Motorcycle traveller James Thomas runs a motorcycle rental and tour company in India – and knows the country inside out. In this guest feature, he shares his top three bike routes across India, along with a handy mini guide on how to ride them yourself, whether you’re renting a bike or joining one of his guided tours…
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My Top Three Motorcycle Trips in India
By James Thomas
Motorcycle Traveller and owner of Really Big Bike Ride - a motorcycle rental and tour company in India
India is an adventure rider’s dream. From the snowbound peaks of the Himalayas to the misty jungles of the Western Ghats, it offers incredible diversity for anyone exploring on two wheels. After a decade of riding across the country, these are my top three Indian motorcycle trips. Each one is a unique journey into wild landscapes, rich culture, and life on the edge of the road…
Ancient Himalayan Kingdoms: Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh
Route name: Ancient Himalayan Kingdoms Motorcycle Adventure
Distance: 2,760 km
Days required: 14–16 days
Where: Srinagar to Manali via Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and Sarchu
Difficulty rating: Challenging–Expert
Region: Northern India — Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh
The ride: This is the definitive Himalayan motorcycle expedition. Starting in Chandigarh, the route heads directly through the lush valleys of Kashmir, crossing high mountain passes such as Zoji La and Khardung La before entering the stark, high-altitude deserts of Ladakh. It concludes in the apple orchards and pine forests of Himachal.
The riding is challenging. You’ll face freezing temperatures, thin air, glacial river crossings, and long stretches without fuel or a phone signal. But the rewards are unmatched — riding past ancient gompas, camping beside Pangong Lake, and carving through the switchbacks of Tanglang La.
Top tips: Acclimatise in Leh, carry spare fuel and check the weather and BRO updates daily. Ride slow and steady. The terrain is unforgiving but deeply rewarding. Among the finest high-altitude riding you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Why I love it: It’s not just the epic landscapes; it’s the sense of spiritual elevation. Completing this ride feels like crossing a personal threshold. Both physically and mentally.
Essential gear: Layered riding gear, cold-weather gloves, tyre irons, tubes, water filtration, GPS with offline maps.
Paperwork: Inner Line Permits (Nubra, Pangong, Tso Moriri), IDP, Indian DL, insurance, RC.
Accommodation: Houseboat on Dal Lake in Srinagar with my friend Asif Ahmed, guesthouses in Leh, basic camps in Pangong and Sarchu, hotels in Manali.
Eastern Frontiers: Darjeeling, Sikkim, Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh
Route name: Eastern Frontiers Motorcycle Expedition
Distance: 2,200–2,500 km
Days required: 18–20 days
Where: Siliguri to Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kaziranga, Majuli, Kohima, Mon, Ziro, Tawang, Bomdila, Guwahati
Difficulty rating: Moderate–Advanced
Region: Northeast India
The ride: The Northeast is one of India’s best-kept secrets. It’s a culturally rich, geographically remote region filled with tribal heritage, alpine passes, rainforest reserves, and ancient monasteries. This route stitches together some of its most iconic and offbeat spots.
Start in colonial Darjeeling, then cross the Teesta Valley to the alpine reaches of Sikkim. Drop into Assam for wildlife and tea estates before heading into Nagaland’s tribal heartlands. Finally, ride into the highlands of Arunachal Pradesh. India’s wild northeast frontier.
Top tips: Permits are essential; apply for ILPs well in advance. Fuel can be scarce in remote areas. Always carry cash, and expect limited mobile coverage.
Why I love it: Every state feels like a different country. The culture shifts daily, and the sense of remoteness is palpable. It’s a route for curious, respectful, and open-minded travellers.
Essential gear: Rain-proof gear, soft panniers, tool kit, spare cables, water filter, offline GPS.
Paperwork: ILPs for Sikkim, Nagaland, and Arunachal. Indian DL, IDP, insurance, RC.
