Trans-Himalayan Adventure - India
One of the world's great motorbike road trips
A four stage grand tour of the northern Himalaya in Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Kashmir
Departing September 2024 - see stage start dates below
This is a four stage, 25 day motorbike adventure covering just over 3,000 km, from the foothills in Himachal Pradesh, to the high Himalaya in Ladakh, onto remote and little visited Zanskar Valley, Kargil, Srinagar in Kashmir and Dharamshala. Riders can join / depart the tour at the beginning / end of each stage - maximum 8 riders per stage.
Stage 1 8 days riding 1,000 km 12 - 22 Sep 24
Stage 1 begins in the cedar clad foothills at Shimla, runs along vertiginous cliff-carved roads and gorges of Kinnaur, to the semi-arid heights of the Indo-Tibetan border area at Kaza in the Spiti valley, and beyond over the high passes of 15,060 ft / 4,590 m Kunzum La and 17,480 ft / 5,328 m Tanglang La to Leh in the old Kingdom of Ladakh.
Stage 2 4 days riding 650 km 21 - 27 Sep 24
Stage 2 loops out from Leh over 17,582 ft / 5,359m Khardung La, one of the highest passes in the world, to Nubra Valley, Hunder and Turtuk within touching distance of the Line of Control with Pakistan. The route continues along the Shyok River to Pangong Lake, with views into Tibet, and turns back to Leh.
Stage 3 7 days riding 710 km 26 Sep - 5 Oct 24
Stage 3 rides from Leh via Lamayuru to the little visited Buddhist community at Lingshed and onto remote Zanskar Valley, passing 23 km long Drang Drung Glacier at Penzi La and the immense twin peaks of Nun Kun Massif (~23,409 ft / 7,135 m). The adventure continues to Kargil, over 11,575 ft / 3,528 m Zoji La and onto Srinagar in Kashmir Valley.
Stage 4 6 days riding 750 km 4 - 12 Oct 24
Stage 4 departs Srinagar for Kishtwar and Kilar - ‘the world’s most dangerous road’ - over snow covered 14,482 ft / 4,414 m Sarch Pass and onto Dalhousie and Dharmshala, home of the Dalai Lama.
Breathtaking landscapes, thrilling rides, iconic motorbikes
Stages 1 - 4 2,960 km 25 days riding
Royal Enfield Scram
With its 19’’ front and 17’’ rear wire spoked wheels and dual purpose tyres the Scram ensures a sure footed grip and effortless agility across tarmac, rough roads and dirt tracks. The 795mm high scrambler seat provides a comfortable ride on extended days, and long travel suspension and high ground clearance enable easy passage over tricky terrain - helping take on anything thrown its way.
Feel the joy aboard a Royal Enfield
Our Trans-Himalayan Adventure combines the best of two of our regular tours with new routes through remote and little visited Zanskar Valley and Kashmir to make a month long journey of great beauty and unbelievable rides. A twin cab 4x4 pickup follow vehicle with driver/local guide and mechanic accompanies the expedition.
Trans-Himalayan Adventure Key Tour Info and Cost
Difficulty - this is a cruise, but you need to be confident and competent on a motorbike; a motorbike license is required - talk to us about what to expect
Tour type - all stages are on road - each stage is approximately 65% paved - 35% rough / dirt road; each stage has some rocky river crossings
Ride length - stage 1: 1,000 km - stage 2: 650 km - stage 3: 710 km - stage 4: 600 km
Ride duration - stage 1: 8 days - stage 2: 4 days - stage 3: 7 days - stage 4: 6 days
Daily ride time - approximately 4 to 6 hours
Accommodation - ranges from luxury and heritage hotels to village lodges and comfortable large canvas tent camps - see stage itineraries below for more detail
Tour cost - stage 1: £3,550 - stage 2: £1,900 - stage 3: £2,850 - stage 4: £2,550
Ride all 4 stages = 15% discount; ride 3 stages = 10% discount; ride 2 stages = 5%
International arrival / departure airport - New Delhi (DEL)
Tour Dates
Stage 1 12 - 22 September 2024 a few places remaining!
Stage 2 21 - 27 September 2024 a few places remaining!
Stage 3 26 September - 5 October 2024 a few places remaining!
Stage 4 4 - 12 October 2024 a few places remaining!
