Trans Himalaya – Riding High – The Best Of The Indian Himalayas2023-10-23T10:39:42+00:00

India Trans Himalaya Tour

RIDING HIGH – THE BEST OF THE INDIAN HIMALAYAS

This unique motorcycle journey takes us from the foothills of the Himalayas along the holy river Ganges to the highest heights of the Indian Himalayas and across brand new roads and tracks to Zanskar and Ladakh. Our adventure begins with a domestic flight from Delhi to Dehradun, from where we take a private transport to. Rishikesh is the undisputed yoga capital of the world and a spiritual point of longing for entire generations. It all started with the Beatles meditating in an Ashram here in the late 1960s, bringing their fans closer to India. For us, Rishikesh, which lies at the foothills of the mighty Himalayan Mountain range and on the holy river Ganges, is the perfect starting point for our Trans Himalaya Tour. In the next four weeks we will hardly ride a stretch of straight road, we move further and above all deeper into the mountains, to mystical places, abandoned kingdoms and the highest motorable passes in the world in Zanskar and Ladakh.

Rishikesh is in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, an area bordering Tibet to the north and Nepal to the east. Mighty Himalayan peaks separate the states from each other. Uttarakhand is also less known to die-hard India fans, so we can look forward to an almost untouched natural landscape and culture, influenced by the religions of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. The first few days of riding pass very relaxed in the foothills of the Himalayas. We visit Jim Corbet National Park, home to the country’s largest wild tiger population, and with a bit of luck we may see tigers and elephants in the wild. From there we ride deeper and deeper into the Himalayas, along the mighty snow-capped mountain ranges of Nanda Devi (7,816), Trisul (7,120) and Panchchuli (6,904). Here the river Ganges, which is holy for Hindus, flows from the Tibetan high plateau to India, numerous pilgrimage sites mark spiritual places and pilgrims and sadhus (“holy men”) come together from all over the country.

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From Shimla, former summer capital of the British Raj with its colonial charm, we explore the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The first days bring us to Spiti, one of the most impressive high valleys on earth. Spiti is one of the least populated areas of India, wild mountain ranges and high passes have preserved the millennia-old culture like no other in the world. Literally translated, Spiti means “midland”, the land between Tibet and India. Also known as “Little Tibet” – locals and exiled Tibetans live here together in harmony and freedom. The ride through the Himalayan desert mountain valley is breathtaking – and can be challenging at times. We wind our way higher and higher over winding dirt tracks and roads, from dense evergreen jungles to the 4,551-meter high Kunzum La Pass. It is a drive through an unreal landscape shaped by the ruggedness of the Himalayas, unique wildlife and the beauty of untamed nature, a part of the world all but forgotten by civilisation.

From Spiti we ride across the Manali-Ladakh “Highway” – Highway to Heaven-, to Ladakh. Most of the road is paved but still stunningly beautiful with enough challenges as it crosses over 4 high passes all above 5,000 meters high. At the azure mountain lake Pangong we stay overnight in a riverside tent camp, then we continue across the world-famous Kardungh La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Ladakh is known worldwide for its breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear skies, highest mountain passes, Buddhist monasteries and festivals. For many it is the most beautiful part of the Himalayas. A day of rest in Buddhist-influenced Leh is a well-deserved treat. The bazaar of Leh invites you to go for a walk and the roof terraces of the restaurants to a cold beer. From here we ride to Zanskar, one of the most remote regions of the Himalayas. On the newly opened passes Sisir La and Singge La we reach Zanskar’s headquarters Padum and visit the legacies of a Buddhist and long-gone high culture, such as the abandoned Zangla Palace, which towers above wild valleys and gorges.

From there we continue to Darcha in Lahaul via the newly built Shingo La Pass and reach a dizzying height of 5,105 meters. It is a 148 km long, extremely rugged track that opens up completely new perspectives for us. Via the Rohtang Pass we enter the green and forested Kullu Valley; we have left the ruggedness of the Himalayas behind us. Our journey ends in Dharamsala, home of the Dalai Lama in exile and seat of the Tibetan government in exile. Thousands of Tibetans and monks have lived here since the 1950s. The city has a variety of small bookstores, cafes and restaurants offering authentic Tibetan food. Before flying back to Delhi, we have enough time to enjoy the small town and congratulate ourselves on our successful adventure trip.

