DEXBA Touring Company
Ladakh/Zanskar
The Lost Kingdom
- 28.Aug.2024 - 10.Sep.2024
- 14 Day / 13 Nights
- 1600 km
- Ladakh
From 4450$ / Per Person
Intro
Through Ladakh and Zanskar via new adventurous passes
This tour, 'The Lost Kingdom,' commences and culminates in Leh, the former capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh.We will traverse fresh spectacular routes to reach the most exquisite destinations in the Indian Himalayas.
Ladakh, translating to 'Land of Passes’, houses some of the world's highest motor-able roads, which we'll conquer together on the classic Royal Enfield 500cc 'Bullet.' The visited regions of Ladakh and Zanskar are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear skies, Buddhist monasteries, and seclusion. For many, this is the most stunning part of the Himalayas, with few tour operators venturing into these unexplored territories that we're set to discover. Thanks to the development of newly constructed gravel passes between the 'Valley of the Gods' and Ladakh, we present a unique tour not yet available in the market!
Program
The Ultimate Himalayan Tour
The flight to Leh is a stunning introduction to the fabulous scenery that lies ahead.
Upon arrival in Leh, the former bastion of Ladakh's Himalayan realm, we will fetch you from the airport and bring you to your hotel. Take it slow today, let your body acclimatise to the altitude. Whether wandering the labyrinthine paths of the ancient quarters, taking in the Shanti Stupa's grace, marvelling at the regal Royal Palace, or indulging in a leisurely cup of Chai at one of the local haunts—today's essence is serenity.
Once captivated by the city's allure, departing seems a strange notion. The serene, cheerful air woven by the Buddhist populace is contagiously compelling. Before our first dinner, a briefing awaits, unveiling the roadmap for the impending escapade.
Today our objective is to get to know the lay of the land, immerse ourselves in the local culture, and acquaint ourselves with the motorcycles. We'll collect the Royal Enfields, offering a brief tutorial on handling these machines and deciphering the peculiar 'logic' of Indian traffic.
With preparations complete, it's time to set forth. Our initial excursion, we'll visit the Hemis and Thiksey monasteries, renowned as two of Ladakh's most exquisite spiritual sanctums.
Thereafter, we'll head back to Leh, where we'll spend the night.
Our motorcycle expedition begins with a relaxed jaunt across several minor passes leading into the western Indus Valley. During our journey, we explore the remnants and sacred edifices of the ancient Basgo Palace. Venturing farther westward, a brief sidestep takes us to the revered Likir Monastery.
Returning to the main thoroughfare, our journey continues through awe-inspiring rugged terrain. Days end at Lamayuru, sees us enjoying a cold beverage and magnificent sunset over the thousand year old Monastery.
After a hearty breakfast, our journey resumes, following the curving path toward Foto La (4108m). The landscape unfurls its magnificence as we ascend the 3710m-high Namik La, enveloped by the grandeur of the mountains. A day such as this alone should suffice to justify the expedition! Following a midday pause and a replenishing stop at Kargil, the thrilling expedition continues into the captivating Suru Valley—an authentic marvel. Through the valley, the Suru River serpentines, maintaining its lush greenery and fruitful allure even at heights surpassing 3000m.
Leaving behind Panikhar, the road shifts from silky asphalt to rugged gravel and we enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Parkachik Glacier.
Further ahead, the climb to Pensi La (4267m) awaits. Once beyond the pass the road leads to Padum before descending gracefully into the heart of the Zanskar Valley.
Padum, the district's capital, is a dormant hamlet aroused from its slumber for a mere half-year when the snow thaws and the valley springs back to life.
In the morning, we pay homage to the Karsha Monastery, perched high upon a mount just beyond Padum's grasp. Then, onward to Zangla, once the bastion of the Zanskar kingdom, now a ghostly sentinel overlooking the land.
Back in the saddle, we veer from the paved route, tracing the Zanskar River's northward journey into the Himalayan abyss. The path narrows, cliffs loom, blotting out the heavens — we are swallowed by the Zanskar Gorge.
