FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ON VEHICLE & PARTS
WHAT BIKE WILL I BE RIDING DURING THE TOUR?
Royal Enfield 500 cc will be the standard motorbikes used, without any panniers or a top box. We recommend you either tie a small day rucksack for any additional equipment on the motorbike, or place it in the support vehicle.
WILL I NEED AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENCE?
Yes, A valid international driving licence MUST be obtained from your home country before leaving
WHAT ABOUT MOTORBIKE OR CAR INSURANCE?
Third Party motorbike insurance IS INCLUDED – you ride and go, and return the motorbike, ideally in the condition it was given to you! Our motorcycles have a damage deductible of 500 €. This means the limit of any rider's responsibility in case of damage is 500 €. If any car/SUV is used in the trip, full car/SUV insurance is provided.
I LIKE THE ROYAL ENFIELD BIKE. CAN I BUY IT AND CUSTOMISE IT? CAN I TAKE IT AFTER THE RIDE IS OVER?
Yes! You can and as passionate riders, we encourage you to. We can arrange for tour participants to pre-purchase a discounted price, customised Royal Enfield as per your specifications and have it available whenever you want ; at the start of the tour or at the end of the tour, and for international shipping to any location of your choice.
WHAT RIDING GEAR AND EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO BRING ?
You should get your personal motorcycling gear and helmet, including boots, kidney belts, gloves, dust masks, clear glasses and sunglasses (for dusty trails and sunny days).
Apart from this, do bring your warm equipment for cold morning hours or the misty and rainy weather conditions. Although our tours are designed for the best seasons.
If required, please do also bring your sun protection cream, torch and a tank bag for easy access to the camera , water bottle, etc.
CAN I KNOW MORE ABOUT MY TOUR GUIDE AND ROAD CREW?
Each group is accompanied by our English speaking guide from the arrival until the farewell dinner. This guide is well experienced as a bike rider, scout and group coach. He is willing to give any support, but also he sometimes needs help and understanding. English speaking mechanics will also join your tour ; medical aid is available at every hotel or city we pass by.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, PAPERWORK, & TRIP PLANNING
DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL PERMIT FOR CERTAIN PLACES ON THE TOUR PROGRAM?
For EU and other non-Indian citizens, an Inner Line Permit is required in advance in certain sensitive places in the Himalayas. Discover Himalayas will take care of these permits, but you need to bring a few passport size photos.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE REGARDING THE VISA TO INDIA?
You need to apply for a tourist visa before you start your flight to India. Visa will not be given on your arrival in India!
Please contact your Indian Consulate or Embassy early enough to ensure that your visa will be given in time. E-Visas are easily available nowadays.
WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE?
It is essential to have travel insurance on this trip, with liability insurance. The insurance must cover you for any incident you may have whilst riding in a 500cc motorcycle or a car / SUV. The best option is to have insurance with immediate full hospital cover and provision for repatriation through private jet.
HOW DO I SPEND MONEY IN INDIA?
Credit cards are widely accepted across India, and multiple brand ATMs are available. We recommend you to bring your credit / debit cards and check with your bank whether you need to activate your card for India. We also recommend you keep some cash handy with you.
Upto 5000 Euros can be carried on person without any declaration.
DO I NEED TO BRING ANY SPECIAL CELL PHONES OR SIMS WHILE I AM IN INDIA?
International cell phones and data are available across India; however, We suggest you get a local multi-state ‘pay-as-you-go’ SIM. You MUST PROVIDE your passport details on purchase at the airport on arrival. It IS ESSENTIAL that you provide the organisers with your international and local multi-state mobile number.
ANY MEDICAL PREPARATIONS OR PRECAUTIONS I NEED TO TAKE?
Although we do carry a basic medical kit, It is essential to have the mandated vaccinations from your national health authority for travel across India. We recommend you have a medical bag with your regular and preventative medication. Pharmacies are widely available with a full range of medications; however, it is best to bring these with you, or purchase while in the larger cities should you run out.
RIDING, ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
HOW MANY RIDERS WILL BE THERE IN MY GROUP?
Each motorbike riding group will NOT exceed more than 15 riders and will be headed by a Road Captain.
WHAT ROADS WILL WE BE TAKING?
We will avoid main roads and highways, and instead opt for scenic back country roads.
I AM WORRIED ABOUT HYGIENE AND CLEANLINESS. WHERE AM I GOING TO STAY THROUGHOUT THE DURATION OF THE TOUR?
We aim to book suitable and comfortable properties and good, hygienic hotels. Accommodation will be chosen for their location, cleanliness, suitability for groups and ambience.
On some occasions in remote areas, the accommodation could be basic. At other places, some hotels will have restaurants and bars attached.
WHAT ABOUT BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, SNACKS, AND DRINKS?
India is a foodie’s paradise and throughout the trip, you will experience gastronomic delights like no other.
PAYMENT AND COSTS
ARE THE PRICES FOR THE TOURS FIXED?
Yes, our prices for each of the tours are available on the website and are fixed.
WHAT ARE THE CHARGES FOR THE CUSTOM TOURS?
Since custom tours are dependent upon your desired places and time limits, the price for each custom tour will be decided on a case-by-case basis after discussion with us.
DO I NEED TO PAY FULLY IN ADVANCE OR DO YOU TAKE DEPOSITS? WHAT ABOUT BANKING CHARGES?
Since the tours we operate require immense planning and preparation, we take the payments in advance. We expect our riders to pay a minimum of 500 Euros at the time of booking. Rest of the amount has to be paid 8 weeks before the start of tour.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
In case of a cancellation at least 6 weeks before the start of the tour, the fee will be 500 EUR. From 42 days until 8 days before the tour starts, the fee will be 50% of the tour price.
If cancellation is done 7 days or less before the tour starts, the full booking price will be due.