How to Prepare for a Himalayan Motorcycle Expedition from North America

Brahmand Tour
May 6
3 min read

So, you are sitting somewhere in the U.S. or Canada, scrolling through photos of winding Himalayan roads, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and bikers riding through landscapes that look like God photoshopped them himself.

And now you are thinking: "Could I actually do this?"

Short answer: Yes. And you absolutely should.

Long answer? Buckle up. Here is your step-by-step prep guide to join a Himalayan Motorcycle Tour from North America.

The Real Guide for American Riders Ready to Ditch the Highway for the Himalayas

Step 1: Book the Right Tour (and Not a Sketchy One on Page 12 of Google)

You don’t want to land in India and realize you have signed up for a DIY disaster with bikes older than your uncle’s Elvis vinyl. Must choose a reputable Motorcycle tour operators in India and go for a guided motorcycle tour with real bikes, backup vehicles, local crew, permits, medical support, and a well-planned itinerary.

Look for tours that:

Start in Manali and end in Leh or Srinagar
Include a Royal Enfield Classic or Himalayan
Have small group sizes and reviews from actual humans
Offer English-speaking guides (unless you are fluent in Hindi, which... you are not)

Hot tip: Most riders book with Indian Tour Operators directly—it’s cheaper, more local, and they know these roads better than Google Earth.

Step 2: Pack Like a Rider, Not a Tourist

Here is what you really need:

Helmet (DOT/ECE approved) – Local rentals = pain.
Riding jacket & pants with armour and weather protection.
Waterproof gloves (yes, rain happens).
Thermal base layers – It is cold. Then it’s hot. Then it’s both.
Riding boots – Not sneakers. Not flip-flops. Actual boots.
Hydration pack, sunscreen, lip balm, travel meds.
A stash of snacks you love.
Toilet paper. Trust me.

You don’t need to bring everything—your tour operator usually provides tools, fuel, and a support vehicle to carry your luggage. You just carry the attitude.

Step 3: Get Mentally and Physically Ready

This is not going to a route from your home to some outskirts of your city. You will be riding for 6–8 hours a day, on roads that might not technically qualify as roads.Prepare by:

Doing long back-to-back rides on weekends
Practicing off-road techniques
Learning how to ride slower, smarter, and more controlled

Also, altitude sickness is real. Get familiar with Diamox, hydration, and symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and irrational thoughts (beyond your usual ones).

Step 4: Sort Your Docs and Visas Like a Grown-Up

You will need an Indian tourist visa—apply online (e-Visa) at least 1–2 weeks ahead.
Make sure your passport is valid for 6+ months.
Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and—importantly—motorcycle riding.

Step 5: Money, Phones, and the Other Boring Stuff

Bring a credit card and some cash (USD or CAD to exchange, plus Indian Rupees).
Get a local SIM card or international roaming plan. Airtel or Jio works great in most regions, except on Mars (aka remote Ladakh).
Tell your bank you are travelling so they do not shut your card down while you are buying roadside chai.

Step 6: Lower Your Expectations. Raise Your Spirit

The Himalayas will break you just a little—and build you right back up.

You will deal with:

Bumpy, dusty, beautiful chaos
Delays and detours
Ice-cold rivers you will ride through like a soggy warrior
Food that might change your life—or your digestive system

But in return? You get memories that no luxury vacation will ever touch. You will bond with strangers. And laugh mid-crisis. You will forget what “urgent emails” even mean.

And when you ride over a 17,000 feet pass, tired and triumphant, every mile will feel earned.

Ready to Ride?

If you are a rider from the US or Canada who is

Craving an unfiltered motorcycle adventure in India
Tired of paved perfection and Starbucks pit stops
Ready to ride in a place where mountains move you and roads test you

—Then stop browsing. Start booking.

🚨 Next Departure: June 7th — Limited Spots!

💸 From $1570 USD — All-Inclusive Guided Tour

📍 Royal Enfield + Full Support + Accommodations + Permits + Oxygen (you will need it)

Need More information or want to book it quickly, send your enquiries and WhatsApp us at: +91-9560022171