AT A GLANCE

AT A GLANCE

09.06. – 07.07.2024
Enfield Bullet 500 5.990€
Enfield Himalayan 411
 5.990€
Pillion 4.990€
Single Room +890€

RE Bullet only on request, please specify.
29 days / 28 nights / 24 riding days
Overnight stays in resorts and selected middle class hotels and guesthouses.

Highlights – India Trans Himalaya Tour

  • Yoga, spirituality & hippie cult in Rishikesh
  • Jungle Safari & Tigers at James Corbett National Park
  • The picturesque hill station of Nainital
  • The magical Hindu temples of Jageshwar
  • Fantastic views of the mountains Panchchuli 6,904m, Nanda Devi 7,816m & Trisul 7,120m
  • Shimla: Hill Station and Colonial Legacy of the British Raj Era
  • Spiti – Valley of the Gods: All highlights & the famous mountain desert landscapes of Spiti
  • The 1000-year-old Buddhist monasteries of Kye, Lalung and Dhankar
  • The Bhimakali Temple of Sarahan, Mummy Monk in Giu
  • Manali-Leh “Highway”
  • The azure lake Pangong
  • The world’s highest motorable passes with Kardungh La
  • Leh – Buddhist capital in the Himalayas
  • Ladakh – the most beautiful views of the Himalayas
  • Magical dirt track fun in the secluded kingdom of Zanskar
  • Dharamsala – Seat of the Dalai Lama

Parts of the route – up to entire day’s rides – are unpaved. In addition to good natural tracks, there are also tracks that were once paved and where the asphalt has crumbled. These are marked by potholes and bumps. Longer passages can be covered with sand or pebbles. The unpaved/paved ratio is around 20/80.

Most of the route is on good, paved roads. Two-lane roads alternate with narrow, single-lane mountain roads. Riders should be comfortable with hairpin bends and narrow, winding roads. Rough surfaces, potholes and the occasional unpaved road shouldn’t be a problem.

At least one place of interest per day.

With short breaks and photo stops, not counting breaks for lunch, which last about an hour. Average figures: 5-7 hours per day

Contact us
India Trans Himalaya Motorcycle – Media Library

India Trans Himalaya Tour – Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

Arrival at Delhi airport and transfer to our 4* hotel which is located nearby. The rest of the day is free for acclimatization. Those who wish have enough time can explore the majestic Mughal-era Red Fort of Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi – Rishikesh

Morning domestic flight to Dehradun and then transfer to Rishikesh. The undisputed yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh has offered endless opportunities for spiritual development ever since the Beatles meditated at the Ashram under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the late 1960’s. Rishikesh is situated on the holy river Ganges where every evening pilgrims and sadhus (holy men) gather to observe the ‘ganga aarti’ ceremony on the riverbank. Rishikesh lies in a wide valley surrounded by mountains and forests at the foothills of the Himalayas and is the perfect starting point for our India overland trip. From here we discover the world of the Himalayan mountains. A leisurely stroll through Rishikesh shows us the highlights of the place. Tour briefing in the afternoon, handover of the Royal Enfield motorcycles and Welcome dinner.

Day 3: Rishikesh – Jim Corbet National Park

Warm-up ride to Jim Corbet National Park. We have enough time to find our way around on our Royal Enfields and to get used to the Indian left-hand traffic. Corbet National Park is the first national park in India. Here, the largest tiger population in the country lives in the wild along with wild elephants. Although there have been fewer attacks by tigers on nearby villages in recent years, the locals still regard them as normal.

Distance covered: approx. 150 km

Day 4: Jim Corbet National Park – Nainital

Depart early in the morning for a half-day jeep jungle safari. With a bit of luck, we will see tigers and wild elephants in the wild. In the early afternoon we set off on the bikes towards Nainital. After a short time, the remote country road turns into a winding two-lane mountain road and we gain altitude until we reach Nainital, located at almost 2,100m. Nainital is situated on a picturesque little volcanic lake and was built as a hill station by the British Raj. The summers were better spent here than in hot Delhi. If you have enough energy, you can hike up to the Tibetan Buddhist temple, which offers good views over the lake. It is the first Tibetan temple on our trip. Otherwise, the many restaurants and bars right by the lake invite you to have a cool beer.

