If you have adventure in your blood and mountains in your name, the Himalayas are the trip of a lifetime. Known as the roof of the world, the range stretches for 2,400 km and has some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth. What better way to experience its winding roads, high-altitude passes and remote villages than on a motorcycle ride? A Himalayan motorbike tour of India is a dream come true for riders who want adventure and serenity in a single ride.
With roads as high as 19,000 feet and stops where you can enjoy nature and culture, this journey will give you a story to tell. This blog covers some of the most incredible stops on your Himalayan motorbike tour that will leave a mark on your soul. Let’s get ready for a trip of a lifetime.
Your Himalayan adventure begins in Manali, a city of breathtaking beauty and energy. At an altitude of 6,700 feet, it is the perfect base for your motorbike tour. Manali is the gateway to the high passes of the Himalayas and you can feel the adventure once you get ready for the ride. Spend some time exploring the city, trying the local food and getting your bike ready. Check out Old Manali where you can visit the riverside cafes and enjoy the view of the Beas River. Before you hit the road, make sure your riding gear is in place and your bike is ready. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450cc motorcycle is perfect for this terrain due to its power and reliability. From here the road starts climbing towards Rohtang La, your first challenge.
Are you ready to put your skills to a quick test? The first big test and adventure of your trip is Rohtang La. Situated at an altitude of 13,051 feet, this high altitude mountain pass connects Manali to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys. Known for its unpredictable weather and sharp turns, Rohtang is a perfect destination for every biker. As you climb the air gets colder and the views change to an unreal landscape of snow-capped peaks. Keep an eye out for waterfalls cascading down the mountains and don’t forget to stop and click some pictures as they will be some of the most dramatic views of your trip. It is tough but that is what makes it amazing. Once you traverse it you will know why it is one of the most iconic roads in India.
After Rohtang, you can head to Soza which is a lesser-known but extremely beautiful village. At an altitude of 8,700 feet, this hidden gem is a perfect escape from the chaos of the roads. Sojha is surrounded by dense pine forests and meadows and is a perfect place to spend the night. The village is also the starting point of the Jalori Pass which is another beautiful route with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. If time permits, you can take a short trek to the Serolsar Lake. It is a glacial lake that feels like a fairy tale.
Further up the road is Kalpa which is a beautiful village in the Kinnaur Valley. Kalpa is famous for its apple orchards, views of the Kinner Kailash range and peaceful atmosphere. Imagine waking up to the sun rising behind snow-capped peaks, the air fresh and refreshing with the smell of apples in the air. Spend a night here and don’t miss out on visiting the Suicide Point (not as ominous as it sounds!). The journey to Kalpa itself is amazing with winding roads and dramatic views at every turn.
As you proceed further you will reach a small village that feels like a time warp and is named Tabo. It is home to the Tabo Monastery which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas which was built in 996 AD. This monastery is an architectural wonder with ancient frescoes, intricate frescoes and an extremely spiritual atmosphere. It is often called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” due to its artistic and historical significance. Tabo is a perfect place to slow down and absorb the history and culture of the region before proceeding further into the Spiti Valley.
Kaza is the main town of Spiti Valley and a hub for adventure riders. At an altitude of 12,500 feet it is surrounded by mountains and is a perfect place to relax and wander. The roads to Kaza are tough but the views are amazing. When you reach Kaza take a ride to Hikkim and visit the world’s highest post office. Send a postcard to someone back home as a souvenir of your trip. Then head towards Komik, the world’s highest motorable village. These places give you a sense of accomplishment and the views of Spiti are stunning. Kaza is also the starting point to explore Langza, a village famous for its fossils and a Buddha statue overlooking the valley. The views here are breathtaking and you will get a feel of the vastness of the Himalayas.
Leaving Spiti behind you will now encounter the mighty Baralacha La, one of the highest passes in the region, at an elevation of 16,040 feet. Known as the “crossroads pass”, Baralacha La connects Lahaul, Spiti, Ladakh and Zanskar, so it is a key point on your trip. The terrain here is harsh and bizarre, with snowfields as far as the eye can see. Riding through Baralacha La is a test of endurance but the sense of accomplishment when you reach the top of the pass is unmatched. Dress warmly as the winds are strong here even in summer.
