The 17 Passes - Trans Himalayan
Motorcycle Tour
(Pangi - Zanskar - Ladakh - Spiti)

Arrive in Amritsar, the gateway to the expedition, and settle into the hotel. Today is dedicated to meeting your fellow riders and the Motorcycle Escapades team, completing the necessary formalities and getting familiar with your Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle. Depending on arrival times, there will be an opportunity to visit the magnificent Golden Temple and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city. In the evening, we will conduct a detailed expedition briefing covering the route, riding protocols, high-altitude safety, weather conditions and support arrangements for the days ahead.

Overnight: Amritsar 

Arrival in Amritsar

Our Trans-Himalayan adventure officially begins as we leave the plains of Punjab behind and ride towards the Himalayan foothills. The landscape gradually changes from open agricultural fields to forest-covered mountains as we enter Himachal Pradesh. The route follows a combination of winding roads and scenic mountain sections, with increasingly dramatic views as we approach Chamba. This historic Himalayan town, situated on the banks of the Ravi River, provides a comfortable base for the night before we venture into the remote and rugged Pangi Valley tomorrow.

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Overnight: Chamba

Amritsar to Chamba (230 Km)

Today marks the beginning of the serious Himalayan riding. We leave Chamba and climb steadily towards the spectacular Pangi Valley, crossing the legendary Sach Pass at approximately 4,420 metres. The road winds through dense forests, waterfalls, narrow mountain sections and increasingly barren high-altitude terrain before reaching the pass. From the summit, we descend towards the remote Pangi Valley, one of Himachal Pradesh's most isolated regions. The road becomes more adventurous as we make our way towards Killar, with dramatic cliffs and deep gorges accompanying us throughout the day.

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Overnight: Killar | Pass: Sach Pass - 4,420m

Chamba to Killar (160 Km)

Leaving Killar behind, we continue riding through the remote Pangi Valley, following the spectacular mountain roads carved along the sides of deep river gorges. The region is known for its dramatic landscapes, isolated villages and limited connectivity, making this one of the most authentic sections of the expedition. As we gradually move towards Lahaul, the vegetation becomes thinner and the landscape increasingly resembles the high-altitude desert we will encounter in Zanskar and Ladakh. We eventually reach Jispa on the banks of the Bhaga River, where we prepare for our first crossing above 5,000 metres.

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Overnight: Jispa

Killar to Jispa (150 Km)

One of the defining days of the expedition takes us from Lahaul into the remote kingdom of Zanskar. We leave Jispa early and climb towards Shinku La, standing at approximately 5,091 metres, one of the highest passes on our journey. Beyond the pass, the landscape changes dramatically as we descend into the Zanskar Valley, passing remote settlements, dramatic cliffs and high mountain rivers. The route takes us through Kargyak and Purne before continuing towards Padum. Along the way, the spectacular sacred mountain Gombo Rangjon rises dramatically from the valley, providing one of the most memorable sights of the expedition.

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Overnight: Padum | Pass: Shinku La – 5,091 meters

Jispa to Padum (175 Km)

Today is another spectacular high-altitude riding day as we leave Padum and cross deep into the remote Zanskar landscape. The route climbs towards Sirsir La, followed by the impressive Singe La at around 5,050 metres. The journey takes us through remote valleys, rugged mountain formations and isolated settlements rarely visited by conventional tourists. After crossing the high passes, we gradually approach the famous Moonland landscapes surrounding Lamayuru, where the geology changes dramatically into barren, sculpted mountains. We spend the night in Lamayuru, ready to enter Ladakh the following morning.

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Overnight: Lamayuru | Passes: Sirsir La & Singe La - 5,050 meters

Padum to Lamayuru (180 Km)

We leave the extraordinary landscapes of Lamayuru and ride towards Leh along one of Ladakh's classic mountain roads. The route takes us across Fotu La at approximately 4,108 metres, the highest point on the Srinagar–Leh highway, before descending through spectacular mountain scenery towards the Indus Valley. Along the way, we pass traditional Ladakhi villages, monasteries and dramatic rock formations before eventually reaching Leh. After several demanding days in Pangi and Zanskar, arriving in Leh gives us the opportunity to relax, enjoy a comfortable evening and prepare for the high-altitude riding ahead.

