FAQs Archive - Page 11 of 11 - Classic Bike Adventure

Q: Will there be any water crossings?

There is definitely one water crossing on the way from Nubra Valley to Lake Pangong in Ladakh. Ultimately, the situation is different after every winter, so you should be prepared to ford more than one river. Our team will be happy to help and take over your bike if you don’t feel comfortable with the crossing.

Q: Are beer or other alcoholic beverages available everywhere?

Not all hotels in Kerala and Karnataka allow you to order beer or other alcoholic beverages and consume it in the restaurant or garden. In those cases, we’ll buy alcoholic beverages as a group and enjoy them in our rooms or private verandas.

Q: Can I get altitude sickness?

The Ladakh tour starts in Leh at the altitude of 3,500 meters, so a slow acclimatization is important. After two nights in Leh, we’ll move on to two nights in Alchi on the western Indus at an altitude of around 3,000 meters. Based on our experience, everybody should be well-acclimatized by then and the minor discomfort (dizziness, headache, insomnia) associated with high altitudes a thing of the past. So, don’t worry! We have had hardly any cases of “real” altitude sickness on our Ladakh motorcycle tours in the last ten years. That said, everyone reacts differently to high altitudes. We therefore recommend that you discuss the use of acetazolamide, a medication to prevent altitude sickness, with your GP.

Q: Do I need travel insurance and travel health insurance?

We always recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover costs incurred if you need to cancel the trip due to illness or other reasons. When shopping for travel health insurance, make sure the policy covers the potentially high cost of medical evacuation to your home country. Both forms of insurance can save you a lot of money in an emergency and we recommend them unreservedly. In many countries, your national motoring organization can provide the coverage you need.

Q: What do I need to bring along for a motorcycle tour?

You will definitely want to bring your riding suit with protectors and a helmet. You will also need motorcycle boots or lighter riding shoes and gloves. While your gear should be breathable in hot climates, you need to be ready for anything at high altitudes and in the Himalayas. We recommend winter gloves, warm socks, liners for jackets and trousers, a scarf and face protection. Rain gear is a good idea if your riding suit is not waterproof. Please note that we do not hire out clothing. We believe that your own riding gear will fit best and thus give you the best protection. If you forget anything, we’ll find a solution, however. We often have spare gear with us, or we can point you in the direction of a shop.

Q: Do I need a visa for India?

Visitors to India need a tourist visa, which you must obtain in advance. Visas are not issued on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of your stay. The e-Tourist Visa costs around 20 to 80 euros and you can apply for it online. Important note: The terms for the e-Tourist Visa can be found here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html The visa application itself can be found here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/info1.jsp