The 19th edition of the Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey will be flagged off from India Gate on July 16th, 2023. We’re calling out to all those who would love to ride on an exciting terrain while navigating through empty stretches of pristine landscape, and rock-strewn pathways and traversing the highest mountain passes to join this one-of-a-kind ride. Himalayan Odyssey 2023 will witness 90 riders from all over the world participate in the most memorable motorcycling journey of their lifetime. This 18-day adventure ride will traverse approximately 2,800 km leaving you in awe of the beauty this region offers and will make you come back for more.
Distance
2800 kms
Terrain
Tarmac, Dirt, Mud, Offroad
Duration
18 Days
Origin
New Delhi
Atal Tunnel
Baralacha La
Sarchu
Umling La
Kaza
Day 01
On 14th July 2023, take time to reach Delhi, settle down and know the other riders who will accompany you for the next 18 days. You could also get some interesting pointers from the RE team during Bike scrutiny which could help you take care of your motorcycle during the ride. This is the day when you check in to your hotel in Delhi, you will also have an evening free to wind down or explore the beautiful city.
Day 02
Basic first aid training on the second day followed by a briefing makes sure that all understand the basic principles of riding together as a team in the mountains. These learnings and practices will hold you in good stead not just for the Odyssey but also for your future rides to come. We’ll also talk about some interesting aspects of the Himalayas and riding in that region.
Day 03
We start the first day of our ride towards Chandigarh along with the contingent of Himalayan Odyssey from India Gate, New Delhi after the blessings by Buddhist Monks.
Day 04
The ride commences amidst many celebrations and grandeur as it gets flagged off from Chandigarh. The feeling one gets when the cavalcade of riders rides on the roads from Chandigarh to Manali is incomparable. Thus begins the first day of your ride on the Himalayan Odyssey.
Day 05
A ride of around 170 km through the Atal Tunnel to Sarchu in the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh. The Atal tunnel is the longest highway single-tube tunnel above 10,000 feet (3,048 m) in the world. 30 km before Jispa is the village, Tandi which has the last fueling station before Leh where you would tank up. The scenery also changes from lush green forests into vast expanses and high mountains.
Day 06
As you head towards Leh, you would leave the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh to enter the Ladakh region. An eventful ride of 6 days brings you to the mecca of every motorcyclist, Leh on this day, crossing the legendary Gata Loops (a series of 22 hairpin bends), a long 50 km of smooth tarmac from Pang through More plains nestled between barren land and mountains including 3 of the mountain passes – Tanglang La, Lachung La & Nakee La.
Day 07
Reaching Leh marks the end of a significant chapter of the Himalayan Odyssey and what better thing to do than to soak in the sights and sounds of this beautiful town and the region. After a week’s long ride, the best thing for you to do would be to take a break and visit the recommended places like the Leh palace, monasteries, and Shanti stupa and scour the local market for memorabilia and trinkets and savour the local delicacies.
Day 08
After a day’s rest, you would start your ride towards Hanle. It is located on the banks of the Indus River. A total of 250 Km of the ride on day 8. Hanle is situated at 14764 ft and offers soothing naturistic sights with vast plains that define the place.
Day 09
Umling La is situated at 19,024 ft and it is the world’s highest motorable road and passes. This road was completed by the Border Roads Organization of India. Riders will be doing 180 Km To & Fro this day.
Day 10
You would chart back your route to Leh for the second leg of the Himalayan Odyssey 2023. This is the northmost you would get on this ride and now begins the journey back.
Day 11
You would get to ride on More Plains once again, a 50 km stretch of flatlands at an elevation of 15,000 feet with a flat and smooth tarmac flanked by mountain ranges on both sides. A photographer’s delight, this place will give you opportunities for some of the best group photos and shots one can have, as it has vast desolate expanses all around.
Day 12
After a hearty breakfast in the lap of nature, you start riding towards Keylong. The scenery also changes from high mountains to lush green forests. This day riders will be covering 110 km.
Day 13
This will be the most adventurous and unpredictable day of the ride as you would ride on all kinds of terrain and face back-to-back water crossings, before navigating across Kunzum La to reach the town of Kaza. This has been the nemesis of many a rider but as a team, you would strive to make it fun even in the face of adversity. This place marks your entry into the scenic Spiti Valley of Himachal.
Day 14
Kaza is surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides and is popular for the spectacular Key Monastery and fascinating high-altitude villages including Kibber, Langza & Komic. Don’t forget to send yourself a postcard from the highest post office in the world in Hikkim Village.
Day 15
After a well-deserved and eventful rest day at Kaza you would enter into the final stages of our ride towards Kalpa. We ride along the Satluj River with beautiful roads cut through the mountains that make riding even more pleasurable. Kapla gives you a magnificent view of Kinner Kailash Peak and is known for its apple orchards around the world.
Day 16
After several days of off-road terrain you would hit the tarmac surrounded by pine & spruce trees on the penultimate day of the ride on your way towards Narkanda.
