India Motorcycle Challenge

The India Motorcycle Challenge



To travel 1,300 km on the famous Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle, through Indian countryside is no easy ride. The Indian sub-continent has an incredible variety of landscapes to travel through, and a remarkable motorcycle from which to see them. From the Shatabdi Express to Amritsar’s Golden Temple, Rohtang-La to Bir, India offers the most amazing sites, sounds and experiences as you savour the laid-back beat of your machine. It may take a short while to adjust to an Enfield for those used to riding more modern machinery - they have drum brakes, gears on the right foot, rear brake on the left and need kick-starting – but we can think of no better way of travelling. Encounter India at its best.
Downloadable Information Full Itinerary, Kit List and Further Information Booking Conditions Registration Form
Back to top Day 1 – 18th October 2008 Depart UK. For our overnight flight to Delhi, India Day 2 – 19th October 2008 Upon arrival in Delhi, we meet our local guides and then we will board the Shatabdi Express, an air-conditioned, ‘super fast’ train (remember this is India!), to Amritsar. Upon arrival in Amritsar, we will be transferred to our hotel and have a briefing about the challenge lying a head. Day 3 – 20th October 2008 This morning, we visit Amritsar’s amazing Golden Temple. Following lunch, you will be introduced to your Enfield Bullet, and will spend the rest of the afternoon getting acquainted! In the evening, we will drive by taxi to Wagah, the only open border between India and Pakistan. The gates between the two countries are closed shortly before sunset every night, and the border guards from each side take great pride in vying to outdo each other in the elaborateness of their closing ceremony – quite a spectacle! Day 4 – 21st October 2008 Following breakfast we begin our challenge and hit the road, destination Dharamsala. High in the foothills of the Himalayas, and surrounded by dense pine forest, Dharamsala is best known for being home to the Dalai Lama, and optional evening sightseeing will include the Tibetan Government in exile and the stunning Tibetan monastery. Alternatively, Dharamsala is a great place to simply wander around, taking in the intriguing mixture of Indian and Tibetan cultures. Distance travelled – 200 km Day 5 – 22nd October 2008 A short and mostly downhill ride takes us to the beautiful village of Bir, the top paragliding site in India, and one of the best in the world. For the intrepid there’ll be a chance to ride the twisty dirt road up to Billing, to watch the paragliders throwing themselves off the top of the mountain, otherwise there will be an afternoons trekking on offer through the stunning hills nearby. Tonight we camp in a beautiful apple orchard. Distance travelled – 80 km Day 6 – 23rd October 2008 A tricky but spectacular ride through the hills takes us to Manali, nestled at the foot of the Himalayas by the banks of the River Beas, and long-standing travellers’ favourite. Manali is the gateway to the high Himalayas, meaning we should be able to see snow-capped peaks as we ride up the valley to our hotel. Distance travelled – 200 km Day 7 – 24th October 2008 The toughest ride of the trip takes us to the top of Jalori Pass at 10,000ft. The road either side of the summit is dirt track and seep on both sides – quite a Challenge! The views from the top are spectacular, however. From here we ride to our hotel in Chail. Distance travelled – 275 km Day 8 – 25th October 2008 The longest ride of the Challenge, but the roads is well surfaced all the way, and takes us through some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. Tonight we camp in luxurious tents on the banks of the mighty River Ganges, having come through Rishikesh, ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, en route. Distance travelled – 340 km Day 9 – 26th October 2008 A long but mainly flat ride gives you a last chance to savour the laid-back beat of both your Enfield Bullet and the villages you will be riding it through. Easy riders will see the sun coming up over the River Ganges, and should have enough time to take in some of the city’s sights, including the amazing India Gate at sunset. Upon arrival in Delhi, we ride to our last nights accommodation, refresh and celebrate our achievements at our presentation dinner. Distance travelled – 250 km Day 10 – 27th October 2008 Following breakfast we transfer to Delhi Airport for our flight back to the UK, arriving the same day. *Please note that whilst we make every effort to adhere to this schedule and the accommodation stated, this is subject to alteration.