In most cases, please add a day of travel in India either side of the start / end of each stage to complete the tour (talk to us before you book your international flights). As mentioned above, riders can join / depart the tour at the beginning / end of each stage - maximum 8 riders per stage.
Whatsapp or email James to join the adventure
There’s simply no other way to see the Himalaya!
Contact James - your guide and motorbike tour expert
Tour Inclusions
Royal Enfield Scram
All accommodation (twin sharing)
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
All fuel
Third party motorbike insurance
All entrance fees and travel permits in India
Extensive group medical pack and tour medic
Support vehicle (twin cab pickup) with driver and mechanic following us the whole way
Group guide
Tour Exclusions
Personal travel insurance
International and internal flights
Visa for India
Motorcycle damage - we require an additional £500 security deposit, riders are responsible for any non-mechanical damage (bends, scrapes, scratches etc)
Protective clothing - we can provide a helmet and strap-on elbow and knee protectors for a small additional charge, however we strongly suggest that you bring your own protective gear and helmet
Alcohol
Single room supplement - approx. £400 extra / stage
Please read the FAQs section at the bottom of this page for detail on kit and clothing, Indian visas, personal travel insurance, etc
Ready to roll!?
Stage 1 Shimla to Spiti & Leh 8 days riding 1,000 km
12 - 22 September 2024
Stage 1 starts at Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh and former summer residence of the British Raj in India and follows the route of the old Hindustan-Tibet road along the banks of the churning Sutlej River before turning north into the Spiti Valley.
Our itinerary takes us along slopes covered with thick woods, orchards, fields and hamlets in Kinnaur District to the small village of Kalpa, known for apple trees and magnificent views of the sacred Kinnaur Kailash lingum at 14,850 ft / 4,500 m.
After obtaining permits at Reckong Peo, we head into the steep valleys and arid terrain of the Himalayan rain-shadow, following the Spiti River valley within touching distance (5 km) of the Indo-Tibetan border.
Reaching Kaza we are in the land of Himalayan Buddhism. We visit ancient monasteries and the pristine, desolate beauty of the surrounding high altitude villages of Komic, Langza and Kibber. Here is the abode of the Snow leopard, Himalayan wolf, Blue sheep, ibex and Golden eagle.
Riding west we climb up through yak meadows to Kunzum La (pass) at 14,931 ft / 4,551 m and descend precipitous switchbacks to the awe-inspiring beauty of Lahaul district’s upper Chenab River valley surrounded by 20,000 ft / 6,100 m snow-capped peaks and onto Keylong and Jispa, gateway to the high(er) passes. We traverse 350 km through remote, desolate beauty of the eastern edge of the Zanskar range, up and over three mountain passes and 21 switchback bends of Gata Loops and onto the River Indus and Leh, capital of the old Kingdom of Ladakh. For those leaving the tour at this stage, there is a spectacular flight from Leh to New Delhi back over our route through the Himalaya.
Boost your karma with a circumnavigation of the stupa at Kunzum La (14,931 ft / 4,551 m)
Listen to mesmerising drumming and prayer chant of morning ritual at 800 year old Bhimakali temple
Battle your Enfield through a rocky, streaming nullah (river) crossing and make it out the other side
Look out across the roof of the world and the high Himalaya at Tanglang La (17,480 ft / 5,328 m)
Stay in old-world elegance of the British Raj at a grand heritage hotel in Shimla
Suppress vertigo and ride across the 1,000 ft chasm at recently constructed, single lane Chicham bridge
Watch morning light illuminate Jorkanden (21,360 ft / 6,473 m) and the peaks of Kinnaur Kailash range
Feel unbounded joy riding a Royal Enfield through the highest mountains in the world
Cruise heart stopping, cliff-carved carriageways on the old Hindustan-Tibet highway in Kinnaur
Relax around the fire with a beer or two, under a panoply of a billion stars in a comfortable tented camp at Nako
Spot for Snow leopard, Himalayan wolf and ibex at Kibber - they’re out there somewhere..
Mail home from the highest post office in the world at Hikkim (14,520 ft / 4,400 m)
Day 1
Arrive New Delhi (DEL) airport
Welcome to Wonderful India! You will be met at the airport and taken to our first class accommodation in the city. In the evening you meet the other riders and your guide for a tour briefing and welcome dinner. If you have time, step out to visit some of the city’s magnificent sites including Old Delhi’s Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk, Lodhi Gardens, Humayun's Tomb and India Gate.
