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India - Ladakh and Kashmir
 There are few places on earth that offer the diversity and contrasts which you will encounter on this amazing journey to the Indian states of Ladakh and Kashmir. No words or pictures can adequately prepare you for the emotional onslaught which you are about to undergo.
Starting in India's bustling capital city of New Delhi, we catch a train north through the Gangetic plains (the bread basket of India) to a town on the northernmost boundaries of the plains where we start our big adventure up into the awesome High Himalaya. At times terrified and challenged, at times overcome by immense joy and profound peace, you are about to experience one of the world's great adventure rides.
The first few days will be spent swinging through the twisting mountain roads and valleys of the lush, green Himalayan foothills, but these verdant surroundings are quickly and startlingly replaced by the stark, raw majesty of the Tibetan plateau and the towering snow-capped peaks of the tallest mountain range on the planet.
Being encircled by such grandeur and immensity is a humbling experience. It is a place where, no matter who or what you perceive god to be, or what your religious convictions are (if any), you are likely to feel closer to purity than ever before. In this place your spirit and soul will sing. On entering into the ethereal world of Ladakh you will acknowledge that it is a land like no other.
Bounded by two of the world's highest mountain ranges, the Himalaya and Karakorum, it also encompasses the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges. In geological terms, it is a young land, formed only a few million years ago by the buckling and folding of the earth's crust as the Indian sub-continent pushed with irresistible force against the immoveable mass of Asia. Its basic contours, uplifted by these unimaginable tectonic movements, have been modified over millennia by the opposite process of erosion, sculpted by wind ands water into the form we see today.
The gentle people of the towns, villages and nomadic tribes exude a sense of peace and harmony with nature. Their lifestyle, based on Buddhist beliefs and a sense of community, is evident in everything they do, from raising families to keeping shop to harvesting. Ladakh is a unique and special place.
And then there's Kashmir. In only a few short kilometres the contrast between these two great states of India is almost inconceivable - it's like riding from the moon's surface into a chocolate box picture. The Vale of Kashmir is almost a tourist cliché, drenched as it is in the purple prose of scores of books, pamphlets, brochures and songs. However, the reality often transcends expectations and none of the phrases quite prepares one for the enchantment of the place.
The harsh beauty of the barren mountains piercing the sky, the massive cathedral-like formations of the land and the striated colours of the rocky surrounds - dun, ochre, saffron, red and yellow, have been replaced by a softer beauty full of green and blue, pink and purple, indigo and gold. Waterfalls cascade and rivers tumble through a landscape studded with jewel-like lakes filled with lotuses budding in the late summer heat; the vista of chequered fields, wildflowers, dense forests and rolling hills is punctuated by glinting silver threads of streams and canals.
And so to Srinagar, the magical centre of this sylvan world. Torn apart by more than 50 years of wars and skirmishes, destabilised by militant outrages, the focus of dramatic media coverage, Srinagar still manages to maintain an tangible aura of the sophisticated, graceful, multi-racial society that created the beauty and formal elegance of places such as the Mughal Shalima and Nishat Gardens. While a strong military presence is sadly still very much in evidence, out on the lakes you might believe you are in paradise.
Included in the package are the following: |
- Group transfers to/from airport and hotel
- Accommodation throughout the tour on a Twin-Share basis
- All meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Comfortable support vehicle with driver and staff (for luggage transport, assistance and occasional passengers)
- Full motorbike rental for the duration of the tour (electric start and front disc brakes as standard)
- Experienced mechanics
- All fuel and oil costs
- Repairs, maintenance and spare parts
- Motorcycle Damage Insurance
- Basic emergency first-aid equipment
- English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees to selected monuments and attractions
- All hotel, restaurant and staff gratuities (excluding hotel porters)
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Excluded from the package are the following: |
- Travel insurance policy covering use of motorcycle
- Tourist visas for India
- International Driving Permit
- Vaccinations and personal medication including known allergy antidotes
- Items of a personal nature such as postage, laundry and alcohol
- Personal consumptions such as bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
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| Additional information: |
- Bikes - On all our Indian tours we use the Royal Enfield Bullet - single-cylinder, 500cc with left-hand brake and right-hand gearbox (one up, three down). Yes - really, but you do get used to the configuration pretty quickly! You may have also heard horror stories about the virtual lack of front brake - untrue. The bikes used by us are all fitted with efficient front disc brakes as standard and also electric start (many other companies charge for the last two features). In addition to being delightfully authentic, these wonderful bikes are well-balanced and maneuverable with lots of low-end torque and are perfect for Indian traffic and road conditions. The pillion seat is roomy and quite comfortable with the foot pegs set so knee-height is below hip height - a great thing when traveling any distance. However, pillions are advised to bring a sheepskin for extra comfort.
- Driving Licenses and Travel Insurance - Riders must have a valid and unrestricted international rider's licence. Travel insurance is mandatory and, if on a bike at all, must cover riding motorcycles. Please check the rider clause carefully and any clause relating to medical evacuation before you purchase or use any existing insurance (such as that provided by some credit card companies). Should the necessity arise, medical evacuation is horrendously expensive and could leave a very large hole in your wallet.
- Accommodation & Food - The general standard of accommodation is good. However, please be aware we do have three nights of camping and in more remote areas such as Kargil, the accommodation may simply be "best in town". Except for breakfast where there is usually a western menu (cereal, eggs and toast etc), other meals are generally local cuisine. If you have a preference for blander foods, please notify your tour leader prior to meals being ordered and they will endeavor to find something else for you. Vegetarians are well catered for in Hindu and Buddhist regions.
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