As terrain toughens, the river demands passage at points. Ascending slowly, we reach our haven in Lingshed, nestling at nearly 3800 meters. A humble abode awaits—a homestay with locals embracing us for the night.
Today, we confront the freshly etched gravel paths scaling Sirisir La (4786m) and Singe La (5056m). A day of twists and turns awaits, challenging our mettle! This new route, hewn from the mountains, open ups Himalayan reaches barely touched by outsiders. By noon, we'll reach the verdant haven tucked away in a hidden nook—Tingmosgang. Here, amidst awe-inspiring vistas, we'll restore our spirits at a captivating Tibetan retreat, embracing the serene beauty that surrounds us.
Today marks our return to Leh, the switch from our trusty bikes to those bearing local registration plates – a prerequisite for our jaunt over Khardung La into the Nubra Valley.
Just past Leh lies the climb up Khardung La. While touted as "the world's loftiest pass" by some, truth be told, it falls short. It isn't the highest! There are passes towering even higher, and our GPS readings never crossed 5360 meters. The measurements claiming 5602 meters? Dubious, at best.
Still, we pause at Khardung La for the iconic 'pass photo' with its world-record sign, relishing tea at the loftiest teahouse. Then, a thrilling descent—over 2000 meters—ushers us into the vastness of Nubra Valley. Our sanctuary for two nights: the serene oasis of Hunder.
Today is a day where everyone can tailor their activities based on personal preferences. There are several options available:
- A leisurely ride to the ancient and beautifully situated Diskit Monastery, featuring its colossal Buddha statue, followed by a camel tour through the dunes of Hunder.
- An exploration trip to Turtuk, a quaint village bordering Pakistan, offering stunning views of the Karakoram mountain range.
- Or, following the Nubra River into the Valley of Flowers, visiting the hot springs of Panamik, and continuing northward to the northernmost point of India. From there, one can witness the Siachen Glacier, the second-longest glacier globally.
We'll spend the night in Hunder.
As the journey unfurls, we begin at Hunder, trailing the Shyok River, a tributary to the Indus, onward to our next conquest. The new trail, fresh and open, leads us skyward to Wari La's summit at a commanding 5312 meters.
Descending from Wari La, our wheels guide us to Sakti, a serene Tibetan haven. Here, we immerse ourselves in the quietude of Taktok and Chemrey's picturesque monasteries, absorbing the essence of Tibetan rural life.
Nightfall beckons at a charming boutique retreat, the perfect sanctuary to unwind and wrap this day's escapade in tranquility.
We ascend steeply via the newly constructed road, reaching the third-highest pass of our journey, the prayer-flag adorned Chang La Pass standing at an altitude of 5360 meters.
At the culmination of this stunning day's journey awaits the magically azure Pangong Lake. Upon reaching its shores, we'll spend the night at a cozy bungalow-resort, overlooking the vast expanse of the lake. Spanning 134 km and situated at an elevation of 4236m, Pangong Lake marks the boundary between China and India. On clear days, one can catch a glimpse of the opposite shore in Tibet.
After a thrilling night by Pangong Lake, we gear up. The lake fades in our rearview mirrors as we navigate new roads and rugged terrains astride our Enfields through the rugged terrain of this Tibetan border region.
We will conquere the passes—Thato La at 4936m, Kaksang La at 4900m, and Namshang La at 5050m—covering a rugged 170km stretch to reach Karzok village.
Tso Moriri, meaning "Mountain Lake" in the locals' tongue, sits serene at 4522 meters. Its banks were are a habitat for Tibetan wildlife: gazelles, lynxes, wild Tibetan donkey (Kiang), wolves, and the elusive snow leopard.
At our abode, we soaked in the stunning landscape, gazing over the lake toward the mystical lands of Tibet.
