Motorcycle trip

Himalaya

Of our Himalayas motorcycle tours, for a first ride in Ladakh choose Oases and Peaks at World’s End: 14 days rated Intermediate, a loop from Leh over the Khardung La to the Nubra valley, open to pillions. If you are at ease on tracks, The Trans-Himalayan is a 13-day raid rated Sustained through Zanskar. The Himalayan Expedition, 24 days in September, links Kinnaur, Spiti, Zanskar and Ladakh for the most seasoned riders. All our Himalayan motorbike tours are guided, with an English-speaking tour leader.

For 2027, from £2,690 (€2,990) per rider for Oases and Peaks at World’s End or The Trans-Himalayan to £4,890 (€5,390) for The Himalayan Expedition. If you ride two-up, Oases and Peaks at World’s End is the tour to pick, at £2,290 (€2,590) per pillion. The motorcycle, fuel, the team, accommodation, full board on riding days, protected area permits and the journey from Delhi to the mountains are included; your international flights and the visa are extra. Each tour page has the details.

In summer, from June to September: it is the only time of year when the high passes of Ladakh and Zanskar are open. While the monsoon soaks the Indian plains, the Himalayan barrier keeps Ladakh dry and sunny. Oases and Peaks at World’s End and The Trans-Himalayan depart from June to September, The Himalayan Expedition in September. Early and late in the season, the weather turns faster and evenings are cold. The dates are on each tour page.

A full motorcycle licence and regular riding, at the very least: our Himalaya tours range from Intermediate to Sustained. Oases and Peaks at World’s End is ridden mostly on tarmac with some easy tracks, and needs no off-road experience. The two raids, The Trans-Himalayan and The Himalayan Expedition, do: fords, rocks, sand and long days at altitude. Each tour’s badge shows its level, and our off-road training courses will help you prepare.

Yes to both. Most UK and European travellers apply online for an Indian e-Visa before they leave; the rules depend on your nationality, and every traveller also fills in the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before landing. Bring your full motorcycle licence and an International Driving Permit, available from the Post Office: India only recognises it together with your own licence. Timings and the full list: Preparing your trip to India, in our help centre.

All our Himalaya tours start and finish in Delhi: you book your international flight to Delhi airport, where our team meets you. On Oases and Peaks at World’s End and The Trans-Himalayan, the domestic flight from Delhi to Leh is included. The Himalayan Expedition heads for the mountains by express train to Chandigarh and returns on a flight from Dharamsala to Delhi, also included. To arrive earlier or stay longer, ask your travel advisor.

Riding in the Himalaya calls for attention: traffic drives on the left in India, as in the UK, mountain roads are narrow and sometimes cut by a landslide or a stream, and the weather changes fast at altitude. Medical help is often far away. That is why a motorcycle tour leader, a mechanic and a support vehicle carrying an oxygen bottle follow every group. Before booking and again before you leave, read the FCDO travel advice for India, or your own government’s advice if you live elsewhere in Europe.

It is the main challenge of the region: Leh lies at about 3,500 metres and several passes exceed 5,000 metres. Our itineraries climb in stages. On Oases and Peaks at World’s End and The Trans-Himalayan, you fly into Leh and spend the first days there acclimatising; The Himalayan Expedition climbs by road, night after night. Drink plenty, take it easy and talk to your doctor before you leave: our advice for Ladakh, in our help centre.