Routing
1. Day: Arrival
Welcome to India! Depending on your airline, you’ll arrive in Delhi either late at night or early in the morning. You’ll be warmly welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel – time to catch your breath after the long flight. The vibrant metropolis never sleeps, but your journey begins gently, with a first taste of Indian atmosphere.
2. Day: Transfer Delhi - Rishikesh
After breakfast, your adventure begins – not yet on the bike, but already intense. A private transfer takes you to Rishikesh, the gateway to the Himalayas, in about six hours. Along the way, you’ll experience the full force of Indian life: colorful trucks, bustling towns, roadside vendors, and cows on the road. And then – suddenly – peace. Rishikesh lies on the Ganges, surrounded by gentle hills, known for ashrams, yoga centers and a deep spiritual energy. You’ll feel it right away – the unique vibe of a place that even enchanted the Beatles.
3. Day: Rishikesh - City of Ashrams
Today the motorcycles stay parked – and that’s a good thing. You have the entire day to explore the “City of Ashrams”: spiritual conversations by the Ganges, cozy cafés, colorful markets, peaceful spots for meditation or just sitting and soaking it all in. Maybe you’ll join a yoga class or wander through the old town. In the evening, things get magical: if possible, you’ll witness the Ganga Aarti – a traditional fire ceremony on the riverbank. A moment you won’t soon forget.
4. Day: Rishikesh - Mussoorie / ca. 125 km
Your motorcycle journey truly begins – and with an epic mountain ride. From the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh, you climb steadily on winding roads to Mussoorie, one of North India’s most famous hill stations. Along the way, sweeping views open up across the valley, and the breeze carries the scent of pine and damp forest floor. In Mussoorie, colonial architecture, charming cafés and the famous Mall Road await – a blend of nostalgic charm and Indian liveliness.
5. Day: Mussoorie - Uttarkashi / ca. 120 km
The road winds through deep valleys and lush hillsides. You pass remote villages where time seems to move slower, and rustic teahouses where every short stop becomes an experience. The route is curvy, at times steep, and constantly reveals dramatic Garhwal scenery. Your destination, Uttarkashi, sits on the banks of the Bhagirathi River and is known for its temples and as a base for pilgrims heading to Gangotri.
6. Day: Uttarkashi – Tilwara / ca. 160 km
This stretch is challenging but unforgettable: you’ll ride partly on unpaved backroads, cross small bridges, and weave through forests and remote hillscapes. The scenery shifts between wild nature and cultivated fields, with mountain panoramas and rugged gorges inviting constant awe. Tilwara lies quietly on the banks of the Mandakini River – a peaceful place to relax and unwind.
7. Day: Tilwara - Joshimath / ca. 170 km
A day of contrasts: from deep valleys into the high alpine world of Garhwal. You pass lush terraced fields, winding river valleys and secluded shepherd villages. The roads are mostly in good condition, but narrow hairpins and steep climbs will still test your riding skills. Joshimath, located at the foot of the sacred mountains, blends spiritual ambiance with breathtaking nature – the perfect place to reflect on the day’s journey.
8. Day: Day Trip to Badrinath / ca. 110 km
Badrinath is one of Hinduism’s holiest sites – a temple town charged with intense spiritual energy. The road there winds through spectacular mountain scenery and narrow valleys. Once in town, you’ll find a vivid mosaic of monks, pilgrims, and little shops. The colorful temple, steaming hot springs and flickering butter lamps make this a profoundly moving experience.
9. Day: High Up – Day Trip to Auli / ca. 30 km
A short but steep ride takes you to Auli – a popular winter resort located over 3,000 m above sea level. From here, you’ll have a jaw-dropping view of Nanda Devi and other Himalayan giants. You’ll spend the morning surrounded by this majestic panorama before heading back to Joshimath in the afternoon. The contrast between the stark high-altitude landscape and the vibrant valley below makes this day truly special.
10. Day: Joshimat - Gairsain / ca. 135 km
Today you head east toward Kumaon – on quiet mountain roads and through peaceful villages in a region still largely unknown to travelers. Your destination, Gairsain (also called Bhararisain), is not only scenic but also politically significant: it’s the summer capital of the state of Uttarakhand. You’ll notice a slower pace of life here – rural, relaxed, and genuine.
11. Day: Gairsain - Almora / ca. 115 km
This leg takes you further east into the historic town of Almora – the cultural heart of Kumaon. Perched on a ridge with sweeping views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, Almora is known for its vibrant culture, local crafts and distinctive cuisine. After arriving, you’ll have time to stroll through the old town and soak in the unique charm of this place.
12. Day: Day Trip to Bhuvneshwar / ca. 210 km
An early start takes you to a destination that is both mystical and spectacular: the cave of Patal Bhuvaneshwar. According to legend, it is the gateway to the underworld and home to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Descending into the 160-meter-long cave with its bizarre rock formations is a powerful mix of spiritual depth and geological wonder. In the evening, you return to Almora – filled with vivid impressions.
13. Day: Almora – Nainital / ca. 70 km
A relaxed riding day brings you to the popular hill town of Nainital, nestled around a shimmering emerald-green lake. The approach itself offers gorgeous views of terraced slopes, pine forests and glistening mountain lakes. Once in town, you can take a boat ride on the lake or stroll along the colonial-style promenade. Here, Indian holiday spirit meets mountain serenity in a very special way.
14. Day: Nainital – Ramnagar (Jim Corbett) / ca. 120 km
First stop today is Bhimtal Lake, the largest in the region. After a short break, you continue south through increasingly dense forest toward Corbett National Park. In the late afternoon, you’ll reach Ramnagar, gateway to India’s oldest national park – named after legendary tiger hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett.
15. Day: Corbett National Park
A full day of pure wilderness. Corbett is home to elephants, deer, crocodiles, leopards – and of course, the iconic Bengal tiger. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot some of India’s “Big Five” up close – an unforgettable nature experience that stays with you long after the ride.
16. Day: Ramnagar – Haridwar / ca. 160 km
After the heights, forests and wildlife, today’s ride brings you back into Garhwal’s spiritual world. You follow the Ganges downstream to Haridwar – one of India’s most sacred cities. As evening falls, things turn magical: thousands of pilgrims gather at the ghats for the famous Ganga Aarti. A sea of lights, chants, and incense fills the air – an intense farewell to Uttarakhand.
17. Day: Haridwar - Delhi - (Agra)
After breakfast, the return journey begins: depending on availability, you’ll travel by car or train back to Delhi – or for some, continue on to Agra. Those who chose the Taj Mahal extension will reach the city in the evening and can already start soaking up the anticipation for tomorrow’s grand finale. Others fly home that night.
18. Day: Return Flight or Visit to the Taj Mahal
Early in the morning, you’ll stand in front of one of the world’s most beautiful buildings: the Taj Mahal – almost ethereal in the first light of day. Those who wish can also visit the Red Fort of Agra before returning to Delhi and the airport.
19. Day: Return Flight (for Taj Mahal visitors)
Tonight (or early the next morning), your flight home departs. Your journey through Garhwal & Kumaon comes to an end – hopefully with a mind full of images, a heart full of memories, and a deep sense of peace.