Distance covered: approx. 140 km

Day 5: Nainital – Jageshwar

Although the stage is relatively short in terms of the number of kilometers, we will need some time, as the route is extremely winding and meanders over mountain ridges at almost 2,000 meters. We overnight in Jageshwar, where we have enough time to visit the magical temples of Jageshwar. A total of 124 “Indiana Jones” style temples are waiting to be explored by us. The Hindu temple complex was built almost 1,300 years ago.

Distance covered: approx. 110 km

Day 6: Jageshwar – Munsyari

Today we have a longer stage ahead of us, we ride deeper into the Himalayas and are now very close to the Tibetan border in the north. Our destination Munsyari is one of the most picturesque villages of Uttarakhand and was once an important trading point for goods to and from Tibet. From here we have fantastic views of the more than 6,000-meter-high mountain peaks of the Panchchuli and Nanda Devi Mountain ranges. The route here and the views are pure pleasure.

Distance covered: approx. 215 km

Day 7: Munsyari – Kausani

Fantastic views await us today and soon the road winds its way up to 2,700m. From Kausani we have 300km views of snow-capped peaks including the 7,120m Trusul. The area around Kausani is also called the “Switzerland of India”.

Distance covered: approx. 170 km

Day 8: Kausani – Guptkashi

A long stage brings us to Guptkashi. Today we ride up to almost 3,000 meters on an incredible winding road. Guptkashi is known for its Shiva Temple, which is often visited by pilgrims.

Distance covered: approx. 230 km

Day 9: Guptkashi – Rishikesh

At the end of this day’s riding, civilization has us back! We reach Rishikesh again and have more time to get to know this place.

Distance covered: approx. 180 km

Day 10: Rishikesh – Shimla

Through the Himalayan foothills we ride to Shimla, probably the most famous hill station of the British Raj in India. At the height of the British Empire, the Indian colony was governed from here in the summer months. The “Mall Road” invites you to take a walk and the colonial buildings still impress with their flair. Here we can put our well-deserved legs up and relax – before we head deep into the Himalayas and to the highest passes in the world.

Distance covered: approx. 270 km

Day 11: Shimla

Rest day in Shimla. And perhaps a classic British teatime at five o’clock?

Day 12: Shimla – Sarahan

Last week we warmed up for the highest altitudes in the Himalayas! Today’s riding day is along the Sutlej River to Sarahan. On the way we have spectacular views of the Sutlej valley that this mighty river has shaped over thousands of years. The picturesque village of Sarahan, located at almost 2.00 meters, impresses with its setting. The interesting Indo-Tibetan style Bhimakali Temple is worth a visit. It has shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Raghunath and Lord Narasimha and there is also a small museum.

Distance covered: approx. 160 km

Day 13: Sarahan – Sangla – Kalpa

Today we ride through beautiful nature with great views and good insights into local life. The village of Sangla has a temple dedicated to Lord Nagesh. In the village of Kamru, 2 km from the village of Sangla, we visit a five-story wooden fort. There is also a temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakshi. Arrived in Kalpa, we have to apply for the innerline border permit, which authorizes us to continue riding close to the Tibetan border. We spend the night in Kalpa, which is 7 km above Peo and has an amazing view of Kinner Kailash Mountain.

Distance covered: approx. 130 km

Day 14: Kalpa – Nako

Almost the whole day takes us through the beautiful Kinnaur valley and we follow the Sutlej river.

Nako is the last village in the Kinnaur valley on the Indo-Tibet highway and is famous for its lake which is the lifeline of the village. We will find that the landscape gradually turns into a high desert region.

Distance covered: approx. 110 km

Day 15: Nako – Gio – Tabo – Kaza

Giu is the most remote village of Spiti and is near the Tibet (China) border. Giu Village is also famous for the ancient mummy of a monk sitting in meditation, which is intact to this day.Tabo (3,050 meters) is the largest monastic complex of Spiti. It is famous for its monastery, which is more than 1,000 years old. In 1996, Tabo Monastery celebrated its millennium with a Kalachakra ceremony led by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We explore the monastery and its numerous temples.

