Bringing satellite phones or satellite-enabled GPS devices into India is strictly prohibited. This includes popular services and devices such as Garmin inReach, SPOT Satellite Messenger, Iridium satphones, and other similar satellite-enabled tools. Travelers carrying such equipment risk serious legal consequences, including heavy fines, confiscation of the device, detention, or even deportation.

It’s important to note that this restriction applies only to satellite phones and satellite-enabled GPS units — not to regular mobile phones, which work normally throughout the country.

For your safety and peace of mind, please do not bring satellite phones or standalone GPS devices with you on this trip. Pre-paid SIM cards can be purchased once you arrive in Leh, and our team will be happy to assist you with this.

International roaming and prepaid SIM cards purchased elsewhere in India will not work in Ladakh. To stay connected locally, you’ll need to purchase a SIM card issued in Ladakh. These are relatively inexpensive — typically costing less than INR 500 (around USD 6) for setup and initial balance.

While some of our overnight stays offer Wi-Fi, coverage can be patchy and unreliable. For consistent connectivity during your journey, we strongly recommend getting a local SIM card. Our team on the ground will assist you with this process on Day 1, ensuring you’re set up before the ride begins.

Your Himalayan Rides motorcycle expedition kicks off in Leh.

To allow time for rest, possible flight delays, and most importantly to safely acclimatize to Leh’s 3,500m altitude, we strongly recommend arriving at least 2 days before the tour officially begins.

If you’re arriving up to four days before the official start of the tour, we’ve got you covered—airport transfers to your hotel are included in the trip cost. If you are arriving more than 4 days prior to the start of your trip, you have the option of purchasing an ‘Airport Shuttle’ add-on at the time of booking the trip or by getting in touch with us.

After collecting your baggage at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, you’ll find your driver waiting outside the arrivals terminal, holding a Himalayan Rides sign.

We recommend staying at Hotel Barath Ladakh, which serves as the official meeting point on Day 1. We’re happy to arrange additional pre- or post-tour nights there for you. If you’re staying elsewhere, you’ll need to make your own way to Hotel Barath for the group departure on the first day.

The first and last days of the tour are set aside for arrival and departure. We ask that you arrive in Leh no later than 12:00 noon on Day 1.

Your Himalayan Rides motorcycle expedition concludes in Leh.

If you’re departing on the official last day of the tour, we’ve got you covered—transfers to the airport are included in the trip cost. If you are departing on any other day, you have the option of purchasing an ‘Airport Shuttle’ add-on at the time of booking the trip or by getting in touch with us.

It is recommended that you reach the airport at least 2 hours before your flight. We will communicate with you directly at the end of the trip to coordinate your pick-up time at the hotel.

We recommend staying your extra days at Hotel Barath Ladakh, which is our recommended address in Leh. We’re happy to arrange additional post-tour nights there for you.

We ask that you depart Leh no earlier than the morning of Day 12.

Tourist visas for India can be obtained in advance online (e-Tourist Visa) through the Indian government’s official visa site. Many nationalities are eligible for 30-day, 1-year, or 5-year tourist e-visas.

If you prefer, you may also apply in person via your nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate.

Your passport should have at least two blank pages and be valid for a minimum of six months from your date of arrival in India.

For riders joining the motorcycle tour from Europe, Africa, or the Americas, the easiest approach is to fly into India via a major hub such as Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore — all of which are well connected to international airports worldwide. From there, Leh is served daily by domestic flights.

IndiGo and Air India are the most reliable carriers on the Delhi–Leh route. We recommend booking the earliest flight of the day, as morning departures are far less likely to be disrupted by weather conditions. It’s also best to allow at least one or two buffer days in your schedule — both to account for possible domestic delays and to give your body time to acclimatize to Leh’s 3,500m altitude.

Overland access is also possible for those with extra time. Two legendary highways lead into Ladakh: the Manali–Leh Highway (open roughly June to October) and the Srinagar–Leh Highway (typically open May to November). Both are spectacular but subject to landslides, washouts, and unpredictable closures, so most travelers find flying to Leh the safer and more efficient option.

Most of the accommodation we use on this motorcycle tour consists of locally-run homestays, guesthouses, and Swiss-style tented camps. While they may be simple compared to Western hotels, they provide a surprising level of comfort given how remote these regions are — and their warmth and hospitality more than make up for the lack of luxury.

We’ve spent years exploring these routes to handpick the most comfortable stays available, carefully designing the itinerary to strike a balance between adventure and rest.

Meals are a memorable part of the journey. You’re welcome — and encouraged — to try Ladakhi and North Indian dishes, often prepared fresh with local ingredients. In Leh you’ll also find a mix of localized western options, so if you’re craving something familiar, you might come across a pizza, pasta, or even a hearty burger.

All meals are included in the tour, and we’ll dine together as a group — sharing stories from the road over hot, satisfying food.

