Riding the Highest road in the World, Girl rides India! Guest Travel Blogs
If you had sat me down and told me how the 2019 Roof of the World’ tour with Aussie Bike or Hike would change my perspective on life….
Experience the stunning sights of Northern India on a 14-day bike tour, where you'll take on winding hills, icy glaciers, rugged trails, and serene mountain views. Imagine riding alongside Motorcycle World Champion Alex Cudlin as he guides you through some of the most epic roads in the world.
But this tour isn't just about the thrill of the ride - it's about experiencing a unique and unforgettable adventure.
You'll have the opportunity to interact with locals, taste authentic cuisine, and explore ancient temples and historical sites. From the bustling city streets to the tranquil countryside, you'll witness the diversity and beauty of India in all its glory.
With expert guides, top-of-the-line equipment, and a carefully planned itinerary, we guarantee that this trip will be one you'll never forget. So pack your bags, grab your helmet, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Join us now and make memories that will last a lifetime!
HIGHLIGHTS
See the Taj Mahal
See Ancient Monastery's
Ride over the Himalayas
Ride Highest motorable Road in the World
Ride a Royal Enfield
See China border from india
Visit Pangong Lake
Visit town of Leh
June 16th to 29th 2023
Day 1: Arrival Delhi
Day 2: Delhi – Anandpur
Day 3: Anandpur Sahib - Mandi
Day 4: Mandi – Manali
Day 5: Rest Day Manali
Day 6: Manali – Jispa
Day 7: Jispa – Sarchu
Day 8: Sarchu – Leh
Day 9: Rest Day Leh
Day 10: Leh – Hunder
Day 11: Hunder – Pangong Lake
Day 12: Pangong Lake - Leh
Day 13: Fly to Delhi
Day 14 Taj Mahal
Fly home evening of June 29 2023
The tour Aussie Bike OR Hike have designed will be mostly places where traffic is at a minimum and wild life and sights are at a maximum!
Our aim is for the ride not to test you physically but to be enjoyable whilst still covering a decent distance. A lot of thought has gone into the route for our tours to make it as enjoyable as possible.
How much will it cost?
Price for Riders is AUD $6500-00.
Price for pillion passenger is AUD $5150-00
•Full motorbike rental for the duration of the tour (500cc Royal Enfield)
•Clean, comfortable accommodation
•Twin-share basis; (single room supplement, additional AUD $900-00)
•All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) Except Lunch and Dinner on night rest days, you can choose to eat where you want
•1x Australian Guide, 1x Indian Guide, 2x Motorcycle Mechanics and 1x Sweep Vehicle
•Minibus support vehicle and driver, for luggage transport and assistance
•Spare parts, tools, medicines, first aid equipment
•All fuel costs,
Airport transfers
Tour Exclusions
•Airfares to/from Delhi
•Comprehensive travel insurance policy, which must cover use of 500cc motorcycle
•Tourist visa for India
•Medical vaccinations before departure (recommended)
•Expenses of a personal nature such as postage, laundry, souvenirs and all drinks
•Tips for Indian staff at tour completion
•DAY 1: Arrival in Delhi
Delhi A warm welcome at New Delhi airport by one of our crew followed by a cab ride through the colourful hustle and bustle of our capital city. You stay in the brightly lit Paharganj area, very close to the heart of Delhi. The capital will bombard you with surprise, shock and overwhelming emotion, almost as if it were a living entity!
•DAY 2: Delhi to Chandigarh to Anandpur Sahib
We begin our travel on the Shatabdi Express Train connecting Delhi to Chandigarh, which is popular as the first planned city of India. After the 3+ hour train ride, we are greeted by our friendly crew and of course the Royal Enfield Motorcycles! Our ride begins after a friendly pooja (prayer) for the wellbeing of the whole journey. We ride some 90km to a private forest reserve in Northern Punjab. This introductory ride gives you a great opportunity to get a feel of your motorcycle, the gears, brakes and clutch, the power / torque and overtaking ability. After getting a feel of the bikes, we end the day with traditional dinner at a Haveli.
•DAY 3: Anandpur Sahib to Mandi
We start day three with a visit to Anandpur Sahib, one of the most important sacred sites of the Sikhs, located about 90 kms north-west of the capital Chandigarh and close to Kiratpur, the ‘Haven of Refuge,’ founded by his father Guru Hargovind, the Sixth Guru of the Sikhs. As you pass through the picturesque surroundings and into the gates of Anandpur Sahib a rejuvenating energy seems to infuse the mind and body. You drive into the pleasant town framed against the backdrop of Shivaliks as Sutlej flows quietly on the south-west and Naina Devi Temple beckons from top of the hill on the east. Just ahead, a giant Khanda, glints under the blue skies lighting up the entire town. After experiencing the tranquillity of the Gurudwara and the vast history at the Virasat-e-Khalsa museum, we set out for Mandi where we stop for the night.
•DAY 4: Mandi- Manali
This is where the real fun begins! We ride the involving twisties along the NH 21 all the way up to Manali. Among other interests en route are the Pandoh Dam and the Aut Tunnel. It is a long day, and you are rewarded by the superb hospitality of Johnsons Café! You could check out the Main Bazaar, Manu Temple and the quaint and charming town of Old Manali. The place is dotted with many cafes and eateries, various cuisines, hippies caught in a bubble, hikers, cyclists, motorcyclists... a travellers melting pot!
