Everything you need to know about preparing, booking, gear requirements, and conquering our motorcycle expeditions across India and the Himalayas.
While the majority of our tours are pillion-friendly, some routes involve technical sections where riding two-up is not recommended or permitted. Please get in touch with our motorcycle travel team to select an itinerary perfectly adapted to your project.
There is no strict upper age limit to join The Horizon Expeditions. We welcome all riders, from passionate novices to seasoned veterans depending on the itinerary, provided you are in good physical condition and ready to keep up the pace.
Our off-the-beaten-track expeditions sometimes take place in remote mountain regions where healthcare infrastructure is distant from urban centers.
It is therefore essential that we discuss your state of health openly and honestly and that you inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or treatments you are currently undergoing.
For every itinerary, we clearly publish what is and isn’t included. You can check the complete inclusions and exclusions directly on each expedition page or inside the detailed quotation.
To secure your preferred dates and motorcycle model, we strongly recommend booking at least 45 days in advance.
You can start by submitting an enquiry on any tour page or clicking the Contact button. The registration follows a transparent 3-step path:
Once confirmed, the final balance for your trip is due 30 days before departure.
For all expeditions, The Horizon Expeditions requires every rider and passenger to hold a comprehensive travel insurance policy that explicitly covers:
A refundable motorcycle security deposit of $600 is required from each rider prior to bike handover.
The deposit is held via credit card pre-authorization or direct caution. A mutual bike inspection is conducted at the start and conclusion of the tour; any damage or broken parts caused by accidents or negligence will be settled against this deposit, with the remaining balance released immediately.
We do not book international flights directly. You are free to book your tickets using airline aggregators (such as Google Flights or Skyscanner) or your preferred travel agent.
Unexpected injuries, family emergencies, or work changes can happen. Our cancellation schedule is clear and transparent:
For full clauses, please consult our complete Terms & Conditions.
Travelling with the right kit is one of the key factors in a successful expedition! Our support backup truck carries your main luggage.
You can easily obtain it from your insurer or contact companies such as Mondial Assistance or Europe Assistance which offer complete and effective packs (starting between 60 and 80€ / person).
Some bank cards also offer this insurance under specific conditions (for example if you buy your plane ticket with the same card). Check carefully to confirm that they cover large displacement motorcycle travel and the other special conditions as outlined above.
Yes, an International Driving Permit is mandatory in India. It acts as an official multilingual translation of your national driving license and must be carried alongside your original physical license at all times.
Depending on your chosen expedition, you will experience a memorable blend of accommodations:
In remote mountain outposts, facilities can be rustic, which is an authentic part of conquering the roof of the world!
You can choose your preferred sleeping setup:
No need to overpack! All hotels, lodges, and established fixed wilderness camps provide full bed linens, blankets, and bath towels.
You have your choice of tour styles, ranging from primarily off-road to almost entirely asphalt:
When creating our routes, we make every effort to ensure that the pace is balanced. Our travel experts will talk to you about your motorcycling background and what kind of experience you are looking for, in order to help you select the perfect trip.
With so many options, you can select the style that suits you best!
Within our team, a motorcycle expert and logistics pro works closely with our trusted partners to ensure the management of our motorcycle fleet.
We ensure the highest quality of our vehicles and conduct regular mechanical audits. We have extensive experience in the field and have surrounded ourselves with the best factory-trained technicians in the industry.
Our motorcycles are fully serviced between every tour.
All passenger seats are equipped with a comfort saddle.
If you have specific needs such as a lowered saddle or handlebar adjustments, please let us know when you register. We will do our absolute best to adapt the bike to your ergonomics and needs!
We do not rent motorcycles by the day. Our motorcycles are exclusively reserved for our guided and self-guided expedition itineraries to ensure optimal maintenance standards, safety, and rider support.
Leave your motorcycle in the garage.
The concept of The Horizon Expeditions adventures has you seeing the world in a whole new way, from behind the handlebars of our legendary Indian machines.
You will quickly come to love the authentic, charming character of Royal Enfield motorcycles.
Whatever your destination, you will need standard motorcycle safety gear along with a few additional items for comfort.
Required safety equipment:
In addition, you'll want to pack:
Be aware that helmets are not always allowed in carry-on luggage depending on the airline. Check with your airline prior to departure whether you should pack your helmet in your checked hold luggage or bring it in the cabin.
Even if it is technically possible, we strongly discourage waiting to buy your motorcycle riding gear after you arrive.
It is best to bring tried-and-true riding gear which is already broken in. There is nothing worse than starting a long motorcycle expedition with boots that hurt your feet, a helmet that is too tight, or gloves that are uncomfortable.
When you arrive at the airport, you will find your name on a The Horizon Expeditions sign. A member of our team welcomes you with open arms, even in the middle of the night, to transfer you to your hotel.
From the moment you arrive through your return to the airport on the last day of your trip, we will always be there to assist.
For some specific custom trips, airport transfers may have special conditions. Check your Detailed Itinerary for your trip; all details are covered there, so there are no surprises.
Your Tour Leader speaks English, and can also speak the local language depending on the countries and regions visited.
Our tour leaders are always experienced riders, passionate about travel and Royal Enfield. You are in great hands for your adventure!
The Tour Leaders:
The assistance vehicle follows you at all times so you can ride light without having to worry about carrying luggage or spare parts. The vehicle is also very useful if a passenger wants to rest or if a pilot can no longer ride.