Day 2
Delhi - Shimla 360 km 8 hrs
After a fine breakfast, we board our comfortable private coach/minibus for the drive to Shimla in the foothills of the Himalaya. It’s the best way to navigate the roads and traffic across the bustling North Indian plain. We have a tasty lunch in a traditional dhaba (restaurant) and arrive at our heritage hotel in Shimla in the late afternoon for a first look at our rides - the Royal Enfield Scram.
Day 3
Shimla - Sarahan 160 km 6 hrs
It’s onto the motorbikes and we start with an easy cruise into hillside curves, through orchards, fields, villages and forest. We descend 4,700 ft / 1,425 m to the Sutlej River for lunch, and follow the churning waters to Sarahan in the old princely state of Bushahr. Here we stay in a heritage guest house close to the impressive 800 year old Bhimakali Temple.
Day 4
Sarahan - Kalpa 130 km 5 hrs
We rise early to listen to the drumming of the priest’s morning ritual prayer and then return to the erstwhile Hindustan-Tibet road as it enters Kinnaur District. Here the carriageway carves through rock tunnels and vertigo inducing cliff walls. Further precipitous drops accompany us along the Baspa River to lunch at Sangla. Our final stop is the picturesque village of Kalpa, where our hotel has fabulous views of Jorkanden (21,360 ft / 6,473 m) and the Kinnaur Kailash range.
Day 5
Kalpa - Nako 110 km 4 hrs
In the morning we apply for our permits at Reckong Peo. There’s a bit of waiting around as the local administration grinds into action, but soon we’re riding through deep gorges on ‘the world’s most treacherous road’ - watch out for work crews still blasting the route! We turn north into Spiti Valley 5 km from the Tibetan border and soon afterwards climb up to the remote village of Nako. We spend the night under a panoply of a billion stars in large comfortable canvas tents.
Day 6
Nako - Kaza 110 km 4 hrs
Today we arrive in the land of Himalayan Buddhism. We visit Tabo Gompa, thought to be the oldest continuously functioning monastery in India, as well as Dhankar village, the capital of the old Spiti kingdom perched in a spectacular position above the main valley. We ride onto to Kaza, overlooked by high mountain ridges on all sides, for lunch at our boutique hotel and a relaxed afternoon wandering through the narrow streets and bazaar of the old town.
Day 7
Kaza - Komic - Kaza 95 km 4 hrs
In early light we head out on a short drive to Key Gompa to listen to the ethereal chanting of the monks’ morning prayer. Suitably uplifted, we return to our hotel for a hearty breakfast. Later in the day we set off for a leisurely loop through the high altitude villages of Komic and Langzar, stopping at Hikkim to send mail from the highest post office in the world (14,520 ft / 4,400 m). Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Himalayan wolf, ibex, Blue sheep and Golden eagles that inhabit these parts.
Day 8
Kaza - Keylong 190 km 6 hrs
It’s a longer day today and in the morning we climb through yak meadows out of Spiti Valley to Kunzum La (14,931 ft / 4,551 m), circumnavigate the stupa for luck and descend a series of steep switchbacks to the Chenab river, surrounded by glaciers and Papsura, Indrasan, Mulkila and other 20,000 ft / 6,060 m snow-capped peaks of Inderkilla National Park. Prepare for rougher road and hope the nullah (river) crossings are not too high! At Gramphu we hit tarmac and a smooth ride to our hotel in Keylong.
Day 9
Keylong - Sarchu 100 km 3 hrs
We have a relaxed start this morning and ride along the Bhag river to Jispa, the gateway to the high passes. The terrain again turns arid as we gain height and cross into the rain-shadow of the high Himalaya. We ascend to Baralacha La at 16,138 ft / 4,890 m and drop down to the encampment at Sarchu (13,780 ft / 4,200 m) and our accommodation in large, canvas tents, in order to break the 350 km journey through the eastern Zanskar range. Here we are on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
Day 10
Sarchu - Leh 250 km 6 hrs
We continue our ascent today, winding up the 21 hairpin bends of the Gata Loops to Lachalung La at 16,715 ft / 5,065 m. We cruise the vast, open valley of More Plains and head even higher to 17,480 ft / 5,328 m Tanglang La. Luckily, it’s paved most of the way up and over, so we’re not at this altitude for too long, and from here we gradually descend to the banks of the River Indus. We stop at the spectacularly positioned hilltop buddhist monastery at Thikse, before arriving at our boutique hotel at Leh, the capital of the old kingdom of Ladakh.