•DAY 5: Mananli – Rest Day
Its important when you are traveling the world to take some time out to explore the towns we stop in. Manali is the perfect place to explore to mazes of streets and Bazaar!
•DAY 6: Manali-Jjispa
The true adventure begins here. We have an early start to beat the landslides, muddy roadblocks, over- flowing nullahs (road rivers) and high altitude traffic jams! We have a chai pitstop at the mighty 4000m Rohtang La pass before descending into the Lahaul Valley. We cross Tandi, the last fuel station before Leh (another 375km odd) – so we tank up and carry spare fuel in jerry cans.
•DAY 7: Jispa- Sarchu
Today, you will feel like you’re in the upper Himalayas. Icy-cold glacial melts, broken bridges, turquoise coloured lakes and the 4900m Baralacha La are some of the elements we encounter today! Our destination is situated at the boundary between the states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
•DAY 8: Sarchu-Leh
Being the longest day of our tour, we have an early start. But time will fly with the memerising beauty of the landscape that we are to witness today! Climb up the 21 steep Gata Loop hairpins, do a couple of 4500m+ passes, stop for a meal at Pang which looks like it’s out of a Star Wars set. And if that’s not enough, we climb up the daunting Tanglang La, only the third highest pass in the world at 5300m above sea level! The infinite view on both sides of this pass is beyond words. You’ll understand when you get there! We descend along the Indus river to the humble height of Leh city at 3500m at the end of the day.
•DAY 9: Leh - Rest Day
Leh is a melting pot of Ladakhis, Kashmiris, Trekkers, Motorcyclists, Hippies, Seekers and Tibetan Monks alike. It’s age old markets and weather beaten faces graciously take you back in time. It is dotted with open air cafes serving world cuisine to keep you satiated on your day of rest!
•DAY 10: Leh- Hunder
This morning, we are off to the high point of this trip – the worlds highest motorable road – Khardung La at a gaping 5300m+ altitude. Stop for a chai, but not too long. On the other side, we descend into the serene Shyok and Nubra valleys. You will reach a spot that’ll remind you of a beach in the middle of the Himalayas, and move on through a mix of lush green villages and desert sand dunes to the village of Hunder which is known for its small population of double humped Bactrian Camels.
•DAY 11: Hunder – Pangong Lake
After breakfast, set out for another day of fabulous sightseeing that begins with a scenic drive in the direction of Pangong Lake. Another full day of discovery lies ahead.
As you arrive at pangong lake, be prepared to be astounded by its beauty. See the migratory brahmoni Ducks, rare black necked cranes and seagulls. Capture the lake in all its glory on your camera and watch the sun go down on this unforgettable night by the lake side.
•DAY 12: Pangong Lake – Leh
Wake up to the suns rays on the roof of the world and get set for breakfast by a lakeside.
This ride takes you over the gorgeous Chang La – the second highest motorable road in the world located at an elevation of 17,388ft.
Soak in the memorizing Ladakhi landscape on the ride back to Leh.
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•DAY 13: Leh – Delhi
Check out of our hotels, head to the airport, board flight back to Delhi to finish our tour.
•DAY 14: Taj Mahal Tour
As a grand end to our incredible journey we will take one last trip by air conditioned coach to the city of Agra and visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven wonders of the World.
This is an optional inclusion if you want to join.
Fly home to your Home on evening of day 14
ROOF OF THE WORLD - INDIA 2019
I have had an unbelievably great time in India. Never in a million years would I have attempted to do this trip on my own, let alone attempt the highest motorable pass in THE WORLD!!!!!
Alex and Shane Cudlin have been an absolute wealth of knowledge and experience and managed to get this road rider, through some of the toughest roads and trickiest conditions in India.
Many, many thanks for the insane, magical and crazy experience, Ill never forget. Highly, highly recommend!!
Ashley Debakker (First female customer)
Alex Cudlin, the owner and head guide of "Aussie Bike or Hike".
Alex Cudlin’s love for the great outdoors was built from a very young age, having grown up on a small farm in Australia with his parents and an older brother and sister. After completing his apprenticeship as a motorcycle mechanic in his parent’s country motorcycle dealership, at just 17 years of age, Alex moved to Europe to follow his dream and become a professional motorcycle racer.
Alex competed in the World Endurance Championships all over Europe, Asia and Middle East, becoming World Champion in 2010 and 2013.
Alex lived and raced in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, for a total of 12 years winning a total of 2 World championships, top 3 finish in the World championship 5 times, 7 national championships and a lot of race wins.
Throughout this journey of traveling the world racing motorcycles, Alex’s love for mountain biking and hiking grew.
Using it as part of his training regime for his motorcycle racing career, Alex cycled roads in Qatar (Middle east), pedaled the hills of the French Alps, Mountain biked in England and Scotland, trekked the mountain region of Lebanon, hiked the hills of Switzerland, walked the roads of India, and visited monuments in Indonesia and many other countries throughout his travels.
Alex then returned to Australia and decided to start an adventure company that brought together those 3 loves - Motorcycles, Mountain Biking and Hiking.
Alex has a wealth of experience and expertise and wants to share his love of these 3 pur-suits.