Motorcycle Travel Guide India - Leisure & Adventure Tours for International Riders

By Rajesh Kumar, Director, Brahmand Tour · Last updated: June 2026

Planning a motorcycle trip to India from the USA, UK, Australia or Canada? This complete travel guide covers everything an international rider needs - the best riding season by region, visas and permits, the right gear and clothing, health and altitude advice, money, connectivity, Indian road culture and safety. Whether you join one of our guided motorcycle tours in India or ride independently, use this as your master planning resource.

Best Time for a Motorcycle Tour in India - Season by Region

India is a huge country with very different climates in each region, so the right month for your motorcycle trip depends on where you want to ride. Choosing the wrong season can mean closed mountain passes, heavy monsoon rains or extreme heat.

Himalayas (Ladakh, Spiti, Sikkim, Arunachal)

• Best months: Late May to early October
• Peak season: June, July, August, September
• Mountain passes like Khardung La, Rohtang and Baralacha La are open in these months
• Avoid: November to April - roads are closed due to heavy snow

Rajasthan and Desert Regions

• Best months: October to March
• Temperatures are pleasant during the day and cool at night
• Avoid: April to June - daytime heat crosses 45 degrees Celsius

South India (Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa)

• Best months: November to February
• Dry, warm and comfortable for long rides
• Avoid: June to September during the southwest monsoon

North East India (Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland)

• Best months: October to April
• Clear skies, green hills and dry trails
• Avoid: May to September - heavy rainfall and landslides

Central and East India

• Best months: October to March
• Good time for forest rides and wildlife stops

Visa and Permits for International Motorcycle Riders

All international visitors need a valid visa to enter India. Some areas also need special permits because they are close to international borders.

Tourist Visa

• Apply for an Indian e-Visa online before travel
• Available for citizens of the USA, UK, Australia, Canada and most countries
• Validity options: 30 days, 1 year or 5 years (multiple entry)
• Apply at least 4 days before your flight
• Official website: indianvisaonline.gov.in

Inner Line Permit (ILP)

Required for travel to some restricted areas:

• Ladakh (for Nubra Valley, Pangong, Tso Moriri)
• Spiti Valley (for areas beyond Tabo and Kaza)
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Parts of Sikkim (Nathula, Gurudongmar Lake)

Brahmand Tour arranges all ILPs in advance for guided tours. Independent riders must apply at the District Magistrate office or online.

Protected Area Permit (PAP)

• Required for some parts of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Manipur and Mizoram
• Issued by the Indian government and takes longer to process

Driving Licence and IDP for Riding a Motorcycle in India

International Driving Permit (IDP)

• You must carry an IDP along with your home country driving licence
• Apply for the IDP in your home country before travel (AAA in the USA, RAC in the UK, NRMA in Australia, CAA in Canada)
• The IDP is valid for 1 year from the issue date

Documents to Carry

• Passport with valid visa
• International Driving Permit
• Home country driving licence
• Travel insurance papers
• Two passport-size photos (for permits)
• Photocopies of all documents (keep separate from originals)

Currency, ATMs and Money Tips for India

Indian Rupee (INR)

• Currency code: INR, symbol: Rs.
• Notes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 2000
• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10

Currency Exchange

• Best exchange rates at airport banks and authorised dealers
• Avoid exchanging at hotels (poor rates)
• Carry USD or GBP as backup cash

ATMs and Cards

• ATMs are widely available in cities and towns
• Visa and Mastercard accepted at most ATMs
• Daily withdrawal limit is usually Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000
• In remote mountain areas (Ladakh, Spiti) carry enough cash - ATMs are rare and often empty

Daily Budget Guide

• Mid-range meal: Rs. 300 to Rs. 600 (USD 4 to 8)
• Bottled water: Rs. 20
• Local tea: Rs. 10 to Rs. 30
• Fuel (petrol): around Rs. 100 per litre

Tipping

• Restaurants: 5 to 10 percent if a service charge is not included
• Hotel staff: Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per day
• Tour guide and mechanic: at your discretion

Motorcycle Riding Gear - Complete Packing List for India

Good riding gear is the most important thing to bring. India has rough roads, unpredictable weather and high-altitude passes. Renting gear in India is possible but quality is not always reliable, so bring your own where you can. For a deeper checklist, see our full guide to motorcycle trip essentials.

