nubra Valley.
Visit Diskit Monastery and continue towards Hunder.
Distance: Approx. 124 km
Highest elevation: Khardung La — approx. 5,359 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 14CloseNubra to Pangong TsoMore detailsNubra to Pangong TsoWhere you stayPangongRide east along the Shyok River.
The road includes broken sections, dirt, rockfall areas and possible water crossings depending on seasonal conditions.
Continue through Durbuk and Tangtse towards Pangong Tso.
Reach the lake in the afternoon.
Distance: Approx. 190 km
Highest elevation: Approx. 4,225 m
Sleeping altitude: Pangong — approx. 4,250 m
Included: Hotel/camp and meals
Day 15ClosePangong to Umling La to HanleMore detailsPangong to Umling La to HanleWhere you stayHanleThe biggest day of the expedition.
Start early.
Ride south from Pangong through the remote eastern region before reaching the Indus near Loma.
Then climb towards Photi La and ultimately Umling La.
At approximately 5,798 metres / 19,024 feet, this is the highest point of the entire expedition.
After the pass, descend towards Hanle.
The day ends beneath the exceptionally clear skies of one of India's darkest regions.
Distance: Approx. 340 km
Highest elevation: Umling La — approx. 5,798 m
Sleeping altitude: Hanle — approx. 4,300 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 16CloseHanle to LehMore detailsHanle to LehWhere you stayLehA recovery-focused day.
Ride along the Indus through Nyoma, Mahe and Chumathang before continuing towards Leh.
The roads are generally easier than the previous day.
Reach Leh and complete another full motorcycle check.
Distance: Approx. 250 km
Sleeping altitude: Leh — approx. 3,524 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 17CloseLeh to Tso KarMore detailsLeh to Tso KarWhere you stayTso KarLeave Leh and head south.
Cross Tanglang La at approximately 5,328 metres and continue across the More Plains.
Then turn towards Tso Kar.
Tso Kar sits on the Rupshu plateau and is known for its salt-encrusted shoreline and high-altitude wetland environment.
Distance: Approx. 150 km
Highest elevation: Tanglang La — approx. 5,328 m
Sleeping altitude: Tso Kar — approx. 4,530 m
Included: Camp/hotel and meals
Day 18CloseTso Kar to JispaMore detailsTso Kar to JispaWhere you stayJispaA major pass day.
Cross Lachulung La, ride the famous Gata Loops and continue towards Nakee La.
Then cross Baralacha La at approximately 4,890 metres.
Descend towards Lahaul and Jispa.
After the high-altitude riding, Jispa brings you back to a lower and greener environment.
Distance: Approx. 200 km
Highest elevation: Lachulung La — approx. 5,059 m
Sleeping altitude: Jispa — approx. 3,200 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 19CloseJispa to ManaliMore detailsJispa to ManaliWhere you stayManaliLeave the high desert behind.
Ride through Keylong and Sissu before entering the Atal Tunnel.
The landscape changes rapidly from dry high-altitude terrain to pine forest and the greener valleys around Manali.
Arrive in Manali and enjoy a more relaxed evening.
Distance: Approx. 95 km
Sleeping altitude: Manali — approx. 2,050 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 20CloseManali to Barot ValleyMore detailsManali to Barot ValleyWhere you stayBarotRide down the Kullu Valley towards Mandi before turning west.
The landscape becomes quieter as you enter Barot Valley.
Barot sits beside the Uhl River and beneath the Dhauladhar.
After almost three weeks of high-altitude riding, the forests and flowing water feel like another world.
Distance: Approx. 176 km
Sleeping altitude: Barot — approx. 1,830 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 21CloseBarot to Dharamshala via Rajgundha & BirMore detailsBarot to Dharamshala via Rajgundha & BirWhere you stayDharamshalaThe final riding day.
Take the Chhota Bhangal route through Rajgundha and towards Bir.
Continue through Baijnath and Palampur before reaching Dharamshala beneath the Dhauladhar.
The motorcycles are handed back here.
The expedition ends on the road — not at an airport.
Distance: Approx. 110 km
Highest elevation: Approx. 3,000 m
Sleeping altitude: Dharamshala — approx. 1,457 m
Included: Hotel and meals
Day 22CloseDharamshala to DelhiMore detailsDharamshala to DelhiWhere you stayDelhiTransfer to Kangra airport and fly to Delhi.
A buffer night in Delhi is deliberately included because mountain-region flights can be affected by weather and visibility.
You have one final evening before departure.
Included: Delhi hotel, breakfast, dinner and Dharamshala–Delhi flight
Day 23CloseDepartureMore detailsDepartureWhere you stayDepartureYour expedition ends.
Transfer to Delhi airport according to your flight schedule.
Twenty-three days behind you.
Three major Himalayan regions.
Approximately 2,950 kilometres.
Thirteen high passes above 4,000 metres.
Seven above 5,000 metres.
And Umling La at 5,798 metres.
Included: Breakfast and airport transfer

