DAY 0
Riders arrive in Shimla and complete registration formalities, followed by a classroom session on the basics of ADV riding, comprising techniques, gear, bike setup and more

DAY 1
An early departure after watching the sun come up on the Nanda Devi massif, 200 kms away! Twisty tarmac will soon give way to broken asphalt and then to dirt and shale. Famous for being part of the Hindustan Tibet Road, the run from Narkanda to Bhadrash will take you down a historic trade route. Rejoining the highway we take the fast road to Sangla – a hanging valley at 9000ft.

DAY 2
We drop down into the Sutlej River Valley and make for a spirited run on wide smooth tarmac. Climbing to 10,000 ft sees us near Kashang from where we ride the fearful ‘Chilgoza Trail’ to Ribba.
Quick halts at Nako , Gyu and Tabo see us enter Kaza close to dark.
 
DAY 3
A morning run to the highest post office in India at Hikim, a panoramic picture at Langza, some spiritual advancement at the monastery in Komic and a run down an iconic descent back to Kaza. In time for a late, lazy lunch followed by some TLC for the bikes. Refuelling, adjustments and repairs done, we settle down to some tales of archery at the Olympics by Skaldang - the local boy who made it!

DAY 4
Leave Kaza early so that the journey to Sissu may be concluded in daylight. We travel via the Chicham bridge onto Kyarto, Losar, Kunzum Pass and past Koksar to Sissu.

Water crossings, boulder parks, shale and sand will test your riding mettle to the utmost. It will be strenuous but overcoming the challenge so fulfilling!
The ritual of seeing your coin stick, or not, to the sacred stone at Kunzum La is one of the great mysteries of science vs faith!
160 kms – 7 hrs.

DAY 5
We take it real easy next morning! Departure after a big breakfast at Sissu and the joy of riding the tarmac over an uncrowded Rohtang Pass is unbeatable.

Crossing the Rohtang La (Pass of the Pile of Dead Bodies) is a completely different experience nowadays. Fresh tarmac lets you fly up and down both sides and the arrival into Manali is euphoric.

86 kms -3 hours