Essential Riding Gear

• Full-face helmet (DOT or ECE certified)
• Riding jacket with armour (CE rated)
• Riding pants with knee armour
• Riding gloves (summer pair plus winter pair for the Himalayas)
• Riding boots with ankle protection
• Back protector (recommended for long rides)

Weather Protection

• Rain jacket and rain pants (lightweight, packable)
• Waterproof gloves
• Waterproof boot covers
• Balaclava or neck warmer

Eyewear

• Sunglasses (UV protection, important at high altitude)
• Clear visor or goggles for night riding

What Clothes to Pack for an India Motorcycle Trip

Pack light but smart. You will be on the bike most days, so off-bike clothes should be simple and comfortable. For temple visits and small towns, conservative clothing is needed.

Base Layers

• Thermal top and bottom (merino wool is best for the Himalayas)
• Quick-dry t-shirts (3 to 4 pieces)
• Underwear and socks (5 to 7 pairs)
• Long socks for cold mornings

Mid Layers

• Fleece jacket or wool sweater
• Light down jacket (packs small, very warm)

Off-Bike Wear

• Two pairs of comfortable trousers or convertible pants
• One pair of jeans (for evenings)
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• Light cotton shirts for warm regions

Modest Wear for Temples and Villages

• Full-length trousers (no shorts inside temples)
• Shirt or top that covers the shoulders
• Light scarf (useful for women at religious sites)

Other Useful Items

• Cap or hat for sun protection
• Swimwear (for hotel pools or beach stops)
• Sleepwear

Health, Safety and Altitude Sickness Tips for Himalayan Rides

Vaccinations to Consider

Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before travel:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Tetanus and Diphtheria
• Japanese Encephalitis (for rural areas)
• Rabies (for long stays or remote rides)

Altitude Sickness (AMS)

If you ride to Ladakh, Spiti or high mountain passes, altitude sickness is a real risk. Some passes go above 5,000 metres.

• Spend 2 days in Leh (3,500m) to acclimatise before going higher
• Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily
• Avoid alcohol and smoking at high altitude
• Carry Diamox tablets (consult your doctor first)
• Eat light, avoid heavy meals
• Stop the ascent if you feel headache, nausea or dizziness

Water and Food

• Drink only bottled or filtered water
• Avoid ice in drinks at small roadside places
• Eat freshly cooked hot food
• Be careful with salads and uncut fruits in small towns

First Aid Kit

• Pain killers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• Anti-diarrhoea tablets
• Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
• Antiseptic cream and bandages
• Personal prescription medicines (with prescription copy)
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Insect repellent

Travel Insurance

A travel insurance policy that covers motorcycling is essential. Not all policies cover bike riding above 250cc. Check the fine print and confirm cover for:

• Motorcycle riding (engine size limit)
• High-altitude trekking and travel
• Helicopter evacuation in the Himalayas
• Hospital treatment in India
• Trip cancellation and lost baggage

SIM Card, Internet and Phone Connectivity in India

Buying a SIM Card

• Best networks: Airtel and Jio (largest coverage)
• Buy at the airport on arrival (slightly more expensive but easy)
• Required documents: passport, visa, one photo, India address
• Cost: around Rs. 600 to Rs. 1,000 for a tourist plan with data

eSIM Option

• Airalo, Holafly and other providers offer India eSIMs
• Activate before travel, no paperwork needed
• Useful as a backup

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

• Hotels in cities have free Wi-Fi
• Mountain regions (Ladakh, Spiti) have limited or no signal
• Download offline Google Maps and Maps.me before remote rides