Accommodation: Homestays in Nagaland, such as Longshah of Longwa, lodges in Assam, and guesthouses in Sikkim and Arunachal. Book ahead or stay flexible.
Monsoon Roads and Sacred Stones: Goa, Western Ghats and Hampi
Route name: Coast to Kingdom Motorcycle Ride
Distance: 750–900 km
Days required: 5–7 days
Where: Goa to Hampi via Chorla Ghat, Dandeli, Jog Falls, Hospet
Difficulty rating: Beginner–Intermediate
Region: Western India — Goa and Karnataka
The ride: This is a soulful, scenic ride that takes you from the beaches of Goa into the lush rainforests of the Western Ghats and finally to the ancient stone ruins of Hampi. It’s perfect for a shorter getaway or a slow, sensory journey.
Ride through spice plantations, past waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries, and into the arid plains where the Vijayanagara Empire once thrived. Every corner brings a new mood — misty mornings in Chorla, hot chai stops in jungle towns, and surreal sunsets among Hampi’s granite boulders.
Top tips: Travel post-monsoon (October–February) for the best weather. Watch out for animals in forest zones. Combine this trip with a detour to Gokarna for a beach break.
Why I love it: It’s a perfect contrast — coast to jungle to ancient temple ruins. Compact but rich in experience.
Essential gear: Mesh jacket, rain liner, soft luggage, water filter, GPS, power bank.
Paperwork: Indian DL, insurance, PUC. Carry ID for hotel check-ins.
Accommodation: Chic Airbnb in Goa or stay with me in Mandrem, boutique jungle resorts in Dandeli, guesthouses in Hampi.
How to join a tour or rent a bike to ride these routes
Ride with us
Looking to experience these routes for yourself? I lead a range of guided motorcycle tours through India’s most legendary landscapes — from the high-altitude passes of Ladakh to the offbeat trails of Northeast India and the tropical backroads of Goa and the Western Ghats.
Our company offers expertly guided motorcycle expeditions designed for riders who want more than just a road trip. They want an adventure. Whether you’re a first-time rider in India or a seasoned traveller chasing your next big ride, we’ve got something that’ll stir your soul.
Tours you can join
All three of the routes in this article are part of our tour calendar. We run:
- Himalayan Kingdoms Expedition (15 days – Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal)
- Eastern Frontiers Ride (20 days – Darjeeling, Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal)
- Goa to Hampi Explorer (7 days – perfect short escape for all skill levels)
Each ride includes accommodation, bike rental, permits, support crew, and a local-meets-wild experience you won’t find in a brochure.
Need a rental?
If you’d rather ride solo, we also offer Royal Enfield rentals (Himalayan, Classic, Meteor and 650 twins), complete with panniers and backup gear. Pickup and drop-off are available in multiple locations, including Delhi, Goa, and Guwahati.
What kind of riding is it?
Our rides are mostly road-focused with some off-road sections, especially in the Himalayas or Northeast. Think: mountain passes, jungle trails, and twisty tarmac. In Goa, it’s scenic backroads and forest highways.
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced. You don’t need to be a Dakar racer, but confidence on varied terrain is essential. That said, we do offer beginner-friendly tours, such as the Goa to Hampi Explorer — a great introduction to riding in India.
What bikes do you offer?
We offer a fleet of Royal Enfields including:
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 / 450 – Adventure-ready, built for Ladakh and beyond
- Royal Enfield Classic 350 – Retro charm, solid performance
- Royal Enfield Meteor 350 – Smooth cruiser for relaxed road trips
- Royal Enfield Bear 650 – For experienced riders who want more power on the open road
All bikes come with luggage racks, crash guards, USB charging, and soft pannier options.
What paperwork do I need?
To rent or join a tour, you’ll need:
- A valid motorcycle license from your home country
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement
- A passport copy and visa (e-visa is fine)
- We provide copies of the bike’s registration, insurance, and pollution certificate (PUC)
We’ll sort any local permits for you on guided tours — including Inner Line Permits for Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal.
