Adventure Motorbike Tours- Guided Versus Independent
Going on a motorcycle adventure will be one of the best diversions to monotonous security you can choose.
Especially if you are someone who has always been attracted to the thrill of the unknown and unchartered territories, then this is it for you.
You will not only see some of the most amazing sights on earth but also meet some incredible people and make unforgettable memories along the way.
Going on a motorcycle adventure widens your perception towards the world that we live in and also imparts a sense of calm and confidence in us.
With a motorcycle as your partner, you are guaranteed to explore a lot of what nature has to offer and, at the same time, feel connected with the various cultures that enrich our world.
It guarantees you to create and share many unique moments with your friends and family. When you go on a motorcycle adventure, you discover something new about yourself every day when you face new challenges and try to solve them on your own.
Get confronted with challenges and identify your strengths and weaknesses all over again. As a bike rider and enthusiast of adventure sports, you will get to meet many like-minded people on the way.
You will get the opportunity to see places that are perhaps yet to be discovered and become popularized. A bike ride adventure is a chance to touch the places that are still in their most raw and purest forms.
There might be exhaustion and frustrations along the way, but there also will be a sense of accomplishment and glory at the end.
Travelling around with your motorcycle will challenge your body, mind, and perhaps the soul itself.
So grab yourself the chance to test your patience, and perseverance, and experience an invigorating opportunity of your lifetime.
Adventure Motorbike Tours in Himalayas
Riding across the Himalayas for a motorcycle adventure is not as simple as it sounds.
It carries a certain amount of risk to it as the terrains are still rugged and almost yet to be modernized. However, with the right preparation going across the Himalayas is a soul-cleaning and heartwarming exercise altogether.
Here are some tips that will help you get the best experience from your motorcycle adventure.
Advance planning is always the correct beginning.
For anyone riding across the Himalayas, proper planning is the most imperative thing to do. Along with the inventory of items that need to be carried on the tour in advance, the plans have to be assorted, and the bike must be made ready for the impending travel.
The itinerary for the rides to be taken has to be charted out in advance as well. Planning is useful because the distances in the Himalayas can be very misleading.
The roads twist and turn a lot; hence there are chances for the rider to lose his way. The same distance in the mountainous roads is quite different in comparison to the distance in the plains.
Hence, the riders have to be patient and give themselves extra time to figure out the paths.
Maps are essential
Someone new to this might think that why carry an old-fashioned paper map when there are online maps and GPS features in every Smartphone?
But you must remember that these electronic devices need data connections and networks to work correctly. And in the hilly regions of the Himalayas, it will be quite challenging to get hold of a decent network even to get a call anyway.
Mobile devices also run on batteries, and power is a luxury in these isolated parts of the world. Hence depending on electronic devices might get you into more trouble than you might have anticipated.
As a backup strategy that will never let you down, always carry a compass and map with you.
Keep Some Cash Available in person
The modern generations have become increasingly dependent upon plastic money and e-cash so much that carrying actual cash in person has become somewhat a forgettable chore.
But in the remote areas of the Himalayas, you should not hope to come across an ATM or a card-swapping terminal that easily.
While starting the trip, always carry some cash and, if possible, split the cash in at least three locations like the pockets, shoes, etc. You never know when you will end up needing it.
Plan your budget and expenditures in advance and pack some extra for unforeseen circumstances.
Gear up properly
The mountainous regions of the Himalayas can get very cold, especially during the night.
Even without rain or during warmer seasons, the nights are comparatively colder. Jackets, thermal liners with armour protection, and sturdy riding pants are highly recommended.
The gloves and boots must ideally be the kind of weather gear that is designed for travelling in the rain. In case you are not keen on riding pants and weather boots, invest in the original sturdy pair of jeans along with thick-soled leather boots and also knee protectors.
Keep in mind that weather boots are ideal because often during stream crossings, ordinary boots can get damp, and it will get uncomfortable.
The helmet must be full face and protect the head from snow, dust, wind, and water. Invest in some kidney belts as they will protect the sides from hurting during long rides. Always try to get clear vision instead of tinted as, despite the lighting conditioned of the bike, tinted glasses will leave you distracted and floundering in the dark.
Always take some water with you as the dry weather can quickly get you dehydrated and make you feel weak. Smoking and alcohol consumption are not advised as under high altitude; they can lead to respiratory distress.
Weather Updates
Keeping up with the weather updates, preferably on an hourly basis, is ideal. Always carry the essentials like sunscreen to avoid sunburn as you can be in direct sunlight for hours and, most importantly, carry a medical kit.
The climbing up the mountain must be staged so that the body can have time to acclimatize to the changing air pressure. Going up in haste can give you a nasty headache.
