Sarchu - Keylong

The expedition is challenging.

The road conditions vary considerably; some parts are reasonably straight and easy to ride whereas other parts of the road are flooded by debris and freezing mountain water. The road can change without warning leaving you to negotiate metres of deep sand ahead. As we are riding through the mountains the roads can be narrow with a steep drop. Dealing with traffic in such road conditions becomes challenging, sometimes you have to overtake slow traffic like trucks and buses, manoeuvre around cows on the road or quickly find a good spot alongside the road for allowing upcoming traffic to pass you. Traffic in villages like Manali and Leh can be dense and confusing and will require a fast response and good motor biking skills to stay safe on the road. You are up for the challenge if you are physically fit, feel comfortable riding a motorbike and have the right attitude.

Although the amount of kilometres we travel seem a little each day, you will still ride for many hours continuously due to the road conditions. Being physically fit allows you to enjoy riding the motorbike for many hours a day and constantly over a three week period. Furthermore it is important that you are comfortable riding a motorbike in technically challenging road conditions and that you are able to assess, anticipate and respond quickly to changing traffic situations. But probably most important of all is having the right attitude. If you are positive, enjoy challenging yourself and are determined to make it a great journey, then you will ride as a king or queen the road. However, if you are not determined, easily give up and take that attitude with you on the bike, the journey will be a very long one.