Himalayan motorcycle tour - Bikes, Visa, Vaccinations, Kit List

Himalayan Motorcycle Tour - Bikes, Visa, Vaccinations, Kit List

 

The Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle is ideal for our Himalayan motorcycle tour.  Powered by a all new 411cc single cylinder fuel injected engine.  For the first time, Royal Enfield has introduced a bike with monoshock rear suspension which gives it 220mm of ground clearance to ensure a smooth ride in the most difficult of terrains. The bike gets large spoked wheels which also help off-road, 21 inch at front and 18 inch at rear.  Braking is done by disc brakes front and rear. The bike has a seat height of 800mm and kerb weight of 191kg.  The bike is perfect for the solo rider.

The classic Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle is also ideal for our Himalayan motorcycle tour.  This bike has been the mainstay of our fleet over the years and is ideal for riders with pillions.  Powered by a 500cc single cylinder fuel injected engine, it produces a little more power and torque than the RE Himalayan.  This bike is extremely comfortable and easy to ride, for pillions we can add a back rest.  Braking is done by disc brakes at front and drum to the rear. The bike has a seat height of 800mm and kerb weight of 194kg. 

Visa

UK, EU, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, USA, Ireland customers all need a Visa to enter India.  The process of applying for an Indian Visa is now a fairly straightforward process and can be done completely on-line.  Below is a link to the Indian government which allows you to apply for an Indian e-visa.

Remember you need the following:

1. Passport should have at least six months validity from the date of arrival in India
2. The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.
3. International Travellers should have return ticket or onward journey ticket, with sufficient money to spend during his/her stay in India.

Vaccinations

We can only give general advise on this.  If in doubt you need to consult with your doctor/health practice.

For India the vaccinations normally recommended are as follows:

• Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A; Tetanus; Typhoid.
• Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B; Rabies.

It is well worth looking at the following site with regards to vaccinations. It has been produced by NHS Scotland.

https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-east/india

Documents required for India

• Passport 
• Indian e-Visa
• Photocopy of Rear page of Passport
• Drivers License (both parts)
• International Drivers Permit (https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-abroad/idp)
• Personal Travel Insurance details
• Plane tickets/documents

Recommended Kit List.

Riding Gear

• It will be very hot especially in Delhi, Amritsar and Punjab plains (40 degrees +). As such textile protective clothing with plenty of ventilation is best.  Kevlar lined jeans or combat trousers are a good option.  Leather is obviously the safest option but you will get very hot.  Some people like to wear motocross type armour which gives good protection and is not too hot. You can wear it over or under a T-shirt. It may rain, you may experience the Indian monsoon.  On the highest passes there will be snow and fog, on the plains it will be boiling hot and everything else in between.  Don't worry about getting wet as you will soon dry!
• Helmet – Wearing a helmet is mandatory on all our tours. We prefer open faced helmets with a pull down visor or a flip down lid.  White is the best colour.  I have never had a problem carrying a helmet on a plane as personal hand luggage but this is open to interpretation and over zealous airport security personnel can be less than helpful and may insist that it is    loaded as check-in luggage.  As such be prepared to put your helmet with your main luggage.  Also, nowadays they can be funny about you taking on more than one piece of hand luggage so you may have to cram ipods, etc all within your helmet/helmet bag.
• Boots – Hiking boots are best. They are comfortable, can be used to go treking, walking etc and offer enough ankle protection.
• Gloves – Lightweight summer gloves are best.
• Camelbak to keep hydrated.

Casual and Evening Wear

• Evening wear – Casual trousers, T-shirts, shorts etc. No formal wear is required.
• Jumper, fleece, hoody - (It gets chilly in the mountains)
• Light shoes, trainers, sandals, etc
• Swim wear
• Sun Glasses

First Aid and Health

• Sun screen – Factor 20+
• Insect repellent
• Personal First Aid Kit. Our back up vehicle carries a comprehensive first aid kit but you should carry your own for minor injuries and ailments. Common things to bring would be pain killers ie Paracetamol; Imodium, Plasters, antiseptic cream, some bandages, rehydration satchets etc
• Personal medication.
• Emergency credit card.

Electrical Equipment, etc

• Mobile Phone. Many of our hotels now have wi-fi.  It may not be quickest in world but usually you can use Social Media, Whatsapp, Messenger etc.  Also very useful in an emergency.
• Digital camera, video camera etc.  We will help you mount your video cameras etc on the bike.  We do have a selection of RAM Mounting kits.
• Map of Himachal Pradesh (Optional but useful).
• Money – Sterling (budget for approximately £15 per day – beer!)