Royal Enfield Moto Himalaya is a pursuit for riders to meet their adventure quotient by riding across some of the highest motorable passes and traversing through pristine lakes in the mountains or merely camping under starlit skies in the Himalayan ranges. The ride flags off in Leh, making its way to the Zanskar Valley, Pangong Lake, Hanle, Tso Moriri and the Highest Motorable road at 19,024 ft above mean sea level. Decorating the crown of the subcontinent of India, the landscapes of this area are richly embellished with sights and experiences of every kind imaginable. This ride is an experience to cherish and to remember every bit of terrain that you’d be riding through for years to come. All this comes with the added flavour of camaraderie and bonhomie developed with like minded enthusiasts on the highest roads in the world.
Leh
Pangong Tso
Umling La
Shinku La
Drang Drung Glacier
Ride Day 01
Total Distance
Start Point
Distance Covered
End Point
Day 09
The final day of the ride brought the journey full circle, as the riders once again ascended Khardung La, the legendary high mountain pass that once held the title of the world’s highest motorable road.
With every turn, they soaked in their last glimpses of the majestic Himalayas, each view a reminder of the challenges overcome and moments shared. As the descent into Leh began, a quiet sense of fulfilment settled in.
Hearts full of memories, eyes still reflecting the grandeur of the mountains, the riders returned forever changed, already vowing to come back and chase the magic of the Himalayas once more.
Day 08
After days of navigating challenging terrain and high-altitude routes, Nubra Valley offered the perfect setting for a much-needed rest day. The riders took the opportunity to unwind, soak in the calm of the valley, and catch their breath.
As part of the day’s relaxed itinerary, the group drove to Turtuk, one of India’s northernmost and most culturally rich villages. Nestled along the Shyok River, Turtuk revealed the unique charm of the Baltistan region with its orchards, stone houses, and warm hospitality.
Day 07
With the weather turning unpredictable as the mountains often remind us who's in charge, the planned route to Padum had to be rerouted. Adaptability became the theme of the day as the group set course for Nubra Valley instead.
The riders ascended Khardung La, once the world’s highest motorable road, braving biting winds and dropping temperatures. From the icy heights, the landscape shifted dramatically as they descended into Nubra, a valley of contrasts, where snow-capped peaks give way to sand dunes and double-humped camels roam.
It was a day that showcased the ever-changing moods of the mountains and the spirit of the ride, resilient, flexible, and always ready for what lies ahead.
Day 06
Leaving the stark remoteness of Rongdo behind, the riders made their way to Ulley Tokpo, transitioning from high-altitude desert to lush valleys and dramatic gorges. The route offered a visual shift from wide open plains to winding mountain roads hugging cliffsides and riverbeds.
With fewer tourists and raw natural beauty, Ulley Tokpo welcomed the group with its serene landscapes and crisp mountain air. Nestled along the banks of the Indus, it was the perfect place to rest, recharge, and reflect on the journey so far.
Day 05
A day of extremes and elevation, as the riders set out to conquer Umling La, the highest motorable pass in the world at 19,024 ft. The route was raw and remote, with vast stretches of barren beauty, high winds, and oxygen-thin air testing both endurance and willpower.
Every twist and climb brought a deeper respect for the terrain, and reaching Umling La was nothing short of a triumph. The group paused to soak in the surreal silence at the top of the world, capturing a memory few riders on Earth can claim.
Day 04
An offbeat and soulful ride through history and high-altitude trails. Riders crossed Rezang La, paying silent tribute to its legendary past, before taking on the remote and rugged Saga La. The route offered unmatched solitude, dramatic landscapes, and a deeper connection with the Himalayas.
The day ended in the quiet village of Rongho, tucked away in a remote valley, an ideal setting to unwind and reflect under a blanket of stars.
Day 03
The ride kicked off with a thrilling ascent to Chang La, the world’s 10th highest motorable pass at 17,586 ft. Riders navigated through sharp turns, rocky stretches, and numerous water crossings, getting their first real taste of himalayan adventure.
By late afternoon, Pangong Tso emerged in all its glory crystal blue waters set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. A surreal moment for many, it marked a perfect end to an unforgettable first day in the Himalayas.
Day 02
With hearts full of anticipation and spirits riding high, the team tucked in for the night, ready to roll out on Day 1 of what promises to be an unforgettable ride through the mighty Himalayas.
Day 01
Later in the day, the group took a short ride to the nearby confluence, a symbolic starting point that marked the beginning of their adventure in the Himalayas. It was a chance to test the machines and soak in the stunning surroundings.
Day 00
After two days of much-needed rest to shake off jet lag and acclimatise to the altitude, the riders gathered for their first official briefing. The atmosphere was electric excitement, and anticipation filled the air as everyone geared up mentally and physically for the epic journey ahead.
Day 1
Travel to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The plan for the day is complete rest devoid of any exertion. The objective is for you to be acclimatized to the high altitude and the low oxygen levels here at that altitude. Rest and Relax is the motto of the day!
