Travelpack

Highlights: Delhi - Chandigarh - Shimla - Sarahan - Sangla - Chitkul - Tabo - Dhankar - Komik - Kaza - KI - Kibber - Chandratal - Manali

Please Note:
Price for main rider â–º £3,585
Pillion Rider â–º£2,585
Guest Travelling In The Backup â–º £2,398

The awe-inspiring landscape; serene environment and the simple inhabitants of the villages in the valley all combine to make this motor cycle expedition ‘an experience of a lifetime’. . This exciting motor biking expedition will be led by a Tour Manager, trained and certified in Wilderness First Aid & CPR, who will carry along a comprehensive First Aid Kit and an oxygen cylinder. We will also have a support vehicle and a motorcycle mechanic for the expedition. The support vehicle will carry fuel, spare parts and guests’ luggage etc. Participants are expected to be extremely fit and should be prepared for weather conditions ranging from scorching sunny days to freezing blizzards.

Itinerary:
Day1: Arrival Delhi (By International Flight)
London Heathrow to Delhi by flight. Meet and greet on arrival at the Delhi International airport and transfer to your hotel. Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Along with the fast spiraling skyscrapers, the city is dotted with many historical monuments that stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. The first impressions for any visitor traveling in from the airport are of a spacious, garden city with roads lined by trees. Overnight stay in Delhi hotel.

Day 2: Delhi - Chandigarh - Shimla (2276 m/ Distance 345 km- 7-8 hrs)
Early morning transfer to New Delhi railway station for train to Chandigarh. On arrival in Chandigarh, motor bikes will be waiting for you. After a brief introduction, get on to the motorbikes and continue the journey to Shimla. Lunch en-route. Arrive in Shimla by early evening and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Shimla hotel.

Day 3: In Shimla (2276 m/ Procure Inner line Permits & sightseeing around Shimla)
After breakfast, proceed to SDM office to submit our papers for the Inner line permits, required by all foreign nationals wishing to undertake an expedition in the area. After taking care of the documentation, we go for sightseeing of Shimla. Originally the summer capital of the British Raj in India, Shimla is often referred as the "Queen of all Hills". Located in the northwest Himalaya at an altitude of 2,128 metres, the city is draped in forests of pine, rhododendron and oak trees. The city is famous for its buildings styled in Tudor and Neo-gothic architecture reminiscent of the colonial era. Overnight stay in Shimla hotel.

Day 4: Shimla - Sarahan (2100 m/ Distance 161 km – Approx 5.5hrs)
After an early breakfast ride to Sarahan, a beautiful village surrounded by apple orchards and dominated by Shrikhand Mahadev Peak (5155 M) which resembles the "Shivling," and is famous for the Bhimakali Temple, an interesting mix of Buddhist and Hindu architectures. The temple, sacred to both the communities, has a 200-year-old statue of Goddess Bhimakali. In ancient times human sacrifice was prevalent here and now goats are sacrificed in this temple. Overnight stay in Sarhaan hotel/ HP Tourist Bungalow.

Day 5: Sarahan - Sangla (2680 m/ Distance 85 km – Approx 3 hrs)
After an early breakfast, ride along the Sutlej River and then continue the ride through breathtaking gorges of the Greater Himalaya to Baspa Valley (also known as Sangla Valley). It is by far the most beautiful valley of Himachal Pradesh, full of wooded slopes as far as Chitkul (3435 m), the last inhabited village in this valley. In the evening visit the nearby Kamru Fort, which according to folklore is home to 330 million Gods and Goddesses. The Fort also houses a shrine to a Hindu goddess, Kamakshi Devi inside the fort. Overnight stay in Sangla hotel/ Fixed Tented camp.

DAY 6: Sangla - Chitkul - Sangla (Distance 20 Km - Approx 1 hr both ways)
Wake up early and ride towards Chitkul along the Baspa River. Surrounded by green fields and high mountain peaks, Chitkul is the last village in India before the border with Tibet.. The bewitching scenery, awesome views through the year of snow-clad mountains, the quaint houses, exotic temples & gompas and the simple people of Baspa Valley combine to make this village a perfect “Shangri-la”. After exploring the area, return to Sangla for lunch. Overnight stay in Sangla hotel/ Fixed Tented camp.

Day 7: Sangla - Tabo (3200 M/ Distance 170 km- Approx 8 hrs)
Wake up early followed by breakfast. Post breakfast, ride through Spiti Valley to Tabo (3200 m), famous for its 1000-year-old monastery. The monastery has some beautiful frescoes which has earned the monastery the epithet of "Ajanta of Himalayas". Spiti, locally pronounced "Piti", is surrounded by stark mountains devoid of any vegetation, where erosion over thousands of years by wind, sun and snow has laid bare the rocks. The rugged and rocky mountain slopes sweep down to the riverbeds giving the landscape a moon-like appearance.