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We continue to Dhankar. The village of Dhankar (the ancient capital of Spiti) also houses an ancient monastery, as well as remains of the Dhankar Fort that housed the Spiti royal family. A visit to the monastery, fort and other subsidiary temples represent the traditional architectural features of the region. The monastery has some interesting frescoes and Thangka paintings. Our Enfields then take us to the remote and hidden gem of Lalung, one of the region’s earliest monasteries.
Overnight in Kaza at 3,800m.

Distance covered: approx. 130 km

Day 16: Kaza

Today we visit Kye Monastery, the largest in Spiti. We then ride to the remote village of Chicham on the other side of the deep Spiti Gorge, recently connected with a unique suspension bridge, the highest in Asia (4,200 meters). It’s a spectacular, breathtaking ride! The surreal looking small villages in this area are known for the famous Spiti horses, bred for trading with the nomads of Ladakh in exchange for the prized pashmina wool. In the late afternoon we visit the bazaar of the cozy and remote town of Kaza for some souvenirs.

Distance covered: approx. 80 km

Day 17: Kaza

Today a “Best of” of the Spiti valley awaits us and we ride up to 5,000m. After breakfast we ride to Langza village which is situated on a large high mountain meadow with a beautiful mountain peak, Chau Chau Kang Nilda, towering over this village. Here we find evidence of the Tethys Sea before mainland India collided with the Tibetan Plateau and formed the Himalayas (which “grow” to this day). Marine fossils can be found walking around. After that we continue to Asia’s highest villages connected by a road. The village of Komik houses a legendary monastery that is worth visiting.

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We ride deeper and deeper onto this remote plateau teeming with wildlife. We can see yaks, wild blue sheep and if we are lucky even snow leopards. Continue to the most remote and mystical village of Demul, which was only connected by a road a few years ago. The day offers a fascinating insight into the Spiti way of life; and of course, otherworldly, high mountain desert landscapes in the middle of the Himalayas. Overnight in Kaza.

Distance covered: approx.110 km

Day 18: Kaza – Keylong

Today we start early. We ride across the Kunzum Pass, 4,551 meters, which separates Spiti from the Lahaul Valley, and then descend into the sublimely beautiful valley of the Chandra River. We will ride through the most scenic and unspoilt part of the Western Himalayas as there are no villages or settlements anywhere. This part of our motorcycle tour through Spiti is breathtakingly beautiful, words can hardly describe the landscapes. After a long day of riding, we spend the night in a well-deserved, comfortable hotel.

Distance covered: approx. 160 km

Day 19: Keylong – Tso Kar

A challenging, long day awaits. We start very early in the morning. We will ride the Manali-Ladakh Highway, also called “Highway to Heaven”. Although most of the road is paved, it still offers plenty of challenges. Via three main passes we ride into the Indus Valley to Ladakh. The first is Baralacha La (5030m), the second is Nakee La (4739m) and the third pass is Lachung La (5065m). Overnight stay in a guest house at Tso Kar, a salt lake at almost 4,500 meters above sea level, surrounded by 5,000 meter high mountain peaks.

Distance covered: approx. 170 km

Day 20: Tso Kar – Pangong Tso

Several highlights await us today: In the morning we ride across the 5,328 meter high Tanglang La. As we descend from Tanglang La, we will see the first settlements of Ladakh. Chang La Pass is our next stop, draped with prayer flags at 5,360 meters. At the end of a wild mountain road, the magical turquoise glowing Pangong Lake awaits us. Arriving at the shore, we spend the night in comfortable tents with a view over the wide lake in a tent resort. Located at 4,360 meters above sea level, Pangong Lake marks the border between Tibet and India. From here we can see the other shore in Tibet on a clear day.

Distance covered: approx. 250 km

Day 21: Pangong Tso – Leh

Today we reach the famous capital of Ladakh: Leh. We ride to Ladakh’s most famous monasteries, Hemis and Tikkse, in the upper Indus Valley. Founded in the tenth century, Hemis Monastery is closely associated with Yogi Naropa, the founder of the esoteric Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. After that we ride to Leh for the night. Dinner will be served in the beer garden of a local restaurant in Leh.

