ADVrider.com
Many riders want to visit India, especially the Himalayas—but it’s pretty hard to get there on your own motorcycle, especially if you’re short on time.
Good thing there’s another option—going on a tour. The next question is what company should you try, and what budget range should you consider?
I’ve been looking at this and figured if I was going on a tour and only being in the country for a short time I’d like it to be something special, with great hotels, great bikes and great itinerary. I came across a company called Kickstand Motorcycle Tours, I knew nothing about them so I fired off a few questions; the replies came quickly, and at the bottom a US phone number! Here’s what they had to say:
How long have you been in business?
Since 2012; we took a break due to COVID and the restrictions that were put in place.
Is it an American or Indian-owned operation?
US-owned and registered, but Indian-operated. We hire locals to help build the economy in all the areas that we tour.
Photo: Kickstand Motorcycle Tours
What is your range of bikes, and how old are they?
As far as bikes go, these are our most common;
Royal Enfield: Classic, Himalayan, and Interceptor
But we also offer –
KTM: Duke 390
BMW: G 310 GS
Realistically, we can get just about any bike someone wants, but it will cost quite a bit extra, and the shorter amount of lead time, the harder they are to find.
Am I carrying my own luggage?
No, luggage is in the vans, but you will carry bare necessities in the saddle bags; a change of clothes, water, snacks, legal documents, etc.
I fly to India, do you meet me at the airport and cover everything from that point onwards until you drop me back at the airport after my adventure?
Yes, everything. We will meet you in Delhi, and after that, the short plane ride to Leh. All food and accommodations, fuel, permits, etc are all included. We will drop you back off at the airport in Delhi after the tour is over.
Photo: Kickstand Motorcycle Tours
Do I need to bring anything, riding gear, a helmet, a sleeping bag, etc.?
We prefer you to bring your riding gear that you are comfortable wearing, but we do offer rental gear for an additional cost. Sleeping bags are NOT needed as we are going to be at high-end hotels and luxury campsites.
Photo: Kickstand Motorcycle Tours
Kickstand is an all-inclusive, 10-day tour, all you need is money for souvenirs and alcohol!
Photo: Kickstand Motorcycle Tours
Do I need any type of vaccination to enter India?
Vaccines need to be up to date and it’s recommended to check with the CDC’s guidelines regarding travel to India. You need to check with your closest Indian High Commission for the forms and requirements for a Visitors visa. There is a third party used for this purpose and the process has to be started AT LEAST a few weeks in advance for you to get your visa stamped.
Throughout the entire process, we give you checklists with resources and websites to help with the process of getting ready to go on the tour. Our goal is to make it as simple as possible to get you out exploring!
Is it possible for a discount code for ADVrider and its inmates?
Definitely, I have set up a code for the ADVrider inmates to join Kickstand Motorcycle Tours on their next journey! We are going to leave this discount code open until May 1st, 2023, use code ‘ADVrider’ to get $250 off and we’ll also include the Agra Trip for free, where you’ll get to see the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world!
That tour is a $350 add on, it includes transportation to/from Agra and Delhi, an extra one night hotel stay, museum/attraction fees, meals and a guide.
Describe a few days on one of your tours?
When you ride to the Northern province of Ladakh in India, it is an undertaking. You have to prepare mentally for a brutal few days of surviving the extremely high altitude, and rough terrain and experiencing 3-4 seasons on the same day.
The passes that lead from valley to valley are all above 15,000 ft. The road takes everything out of you. After all, this is the Nubra Valley. Tucked behind a massive pass called Khardung La (17,582 Ft). Being one of the highest motorable roads, this achievement in riding the pass will be an impressive one, but the valleys are home to some of the most awe-inspiring places to see.
Photo: Kickstand Motorcycle Tours
Nubra is a small valley with two tributaries carving a double valley. One goes all the way to an ancient village of the Balti people, and the other was the old Silk Route, the gateway to Central Asia.
Crossing the Khardung La is a day’s ride in itself. We have to get up before dawn and get in line at the army checkpoint before the day wears on and the weather makes it impassable. The army manages the pass and makes sure people do not do stupid things (which they still do).
Once we descend the pass, it is a quick trip to the valley and to Diskit. The road leaves the giant mountain and follows the river basin and levels out. After riding fast and taking pictures, we head to the 2000+-year-old Diskit monastery with its impressive 100 Ft Maitreya Buddha statue, eat some food in the local village tea shop and find a place to tuck in for the night.
The next two days we spend exploring the two valleys. Day one is spent riding the valley to the North West. This was the one that belonged to the Balti people, an old community living here from its first recorded discovery, in the second century BC. Well over 2,200 years old! Eating the local food and just walking in the village takes you back centuries.
You can ride a Royal Enfield Himalayan on the tour, or rent one of the company’s older models instead. The KTM 390 Adventure and BMW G310 GS are also available, or other bikes if you can wait longer and pay more. Photo: Royal Enfield
The second valley to explore is further to the North and heads to Panamik. At a place called Hundar, you will see around a four-mile stretch of sand dunes. This is where you’ll find the majestic and rare Bactrian camels (double humped) still being bred today. These incredible animals have been used since long before the Silk Route in Central Asia came through here.
There is more, so much more, but you need to come and see it with your own eyes, and of course, I don’t want to spoil the many surprises that you will encounter throughout the tour.
Hopefully, we get to meet you in 2023 in the Himalayas!
If this sounds like somewhere you’d like to ride either drop them a message or give them a call. Contact info is here and if you do make sure you make a Ride Report
The post Kickstand Motorcycle Tours vs. the Himalayas: Interview appeared first on Adventure Rider.
