The Great Himalayan Traverse

Ride from the historic chaos of Delhi to the serene, spiritually charged heights of Ladakh, crossing Spiti Valley, Zanskar, Tso Moriri, and Pangong Lake. This is the soul of India on two wheels—myths, monasteries, military history, and mighty passes.

From the remote Pin Valley to the mirrored waters of Pangong, this is for the rider who seeks more than views—this is for those who want stories, challenges, and transformation.

ITINERARY – DAY BY DAY

Day 1 – Arrive in Delhi / Fly to Chandigarh / Transfer to Manali (Hotel Stay)

• Pickup from airport

• Option to fly Delhi–Kullu or Delhi–Chandigarh + SUV transfer

• Stay at The Warehouse Hotel, Manali

• Bike orientation, safety briefing, permit prep

Day 2 – Manali to Kaza via Kunzum La (12,467 ft)

• Ride through Atal Tunnel and into the raw landscapes of Lahaul

• Cross Kunzum Pass into Spiti Valley

• Overnight in Kaza – Boutique hotel with rooftop view

📖 Myth & Legend: Locals believe Kunzum Pass is protected by the Goddess Kunzum Mata, and all riders stop to offer a prayer for safe passage.

Day 3 – Explore Spiti: Hikkim, Komic, Key Monastery

• Visit the world’s highest post office in Hikkim

• Ride to Komic, one of the world’s highest villages

• Meditate at the 1,000-year-old Key Monastery

• Optional lunch with monks

📖 Legend: The Key Monastery is believed to be protected by snow leopards and spirit monks from ancient times.

Day 4 – Kaza to Pin Valley to Sarchu (Luxury Camp)

• Detour into Pin Valley National Park

• Cross back into Lahaul and climb up to Sarchu

• Stay in insulated tents with oxygen backup

Day 5 – Sarchu to Zanskar via Shingo La (16,719 ft)

• Ride a hidden Himalayan jewel—Shingo La

• Reach the surreal landscapes of Zanskar

• Stay in local homestays in Purne or Padum

📖 Legend: The remote monasteries of Zanskar are said to have been founded by meditating saints who tamed snow demons.

Day 6 – Zanskar to Tsomoriri Lake via Lingshed Trail

• Ride through isolated valleys to Tsomoriri

• Stay near the lake with nomadic Changpa tribe experience

📖 Myth: Tsomoriri is believed to be guarded by Nagas (serpent deities). Locals don’t bathe in it out of deep respect.

Day 7 – Tso Moriri to Leh via Mahe Bridge and Chumathang

• Ride along geothermal springs of Chumathang

• Reach Leh by late evening

• Check-in at a boutique heritage hotel

Day 8 – Leh Rest Day: Monasteries & Markets

• Visit Shanti Stupa, Thiksey Monastery, Hall of Fame

• Free time to explore the bazaars for local handicrafts

• Optional river rafting or cafe hopping

Day 9 – Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La (17,582 ft)

• Ride the world’s highest motorable pass

• Stay in luxury tents in Hunder, near sand dunes

• Optional ATV rides, camel safari, local music

Day 10 – Nubra to Pangong Lake (14,270 ft)

• Ride via Agham–Shyok route

• Sunset at Pangong Lake—a photographer’s dream

• Luxury lakeside tents

📖 Legend: Pangong’s waters are believed to change colors based on the moods of deities. Monks meditate by its banks for enlightenment.

Day 11 – Pangong to Leh via Chang La (17,590 ft)

• Visit Chang La Pass – among the highest in the world

• Return to Leh by evening for celebration dinner

• Tour Certificate Ceremony

Day 12 – Fly out from Leh

• Airport transfers arranged

• End of tour

SAFETY FIRST – OUR EMERGENCY SOPs

We are led by ex-Army personnel and first-aid certified staff.
Here’s how we protect our riders:

✅ Medical Safety

• Daily oxygen saturation checks

• Medical kits with acetazolamide, oxygen cylinders, and first-aid

• High-altitude acclimatization breaks

• Doctors on-call in Leh, Kaza, and Manali

• Evacuation SOP: Pre-arranged coordination with local authorities and military hospitals

✅ Bike & Backup

• 1:1 Rider–Mechanic Ratio for serious groups

• Support 4x4 SUV with tools, fuel, food, spare gear

• Satellite phone and emergency satellite GPS tracking

• Riders wear full protective gear, ISI/DOT helmets

🏕️ ACCOMMODATIONS

We handpick boutique properties, Himalayan-style lodges, and insulated luxury tents, ensuring:

• Hot water, charging points, and clean toilets

• Rooms with mountain/valley/lake views

• Local meals with a western palate option.

  🔖 BONUS EXPERIENCES FOR FOREIGN RIDERS

  • Night under 1,000 stars at Pangong

  • Cook with Changpa nomads

  • Attend monk prayer sessions

  • Try your hand at off-road riding on high passes

  • River bath in Chandrabhaga tributary (optional polar plunge!)

  • Ride patch and signed certificate by Major Palden

  🧍‍♂️ ABOUT THE FOUNDER – MAJOR PALDAN THAKUR

  • Over 30 years of riding in the Himalayas

  • Founder of The Warehouse Hotel and Motor Café

  • Served in Indian Army and Retired as a Major.

  • Participated in rallies, adventure racing, and overland expeditions

  • Safety-trained, certified in mountain first aid

How do I register?

Registration

We will only be able to accommodate a limited number of participants (25) on the ride and this will be done on a first-come - first-serve basis.

Participation is confirmed only after payment for the ride on the Warehouse Motor Tours website and due documents are processed.

Further to this, there will be a gear scrutiny conducted one day before the ride which is mandatory.You can pay online using your Credit card.

Documents required for The Great Himalayan Traverse:

1) Scan of Passport size photograph

2) Medical History by Self & Doctor - Format attached

3) Scanned Copy of your valid Driving License. Participants should have a valid International Driving Permit that is a legal requirement for riding a motorcycle in India. The validity of such a permit for India as well as the dates of your travel, should be checked before your trip.

4) Scan a Copy of the High-Risk Mediclaim Policy which is valid in India and should be valid for the duration of the trip.

5) Scan a Copy of your passport (first, last page & all the pages with Valid & expired visa stamps)

6) VISA : Your visa should be a TOURIST VISA only as the places that we would be riding to require government permits that are not granted on any other kind of visa.

Cancellation or Curtailment

There is a lot of advance planning that goes into this trip and based on a participant's confirmation, others might have to be turned down hence, we will not be in a position to refund the registration amount if you wish to not participate.

In the event of the cancellation or postponement of the ride due to logistics, The Warehouse Motor Tours shall refund only the registration amount to the participant and not any other expenses incurred by the participant.

Force Majeure

This means unusual and unforeseeable circumstances which are beyond normal control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised. Such circumstances or events include (but are not limited to) war, or threat of war, riot, civil strike, industrial dispute, unavoidable technical problems with transport, closure or congestion of airports, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, volcanic activity, fire and adverse weather conditions as well the Covid - 19 pandemic restrictions. In the event of any of the above, refunds or compensation cannot be made and Participants will be responsible for providing all their own additional meals, travel and accommodation

Need more details or have specific questions ? Please write to hello@atwarehouse.in