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To the Gateway of Tibet, Kinnaur & Spiti

14 Days – Including 10 days of riding

Best time: September

Half-board

HIGHLIGHTS

o Ride the legendary Royal Enfield 500cc on a 1500 kilometer stretch of spectacular road.

o Be wonderstruck by the impressive majesty of the Himalayan landscapes. o The exceptional hospitality of the local population

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: HIGH For physically fit riders, who have an extensive riding experience. We mainly ride on small hilly, rocky and sandy tracks and there is also a very high possibility of crossing water streams. You will also be crossing high passes (over 4500m).

ROYAL ENFIELD 500CC Divided between India and Mongolia, our fleet consists of 16 Machismos 500cc (2010 models) and 19 Royal Enfield Classics 500cc (purchased in 2012 and 2013). The bikes have a European style gear shifting system (left side, first gear down) to ensure the comfort and safety for our riders. The Machismos are also equipped with a tailor made 21l tank, which is very helpful for longer-distance trips.

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LOGISTIC &

ORGANISATION

Your tour leader is an experienced English speaking rider, who is familiar with the area that you are visiting. He will coordinate the support team (mechanic, driver, helpers…) and make sure that the group travels safely. The tour leader is not a local guide, so, for your own convenience, get your own guide books. The entourage comprises of a tour leader and a well experienced garage mechanic. For groups of more than 3, a support van will accompany carrying all the luggage and mechanical equipment. The van can also accommodate potential passengers (only those registered as pillions) who choose to enjoy the ride in the comfort of the van.

To insure a safe and pleasant journey, a maximum of 12 participants, including riders and pillions, is recommended. More participants are welcome in our “A la Carte” and “Customized” options. In which case, the itinerary and program content are likely to vary, for your own comfort and safety (itinerary timing, number of accompanying persons and support vehicle…). Ask your travel advisor for more details.

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AT A GLANCE

While you ride the mythical Royal Enfield 500 on more than 1400 km, we offer you the discovery of a fascinating and mysterious destination: Kinnaur & Spiti. Home to the Tibetan Buddhists, they have managed to preserve their culture despite increasing Chinese political pressure. This is a one in a lifetime experience, just waiting for you. In these remote areas, the kindness and the warmth of the locals cross all expectations. This journey across the Himalayas, starts in the foothills of Kinnaur, and continues onto the high altitude Spiti plateau. This trip is not for the faint hearted. Only those with a passion for adventure and a will to test their nerves will truly enjoy this trip. In Kinnaur, located in the south of the Himalayan range, the mountains are tapering, and the valleys are lush and green. Kinnauris, famous for their singing and dancing talent, are also very good builders, as prove the gorgeous temples and woodand stone carved houses. Kinnaur is a multicultural region and welcomes a mix of religious rituals from Hinduism, shamanism and Buddhism. The gem of the valley is the “Kinner Kaïlash” which is 6501m high. Its pyramidal shape reminds us of the famous Kaïlash of Tibet. Spiti is a high altitude mountain region with narrow valleys, and breathtaking landscapes. Isolated settings are scattered with oasis and monasteries.

The population, typically Tibetan, mixes Buddhism superstition and local tribal beliefs. During the summer season, Spiti opens its arms to the Gaddi shepherds. After leaving the foothills of the Himalayas with their herds, they move up into higher and more remote valleys of the Himalayas. Along with this biking adventure, we offer optional visits and strolls into the cities and in the countryside.

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YOUR ITINERARY ON A MAP

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ITINERARY (Subject to changes)

Day 1: Arrival at Delhi Pick-up at the airport and transfer to the hotel in the heart of Delhi. Your room is available for check-in at 1200hrs. Overnight stay at the hotel. Day 2: Delhi – Nalagarh (300 m) Early morning departure for Nalagarh by private vehicle, across the green landscapes of Punjab, the most fertile province of the country. Arrival at Nalagarh, small village in the Himalayan foothills. Overnight stay at Nalagarh Fort. Day 3: Nalagarh - Shimla (2000 m) [120Km – 4/5H ride] We get our first glimpse of the Royal Enfield 500cc. First day of riding; drive to Shimla, on mountainous and hilly roads. Arrival in Shimla, a charming hill station and former summer capital of the English empire in India. Overnight stay at the hotel. Day 4: Shimla – Sarahan (2300 m) [170Km – 6 H ride] The road winds across the Himalayan foothills until Sarahan and its old fortified Kali temple. Sarahan is the gateway to mystical Kinnaur. Overnight stay in a guest-house.