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Overnight: Leh | Pass: Fotu La - 4,108 meters

Lamayuru to Leh (150 Km)

Today is a much-needed rest and acclimatisation day in Leh. With the expedition now operating at high altitude, this break allows the body to adjust before we venture towards Nubra, Pangong and the remote Changthang Plateau. Riders can explore Leh's colourful markets, visit Leh Palace and Shanti Stupa, or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. Meanwhile, our support team will conduct a detailed inspection of all motorcycles, checking tyres, brakes, chains, fluids and other essential components before the next stage of the expedition.

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Overnight: Leh

Rest & Acclimatisation in Leh

Today we head north from Leh towards the spectacular Nubra Valley, crossing one of the most famous high-altitude roads in the Himalayas: Khardung La at approximately 5,350 metres. The climb towards the pass offers spectacular views across the surrounding mountains before a dramatic descent into Nubra. The landscape changes from barren high-altitude mountains to a surprisingly green valley fed by the Shyok and Nubra rivers. We continue towards Hunder, famous for its sand dunes and Bactrian camels, where we spend the night surrounded by the dramatic mountains of the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges.

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Overnight: Hunder | Pass: Khardung La - 5,350 meters

Leh to Hunder (145 Km)

One of the longest and most spectacular days of the expedition takes us from Nubra towards the legendary Pangong Lake without returning to Leh. We cross the remote Wari La at approximately 5,300 metres, followed by the famous Chang La, before continuing across the vast high-altitude landscape towards Pangong. The scenery changes constantly as we cross remote valleys and enormous mountain plateaus. By late afternoon, the brilliant blue waters of Pangong Lake come into view, and we continue along its eastern shores towards Merak, where we spend the night beside one of the Himalayas' most spectacular lakes.

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Overnight: Merak | Passes: Wari La & Chang La - 5,300 meters

Hunder to Pangong / Merak (260 Km)

We leave the shores of Pangong and enter the remote Changthang Plateau, one of the least populated regions of the Indian Himalayas. The route takes us through vast open plains, dramatic mountains and isolated settlements as we head towards Hanle. Along the way, we cross Tsaga La, adding another high mountain pass to our expedition. The landscape here feels completely different from the busy Ladakh circuit, with very few vehicles and an extraordinary sense of wilderness. We eventually reach Hanle, a remote village famous for its observatory and exceptionally clear night skies.

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Overnight: Hanle |  Pass: Tsaga La

Merak to Hanle (160 Km)

Today is the hero day of the Trans-Himalayan Trail as we ride towards the legendary Umling La, approximately 5,799 metres above sea level. The journey takes us through some of the most remote and barren landscapes of the Himalayas, with vast mountains and high-altitude valleys stretching towards the horizon. Along the route, we cross Photi La (5,032 m) and Nurbula Pass (5,200 m) before making our way towards the ultimate milestone Umling La (5,799 m), one of the world's highest motorable roads.

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Overnight: Hanle | Pass: Photi La (5,032 m), Nurbula Pass (5,200 m) & Umling La (5,799 m)

Hanle to Umling La to Hanle Back (160 Km)

After our demanding Umling La expedition, we begin the long ride back towards Leh. The route takes us once again through the vast landscapes of Changthang, with opportunities to stop for photographs and enjoy the remote scenery. This is primarily a transition day, allowing the group to return to the comfort of Leh and prepare for the next major stage of the expedition. By evening, riders can relax, enjoy a good meal and prepare their motorcycles and riding gear for the challenging journey across the ManaliLeh highway and into Spiti Valley.

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Overnight: Leh

Hanle to Leh (250 Km)

A second rest and preparation day in Leh gives everyone an opportunity to recover before the long ride towards Lahaul and Spiti. Our mechanics will carry out another complete inspection of the motorcycles, while riders can explore Leh, visit local monasteries or simply relax. This is also an opportunity to check riding equipment, luggage and personal supplies before the expedition moves into another remote section where support facilities become increasingly limited. In the evening, we will conduct a briefing for the following day's long and demanding ride.