Day 2
You’ll spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude today. Light walks are recommended. Drinking plenty of water will help in the process. Use this time to get rid of the jet lag and get that body good to go for the adventure ahead!
Day 3
Today we indulge in a relaxed ride in order for you to be better acclimatized as well as get accustomed to Indian roads and traffic conditions. This ride is short, about 60 kms in all. We will have a complete ride briefing in the evening to prepare you for the journey ahead.
Day 4
The ride starts today! We head to one of the highest lakes in the Ladakh plateau. Today’s ride sees varying road conditions from good tarmac to water crossings to some daunting off-road.
Day 5
Taking our highland adventure further, today the ride goes through some barren rugged landscape and a whole lot of off-road, skirting the Chinese border at places to Hanle, one of the most beautiful places in Ladakh. We will be staying at Hanle for the next two nights, camping under starlit skies !
Day 6
Get to the top of the highest motorable road in the world - Umling La at 19,024 ft above msl. The day is all about getting through massive flatlands to get to the prize!
Day 7
After a few days of tasting dirt in the Himalayas, it’s time to take a break with a fantastic tarmac ride heading past Leh once again to Ulley Tokpo. This will mark our departure from Changthang and entry into the Zanskar region of Ladakh.
Day 8
Today Zanskar welcomes us with dusty dirt roads as we make our way through some magnificent gorges and valleys to the pristine town of Padum. Making this ride a memorable one would be the awe inspiring sights that make up this forgotten part of Ladakh.
Day 9
Another memorable day awaits! On this day we take a trip to the locally sacred mountain of Gonbo Rangjon which is quite a sight by itself and onwards to Shinku La, a high altitude pass at 16,580 ft above msl.
Day 10
By the time you reach Leh, you’ll rest comfortably in the knowledge that you would have gone through some of the highest passes and the highest lakes in the world. Today’s ride is a mix of some sandy trails and picture perfect tarmac, thus ending your journey on a high. We’ll have a closing ceremony in the evening where we can sit around a fire and chat all about our trip to the high Himalayas.
Day 11
Until next time !
Day 1
Travel to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The plan for the day is complete rest devoid of any exertion. The objective is for you to be acclimatized to the high altitude and the low oxygen levels here at that altitude. Rest and Relax is the motto of the day!
Day 2
You’ll spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude today. Light walks are recommended. Drinking plenty of water will help in the process. Use this time to get rid of the jet lag and get that body good to go for the adventure ahead!
Day 3
Today we indulge in a relaxed ride in order for you to be better acclimatized as well as get accustomed to Indian roads and traffic conditions. This ride is short, about 60 kms in all. We will have a complete ride briefing in the evening to prepare you for the journey ahead.
Day 4
The ride starts today! We head to one of the highest lakes in the Ladakh plateau. Today’s ride sees varying road conditions from good tarmac to water crossings to some daunting off-road.
Day 5
Taking our highland adventure further, today the ride goes through some barren rugged landscape and a whole lot of off-road, skirting the Chinese border at places to Hanle, one of the most beautiful places in Ladakh. We will be staying at Hanle for the next two nights, camping under starlit skies !
Day 6
Get to the top of the highest motorable road in the world - Umling La at 19,024 ft above msl. The day is all about getting through massive flatlands to get to the prize!
Day 7
After a few days of tasting dirt in the Himalayas, it’s time to take a break with a fantastic tarmac ride heading past Leh once again to Ulley Tokpo. This will mark our departure from Changthang and entry into the Zanskar region of Ladakh.
Day 8
Today Zanskar welcomes us with dusty dirt roads as we make our way through some magnificent gorges and valleys to the pristine town of Padum. Making this ride a memorable one would be the awe inspiring sights that make up this forgotten part of Ladakh.
Day 9
Another memorable day awaits! On this day we take a trip to the locally sacred mountain of Gonbo Rangjon which is quite a sight by itself and onwards to Shinku La, a high altitude pass at 16,580 ft above msl.
Day 10
By the time you reach Leh, you’ll rest comfortably in the knowledge that you would have gone through some of the highest passes and the highest lakes in the world. Today’s ride is a mix of some sandy trails and picture perfect tarmac, thus ending your journey on a high. We’ll have a closing ceremony in the evening where we can sit around a fire and chat all about our trip to the high Himalayas.
Day 11
Until next time !
20 riders from 11 countries took advantage of Royal Enfield’s 6 decades of riding experience in the Himalayas across 9 days of riding like no other at the first ever Moto Himalaya. This is their story.
24 participants from across the globe came together to knock off one of their bucket list moments by riding in the Himalayas.
25 Riders from all over the world. 1 Epic experience.
The Royal Enfield Community grows each year with participants from Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia joining Moto Himalaya 2022 for an experience of a lifetime in the Himalayas.