Day 11
Leh - a rest day
Alas, for those leaving at the end of Stage 1, it is time to say goodbye, but there is a final spectacular flight back to Delhi that gives a never-to-be-forgotten panorama of the great ranges that we have ridden through. For those continuing onto Stage 2, today is a rest day. Take time to explore the streets and bazaar of this ancient town and perhaps visit the former residence of the Ladakh monarchy, Leh Palace. Or ride out along the Indus to one of the many nearby picturesque local villages and monasteries, including Stok, Stakna and Fiang.
Ready to ride further!?
Stage 2 Ladakh Loop 4 days riding 650 km
21 - 27 September 2024
On Stage 2 after a rest day in Leh to explore the royal palace, buddhist monasteries and bazaar of this ancient town (and to acclimatise, for those flying in from Delhi for the start of this stage) we head north over Khardung La (17,582 ft / 5,359 m) to the sand desert of Nubra Valley. We ride beyond between the Karakoram and Ladakh ranges to the traditional village of Turtuk, adjacent to the Line of Control (LOC), the border with Pakistan.
The next leg of our journey takes us along Skyok River to the shores and vast, deep blue waters of Pangong Tso Lake with spectacular distant views across the Indo-Tibetan border. On the fourth day we return to Leh via Chang La (17,590 ft / 5,360 m) and Chemrey Gompa.
Enter the austere, mystical world of Tibetan monastic buddhism at Thikse and Chemrey gompas
Enjoy sundowners in the desert with two-humped bactrian camels wandering across the vista
Feel unbounded joy riding a Royal Enfield over some of the highest passes in the world
Watch afternoon light illuminate Stakna monastery and the Ladakh range from the banks of the Indus
Cruise towards Turtuk, with the Karakoram on the right, Ladakh range on the left and the LOC ahead
Look into western Tibet across the deep blue waters of Pangong Tso at 13,862 ft / 4,225 m
Day 12
Leh - Hunder 80 km 3 hrs
We head north over Khardung La (17,582 ft / 5,359 m) to the Nubra Valley, a beautiful vast, cold desert of sand dunes set between the Ladakh and Karakoram mountain ranges. Watch out for the woolly-coated, double-humped bactrian camel. Our accommodation for the next couple of nights is luxury camping under a panoply of a billion stars.
Day 13
Hndr - Turtuk - Hndr 170 km 6 hrs
Turtuk is our destination today, 2.5 km from the line of control (LOC), the effective border that separates India from Pakistan. We follow the Shyok river on a magnificent ride to this small traditional, remote village surrounded by apple orchards and wheat fields. After lunch we return to our camp for sundowners in the desert.
Day 14
Hunder - Pangong 160 km 6 hrs
We follow the Shyok River in the opposite direction, through an area of cliff-carved roads and dramatic gorges with snow-capped peaks to our left and right. By later afternoon we are at our camp on the shores of Pangong Lake looking towards the Indo-Tibetan border. Our lodging tonight is again large comfortable canvas tents.
Day 15
Pangong Lake - Leh 160 km 6 hrs
Our final day in the saddle on Stage 2 takes us over the highest pass in the Ladakh range at Chang La (17,590 ft / 5,360 m) and we stop for lunch at Chemrey Gompa, another spectacularly positioned hill-top buddhist monastery. Back at our hotel in Leh we have a fine feast, reminisce and celebrate the end of this stage of our Trans-Himalayan Adventure.
Day 16
Leh - another day to rest
Today is another day to relax and explore Leh and the surrounding villages, as well as to acclimatise to the 11,480 ft / 3,500 m altitude for those joining for Stage 3. For those leaving, there is that spectacular flight over the Himalaya back to Delhi, but why not stay!? For the final push into Zanskar Valley and our exciting new route through the looming peaks of this seldom visited region.