Distance covered: approx. 160 km

Day 22: Leh – Kardungh La

Day to relax in our simple but charming and centrally located hotel. Later we explore the area on a walk to the Shanti Stupa (Pagoda) and in the evening there is a delicious dinner in the hotel garden. Leh, the former capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh, sits at an altitude of 3,524 meters in a broad valley surrounded by the high Himalayan mountain ranges. The city was closely linked to Tibet, China and India via an important historical trade route along the Indus Valley. In addition to products such as salt, valuable goods such as brocade, cashmere wool, silk and indigo were also traded. The mighty ancient royal palace, built around 1600, overlooking Leh and open to the public, is an impressive testament to the kingdom’s former power. Optional excursion to Khardung La Pass, the highest motorable pass in the world (5,604m). If you don’t want to rest today, or visit the charming old town of Leh, you can ride with us up to Khardung La (80km).

Distance covered: approx. 80 km

Day 23: Leh – Tingmosgang

Our adventure continues with a leisurely ride into the western Indus Valley. We visit the ruins and temples of the old royal palace of Basgo and the mighty Snake Buddha statue in Likir Monastery. We take our Royal Enfield Bullets up the narrow mountain roads to the village of Yang Tang and continue across a small unnamed mountain pass to Hemis Supachen, famous for its ancient sacred juniper forest. We arrive at Tingmosgang Oasis and overnight in a hotel in a fantastic and peaceful location.

Distance covered: approx. 80 km

Day 24: Tingmosgang – Padum

The Zanskar Valley is accessed via the newly opened gravel road and the Sisir La and Sengge La passes. A big challenge awaits as the dusty and demanding road with many hairpin bends has been newly cut out of the mountain. Then we reach Padum. Padum was named after Padmasambhava, Guru Rimpoche (“born of the lotus”), an influential 8th-century Buddhist teacher. He is still revered today and his texts are studied in all Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. An exhilarating ride on fantastic slopes takes us to Bardan Monastery, the Temple of Karsha and of course the mystical abandoned Palace of Zangla, once the seat of the Zanskar Kingdom. And of course we also get to know the local life of the Zanskari. Back to our hotel in Padum. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Padum.

Distance covered: approx. 200 km

Day 25: Padum – Jispa

One of the highlights of the Trans Himalaya Tour – and we mean that literally – is the trail ride over the recently opened Shingo La Pass, which reaches an altitude of 5,105 meters. Crossing the pass is a serious adventure – many will find it a real challenge. Overnight stay in Jispa.

Distance covered: approx. 190 km

Day 26: Jispa – Naggar

Across the Rohtang Pass into the lush green Kullu Valley. For lunch we will ride to the ski slopes of the Solang Valley, from where it will take us an hour and a half to our base in Naggar. Overnight in Nagar. Naggar is a traditional Hindu village in Himachal Pradesh, 500 km from Delhi. It lies in the heart of the Western Himalayas, in the Kullu Valley. Because this area is so beautiful, the gods – according to Hindu belief – chose this valley as their home. That’s why it’s still called “The Valley of the Gods”. Naggar was once the capital of the region, hence the picturesque Naggar Castle.

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At the Hotel Ragini and Cottages you immediately feel at home. Thousand-year-old Hindu temples are scattered in and around Naggar, at 1,760 meters. The view of the valley, the rice fields, the forests and the surrounding villages with their unique culture is breathtaking. Our hotel today: The Homestay Hotel Ragini Cottages is owned by our RC Vinod and his wife Nadia. It’s a cosy, family-run hotel – what could be more charming? The rooftop restaurant with a view of the eternal snow-capped peaks serves local and western cuisine. Ragini is located right in the village in the heart of the Kullu valley but far away from modern and busy life.

Distance covered: approx. 120 km

Day 27: Naggar – Dharamsala

Today we ride through forests and along mountain rivers to Dahramsala, exit seat of the Dalai Lama. Thousands of exiled Tibetans and monks have lived here since the 1950s. The city has a variety of small bookstores, cafes and restaurants offering authentic Tibetan food. It is also the residence of the Dalai Lama. Tonight, we celebrate, because today marks the end of our adventure journey.