The fleet

The machines you ride

Prepared for the terrain and serviced before every departure, 23 days on the shortest one, and included in the rider price.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450cc

The price

What is in it, and what is not

In the price10

Motorcycle
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 for the complete expedition.
Fuel
Fuel required for the planned expedition route is included.
Accommodation
22 nights of accommodation throughout the journey.
Accommodation includes hotels, guesthouses, camps and Swiss-style tents where appropriate to the route.
Meals
Meals are included throughout the expedition according to the daily itinerary.
Expedition Team
Road captain
Sweep rider
Motorcycle mechanic
4x4 support vehicle
Luggage Transport
Main luggage is transported by the support vehicle.
Permits
Required route and local permits are included, including permits required for restricted sections of Ladakh.
Medical Support
Oxygen, pulse oximeter and first-aid equipment are carried throughout the expedition.
Dharamshala–Delhi Flight
The scheduled domestic flight from Dharamshala/Kangra to Delhi is included.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers specified in the itinerary are included.

Not in the price08

International Flights
Flights from your home country to India and your return international flight are not included.
Indian Visa
Visa fees and application costs are the responsibility of the rider.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory.
Your policy must specifically cover:
Motorcycle riding
Motorcycles above 125cc
High-altitude travel
Emergency medical treatment
Helicopter evacuation
Repatriation
Personal Riding Gear
You are responsible for your own:
Helmet
Riding jacket
Riding trousers
Gloves
Motorcycle boots
Protective equipment
Waterproof layers
Personal Expenses
Not included:
Laundry
Telephone/data
Shopping
Souvenirs
Tips
Personal snacks
Extra drinks
Room service
Other personal purchases
Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks are not included.
Motorcycle Damage
Damage caused by a crash, fall, misuse or accident may be charged according to the applicable motorcycle rental and expedition conditions.
Unavoidable Additional Costs
Road closures, extreme weather, landslides, government restrictions, flight cancellations or other circumstances outside the team's control may create additional accommodation or transport costs.

The place itself

See it to believe it

Before you book

Questions riders ask

How difficult is Trance Himalays Motorcycle Expeditions?

It is a demanding motorcycle expedition. There are 20 riding days, approximately 2,950 km, 13 passes above 4,000 metres and several major off-road sections. The Padum–Lamayuru day is particularly demanding, while the Pangong–Umling La–Hanle day is the longest and highest section. Previous motorcycle touring experience is essential.

How many riders are in the group?

The maximum is 10 riders. We do not add an eleventh place.

Which motorcycle do I ride?

You ride a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.

Is fuel included?

Yes. Fuel for the planned expedition route is included.

Are pillion riders allowed?

No. This is a solo-rider expedition because of the demanding terrain, altitude and long remote sections.

How high does the expedition go?

The highest point is Umling La at approximately 5,798 metres / 19,024 feet.

Which valleys does the expedition cross?

The route crosses Kinnaur, Spiti, Pin, Lahaul, Zanskar, Indus, Nubra, Changthang, Barot and Kangra regions.

Which lakes are included?

The expedition reaches Nako Lake, Chandratal, Pangong Tso, Tso Kar, Suraj Tal and Deepak Tal.

Which monasteries are included?

The route includes major monasteries including Tabo, Dhankar, Key, Phuktal, Lamayuru, Diskit and Hanle, together with the Kinnauri temples around Kalpa.

Can foreign riders join?

Yes. Foreign riders need a valid motorcycle licence and the required International Driving Permit, together with their passport and travel documents.

What happens if weather changes?

The Himalayas can change the itinerary. If snow, rain, landslides, flooding, road closures or local restrictions make a section unsafe, the expedition team can modify the route. Safety takes priority over following the published schedule exactly.

What happens if I get altitude sickness?

Tell the road captain immediately. The expedition carries oxygen, a pulse oximeter and medical equipment, and the support vehicle can assist with descent when required.

Can I extend my stay?

Extensions may be possible depending on motorcycle, hotel and operational availability. Ask the Offhorizon team before booking flights.

What is the booking deposit?

A 30% deposit is required to confirm the booking. The remaining 70% is due two weeks before departure.

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