点评:I belong to a motorcycle riding group in the US, and after numerous rides with friends, we discovered that Ladakh was a favourite destination among many riders. Unfamiliar with that region of India, we wanted to join a guided tour where we could focus solely on enjoying the scenic mountain rides. During our research, we found numerous options and reached out to several providers. Unfortunately, most responses were either unhelpful or the tours were prohibitively expensive, often due to foreign companies partnering with local counterparts, which drove up the costs. However, when we found Motorcycle Expeditions on Trip Advisor, we were impressed by their clear and detailed itineraries, transparent pricing, and prompt responses to our inquiries. This business, run by a few local brothers and their exceptional team, has perfected these adventures over the years.
From the moment we landed in Delhi until our departure from Leh, we were constantly updated on the next steps. The owners and their enthusiastic team greeted us warmly at Bhuntar, their local headquarters, and provided an overview of what to expect during the upcoming adventure after a welcome ceremony. After resting that day, we checked our bikes—newer Himalayan 450 models we opted for at an additional fee—and embarked on a local ride to familiarize ourselves with the bikes, terrain, and traffic.
Throughout the trip, we stayed in decent accommodations and enjoyed good food for breakfast and lunch. Despite the team’s best efforts, given the remoteness of the area, we had to lower our expectations regarding our stay, food, and internet/phone availability. For example, we spent a night in a tent in the middle of nowhere in Sarchu, where there was no hot water and the wind howled all night. Coupled with altitude sickness, it was almost unbearable, but we reminded ourselves that we were on an adventure, not a comfort trip. Even in this desolate place, we were offered hot tea, breakfast, and a good dinner.
The team accompanying the riders was highly experienced, energetic, and helpful, having done this for years. Each expedition included a mechanic, a photographer, an expert lead rider, and an escort vehicle to carry our luggage and spare parts, as there was no one to help in these areas if things went south—and believe me, they did almost every day, either with the bike or the routes. This team assisted us daily with repairs, route changes, and help with falls or injuries. We saw many riders who rented bikes in Manali and ventured on trips like this by themselves, but the thought of getting stranded in these areas is very real and scary. We often wondered how they would get help if they ran into an issue.
My heartfelt thanks to all the crew members who made this adventure unforgettable:
* Rahul: Our expert mechanic and a fantastic rider. Your expertise, enthusiasm, and energy kept the fun alive throughout the adventure.
* Sunny: Our lead rider and expert route planner. Your constant push and encouragement helped us ride as a group without issues and stay on course.
* Lucky: The quiet hero in the escort vehicle. You managed our luggage and handled all backend operations seamlessly.
* Sam: Our talented photographer who captured amazing photos to make our adventure memorable. Unfortunately, he got injured midway through the journey and had to return home.
Some great things we experienced during the trip and why I personally recommend these folks:
* Experienced and Enthusiastic Team: They have a highly experienced, friendly, and enthusiastic team that has led similar adventures in these areas for 7-8 years, with multiple trips each year. This extensive experience allows them to plan for all imaginable situations, giving us peace of mind that we will be taken care of in every situation. Our job was to focus on riding and leave everything else to them. Their passion for what they do is evident and they do it exceptionally well.
* Well-Maintained Bikes: They provide good bikes that are well-serviced, and a mechanic fixes any issues with the bikes at the end of each day, ensuring they are ready for the next ride.
* Local Knowledge: They know the areas very well and can plan alternatives as needed. For example, when we encountered road closures due to floods, they quickly planned an alternative route with minimal interruption.
* Good Accommodations and Food: They provide good accommodations and food during the trip. However, due to the remoteness of the areas we stay in, do not expect 5-star accommodations. In cities like Leh, the accommodation was quite good.
* Convenient Luggage Handling: Our luggage traveled with us every day, making it very convenient to have everything at our disposal in case of any weather changes.
* Daily Orientation: We had an orientation every evening about the upcoming day’s itinerary, so we were well-prepared for the day’s ride, including details about the terrain, distance, off-roading, water crossings, and scenic views.
Some recommendations for improvement:
1. Adjust Riding Distances: Out of the 10 days of riding (with one rest day in Leh for acclimatization), 3 days involved distances of over 250 km. This was extremely tiring for most participants, especially since 50-60% of the route involved off-roading, requiring intermediate to advanced skills (soft sand, water-soaked mud, loose gravel, rocks, and water crossings). It would be beneficial to break up these long stretches into smaller sections with overnight stays in between. Conversely, some days covered only 80-90 km, which could be extended.
2. Enhance Communication While Riding: Consider providing Bluetooth devices for easier communication while riding. These could be rented out or riders could be advised to bring their own Bluetooth/mesh devices. The lead rider lacked a Bluetooth communication device, making it difficult to communicate route changes, upcoming scenery, stops, or alert riders to potential dangers/obstacles. Mesh functionality is preferred for ease of use.
3. Incorporate Drone Footage: Including drone footage of certain sections of the ride would greatly enhance the overall experience.
4. Provide Skill Level Warnings: Riders should be warned about long stretches of off-roading that require intermediate or advanced riding skills, as some participants were not adequately prepared for these challenges.