Verify the specifics of your tour on the Detailed Itinerary for your trip.
With The Horizon Expeditions you will never be alone, lost in the middle of nowhere with a motorcycle that won't start and a cracked rib. Our team is in constant contact with your Tour Leader and with our local relays.
Whether due to a change of itinerary, unpredictable hazardous weather, or a hospital stay, you can count on our team in the event of a problem!
You can arrange to have your laundry done at the hotel if you’re staying for two nights in the same place, or if you arrive early at that day’s stop.
Please check with the hotels and your Tour Leader once you arrive.
Depending on the country and the regions visited, you will find varying levels of choice with regards to the variety of food.
In general, we apply the basic rules of hygiene when traveling to avoid getting sick: wash your hands before each meal, avoid consuming tap water (and absolutely avoid in countries where it is not drinkable).
We advise you to bring your own water bottle and fill it with filtered water each morning (often available in hotels) in order to avoid plastic waste.
Our travel philosophy promotes culinary immersion and we like to introduce you to local cuisine!
We very often eat local lunches: restaurants or trusted street stalls with whom we have built rapport. In the evening, the menu options are more varied, except in very remote regions.
If you have a specific diet (vegetarian, vegan) or restrictions (food allergies, gluten, etc.) it is important to let us know.
Be aware that we often have lunch and dinner at small local establishments (hotels, restaurants, street stalls, etc.).
Yes, many travellers bring their own device. Please let us know when you sign up so we can plan ahead with our local partners and Tour Leaders. We recommend a compact travel CPAP and, above all, one or more external batteries able to last a full night.
Talk to your travel advisor: Depending on your itinerary, we will tell you which stops have no reliable electricity so you can size your batteries accordingly.
Required Documents Checklist:
📅 When to Apply for Your Indian e-Visa:
India has replaced traditional paper immigration forms with a digital e-Arrival Card.
Incredible Climate Diversity: India spans a vast subcontinent where you can experience almost every type of climate — from the alpine high deserts of Ladakh to the humid foothills of the Himalayas, the tropical atmosphere of South India, and the desert sands of Rajasthan!
Generally speaking, you can expect pleasant to warm temperatures with very little rainfall across our primary riding seasons, except when traversing mountain foothills.
🩺 First-Aid Kit Essentials:
Space-saving tip: Flatten or discard cardboard medicine boxes to optimize luggage space!
Remote Health Care Caution: Healthcare standards vary widely across India and can be very basic in remote valleys. For expeditions into Kinnaur, Spiti, and Ladakh, ensure your doctor certifies that your cardiovascular and respiratory health is suitable for high-altitude motorcycling.
The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). While your tour package covers accommodations, bikes, and fuel, you will need personal pocket money for non-included meals (such as rest days), alcoholic beverages, personal souvenirs, monument admissions, and tips for your crew.
Recommended Budget: We suggest planning between $250 and $350 per person for a comfortable stay.
Our Advice: Bring some physical cash in Euros or US Dollars as backup. Exchanging cash at airport/hotel authorized counters avoids foreign transaction fees and guarantees emergency funds if an ATM is offline.
Under Indian telecommunications and defense laws, it is strictly illegal to import or operate satellite phones (Iridium, Thuraya, Inmarsat) or unmanned aerial drones without prior Ministry of Defense clearance.
This ban also includes standalone handheld GPS units with two-way satellite comms (e.g. Garmin inReach). Penalties are severe: immediate confiscation, heavy monetary fines, and possible criminal prosecution. Standard smartphones with regular navigation apps (Google Maps, Maps.me) are 100% legal.
🔌 Power Outlets & Adapters:
India uses Type C, D, and M plugs (230V / 50Hz). While European round two-pin plugs frequently fit Indian sockets, riders from the US, UK, and elsewhere require a universal travel adapter. Check your device compatibility before flying.
🏨 Accommodation & Comfort Expectations:
Riding across Ladakh ("Little Tibet") is the pinnacle of adventure motorcycling — traversing mythical passes higher than 5,000 meters (17,500+ feet), coasting along turquoise alpine lakes, and immersing in ancient Buddhist culture.
Altitude is the primary challenge in Ladakh. Our itineraries are engineered with progressive altitude ascent curves and mandatory rest/acclimatization days in Leh (11,500 ft).
🌄 Weather Contrasts & The "Onion" Technique:
Summer (June to September) brings clear, sunny skies in the valleys, but temperatures plummet rapidly at sunset and when crossing high passes above 5,000m. Rain or snow flurries can occur unexpectedly in early June and late September.
Digital Detox: Outside the capital city of Leh, cellular signals and Wi-Fi do not exist due to high-altitude border security zones. Enjoy this rare opportunity for a true digital disconnect in pristine Himalayan wilderness!
At the end of your trip, you will receive a link to a satisfaction survey to complete.
Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts, impressions, and highlights of your trip with us.
Please contact your dedicated travel expert or let us know your questions and inquiries via the satisfaction survey you will receive upon returning home.
We are incredibly grateful to all the riders who, over the years, have shared photos and videos of their The Horizon Expeditions trips with us!
You are, of course, welcome to post them on your social media and tag us (@thehorizonexpeditions), or share your memories on our rider community groups so the whole community can enjoy them too!
Whether you need advice on altitude fitness, flight alignments, or custom group dates, our motorcycle travel specialists are ready to guide you.