Alcohol is available in Leh and occasionally in other larger towns, but not consistently in the remote valleys. If you enjoy a drink at the end of the day, it’s best to plan for it in Leh, where you’ll find restaurants and shops with a wider selection.

Ladakh operates on 230 volts with a 50Hz frequency, and the most common plug types are Type C, D, and M — the same as those used across much of India. We recommend bringing a universal travel adapter to ensure compatibility with your devices.

Power cuts are not uncommon — especially in rural or remote areas where we’ll be riding. While most hotels, guesthouses, and camps have backup systems or solar power, it’s wise to keep essential devices like your phone, camera, or GoPro charged whenever you have the chance. A portable power bank can also come in handy on the road.

The local currency in Ladakh is the Indian Rupee (INR). It's easy to convert your cash into Indian Rupees before departure from your home country or upon arrival in India — either at the airport or a licensed bank.

ATMs can be found in Leh, but once we leave the capital and venture into remote regions, cash is king. Be sure to withdraw or exchange enough for any personal expenses, snacks, drinks, or souvenirs during the trip.

There is an opportunity to do laundry mid‑tour in Leh.

USD 3,795 Per Rider

USD 3,295 Per Pillion

(Sign up Deposit : 25%)

Single Room Supplement - USD 750 Per Person

Extra Airport Shuttle - USD 25 Per Transfer

The base bike on this trip is a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (or similar). If you would like to upgrade the bikes, the following is the make / model and price of the bike.

• KTM 390 Adventure R 2025 - USD 200

Tipping isn’t mandatory but it’s always appreciated — especially by the hardworking crew that makes your Himalayan Rides experience smooth and unforgettable.

If you’ve had a great time (and we think you will!), a tip of around 10% of your tour cost is a thoughtful gesture. This is usually handed to your lead guide at the end of the journey, who will fairly distribute it among the entire support team — including mechanics, drivers, and local fixers.

Traffic in South Asia is very different from what you might be used to in the West, and even seasoned riders need some time to adapt. We’ve designed our route to minimize riding on major highways and busier roads, but there are still sections where you will encounter more traffic.

When riding through busier areas, our guides are adept at keeping the group together and communicating effectively to ensure everyone’s safety. They’re skilled at managing the flow of bikes and will guide you through traffic as a cohesive unit.

Prior to departure, we provide a thorough briefing on what to expect from the roads and traffic habits, including how to handle unexpected hazards and adapt your riding style. We also offer ongoing guidance during the trip itself—through communications on the road, rest-stop briefings and informal discussions—to help you become confident in dealing with the local road conditions.

This combination of careful route planning, experienced guidance and continuous support ensures you can enjoy the adventure of riding in the Himalayas while staying safe and well-prepared.

For your comfort and safety, you’ll need to bring your own riding gear. At a minimum, this should include a properly fitting helmet, abrasion-resistant jacket and trousers, gloves, sturdy boots, and any body protection you normally use, such as knee or elbow guards.

Conditions vary with altitude and season. We recommend an all-weather setup: a breathable, armored shell with removable thermal and rain layers, or a laminated suit with vents for warmer valleys. Pack quick-dry base layers, a neck buff, and a compact rain over-glove.

Some hotels offer laundry mid-tour, but it’s best to travel self-sufficient. If you plan to buy or rent gear, confirm fit and safety certifications (e.g., ECE/DOT helmets; CE-rated armor) before the trip. Your comfort and protection matter most—well-fitted gear makes long days in the saddle safer and more enjoyable.

Riding in Ladakh means spending much of the journey at very high altitude — with average riding elevations around 3,500–4,500 meters, and high points that push close to 6,000 meters (Umling La). At these heights, altitude sickness is a real possibility. It is very important to arrive in Leh at least two days before the tour begins to give your body time to acclimatize. We also recommend speaking with your physician about medications such as Diamox (acetazolamide) or alternatives. These can help prevent symptoms, though they also come with pros and cons — such as tingling in the fingers and toes, frequent urination, or other side effects. Whether or not you choose to take medication, gradual acclimatization, proper hydration, and pacing yourself are the most effective ways to reduce risk.

While no mandatory vaccinations are required to enter India, we recommend riders be up to date on common travel immunizations such as Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis. The most frequent health issues travelers experience are stomach-related, usually from drinking untreated water or eating contaminated food.

To stay safe, avoid drinking tap water or using ice that hasn’t been purified. Bottled mineral water is widely available throughout Ladakh, and we’ll make sure you’re stocked up along the route.

The Himalayan sun can be intense, especially at altitude, so wearing strong sunscreen and proper sunglasses is a must. Staying hydrated is just as important — even if it’s cool and you’re not feeling thirsty, keep drinking water regularly while on the bike.

