Men's Motorcycle Retreat: Journey to Ladakh

This men's motorcycle retreat is a 12-day ride through Ladakh in the Indian Himalayas, with Leh as the base for arrival and return. It combines riding a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 with Kundalini Hatha Yoga, meditation and men's circles, and it climbs to Umling La, at 19,024 feet the highest motorable pass in the world. It is for men who want more than a sightseeing tour: those who sense there is something deeper to explore and want to do it alongside other men. The retreat is led by Gonçalo Luz, founder of Inner Outer Journeys.

What to Expect

The route builds gradually, and so does the inner work. The first two days are spent in Leh settling in, meeting the group, preparing the motorcycles and beginning to acclimatize to the altitude. From there the group rides the NH1 route toward Lamayuru and Hemis Shukpachan, where a full silent day replaces words with reflection. Days six and seven head into more remote terrain toward Tso Moriri and beyond. Around days eight and nine the group crosses to Umling La and spends time integrating the climb through reflection. The final days lead back through the valleys to a closing circle in Teri.

Each day follows a rhythm. Mornings begin with yoga, pranayama and meditation to prepare body and mind for altitude. Days are spent on the bikes, over gravel, across rivers and through high passes. Evenings are for men's circles, where participants speak honestly about their lives and are heard without performance. The practice draws on Kundalini Hatha Yoga, Indian Tantric traditions, Tibetan Bön, Tibetan Buddhism and men's circle work. This edition goes further off-road than earlier ones and adds guided reflections and simple rituals to help men carry the experience home.

The retreat is open to men born in male bodies. The organizers explain the choice as a way to create a focused space where men can talk openly about masculinity, mental health, relationships, career and purpose.

About Gonçalo Luz

Gonçalo Luz is a yoga teacher, men's work facilitator and adventure travel leader. He founded Inner Outer Journeys, which runs men's retreats in the Indian Himalayas and Northern Thailand, where he now lives. Born in Portugal in 1972, he worked for twenty years as a filmmaker and film teacher, latterly in advertising. In 2010 he followed a call for spiritual awakening, left that life within a year and set off for the Indian Himalayas, travelling there on and off for seven years. There he found yoga as a path of spiritual development and men's work as a tool for self-growth. On this retreat he rides alongside the group and holds the space in the circles.

The Setting

The group is based in Leh and travels across Ladakh, staying 11 nights in rooms with a private toilet and hot shower. Participants can choose a single-occupancy room with a double bed or a shared twin room. Airport pickup in Leh is included within the journey calendar. A backup vehicle and a mechanic travel with the group.

Before You Go

Riders should be experienced or confident beginners, comfortable on a motorcycle and ready for gravel, river crossings and high-altitude riding. The riding is physically demanding, and the thin, dry air can affect sleep and energy. The retreat is held in English.

Included are the yoga and meditation sessions, men's work, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450cc motorcycle, 11 nights of accommodation, 11 breakfasts, 6 dinners, the backup vehicle and mechanic, spare parts for simple repairs, internal permits and airport pickup in Leh.

Not included are international and internal flights, visa, food and fuel, personal extras such as drinks and SIM cards, and compulsory travel insurance. Riders must bring their own helmet, boots, gloves, padded motorcycle jacket and pants, and a water pack. Damage to the motorcycle from reckless riding, including off-road riding or exceeding speed limits, is not covered.