Cambodian-based motorcycle tour company Ride Expeditions is expanding into the Himalayas and will further expand into Laos, Burma and Thailand.
While the western-run company has been conducting tours in its home country on Japanese trail bikes, the new Himalayan tour in August 2016 will be aboard new Royal Enfield 500cc Classics.
The new Himalayan Heights tour (August 3-15) travels 1100km from Manali – Leh in Northern India, riding over the world’s highest motorable passes.
Ride Expeditions managing director Toby Jacobs says it will be a different experience for riders and the tour operators. 
“Touring through the Himalayas is a completely different experience to our usual dirt bike tours in Cambodia,” he says. “Don’t get me wrong, I love the off-road riding in Cambodia, but it is exhilarating to weave through the epic mountain landscapes on a thumping Royal Enfield.”
Toby says the fuel-injected Royal Enfield 500cc Classic will be bought brand new for the 2016 season and treated to a few necessary upgrades, most importantly, the suspension.
Unlike older Royal Enfields used by some other companies, the new models have a left-side gear shifter and right rear brake.
Riders will be accompanied by a local doctor and western medic, and a large support vehicle carrying a spare motorcycle, medical kit and all customers’ luggage.
The 13-day tour costs $4225 and includes 12 nights accommodation – 8 in 3-4-star hotels and 4 in giant tents with large beds and private toilets attached. All meals, entrance fees, special riding permits, fuel and domestic transfers are also included.
Now check out these tantalising photos and tell us if you agree with us that the Himalayas must be the most highly placed on the bucket list for riders.