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Day 5: Sarahan – Sangla (2500 m) [160Km – 6/7H ride] We climb up Sutlej Valley taking the famous Hindustan-Tibet road, an ancient route linking Lhassa and Punjab. We leave the main valley and take a track which winds its way deep into a vertiginous gorge, ultimately opening up into a scenic valley. We ride with the Baspa river flowing on one side till we reach Sangla, a beautiful fortified village. We will visit traditional Kinnauri villages of the Baspa Valley, including the genuine and remote Chitkul village. Overnight stay in a guest-house. The village architecture, especially that of Chitkul, is magnificent: a beautiful fusion of carved stone and wood. The Hindu temple and the Buddhist monastery face each other in the central area of the village, and no competition exists between the priests from both sides. In Chitkul, we are just few hours on foot from Tibet. Day 6: Sangla – Nako (3500 m) [180Km – 7H ride] We ride through the Sutlej Valley, with Tibet right in front of us. As one rides towards the north-east, the green landscapes vanish and a more stark and naked scenery meets the eye. As the Spiti valley approaches, the Sutlej Valley gets narrower. We are now in the heart of the Great Himalaya’s, just a few kilometers away from Tibet. The road is winding and the landscape gets arid. We arrive at Nako, typical Tibetan village, built around a small lake. The legend says that Padmasambhava, the Indian master who brought Buddhism to Tibet, left his foot print in this place. Overnight stay in a guest house.

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Day 7: Nako – Kaza (3600 m) [120Km – 4/5H ride] We will visit the small monastery, reminiscent of the setting of Zurlini’s “The desert of the Tartars”. Departure towards the north of the Spiti Valley. We will visit a few villages before arriving at Tabo. Tabo monastery, one of the most ancient Buddhist Tibetan sites (founded in 999 A.D), is no less mystical than its Tibetan contemporary, the Töling-Tsaparang. The tantric frescos, of cachemiry tradition, show a finesse rarely seen in the Tibetan world. Still heading north, we reach Kaza, the “capital” of Spiti. Overnight stay at the hotel. Day 8: Kaza and surroundings [90Km – 2/3H ride] Short ride today. We go to visit Dhankar’s impressive Gompa (monastery), which is perched high up on a ridge, before heading to the tiny village of Lallung. Back to Kaza for lunch. In the afternoon, we take a stroll in the town. This is the opportunity to bargain for jewellery, apricots, prayer wheels… or continue the bike ride to the small monastery of Kaumik. Overnight stay at the hotel. Day 9: Kaza – Kibber (4200 m) [50Km –2H ride] Another short riding day, which leads us to the high altitude village of Kibber. Visit of the wonderful Kye monastery, a few kilometers away from Kaza. We make our way up to Kibber, one of the highest villages of the Himalayan Range (4200m), on a winding mountain road. Visit of the village, surrounded by mountain tops over 5500m high. Overnight stay in a guest house.

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Day 10: Kibber – Chandra Tal lake (4200 m) [180Km – 6H ride] We head back down to Kaza and head towards the north-west. We cross the Kunzum pass (4600m), which separates Spiti and Lahaul. We make a pit stop at the pass, covered with colorful Tibetan flags fluttering in the wind, and take in the breathtaking beauty of the glaciers surrounding us. We head on to discover Chandra Tal – “The Moon lake”- surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. At this point we feel like we can touch the stars. If we are lucky, we might get the chance to meet the Gaddis, shepherds that move up from the lower valleys with their sheep every season. Overnight stay in a camp next to the lake. Day 11: Chandra Tal Lake – Naggar (1800 m) [200Km – 7/8H ride] We head back down in the Chandra Valley, in the Lahaul province, before taking the Leh-Manali road. We cross the Rothang pass (3900m), which forms a barrier between two worlds: on one side, the stark beauty of the Tibetan culture, and on the other side, the gorgeous Kullu Valley. The way down to Manali is impressive with its incredibly serpentine road. Be on the lookout: The roadsides are home to huge bearded vultures! Overnight stay at the hotel.

