A motorbike tour to the Himalaya is an invigorating one with problems, worries and difficulties being left behind in the dust with every kilometer you move forward and up the mountain. Destinations such as Ladakh, Khardung-la, Zanskar Valley, Keylong, Rohtang, Nakii-la, Lachung-la, etc. are widely famous among enthusiast of adventure, and they offer real fun for the brave at heart.
However, you must bear in mind that riding across Himalayas on a bike is not as simple as it may sound. It carries a certain degree of risk with it. However, if you go about it the right way, riding across Himalayas is a soul cleansing exercise on its own. Here are some top tips for motorbike trip to great Himalayas in India.
Motor Cycle Trip to Himalayas in India
Plan Your Motorbike Trip Well in Advance
Proper prior planning is a must for anyone riding in the Himalayas. You will need to have your bike ready, ride plans sorted, and an inventory of things you will need to carry on the tour in advance. You should also chart out an itinerary for the rides you plan to take. While scheduling your travel, note that distances in Himalayas can be very misleading as roads turn and twist a lot. 250 KM in Himalayas is very different from 250 KM in the plains. The secret is to give yourself extra time on each ride.
Carry Maps with You
“Old fashioned,” you might say. But maps are a vital tool to carry when touring Himalayas. I know we are in the world of online maps, and GPs feature in smartphone, and one in which maps seem so redundant, but remember that all these are mobile devices. They require networks and data connections to download or view maps. Unfortunately, around Himalayas networks connectivity is usually low. Further, your mobile devices run on battery, and power is a luxury your might not have on your trip. It is sagacious to have maps and a compass as a backup strategy.
Keep Some Cash Available
For the modern generation that has grown to trust e-cash and plastic money so much, it sounds strange but having adequate cash on your bike trip around Himalayas can be a definite boon. Up in Himalayas is pretty remote. So, do not have hopes of coming across ATMs and card swapping terminals frequently.
Carry some cash around you and keep it split up in two to three locations – let say some in your pocket, some in the luggage, etc. You don’t know when you will ever end up wanting to have it. The secret is to anticipate your expenditure in advance and plan your budget accordingly. Put a margin of unforeseen expenses as well.
Gear up properly
Around the year, it is regularly training in the Himalayas, and it gets pretty cold. Even without rain, nights are normally too cold. So, gear up properly. Sturdy riding pants and jacket with armor protection are recommended. Also make sure to carry your thermal liners with you. You might need them at times. Boots and Gloves should ideally be weather gear designed for riding in the rain. In case you are not a fun of riding pants, or you do not have weather boots, invest in an original, study pair of jeans and couple it with study thick-soled leather boots and knee protectors.
Have in mind that in case of stream crossings, you boots might get wet and damp weather boots with wet socks inside have never been so comfortable on long rides. Ideally, your helmet should be full face to protect both your eyes and your head from dust, snow, hail, water, and wind.
As a general rule, ride under clear vision other than a tinted one. Clear vision is useful regardless of the lighting conditions of your bike, but tinted vision will leave you floundering in the dark. If possible, invest some cash in kidney belt since riding on the rugged surface will finally leave your sides hurting.
Also, even though you might not be feeling thirst in the cold temperatures of Himalayas, ensure you are taking the same amount of water you take daily. Note that alcohol and smoking are not suited for the mountain. Chronic smokers run the risk of developing serious respiratory distress whenever they smoke under high altitude.
Check Weather Updates
Lastly, make sure to check weather updates regularly, ideally after every hour. You should also carry sunscreen cream, and more importantly a medical kit. Stage your climbing up the mountains to allow your body adequate time to acclimatize to the changing air pressure. Going up too fast gives one a nasty headache.
Enjoy the great motorbike Tour to Great Himalayas in India!
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