We also recommend bringing a basic travel medical kit with essentials like paracetamol or aspirin for pain or fever, and something for upset stomachs (like Pepto-Bismol or similar).

Your safety is our top priority. All Himalayan Rides participants are covered by Global Rescue, which provides emergency medical and evacuation support in case of serious illness or injury on the road.

Before you travel, be sure to check in with your doctor for personalized medical advice — especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are concerned about vaccinations or altitude medications.

To ride with Himalayan Rides, comprehensive travel insurance is required. Your policy must include medical coverage and personal accident protection, and it must specifically cover motorcycle touring in remote areas and at altitude.

We strongly recommend that your insurance also covers trip cancellations, baggage, and personal gear, especially if you’re bringing your own motorcycle equipment.

In addition to your main travel insurance, all riders on Himalayan Rides tours are automatically covered by Global Rescue for emergency evacuation and rescue services only. Please note: Global Rescue is not a replacement for standard travel insurance — it is a supplementary safety measure, providing backup support in case of serious injury or emergency evacuation in remote regions.

You’ll need to arrange your primary travel insurance separately and ensure it meets the coverage requirements before your trip.

• Expert guidance from fully qualified, English-speaking motorcycle tour leaders for the entire duration of the trip
• All meals, beginning with dinner on Day 1 and concluding with breakfast on Day 12
• 11 nights of carefully selected accommodation
• All required Inner Line Permits and Protected Area Permits
• All overland transportation and ground logistics throughout the tour
• Support vehicle for luggage and motorcycle transport (where required)
• Mechanical support throughout the trip for routine tune-ups and minor repairs
• Airport pick-up on Day 1 and drop-off on Day 12 at specified times (from/to our recommended hotel in Leh)
• Emergency medical and evacuation coverage provided through Global Rescue
• 1% of your tour fee is donated to environmental initiatives through our partnership with 1% for the Planet

• International flights to and from India
• Transportation to and from Leh (domestic flights or overland travel)
• Travel and activity insurance
• Indian tourist visa (must be obtained in advance online or from an Indian Embassy/Consulate)
• Tips and gratuities for staff and guides
• Single room supplement (available as an optional add-on)
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Personal motorcycle safety gear and riding clothing
• Any damage to motorcycles caused by the rider
• Any other expenses not specifically listed under “What’s Included”

We keep our tour groups small to ensure an exceptional experience. Typically, there are up to 12 riders per trip, and we need a minimum of 4 participants for the tour to run.

Yes. You’re welcome to use mobile-phone holders or soft rackless panniers on our rental bikes. There are no restrictions on those types of accessories. To avoid carrying gear that won’t fit, please check compatibility in advance—either with the accessory manufacturer or with us—so you can be sure your equipment will mount correctly on the bike we provide.

However, please note that standalone GPS devices and satellite-enabled navigation units are restricted in India. Riders should not bring these devices on tour. For full details, we encourage you to review the Travel Advisory section of this page as well as the dossier before departure.

No. Drones are not permitted on tour, as their use across Himalayan regions is subject to conflicting local laws, strict regulations, and often unclear enforcement. Rules can vary widely between countries and even specific areas, and flying without the proper clearances may lead to fines, confiscation, or other complications. To avoid these issues — and to ensure a safe, uninterrupted riding experience for everyone — we ask that guests leave drones at home.

Yes. There is an opportunity to do laundry mid‑tour.

We have a full kit list that covers everything from riding gear and protective equipment to personal items. Please request one by email if you don't have one and refer to it to ensure you’re well prepared.

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it is appreciated. A guideline of around 10% of your tour cost is common; this is shared among guides, drivers and support staff. Ultimately, whether and how much you tip is up to you and should reflect the service you feel you’ve received.

All meals are included, starting with dinner on day one and ending with breakfast on the final day of the tour.

Most of the accommodation we use on this motorcycle tour consists of locally-run homestays, guesthouses, and Swiss-style tented camps. While they may be simple compared to Western hotels, they provide a surprising level of comfort given how remote these regions are — and their warmth and hospitality more than make up for the lack of luxury.

Your guides are experienced local riders who know the culture and landscape inside out. Their top priority is your safety, but they’re also there to make sure you enjoy every minute of your ride and to answer any questions along the way.

No. You’ll only carry a small day pack on your bike. A support vehicle transports your luggage and has it waiting for you at the end of each day.

This is a fully guided motorcycle expedition through Ladakh built for experienced riders. You’ll ride a mix of high-altitude highways, rugged mountain passes, and remote desert tracks, with conditions ranging from smooth tarmac to broken roads, river crossings, and cliff-edge trails. Expect long days in the saddle, unpredictable terrain, and the thrill of riding at some of the highest motorable roads in the world.

Most of our riders are between about 30 and 65 years old. The important thing is that you have the required fitness and riding ability – age is less important than being physically prepared for the demands of the tour.