Distance covered: approx. 200 km

Day 28: Dharamsala

During the day time to relax or visit Norbulingka Cultural Center. The Norbulingka Institute was established in 1995 to preserve Tibetan culture, arts, crafts and literature. Today it houses numerous workshops of artists and craftsmen as well as a gallery. Purchasing the beautiful handicrafts is a great way to support Tibetan culture and Tibetans in exile. In the evening we meet for a welcome dinner at the Roof Top Bar. Night in Dharamsala.

Day 29: Dharamsala

After breakfast, take a domestic flight back to Delhi where the journey ends.

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09.06. – 07.07.

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Included Services

  • 29 nights accommodation with breakfast in mid-range hotels and guesthouses. In smaller towns always “the best in town”.
  • Royal Enfield Bullet 500 (standard bike) including touring gear and saddlebags. Optional Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 (on request only).
  • English speaking road captain (tourguide) on your own motorcycle
  • Indian English speaking road manager, our friend of the house and partner
  • Comfortable support vehicle for luggage and passengers. Each passenger has a guaranteed seat in the support vehicle.
  • Mechanic service: Our experienced team of mechanics accompanies the tour and, if desired, can also ride difficult passages for participants.
  • Gasoline for the tour bike, as well as all lubricants and spare parts
  • Meals: breakfast & dinner with soft drinks
  • Domestic flights Delhi – Dehradun and Dhramasala – Delhi
  • All attraction entrance fees, road and bridge tolls

Questions & Answers

Will I need maps?2019-12-18T06:31:37+00:00

Simple street maps are often available locally. The best road maps are available from the German publishers Reise Know How and Nelles. These are only available in specialized bookstores or online.

Where can I stow my bags?2019-12-18T06:24:02+00:00

Your baggage will be carried by the support vehicle. Please don’t pack too much – remember: less is more. From time to time, we’ll have to carry our baggage over short distances to the hotel. Baggage is not insured, so please be sure to purchase your own baggage insurance for the trip if necessary. Your personal items for the day are best kept in the saddlebags or your daypack. Tank bags – including magnetic ones – can be used on the Enfields, but we don’t provide them.

What’s the time difference?2019-12-18T06:28:18+00:00

Indian standard time is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT.

What’s the Classic Bike Adventure travel team like?2022-04-14T10:41:11+00:00

Our European tour guides are skilled motorcyclists and inveterate travelers who love India. They’re resilient in the face of stress and know the history and culture of the regions they cover. Our Indian mechanics are experienced Enfield specialists who all speak English and are happy to help with any technical problem, great or small.
A stand-in rider is always available. More information on our travel concept is available here.

What’s a typical day on the road like?2019-12-18T06:22:49+00:00

A travel day normally begins at 8 am with breakfast. Around 9 am, after a short briefing by the road captain, it’s time for the day’s riding, the mileage of which can vary quite a bit. Plenty of time will be available for lunch and coffee breaks, of course. Depending on the day’s mileage, we’ll reach the destination hotel between 3 and 4 pm.
Since our tours vary considerably, we may also hit the road at 8 am on high-mileage days – which is also nice, because then we have the whole day ahead of us.

What should I keep in mind when riding with a passenger?2019-12-18T06:24:20+00:00

Riding two-up is almost always possible. In difficult terrain or on rough tracks, every passenger has a guaranteed seat in the support vehicle to keep things relaxed for both rider and pillion.

What kind of food and drinks will we be having in India?2019-12-18T06:29:54+00:00

Western food is generally not available, so we’ll be having simple, often vegetarian meals as well as regional specialties throughout the tour. Hearty breakfasts will not always be available. We can promise you a wide range of cuisine, with a special emphasis on local specialties. In general, a lot of curry is served in India, and little meat – chicken being the most common non-vegetarian food – but plenty of vegetables, legumes and rice. Indian cuisine is generally well-spiced, easily digestible and not overly hot. Vegetarians will have no problems in India.
Indian beer is not always up to international standards. The most common brands are Kingfisher, Castle and San Miguel. The local Chang beer is quite effective but requires a bit of getting used to. Wine – when it’s available – is even more of an acquired taste than Chang. Mineral water and beverages such as Coca Cola can be purchased anywhere and must be carried individually.

