Himachal Motorbike Tour Overview
Take a motorbike ride on one of the hardest routes the Himalayan Mountains have to offer. You will travel to Manali from Dharamsala on this excursion. You will go via the Pir Panjal Mountains and Little Tibet, among other sights in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Take advantage of this fully guided motorbike excursion to see the hidden, isolated, high and Himalayas.
The excursion will begin with a ride around Manali town through the 9-kilometer-long Atal Rohtang Tunnel, the longest tunnel in the world at 3,00 meters. You will begin your journey along the Beas Valley, ride up the Satluj Valley, cross the Jalori Pass to enter the middle Himalayas, and go through the difficult Kinnaur region’s roads to reach the picturesque villages of Sangla and Kalpa.
You will continue to ride, crossing Nako on routes that go deeper into the Himalayas. From here, we venture into the Trans Himalayan region known as the Spiti Valley, which resembles rural Tibet a great deal and is therefore referred to as Little Tibet. You will go through some of the world’s highest monasteries and secret settlements while in Spiti.
The journey will continue as you ride over Kunzam Pass, via Chandra Valley, and into Pangi Valley. You will pass by the River Chander and travel on roads that are surrounded by steep gorges. Your motorbike adventure will come to a finish at Mc Leodganj after crossing Sach Pass to enter Chamba Valley. Take pleasure in seeing Dharamshala, the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which boasts vibrant markets with stores along them and mouthwatering momo tastes.
Key information
- Bike: Royal Enfield Himalayan or Standard 500 bike rental
- Mileage: 1,332 kilometers / 828 miles
- Daily rides: 100 – 220 kilometers / 62 – 137 miles
- Riding gear: not included: helmets / knee guard / elbow guards / shoes / biking trousers and jackets; mandatory: helmet
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the tour
- Ride: 50% pavement 50% off road
Detailed program
Day 1: Arrive Manali
Arrive at the Kullu-Manali Airport (KUU), be greeted, and then be transferred to your Manali hotel. Free morning. We meet our royal buddy, The Himalayan, in the afternoon after we gather at the hotel for a briefing regarding the tour. Afterwards, you will be taken on a test ride to the Atal Rohtang Tunnel, the world’s longest tunnel at 3,00 meters, and Sollang Valley. Return by bike to your accommodation for a laid-back evening. Spend the night in the hotel.
Day 2: Manali – Tirthan (110 kms/ 3 – 4 hrs)
You will embark on your motorbike trip from Manali to Tirthan Valley in the morning after breakfast on your Royal Enfield bikes. Travel on NH 21 from Manali, passing via Kullu town and the tunnel at Aut before turning into the Tirthan valley. As you ride into the valley and arrive at your residence beside the riverbank, you will pass the Tirthan River. Savour the sound of the flowing river or venture further into the Tirthan Valley to discover its picturesque hamlets and landscapes. Spend the night at the guest home.
Day 3: Tirthan – Sangla (209 kms/ 8- 9 hrs)
Ride in the morning and ascend and cross the Jalori Pass, from where, on a clear day, you can see a long necklace of the Himalayan Range, which includes peaks in the Kullu region like Deo Tibba and Hanuman Tibba. You are about to drop in the direction of Satluj Valley.
You will ride via Rampur, on into Satluj Valley, into Kinnaur, and take a diversion from Karcham to enter the stunning Sangla Valley. We arrive at a camp/guest house in Sangla for the night after a lengthy and fascinating trip.
Day 4: Sangla – Chitkul (90 kms) – Kalpa (51 kms)
You will ride to Chitkul, the last isolated settlement before the Indo-Chinese border, today as you explore the Kinnaur belt. After that, you’ll head back to Snagla and we’ll continue riding to Kalpa Village. Set against the backdrop of the Kinner Kailash mountain range is Kalpa Village. Upon arriving, register at the hotel. Spend the remaining time exploring Kalpa village. Spend the night in the hotel.
Day 5: Kalpa – Nako – Tabo (190 kms/ 8 hrs)
Another exciting day on the journey. Riding through the tight Satluj Valley till Khab, where the Satluj River meets the Spiti River, is an amazing experience. This location also serves as our point of entry into the Spiti Valley. You will climb up to the last Kinnauri settlement, Nako settlement, which is situated on the shores of a tiny lake. You will stroll around the village before going on in the direction of Tabo. Richensangpo, a renowned teacher, established Tabo Monastery in 996 AD. Tabo is frequently referred to as “The Ajanta of the Himalayas” because of its magnificent murals and stucco images. The ancient part of the greatest monastic complex in Spiti contains nine temples, twenty three chortens, a monks’ chamber, and a nuns’ chamber. There are numerous caves with modern architecture and frescoes. The sacredness of Tabo is surpassed only by that of Tibet’s Tholing gompa in trans-Himalayan Buddhism. Spend the night at the Tabo Guest House
Day 6: Tabo – Dhankar – Pin Valley – Kaza (105 kms/ 06-07 hrs)
You will ride across Spiti Valley today, taking in the breathtaking scenery, the many hues of the mountains, and the isolated towns and gompas. We set out in the morning to ride towards the monastery and village of Dhankar. Perched atop the valley, this monastery in Dhankar is a magnificent representation of regional architecture. It is said to have formerly been a fort and the home of the Nano, the Spiti monarch.
You will continue riding in the direction of Pin Valley, home to snow leopards and ibex. When you arrive to Kaza, the Spiti Valley’s main town, the day will come to a close. Enjoy a free evening to explore Kaza Town and party hard while “riding hard.” Spend the night in the hotel.
