Much of Ladakh, Spiti, Zanskar and Pangi is unpaved. The technique is simple once you know it.
Key Riding Guidance & Highlights
Tarmac is the exception in the high Himalayas, not the rule. Long sections of Ladakh, Spiti, Zanskar and Pangi are loose gravel, sand, rubble and broken road. It looks intimidating; the technique is simple, and mostly counter-intuitive.
The core skills
- Stand on the pegs over rough ground — it lowers your effective centre of gravity and lets the bike move under you
- Grip the tank with your knees and keep your hands and arms loose; a tight grip sends every wobble to the bars
- Look far ahead to where you want to go, never down at the front wheel — the bike follows your eyes
- Stay smooth on the throttle; sudden inputs unsettle the bike on loose surfaces
On sand specifically
A little more speed and momentum is your friend. Slowing down mid-sand is usually what causes the bog-down.
Our tip: On your first off-road section, ride behind our Motorcycle Ride Marshal and copy their exact line. A day of this and you'll wonder why gravel ever worried you.