That is perhaps one of the most epic and challenging motorbike tours in the Himalayas! The Spiti Valley loop is often called the 'World's Most Treacherous Road' for its rugged terrain, high passes, and remote location, making it a dream ride.
Given the time of year (typically only accessible from late May/early June to mid-October), and the need for acclimatization, a 10-day itinerary requires efficient riding and covering the key highlights.
| Day | Route | Approx. Distance | Altitude Change (Acclimatization) | Overnight Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delhi to Shimla/Narkanda | 180 KM | Easy ride, Malabar coast, historic port. | Calicut |
| 2 | Calicut to Mangalore (Mangaluru) | 230 Km | Enter Karnataka, Udupi temples, stunning coastal views. | Mangalore |
| 3 | Mangalore to Gokarna | 230 Km | Karwar Coast, Murudeshwar Temple, secluded beaches. | Gokarna |
| 4 | Gokarna to South Goa (Palolem) | 150 Km | Easy ride, cross state border, Palolem Beach, laid-back vibe. | Palolem |
| 5 | Explore Goa / Rest Day | 50 km | North Goa (Baga/Anjuna) or Old Goa Churches/Forts. | Palolem |
| 6 | South Goa (Palolem) to Udupi | 260 km | Start the return journey, long highway miles, coastal stops. | Udupi |
| 7 | Udupi to Kannur (North Kerala) | 240 km | Scenic Kerala re-entry, Theyyam culture, drive along the beach. | Kannur |
| 8 | Kannur to Kochi | 280 km | Long final haul, exploring Fort Kochi, tour conclusion. | Kochi |
| Total Approx. | 1660 km |
• Ride Focus: Getting out of the city and into the rustic Shekhawati region.
• Highlights: The ride will be on good National Highways initially. Mandawa is famous for its open-air art gallery of beautiful, old merchant Havelis (mansions) adorned with intricate frescoes.
• Activity: Settle into a heritage stay and explore the Mandawa bazaar and painted Havelis on foot.
• Ride Focus: Transitioning into a drier, more desert-like landscape.
• Highlights: Visit the formidable Junagarh Fort in Bikaner, a fort that has never been conquered. If time permits, take a detour to the unique Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple) in Deshnok before settling down in Bikaner.
• Ride Focus: This is one of the longest days, cruising through the heart of the Thar Desert. Be prepared for long, straight highway stretches.
• Highlights: The landscape becomes sparser and more dramatic. Arrive in Jaisalmer and witness the magical sight of the Golden Fort rising out of the sand like a mirage at sunset.
• Morning: Leave the bike parked. Explore the Jaisalmer Fort (a living fort where people still reside), Patwon Ki Haveli, and Gadisar Lake.
• Afternoon/Evening: Ride the short distance out to the Sam Sand Dunes area. Experience a Camel or Jeep Safari and an overnight stay in a Desert Camp to enjoy traditional Rajasthani folk music and dance under the stars.
• Ride Focus: A comfortable ride day across desert plains towards the central region.
• Highlights: Arrive in Jodhpur, the Blue City. Check in, then head straight up to the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, which offers commanding views of the blue-painted houses below.
• Activity: Explore the narrow, vibrant blue lanes of the old city near the Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar).
• Ride Focus: Leaving the plains and entering the scenic Aravalli mountain range. Enjoy the curves!
• En Route: Stop at Ranakpur Jain Temple, famous for its exquisite, carved marble pillars (no two are alike).
• Highlights: Arrive at Kumbhalgarh. In the evening, visit Kumbhalgarh Fort, which has the world's second-longest continuous wall after the Great Wall of China.
• Ride Focus: A short, beautiful ride through hilly, forested roads.
• Highlights: Arrive in Udaipur, the most romantic city in Rajasthan.
• Activity: Enjoy a serene sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, offering stunning views of the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir. Later, watch the cultural show (Dharohar Dance Show) at Bagore Ki Haveli.
• Ride Focus: A full-day ride from the lakes back to the plains and towards the sacred site.
• Highlights: Pushkar is a deeply spiritual and laid-back town. Visit the holy Pushkar Lake and the only functioning Brahma Temple in the world.
• Activity: Wander through the small, colourful bazaar and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
• Ride Focus: Short, easy ride to the capital city.
• Highlights: Visit the grand Amer Fort (or Amber Fort) and the beautiful Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) in Jaipur.
• Activity: In the evening, explore the local markets (Bapu Bazaar) for traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles.
• Ride Focus: The final long haul on the excellent NH 48 highway back to Delhi. Start early.
• Activity: Enjoy the smooth ride, have a final roadside lunch (Dhaba meal), and arrive back in Delhi by the afternoon/evening. Return the motorbike and conclude the tour.
