Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey 2022 started its breath-taking journey with 70 riders from India Gate, New Delhi, to Umling La, Ladakh. This year, the 18-day journey will cover more than 2,700 km with an aim to reduce the impact on the vulnerable ecosystem of the Himalayas. Moreover, the journey will raise awareness about environment-friendly tourism while promoting responsible travel practices among the rider community, with a view to #LeaveEveryPlaceBetter.
The Himalayan Odyssey is back after a pause of three years with riders from several countries including the USA, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia, as well as from multiple Indian cities, such as Mumbai, Pune, Madurai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Anantapur and Vijayawada, among others.
0While both groups will be flagged off from Delhi together, one group will ride to Ladakh via the picturesque Manali route and the other will traverse the rugged Sangla-Kaza route, before finally converging at Leh. Riding through Ladakh and Spiti will challenge the rider in terms of weather and terrain, while also experiencing an adventure of a lifetime.
Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey 2022- Flagged off from the India Gate
Flagged off from the India Gate – New Delhi in the traditional Ladakhi ceremony, the riding contingent was blessed by Buddhist Lamas who chanted prayers to bless the riders at the flag-off ceremony.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony Mohit Dhar Jayal, Chief Brand Officer, Royal Enfield said, “The Himalayas are Royal Enfield’s spiritual home, and the Himalayan Odyssey is an ode to the undying spirit of exploration and motorcycling adventure since its inception in 1997. This edition marks a significant chapter in our endeavors to explore more as we travel to Umling La, the new highest motorable pass in the world.
In 2019, we took a step towards reducing the plastic footprint with our #LeaveEveryPlaceBetter initiative, and this year we continue our journey towards preserving and sustaining the delicate environment of the Himalayas with our ‘Responsible Travel’ initiative. We hope our efforts will help nurture an environmentally aware and conscientious community of riders and these 70 riders will become an inspiration for responsible motorcycle journeys, for other riders as well.“
Traversing through some of the roughest terrains and highest mountain passes in the world, the Himalayan Odyssey contingent will continue to promote the concept of a responsible motorcycle journey through various efforts.
In Himalayan Odyssey 2019, Royal Enfield introduced its #LeaveEveryPlaceBetter initiative which aimed at discouraging participants from using bottled water and facilitating purified water by installing dispensers along the key riding route in Ladakh. In its efforts toward remaining green, this year, all participants have been given a Life Straw and a green kit to significantly reduce their plastic consumption.
The ride will also encourage participants to dispose of all waste responsibly during the ride.
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Working with local communities and promoting them is also a key aspect of Royal Enfield’s Responsible Travel campaign. As part of this campaign, the brand has introduced several initiatives to empower the local community by supporting over 60 homestays in remote locations in Ladakh, and rural electrification with solar power impacting 682 households in rural Ladakh.
Royal Enfield is also closely working with the local administrations to monitor waste management in these regions. This year, the cavalcade will also make a stop at Chumathang on the 10th of July where Royal Enfield is supporting the Chumathang Football Tournament, which will see participation from almost 300 children.
June marks the start of the riding season in the Himalayas with thousands of riders traversing the Ladakh and Spiti regions of the Himalayas. Royal Enfield has set up a comprehensive service network in the region that caters to the riders who require service support at 17,982 feet. Under this program called the ‘Leh Rider’s Support,’ the company has nearly 66 service touch points across 6 routes with 175 skilled service technicians to ensure that the riders have a hassle-free riding experience throughout the riding season.