Your next big stop is Leh, the crown of Ladakh. Reaching Leh after several days of hard riding feels like arriving at an oasis of culture and relaxation. At an elevation of 11,500 feet, you have plenty of time to relax and explore. Visit the Leh Palace, a 17th-century structure that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The Shanti Stupa is another must-see, especially during sunrise and sunset. The town itself is very welcoming, with plenty of cafes, markets and shops to wander around. You will also find other motorbike riders here, each with their own Himalayan stories. It is a perfect place to share your experiences and prepare for the next leg of your journey.
As you leave Leh, the road takes you to Umling La, the highest motorable pass in the world at 19,024 feet. This is not for the faint of heart. The road to Umling La is steep, rugged and difficult but it is a rider's ultimate dream. The thin air and extreme weather will test your stamina, but the views are worth every bit of it. The landscape looks unreal at this altitude, with high mountains and the sky almost within reach. This is not just another ride. This is an achievement you will remember for a lifetime. When you reach the top, take a moment to soak in the beauty of the Himalayas. This is the pinnacle of your journey, both literally and figuratively.
As you leave Leh and head towards Ladakh, you will come across two major passes: Lachulung La (16,616 ft) and Naki La (15,547 ft). Both of these are part of the famous Manali-Leh highway, which is every motorbike rider's dream route. Lachulung La has the most amazing views of the Ladakh plateau, barren but beautiful landscapes, mountains and roads. It is a test of skill and patience as the roads here are steep and narrow. Just a few kilometres away is Naki La, another high-altitude pass with equally beautiful views.
After the adrenaline rush of Umling La, you will head to Hanle which is one of the most remote villages in Ladakh. Hanle houses a 17th-century monastery and the Indian Astronomical Observatory, one of the highest observatories in the world. The road to Hanle takes you through wide open spaces that feel untouched and peaceful. The village itself is quiet. You can visit the monastery, meet the locals or just sit and be quiet. Hanle also has one of the clearest night skies in the world. If you stay overnight you will see a sky full of stars that feels like a natural planetarium. It is a good place to stop and think about your journey so far.
As you head back to Spiti Valley, you will pass through Kunzum La, another high-altitude pass located at an altitude of 15,060 feet. This pass is the gateway to Spiti and is considered one of the most beautiful points on the route. There is a small temple of Goddess Kunjum Devi at the peak of Kunjum La. Riders stop here to seek blessings for a safe journey through the difficult roads ahead. The descent from Kunjum La takes you through a series of hairpin turns and opens up to glaciers, rivers and the vast Spiti Valley.
Next is Chang La which is the third highest motorable pass in the world located at an altitude of 17,590 feet. Known as the "gateway to Pangong Lake", Chang La is a tough climb with sharp turns and steep slopes. Even during the summer months, the pass remains covered with snow. As you climb Chang La, you will get to see a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. At the top, you can relax at the small tea stall run by the Indian Army where a cup of hot tea feels like a blessing in the biting cold. Crossing Chang La will be an unforgettable experience for you and it will bring you close to Pangong Lake, one of the most beautiful sights of Ladakh.
When you go back to Himachal, stop for a night at Jespa, a small village on the banks of the Bhaga River. Jespa is a perfect place to relax after several days of hard riding. The view of the village is great and the river is so calm that you can spend a peaceful evening. If you are camping here, spend some time under the stars as it is magical and will capture the essence of your Himalayan trip.
A motorbike trip through the Himalayas is not a trip, it is an adventure that will push you to your limits and give you experiences you will never forget. From crossing high passes to visiting remote villages and cultural hotspots, every moment is action-packed. The terrain, fellow riders and the Himalayas themselves make this trip one of the most unique adventures you can have. When you look back on this trip you will not only remember the places you visited but you will also remember the feeling of freedom and accomplishment that only a motorcycle trip can give. So, are you ready to conquer the Himalayas and create memories that will last a lifetime? Start your engines with GVMT India and let the adventure begin.
