A powerful new documentary series titled The Great Himalayan Exploration has premiered on National Geographic, offering a deep dive into the vibrant and enduring cultural traditions of Ladakh. The series, produced as part of a collaboration between Royal Enfield’s Social Mission and UNESCO, is now available for streaming exclusively on JioHotStar.
The four-part series captures the third edition of The Great Himalayan Exploration, an initiative dedicated to documenting Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) practices across the Indian Himalayan region. This latest chapter focuses on Ladakh, where 40 rider-researchers, chosen from a pool of over 1,500 applicants, embarked on a unique journey to explore and document the region’s cultural richness.
Joining the riders on this expedition are prominent figures such as actor and activist Gul Panag, chef Prateek Sadhu, sustainability advocate Bandana Tewari, and social worker Clifton Shipway. Together, they traverse Ladakh’s diverse landscapes, uncovering stories centred around four thematic pillars: Culture, Sports, Crafts, and Food.
The series takes viewers into the heart of Ladakh’s communities, showcasing traditional practices and local knowledge systems. These include everything from the ceremonial khatak offerings and the colourful Brokpa attire of Garkon and Darchik, to indigenous sports such as archery in Kargil and horse polo in Drass. The series also highlights nomadic dance forms, such as Jabro in Changthang, the intricacies of wool spinning and Rebo tent-making near Tso Moriri, and cherished culinary traditions, including Skyu, gur gur cha (butter tea), and the sustainable water-sharing method known as the Chhurpon system.
Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of the Eicher Group Foundation, the CSR arm of Royal Enfield, emphasised the broader mission behind the series. “This project is more than documentation, it’s about building meaningful connections between travellers and communities, and creating open-source access to India’s diverse living heritage,” she said. “We believe that cultural awareness is vital to preserving our identity and fostering long-term resilience.”
UNESCO’s South Asia Director, Tim Curtis, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of traditional knowledge in the face of modern challenges. “Ladakh’s living heritage provides essential insights into sustainable practices and community resilience. Our partnership with Royal Enfield showcases heritage not as something locked in the past, but as a living, breathing part of everyday life that fosters identity and social cohesion.”
Launched in 2022, The Great Himalayan Exploration aligns with Royal Enfield’s goal to support 100 Himalayan communities by 2030, building climate resilience through projects like textile conservation, biodiversity initiatives, and rural sports promotion. The docuseries is a step toward inspiring one million riders to explore responsibly and “leave every place better.”
For Royal Enfield, the Himalayas are not just a backdrop for adventure but a spiritual home. The brand’s Social Mission projects reflect this deep-rooted connection, supporting education, sustainable travel, rural sports, textile conservation, and climate resilience through a variety of community-driven initiatives.
As the docuseries unfolds, it brings Ladakh’s intangible cultural wealth into vivid focus, inviting audiences across the country to witness the traditions, voices, and stories that continue to shape this unique region.
Streaming Now: The Great Himalayan Exploration
Where to Watch: National Geographic & JioHotStar
Episodes: 4
Focus Themes: Culture | Sports | Crafts | Food
Disclaimer: Portions of this content were enhanced with the assistance of ChatGPT.
