WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Personal travel insurance - For part of this tour we will be in remote areas, so make sure you have the top cover. Although we do everything we can to minimize the risk, in the end you are responsible for your own well being. As you are aware going on an adventure like this comes with some risks, so it is essential that you have this safety backup.
Cold weather gear - Although you can buy lots of nice local warm clothes, it can be difficult to find gear suitable for riding. After many years experience in the region the only items that we really feel you need to bring are thermals, and warm gloves.
Helmet and riding gear - It is up to you if you want to bring all your riding gear. You can easily purchase a pretty good helmet in India. They wouldn't stack up against one of our expensive western helmets, however for about $20-$30 you can buy one that is similar in standard. Buying good quality jackets and pants is difficult, and on a few days of the tour you might find them very useful, so it is up to you. Most of you will be experienced riders and can definatly make your own minds up on that one.
Medicine and first aid - We have a first aid kit that travels with us, and it is possible to buy most medicines in the big cities as well as most small towns everywhere, . However if you are not sure if you should bring something that is specific to you, we recommend to just bring it. Better to be safe than sorry. Just let us know if you have any ailments, allergies etc.
A good sense of humour - India is a bustling place, with over 1 billion inhabitants, and growing. Because of this, people their have gotten used to waiting a long time for just about everything. Having an easy going attitude in India goes a long way, not only towards enhancing your experience there, but also because you gain a lot of respect from locals. They are not used to agitated reactions, although sometimes it seems you don't have a choice. Just remember we are a guest in India, and what sometimes seems like a anarchic way of life, you will quickly learn is extremely harmonious. Stick a billion people in Australia, and I reckon we would explode. So once your senses have settled in to your new surroundings, you will start to be amazed at how India is able to remain so balanced.
Knowing a little of the lingo - Learning a few words in Hindi and Ladakhi also goes a long way, and always draws a loving smile from the locals. The following are some basic words, and enough to remember to get you by.
Hello: NAMASTE ( Nu-Mu-Ste) In Ladakh however - JULE ( Ju-lay)
How are you: Aap Kaise Hai ( Up Ky-Se-He)
Okay: Teek Hai (Teek-He)
How much:Kitna
Anything is possible: Sub Kutch Mi Lega
RIDING IN INDIA
It is important to understand that riding in India is definatly not like riding at home. For this reason we give you a few days to settle before you jump on your bike. The first few days of riding were created to get you used to the roads and the traffic. By the time we start climbing up to Ladakh you should be feeling quite comfortable.
Road Conditions: Although India is changing very fast, and most of India is linked by amazing highways, that have great road surfaces, there are still some areas that have unsealed roads. When we venture into Ladakh we will be experiencing some of these roads. Sometimes you will have to cross some small streams, a bit of sand, bit of mud..... although I don't want you to be scared, it is important to understand that you will need to be capable to deal with some unsealed roads. 70% of the roads we travel on, are sealed.
Other drivers:- On first arriving in India you will look at the traffic, especially in the cities, and be amazed that their are not more accidents. You will quickly come to understand, just like in every other aspect of there lives, what seems to be chaos is actually harmony..... Harmony the 'Indian' way. Drivers and riders in India seem to have an amazing ability to understand each other on the road. Of course there are accidents, just like in every country, but for such a huge population, relatively not so many.
Their are a few basic road rules which are essential to understand.
- Give right of way to any vehicle larger than you. This is important to understand. It is common for traffic coming towards you to overtake at any stage, just be prepared to move over and let him pass. He knows you are there, and will often flash you to tell you he is coming.
- When going around a bend, always assume that there will be a vehicle on your side of the road. ( Happens rarely, but does happen)
- Being confident, but not over confident. Although you will be riding at a speed that you are comfortable with, it is important to understand that flowing with the traffic is the key to traffic harmony.
- Most people don't use blinkers when turning.
- Just remember that in India, anything is possible.
Weather Conditions
You will experience all different types of weather conditions on this tour. As youwill be in India during the monsoon, it is possible to experience some rain from Delhi to Dharamsala, however once we start climbing up to Ladakh it dries right out. Be prepared to be hot ( Delhi/Amritsar/Agra days) to really cold ( Maybe snow )When we are riding over high passes in Ladakh . Most of the time on this challenge the weather should be just perfect.
Sun and altitude
Just remember this challenge takes you up the highest motorable roads in the world. Over 5 kms closer to the sun. Obviously being that high makes effects of the sun stronger, and the air thinner. We designed the tour in a way that enables you to acclimatise slowly, however it is still possible to gfeel some effects of the altitude. Just remember to protect yourself from the sun, and to take it pretty slow. Saying that last year I played cricket at 4500m with the Indian army.