To Zanskar and beyond
Stage 3 Leh to Zanskar & Srinagar 7 days riding 750 km
26 September - 5 October 2024
Stage 3 is an exciting new route into the spectacular central valley of Zanskar Range in Ladakh. After a full day in Leh to rest (and to acclimatise, for those flying in from Delhi for the start of this stage), we ride through dramatic mountains and gorges for the remote communities of Lingshed, Padam and Rangdum. Passing beneath the awesome towering twin peaks of ~23,409 ft / 7,135 m Nun Kun Massif, we journey through this little visited area of the western Himalaya, and on to Kargil hard on the border with Pakistan. The stage ends with a night (or two) at a boutique houseboat on Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir.
Marvel at the majesty of Drang Drung Glacier - at 4,800 m and 23 km long, one of the largest in India
Step back a thousand years entering the temple compound at Stongdey Gompa (monastery), chat with Gelukpa monks, wonder at exquisite murals of local deities outlined in gold
Sit back, sip a cocktail and take it all in at a luxury boutique houseboat on Dal Lake
Ride where few have ridden before - over 15,105 ft / 4,604 m Sirsir La (pass) into Zanskar Valley
Eat Tibetan momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup) at a roadside dhaba
Play street cricket with young monks at Karsha Gompa with its magnificent views across the valley to 20,736 ft / 6,322 m Chomochior on the Ladakh / Kashmir border
Stroll the streets of Leh, capital of the old kingdom of Ladakh, visit ‘Little Potala’ royal palace, sip chai at a bohemian cafe
Feel unbounded joy riding a Royal Enfield through 7,000 m / 23,000 ft mountains of Zanskar Range
Leh - Lamayuru 120 km 3.5 hrs
Day 17
Lamayuru - Lingshed 130 km 5 hrs
Day 18
Lingshed - Padam 90 km 4 hrs
Day 19
Padam explore 60 km 4 - 5 hrs
Day 20
Padam - Rangdum 110 km 4 hrs
Day 21
Rangdum - Kargil 130 km 5 hrs
Day 22
Day 23
Kargil - Srinagar 200 km 6 hrs
Our final day on Stage 3 is a longer one, running along the Indo-Pakistan border we leave Ladakh and ride over 11,575 ft / 3,528 m Zoji La into Jammu and Kashmir. We will have driven more than 750 km on this stage as we enter Srinagar and head for our accommodation on a delightful boutique house boat on Dal Lake. We celebrate the end of Stage 3 with a fine feast and great recollections.
Really the ‘World’s Most Dangerous Road’!?
Stage 4 Srinagar to Saach Pass & Dharamshala
6 days riding 750 km
4 - 12 October 2024
Stage 4 takes us from Srinagar, capital of Kashmir, across 12,414 feet / 3,784 m Sinthan Top to Kishtwar and a 160 km stretch of road - much written about - running alongside a mountainous cleft of the Chenab river. Is this section to Killar really ‘the most dangerous road in the world’? It’s a dramatic and exciting route, though the precipitous drops are not for the faint hearted. Passing through magnificent cedar forests, we turn south after Killar and climb over snow bound 14,482 ft / 4,414 m Saach Pass in the Pir Panjal range to cross into Chamba Valley in Himachal Pradesh. We descend to the hill stations of Dalhousie and Dharamshala, where if perchance His Holiness is giving teachings in Tsulagkhang Tibetan Temple, we meet the Dalai Lama.
Wander into Old Srinagar’s ancient mosques with their atmospheric prayer halls, stunning carved woodwork and intricate calligraphy
Ride through 10 ft high snow banks at Saach Pass to view the distant north Indian plain from the heights of the Himalayan foothills
Experience the very best of Kashmiri luxury and hospitality on an exclusive houseboat on Dal Lake
Ride the ravine and lay claim to have conquered ‘the world’s most dangerous road’
Visit the Dalai Lama’s home in exile at Dharamshala and perhaps receive blessings from His Holiness Himself
Discover floating markets, sumptuous gardens and historic architecture aboard your own wooden skikara gondola on the lakes around Srinagar
Feel unbounded joy riding a Royal Enfield on this remote route through Kashmir’s ‘earthly paradise’ and Himachal Pradesh’s Pir Panjal Himalayan sub-range
Srinagar explore
Day 24
Srinagar - Kishtwar 210 km 6 hrs
Day 25
Kishtwar - Padder 70 km 3 hrs
Day 26
Padder - Killar 90 km 4 hrs
Day 27
Killar - Bairagarh 115 km 4 hrs
Day 28
Bairagarh - Dalhousie 120 km 5 hrs
Day 29
Day 30
Dalhousie - Dharamshala 120 km 5.5 hrs
Trans-Himalayan Adventure FAQs
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Do I need a visa to travel to India?