Some suggestions for fellow riders based on our experiences:
1. Take Altitude Sickness Seriously: The lack of oxygen at high altitudes can have significant effects on your body, especially in cold, blistery conditions. Start taking altitude sickness medication 7-10 days before your adventure, even if you think you might not need it.
2. Prepare for All Weather Conditions: Carry warm, cold, and rain riding gear, and keep it handy in the escort vehicle as the weather can change constantly.
3. Invest in Quality Waterproof Gear: Ensure you have good quality waterproof pants and boots. We encountered about 20-25 water crossings, some with water up to our knees. Don’t worry about getting your gear wet; we rode about 120 km in continuous rain for half a day.
4. Practice Sharp Hairpin Bends: Before your trip, practice navigating sharp hairpin bends, perhaps in a parking lot. You will encounter these on some mountains, often with heavy vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
5. Bring Battery Packs and Charging Gear: Electricity may not be available in all places, so bring enough battery packs and all necessary charging equipment.
6. Expect Limited Communication: Be prepared to be cut off from the rest of the world for a few days, as phone and Wi-Fi signals are often unavailable in these areas.
7. Pack Enough Clothes: Carry enough clothes to last 10-11 days, as washing facilities are limited.
8. Be Physically Fit: Ensure you are physically fit before embarking on this adventure. Riding for 10 days in tough conditions is demanding on the body. Bring plenty of pain medication for sore nights.
9. Consider Upgrading to a Himalayan 450 Bike: This bike is relatively new, with better suspension and the ability to handle various conditions with ease. The gear shifting is smooth, and the power range is suitable for both slow and fast riding. It is also well-balanced for off-roading. Even if you have never done off-roading before, you will likely improve by the end of the trip.
10. Consider a group ride with a local company: There are a lot of moving pieces to any adventure like permits needed (as these are border areas), bike reliability and help in case of issues, gas station availability, alternate routes in case of any closures, hotel accommodations and luggage needed. Even if you do not choose this company, please keep all these in mind when venturing on this adventure so you are safe and enjoy the ride rather than worry about these things. An experienced local company definitely helps alleviate all these concerns.
Overall, this was one of the most memorable trips of my life, and I will cherish these memories forever. The scenery, roads, conditions, and mountains are truly unique and unlike any other place. Life is too short to keep postponing such an adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Go for it!
