Road tripping a handpicked collection of India’s most iconic places on a Royal Enfield
In this updated blog post, I share how I pack and plan for my all-India motorbike trip. Discover essential tips on budgeting, routes, preparation, and more to fuel your motorbike adventure across India’s cultural landmarks.
I first crossed India on my Dawes Galaxy on my RTW bicycle tour. I knew then that there was more for me on the subcontinent, so in 2018 I moved to Goa. I’ve been living here as a long-term expat ever since.
I draw on these experiences to share my top tips for travelling India by motorcycle.
Can We Fix It?
Stripped of the engine, planning a motorbike trip is not unlike that of a bicycle tour. My bike travel tips outline some of the key factors I consider when making a long-distance overland journey. Further still, my bootstrapped bicycle touring philosophy shares an adventure travel mindset as much as it does practical advice.
The key difference in my opinion, between human-powered bicycle touring and horse-powered motorbike trips is the ability to repair and maintain the machine – if you can fix it, you can ride it!
Multiple Entry Visa
First off, when I considered the possibilities for a motorcycle tour of India, I looked at the options for an interesting and challenging route. Mountains I love, so that was the first port of call. Next, I factored in how much time was available for the trip.
In my case, I had a six-month visa at my disposal, cash in the bank and an appetite for adventure
How To Pack For An All-India Motorbike Trip
This is the core gear I recommend for a long-distance motorcycle tour across India — the stuff I’ve relied on across thousands of kilometres through the plains, deserts, jungles and high Himalaya.
You can read my full ADV biking gear checklist here
| Item | Brand / Model | Description | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helmet | Givi | ISI-certified full-face helmet with good ventilation for long hours on the road | Buy |
| Riding Jacket | Belstaff | Armoured jacket with mesh for airflow and CE-rated protection | Buy |
| Riding Pants | Rynox / Raida / Viaterra | Protective pants with knee and hip armour, ideally with rain liners | Buy |
| Gloves | Korda / TVS / DSG | Full-finger gloves with knuckle protection and good grip | Buy |
| Riding Boots | Belstaff / Royal Enfield | Water-resistant ankle or mid-length touring boots | Buy |
| Rain Gear | Decathlon / Viaterra / Duckback | Lightweight and packable waterproof jacket and pants | Buy |
| Luggage System | Rynox Nomad / Viaterra Claw / Saddle bags | Modular soft luggage or panniers suited for long-haul rides | Buy |
| Tool Kit | Generic / Mototech | Spanners, pliers, tyre levers, chain lube, zip ties, puncture repair kit | Buy |
| First Aid Kit | Custom | Basic supplies + altitude meds, rehydration salts, painkillers | Buy |
| Navigation & Mount | Quadlock / JB Holder | Phone mount with vibration protection + offline maps (MapOut, OsmAnd) | Buy |
| Hydration | CamelBak / Decathlon | 3L hydration pack or insulated bottle to survive the heat | Buy |
India by Motorcycle with a Pillion
For the first two months, the plan for my all-India motorbike trip was to travel with my sister. Lucy had a break between work contracts and felt the call to tag along on the Indian bike odyssey. So, with context in place, let’s address the specifics of planning an all-India long-distance motorcycle adventure.
We booked our flight tickets to Delhi from the UK about eight weeks in advance, which secured us a great deal. Flying with Saudia, with a connection via Jeddah, I scored a return ticket for just £303. Inshallah, those days of affordable air travel return quick sharp.
Our plan was, in its most simple formula: to fly to Delhi, buy a Royal Enfield, and ride away to the mountains.
And that is exactly what we did. Having travelled India by bicycle some years before I knew enough about what to expect and how it might be. I knew to trust the process. A motorcycle tour of India would help me to see even more of this mesmeric country.
Keen Bean Biking Machine
For those new to India, I would recommend doing the same. As Goethe said, ‘there is magic in bold action’. Pack a bag, book a flight and enjoy the ride. The reality is that everything is possible in India. With a little patience, a flexible attitude and a fistful of rupee, doors will open (minds too) and (“good”) things will happen.
If you’re even vaguely tempted by the idea, read my guide to buying a second hand Royal Enfield in Delhi. If you’re still keen after that, you’re all set to explore India on a motorbike!
