ON TOP OF THE WORLD

This year, the Himalayan Odyssey embarked on a journey to the Umling La pass – the new highest motorable road…in the WORLD!

- DIVYANK KUSHAGRA BANSAL

It was a regular day in the office for me. I was sitting in front of my laptop, shuffling through the day’s e-mails hoping to come across something remotely interesting. And just then, communication from Royal Enfield drops in stating the return of the Himalayan Odyssey ride! Now, before I write further, I think this is the right time to give the readers a brief background on Royal Enfield’s marquee ride.

BACKGROUND

Since its inception in 1997, when forty Royal Enfield motorcycles climbed to Khardung La, the world’s then-highest motorable pass, Himalayan Odyssey is considered to be one of the ultimate motorcycling experiences offered in India. It’s an opportunity for all kinds of riders, ranging from amateurs to pro explorers, to experience the bounty of the Indian Himalayas in an unparalleled manner! Of course, due to the pandemic, the ride was revived after a brief hiatus and to truly celebrate this, folks at Royal Enfield decided that this year, the ride should culminate where no other had to date – at 19,024 feet above the sea level at Umling La – the current highest motorable pass in the world! For reference, this pass is situated at a much higher altitude than even the Siachen Glacier (17,700 feet) and, in fact, is also higher than the Mount Everest Base Camp. And guess what, I was fortunate enough to enrol for this year’s expedition!