What kind of bikes will we ride?2019-12-18T06:24:12+00:00

We ride 500cc Royal Enfield Bullets manufactured from 2014 to 2017 that feature electric starters, 5-speed gearboxes with the gearshift on the left, front disk brakes, roomy and rugged leather saddlebags, crashbars, 19” tires and twin horns.

What do I need to bring along for a motorcycle tour?2020-01-06T11:30:46+00:00

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.

What do I need in the way of documents?2019-12-18T06:24:09+00:00

You will need your passport, national driving license, international driving license and flight ticket. Please be sure to make photocopies of all of your important travel documents and carry them separately. They can be invaluable in an emergency.

What are the specs of the bikes?2019-12-18T06:23:59+00:00

Technical specifications: Single-cylinder four-stroke, 499 cc, 16 kW (28 bhp) at 4,600 rpm, 178 kg, 80 cm seat height, 123 kph max.

Our Enfields were manufactured from 2013 to 2017 and are well-maintained. Naturally, some of them bear the minor battle scars typical of touring motorcycles. Technically, they are all in top shape and perfectly suited to the planned tours. They’re tremendous fun to ride, and their handling is safe and predictable after a brief familiarization period. Our average speeds on the tour range from 40 to 60 kph, depending on the road conditions and traffic.

What are the import regulations for India?2019-12-18T06:32:08+00:00

Up to 200 cigarettes and 2 liters of alcohol may be imported duty-free. All international cigarette and spirits brands are available in India. Customs checks of arriving tourists have become considerably less strict in recent years.

Should I bring Indian rupees to India, or are US dollars preferable?2019-12-18T06:29:18+00:00

You are not allowed to bring Indian currency into the country or take it out. You may bring the equivalent of up to US$ 5,000 in foreign currency into the country without prior notice. We recommend bringing euros in €50 and €100 notes. Please make a note of the daily exchange rate to avoid getting a bad rate at the airport. American Express Traveler’s Cheques are no longer in common use and will cause unnecessary hassles. Credit cards (Maestro, Visa and MasterCard) with PINs can be used for cash advances from ATMs in many towns.
You will need the equivalent of around €100 to €150 for drinks, lunch and tips per week.

On which side do you ride in India?2022-04-14T10:40:16+00:00

Indians drive on the left. The flexible and generally considerate driving style of the locals makes it easy to adjust to riding on the “wrong side” and coping with traffic conditions that initially seem chaotic. The behavior of pedestrians and cyclists, and the frequent presence of animals on the road call for considerably more attention, however. Extreme caution is required around children.
Further information on traffic and riding can be found here and here.

How much is the deposit for the bike?2019-12-18T06:24:00+00:00

Riders must make a deposit of USD/EUR 500.00 in cash for their bikes. The deposit will be refunded when the bike is returned in good condition. The deposit corresponds to the comprehensive insurance deductible for damage to the rented bike and damage or injuries to third parties caused by the rider.
(The deductible is payable in such cases!)

Important note: The deductible also applies to damage or injury to third parties. In practice, the rider is initially liable for the full damages. The costs are later refunded by the insurance company, minus the deductible.

How big are the groups? What’s the minimum number of participants?2019-12-18T06:24:15+00:00

Groups generally consist of 8 to 14 riders and 2 to 6 passengers. The minimum number of participants is 6 riders.

Do pillion passengers have a guaranteed seat in the support vehicle?2019-12-18T06:24:16+00:00

Yes, all passengers have a guaranteed seat. In bad weather or challenging riding conditions, they can switch to the support vehicle at any time – and back to the bike when conditions improve.

Do I need travel insurance and travel health insurance?2019-12-18T06:24:21+00:00

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.

Do I need to buy an Indian SIM card for my phone?2019-12-18T06:30:59+00:00

European SIM cards now work almost everywhere in India. You’ll need patience if you want a local SIM card, as the registration takes a minimum of three days, and in some regions it is not possible at all.

Do I need a visa for India?2019-12-18T06:33:21+00:00

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

Do I need a driving license?2019-12-18T06:24:05+00:00

All riders must have a valid motorcycle driving license issued in their home country. An international driving license is also required. Be sure to contact the relevant authorities in your home country well in advance for more information on obtaining an international driving license.

Tour Concept by RC Hendrik

About RC Hendrik