Useful Apps

• Google Maps (offline)
• Maps.me (offline)
• Google Translate (offline Hindi pack)
• WhatsApp (most Indians use it)
• Uber and Ola (for taxis in cities)

Emergency Numbers

• Police: 100
• Ambulance: 102
• Fire: 101
• Tourist helpline: 1363
• Brahmand Tour 24x7 support: provided to all clients

Choosing Your Motorcycle - Royal Enfield Models for Touring

Royal Enfield Models

• Classic 350: Easy to ride, light, suits beginners. Good for plains and short tours
• Bullet 350: Old-school feel, reliable, slightly heavier
• Himalayan 411: Best for Himalayan rides. Long-travel suspension, comfortable for long days
• Meteor 350: Cruiser style, good for highway riding

Rent or Join a Guided Tour

Self-riding gives freedom, but you arrange everything: permits, route, hotels, breakdowns and a mechanic. Joining a guided motorcycle tour means everything is taken care of and you ride in a group with a backup vehicle.

A Brahmand Tour Includes

• Royal Enfield motorcycle (Classic or Himalayan)
• Fuel for the full tour
• Backup vehicle with luggage carrier
• Mechanic on tour
• All permits arranged
• Hotel stays included
• Breakfast and dinner included
• Tour leader who knows the route

Indian Road Culture and Safe Motorcycle Riding Tips

Driving Side

• India drives on the LEFT side of the road (same as the UK and Australia)
• US and Canadian riders should practise on quiet roads first

Indian Traffic Norms

• The horn is used a lot, mostly to signal "I am here"
• Lane discipline is loose - expect overtaking from any side
• Always ride defensively, never assume right of way
• Cows, dogs, goats and people on the road are common
• Trucks and buses are the biggest danger - give them space

Mountain Roads

• Uphill traffic has right of way on narrow stretches
• Use a low gear on long downhills, do not overuse the brakes
• Watch for water crossings and loose gravel
• Ride slow on blind curves and honk before the turn

Night Riding

• Avoid riding after sunset
• Many vehicles do not use headlights properly
• Cattle on the road are hard to see at night

Fuel

• Petrol pumps are common in cities and on highways
• In remote areas (Ladakh, Spiti) fill up at every chance
• Carry a spare 5-litre fuel can on long mountain stretches

Cultural Tips and Etiquette for Travellers in India

Temple and Religious Sites

• Remove shoes before entering temples, mosques and gurudwaras
• Cover your head at Sikh gurudwaras (cloth provided)
• Dress modestly (no shorts, no sleeveless tops inside)
• Some temples do not allow leather items inside
• Ask before taking photos inside religious places

Food

• Many regions are vegetarian by default (Rajasthan, Gujarat)
• Hindi word for vegetarian: "shakahari"; non-veg: "mansahari"
• Spice level can be high - ask for "kam mirchi" (less spicy)
• Beef is not served in most parts of India
• Pork is less common in most regions
• Try local food but stick to busy, clean places

Greeting and Behaviour

• "Namaste" with folded hands is the common greeting
• Use your right hand for eating and giving items
• Public displays of affection are not common
• Take off footwear when entering someone's home

Photography

• Always ask before taking photos of people
• Do not photograph army or border areas
• Some monasteries do not allow photos inside
• Drones need special permission

Bargaining

• Common at local markets and with auto rickshaws
• Not done in malls, restaurants or fuel pumps
• Start at half the asking price, settle around 60 to 70 percent

Quick Packing Checklist for Your India Motorcycle Trip

About Brahmand Tour and Travels

Brahmand Tour and Travels has been organising guided motorcycle tours across India since 2015. Our tours cover the Himalayas (Ladakh, Spiti, Sikkim), Rajasthan, Kerala, the Northeast and more. We specialise in small group tours with international riders from the USA, UK, Australia and Canada.

• Royal Enfield motorcycles in good condition
• Experienced tour leaders
• All permits and paperwork handled
• Backup vehicle and mechanic on every tour
• Carefully chosen hotels and guest houses
• Small groups (4 to 12 riders)