Motorcycle explorers, this is your chance to set out on an unforgettable adventure. Royal Enfield has teamed up with UNESCO to organise the third edition of The Great Himalayan Exploration, a motorcycling expedition dedicated to documenting the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Indian Himalayan region. The initiative, which will launch in August 2024 in collaboration with National Geographic, will examine the diverse practices of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Ladakh.
The practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities, groups, and occasionally individuals, acknowledge as belonging to their cultural legacy are referred to by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural heritage. Through this special endeavour, riders and researchers will have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to contribute significantly to the preservation of the living heritage of the sacred Himalayas. Their commitment to preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage is essential for building resilience and combating climate change.
Between 15th August and 15th October 2024, four batches will venture into the expansive landscape of Ladakh, rich with heritage and stories. Each of the four batches of rider-researchers will journey to various destinations, interacting closely with local communities over two weeks and documenting their living heritage. From traditional crafts like clay pottery and weaving to the sports of archery and horse polo, there’s much to be explored and experienced.
National Geographic will be presenting this epic exploration in a series of four, 22-minute episodes that will air on Disney + Hotstar, featuring these journeys and the extensive documentation of the region’s cultural practices. Participation in The Great Himalayan Exploration is open to all riders interested in exploring, documenting, conserving, and showcasing these cultural practices to the world. Applications are now open till Monday, the 5th of August, 2024. Interested riders can apply on Royal Enfield x UNESCO’s ‘The Great Himalayan Exploration’ web portal.
