New Delhi, Jun 23 (IANS): The ninth Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey was flagged off here Saturday with 65 riders scheduled to cover 2,700 km over a period of 16 days before returning to Delhi.

The journey, with both Indian and foreign bikers participating, offers scenic yet adventurous off-road driving experiences through the picturesque landscape of Ladakh.

The riders assembled at the India Gate and sought the blessings of Buddhist monks who hold the spiritual thread of the Ladakh region.

"I am very excited for this trip. It is a challenge for me but I am sure that it will also turn out to be the most beautiful journey of my life," 25-year-old Delhiite Himanshu Saluja, the youngest rider in the group, told IANS.

Agreed Guru Satya, 34, from Pune: "This is the first time I have participated in this journey and I am very excited. I am looking forward to drive through KhardungLa pass."

According to the Venki Padmanabhan, chief executive of Royal Enflield, the two-week journey will take riders through the most beautiful, yet challenging, roads involving all terrain types, including rocks, mud, snow, rain and sand.

The ride tests the riders on physical and mental capabilities. According to Ramanathan, temperatures drop to as low as minus 30 degrees in certain parts and oxygen levels are extremely low.