Pack necessary items and documents
Along with the required equipment and clothing, a rider must carry the required identification documents as well. They will be needed for the various checkpoints as border security is quite strict in India.
For international riders, they must carry their authentication documents along with their driver’s license. Also, it’s better to keep multiple copies of these documents.
Most Popular Motorbike Destinations In The Himalayas
Spiti valley
Spiti Valley attracts mainly the most seasoned and hardcore motorcycle enthusiasts around the world than any other Himalayan moto adventure route.
It is one of the most famous motorcycle routes among the locals as well as foreign nationals. It is not any ordinary route as you will face the raw strength and toughest terrains of the Himalayan regions here that will test your endurance and limits.
The best time to travel is during May and June when the link roads are open, and the snow has cleared.
Along with the bike tour camping at the Chandratal Lake has also been a popular activity enjoyed by the travelers.
Some of the popular regions that are covered by the tour are- Tabo, Kee monastery, Naka, Kalpa, Sangla, Pin Valley, and Shoja. One of the most common routes that are taken by the riders is- Manali – Rohtang Pass – Kunzum Pass – Losar – Kaza and Delhi –Bhuntar – Jalori Pass – Kinnaur Valley – Tabo – Kaza. The total riding distance is 568 km approximately.
Read Spiti Valley Motorcycle Tour Blog
Leh- Ladakh
Leh-Ladakh is situated in the Trans- Himalayan region in Northern India and has become one of the most popular destinations for bike riders. A few years ago, the area was only suited for experienced and heavy bike riders. hence mostly foreigners dared to tour the Himalayas.
However, with the recent advancement in terms of information and infrastructure along with positive marketing reports from private and government investors, tourism has started to grow positively in these areas.
Bikers will get to witness the unique terrains, and high altitude mountain passes along with the captivating Himalayan, Ladakhi and Tibetan culture during the trip. With the recent rise in positive publicity and improvements to make the place more traveler-friendly, there has been an increase in demand for bike tours.
In addition to local businesses, the riders will witness many Buddhist Gompas and small local villages lying below the mighty Himalayan Mountains.
Read Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Blog
Sach Pass
Sach pass is one of the most incredible and unexplored mountain passes of the Indian subcontinent. The pass acts as a connecting link between the Pangi Valley and Chamba Valley in Himachal Pradesh.
It is situated at an elevation of 14482 feet above sea level. It’s dangerous terrain, and its exclusiveness has garnered it its well-deserved popularity among riders all over the world. Its slightly tricky and unpredictable routes is not for the faint-hearted, and even the most experienced riders find it challenging to navigate.
The Sach pass has been featured in countless articles and TV shows as one of the most dangerous and grueling mountain passes in the world. So riders have to take extra precautions to pass through the terrain safely.
It is definitely not advised to go solo in these regions as one small mistake can leave you plummeting through hundreds of feet down the valleys.
Many adventurous bike riders feel that after exploring some of the toughest in the world, this route must be a piece of cake. But the fact that it’s still majorly unexplored makes the traveling experience even more intriguing. Hence, if you are the one seeking challenging and thrilling adventures, then the Sach Pass is your calling.
The Sach Pass motorbike trip usually rounds up within 8-9 days. The travelers have to start from Delhi for an overnight or twelve hours trip to Manali. From here, the riders can make use of the bikes to traverse through the routes.
The experience will be unlike anything you will have in your life as the lush green landscapes, secluded mountains, and the sound of the roaring engine will surely give you the adrenaline high that you desire.
Are Self-Guided Adventure Motorcycle Tours Right For You?
Irrespective of your experience as a rider, self-guided motorcycle tours are not everyone’s cup of tea necessarily. Self- guided motorcycle tours offer flexibility, freedom, and individuals for groups of friends or individuals that want a riding holiday to be organized without a leader.
You will also have to take responsibility as your guide deciding on the routes and responding to unplanned situations. This is not that difficult, but some people would rather spend their mental energy and time enjoying the ride rather than being constantly worried about the planning and timings of the journey.
Want to rent a bike for your adventure motorbike tour:- Bike Rentals Bhuntar
You will also have to be aware of the locality and have a general knowledge of the mechanics of the bike so that you can fix at least minor issues like a flat tire on the road. Here are some of the differences between organized and self-guided tours-
Cost
If you decide to on the self-guided route, then you need to bear in mind that if your bike breaks down in the middle of nowhere, then you are probably hundreds of miles from where you rented the bike.
