The article describes the author’s experience participating in Royal Enfield’s Social Mission Ride, a journey that combines exploring local cultures and traditions with sustainable tourism practices. The author, an automotive journalist, joined the third edition of “The Great Himalayan Exploration” in Sikkim, a state nestled in the Himalayas. The group rode Royal Enfield’s flagship adventure bike, the Himalayan 450, which proved to be an excellent choice for navigating the challenging terrain.
The journey began in Delhi, and the author arrived in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, after a series of flights and drives. The first day’s ride was to Changu Lake, where the group encountered heavy rain and fog, but the Himalayan 450 performed well in the conditions. The next day, the weather worsened, and the group faced heavy rain and slush, but the bike’s off-road capabilities proved impressive.
The group also visited the Temi Tea Plantation and learned about the traditional cheese-making process in Borong Village, where they documented the art of Churpi making. The author was impressed by the passion and dedication of the local cheesemakers, who expressed concerns about the lack of interest in preserving their traditional craft.
Throughout the journey, the author was impressed by the Himalayan 450’s performance, handling, and off-road capabilities, despite being a rookie off-road rider himself. He praised the bike’s long-travel suspension, big 21-inch front wheel, and 230mm ground clearance, which made it an excellent choice for the challenging terrain.
The article concludes by thanking Royal Enfield for the opportunity to experience the Great Himalayan Exploration and to ride the Himalayan 450 in such an unforgettable adventure. The author reflects on the journey’s unforgettable experiences, lessons, and unforgettable memories, and looks forward to sharing the story with readers.