What should I expect with regards to the accommodation and will I have to share a room?

The accommodation we stay in during the challenge will vary. It may not always be up to UK standards but it will always be safe, clean and the best we can secure in the remote areas we visit. Wherever possible, rooms are allocated on a twin-share basis. If you are travelling with a friend or partner we will do our best to accommodate you accordingly, provided we are aware of the situation well in advance of the trip. If you are travelling alone you will be expected to share with another solo participant.

Due to the remoteness of parts of the route, at times it may be necessary to sleep more than two to a room and in some of the accommodation our requirement for twin-bedded rooms may exceed the supply and only double rooms may be available. This will mean that, at times, your space will be limited. We recommend a sleeping bag for those concerned about personal space! Think basic and then nothing will shock you. Expect everything from cabin-style accommodation to luxury hotels and even a night camping under the stars – it’s all part of your Enduro adventure.

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Do I need to be an experienced rider?

It is important that you feel comfortable and confident on a motorcycle for riding in the Himalayas. We usually suggest that you have at least two years recent riding experience and strongly recommend that you take part in one of our UK based Enfield training days as this will, for 99% of riders, improve not only your safety but your overall enjoyment of the event. If you are interested in one of these training sessions please speak to the team at Enduro Himalaya on 01225 333300.

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Do I need to be reasonably fit?

You do not need to start marathon training but it would not hurt to increase your cardiovascular workout. If you are not doing any exercise and have no desire to join a gym then we recommend that you try to walk at a fast pace for a minimum of twenty minutes three or four times a week.

For those of you who are members of a gym carry on as usual. Stamina is important because the combined effects of long arduous rides at altitude in hot and/or cold conditions, on badly maintained roads can leave you exhausted. Combine this with early starts, little sleep and new food it becomes clear your body needs as much help as it can get. A small amount of effort prior to departure can make all the difference.

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What is provided?

Almost everything: flights, use of the motorcycle, accommodation, breakfast and dinner, mechanics, medics, team leaders, radio crews, luggage services and support vehicles.

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What is not provided?

Costs which are the responsibility of the participant, not Enduro Himalaya, include: All travel costs to and from London Heathrow International Airport; any costs pertaining to inoculations; the cost of your visa and personal travel insurance; lunch/snacks; your fuel on the event; your drinks in the evenings; telephone calls.

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Is there anything I should not bring?

Enduro Himalaya recommends that you do not bring any valuables; this includes laptops and other electrical equipment. We recommend that you do not bring clothing or footwear that you are worried about ruining. Expensive camera equipment should be insured and well protected.

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How much spending money will I need?

You will need to bring some spending money with you but you will not need a great deal! We recommend that you allow around £25 to £30 per day. This will cover any drinks and food that you may want to buy throughout the day and evening, and includes a £7 to £10 daily allowance for fuel.

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Do you tip?

Tipping is discretionary, it is usual to tip porters at a hotel but they should not expect it. Please ask if you are unsure how much to tip. At the end of the challenge we will hold a collection for the drivers and mechanics that help us throughout the trip. You will find them invaluable and incredibly helpful.

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Should I bring pens / sweets / gifts for the children?

No – please don’t. We travel through rural areas of India which see very few tourists. From past experience this can lead to problems where the kids very quickly come to expect gifts of this sort. Let’s just keep it to smiles and handshakes!

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Will electricity be available?

Most of the time, yes – but this cannot be guaranteed at all times. Power cuts are likely in all destinations on the trip, but these are usually short-lived. Remember to pack a world adaptor if you need to charge your camera, phone, etc.

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Will laundry facilities be available on the trip?

Yes, but probably only once during the ride, so consider this when packing! Due to damp conditions it can be difficult to thoroughly dry clothing and other equipment overnight.

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What will the food be like?

Forget almost every Indian restaurant that you have ever been in, the food in India is incredible! There is enough choice to keep everyone happy and, contrary to popular belief, not every dish is heavily spiced or ridiculously hot. Whilst we encourage you to try as many different dishes as possible we also understand that Indian food on a daily basis is not to everyone’s liking. Taking this into consideration breakfast will usually consist of toast, butter, jam, scrambled eggs, porridge, fruit, tea and coffee. Dinner will usually be Indian but the proximity to China and Tibet means that food of a more “Chinese” nature also finds its way onto the menu. The food will be a mixture of vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

When you are on the road we recommend that you try to avoid meat. Whilst most roadside vendors offer nothing but the best and well cooked food there is always the possibility that you may get one who is not so scrupulous. Should you decide to have meat, make sure that it is thoroughly cooked. Any fruit should be of the peelable variety. The most important thing is to think before you eat. The variety of foods is endless and it will not take long to find a favourite, just remember before you take any risks that it is your stomach which will have to bear the consequences!

