Panaji: At 50, Michael Gomes of Kirbhat, Nuvem, Salcete, Goa, has shown that adventure is not limited by age or years of riding experience.
With only four months of motorcycle-riding experience, Gomes undertook an ambitious 11-day Delhi–Manali–Leh–Delhi round circuit, covering approximately 1,900 kilometres across some of the most challenging and breathtaking roads in the Himalayas.
Gomes travelled from June 19 to June 30, 2026, as the only Goan in a group travelling with five other motorcycles. Riding a Royal Enfield Himalayan 411, which he had purchased specifically to practise off-roading, he took on high-altitude terrain, rough roads, water crossings and unpredictable Himalayan conditions.
His journey covered some of Ladakh’s most iconic destinations, including Manali, Jispa, Sarchu, Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Hanle and Tso Moriri, before returning towards Manali.
Crossing some of the highest roads
The expedition took Gomes across several major Himalayan passes and high-altitude routes.
Among them were Rohtang Pass, Keylong, Baralacha Pass at around 15,000 feet, Khardung La at approximately 18,300 feet and Umling La at around 19,300 feet.
The ride to Umling La was among the biggest highlights of the journey. Located in Ladakh, the route is known for reaching one of the highest motorable elevations in the world.
For a rider with just four months of experience, tackling these elevations and terrain represented a considerable challenge.
A beginner in off-roading
Gomes’ journey was made even more remarkable by the fact that he had no prior experience in serious off-roading or water wading before undertaking the expedition.
His preparation, however, was supported by his passion for outdoor activities. Apart from motorcycle riding, Gomes is an avid cyclist and trekker.
His cycling achievements include completing a 100-km ride on a mountain bike in six hours, giving him a strong endurance base for the demanding Himalayan journey.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 was also purchased with the intention of developing his off-road riding skills, making the Ladakh expedition an opportunity to put that preparation to the test.
An injury just days before the journey
The expedition almost got derailed even before it began.
Just four days before the journey, Gomes suffered a freak slip and fall that resulted in a cut on his forehead.
Despite the setback, he went ahead with his plans and began the long ride into the Himalayas.
The journey subsequently tested his ability to deal with changing terrain, altitude, water crossings and long stretches of demanding roads.
1,900 kilometres of Himalayan terrain
From Manali, the group travelled through Jispa and Sarchu before reaching Leh. The journey then expanded into the high-altitude regions of Ladakh, covering Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Hanle and Tso Moriri.
The return journey took them back towards Sarchu and Manali before completing the circuit.
Across approximately 1,900 kilometres, Gomes experienced some of the most challenging and spectacular landscapes in the region.
For him, the expedition was not simply about covering distance. It was about pushing personal limits, gaining experience and testing himself in an environment vastly different from the roads of Goa.
A reminder that it is never too late to begin
Michael Gomes’ Himalayan journey stands out not only because of the destinations he covered, but because of the circumstances in which he undertook it.
Beginning motorcycle riding at an age when many people may hesitate to take up a demanding new adventure, Gomes moved from practising off-roading on his Himalayan 411 to tackling some of the highest and toughest motorable routes in the country within months.
His experience also highlights the importance of preparation, physical endurance, determination and respect for challenging terrain.
From Nuvem in Goa to the high-altitude roads of Ladakh, Gomes’ 1,900-km ride is a story of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and proving that new adventures can begin at any age.
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