Yes, you probably do need a visa, as most foreign travellers to India require one. The good news is that it is possible to apply for a tourist eVisa online a minimum of four days in advance of the date of your arrival.
Once your eVisa has been granted, an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) will be sent to you by email. Carry a copy of your ETA when you travel to India. You will need to present this document at immigration when you arrive. An eVisa endorsement will be stamped into your passport.
Tourist eVisas are usually valid for 30 days, 1 year or 5 years from the date of first arrival in India. You can apply online for your eVisa at the official Government of India web page: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Points to note:
Check that citizens from your country are eligible to apply for an eVisa.
Apply for your eVisa well in advance - once granted your ETA allows you a window of 120 days to enter India.
When you arrive at immigration in India, remember to fill out the foreigner immigration form (forms will be provided where you queue for immigration). You will need to present this to the immigration officer along with your ETA.
Do I need a motorbike license? Do I need an international driving permit (IDP)?
Yes, you need both a full motorbike license and an IDP to legally drive a motorbike in India. Without a motorbike license, it is unlikely that you will be covered by your travel insurance (personal travel insurance is mandatory for all our tours - see further detail on travel insurance in this FAQs section). A driving license also proves to us you can ride a bike!
The IDP is pretty easy to obtain and does not cost much. It is essentially an authorised translation of your motorbike license and allows you to drive in countries where your home country motorbike licence alone is not sufficient. In the UK you can apply for the IDP at most main Post Offices.
As part of the process to book a tour with us, we will ask you to email us copies of both your motorbike license and IDP.
Do I need personal travel insurance?
Yes, it is very important to have full cover personal travel insurance. There’s always risk in driving a motorbike and it’s good to know that if you do get into trouble, you have comprehensive travel insurance that will help you get out of it quickly. Please check the following on your travel insurance policy:
Your policy covers you to drive a motorbike in India.
Your policy covers off-road motorbike driving (if the tour states that there are off-road sections in the itinerary).
Your policy has a high level of medical evacuation and repatriation expense cover - this should be in excess £3,000,000 or equivalent (helicopter evacuation and private aircraft charter to fly home can be very costly).
As part of the process to book a tour with us, we will ask you to email us a copy of your travel insurance details, including your travel insurance policy number and travel insurance 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number. In an emergency our team will work closely with your travel insurance emergency assistance team to provide medical evacuation as quickly as possible.
Do I need to apply for an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Spiti Valley?
Yes, all foreigners have to apply for an ILP to enter Spiti Valley, but we take care of this. The ILP application does require two passport photographs for each individual. Therefore, in your pre-tour planning checklist, we will ask you to bring along four passport size photographs of yourself (always good to have a couple spare). Your guide will ask for these at the start of your tour.
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What medical support is there?
Your tour guide will have qualified on the UK based Far From Help Wilderness Medical training course and carries an extensive medical kit, as well as a GPS tracker and satellite messaging device. The satellite messenger has a direct SOS link to GEOS, internationally recognised as a leader in global travel safety, and 24/7/365 monitoring and emergency response coordination.
What happens in an emergency?
Your guide will assess the circumstances and best course of action. They will have the medical pack with them and will administer any necessary first aid. Your guide will then contact GEOS / our office / the support vehicle using the satellite messenger. Our office can see your location from the GPS tracker and will have your personal travel insurance details. We will coordinate with the emergency services and your insurance company to provide swift evacuation.
Can my family and friends see my location on the tour?
Yes, we will send you a map-link that shows the position of the GPS tracker carried on the tour. You can send this map-link to whoever would like to follow your adventures.
What can I do to avoid altitude sickness?