Chances are you can be stuck for hours or days before you can get any help or replacement of the bike, mainly if you have limited knowledge about its mechanics. Although there are pretty good companies, there are many bad ones as well. So the cost of repair and return will be entirely yours, and that can be pretty expensive. Wicked people can hustle you if you are less fortunate. With an organized tour, you are ensured that the final cost of your trip will be decided by both parties with the money you book.
There will be no surprises later on which are not possible in self-guided tours. Your budget might lose your grip on independent trips sooner than you think. The cost also varies depending on the kind of bike you are taking, the country you are in, and the distance that you intend to travel. With import taxes, carnets, shipping, and all manners of other charges, it is difficult to contain all the intricacies in one single paragraph.
The point is you have to do thorough research, but with so few companies available, the comparison portals are limited. So ultimately, it’s better to talk to an experienced rider first who will probably give you a better insight into the facts regarding the journey.
Risk
There is a risk in every adventure sport, and the people who opt for it nevertheless are aware of it. The inherent risk is that riders have to take unfamiliar bikes in a strange country and through unfamiliar routes. However, there are ways in which the potential hazards can be reduced and are worth the consideration.
Travelling with an established tour company will mean that you are riding with experienced riders who know the roads you are about to travel very well.
They will know where the petrol stations are, the dangerous routes to be avoided, and the remote areas to be ventured into, and also plan their overnight stays. With self-guided travel, you will only see places that are visible on maps or Google Earth.
But with local riders, you can see areas that are genuinely what one can say as hidden gems. Of course, there is always a risk of being lost and getting injured.
The travel companies still have a medic with the group so that it will be safer with them. And if you are on your own the moment a problem escalates, you have to make emergency decisions like call, someone, ask for help and know exactly where you are, which frankly may not be possible at all times no matter how much prepared you are.
Exploring
The main agenda of all of these trips is to enjoy, have fun, and explore new places. Whether you are an independent traveller or an organized tour rider, travelling in an entirely new country is always exciting.
If you are travelling solo, then it entirely depends on you where and for how long you plan to stay, which will not be possible or be in your control with an organized tour. But on the flip side, the local guides will know which places are worth visiting.
For example, some essential places don’t even have a signboard sometimes, and it would be a shame to go past without knowing. The more remote the area, the better you get the local knowledge first. Also, bear in mind that roads in the Himalayan region are not your typical city roads and are very rough.
Hence, the chances of accidents and losing directions are higher. With a tour company, the local riders will minimize those chances.
When you are travelling independently, you have more control over your journey, but you will miss out on the shared enthusiasm and endeavour of fellow motorcyclists who share the same passion as you.
Breakdowns
Generally, we depend on roadside repair shops or our mates to help with the repair work of our bikes. After owning a motorcycle, even the owner gets to know about minor repair tricks eventually.
But when you are travelling alone in a different country, the option of reliable outside help will be limited. You have to sort the problem yourself on an unpredictable route and in an unknown area.
Plus, there are chances that you can encounter dishonourable people who can do your bike more harm than you could know initially and swindle you of more money.
You also have to bring sufficient tools with you for any emergency, and the OEM toolkit given with the bikes is mostly inadequate for real-time situations. So plan and pack the essentials if you are travelling solo. With organized tours, you will have a decent tour operator with you and a person who knows about the mechanics of the bike very well.
So you will probably be in safe hands.
Time
One of the most significant advantages of an organized tour is its reliable and precise schedule, which will imply that you will know exactly how your time is being invested.
For the majority of the travellers who have a job to return to, it is a blessing to know where and how the time will be divided and by how many days can the journey be wrapped up.
Generally, independent travellers, tend to have a more flexible schedule, which is less structured and laid back. And if you have the funds and time to support such a trip then, by all means, go for it.
Also, while planning trips, there has to be room spared for eventualities. Tour companies will have prepared for such substantial alteration ahead so that the journey can be completed successfully, and you don’t have to miss out on anything.
Permits, passes, and paperwork
If you are used to travelling in the US, Australasia, and Europe, then you are also probably used to moving freely without any additional permits or paperwork. Only the usual driving documents and maybe passports are required for border control posts.
But in India, the scenario is a bit different. The country is filled with district borders and checkpoints where people have to stop.
Without proper paperwork, it could be a harassing situation to get through them, and it can be extra challenging for foreigners.
Hence, having a tour company can save you from the hassle.
If you are a solo traveller and don’t know much about it, then chances are you will be stopped for long hours or turned back.
Organized tour companies will already know what is required and be prepared in advance and will furnish them without your involvement.
They will have local guides who speak the local language; hence, the process will be much faster.
Whether it’s a self-guided tour or an organized one, as long as you are having the time of your life, it doesn’t matter really. However, it’s better to know the pros and cons beforehand to assess your decision.
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