Biscuits, chocolate and soft drinks are readily available at chai stops throughout the day for an added energy boost. Bottled water is also readily available – always make sure that the seal is secure. One of the best drinks is chai – hot tea as sweet as a tin of condensed milk which can be bought at the roadside. Despite the sweetness it is strangely refreshing and can be bought for pennies a cup offering you the chance to buy a round at every stop! If you have time, watch the tea being made and poured, it beats throwing a tea bag in a cup and adding a splash of milk any day.

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What will the weather be like?

We wish we knew! The conditions in a wild, remote region like the Himalayas can vary considerably during the day. It can be very warm, cold, wet and windy and can change between these extremes incredibly quickly. As a generalisation, think of riding in the Scottish Highlands in the autumn. See the clothing notes and Kit List with this pack for more detailed ideas about kit – if you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact the team on 01225 333300.

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What visa do I need?

UK citizens need a tourist visa to visit India. There are numerous agencies that can process your visa application for you, and details of how to apply will be sent out via a group email nearer the time of the event. The visa you need is a six month multiple entry tourist visa and costs, at the time of writing, around £40. This is a non-extendable visa and becomes valid from the day of issue, so please be sure not to mis-time your application. Please remember to state that you require a ‘Tourist’ visa. Other nationalities – please check with your local Indian Embassy / High Commission. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of all necessary travel documents before departure.

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What inoculations would you recommend?

See your GP for advice.

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Do I need travel Insurance?

YES - participants MUST be covered by suitable travel insurance. This must include adequate provision for riding a motorcycle up to 500cc in a foreign country and medical and repatriation insurance. You are NOT required to cover the motorcycle itself – third party cover is provided by the organisers but if damage to the motorcycle occurs due to rider error you are liable for the cost of repair. The organisers strongly recommend that suitable travel insurance is obtained by the participant as soon as possible after signing up for the event as this should provide cover against cancellation charges, unexpected curtailment of the trip, medical expenses arising overseas, loss or damage to luggage and personal liability claims.

A copy of this insurance must be sent to Enduro Himalaya before the start of the trip, but it is your responsibility to ensure that you have suitable cover. You must carry the original of this insurance document with you at all times during the rally.

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Do I need an International Driving permit (IDp)?

YES. These can be obtained via the AA – visit their website at: www.theaa.com/getaway/idp for instructions. They can be bought through the AA or over the counter at some Post Offices (a list of these is on the AA website) and cost, at the time of writing £5.50. An IDP is valid for one year from date of issue. You must send a copy of your IDP to the organisers before the start of the trip and carry the original document with you at all times during the rally.

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How is the ride structured?

Shortly after arriving in the Himalayas you will take part in a ‘warm-up’ session which will enable you to get used to the Royal Enfield Bullet and the riding conditions before embarking on the rally. Each morning during the rally there will be a briefing on safety aspects and that day’s route and some evenings will include a ‘cultural’ briefing about the areas you are travelling through. Each day will have some planned stops but there will be plenty of opportunities for you to travel at your own pace and stop where required. We encourage you to do this – the photo opportunities are second to none and you must take some time out to meet the incredible people of the Himalayas.

The group will be followed by an ambulance and there will be at least one UK-trained paramedic on a motorcycle who will move amongst the riders throughout each day. Enduro Himalaya team leaders will spread out amongst the group to offer any help that may be required and to ensure that the appropriate pace for that day’s ride is being maintained. We will allow you as much flexibility and freedom as we can in this regard, but because of the hugely changeable conditions in the region, there may be times when we will have to impose some control over your riding to ensure that we reach that night’s destination at an appropriate time – i.e. before dark!

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Do I need a Full Motorcycle Licence?

You must hold a current and full motorcycle licence at the time of the event. Due to the stipulation of our insurers, riders will not be able to participate without proof of a valid licence. A provisional licence is not sufficient for participation in this event.

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Can I use the motorcycle in the evening?

No, we cannot allow you to ride independently of the group for both safety and insurance reasons.

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