Introducing our destination: the glorious region of Ladakh. Known as the “land of high passes” and also as “mini Tibet”, Ladakh has plenty to offer all kinds of travellers, from the culture buff to the eco-tourist and the thrill-seeker. The lower hills, brown and barren yet somehow intensely beautiful, give way to majestic snow-capped Himalayan peaks that no words or pictures can ever fully describe. Nestled between the mountains, beneath colourful prayer flags flapping peacefully in the breeze, the farms and settlements of the Ladakhi people politely dot the landscape, as if to be too modern or flashy would be disrespectful to the mighty Himalaya.
A self-governing kingdom for 9 centuries, Ladakh now forms part of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The resemblance to Tibet and its people is clear, but Ladakhi culture, cuisine and architecture have been influenced by a range of religions and cultures from neighbouring areas. Towns and villages in the area have their own flavour, from the capital, Leh, with its ruined castle bearing witness to the grand royal age, to the tiniest nomadic settlements with their simple tents and quiet charm. Cliche as it may sound, Ladakh has to be seen to be truly believed.

Making the decision to join us on the Snowbird Himalaya Adventures Tour is the first, and arguably the biggest, part of the process. However, before you get here, there are a few more steps along the way. Here are some things you’ll need to think about:

Seems obvious, but just make sure you’ve got one with at least 6 months’ validity. If not, allow yourself plenty of time to apply for a new one.Please bring a few photocopies of your passport as well, as they’ll come in handy for things like permits and SIM cards, and of course will prove invaluable if you happen to lose your passport.

India is due to allow visa on arrival from most countries, starting in September 2014. (A 30-day visa on arrival is already in place in New Zealand and a small number of other countries – see here for details). Until then, you will need to obtain a visa from your home country before you travel – allow plenty of time (at least three to four weeks). Unless otherwise stated, visa applications should be completed online, and delivered by mail or in person. Please refer to your local Indian consulate, embassy or visa centre. As with your passport, bring some photocopies of your visa on the trip.

Captain Obvious strikes again… But please make sure you have a current motorcycle license, and an international driving license.

Many travel insurance policies do not cover riders of motorbikes over 250cc. Please ensure you are covered.

Please check with your local doctor or travel clinic, and make sure you’re up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations.

We’ll have a well-stocked first aid kit with us, but you might want to bring a few things yourself. Things that could come in handy include some painkillers, rehydration solution in case of diarrhoea, and some basic plasters.

Make sure you’re fully equipped with an appropriate helmet, riding gloves, sunglasses/ goggles and riding clothes.

Please arrange to bring at least 4-8 passport-sized photos of yourself for the trip. These will be required for your permits in Ladakh. They’ll also come in handy if you want to get an Indian SIM card.

A local SIM card is a good option, and shouldn’t be too hard if you’re around for a few days prior to commencing the trip. You’ll need a copy of your passport and visa, a photograph, and some proof of address (check with the reception desk at your hotel for this). However, if you’re flying straight in, you may not have time for this rather bureaucratic process. Either way, it’s worth noting that most phones from areas outside the state of Jammu and Kashmir won’t work there. So even if you do get a local SIM in Delhi, it’ll only be useful outside J&K state.

There are a number of ATMs in larger towns along the way, like Leh, Manali and Shimla. You may find it hard to withdraw or exchange cash in other towns, so it’s best to carry some with you. Foreign cash can be exchanged at the airport or at various exchange bureaus in Delhi – just be wary of scams and check the rates they’re offering.
Also, check your notes carefully – this is somewhat tedious, but necessary. Some people will try to slip in dodgy, unusable notes to unwitting tourists – check for anything that’s ripped or worn across the middle fold. Many notes will have writing on them – a bit of scribble is ok, as long as it’s not over Gandhi’s face.

You’ve made the decision to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Good for you! And now, the question – what do you bring? Does it all have to fit onto your bike? What if it rains, or snows? Rest assured – your luggage will be stored in the support vehicle. Obviously, we need to get quite a few people’s stuff on board, so you’ll need to keep it relatively small.
So, if you’re not packing your espresso machine or your entire back catalogue of Motorbike Monthly Magazine, what should you bring?

Here is your proposed packing list:
• Pack a duffel bag/travel bag since a suitcase will be difficult to stow away in the luggage section of our Jeep
• Helmet, gloves, riding clothes and boots – including some wet-weather gear.
• Sunglasses and/or riding goggles.
• Scarf for protecting your face/neck while you ride
• Flip-flops, or whatever you like to call them, for the bathrooms. You’ll thank me for that one.
• Sunscreen – this can easily be purchased in India, but make sure you have some
  Mosquito repellent – again, cheap and readily available in India
  Lip balm for the dry winds
• International driving license – you’ll need to get this from your home country
• Copies of motorbike license, passport and international license
• Several passport photos for permits – bring 8 or more, just to be sure
• Travel insurance documents – make sure you’re covered for motorcycles up to 500 cc

Tour Package Includes
• One Royal Enfield 500 CC per rider.
• Accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast and dinner.
• Backup Vehicle with mechanic, basic spare parts and medical Kit.
• All Toll, Taxes and Permits.
• Fuel for the entire journey
• Professional Road Captain as guide
Tour Package Excludes
• Any beverages, lunch and table tips.
• Any cost due to force majeure.
• Any travel outside the itinerary.
• Anything not mentioned in includes.