NewzVille Exclusive
Royal Enfield Social Mission, in partnership with UNESCO, announces the premier of the documentary series on the third edition of ‘The Great Himalayan Exploration’. The four-episode series captures the living heritage of Ladakh. The premiere will be telecasted on National Geographic and will stream exclusively on JioHotStar starting 21 June at 8 PM.
Selected from over 1,500 applicants, the series follows 40 rider-researchers on a transformative journey through the expansive and culturally rich landscapes of Ladakh. Joined by notable voices such as Gul Panag, Prateek Sadhu, Bandana Tewari, and Clifton Shipway, each episode explores a distinct facet of Ladakh.
Focusing on Culture, Sports, Crafts and Food, the series highlights immersive engagements between the riders and local communities as they document their living heritage.
Bidisha Dey, Executive Director, Eicher Group Foundation, the CSR arm of Royal Enfield proudly says, “Our approach on documentation has been unique – through rider-researchers who travel and spend time with the Himalayan communities to record these practices. We believe that awareness plays a crucial role in safeguarding this knowledge and preserving our diverse cultural identity.”
Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, focusing on the climate issues says, “Ladakh’s fragile mountain ecosystems and increasing exposure to climate risks make it more urgent than ever to recognize and value the traditional knowledge embedded in its living heritage. These cultural practices—whether in sustainable land use, food systems, or collective rituals—offer not only a sense of identity and continuity, but also vital insights into how communities adapt and thrive in harmony with their environment.”
“At UNESCO, we believe the goal must extend beyond safeguarding and transmission. This is about understanding heritage as a source of resilience, creativity, and social cohesion in the face of global challenges. Our partnership with Royal Enfield’s ‘The Great Himalayan Exploration’ reflects this spirit”, Curtis reiterates.
The unique motorcycling expedition to safeguard Intangible Cultural Heritage, Royal Enfield’s ‘The Great
Himalayan Exploration’ is an initiative to document these practices in the Indian Himalayan region.
Launched in the Eastern Himalayas in 2022 and continuing through the Western Himalayas and North
Eastern Himalayas, The Great Himalayan Exploration is a multi-year partnership between UNESCO and
Royal Enfield, striving to identify and document 200 Intangible Cultural Heritage practices.
