UNESCO-Royal Enfield riders set out to preserve Himachal’s living heritage on two wheels
Shimla, Aug 27,
In a rare blend of adventure and cultural preservation, UNESCO and Royal Enfield have launched the fourth edition of The Great Himalayan Exploration from Theog, Himachal Pradesh. This year, the expedition will see 20 “rider-researchers” traverse the state’s remote valleys until October 9, documenting 12 unique Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) practices that define the soul of the Himalayas.
Flagged off by local officials on Wednesday, the initiative goes beyond motorcycling thrills — it transforms riders into cultural archivists. Divided into four groups, they will immerse themselves in communities to record traditions such as the Himachali Dham feast, Kath-Kuni earthquake-resistant architecture, Kangra miniature paintings, and the internationally renowned Kullu Dussehra.
The journey, captured in a four-part docuseries by National Geographic for JioHotstar, will spotlight how living traditions continue to thrive despite modern disruptions. Since its inception in 2022, the programme has already documented over 70 heritage practices across the Eastern Himalayas and Ladakh.
“By pairing motorcycling with heritage preservation, UNESCO and Royal Enfield hope to demonstrate how grassroots documentation can strengthen community resilience and safeguard cultural identity in the face of globalization and climate change,” stated a spokesperson of the organizing team.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
