UNESCO and Royal Enfield announces the fourth edition of The Great Himalayan Exploration, a unique motorcycling expedition dedicated to documenting the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of the Indian Himalayan region. This year, the journey ventures to Himachal Pradesh, with a mission to explore and preserve 12 unique ICH practices through an immersive, rider-led documentation.
The expedition was flagged off by Shashank Gupta, Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Shri Sidharth Sharma, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Theog, Himachal Pradesh on 27 August 2025 from the Himalayan Hub, Theog, Shimla. A select group of 20 rider-researchers will traverse the state’s scenic landscapes until October 9, 2025. Divided into four groups, the riders will interact with local communities, gaining firsthand insight into living traditions that have been passed down for generations.
The Great Himalayan Exploration will be captured in a four-part docuseries presented by National Geographic, offering audiences an intimate view of the riders’ journeys and the region’s cultural treasures.
Documenting Himachal’s Cultural Heritage
The 20 rider-researchers will follow four distinct routes across Himachal Pradesh, immersing themselves in local communities and documenting living traditions through video and immersive participant observation. Some of the traditions being documented include:
- Himachali Dham: A traditional vegetarian festive feast prepared by hereditary Boti chefs, served in a fixed order on leaf plates during weddings and festivals.
- Chamba Thaal: An ornate brass or metal platter, often embellished with traditional motifs, crafted in Chamba for religious or ceremonial occasions.
- Kangra Paintings: An 18th–19th century miniature art form celebrated for its fine detailing and use of natural pigments and gold.
- Kath-Kuni Architecture: An indigenous, earthquake-resistant construction style using interlocking deodar wood and stone beams without mortar.
- Spiti Jewellery: Traditional silver and turquoise ornaments worn by Spiti women that reflect Tibetan influences and symbolic motifs.
- Himachali Topi: A distinctive woollen cap with a colorful band, worn by men and representing regional identity.
- Kullu Dussehra: A week-long international festival where over 300 village deities gather to honor Lord Raghunath, featuring grand processions and mass dance performances.
As defined by UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage is the practices, expressions, knowledge and skills that communities, groups and sometimes individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage. Also called living cultural heritage, it is usually expressed in one of the following forms: oral traditions; performing arts; social practices, rituals and festive events; knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; and traditional craftsmanship.
