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. 80 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 – Heading towards Gangotri / ca. 100 km

Today we leave our luggage at the hotel and follow the Bhagirathi River upstream towards Gangotri. The ride itself, through an increasingly narrow valley and the spectacular Himalayan mountain scenery, is well worth the journey, no matter how far we eventually go.

We usually ride as far as Gangnani, which is known for its hot springs. If road and traffic conditions are favourable and there is enough time, we may spontaneously continue all the way to Gangotri. We may also ride some distance beyond Gangnani and turn back when the time of day makes it sensible to do so.

We therefore decide along the way how far we will ride that day. What matters is that we return to Uttarkashi safely in daylight – for safety reasons, we generally avoid riding on mountain roads after dark.

The entire route to Gangotri and back would be approximately 190 km.

7. 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.

8. Day: Tilwara - Joshimath / ca. 120 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Day: Kausani – Curves, Tea and Great Himalayan Views / ca. 110 km

Today we leave our luggage at the hotel and have a whole day to enjoy the small mountain roads of Kumaon. Our first destination is Kausani, but the journey is at least as important as the destination itself. The varied route takes us through forests, small villages and the green mountain landscape of the central Himalayas.

Kausani is situated on a mountain ridge and is known for its tea gardens and wide views of the Himalayan peaks. We visit a tea estate and the Anashakti Ashram, a peaceful place where Mahatma Gandhi once spent some time and which is still associated with meditation and yoga today.

If time and road conditions permit, we will continue beyond Kausani and turn the day trip into a longer circuit through Kumaon. As we have not yet ridden this section ourselves, we will decide on the spot how far to follow the route. If progress is too slow or the road proves too difficult, we will turn back in good time and return to Almora along the familiar route.

Either way, this will be a rewarding day on the motorcycles: winding mountain roads, beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and experience Kumaon away from the main traffic routes.

The complete circuit via Kausani would be approximately 160 km.

14. Day: Almora – Nainital / ca. 70 km

15. Day: Nainital – Ramnagar (Jim Corbett) / ca. 120 km

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.