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Overnight: Leh

Rest Day in Leh

This is one of the biggest riding days of the entire expedition as we cross from Ladakh into Lahaul. The route takes us across the vast More Plains before climbing over Taglang La at approximately 5,328 metres, followed by Nakee La, Lachulung La at around 5,059 metres and Baralacha La at approximately 4,890 metres. The landscape changes constantly throughout the day, from high-altitude desert to enormous mountain valleys and glacial terrain. After crossing the final pass, we descend towards the greener landscapes of Lahaul and eventually reach Sissu in the beautiful Chandra Valley.

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Overnight: Sissu | Passes: Taglang La (5,328 m), Nakee La (5,059 m), Lachulung La (5,059 m) & Baralacha La (4,890 m)

Leh to Sissu (385 Km)

Leaving Sissu, we continue towards the remote and spectacular Spiti Valley. The road follows the Chandra River before climbing towards Kunzum La at approximately 4,550 metres, the gateway between Lahaul and Spiti. From the summit, the landscape opens into the enormous high-altitude desert of Spiti, surrounded by rugged mountains and ancient Buddhist settlements. We descend towards Losar and continue through the dramatic Spiti Valley before reaching Kaza, where we settle in for the night after another memorable day of Himalayan riding.

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Overnight: Kaza | Pass: Kunzum La – 4,550 meters

Sissu to Kaza (160 Km)

Today we slow the pace and explore the incredible cultural and natural highlights around Kaza. Depending on local road conditions, the day's ride can include Key Monastery, Kibber, Chicham Bridge, Langza, Hikkim and Komic, some of the highest inhabited villages in the world. The landscape around Spiti is unlike anywhere else on the expedition, with barren cliffs, ancient monasteries and traditional stone villages scattered across the valley. The evening is free to enjoy Kaza and reflect on the extraordinary journey so far.

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Overnight: Kaza

Explore Kaza & Spiti (70 Km)

We leave Kaza and begin our journey towards Kinnaur, gradually transitioning from the stark high-altitude desert of Spiti to greener Himalayan valleys. The road follows the Spiti River and eventually connects with the Sutlej region, passing through traditional villages and dramatic mountain landscapes along the way. As we descend to lower elevations, vegetation and forests gradually return to the landscape. By the time we reach Sangla, the scenery has changed completely, with pine forests, apple orchards and towering Himalayan peaks surrounding the beautiful Baspa Valley.

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​Overnight: Sangla 

Kaza to Sangla (235 Km)

Today's ride takes us deeper into the green and forested landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. Leaving Sangla, we follow winding mountain roads through Kinnaur, passing traditional villages, terraced fields and applegrowing regions. After many days spent in the barren high-altitude landscapes of Ladakh and Spiti, the forests and cooler climate provide a refreshing contrast. We continue towards Narkanda, a peaceful Himalayan hill station surrounded by cedar and pine forests, where we spend our final night in the mountains.

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Overnight: Narkanda

Sangla to Narkanda (175 Km)

Our final riding day begins as we leave the Himalayan forests around Narkanda and gradually descend towards the plains. The roads become wider and the altitude decreases as we make our way towards Chandigarh. This final section gives riders time to reflect on the extraordinary journey from the remote Pangi Valley and Zanskar to the high passes of Ladakh, the vast Changthang Plateau, Umling La and the dramatic landscapes of Spiti. We arrive in Chandigarh by afternoon or evening, followed by a final group dinner to celebrate completing the 15 Passes Trans-Himalayan Trail.

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Overnight: Chandigarh

Narkanda to Chandigarh (175 Km)

​After breakfast, the expedition officially comes to an end. Depending on individual flight schedules, transfers can be arranged to Chandigarh Airport or onward travel. After 21 days of riding across some of India's most remote and spectacular Himalayan landscapes, riders depart with memories of 17 legendary mountain passes, remote valleys, ancient cultures, challenging roads and the camaraderie of an unforgettable Trans-Himalayan adventure.

Departure from Chandigarh