It is unlikely that you will feel severe effects of altitude sickness, as the highest point that we reach on this tour is Tanglang La at 17,480 ft / 5,328 m on day 10 of the trip. Nevertheless, there are a few steps that you can take in order to minimise the effect of altitude sickness due to reduced levels of oxygen at altitude:
Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water regularly (bottled water is supplied throughout the tour) and avoid caffeine and alcohol that act as dehydrants.
Acclimatise slowly - we take 10 days to get to Tanglang La, ascending reasonably slowly along the way, so you will have awhile to get used to the altitude.
Remember to breathe deeply and regularly - this will help to oxygenate your system and reduce the effects of altitude. Your guide will remind you to do this.
If you do feel dizziness or a headache coming on, notify your guide / medic. They carry ibuprofen and paracetamol - these can work wonders - and can take further action as necessary to reduce discomfort.
On tours above 10,000 ft / 3,000 m:
Your guide / medic will monitor your condition and stats closely, and if required, can administer supplementary oxygen carried in the medical pack.
Diamox and other altitude sickness prevention medication is widely available. If you wish to take these, do your research and consult your doctor beforehand. Please notify your tour guide / medic, if you decide to take these medicines. Diamox is carried in the medical pack.
What immunisations do I need for travel in India?
It is a good idea to be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters. In the UK these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. Many riders also take vaccines for hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. Further information on immunisations recommended for travel in India can be found at the UK National Travel Health Network website Travel Health Pro. Please also consult your doctor.
What protective kit should I wear?
Our Trans-Himalayan Adventure tour is all on road, so we recommended riding in adventure / touring protective jacket and trousers with CE rated armour in all the normal places (shoulders, elbow, back, hips and knees). We don’t provide full protective kit, so it is important to bring your own. We can provide strap-on elbow and knee protectors for a small additional charge, but it is best to ride in your own kit.
Depending on what time of year you are travelling temperatures can range from +30ᵒC on the plain before the hills to less than 5ᵒC on the high ridges. Therefore, it is important that your riding gear can vent well (to keep cool), and provide sufficient warmth when required (perhaps in combination with a good base and mid layer). If your motorbike gear doesn’t keep out the wet, bring waterproofs - if it does rain you’ll be pleased you bought them.
We recommend that you bring your own full face helmet, however we can provide helmets if required. You will also need good leather gloves and a neck tube or scarf for when conditions become cold or dusty.
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Which airport do I fly into for the Trans-Himalayan Adventure tour?
For our Trans-Himalayan Adventure book flights to New Delhi (DEL). You will be greeted at airport arrivals and taken to our hotel in New Delhi. If you are riding on all stages of the tour, we will arrange your internal flights. If you are joining for just one or two stages, you will have to book your internal flights. This will be made clear in your booking documentation.
How do I carry my luggage on the tour?
Our motorbike tours are supported by a follow-up vehicle and mechanic. The vehicle carries all your luggage, motorcycle spares, an extensive medical kit, drinking water and refreshments. This means that you only have to carry a small day pack if you wish.
If the group consists of five client riders or less, then pack light in soft luggage as we carry our kit with us strapped to the back of our motorbikes - it works well, we’ve done this many times. Your guide carries the medical kit and spares. In both scenarios, further medical and mechanical support is available en route, as well as from our base location in Manali.
What’s the luggage allowance on the internal flights?
On internal flights the checked luggage allowance is one bag with a weight limit of 15 kg, however this can be upgraded at a cost of approximately £30 per 10 kg. The cabin luggage allowance is one small bag with a weight limit of 7 kg. Helmets can be carried in addition to your cabin bag.
Alternatively, there are left luggage facilities at New Delhi airport. Talk to us before you book your flights to discuss the best luggage options.
Do we have a motorbike tour guide?
Yes, every tour is lead by a guide who knows the route and terrain intimately, is a qualified medic, a dab hand at fixing the occasional minor mechanical problem, and whose job it is to ensure you have a fantastic and enjoyable trip.
Do we have a mechanic with us?
Yes, as mentioned above, an experienced mechanic follows in a support vehicle that accompanies each tour (with 6 client riders or more). Further support is available en route and from our base location.
How large is the group?
We prefer to keep our motorcycle tours smaller, to 8-10 riders, however, if you are a group of friends or motorbike club and wish to arrange an exclusive tour please talk to us.
What do I do about food and water?