Day 7: In Kaza – Touch the Sky
You will go to Comic, one of the highest permanently inhabited villages in the world, in the morning. Afterwards, you will visit Hikim, which is home to the highest post office in the world, and Langza hamlet, which is set against the backdrop of Chao Chao Kang Nilda Peak. Free evening to explore the market and town of Kaza. Spend the night in the hotel.
Day 8: Kaza – Keylong (200 kms/ 8 hrs)
You will begin your bike towards Kibber village at 4205 meters in the morning after breakfast. Kibber village is now well-known for snow leopard sightings during the winter. The highest bridge in Asia, the Chichim Bridge, will be crossed by you. From now on, it’s going to be one heck of a ride; hold on while we journey into the Himalayas. You will now journey far into the Himalayas.
You will ride from Chichim to Losar, the final Spiti settlement, and then begin climbing towards Kunzam Pass (4558 m), which is located on the main Great Himalayan Range. Beautiful views of the CB mountains will be provided.
You will go via Batal, Chatru, and Chandra Valley before arriving in Lahaul Valley. Go from Gramphoo to Keylong via the Lahaul Valley, passing via a number of villages including Sissu, Gondla, and Tandi. Register for a stay of one night at the hotel.
Day 9: Keylong – Udaipur – Killar (135 kms/ 6 hrs)
After breakfast, begin your journey into the Pattan Valley, passing through villages en route to the famed Trilokinath Temple, held in high regard by both the local Buddhists and Hindus. To see the exquisite wooden Pagoda temple of Mrikula Devi, you will travel to Udaipur by train.
Set out on an interesting journey to Pangi Valley from Udaipur. The route is positioned high on a cliff and runs alongside the Chandra Bhaga River. Travellers also renownedly refer to this path as “The Death Road.” Pangi is a secluded valley nestled within the Himalayas that has only recently been developed and has very little infrastructure. After arriving at Killar, the Pangi Valley’s principal village, you will spend the night in a modest guest home.
Day 10: Killar – Sach Pass – Chamba (160 kms/ 7 hrs)
Get on your trip from Pangi to Chamba town early in the morning. You will ride from Killar to the valley bottom, where you will begin the steep and dangerous ascent through dense forest to Sach Pass. Drive over rugged, desolate areas above the tree line to Sach Pass, which is located at 4414 meters. After paying your respects at the temple atop the pass, make your way down to the meadows where, in July and August, an abundance of Himalayan flowers bloom.
Proceed with your descent of the mountains, passing through numerous verdant villages such as Bairagarh and Tissa, until you arrive at Chamba town, which is situated on the banks of the Ravi river. Register at the lodging. Visit the local market and Laxmi Narayan temple thereafter. Spend the night in the hotel.
Day 11: Chamba – Dharamshala (190 kms/ 5 hrs)
Today, you will start the day with a climb to Jot from where you will ride down to Kangra Valley and following a highway reach Dharamshala. Dharamshala a famous hill station in Kangra valley is also home to the Tibetan refugee community and is home to His Holiness The Dalai Lama. Evening free or spend time walking around the colourful Mc Leodganj market before heading back to our hotel to retire for the night.
Day 12: In Dharamshala – explore the town
You will spend the day touring Dharamshala by bicycle today. We will also visit the Norbulingka Institute, which was established to conserve Tibetan handicraft and houses metalworking, needlework, doll-making, and thanka-making studios. Visit the Dalai Lama temple, St. John’s Church in the Wilderness, and the Karmapa monastery as well. Spend the night in the hotel.
Day 13: Depart Dharamshala
In time transfer to Dharamshala airport to connect flight to Delhi. End of tour.
Places covered
- Manali
- Tirthan Valley
- Jalori Pass
- Sangla Valley
- Kalpa
- Nako
- Tabo
- Kaza
- Ki monastery
- Kibber Village
- Chandertal Lake
- Keylong
- Killar
- Sach Pass
- Chamba
- Dharamshala
- Mc Leodganj
Highlights of the tour
- Finishes at Dharamshala and begins in Manali
- Himalayan culture’s many hues, including those of the Kullvi, Kinnauri, Spitian, and Kangri
- Travel to the Spiti Valley, which resembles rural Tibet quite a bit.
- In the Spiti Valley are some of the world’s highest communities.
- Centuries-old Tabo monastery, also referred to as Ajanta in the Himalayas
- To the secluded Pangi valley across the Pir Panjal mountain range
- Adrenaline-pumping cliffhanger rides through Kinnaur and Pangi
- Discover Mc Leodganj and Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama’s abode.
Food
During the excursion, breakfast and dinner are provided. In rural places, there are fewer menu options or food options. Breakfasts and dinners are served freshly prepared. We will stop for meals, tea, and other refreshments during your trip in isolated places, and you are welcome to order anything you want on a direct payment basis. Lunch may be at a nearby dhaba or restaurant.
Included are the following meals:
Dinner and breakfast
Highest altitude gained:
Kunzam Pass 4558 meters
Skill level
Intermediate:
- can ride for 3-4 hours
- average riding experience
- little assistance required
- comfortable with extreme curves and leans
- average experience with unsurfaced roads
- steep ascents and descents
What’s included
- Transportation to/from the hotel and airport
- 12 nights of lodging in comfortable hotels, guest homes, campgrounds, or tents on a twin-sharing basis
- During the excursion, breakfast and dinner are provided.
- All Fuel for the Ride: Royal Enfield Himalayan or Scram 411 cc
- English-speaking reference
- A first aid kit and oxygen during excursions at high altitudes
- Mechanics with all the extra parts they need
- Support cars to transport your belongings and more fuel
- Environment fees and permits for places under restriction
- All admission costs to tourist destinations
- Current relevant taxes
What’s not included
- Any flight international or domestic
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Alcoholic drinks
- Anything not mentioned in What’s Included