It’s day 3 of our epic journey. The engine roars to life, sending vibrations through my body and a thrill up my spine. This is more than just a ride; it’s our first long motorcycle journey across Ladakh and an opportunity for each rider to acclimate and get a true feel for their bikes, two Royal Enfield Classic 350CCs and seven Royal Enfield Himalayan 411CCs.

With ten bikes in our convoy, each one gleaming under the early morning sun, we are ready to take on the 120 kilometers of winding roads and breathtaking landscapes. Our destination is the ethereal Lamayuru Monastery.

Among our group is Nubu, a young and accomplished rider. At just 26, Nubu has already made a name for himself in the local riding community. With his fearless spirit and impeccable riding skills, he is the official leader of our pack, and I have the privilege of being his pillion rider! Along with him are Tensin, who follows us in a double cab and Ali, our ever courteous mechanic. Our casualty from yesterday is feeling better but will be traveling in the double cab today.

The morning air is crisp, with the temperature hovering around a brisk 4°C. As we set off, the cold bites at our faces, making us thankful for our layered riding gear. As our bikes roll out, the cityscape slowly fades, replaced by the vast and rugged beauty of the open road.

The journey starts with smooth roads, and we quickly settle into a rhythm. Riding alongside friends, the camaraderie is palpable. The landscape begins to change, and soon we are surrounded by majestic mountains. Every turn reveals new vistas—snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and the sparkling Indus River snaking through the land.

Nubu leads the group with a keen sense of direction and a knack for maneuvering between oncoming traffic and the constant flow of bikers, numbering in their hundreds. His experience is evident in the way he navigates the winding roads with ease, ensuring everyone keeps pace and stays safe.

As we climb higher, the roads become more challenging, with hairpin bends and steep ascents. The bikes handle them like a dream, gliding effortlessly around corners. The thrill of the ride is amplified by the sheer beauty of the scenery. We stop frequently to take it all in, capturing moments that words could never fully describe.

We ride past the magnetic hills, a phenomenon that defies gravity. These mysterious “magnetic” hills have long puzzled both locals and tourists because, despite the road appearing to slope upwards, if you park your vehicle, turn off the engine, and release the brakes, it will roll towards the hills at a speed of 12 miles per hour on its own!

After hours of riding with several stops to stretch our legs and grab snacks along the way, we finally glimpse the Lamayuru Monastery perched on a rocky hill, looking like something out of a fairy tale.

Known as the ‘Moonland’ due to its lunar-like landscape, the monastery stands as a beacon of serenity and spiritual calm amidst the rugged terrain. Also known as Yuru Monastery (meaning ‘Eternal Monastery”), it is a Tibetan Buddhist site located at an elevation of 3,510 meters (11,520 feet) and 19 kilometers southwest of Khalsi.

With Tibetan culture very apparent in Ladakh, the Lamayuru Monastery is decorated with fluttering prayer flags, and the scent of incense and the sound of monks chanting create a deeply peaceful atmosphere. We explore ancient murals and stupas, each telling stories of centuries-old traditions and beliefs.

The return journey is just as exhilarating, if not more so. The sun sets behind the mountains, casting a palette of colour over the landscape. We ride with a sense of accomplishment and contentment, the experiences of the day etched in our hearts. By the time we return to the hotel, tired but elated, we know this is the start to a longer, more rigorous ride tomorrow. Today we rode for approximately 280kms, and my first long distance bike ride has been a great experience.