- By Kanika Sachdeva
- Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Royal Enfield Ladakh Ride: 18 days. 77 riders. 2,600 kilometers. I'm taking you on an adventure that was just a daydream for a long time. This is the 21st Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey, and we're not just riding… we're conquering the world’s highest motorable road and exploring some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes on this planet.
From Strangers to Family
Our journey started in Leh, with excitement and a little bit of nervousness. We were a group of strangers, but everyone had one common passion: the open road and the call of the Himalayas. Soon, those strangers became a family, bound by shared challenges and unforgettable moments on the road.
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Hanle: Stargazer's Paradise
From Leh, we arrived at Hanle, our first big milestone. Hanle is a place that truly feels separate from the world. Nestled in Ladakh’s Changthang region is a place where it feels like you're on another planet. It's remote, it's rugged, and most importantly—it’s a paradise for stargazers. With high altitude and nearly zero light pollution, it's India's first Dark Sky Reserve.
You can't even begin to describe it. So many stars, such a clear sky… It's a humbling experience. It makes you feel small, and yet, the most connected.
Umling La: The Ultimate Conquest
After a magical night, now was the time for the biggest challenge of this trip: the ride to Umling La. At 19,024 feet, it is the world's highest motorable road – the air is so thin here that if you take a breath, it would feel in your windpipe, the terrain unforgiving, and every twist of the throttle is a test of willpower. We were not allowed to stay here for long, as the weather would start taking a toll on us.
Zanskar Valley: A Hidden Gem
The journey didn't end there. From the moon-like landscapes of Umling La, we reached the stunning Zanskar Valley, a place where raw and untamed beauty is everywhere. Riding towards Padum, the heart of Zanskar, it was a visual feast all around—towering mountains, winding rivers, and ancient monasteries.
Zanskar is a hidden gem. It’s still untouched, absolutely pure. The people, the culture, the landscapes… everything tells a story of resilience and peace.
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The Perfect Ending in Manali
And just like that, our epic journey entered its final leg. The last few days were a blur—familiar yet fulfilling rides that brought us to our final destination: Manali. The air got warmer, the valleys got greener, and with every kilometre came the realisation that this adventure was coming to an end.
Manali. A perfect end to this incredible odyssey. When I look back, it feels like this wasn't just a bike ride. It was self-discovery, a test of our limits, and a reminder of how beautiful the world is. My fellow riders—thank you for the memories. Royal Enfield—thank you for making this dream a reality. And to all of you—thank you from the bottom of my heart for riding along.