How To Plan And Map Your Route Around India
Now, then, I use the term ‘all India’ loosely. Cargo trucks have a sticker that I’m rather fond of: ‘All India Permit’, which is displayed in many of the trucks and taxis of the big cities to indicate that they have permission to carry goods or people across the sub-continent.
In my case, for this blog post at least, the term motorbike trip of India means that I travelled a chunk of the north in a big loop, like a giant horseshoe, and a stretch from Goa to Rishikesh via Delhi. The two journeys are distinctly different and separate in their chronology.
As an expat of five years, I’ve seen enough of the country on two wheels that I consider my learnings to be helpful and relevant.
Seasonality is one of the main factors to consider when planning a motorbike trip around India. India is a big country with vast regional variations in climate. Choosing the correct season for your Indian motorbike adventure is crucial in planning a successful expedition.
Indian Himalaya Motorbike Trip Itinerary
For a far north itinerary of the Indian Himalaya by Royal Enfield (Leh – Ladakh – Spiti) loop from Delhi, ideal timings are between June and September.
Plan your ride to start and finish within these dates, and chances are the roads will be open and the conditions optimal. Outside of this weather window and it’s likely that the journey will be hampered by road closures, snow and landslides.
Read about My Life Affirming Experience as an ADV Tour Guide in the Ancient Kingdoms of Kashmir and Ladakh
Bikepacking the Himalayas
I went bikepacking Manali to Leh in October, and it was just about OK. It was wet in Himachal Pradesh, dry in Ladakh and snowing at the top of Tanglang La.
That Sunny Southern Weather
For a South India motorbike itinerary, October through April is perfect. The temperature will be on either side of thirty degrees, and the sun will shine.
Outside of that, it’s rainy season, and you’ll spend most of the trip navigating flooded roads in low visibility, wet to the bone.
Good Timings
As you will see from the timings, a south-to-north itinerary is possible, given the appropriate start date. Begin at the right time of year and its possible to enjoy the best of the weather across the country.
A motorcycle tour of India can follow the seasons and enjoy the country in the finest conditions.
Join me for a Guided Motorcycle Tour of Spiti Valley
All India Motorbike Itinerary With Road Trip Maps
Six to seven months is possible for a circumnavigation. 12 months would be a comfortable timeframe for deeper exploration of the interesting places and extra layovers where you feel the call. If you have time, this is the way to go.
The motorcycle tour of India I undertook was split into two parts.
I took a loop of the north at the lower altitudes of the Himalayas with my sister in November 2018.
In March 2019, I rode from south to north across the country solo. I spent three months in Goa in between. Of the five-month trip, I spent just over two months on the road.
Northbound Motorcycle Tour of India Map
This is the route of my south-to-north motorcycle trip across India — starting in the coastal south and riding all the way to the Himalayas. Click through the map to explore the key stops, daily segments, and riding highlights.
My Map of Delhi to Chandigarh on a Thunderbird 350
The route map of my motorbike tour in the north of India is as follows:
Delhi – Rishikesh – Waknaghat – Jawalamukhi – Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj) – Gurdaspur – Amritsar – Chandigarh
My South to North India Motorcycle Trip Route Map
Here’s the full route map from my epic bike trip across India — spanning the Himalayas, the Rajasthani desert, the central plains, and the lush coastline of the south. Click around the map to explore the journey.
My Map of Goa to Rishikesh by Royal Enfield
The route map of my south-to-north motorcycle tour of India:
Mandrem – Rajapur – Wai – Aurangabad – Ajanta Caves – Omkareshwar – Mandu – Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Pushkar – Agra – Haldwani – Rishikesh – Delhi
Cost Breakdown for a 30-Day Bike Trip Across India
Here’s my average cost estimate for a solo rider on a motorcycle tour across India. This budget includes daily rates for accommodation, bike hire, and food, with costs shown in INR, GBP, and USD.