From Karzok, we press along dusty tracks which serve as practice grounds for the tanks and vehicles of the Indian Army, and head towards Tso Kar Salt Lake and onto the world-renowned Manali-Leh Highway. After navigating a few challenging kilometres over the wind-ravaged Pologonka La (4972m), a panorama of the Tso Kar's nature reserve landscapes awaits us.
Returning to good road conditions, we ascend our "final" pass beyond 5000 meters, the Taglang La (5340m). On our concluding stretch towards Leh, we descend 2000 meters through imposing rock canyons to the valley floor of the Indus River. At the end of a long day's ride, we arrive in Leh, where our Himalayan motorcycle journey draws to a close. As we gather for one last shared dinner, we reflect on our collective adventure, already reminiscing about the remarkable times we've had.
Transfer from the hotel to the airport - individual return journey.
The Lost Kingdom
Tour Highlights
Immerse yourself in the distinctive culture of Leh, the Tibetan-Buddhist capital of Ladakh
Conquer some of the world's highest drivable passes, including the new adventure passes of Sirsir La (4786m), Singe La (5056m), and the legendary Khardung La
Delve into the otherworldly beauty of the azure blue lakes Pangong, Tso Moriri & Tso Kar
Explore the high-altitude desert of Nubra Valley, swap your motorcycle for a camel and ride across the sand dunes of Hunder
Visit the region's most stunning monasteries: Lamayuru, Thiksey, Karsha
Witness the 32-meter high Buddha statue overlooking the Shyok River towards Pakistan at Diskit Monastery
The Bike
A machine with character
We will ride Classic Royal Enfield 500cc "Bullet" bikes, which are ideally suited for this adventure tour and add a touch of class to the whole experience.
"Through the fresh-built passages of Singe La (5056m) and Sirsir La (4786m), we venture to intertwine these unparalleled regions for the very first time on a motorcycle expedition."
Kevin Bärtschi
Good to Know
Everything you need to know
ACCOMMODATION
10 nights in typical middle-class hotels in double rooms. 3 nights in bungalow homestay or tent equipped with beds and bathrooms.
MOTORCYCLE PACKAGE
12 days motorcycle rental of the legendary Royal Enfield Bullet 500. Fuel and daily maintenance are included in the price.
SKILL-LEVEL
Challenging. This motorcycle tour requires very good and safe riding skills on demanding surfaces such as gravel, sand and asphalt.
RIDING TIME
The average riding time per day is between 6-8 hours with short breaks and photo stops. Additionally, we take 1 hour for lunch breaks.
WEATHER
It is quite possible that we will experience everything from beautiful sunshine to snowfall on this tour. At this time of year, we can often expect sunny and dry mountain weather at 5-25 °C in Ladakh.
GROUP
A maximum of 12 riders in a group, usually of mixed nationalities. Each group is accompanied by its own backup crew with a German and English-speaking guide.
ROAD CONDITIONS
The route is often in good condition. However, on this tour we can expect some sections on unpaved roads, river crossings, mud, sand, gravel, lots of bends and everything else you can imagine.
MEALS
All main meals are included in the price. We will have breakfast at the hotels. For lunch, we often stop at roadside eateries or stalls. Dinner is at the hotel or restaurant.
MOTORCYCLE GEAR
Each rider must bring their own motorcycle protective gear and helmet. Please bring waterproof clothing if your gear doesn't protect against moisture. Additionally, you'll need gloves, a buff / bandana, thermal base layer, and good footwear.
- Airport transfer in Leh
- Professional tour guides
- Local guide + mechanic
- 13 nights in a twin-share room
- 12 days rental of Royal Enfield "Bullet" motorcycle
- Fuel/oil as well as all spare and wear parts
- Support vehicle for luggage
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (excluding soft drinks and alcohol)
- Tea, coffee, water, and snacks
- All road fees, bridge tolls, and entry fees during the entire tour
- Flights
- Motorcycle damages
- Tips, souvenirs, shopping
- Tourist visa for India (online E-Visa available)
- Travel insurance and medical insurance
- Single room supplement 500 USD
- 1 Day Khardung La Tour 200 USD