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BHUTAN THUNDER DRAGON ADVENTURE
Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is sandwiched between Tibet and India. For the touring enthusiast, this tiny Kingdom offers the qualities we all seek when travelling on two wheels: a diversity of stunning scenery, an inviting population, political tranquility and exotic culture found within a small but diverse geographical package. The quality of riding in Bhutan stimulates the senses at every mile. Without a doubt, riding here one of the most unique experiences you will ever have.
During Covid, Bhutan revamped the tourism policy it had set in place and which remained virtually unchanged since the early 1990s. The result was the near doubling of an already high cost to visit. While Bhutan has always been a sought-after destination, it is now one of the most exclusive places one can visit. Known for it's lush biodiversity, its warm and generous population, and its unmolested and ancient culture, Bhutan is a place like no other. We've decided to lean into the change and give you an experience of adventure and luxury in a land that most will only ever dream of visiting. |
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LADAKH AND ZANSKAR HIGH ROADS EXPEDITIONLadakh and Zanskar: Ladakh literally, ‘Land of many passes’, and Zanskar meaning 'white copper or brass' is one of the only places left on the planet where Tibetan Buddhism still flourishes as it has for thousands of years. Situated in the northernmost part of India, bordering the Karakoram Range and Tibet, it is surely one of the last unspoiled ultimate destinations. Part of the ancient Silk Route to the Orient, closed to outsiders until 1974, Ladakh also contains the world’s highest motorable pass, Umling-La at 5,882 m (19,300 ft).
This 14 day motorcycle expedition takes us from Ladakh's capital city of Leh, along the Indus River Valley, to Kargil, and then into the heart of Zanskar. We ride the breadth of this magical land and exit into Himachal Pradesh, tipping our hats to the original High Roads Expedition by riding a section of the Leh-Manali road. From here we diverge again, venturing off to Ladakh's incredible lakes, Tso Kar, and Tso Moriri. After ascending Umling-La, we return to Leh via Pangong Lake, the largest high elevation salt water lake in the world. |
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ZANSKAR REMOTE VALLEYS AND HIDDEN JEWELS
Zanskar has for centuries a been a remote and mystical kingdom tucked away in India's northern Himalayas. Until recently, the only way to access this high desert paradise was by arduous days of trekking, but in the last few years India has embarked upon a program to unite more remote sections of the nation. The result for Zanskar has been new roads into its remote valleys, which both provide access for locals to goods, services and culture that previously was very difficult or impossible to come by, as well as provide travelers easier access to to Zanskar's incredibly scenery and living history.
Much of what we see on this 11 day tour has been impossible until recently, from the Dah Hanu villages where descendants of Alexander the Great's army have made their home for millennia, to Phuktal Monastery, which was built around mediation caves that date back farther than 2500 years. |
Photo by Mayur More on Unsplash
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Wild Arunachal PradeshArunachal Pradesh (AP) is the easternmost state in India, bordered by Bhutan to the west, Tibet to the north, and Myanmar to the east. AP has long been a restricted area for visitors, and special permission is still required to travel there. It is a state of jungly hills and high Himalayan mountains, of rivers and waterfalls and undisturbed Buddhism. It is an area of little population, with few visitors and empty roads.
We've partnered with a nascent tour company in Arunachal Pradesh, Backroads Himalayas, and have planned a recce tour in March of 2024. We're really excited about this and we want you to come explore with us! |
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TIBET ROOF OF THE WORLDIn 1999, Himalayan Moto Tours was the first tour operator to run organized motorcycle tours into Tibet. In 2001 we were the first to reach Everest Base Camp on the Tibet northern approach by motorcycle and the first company to bring motorcycle groups to Everest Base Camp. We take you to the edge of adventure!
Tibet and Nepal offer adventure riders a fantastic experience – both cultural and scenic. You'll see the world's highest mountain from its base camp and you'll tour the Potala Palace. In between, you get to ride through the real Tibet at a time that may well turn out to be a crossroads in the country's modern history. |
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NEPAL - UPPER MUSTANG EXPEDITIONThis is an expedition into Upper Mustang valley deep within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The region is very remote both because of its high mountain geography and because it requires special permission to visit. The result is a culture as well as a landscape that remains particularly unmolested. Traveling up from the tepid planes of Kathmandu, the terrain is hilly jungle and terraced cropland, but as we climb higher foliage gives way to arid highland where most of what grows has been carefully cultivated.
Mustang’s far north borders Tibet and here one encounters possibly the most unmarred Tibetan Buddhist culture left on earth. The valley is rimmed by 7000 meter peaks, the land is a canvas for light and cloud. The beauty is stark and breathtaking. Roads in this region are unpaved and are seldom more than tracks; the riding here is challenging and requires off-road experience. We do not recommend this trip for pillions. |
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NEPAL - JUNGLES AND FOOTHILLS TOURCome experience the warmth, friendliness, and adventure that is Nepal. Our Jungles and Foothills Tour begins from Nepal's capital city of Kathmandu and visits the wild jungles of Chitwan National Park, Buddha's birthplace at Lumbini, and the trekker's Mecca that is Pokhara. We'll ride through verdant and steamy jungles, over twisty roads through the foothills of the Himalayas, and under the shadows of the world's highest peaks. We'll search for tigers and rhinos from the back of an elephant, we'll drink chai with roadside chai wallahs, and best of all we'll ride through some of the most glorious countryside in Asia. R
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RAJASTHAN PALACE CLASSICRajasthan, the "Land of Kings" situated south-west of Delhi, on the edge of the Thar desert as it stretches to meet Pakistan, has been the home of proud Rajput warriors and seat of the mighty Mogul Empire. Rajasthan is India at its exotic best! This deluxe desert-palace tour takes us through back roads to seldom seen castles converted into luxury hotels, hosted often by descendants of those who once claimed princely reign over the kingdoms of Rajasthan. The tour includes visits to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, two of the best wildlife parks in India, and culminates with the brightest jewel in India's crown, the Taj Mahal.
This tour is an abundance of visual textures. Sweeping desert dunes, lush oases, jagged mountains accented with towering fortresses known as havelis, and towns of ornate architecture and vivid colours. The market places remain as traditional as they have for thousands of years. In the land of the Rajas, the camel is a common mode of transportation. |