Describing Spiti, Rudyard Kipling said in “Kim”: "At last they entered a world within a world - a valley of leagues where the high hills were fashioned of the mere rubble and refuse from off the knees of the mountains... Surely the Gods live here." Overnight stay in Guest House.

Day 8: Tabo - Dhankar - Komik - Kaza (3600 m/ Distance 100 km - Approx 5 hrs)
We start our day’s ride and pass through Dhankar village. The name Dhankar literally means fort on a cliff. The village houses a monastery built on a 1000-feet high ridge overlooking the confluence of Spiti and Pin Rivers. It is inarguably the highest living monastery. We ride on to Komik (5455 m), a village that remains cut off from the world for most of the year. Snow leopards have been sighted frequently in this region. It is a place covered under sheets of snow for most of the year and has very little vegetation or oxygen. There is a modest little monastery here.

Thereafter, we ride on to Kaza situated along the Spiti River. Kaza is the largest township and commercial center of the valley. The monastery here dates to the early 14th century and is built like a fortified castle with massive slanted mud walls and battlements. Overnight stay in Kaza hotel / Guest House.

Day 9: Kaza - KI - Kibber – Kaza (3600 m/ Distance 50 km – Approx 2 hrs)
Start the day’s ride with a visit to the Ki Gompa, the biggest monastery of Spiti Valley, and a religious training center for Lamas. We ride on to Kibber village, an oasis of vegetation and white houses amid the barren, dusty, and harsh landscape of the Spiti Valley. Near the upper part of the village is a small monastery and the landscape around is dotted with prayer flags, chortens, and small cairns decorated with ram horns. We ride back to Kaza. Overnight stay in Kaza hotel / Guest House.

Day 10: Kaza - Chandratal - Manali (2050 m/ Distance 185 km- Approx 6 - 7 hrs)
After an early breakfast, depart on one of the most challenging circuits on this expedition. We climb up to Kunzum La (4700 m) and follow the road towards the breathtaking scenery of Chandratal (lake). Chandra Tal at 4268 m is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Spiti region. It is in the shape of a moon and changes color from orange to blue to green as the day passes. The place offers magnificent views of the glaciers and peaks of the Mulkila and C.B. ranges.

After exploring the area, continue the ride on to Manali, through the recently opened Atal Tunnel to enter the Kullu valley. Atal Tunnel (also known as the Rohtang Tunnel) is a tunnel built on the Leh - Manali Highway under Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas. This 9.02 km tunnel is located at 10,000 feet, making it the longest high-altitude tunnel in the world.  The tunnel has reduced the travel time and overall distance between Manali and Leh. It is named after a former Prime Minister of India, Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Manali is located by the side of Beas River at 2050 m and is at the northern end of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. The enchanting valley is so picturesque that it has earned the name of 'Switzerland of India'. It is also the gateway to ‘Ladakh’, the mighty mountain desert of Ladakh. Upon arrival in Manali, check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Manali Bazaar and visit the newly constructed colorful Tibetan Monastery in Manali.

Overnight stay in Manali hotel.

Day 11: Manali - Kasol (1580 m/ Distance 78 km- Approx 2.5 hrs)
After breakfast ride to Kasol and check-in at the hotel/ guest house. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the surrounding area. Kasol is a quaint little village in Himachal situated along the banks of the river Parvati. Commonly known as the 'Amsterdam of India', Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Kasol is close to the religious town of Manikaran and is one of the best places in the country just to sit back and relax in the panorama of snow-clad mountains, pine trees, and a gurgling river. Overnight stay in Kasol hotel/ Guesthouse.

Day 12: Kasol - Nalagarh (Distance 225 km – Approx 7 hrs)
Post breakfast ride to Nalagarh. En-route stop for lunch. Arrive in Nalagarh by early evening and check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Nalagarh was the capital of the kingdom of Hindus founded by Raja Ajai Chand in 1100 A.D. It was ruled by the Chandela Rajputs. The Chandela kings were great patrons of art and architecture. Raja Ram Chander, another illustrious ruler of the same dynasty, was also a great builder who constructed the Ramgarh Fort and the town of Ram-Shaher. Ramgarh Fort is an important landmark of the famous Gurkha Wars of the mid-nineteenth century. Overnight stay in Nalararh hotel.

Day 13: Nalagarh - Chandigarh (Distance 60 km- Approx 2 hrs)
Chandigarh - Delhi (By Shatabdi Train, Dep. 18:23 hrs / Arr. 21:55 hrs)
After breakfast, explore Nalagarh Fort and the surrounding area. Post lunch, ride to Chandigarh railway station to board the evening Shatabdi Express train back to Delhi.
Meet on arrival at New Delhi railway station and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Delhi hotel.