Day 17
On the final day, you ride back towards the plains to reach Chandigarh where the ride comes to an end. And with that, a lifelong pursuit of exploration begins in every rider. The end of an Epic Ride is marked by Certificate Distribution and a small celebration.
Day 18
This day you would check out of the hotel and start your journey back to your homes.
Day 01
Take the time to know the other riders who would be with you for the next 18 days. You could also get some interesting pointers from the RE team during Bike scrutiny which could help you take care of your motorcycle during the ride. This is the day when you check in to your hotel in New Delhi, you will also have an evening free to wind down or explore the beautiful city.
Day 02
Basic first aid training on the second day followed by a briefing makes sure that all understand the basic principles of riding together as a team in the mountains. These learnings and practices will hold you in good stead not just for the Odyssey but also for your future rides to come. We’ll also talk about some interesting aspects of the Himalayas and riding in that region.
Day 03
We start the first day of our ride towards Chandigarh along with the contingent of Himalayan Odyssey from India Gate, New Delhi after the blessings by Buddhist Monks.
Day 04
The ride commences amidst many celebrations and grandeur as it gets flagged off from Chandigarh. The feeling one gets when the cavalcade of riders rides on the roads from Chandigarh to Narkanda is incomparable. Thus begins the first day of your ride on the Himalayan Odyssey.
Day 05
This is the day when you would start ascending into the mountains. You will be welcomed by some breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and azure skies on our way to Kalpa. Riders will be covering 170 km.
Day 06
After a hearty breakfast in the lap of nature, you start riding towards Kaza via Nako and Tabo. Kaza is known for its colourful festivals and the ancient Sakya Tangyud Monastery. Kaza is situated at an elevation of 12,500 ft.
Day 07
Kaza is surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides and is popular for the spectacular Key Monastery and fascinating high-altitude villages including Kibber, Langza & Komic. Don’t forget to send yourself a postcard from the highest post office of the world in Hikkim Village.
Day 08
This will be the most adventurous and unpredictable day of the ride as you would ride on all kinds of terrain and face back-to-back water crossings. This has been the nemesis of many a rider but as a team, you would strive to make it fun even in the face of adversity.
Day 09
After a hearty breakfast in the lap of nature, you start riding towards Sarchu. The scenery also changes from lush green forests to high mountains. Riders will be covering 110 km on day 8.
Day 10
As you head towards Leh, you would leave the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh to enter the Ladakh region. An eventful ride of 6 days brings you to the mecca of every motorcyclist, Leh on this day, crossing the legendary Gata Loops (a series of 22 hairpin bends), a long 50 km of smooth tarmac from Pang through More plains nestled between barren land and mountains including 3 of the mountain passes – Tanglang La, Naki la & Lachung La.
Day 11
After a day’s rest, you would start your ride towards Hanle. It is located on the banks of the Indus River. A total of 200 Km of the ride. Hanle is situated at 14,764 ft. Hanle offers soothing naturistic sights with vast plains that define the place.
Day 12
Umling La is situated at 19,300 ft and it is the world’s highest motorable road and passes. This road was recently completed by the Border Roads Organization of India. Riders will be doing 100 Km To & Fro this day.
Day 13
You would chart back your route to Leh for the second leg of the Himalayan Odyssey 2023. This is the northmost you would get on this ride and now begins the journey back.
Day 14
Reaching Leh marks the end of a significant chapter of the Himalayan Odyssey and what better thing to do than to soak in the sights and sounds of this beautiful town and the region. After a week’s long ride, the best thing for you to do would be to take a break and visit the recommended places like the Leh palace, monasteries, and Shanti stupa and scour the local market for memorabilia and trinkets and savour the local delicacies.
Day 15
You would get to ride on More Plains once again, a 50 km stretch of flatlands at an elevation of 15,000 feet with a flat and smooth tarmac flanked by mountain ranges on both sides. A Photographer’s delight this place will give you opportunities for some of the best group photos and shots one can have as it has vast desolate expanses all around.
Day 16
After a hearty breakfast in the lap of nature, you start riding towards Manali. The scenery also changes from high mountains to lush green forests. Riders will be covering 170 km on this day.
Day 17
On the final day, you ride back towards the plains to reach Chandigarh where the ride comes to an end. And with that, a lifelong pursuit of exploration begins in every rider. The end of an Epic Ride is marked by Certificate Distribution and a small celebration.
Day 18
This day you would check out of the hotel and start your journey back to your homes.
Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey is a test of mettle for both the rider and the machine. In its 18th edition, adventurers from across the country took up the rigorous yet rewarding 18-day journey, across numerous bends, loops, twists and highest motorable passes. Here is their story.
“It’s not about getting to the top of the mountain, but getting there and looking down”: the pull of Himalayan Odyssey, from riders who have done it.
An epic 18-day adventure ride delivered a pack of motorcyclists to some unique experiences on and off the road, along with a plethora of core memories. Hear it from them.