What about insurance?
- Our bikes come with third-party insurance, which is a legal requirement.
- We strongly recommend personal travel insurance that covers motorcycling up to the engine size you’ll be riding.
- Some riders choose to purchase supplemental damage coverage — we can recommend providers or include this in your rental or tour package.
Tour or rental, which is better?
Tours are ideal if you want the whole experience without the stress. All logistics, permits, fuel planning, and accommodation are handled. You’ll ride with a support vehicle and local fixers who know the terrain and can handle breakdowns, detours, and surprises.
Rentals are perfect for experienced, independent riders who prefer to ride solo or with a buddy. We offer full trip-planning support and route advice even if you’re going self-guided.
JT’s take: First trip to India? Go on a tour. You’ll learn the ropes and focus on the ride. Returning for more? Rent and roam.
What should I check when picking up the bike?
We do a complete handover and inspection with you, but here’s what to check:
- Tyres: No visible cracks, good tread
- Brakes: Front and rear, both firm and responsive
- Lights and horn: Essential for safety in India
- Chain tension and oil level
- Tool kit, documents, spare tube, basic spares (we provide these)
- Mirrors and USB charger working
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing your own riding gear — it’s safer and more comfortable:
- Helmet (we can provide, but yours will fit better)
- Armoured jacket and trousers
- Gloves (summer and waterproof)
- Riding boots with ankle protection
- Warm layers if riding north or high altitude
- Soft luggage or a duffel with bungees/straps
- Power bank and offline maps
If joining a tour, we can provide luggage support, rain covers, and even rental gear if arranged in advance.
Where should I ride in Goa?
Start from North Goa — bases like Mandrem, Assagao, or Siolim offer excellent access to the Ghats. Ride east via Chorla Ghat or Amboli Ghat, explore Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, then head south or inland to Hampi.
Avoid city riding in Panjim/Margao — it’s busy. Focus on the interior jungles, coastal roads, and ghat sections.
Fly into Goa Dabolim (GOI) or the new Mopa Airport (GOX) in North Goa.
Where else should I ride in India?
My top 3 recommended regions for riders:
- Ladakh and Spiti Valley – High-altitude desert, epic passes, remote monasteries
- Northeast India – Tribal cultures, wild forests, and true offbeat adventure
- Western Ghats and Karnataka – Lush jungle roads, waterfalls, and ancient ruins (perfect year-round)
When’s the best time to ride?
- Himalayas: June to September
- Northeast: October to April
- Goa and Western Ghats: October to March (post-monsoon is best)
- Avoid summer in central India and the heavy monsoon (June–August) unless you’re ready for wet and wild.
Is it safe?
Yes — if you ride with awareness and prep right. India can feel chaotic, but it works. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Ride defensively — expect the unexpected, especially animals and buses
- Wear all your gear every day
- Avoid night riding, especially on mountain or forest roads
- Keep a local SIM for updates and navigation
- Travel with a buddy if renting solo
- Join a guided tour if it’s your first trip — it’s safer and smoother, and you’ll learn the local rhythm fast
Company info
Website: reallybigbikeride.com
Instagram: @realbigbikeride
Email: james@reallybigbikeride.com
WhatsApp (bookings and info): +447419 771387
Note: The tours and rentals mentioned in this post are offered by the guest author, James Thomas and his company Really Big Bike Ride. Please contact him directly for details.
About the author
James Thomas is an adventure tour guide, overland travel writer, and lifelong two-wheeled explorer. He’s cycled around the world and now leads adventure motorcycle tours across the Indian Himalayas and beyond.
When he’s not on the saddle, he’s mapping remote routes, testing gear in the wild, or chasing chai at altitude. You can follow his adventures here:
- Web: ReallyBigBikeRide.com
- Insta: @realbigbikeride
Read more on motorcycle travel in India
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