India Himalaya Kashmir

Motorcycles
During this trip we use the new Enfield Classic 500 cc motorcycle. This is a left (European) gearboxlever engine with an electric starter.

Physical challenges presented by this trip 
The combination of three factors can make this trip seriously challenging. Firstly, the Enfield motorcycle requires a rather different way of riding and secondly, there are the unpaved roads. Most of all, however, it is the high altitude which renders the journey difficult for many participants. Without exception, everyone will suffer from the high altitude. For some, it will be limited to breathlessness and vague symptoms, whilst others will experience more annoying symptoms such as headaches and nausea. These are all normal reactions and most of the symptoms will disappear after a number of days. This process is called acclimatization and you will find extensive information about this in the manual. To facilitate the process of acclimatization, it is important to ascend as slowly and smoothly as possible. We have taken this into account in our schedule.

Off Road and distances
We will ride on unpaved roads for roughly 20% of the route. These are usually good densely-packed gravel roads but the impact of the rainy season can render them difficult to ride on. It remains necessary, of course, to watch out carefully in the tight turns. The high passes in this region are only open in the summer months; in other seasons there is too much snow. This also means that much snow melts in the summer resulting in the meltwater flowing over the roads. This can be a harmless stream but can also be the cause of a significant land shift. Keep in mind that a solution must be sought in such circumstances. This may be a short detour but might also require riding through the stream on your motorcycle. Flexibility is an important characteristic to have in sufficient quantity on this trip.

Climate
In effect, we ride through two different climate zones. In the relatively-speaking lowland region,  comprising the first and last parts of the journey, it is the rainy season. This does not mean that it  rains continuously but a downpour is an almost daily occurrence; albeit if we are in luck we might not experience this. This is the starkly contrasted in the mountains where, during the rainy season in the lowland, it is the only period when the roads are accessible.  Here it might rain or not. Due to the high altitude, there are extreme swings of temperature. During the day it is very hot but after sunset it cools down swiftly and becomes quite cold.

Clothing
The following items are mandatory: helmet, motorcycle jacket with protection, gloves, a good hard wearing (motorcycle) trousers with protection or separate knee protection and solid high (mountain) boots. Due to the large temperature differences it can be useful to wear a motorcycle jacket with a removable lining. In colder areas in the mountains, you can also wear extra clothing under your jacket as necessary. Ensure that you also have a good quality pair of gloves. The best are summer-winter combination gloves. Furthermore, a good pair of sunglasses is very important and a helmet with visor which protects against dust. If your motorcycle gear is not waterproof then it is advisable to carry separate rainwear.

Visa
You can arrange a visa for India yourself at the Indian Embassy in The Hague. Nowadays you can also apply for your visa online. You can also allow Motor Trails to take care of the application on your behalf. You will receive more information about this on registration.

Kashmir
This trip goes through the disputed territory of Kashmir. Whilst the Kashmiris have always wanted an independent autonomous territory, the region has been the cause of impending war between India and Pakistan for many years. Five years ago the two countries signed an agreement on the basis of the current borders. Since then it has been quiet in the province and the flow of tourists is steadily growing again.
We have been travelling through this region again since 2007. This is the only way to make a real trip through Northern India. Any alternative route would mean having to cross back and forth via Leh. The route through Kashmir also provides an enormous diversity for the travel schedule, both in the landscape and on a cultural level. We keep a close eye on the situation in Kashmir and are in regular contact with fellow international motorcycle trip organizations which also travel throughout this region. Should there be any cause for danger we will immediately adapt the schedule accordingly. 

More details about the trip and items to bring can be found in the tour’s handbook which you will receive approximately one month prior to departure.