May 9, 2006

Himalayan Odyssey '06: Official Notice

Himalyan Odyssey 2006 logo
Hey, like I told you (here), it's back. And it looks like it packs a new punch. Because it is cheaper!
Yes, the price is Rs 10,000, and now includes two days stay in Delhi at the two ends of the trip, one each. However, please note, fuel is not included. I spoke to the organiser, who tells me, that like last year, they won't say no to couples (married or seeing each other), but two chaps on one bike are a strict no-no. Disco rules apply. It seems after a few days, the chap riding pillion just wants to occupy the seat in the backup car, which is just a strain on the organisers. Fair enough, I say.

The full official notice, with pics is below; A daily itinerary is here

A massive18,350 feet high
An exciting 2500km trip
A lifetime of memories
And friends for life

The Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey this year will be flagged off from Delhi on the 24th and 25th of June. This adventure trip will cover approximately 2500km over 14 days in some of the roughest terrains, breathtaking corners, and highest mountain passes in the world.

The Odyssey will leave from delhi and then halt over night at the garden city of Chandigarh before proceeding into the lap of the hills for an overnight halt at Manali at a scenic camp next to the beas river instead of the congestin of the honeymoon paradise. The 300 odd kilometers between Chandigarh and Manali are a bikers paradise with scenic views of the hills and fantastic riding roads. But Manali is where the picnic ends and the expedition begins. From here on the he riders will cross over the snow filled Rothang pass leaving behind the soothing Himachal greenery to embrace the stark desert landscape of the Keylong region. Again there will be the scenic landscape of the Tupchiling camp near Tandi, but the air will be a lot more colder and riders will already have started feeling the effects of the rarefied air at this altitude.

Day four will see the riders cross the notorious Baralach La. To glimps a view of the magnificent Suraj tal and rest in the breath taking Sarchu Valley. There will be ample time to discuss the origins of life, as well as the the journey just completed, and the road ahead. Here the winds adds its own sting to the cold. For those who get seasoned by now, day – 5 from Sarchu to Debring should be quite an easy ride except for the stretch near Pang which can be quite dusty at times. This is the time when the mettle of the riders is really tested as Debring is the highest halt in this entire trip. Located on the extremely windy more plains, the camp at debring is located about 7km from the main road. The setting is scenic and the spectacular Tso Kar is just a stone's throw away.

By the morning of day six the worst is nearly over, if the rider is fit and standing he only has to contend with the mighty height of Tanglang La – the second highest motorable road in the world, after which it is a gentle cruise to Leh, the capital city of Ladakh. There is a lot to see in Leh and the four nights might not be enough but the highlight of the event is the ride to Khardung La – the worlds Highest Motorable road. This gives the royal Enfield riders a sense of achievement which nobody can take away from them. To a Royal Enfield rider Ladakh is like a pilgrimage that a rider should do at least once in a lifetime.

The return route is the same just that the stop over at Tupchiling is eliminated and riders will proceed straight to Manali covering two days distance in one day.

The upward journey is split into smaller sections to enable riders to acclimatise better to the lofty heights of Ladakh.

We have expert and experienced pilots to guide the group in various areas of bike riding and coping with the weather and terrain. We also have qualified doctors traveling with the group. And to take care of the bike health we also have a team of mechanics traveling with the group. If you are an experienced rider you will find enough excitement to thrill you and if you are hesitating because of your inexperience or discomfort with various aspects of this epic journey this is the trip to be on. The pilots will guide you through the course and their knowledge and your experience will help you be more at comfort with your Royal Enfield.

The journey is extreme in nature and lot of preparation is required for both bike and rider. Health and stamina is always an advantage both for the bike and the rider. At high altitudes both bike and riders are faced with a drop in power output due to the lack of oxygen. Hence an unfit bike or poor preparation in terms of equipment and clothing only worsens the situation. The Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey is organised by Royal Enfield every year and although the organisors take every precaution to ensure safety, a journey over such epic proportions is not without its risk factor. Perhaps that is what makes it so exciting.

Helmets (preferably full face with clear visor) are compulsory and adequate winter clothing and riding gear are essential.

For any further details or clarifications:
Log on to www.royalenfield.com or write to schavan@royalenfield.com

The high point of the trip
Royal Enfield enthusiasts can join in the trip by completing the registration formalities and paying a demand draft of Rs. 10,000. -

The price includes :
  • Accommodation - on a bed and breakfast plan on a triple sharing basis.
  • Service support – cost of spares will be charged
  • Medical support – experienced doctor throughout the trip
  • Meals are provided at all camps but not in cities and during travel
  • Accident insurance policy for participant for Rs. 1,00,000
  • Infrastructure – exclusive camping facilities, support vehicles – two LMV and one truck to carry spares, oxygen, medical supplies, riders luggage etc.
does not include
  • Fuel (bike should have a range of at least 400km on one tankful)
  • Snacks, and other personal expenses like laundry, entertainment etc.

Registration process: documents needed
  • Registration form – available at regional offices, dealerships, and download able from www.royalenfield.com
  • Copies of vehicle registration papers, tax, valid insurance
  • Copy of driving licence
  • Medical certificate stating that you are fit to indulge in a motorcycle expedition at a height of 5600m, height, weight, whether you are prone to diabetes's or high blood pressure (pl include blood pressure reading), asthmatic, or any other heart condition, Please mention if you are on any sort of medication or are allergic to any substances
  • Indemnity bond
  • Copy of passport and valid visa in case of foreign nationals
  • Demand draft of Rs. 10,000
HELMETS AND ANKLE BOOTS ARE COMPULSORY

Safety and infrastructure for the himalayan odyssey safety is always an underlying thought in each and every aspect of the trip.
  • For the most obvious reasons we will have a qualified and experienced doctor traveling with the group
  • The other important aspect while traveling is hygiene both in food and living conditions and we try and ensure that the participants get the best.
  • Support vehicles – we carry 2-3 LMV and one truck so the participants do not have to load their bike with luggage and compromise the handling of their machines. The LMVs enable the service and medical staff to get to the situation quicker. All our drivers are experienced in that kind of terrain.
  • Expert pilots – the HO pilots will be on bikes and are expert riders with experience in handling large motorcycling groups as well as the terrain (without killing the fun). They are on hand to help with any aspect of the bike or riding either for an individual or a group. Every morning there is a briefing on what to expect and how to react. Discussing vital riding techniques as the terrain demands.
  • High Altitude – our crew is experienced in high altitude areas and know how to react to the situations and weather and the affect it has on people.
Biker brotherhood at Moray plainsMy other Himalayan Odyssey/Leh posts:

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