Royal Enfield’s Himalayan Odyssey flagged off

The 13th edition of Royal Enfield’s Himalayan Odyssey was flagged off yesterday from Delhi. 83 men and – for the first time - 20 women riders are set to cover over 2500kms in 15 days. The two groups will ride on different routes and meet at Leh, Ladakh.

The women’s only ride will have an all women crew comprising of the service staff, technicians and doctors supporting and assisting the riders throughout the journey. The participants will ride through three mountain ranges and six passes as they make their way to Khardung La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. 

Addressing the riders at the flag-off ceremony, Mr. Shaji Koshy, Senior Vice President, Sales, Services and Spares, Royal Enfield said, “For over six decades, Royal Enfield has been the motorcycle of choice for all those who have wanted to ride to the mountains. The Himalayan Odyssey has championed leisure motorcycling in the way it has initiated scores of people to ride to Ladakh. With each passing year, a new set of riders are initiated into this extraordinary expedition. This year, we have introduced the Himalayan Odyssey- Women, an exclusive all women’s ride that promises to be the ultimate motorcycling adventure for all women who ride a Royal Enfield. We have received an encouraging response towards this and we hope this ride becomes an inspiration for many more women to take up motorcycling in India.”

The ride will lead the riders through difficult terrains and weather conditions which will change as the altitude increases. The 15-day ride will pass through regions of the Himalayas passing through Narkanda, Sarchu, Jispa and Leh.

Speaking about the Royal Enfield Himalayan on challenging terrains as it makes its first appearance on this ride, Shaji commented “The Himalayan is the culmination of Royal Enfield’s 60 years of enduring history in its spiritual home—the Himalayas. Our single biggest insight in all these years of riding has been that the best motorcycle for the Himalayas is not one that tries to dominate its landscape, but one that is able to go with its flow. With its purpose-built ground-up design, the Himalayan is a simple and capable go-anywhere motorcycle that will redefine adventure touring in India.” 

The Odyssey this year, also has international participants from countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Colombia, France and UK.