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Highlights

the cliffhanger

CLIFFHANGER TRAILS

Tackle the stunning mountainous terrain of the Pangi &
Kashmir Valleys

Houseboats on Dal lake

DAL LAKE

Spend the night on traditional and luxurious Kashmiri houseboats

mountain camping

REMOTE MOUNTAIN CAMPING

Share the campfire with nomadic sheep herders

the himalayas

SPITI VALLEY

Ride this remote and lonely high-altitude mountain desert – The land of the Snow Leopard

highest road

THE WORLD’S HIGHEST MOTORABLE ROADS

Cross Khardung La, Tanglang La & Nakee La at altitudes up to almost 18,000 feet

Key Information

This is by far the most comprehensive and exciting motorcycle ride you can have in the Himalayas. Nothing else comes close.

Information Pack

This Information Pack includes everything you need to know about this Adventure, including Insurance Details & Emergency Contacts, Your Health, Kit List, Driving/Riding Conditions, Questions and Answers and Visa Application.

DOWNLOAD HERE
Roof of India information pack

Adventure Dates

About

Roof of India

I’ve been riding in the Himalayas for many years and have ridden all the regular routes. They have become over crowded, commercialised and don’t feel like that much of a challenge any more. I’m sure that’s not what you’re looking for. This after all, for most people, is a once in a lifetime thing. It needs to be unique and exciting.

A new route was required, something that offered more. Here it is, our very own creation, The Roof Of India.

This is by far the most comprehensive and exciting motorcycle tour you can have in the Himalayas. Nothing else comes close.

It has absolutely everything.

We take a route that only recently opened after years of digging and hacking through the mountains.

Along the way we explore high altitude desert, forested trails, glacier gouged gorges, lunar like valleys and ascend mountain peaks and passes at over 5kms high. Where we stay, where we ride and what we see is utterly breathtaking.

Awesome, life changing, inspiring, scary, immense, humbling, mind blowing and challenging. These are just some of the words that have been used by riders who have ridden the Himalayas with us over the years.

Deep into the Kashmir Valley, we tackle the ominous ‘Cliffhanger’. These are rough mountain tracks hewn into the side of vertical cliffs. Maybe you’ve never thought of riding through a waterfall before, I hadn’t either. This could be one of the most daunting and memorable things you ever do in your life. It’s not a ride for the faint hearted. It will push you, your motorcycle, your riding skills and endurance to the limit. It’s worth it though as the rewards are huge. You’ll feel immense satisfaction as you bed down each night.

This is more than just a motorcycle trip in India.

It’s two weeks of being around like minded people, laughing a lot, making new friends, forgetting about the rest of the world for a little while and taking each day as it comes. What are you waiting for?

I’ll be riding with you all the way.

Alex Pirie
Founder and Lead Rider
Nomadic Knights

VIEW MAP

motorcycle trip india

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival

For all the details regarding your pick up and travel, please view the 'How To Get Here' link below.

Pick up from Chandigarh and travel to Shimla.

Day 2 | Sarahan

152.1km | 5:51:48 | 26.0km/h

Day 3 | Kalpa

106.6km | 06:20:17 | 16.8km/h

Day 4 | Kaza

222.4km | 8:50:16 | 25.2km/h

Day 5 | Keylong

190.7km | 10:58:04 | 17.4km/h

Day 6 | Sural Bhatori

163.4km | 8:51:29 |18.4km/h

Day 7 | Daksum

248.4km | 10:13:40 | 24.3km/h

Day 8 | Srinagar

100.1km | 4:40:51 | 21.4km/h

Day 9 | Kargil

211.2km | 7:30:00 | 28.2km/h

Day 10 | Leh

221.4km | 6:39:51 | 33.2km/h

Day 11 | The World's Highest Road

79.3km | 3:20:36 | 23.7km/h

Day 12 | Sarchu

254.2km | 9:00:09 | 28.2km/h

Day 13 | Manali

171.8km | 5:45:27 | 29.8km/h

Pick up from Hometel near Chandigarh airport and travel to Narkanda by taxi/minibus.

Day 14 | Kufri

243.1km | 8:58:27 | 27.1km/h

Day 15 | Depart

That’s it, we’re done. Check your bags and make sure you’ve left nothing behind. It’s time to board your vehicles and head to Chandigarh airport where you can connect with your onward flights.

Roof of India itinerary

Information Pack

This Information Pack includes everything you need to know about this Adventure, including Insurance Details & Emergency Contacts, Your Health, Kit List, Driving/Riding Conditions, Questions and Answers and Visa Application.

DOWNLOAD HERE
Roof of India how to get here

How to get here

Important information about how to get here, including details on flights, hotels and arrival times.

Get directions

Gallery

In the press

BBC logo

BBC

A group of adventurers are about to put Thelma and Louise well and truly in the shade. Nomadic Knights and their team will be supporting and leading Steph Jeavons and her all female motorcycle group to Everest Base Camp.
Take a look

The Banter SCMC

THE BANTER (SCMC)

The North East of India is one of the least explored places left on the planet. Mac Macdonald and his friends rode India’s Lost World with Nomadic Knights in 2018 and had one of the best experiences of their lives. It was so good, they wrote about it.
Take a look

Adventure Bike Rider logo

ADVENTURE BIKE RIDER

Adventure Bike Rider magazine were curious about The Scotsman in India and had a few probing questions. ABR also recommend Nomadic Knights for your Himalayan motorcycle adventure.
Alex Q&A Himalayas

MCN logo

MCN

Alex and the Nomadic Knights team have been exploring the more adventurous side of riding in India for over 12 years. They’ve taken motorcycle adventure to the next level and are widely regarded as the specialists for the subcontinent. Here’s what MCN have to say.
Roof of India South India

What’s included?

  • Your Royal Enfield Himalayan Motorcycle fitted with soft panniers, magnetic tank bag and USB charger. All fuel, hotels, breakfast and evening meals.
  • Pick up from Chandigarh at the start of the trip and drop back to Chandigarh when the trip ends.
  • All logistics including luggage and support trucks, mechanics, drivers and helpers.
  • An experienced mountain support team and medical kit including oxygen (if required).
  • Live Tracking during the ride for family and friends to see where you are in real time.
  • A bespoke Ride Guide booklet to carry with you each day showing the route, hotel names and general information. You can also use this to take daily notes and keep as a trip memento.
  • Personalised luggage tags, a Smotard rider buff, a custom passport holder, t-shirts and Ride Completion Certificates are just some more of what’s included.
  • And most importantly, a guaranteed 100% all out motorcycle adventure.

WHAT’S NOT
Flights, visa & personal travel insurance.

motorcycle trip india

Hear from our riders

Video Gallery

Book now

JOIN THE
KNIGHT CLUB

So you’re considering taking on a real adventure? I remember the feeling. In 2006, I was sat right where you are now… wondering if it was for me.

Join our mailing list – The Knight Club – and I’ll send my no-BS thoughts on why you should (or shouldn’t) take it on. No sales. No special offers. These rides aren’t for everyone, but if you’re the right kind of person, it can remind you what it means to be alive.

All the best, Alex.

2023-08-21T16:16:17+01:00

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