Don’t worry, this is all covered in the tour package. We have hearty and delicious breakfasts and dinners where we stay each night, and lunch at a specially chosen restaurant or roadside dhaba (serving very tasty local food). Bottled water is provided throughout and carried in the support vehicle, along with plenty of refreshments and snacks.
What motorbike experience do I need for this tour?
All riders should have held a motorbike license for at least two years in order to attend our tours. Driving on Indian roads is not for the faint hearted. Traffic in urban areas can be intense and road rules are very loosely applied everywhere - you have to expect the unexpected and keep your wits about you. Road surfaces on this tour range from smooth tarmac to broken, rocky, muddy and sandy surfaces, so some off-road driving experience is a good idea. We don’t travel fast as windy hill and mountain roads won’t allow it. We generally ride at between 25 - 35 kph. It’s all very good fun, but you do need to be confident and competent handling a motorbike. Please talk to us if you have any questions about the motorbike experience you need for this tour.
Can I ride with a pillion passenger?
Although you will see the occasional local motorbikers two-up on a tour of the hills, we don’t recommend it - we think you will find it uncomfortable for both of you!
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How much spending money will I need?
This is a largely inclusive tour, so you won’t need much spending money. All accommodation, food, fuel and permits are included in the tour package. You will only need cash for alcoholic drinks, souvenirs and tips. Souvenirs are not generally expensive and we urge moderation at the bar (as this is a driving trip), therefore £100-£150 spending money should suffice.
Are ATMs / banks available en route to withdraw cash?
Yes, every 2-3 days we will pass through a local town where ATMs are available to withdraw cash. We have found transaction charges are minimal when using a Revolut card to withdraw ATM cash from either SBI (State Bank of India), Yes Bank or BOB (Bank of Baroda). There are also ATMS at New Delhi airport.
Will there be mobile phone coverage en route? Will there be access to wifi?
Yes, there is mobile phone coverage, but reception can be sporadic in the hills. Your guide will carry a mobile with a local sim card, and you will be able to use the data hotspot from this phone (for whatsapp and email) when reception is available. Pretty much all of the places where we stay have wifi access, though this can be slow at times.
Can I buy a local Indian sim card?
At the moment, it is possible to buy a local sim card at New Delhi airport (a copy of your passport will be requested as a security measure). However, most riders just rely on accommodation wifi and/or the guide’s hotspot.
Will I be able to charge my phone and other electronic devices?
Yes, on this tour you will be able to re-charge your electronic devices each evening, however it is a good idea to carry an additional small battery pack.
Can I bring my drone to India?
No, currently foreigners are not allowed to fly drones in India.
Can I bring my own satellite phone / messenger?
No, unless you take the time and go to the expense of registering your sat phone / messenger before you arrive in India. As mentioned above, all our tours carry a satellite messenger in case of emergency.
*** Please don’t try to smuggle satellite communication devices or drones into India. Both checked and cabin luggage are scanned on arrival, and if found these devices will be confiscated. The owner can face large fines, criminal charges and immediate deportation. ***
We know this is annoying, but Indian authorities take this very seriously, so please don’t bring these items with you.
What is the accommodation like?
On this tour we are staying in the nicest places to stay on the route. This ranges from the best local lodging, to heritage, boutique and premium hotels, and large comfortable canvas tents. All are chosen for their unique character and fabulous views, as well as to give you a wide experience of the region.
Can you cater for specific dietary requirements / food allergies?
If you are vegetarian, then no problem. India is a nation of vegetarians and Indian vegetarian food is wide ranging and delicious. Contrary to popular belief, not all Indian food is fiery hot. It is generally well seasoned (spicy), but does not burn the tongue (unless you ask for extra chilli). Western food options are often (though not always) available.
If you have a food allergy, we will communicate this to the kitchen beforehand, but because some kitchens have limited experience of food intolerances we cannot give cast iron guarantees. If you have a serious food allergy, please talk to us before you book your tour - and on the tour please inform your tour guide / medic.
Can I drink the tap water?
No, do not drink the tap water. Bottle water will be provided throughout the tour. Some hotels and restaurants provide water in carafes / jugs. This is generally filtered water and should be safe to drink. Talk to your guide for advice.
How do I book my place on the tour?
To confirm your place on the tour we require a £500 non-refundable deposit. The balance has to be paid 60 days prior to the start of the tour. Do give us a call.