Ladakh Motorbike Tour 2027: What Makes Our India Special Edition Special

We run Kenya. That is our home turf. But once, in September 2027, we are taking nine riders somewhere completely different: Ladakh, in the Indian Himalayas.

Twelve days. Seventeen high passes. And one summit higher than Everest Base Camp, on a motorbike. This is what makes our India Special Edition special.

1. The Highest Road on Earth

The big one is Umling La, at 5,798m the highest motorable road on the planet. We ride up from Hanle, stand at the top and ride back down via Photi La and its 83 hairpins.

Along the way we cross passes most riders only see on YouTube. Zoji La, Pensi La, Shinku La, Baralacha La, Tanglang La and Khardung La, to name a few. On one day alone we cross four passes above 4,700m.

2. Zanskar, Not Just the Usual Route

Many Ladakh motorbike tours stick to the classic Manali to Leh highway. We go the long way round. From Srinagar and Kargil we ride into the Zanskar Valley, past the Drang Drung Glacier to Padum, then over Shinku La.

Zanskar is rough, remote and barely developed. Exactly the kind of riding we love.

3. Lakes, Deserts and Dark Skies

• Nubra Valley. Sand dunes & the Shyok River gorge, high in the mountains.
• Pangong Tso. A night in a tented camp by the lake at 4,225m. Bring the warm socks.
• Hanle. India’s first Dark Sky Reserve. The best stargazing of your life.
• Srinagar. We start with a night on a heritage houseboat on Dal Lake.

4. The Right Bike for the Job

In Kenya we ride Kibo 250s. Ladakh needs more bike. Everyone rides a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: 40hp, long travel suspension and the machine half of India uses to cross these passes.

Your luggage travels in the backup truck. You just ride.

5. Serious Support at Serious Altitude

Altitude is the real challenge up here. So the support is built around it:

• A rest & acclimatisation day in Leh before the highest sections
• Oxygen, SpO2 & blood pressure monitors in the support vehicle
• A backup truck with mechanic, plus a support SUV
• Road captains who know every pass
• The option to ride in the truck if you need a break

6. Same Crew, New Mountains

We are not pretending to be Ladakh experts. For this edition we team up with an established Ladakh operator, with the local knowledge, bikes, mechanics and permits these passes need.

Raj and Hidde lead the group, same as always. Same vibe too: small group, good food, stories at the end of every day and friends by the end of it. Our Kenya riders gave us 5.0 out of 5 on Google. For India we are going all in to top that.

7. It Only Happens Once

This is a one time Special Edition. Nine spots. When they are gone, they are gone.

Is the India Special Edition for You?

• You have some off road experience & are happy on loose surfaces for long stretches
• You are fit enough for long days at altitude. The longest day is 336 km
• You care more about the riding than about ticking off sights

Not sure? Get in touch. We will jump on a video call, talk through the days and work out together whether this one is for you.

Good to Know

• When: September 2027, the dry season in Ladakh. Exact dates coming soon.
• Where: Starts in Srinagar, ends in Leh.
• Group: Max 9 riders.
• Paperwork: Indian eVisa, national licence plus International Driving Permit & travel insurance.

Claim Your Spot

Want in? See the full India Special Edition route and details and tell us you are in. You will hear the dates before anyone else. Prefer Africa? Our guide to motorbike tours in Kenya is a good place to start.