Riding with a pillion will reduce your bike’s fuel efficiency slightly, but you’ll save money on accommodation — most rooms are priced for two. Food’s a separate story though; unless you’re feeling especially generous, your pillion will need to budget for their own meals.
| Category | Estimated Cost (INR) | GBP (£) | USD ($) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bike Rental | ₹45,000 | £428 | $540 | ₹1,500/day for a Royal Enfield 350 incl. insurance |
| Fuel | ₹10,000 | £95 | $120 | Approx. 5,000 km at ₹96/litre, 35–40 km/l mileage |
| Accommodation | ₹90,000 | £856 | $1,080 | ₹3,000/night for guesthouses and boutique stays |
| Food & Drink | ₹45,000 | £428 | $540 | ₹1,500/day including snacks, chai, cafes & local meals |
| Permits & Tolls | ₹1,500 | £14 | $18 | Inner Line Permits, border tolls, national park fees |
| Maintenance & Repairs | ₹2,000 | £19 | $24 | Oil top-up, puncture repair, chain cleaning |
| Mobile Data / SIM | ₹600 | £6 | $7 | 1-month prepaid Jio or Airtel SIM with 1.5GB/day |
| Backup Transport | ₹2,000 | £19 | $24 | Train or bus in case of breakdown or long skip |
| Buffer / Emergency | ₹5,000 | £48 | $60 | Spare cash for upgrades, emergencies, random costs |
| Total | ₹201,100 | £1,913 | $2,413 | Full mid-range budget for 30 days across India |
FAQs: Motorbike Trip of India
India, with its vast landscapes and rich tapestry of cultures, offers an unparalleled adventure for motorbike enthusiasts.
From the rugged Himalayan trails to the sun-kissed coasts of Goa, a bike tour across this diverse country is nothing short of epic.
But where do you start? Let’s throttle up and dive into planning your grand Indian motorbike tour.
What’s the best bike for a road trip in India?
Royal Enfield Bullet or Thunderbird for that classic road trip experience. For a motorcycle tour of the Himalayas, you want a Himalayan 411 or 450.
Read my review of each machine:
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Review
Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 Review
Remember, India’s cost of living varies dramatically from the mountains to the metros, so tailor your budget to your route.
What are the best bike trip routes in India?
Some of the most iconic bike trips in India include:
- Leh–Ladakh Circuit: High-altitude adventure through Khardung La, Pangong Lake, and Nubra Valley.
- Manali to Spiti: Remote, rugged Himalayan roads with surreal landscapes
- Rajasthan Desert Ride: Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Pushkar on sweeping tarmac.
- Coastal South India: Goa to Kerala through lush backwaters and beach roads.
- North East India Loop: Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Arunachal for off-the-beaten-path exploration.
How do I plan a long-distance motorbike trip in India?
Start by defining your route and timeframe. Then, research road conditions and weather, book essential permits (especially for Ladakh or Arunachal), and make a basic budget. Whether you’re renting or riding your own bike, keep your itinerary flexible and leave room for rest days and breakdowns.
How much does a bike trip across India cost?
A 30-day solo trip on a mid-range budget typically costs around ₹200,000 ($2,400). This includes bike hire, fuel, accommodation, food, permits, and a buffer for repairs and emergencies. Budget travellers can reduce this by staying in hostels and eating locally.
What should I pack for a motorcycle trip in India?
Pack light, waterproof, and modular. Essentials include:
- Helmet, riding jacket, gloves, boots
- Rain gear, hydration pack, first-aid kit
- Tool kit, spares, power bank, offline maps
- Soft luggage or saddle bags with straps
- Photocopies of documents, ID, permits
Keep electronics dry and always stash a change of clothes in a dry bag.
Is it safe to do a bike trip in India alone?
Yes. I’ve travelled India solo for years without issue. Use your common sense, plan ahead and be respectful. In addition, with good planning and road awareness, solo travel in India by motorbike is both rewarding and safe. Avoid night riding, trust your instincts, and always tell someone your rough route. In remote areas, locals are incredibly helpful, and mechanics are everywhere!
Over the years I’ve collected some of the best Funny Indian Road Signs
India Bike Trip – final word
A motorbike tour of India is not just a journey; it’s a plunge into the heart of diversity, challenging terrains, and boundless beauty. With careful planning, respect for local norms, and an open heart, your two-wheeled adventure across India could well be the saga you’ll recount for years to come.
Finally, as they say on the subcontinent, Happy Journey!
Share your tips on how to plan an all-India bike trip in the comments: