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Adventure Awaits Guide to Motorcycle Tours in India

The 10 Best Motorcycle Tours in India (2024 Updated)

The 10 Best Motorcycle Tours in India

Are you looking for an exciting break from the routine? Well, here’s something for you: motorcycle tours in India! Picture yourself riding through stunning places, exploring cool cities, and getting a taste of different cultures—all from the seat of a powerful bike. In this article, we’ve got the lowdown on the top 10 motorcycle tours in India, designed to give you some serious adventure. From the mighty Himalayas to the peaceful backwaters of Kerala, these trips are your ticket to some incredible experiences. So, put on that helmet, rev up that engine, and let’s hit the road for a ride you’ll remember. Ready? Let’s go!

1. Himalayan Odyssey

Itinerary:

Delhi to Manali (Day 1-2): Start your journey in the bustling capital of Delhi. Take a scenic ride through the picturesque town of Chandigarh and reach Manali, a charming hill station nestled in the Himalayas. Explore Manali’s local markets and enjoy a leisurely evening by the Beas River.

Manali to Key Monastery (Day 3-4): Depart from Manali and cross the Rohtang Pass, a thrilling ascent that offers breathtaking views. Continue your journey to the remote Spiti Valley, where you’ll explore ancient monasteries and immerse yourself in the unique culture of the region. Stay at Key Monastery, perched atop a hill, for a truly spiritual experience.

Key Monastery to Chandratal Lake (Day 5-6): Ride to the enchanting Chandratal Lake, known for its pristine beauty and the changing hues of its waters. Set up camp by the lake and enjoy a night under the star-studded sky. It’s a surreal experience you won’t forget.

Chandratal Lake to Manali (Day 7): Head back to Manali, retracing your route through the stunning landscapes of Spiti. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas one last time as you bid farewell to the mountains.

Manali to Delhi (Day 8): Conclude your epic Himalayan Odyssey by riding back to Delhi. Reflect on the incredible journey as you return to the city’s vibrant chaos.

2. Leh-Ladakh: The Land of High Passes

Itinerary:

Srinagar to Kargil (Day 1-2): Start in Srinagar, known for its picturesque Dal Lake. Cross the challenging Zoji La Pass and reach Kargil, where you’ll explore the historic Kargil War Memorial and enjoy the hospitality of the locals.

Kargil to Leh (Day 3-4): Continue your journey to Leh, the capital of Ladakh. Ride through mesmerizing landscapes and acclimatize to the high altitudes. Explore Leh’s monasteries, such as Thiksey and Hemis, to immerse yourself in Ladakhi culture.

Leh to Nubra Valley (Day 5-6): Ride over the world-famous Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes globally, and reach the surreal Nubra Valley. Explore the sand dunes of Hunder and indulge in a double-humped camel ride.

Nubra Valley to Pangong Lake (Day 7-8): Head to the stunning Pangong Lake, famous for its changing shades of blue. Spend a night in a lakeside camp and witness the magic of the starlit sky over Pangong.

Pangong Lake to Leh (Day 9): Return to Leh, taking in the serene landscapes once more. Rest and shop for souvenirs in Leh.

Leh to Srinagar (Day 10-11): Ride back to Srinagar, retracing your path through the magnificent Zoji La Pass. Spend your final day exploring Srinagar’s gardens and local markets.

3. Rajasthan Royal Ride

Itinerary:

Jaipur Exploration (Day 1-2): Begin your journey in the Pink City, Jaipur. Explore the historic Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal. Immerse yourself in Rajasthani culture at Chokhi Dhani.

Jaipur to Udaipur (Day 3-4): Ride through the Aravalli Hills to Udaipur, the City of Lakes. Explore the stunning City Palace, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, and savor the local cuisine.

Udaipur to Jodhpur (Day 5-6): Head to the Blue City, Jodhpur, and visit the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. Explore the historic streets of the old town and sample delicious Rajasthani snacks.

Jodhpur to Pushkar (Day 7-8): Ride to the holy town of Pushkar and immerse yourself in its spirituality. Take a dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake and explore the vibrant bazaars.

Pushkar to Delhi (Day 9): Conclude your royal ride with a return to Delhi. Reflect on the rich cultural experiences and beautiful landscapes you’ve encountered along the way.

4. Coastal Beauty: The Konkan Odyssey

Itinerary:

Mumbai to Ganpatipule (Day 1-2): Start in Mumbai and ride along the Konkan Coast to Ganpatipule. Explore the pristine beaches, visit the Ganpatipule Temple, and enjoy the local seafood.

Ganpatipule to Ratnagiri (Day 3-4): Ride to Ratnagiri and explore the historic forts of Jaigad and Ratnadurg. Savor delicious Konkani cuisine and soak in the coastal vibes.

Ratnagiri to Gokarna (Day 5-6): Head south to Gokarna in Karnataka. Enjoy the serene beaches, including Om Beach and Kudle Beach. Discover the peaceful Mahabaleshwar Temple.

Gokarna to Goa (Day 7-8): Ride to the party capital of India, Goa. Explore the vibrant beaches, bustling markets, and historic forts. Indulge in the nightlife and relax by the sea.

Goa to Mangalore (Day 9): Conclude your coastal adventure with a ride to Mangalore. Explore the city’s temples and markets before heading home.

5. The Wild East: Assam and Arunachal Pradesh

Itinerary:

Guwahati to Tezpur (Day 1-2): Begin in Guwahati, Assam, and ride to the historic town of Tezpur. Explore the ruins of Agnigarh and enjoy the serene Brahmaputra River.

Tezpur to Tawang (Day 3-4): Head to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, a land of stunning landscapes. Visit the Tawang Monastery, Jaswant Garh War Memorial, and enjoy the scenic beauty.

Tawang to Ziro (Day 5-6): Ride to Ziro Valley, known for its lush greenery and tribal culture. Explore the unique Apatani villages and take in the natural beauty.

Ziro to Guwahati (Day 7): Return to Guwahati, reminiscing about your journey through the wild east of India.

6. Southern Sojourn: Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Itinerary:

Chennai to Ooty (Day 1-2): Start in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and ride up to the Nilgiri Hills and Ooty. Explore the scenic tea gardens and enjoy the pleasant weather.

Ooty to Munnar (Day 3-4): Ride to Munnar, Kerala, and explore the lush tea plantations. Visit the Tea Museum, Attukal Waterfalls, and experience the tranquility of Munnar.

Munnar to Kochi (Day 5-6): Head to the historic port town of Kochi. Explore the Jewish Synagogue, Fort Kochi, and enjoy a traditional Kathakali performance.

Kochi to Thekkady (Day 7-8): Ride to Thekkady and immerse yourself in the spice plantations. Take a boat ride on Periyar Lake and spot wildlife in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Thekkady to Trivandrum (Day 9): Conclude your southern sojourn in Trivandrum, Kerala’s capital. Explore the city’s temples, museums, and enjoy the coastal vibes.

7. Western Wonders: Gujarat and Rann of Kutch

Itinerary:

Ahmedabad to Rann of Kutch (Day 1-2): Start in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and head to the surreal Rann of Kutch. Explore the white desert and its mesmerizing landscapes.

Rann of Kutch to Bhuj (Day 3-4): Ride to Bhuj and discover the historic temples and forts. Explore the local crafts and culture of Kutch.

Bhuj to Dwarka (Day 5-6): Head to Dwarka and visit the ancient Dwarkadhish Temple. Explore the coastal beauty and enjoy a dip in the Arabian Sea.

Dwarka to Diu (Day 7-8): Ride to the tranquil island of Diu. Relax on the beaches, explore the historic Diu Fort, and enjoy the Portuguese influence.

Diu to Ahmedabad (Day 9): Conclude your journey back in Ahmedabad, reflecting on the beauty of Gujarat and the Rann of Kutch.

8. The Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur

Itinerary:

Delhi Exploration (Day 1-2): Begin in Delhi and explore the historic landmarks, including India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar. Dive into the bustling markets and relish local street food.

Delhi to Agra (Day 3-4): Ride to Agra and witness the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and the ancient town of Fatehpur Sikri. Delve into the Mughal history and architecture.

Agra to Jaipur (Day 5-6): Head to Jaipur, the Pink City. Explore the magnificent Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and indulge in Rajasthani cuisine.

Jaipur to Delhi (Day 7-8): Conclude your Golden Triangle tour with a ride back to Delhi. Reflect on the historic and cultural treasures you’ve encountered.

9. Eastern Mystique: West Bengal and Sikkim

Itinerary:

Kolkata to Darjeeling (Day 1-2): Start in Kolkata and ride to the charming town of Darjeeling. Explore the tea gardens, ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Darjeeling to Gangtok (Day 3-4): Head to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Explore the monasteries, markets, and take a trip to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass.

Gangtok to Silk Route (Day 5-6): Ride along the Silk Route, a historic trade route. Explore the villages, yak safaris, and experience the unique culture of Sikkim.

Silk Route to Kolkata (Day 7): Conclude your journey back in Kolkata, reminiscing about your exploration of West Bengal and Sikkim’s mystique.

10. Ancient Trails: Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

Itinerary:

Bhopal to Khajuraho (Day 1-2): Begin in Bhopal and explore the UNESCO-listed temples of Khajuraho. Marvel at the intricate carvings and the ancient Kamasutra depictions.

Khajuraho to Bhimbetka (Day 3-4): Ride to Bhimbetka and discover the ancient cave paintings. Explore the rock shelters and their historic significance.

Bhimbetka to Bastar (Day 5-6): Head to Bastar in Chhattisgarh and delve into the rich tribal culture. Visit tribal villages, witness traditional dance forms, and experience the vibrant Bastar Dussehra.

Bastar to Bhopal (Day 7-8): Conclude your journey back in Bhopal, reflecting on your exploration of the ancient trails of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

These 10 motorcycle tours in India offer a thrilling blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re navigating the high mountain passes of the Himalayas or cruising along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, each journey unveils a unique facet of India’s diverse tapestry. So, gear up, embrace the open road, and let your motorcycle carry you through the incredible landscapes and rich heritage of this captivating country. The spirit of adventure awaits!

Leh Ladakh Bike Tour

13 Days Itinerary for Leh Ladakh Bike Tour (Srinagar in and out)

13 Days Itinerary for Leh Ladakh Bike Tour

  • Route Map with elevation on each day
    – Delhi: 210m
    – Chandigarh: 350m
    – Leh: 3500m
    – Pangong lake: 4249m
    – Khardung la: 5359m
    – Kargil: 2676m
    – Srinagar: 1600m
    – Jammu: 327m
  • A few of your Favorite things on the tour
    – Breathtaking mountains, landscapes you have never seen before in this Ladakh bike tour.
    – Experience the unparalleled beauty of Himalayas from dense coniferous forest to cold deserts.
    – Cross the highest Motorable pass in the world- Khardung La Pass(5540m)
    – Ride to the border of Tibet
    – Explore Alchi Monastery, the oldest in Ladakh.
    – Stroll the streets and markets of Leh.
  • Places to eat en route:
    There are plenty of Food outlets from Delhi to Jammu and fewer from Jammu to Srinagar. Leh and Kargil have plenty of food options. In between leh and Kargil only small restaurants and Dhabas can be found. Go with our Leh Ladakh Bike Tour.

Day 1: Delhi Jammu
– Total distance covered: 590 kilometers
– Travel Time: 10 hours depending on your speed and breaks

Day 2: Jammu – Srinagar
– Total distance covered – 270 kilometers
– Travel Time – 7 hours
– Visit Dal Lake and enjoy a shikara ride.

Day 3: Srinagar – Sonamarg – Zoji La – Drass – Kargil
– Total distance covered: 210 kilometers
– Travel Time: 5-6 hours
– Enjoy the scenic ride through beautiful Kashmir valley.

Day 4: Kargil to Leh
– Total distance covered: 220 kilometers
– Travel Time: 5 hours
– See Lamayuru Monastery, Lunar Landscapes, Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Magnetic Hills and Indus – Zanskar Confluence at Nimmu

Day 5: Leh
– Spend a day in Leh for rest
– Visit Leh Palace, Shanti Stoopa and Leh market.

Day 6: Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
– Total distance: 130 kilometers
– Travel Time: 4 hours
– Cross Khardung La on the way, claimed as highest motorable pass in the world.
– Visit Diskit Monastery, Hunder Sand dunes and see Bactrian camels.

Day 7: Hunder– turtuk – thang and back to hunder
– Total distance: 200 kilometers
– Travel Time: 4-5 hours
– Visit turtuk monastery and thang (last Indian village)

Day 8: Hunder– agham – shyok – pangong
– Total distance: 175 Kilometers
– Travel Time: 5 hours
– Take a dip in the immence beauty of pangong lake

Day 9: pangong – chang la – leh
– Total distance: 155 km
– Travel time: 4 hour
– Cross chang la on the way, claimed 2nd highest motorable road

Day 10: Kargil to Leh
– Total distance covered: 220 kilometers
– Travel Time: 5 hours

Day 11: Kargil – Drass – Zoji La – Sonamarg – Srinagar
– Total distance covered: 210 kilometers
– Travel Time: 5-6 hours

Day 12: Srinagar – Jammu
– Total distance covered – 270 kilometers
– Travel Time – 7 hours

Day 13: Jammu – Delhi
– Total distance covered: 590 kilometers
– Travel Time: 10 hours depending on your speed and breaks

  • Best Time to ride: June to September

Things to carry for this Ladakh bike tour:
Medicines: Carry Diamox if you aren’t allergic to sulfur drugs (helps reduce some of the symptoms of AMS) and medicines for headache, fever, stomach ache, cold and cough syrup. You can find more detailed list for medicines here, First Aid Travel kit. Read 13 Days Itinerary for Leh Ladakh Bike Tour.

Sunscreen lotion: UV rays at high altitude can be quite damaging to the skin, even during the harshest of winter, so don’t forget to carry a good quality sunscreen lotion eg. Lotus Herbal Sun Screen Lotion with rating of SPF30 or higher and apply it properly before going out in the sun. Read 13 Days Itinerary for Leh Ladakh Bike Tour.

UV sunglasses: As mentioned earlier, UV rays at high altitude can be quite damaging and this holds true for eyes as well. So having decent quality UV sunglasses (Fastrack ones are available for as little as Rs. 800) is quite essential, especially if you are traveling early in the season or during winter, when mountain passes have a lot of snow cover and sunlight reflecting from the snow can be even harsher! Read 13 Days Itinerary for Leh Ladakh Bike Tour.

Lip balm: Dry and cold weather of Ladakh will make your lips dry, which can get quite painful due to cracking and skin coming off, so make sure to carry a lip balm or Vaseline. Stoneheadbikes provide best Leh Ladakh Bike Tour

Mustard oil: Mustard oil can be used for moisturizing skin, putting it in your hair and for lubricating insides of nostrils, which can become quite dry and painful due to dry and cold winds of Ladakh Bike Tour.

Glucose: Carrying water mixed with Glucon C/D is a good idea while traveling at high altitude, as it provides instant energy on the move, when your appetite is likely to be reduced due to AMS and at the same time, doesn’t act as a diuretic, like most caffeinated energy drinks. Carry couple of small packs with you, which you can mix in water, at the beginning of the day.

Chocolates, biscuits and nuts: Carrying couple of chocolates, a pack of biscuits and few hundred grams of almonds, raisins and cashews is a good idea, as these provide instant energy and easy snack and don’t take up too much space. Those who love spicy food, make sure to carry pickle or sauce, since Ladakhi food is a bit bland.

Other personal essentials: Paper soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb and toilet paper. You can also carry your shaving kit and face wash if you have the space and need for these and any other toiletries.

Documents and IDs: It is essential to carry at least one government issued identity card and couple of photocopies of it, since it is needed while applying for inner line permit and at certain places, to register at the check post. You should also carry your medical insurance card (if you have one), Map of Ladakh, your printed itinerary, hotel reservation slips (if you have pre-booked), couple of copies of your flight ticket (if traveling by air) and list of important contacts (useful in case your mobile phone stops working).

– Chargers for all the gadgets, cameras and mobile

– Spare camera batteries: Carry at least one spare set of batteries required by your camera, since in cold environment, batteries can die quickly.

– Car charger or battery bank: If you are an avid smart phone user and planning to log your route on your favorite GPS App, then make sure you are carrying car charger or a power bank with at least 4000-5000mAH capacity to keep your mobile phone running throughout the day.

– 3 socket Belkin Surge Protector: While it is a little large in size, 3 socket Belkin Surge Protector will not only keep your gadgets protected from power surges, but will also allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously and at the same time, provide the crucial cable length to safely place your gadgets in rooms with idiotic power socket locations (sadly enough, many hotels have this).

– Torch: Not really needed if your mobile phone has one, but if in case it doesn’t, carry a small LED one.

– Money: While my recommendation would be to carry enough cash you need, to avoid wasting time withdrawing cash, it may not be feasible for everyone. So please keep in mind that ATMs beyond Srinagar and Manali are only available in Kargil and Leh and they too are few with often long queues in front of them. Read 13 Days Itinerary for Leh Ladakh Bike Tour.

– Mobile phone connectivity: Only post-paid mobile phone connections from other states work in Ladakh and even from these, only BSNL has presence beyond Leh. So unless you wish to be dependent upon STD booths, carry a BSNL/MTNL post-paid connection.

– Cloths to carry
The worst enemy for Ladakh Road trip is the cold. Carry different layers of warm clothing.  You need to carry at least:

2 set of thermals upper, 1 set of thermal lower, 8 pair of socks, extra woolen covering, 1 warm track pants, scarf for covering your neck and complete rain suit.

Keys To Driving A Motorcycle When It Rains And Not Falling In The Attempt

We go to our garage or take a motorcycle on rent, turn on the engine of our bike, and meanwhile, we put on our gloves and put on our integral helmet.

We and ready to go and … surprise! It’s raining.

From there, our minds change. Now we will have to be even more careful driving both in the city and on the highway. We offer a series of tips for those who have no choice but to use the motorcycle when it rains and can get home safely.

Maximize visibility as much as possible

When it rains, visibility is usually much lower than if we drive on a sunny day. The sky is hidden by the black clouds loaded with water, which almost forces us to go in a kind of sunset, without much less light. This added to the drops that fall makes other canned drivers have much less visibility, which leads us to conclude that they will see even less the motorcycles that circulate next to them.

For this reason, we have to wear clothes that are as light as possible: the helmet, the jacket, the raincoat, the motorcycle pants (better waterproof) and even if possible the boots and gloves.

We have to use reflective elements so that others see us. If not, we recommend buying yellow reflective tapes or employing a reflective vest. So there will be no doubt if they see us or not, And of course, we always have to drive with the low beams on.

When we talk about visibility, we also have to consider the fog that can appear on our mirrors when entering a tunnel and on our helmets. In the first case, we can have anti-fog mirrors or, if we don’t want to invest so much money, we can buy some spray with an anti-condensation effect. In the helmet, it is best to use a pin-lock that will prevent the screen from fogging up, and if we use a nose cover, it will also help.

You have to try to make the roundabouts slowly, without running, and without almost tipping the bike. It is a conflictive place where we must walk with a hundred eyes and where it is relatively easy for the bike to lose grip. We must also not forget that special attention must be paid to roundabouts near petrol pumps since the vehicles that leave can drag traces of fuel mixed with the water and turn the road into a very slippery terrain.

Beware of the traps on the ground.

Going on a motorcycle is talking about physics and balance. We are riding on a two-wheeled vehicle when we stop; it tends to fall to one side. For this reason, the water on the road does not help to keep it vertical, and less when we encounter slippery objects. Our worst enemies are white, painted lines, crosswalks, fallen leaves, gutters, and grates. Any directly experienced biker does not step on them and runs away from them almost unconsciously.

But there are more areas to avoid. At traffic lights, when some cars stop, they release oil onto the roads. Therefore, we must be aware that there may be this liquid near the center of the lanes near the traffic lights. Let’s try not to step on it by passing through one side, not directly through the center.

Better to ride with the motorcycle as vertical as possible

When the road is wet, our tires can slip more and lose grip sooner. One of the causes of this loss of grip is tar, one of the culprits that the road is slippery. What prevents this situation is the conglomeration of stones and fragments of other materials that accompany it. Over time they are polished, forming compact road that neither drains water nor offers any traction aid.

In those low grip cases, we need the most extensive contact surface of our tires with the ground. Therefore, we must go slowly to incline our motorcycle as little as possible. The most recommended thing is that we go slower than we would on a dry road and not force our grip to avoid falling to the ground.

These are the tips that will help us improve our driving in the rain. However, let us always bear in mind that driving on a wet road is still more dangerous and that the best thing, if you can, is to leave the bike at home.

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