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Day 12: Naggar & Manali [80 Km – 50 miles - 3 H by road] By motorbike, we visit the green and charming Kullu Valley. Visit of the fort and the Naggar temple, before getting to Manali for lunch. Back to Manali in the afternoon and overnight stay at the hotel. Historically, known as « Kulanthapitha » which means « the end of the inhabitable world”, the Kullu Valley is famous for its gods, the hospitality of the local people, its beautiful pine and cedar forests, its rich orchards and its excellent hashish. The valley is today named “Valley of Gods” because of the numerous divinities and temples to be found in the villages. Day 13: Naggar – Delhi Free day in Naggar (extra day in case of any delays). Volvo “deluxe” night bus to Delhi. Day 14: Delhi – International airport Early morning arrival in Delhi. Transfer to the hotel. Free day in Delhi. In the afternoon, we will retain only one or two hotel rooms (according to the number of participants) for storing luggage or taking a shower before the late night transfer to the airport. End of our services. NB: Schedules of the stages are given as a rough guide. The itinerary is subject to change from one year to the next depending on the natural state of the roads.

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PRICES AND SERVICES*

A LA CARTE Formula

11/12 participants = 2230 €/ rider

9/10 participants = 2400 € / rider

6/8 participants = 2650 € / rider

4/5 participants = 3190 € / rider

2/3 participants = 3840 € / rider

* Pillion : 400 € less

Single room supplement: 330 €

FIXED DEPARTURE: 2650 € / rider

* Prices are valid for all tours between 15th September 2014 and 14th September 2016

PRICES INCLUDE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE

A Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle is provided with

full mechanical assistance and all spare parts;

Domestic transfers as appearing in the program,

by private vehicle;

An English speaking Tour Leader (from day 3 to

day 12);

Fuel expenses

An expert mechanic of Royal Enfield motorcycles

A support vehicle with driver for groups with

more than 4 participants; side luggage carrier for groups

of less than 4 participants.

Lodging in standard hotels and guest houses + 1

night at a camp, in double bed rooms on a twin-

sharing basis. If you wish to stay in a single room

(extra), please inform your travel advisor at the time of

registration.

Meals: Full board during riding days

Third party motorcycle insurance

Compulsory insurances, such as repatriation

assistance which covers you in case of a motorbike

accident in India – legal assistance.

International Flights and airport taxes

Visa fees

A refundable security deposit of 400 € for the

motorcycle (to be paid on cash upon arrival)

Lunch & Dinners on non-riding days (D1, D2, D13

& D14)

Admission fees to various monuments, temples etc.

Drinks and personal expenses

Tips

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My checklist Appropriate equipment is a component of a successful journey! Travel lightly,TRY TO STAY UNDER 45LBS (20 KGS)

BAGS:

A duffel bag would be perfect, a walker's bag too (without steel bar). You can close it with a padlock if you want to (Don’t forget to tag it before leaving with your address. Also with the address of Vintage Rides in India)

A small backpack of 20 liters is advised for daily necessities such as camera, sunscreen lotion…

CLOTHES AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:

2 light pants

4 shirts (including some with long sleeves, to protect yourself from the sun)

A warm sleeping bag (-10 C comfort) with a sleeping bag liner (recommended). (Beds, mattresses & covers are provided thoughout the trip. Sleeping equipment is optional and depends on your personal comfort)

Hot sweater or jacket for cold nights

Sun glasses

A swimsuit

Hat

Light sport shoes

Flip flops

1 liter canteen (flask) and a flashlight (don’t forget the batteries)

Some sweats and cereal bars

SPECIAL MOTORCYCLE CLOTHES:

Motorcycle boots are strongly advised or trekking shoes (waterproof)

Light motorbike jacket (leather or synthetic)

A rain suit (just in case!)

Gloves

Helmet

PERSONAL MEDICINE:

Sun screen lotion

Lip balm

Broad-spectrum antibiotic

Paracetamol

Anti-diarrhea

Elastoplast

Skin disinfectant

Bandages and special blisters bandage

Any further question?

Please contact us: info@vintagerides.com