CEAT’s Enduro Park in Ladakh reminded me that the journey to the top is a breathless pursuit. Until acclimatised
Story: Salman Bargir
Photography: CEAT and Salman Bargir
CEAT is one of India’s leading tyre manufacturers, and as the demands of mobility have evolved, so has its approach to developing rubber for vehicles across different segments. Taking this a step further, the company now has an Enduro Park near the famous Shanti Stupa, in one of the world’s most sought-after and demanding motorcycling destinations: the picturesque town of Leh in Ladakh.
Recognised by both the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records as one of the highest enduro parks in the world, the facility has been designed by Shardul Sharma, the only Indian motor sport athlete to have ridden and finished the Red Bull Romaniacs.
Our day at the park began with a briefing on the facilities and what lay ahead. We then got started with the basic “Level 1” training on Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycles shod with CEAT CROSSRAD tyres. The motorcycle itself wasn’t new to me, but the conditions, the terrain, and altitude were.
The chief trainer was Rajan Sidhu, an experienced trainer and former expedition road captain who has led adventure motorcyclists through some of the Himalayas’ most challenging circuits.
After a brief training session, we headed to the park’s cosy café, managed by Throttle Shottle, for a quick lunch. It was a much-needed break. I tucked into a comforting yet light meal, washed it down with a warm cup of Kehwa, and was ready to get on to the main dirt track.
Here, our weapon of choice was the Hero Xpulse motorcycle shod with CEAT Gripp XC tyres. Just after the second bank, one of the riders in our group lost control and fell off the bike. Help arrived sooner rather than later. As I began to understand just how different the terrain was and, more importantly, how the motorcycle needed to be ridden over it, the experience started getting considerably more exciting.
My aim was to get the technique right while gradually pushing myself. I thoroughly enjoyed tackling the banks and loops. As much as I wanted to take on the jumps, I did try one, and promptly decided that was enough for this time.
By the end of the session, the challenging terrain, compounded by the altitude, had left me breathless. But I was high on the experience, so I went out for a couple more laps.
Absolutely worth it is the verdict. I’d go as far as to say that every motorcyclist visiting Leh should make a stop here. It not only helps you improve as a rider, but also prepares you, to a good extent, for what lies beyond the well-trodden roads. You leave with a better understanding of how to deal with challenging situations that you may encounter while exploring the roads less taken.
It also highlighted just how important a good set of tyres is in such conditions, where reliability and performance are paramount. Irrespective of how capable the motorcycle is, if the rubber cannot cope with the terrain, you can be left stranded, potentially turning what was meant to be a memorable ride into an unpleasant experience.
Enduro parks at such altitudes, and with this kind of accessibility, are not easy to come by. So, if you get the opportunity to experience one, not doing so would be a rather unfortunate missed opportunity.
During my conversation with Lakshmi Narayanan B, CEAT’s Chief Marketing Officer, he revealed how closely the project is tied to his own passion for motorcycling. An avid motorcyclist himself, he has ridden across Ladakh’s challenging terrain and wanted to create something for the motorcycling community while also offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s deeply rooted off-road culture.
The park offers multiple levels of training, particularly for budding off-roaders, while also serving as a testing ground for CEAT’s off-road and dual-purpose tyres, including the Gripp XC and CROSSRAD. The idea is to use the park to understand, develop, and evolve its future products in real-world conditions.
Interestingly, the park has been repurposed from what was once a dump yard, and CEAT has plans to develop it further with activities such as 4×4 driving, mountain biking, and even accommodation. The eventual aim is to turn it into a premier adventure theme park.
Lakshmi’s message to the motorcycling community was simple: come and experience the park, learn, explore, and, most importantly, have fun while being responsible and adhering to the rules and safety regulations. He also hopes visitors will spread the word, ensuring that those looking for a unique experience in Ladakh don’t miss out on it.
