UNESCO x Royal Enfield returns with the fourth edition of The Great Himalayan Exploration in Himachal Pradesh

UNESCO and Royal Enfield pronounces the fourth version of The Nice Himalayan Exploration, a novel motorcycling expedition devoted to documenting the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of the Indian Himalayan area. This yr, the journey ventures to Himachal Pradesh, with a mission to discover and protect 12 distinctive ICH practices by means of an immersive, rider-led documentation.

The expedition was flagged off by Shashank Gupta, Sub-Divisional Justice of the Peace and Shri Sidharth Sharma, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Theog, Himachal Pradesh on 27 August 2025 from the Himalayan Hub, Theog, Shimla. A choose group of 20 rider-researchers will traverse the state’s scenic landscapes till October 9, 2025. Divided into 4 teams, the riders will work together with native communities, gaining firsthand perception into residing traditions which have been handed down for generations.

The Nice Himalayan Exploration will likely be captured in a four-part docuseries offered by Nationwide Geographic, providing audiences an intimate view of the riders’ journeys and the area’s cultural treasures.

Documenting Himachal’s Cultural Heritage

The 20 rider-researchers will comply with 4 distinct routes throughout Himachal Pradesh, immersing themselves in native communities and documenting residing traditions by means of video and immersive participant commentary. Among the traditions being documented embrace:

• Himachali Dham: A standard vegetarian festive feast ready by hereditary Boti cooks, served in a hard and fast order on leaf plates throughout weddings and festivals.
• Chamba Thaal: An ornate brass or steel platter, usually embellished with conventional motifs, crafted in Chamba for non secular or ceremonial events.
• Kangra Work: An 18th–nineteenth century miniature artwork kind celebrated for its high-quality detailing and use of pure pigments and gold.
• Kath-Kuni Structure: An indigenous, earthquake-resistant development fashion utilizing interlocking deodar wooden and stone beams with out mortar.
• Spiti Jewelry: Conventional silver and turquoise ornaments worn by Spiti ladies that replicate Tibetan influences and symbolic motifs.
• Himachali Topi: A particular woollen cap with a colourful band, worn by males and representing regional identification.
• Kullu Dussehra: Every week-long worldwide competition the place over 300 village deities collect to honor Lord Raghunath, that includes grand processions and mass dance performances.

As outlined by UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage is the practices, expressions, information and expertise that communities, teams and generally people recognise as a part of their cultural heritage. Additionally known as residing cultural heritage, it’s often expressed in one of many following kinds: oral traditions; performing arts; social practices, rituals and festive occasions; information and practices regarding nature and the universe; and conventional craftsmanship.