翻译:我属于美国的一个摩托车骑行团体,在与朋友多次骑行之后,我们发现拉达克是许多骑手最喜欢的目的地。由于不熟悉印度的那个地区,我们想参加一个有导游的旅行团,这样我们就可以专注于享受风景优美的山地骑行。在研究过程中,我们发现了许多选择,并联系了几家供应商。不幸的是,大多数回复要么没有帮助,要么旅行费用过高,通常是由于外国公司与当地同行合作,从而推高了成本。然而,当我们在 Trip Advisor 上找到 Motorcycle Expeditions 时,我们对他们清晰详细的行程、透明的定价和对我们询问的及时回复印象深刻。这家由几位当地兄弟和他们出色的团队经营的公司多年来一直在完善这些冒险活动。
从我们降落在德里的那一刻起,直到我们离开列城,我们不断了解下一步的进展。老板和他们热情的团队在他们当地的总部 Bhuntar 热情地迎接了我们,并在欢迎仪式后概述了即将到来的冒险之旅。休息一天后,我们检查了自行车——我们选择了较新的喜马拉雅 450 型号,但需要额外付费——然后开始在当地骑行,熟悉自行车、地形和交通。
在整个旅程中,我们住在舒适的住宿环境中,并享用了美味的早餐和午餐。尽管团队尽了最大努力,但考虑到该地区的偏远,我们不得不降低对住宿、食物和互联网/电话可用性的期望。例如,我们在萨尔楚的偏僻地方的帐篷里住了一晚,那里没有热水,风整晚都在呼啸。再加上高原反应,这几乎让人无法忍受,但我们提醒自己,这是一次冒险,而不是一次舒适的旅行。即使在这个荒凉的地方,他们也为我们提供了热茶、早餐和美味的晚餐。
陪同骑手的团队经验丰富、精力充沛、乐于助人,他们已经这样做了很多年。每次探险都包括一名机械师、一名摄影师、一名专业领队骑手和一辆护送车辆来运送我们的行李和备件,因为如果情况恶化,这些地区没有人可以提供帮助——相信我,他们几乎每天都会这样做,无论是自行车还是路线。这个团队每天都帮助我们进行维修、路线变更,并帮助我们摔倒或受伤。我们看到许多骑手在马纳里租了自行车,独自冒险旅行,但想到被困在这些地区是非常真实和可怕的。我们经常想知道如果他们遇到问题,他们将如何获得帮助。
我衷心感谢所有让这次冒险难忘的工作人员:
* Rahul:我们的专业机械师和出色的骑手。您的专业知识、热情和精力让整个冒险过程充满乐趣。
* Sunny:我们的领队骑手和专业路线规划师。您不断的推动和鼓励帮助我们作为一个团队顺利骑行并保持航向。
* Lucky:护送车辆中的沉默英雄。您管理了我们的行李,并无缝处理了所有后端操作。
* Sam:我们才华横溢的摄影师,他拍摄了令人惊叹的照片,让我们的冒险之旅令人难忘。不幸的是,他在旅途中受伤,不得不回家。
我们在旅途中经历了一些很棒的事情,以及我个人推荐这些人的原因:
* 经验丰富且热情的团队:他们拥有一支经验丰富、友好且热情的团队,他们在这些地区领导了类似的冒险活动已有 7-8 年,每年多次旅行。这种丰富的经验使他们能够为所有可能的情况做好计划,让我们放心,我们会在任何情况下得到照顾。我们的工作是专注于骑行,把其他一切都留给他们。他们对所做工作的热情显而易见,而且他们做得非常出色。
* 保养良好的自行车:他们提供保养良好的优质自行车,机械师每天结束时都会修理自行车的任何问题,确保它们为下一次骑行做好准备。
* 当地知识:他们非常了解这些地区,可以根据需要计划替代方案。例如,当我们遇到因洪水而封路的情况时,他们迅速规划了一条替代路线,将干扰降到最低。
* 良好的住宿和食物:他们在旅途中提供良好的住宿和食物。但是,由于我们住的地方很偏远,所以不要指望 5 星级的住宿。在列城这样的城市,住宿条件相当不错。
* 方便的行李处理:我们的行李每天都会随身携带,因此如果天气发生变化,我们可以非常方便地随时使用一切。
* 每日指导:我们每天晚上都会接受关于第二天行程的指导,因此我们为当天的骑行做好了充分的准备,包括地形、距离、越野、渡水和风景等细节。
一些改进建议:
1. 调整骑行距离:在 10 天的骑行中(在列城休息一天以适应环境),有 3 天的骑行距离超过 250 公里。这对大多数参与者来说非常累,尤其是因为 50-60% 的路线涉及越野,需要中级到高级技能(软沙、浸水泥浆、松散的砾石、岩石和水路穿越)。将这些长距离划分为较小的部分并在其间过夜会很有帮助。相反,有些日子只覆盖了 80-90 公里,可以延长。
2. 增强骑行时的沟通:考虑提供蓝牙设备,以便在骑行时更轻松地进行沟通。可以出租这些设备,也可以建议骑手自带蓝牙/网状设备。领队骑手没有蓝牙通信设备,因此很难传达路线变化、即将到来的风景、停靠点或提醒骑手注意潜在的危险/障碍。网状功能更易于使用。
3. 结合无人机镜头:包括骑行某些部分的无人机镜头将大大提升整体体验。
4. 提供技能水平警告:应警告骑手注意需要中级或高级骑行技能的长距离越野,因为有些参与者没有充分准备应对这些挑战。
根据我们的经验,为同行骑手提供一些建议:
1. 认真对待高原反应:高海拔地区缺氧会对身体产生重大影响,尤其是在寒冷、起泡的条件下。即使您认为可能不需要,也要在冒险前 7-10 天开始服用高原反应药物。
2. 为所有天气条件做好准备:携带保暖、防寒和防雨的骑行装备,并将其放在护送车辆中,因为天气可能不断变化。
3. 投资优质防水装备:确保您拥有优质的防水裤和靴子。我们遇到了大约 20-25 次过水,有些水深及膝盖。不用担心您的装备会被淋湿;我们在持续半天的雨中骑行了大约 120 公里。
4. 练习急转弯:在旅行前,练习急转弯,可能在停车场。您会在一些山上遇到这些,通常有重型车辆从对面驶来。
5. 带上电池组和充电设备:并非所有地方都有电,因此请带上足够的电池组和所有必要的充电设备。
6. 预计通信有限:准备好与世界其他地方断绝联系几天,因为这些地区通常没有电话和 Wi-Fi 信号。
7. 带上足够的衣服:带上足够穿 10-11 天的衣服,因为洗衣设施有限。
8. 身体健康:在开始这次冒险之前,确保您身体健康。在恶劣的条件下骑行 10 天对身体要求很高。带上足够的止痛药以备疼痛的夜晚。
9. 考虑升级到喜马拉雅 450 自行车:这款自行车相对较新,具有更好的悬架,能够轻松应对各种条件。换挡平稳,功率范围适合慢速和快速骑行。它还非常适合越野。即使您以前从未进行过越野,在旅行结束时,您的越野能力也可能会有所提高。
10. 考虑与当地公司一起进行团体骑行:任何冒险都有很多不确定因素,例如需要许可证(因为这些是边境地区)、自行车的可靠性和出现问题时的帮助、加油站的可用性、关闭时的替代路线、酒店住宿和所需的行李。即使您不选择这家公司,也请在冒险时牢记所有这些因素,以确保您的安全并享受骑行,而不必担心这些事情。经验丰富的当地公司肯定有助于缓解所有这些担忧。
总的来说,这是我一生中最难忘的旅行之一,我将永远珍惜这些回忆。这里的风景、道路、环境和山脉都独一无二,与其他地方都不一样。生命太短暂,不能一直推迟这样的冒险。所以,你还在等什么?去吧!