Day 14: In Delhi (Full day sightseeing)
After breakfast, we spend the day exploring Old & New Delhi. The division between Old and New Delhi is the division between the capitals of the Mughals and the British Raj. It also marks the division in lifestyles. Old Delhi or “The Walled City” is old world and traditional, where one gets a glimpse of past life-style in all its facets and colors. New Delhi in contrast is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.

We commence our tour of Old Delhi with a visit to Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi – Father of the Nation. This is followed by a visit to the magnificent Red Fort (Closed on Mondays), which overlooks the river Yamuna. The fort was built between the years 1638 & 1648 when the Mughal Empire was at its peak.

Thereafter, we get on cycle rickshaws and explore the centuries-old market place of Delhi called “Chandni Chowk” which translates to Moonlight Square. The sound and colors of this very busy bazaar make this an unforgettable experience. Our last stop in Old Delhi is Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia. Thereafter we proceed for lunch to an Indian restaurant. Post lunch our tour of New Delhi includes a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, Gandhi Smriti (Mahatma Gandhi Museum), and a short walk around India Gate which has buildings like Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s Palace), Parliament House, and Secretariat designed by an English architect, Edwin Lutyens when India was part of the British Empire. Return back to the hotel for a ‘ celebration dinner’ and overnight stay. Overnight in Delhi hotel.

Day 15: Delhi to London Heathrow By Flight
Transfer to the airport in time to board the international flight back home.

Exclusions:
* Personal expenses like Telephone, Laundry, Tips and Table Drinks, etc.
* Any type of insurance-Medical, Accidental, theft
* Visa fees.
* Tips
* Items of a personal nature ie laundry, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, phone calls.
* Cost of any spare part which will be used due to the accidental damage incurred when the motorbike is in the rider’s possession.
* Cost incurred to transfer or tow the motorbike in case it is dropped on the way.
* Vehicle servicing or maintenance cost
* Security deposit per motorbike of GBP 250 (This is refundable at the end of the trip if there is no damage or spare parts used.)
* Parking and monument entry fees during sightseeing.
* Any cost incurred due to extension, change of itinerary due to natural calamities, road, blocks, vehicle breakdown, union issues, and factors beyond our control Additional accommodation/food cost incurred due to any delay
* Anything that is not mentioned in the Inclusion sections

Bookings Terms
Reservation will be considered confirmed upon receipt of 50% of the invoice amount.
If the advance payment is not received within 7 days of the reservation, the booking will be considered canceled.
Balance payment of 50% should be made at least 1 month prior to arrival date.
All payments should be made in our office in Delhi.
Family groups – Full payment required for confirmation of the trip.

Cancellation policy:
Any changes in bookings must be informed in advance. Snow Leopard Adventures P. Ltd reserves the right to levy service/ cancellation charges as per details below

For cancellation made:-
90 days to 60 days before arrival date: No Cancellation charge
59 days to 31 days before arrival date: 50% Cancellation charge
Within 30 days:100% Cancellation charge

General Terms and Conditions:
Guests must be aware that during the course of the trip certain risks may occur, including but not limited to hazards of traveling on a mountain bicycle, white water raft, kayak, climbing a rock, or other adventure activities. It may also involve accident or illness in remote places without facilities and caused by the forces of nature. The participant agrees to assume all risks associated with the trip and agrees that no liability will be attached to the company or its outfitter, employees or agent, or to any member of the tour group. Snow Leopard Adventures accepts no liability in respect of illness, personal injury or death or any loss/damage to the property of participant during the course of the trip, however, caused.

We are proud of our safety record and we ensure it remains so by strict adherence to safety rules, by using state-of-the-art equipment, and by refresher courses for our operations team. There are inherent risks involved in adventure sports. To make Snow Leopard Adventures trips safe yet exciting we empower our Trip Leaders and Adventure team to reserve the right to alter or cancel any trip depending upon the fitness level of participants and prevailing conditions.

All medical conditions and concerns need to be intimated as per the medical concerns form before commencement of any adventure activity.
Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited at least 6 hours prior to commencement of any adventure activities.
Persons suffering from weak heart conditions, epilepsy, expecting mothers, or those with any serious ailment are not permitted on this trip.
Guests are advised not to carry any valuables/ expensive items, we will not be responsible for any such loss or damage.
Note
All guests are required to fill up a Medical & Liability waiver form before participating in any of the adventure activities.

Prices are per person based on a minimum of 6 to 9 passengers

Offer Includes

Meal Plans