Explore Ladakh with UNESCO and Royal Enfield

UNESCO and Royal Enfield, in partnership with National Geographic, invite passionate motorcycle enthusiasts to participate in the third edition of The Great Himalayan Exploration. This unique program provides an opportunity to embark on an expedition through Ladakh, documenting the region’s rich Intangible Cultural Heritage.

What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?

Defined by UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) encompasses the practices, knowledge, and skills that communities consider a fundamental part of their cultural identity. These practices can be expressed in various forms, including:

• Oral traditions and storytelling
• Performing arts like music and dance
• Social customs, rituals, and festive events
• Traditional knowledge and practices regarding nature and the universe
• Craftsmanship and traditional skills

The Great Himalayan Exploration: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

This project offers a unique opportunity for motivated individuals to play a vital role in preserving the living heritage of the Himalayas. Through documentation and interaction with local communities, rider-researchers contribute to safeguarding ICH and fostering cultural resilience in the face of climate change.

Exploring Ladakh’s Rich Heritage

The expedition will take place between August 15th and October 15th, 2024, with four separate rides venturing across Ladakh’s vast landscapes. Each group of rider-researchers will spend two weeks exploring various destinations, interacting closely with local communities, and documenting their cultural practices. From traditional crafts like pottery and weaving to captivating sports like archery and horse polo, the program promises a diverse and enriching experience.

National Geographic Partnership: Documenting the Journey

The epic exploration will be documented in a four-part series on Disney+ Hotstar by National Geographic. These 22-minute episodes will showcase the journeys of the rider-researchers and the extensive documentation of the region’s cultural practices.

Continuing the Legacy: A Multi-Year Initiative

Launched in the Eastern Himalayas in 2022, The Great Himalayan Exploration represents a multi-year collaboration between UNESCO and Royal Enfield. The program aims to identify and document 200 Intangible Cultural Heritage practices across the entire Himalayan region. With the dedication of chosen rider-researchers, the project has already documented 66 practices across eight states through 17 expeditions.

Join the Exploration: Participation Details

The program welcomes applications from riders interested in exploring, documenting, and promoting Ladakh’s cultural heritage. Applications are open until August 5th, 2024, and can be submitted through the dedicated web portal. The Great Himalayan Exploration’ web portal.