Himalayan Motorcycle Tours from AustraliaRide BeyondYour Wildest Dreams

Questions Australian Riders Ask Before Booking

Planning a Himalayan motorcycle tour from Australia? Here are straight answers to the questions we hear most. Don't see yours? Call 0452 337 260 or email booking@dhimalayanriders.com.au.

1. How fit and experienced do I need to be?

All five of our tours are rated Challenging. Most riding days run 4–8 hours, and the longest days run up to 12–14 hours in the saddle including stops over rough mountain roads, water crossings and high passes, so the tours suit confident, experienced riders. They are not ideal as a first motorcycle tour, or if you are new to riding gravel and water crossings. You need a valid motorcycle licence from your home country plus an International Driving Permit, and riders must be 18 or older. By booking you confirm you are medically fit for the trip and have told us about any relevant medical conditions. We are not a medical provider, so please see your GP before you travel.

2. Which motorcycle will I ride?

You ride a Royal Enfield Himalayan series motorcycle, built for Ladakh's high passes and rough roads and serviced by our mechanics. A helmet, gloves and riding jacket are included. Bring your own riding boots, which are not included. Riders are responsible for repair costs for damage beyond normal wear and tear.

3. What is included in the price?

Every tour is a ground package. It includes:

• Royal Enfield Himalayan series motorcycle
• Riding gear (helmet, gloves, jacket)
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Bike fuel
• Airport transfers
• Ride captain
• One backup car with mechanic
• Oxygen support
• Inner Line Permits

Not included: international and domestic flights, travel insurance and riding boots. See the full list on what's included in a Ladakh bike tour.

4. What about altitude sickness, and is oxygen available?

Leh sits at about 3,500 m, and Umling La reaches 5,798 m (about 19,022 ft), so we plan around altitude. Leh-start tours begin with a full rest and acclimatisation day in Leh. Delhi-start tours start low in Delhi (about 231 m), reach Manali (about 2,050 m) and then go into Lahaul and Zanskar (the Ultimate Himalayan Ride goes via Spiti first) before the biggest passes. Oxygen support is included, and our backup car carries first aid and oxygen cylinders. We suggest you rest, hydrate well and avoid alcohol, heavy meals and hard exertion on your first day in Leh. We are not a medical provider, so talk to your GP about altitude and any medication before you go. In a medical emergency we help arrange treatment or evacuation, but those costs are yours, which is why good travel insurance matters.

5. When is the best time to ride Ladakh?

Our 2027 season runs from May to September, while the high passes are open, and 2027 departures run between 1 May and 18 September 2027. June to August usually brings the best road conditions. Early in the season there is more snow on the peaks and the mornings are cold. Mid-season has the warmest valley days, and late season tends to bring clear skies and cooler nights. Check each tour page for exact dates.

6. Do Australians need a visa, and what about Inner Line Permits?

Yes. Australian passport holders can apply for an Indian e-Visa online. Use only the official Government of India site (indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa) and check the current fees, processing times and requirements there. Your passport needs at least 6 months' validity, and getting the right visa is your responsibility. The e-Visa alone doesn't cover the protected areas of Ladakh. Inner Line Permits are included on every tour and handled by our team. You just send us your passport and visa details ahead of time.

7. How do I get there from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane?

Flights are not included, so you book your own. There are no direct flights from Australia to Leh. Most riders fly from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or another Australian city to Delhi. If your tour starts in Leh (Ladakh Circuit Ride, Ladakh Classic Ride, Umling La Extreme Ride), you then take a domestic flight from Delhi to Leh, where we meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The Himalayan Crossing Ride and Ultimate Himalayan Ride start in Delhi. Every tour finishes in Leh, so book your flight home from there. Leave a buffer before Day 1, because missing the start due to a flight delay or cancellation is treated as a cancellation. More detail: Ladakh tours from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

8. How do booking and payment work?

Tours start from AUD $3,627 (Ladakh Circuit Ride and Ladakh Classic Ride). A AUD $100 non-refundable deposit secures your place. 50% of the tour price is due 60 days before departure and the balance 30 days before. Bookings made less than 30 days before departure need full payment upfront. Cancellations must be in writing, and refunds depend on how early you cancel; see our Booking & Cancellation Policy. Book any 2027 tour by 31 January 2027 with code FIRSTRIDERS10 for 10% off. To book, email booking@dhimalayanriders.com.au or call 0452 337 260.

9. Do I get a certificate for riding Umling La?

Yes. Every rider who rides Umling La (5,798 m, about 19,022 ft) receives an Umling La completion certificate, whichever of our five tours you choose. All five tours ride it.