Planning to ride the Himalayas from Australia? One of the first practical questions is paperwork: do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to ride a motorcycle in Ladakh? This guide explains the basics for Australian riders joining a D’Himalayan Riders tour. Rules can change, so treat it as a planning guide and not legal advice.
We’re D’Himalayan Riders, an Australian-led Himalayan motorcycle tour company based in Melbourne, VIC.
The short answer
For riders joining our tours, a valid Australian motorcycle licence and an International Driving Permit that covers motorcycles are commonly required. We can’t give legal advice and requirements can change, so please check the current Indian requirements for foreign visitors before you travel. Our team also confirms licence and IDP requirements with every rider at booking, so you’ll know exactly what to bring before you pay anything further.
What to carry
- Your Australian motorcycle licence: current, valid for the whole trip, and for the class of motorcycle you’ll ride. An IDP generally supports your home licence; it doesn’t replace it.
- An International Driving Permit (motorcycle class): check that the permit lists the motorcycle class you’re licensed for.
- Your passport and Indian visa: sorted well before departure. See our FAQs for how visas and permits fit in.
Getting an IDP in Australia
In Australia, IDPs are typically issued through your state or territory motoring club, for example RACV in Victoria. Eligibility, cost and processing times vary, so check with your club early. Allow extra time in case you need to book an appointment or post your application, and don’t leave it to the last week before flying.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving it late: apply for your IDP months before you fly, not weeks.
- Assuming a car licence is enough: make sure your motorcycle class is covered on both your licence and your permit.
- Packing it in checked luggage: keep your licence, IDP and passport in your carry-on, then with your riding kit once you arrive in Leh.
- Letting your licence expire: check the expiry date against your return date.
What the ride itself involves
Our tours are rated Challenging and suit confident, experienced riders. You’ll ride Royal Enfield Himalayan series motorcycles on high mountain roads, including Khardung La (5,359 m) and, on our Umling La tours, Umling La (5,798 m, about 19,022 ft). Every rider who rides Umling La receives an Umling La completion certificate. Not sure which route suits your experience? Our guide to riding Ladakh from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane covers the planning from Australia, and you can compare every route on our tours page.
What’s included
- Royal Enfield Himalayan series motorcycle
- Riding gear (helmet, gloves and 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.
Ready to ride?
2027 bookings are open. To thank our early supporters, we’re running a First Riders Offer: 10% off with the code FIRSTRIDERS10 for bookings made by 31 January 2027. All our prices are in AUD.
Have a licence or IDP question? Send us your details and we’ll point you in the right direction. Email or DM us for the full itinerary, and tell us: which tour are you eyeing for 2027?
- Email: booking@dhimalayanriders.com.au
- WhatsApp: +61 452 337 260
Julley – see you in the mountains.
More planning guides: Riding Ladakh in 2027 · 2027 tour costs in AUD · FAQs · All tours
