Defender Journeys 2026: Experience India’s Epic Landscapes in the Ultimate Off-Roader
JLR India has officially announced the return of its flagship adventure programme, Defender Journeys, for its fourth edition starting in January 2026. This exclusive, first-of-its-kind luxury self-drive programme allows adventure enthusiasts to explore some of the most breathtaking terrains in the Indian subcontinent from the driver’s seat of the legendary Defender 110.
Reservations for the 2026 season opened on November 20, 2025. The new season promises to be the most extensive yet, featuring 23 curated itineraries designed to blend extreme off-road capability with high-end hospitality.
What is Defender Journeys?
Defender Journeys is a “arrive and drive” luxury experience. Participants do not need to own a Defender to participate. The programme is designed to offer a hassle-free adventure where every detail—from the vehicle and fuel to fine dining and boutique accommodations—is managed by JLR India.
Clients are accompanied by a dedicated team of product experts and off-road instructors throughout the trip. This ensures that drivers can safely push the vehicle to its limits, utilizing advanced technologies like the intelligent All-Wheel Drive and the award-winning Terrain Response 2 system to conquer challenging landscapes.
2026 Itineraries and Destinations
The 2026 calendar is packed with diverse expeditions ranging from the white sands of the Rann of Kutch to the high-altitude passes of the Himalayas. According to the official schedule, the journeys include:
- Kutch Journey (January – February): A drive through the Great Rann of Kutch, starting from Udaipur and ending in Ahmedabad.
- Druk Yul Journey (March & May): A cross-border expedition into Bhutan, traversing from Siliguri to Thimphu.
- Brahmaputra Journey (April – May): Exploring the Northeast, moving from Guwahati to the scenic heights of Tawang.
- Upper Mustang Journey (May): A rare overland route from Gorakhpur into the mystical Lo Manthang region.
- Spiti Himalayan Journey (June, September, October): A classic circuit through the rugged Spiti Valley, starting and ending in Chandigarh via Kaza.
- Ladakh & Zanskar Expeditions (July – September): Multiple itineraries cover the Ladakh region, including the Ladakh Himalayan Journey, the challenging Umling La Himalayan Journey, and the Zanskar Himalayan Journey which navigates from Leh to Manali.
A Blend of Adventure and Luxury
Rajan Amba, Managing Director of JLR India, describes the programme as setting a “new benchmark for luxury adventurous travel.” The experience is not solely about driving; it focuses on cultural immersion and lifestyle.
The itineraries include:
- Curated Routes: Driving through the Thar Desert, Zanskar Valley, and the Konkan Region.
- Luxury Hospitality: Stays at handpicked properties and fine dining experiences.
- Lifestyle Experiences: Activities designed to capture the spirit of exploration and the unique culture of each region.
The Vehicle: Defender 110
All participants will drive the Defender 110, a vehicle engineered for durability and capability. It retains the rugged DNA of the original Land Rover while integrating modern luxury and technology. The vehicle is designed to handle extreme terrains, ensuring that even novice off-roaders can navigate formidable landscapes with confidence under expert guidance.
How to Book
Reservations for the 2026 Defender Journeys are now live. Interested participants can book their slots through the official Land Rover India website. Given the limited number of slots per expedition, early reservation is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need to own a Land Rover to participate in Defender Journeys? No, you do not need to own a Defender or any Land Rover vehicle. The programme is open to all adventure seekers, and the vehicle is provided as part of the package.
Q2: What is included in the Defender Journeys package? The package typically includes the use of a Defender 110 vehicle, fuel, insurance, accommodation, meals, and the guidance of expert instructors. Participants essentially need to just “pack their bags” and arrive.
Q3: Which destinations are covered in the 2026 edition? The 2026 itinerary includes the Thar Desert (Kutch), Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh (Tawang), Upper Mustang, Spiti Valley, Ladakh, Zanskar Valley, and the Umling La Pass.
Q4: When does the 2026 season begin? The first expedition of the 2026 season, the Kutch Journey, is scheduled to begin in late January 2026.
Q5: Is off-road driving experience required? No prior off-road experience is mandatory. A team of certified product experts and instructors accompanies the convoy to guide drivers through all terrains and vehicle settings.
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