Royal Enfield Social Mission, in partnership with UNESCO, has premiered the fourth edition of ‘The Great Himalayan Exploration’, a four-part documentary series that showcases the rich living heritage of Himachal Pradesh. The series airs every Sunday at 8pm on National Geographic India and is also streaming on JioHotstar.

The latest edition follows 20 rider-researchers selected from more than 550 applicants as they travel across the culturally vibrant regions of Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi and Spiti. Through immersive interactions with local communities, the participants document traditions, art forms, lifestyles and cultural practices that continue to shape the identity of the Himalayan region.

Joining the expedition are notable personalities including Chef Gresham Fernandes, architect Rahul Bhushan and designer Suket Dhir, along with content creators Candida Louis, Maral Yazarloo Pattrick and Marc Engel. Together, they explore and record stories that highlight the region’s unique cultural landscape.

Speaking about the initiative, Bidisha Dey, Executive Director, Eicher Group Foundation, said the project aims to bring the preservation of living heritage beyond academic circles and make it accessible to wider audiences. She noted that the collaboration with UNESCO has already helped document more than 100 Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) practices across the Eastern and Western Himalayas.

UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia Director and Representative Tim Curtis said intangible cultural heritage serves as the living fabric of communities, carrying generations of knowledge, identity and creativity. He added that initiatives such as ‘The Great Himalayan Exploration’ help create awareness while fostering pride among local communities that continue to preserve these traditions.

A spokesperson from National Geographic India said the new season continues the channel’s effort to spotlight meaningful stories that celebrate culture, community and exploration. The series aims to bring lesser-known yet extraordinary narratives from remote Himalayan regions to audiences across India and beyond.

The documentary explores several iconic cultural symbols and traditions of Himachal Pradesh, including the earthquake-resistant Kathkuni architectural style, the intricate Chamba Rumaal embroidery, Kangra miniature paintings and the traditional Chamba Thaal. It also highlights folk traditions such as the Haran and Nati dances, the Himachali Topi, Spiti jewellery, the sacred Sanchok ceremony and the famed Mandiyali Dham.

Among the many stories featured is the Chamurthi horse, a rare high-altitude breed deeply connected to the cultural and economic life of Spiti Valley. The series also captures the grandeur of Kullu Dussehra, one of the region’s most celebrated festivals, where an entire valley comes together in a remarkable display of faith and tradition.

Launched in 2022, ‘The Great Himalayan Exploration’ is a long-term collaboration between Royal Enfield and UNESCO aimed at documenting and safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage across the Indian Himalayan region. The initiative seeks to identify and record 200 heritage practices spanning oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, traditional craftsmanship and knowledge systems linked to nature and community life.

With the latest season, the project continues its mission of preserving the Himalayas’ living heritage while encouraging travellers and audiences to engage more deeply with the region’s cultural richness.