Our Himalayan Foothills Tour is designed to offer some of the best riding and natural beauty on offer, without breaking the bank or taking riders into the extreme environments that characterise our Himalayan Epic and Spiti Valley tours. Travelling the minor back-roads of Himachal Pradesh’s hill country, we will take in stunning views, experience rural life in the mountains and visit cultural and historic sites, both Indian in orgin and leftovers of the British Raj. These include the Dali Lama’s home town of Dharmasla, the Raj’s summer capital at Shimla and Manali, gateway to the High Himalaya – and all this fascination and beauty is linked by twisty roads all the way!
All the riding on this tour takes place in the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh (HP), which, covering 21,500 square-miles, consists almost entirely of high mountains and their foothills. HP is one of India’s wealthiest states, per capita, gleaning its income from agriculture, tourism and hydroelectric power. Local handicrafts also add to the economy, with woollen shawls and other textiles being the most commonly seen.
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Fly to Delhi and on to Chandigarh
Fly to Delhi airport, move to the domestic terminal and catch a one-hour flight north to Chandigarh, where we’ll be waiting to transport you to our hotel. Here you’ll be meet the crew and be introduced to your Enfield. In the evening, before dinner, you will be given a full briefing on the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Chandigarh to Shimla
Today we hit the road, wending our ways into the hills. Roads are twisty, with views opening toward the higher mountains. We arrive at our Shimla Hotel in time to spend time exploring the British Raj’s biggest hill-station, to which the majority of the Delhi administration was moved every summer to escape the heat of the Gangetic plain. Walk The Mall, picking out historic features, visit Hindu temples, shop, or enjoy the many restaurants.
Day 3: Shimla to Mandi
A full day’s ride carries us into the hills of rural Himachal Pradesh and views are stunning as we wind into the mountains. We pass through the sacred hot-spring town of Tattapani and travel on into the back of beyond. There is barely a straight piece of road and the riding is sublime. Our destination, Mandi (870m), is a thriving market town on the banks of the holy Beas River. Our accommodation, a characterful heritage hotel, will be found in what was once the local ruler’s palace.
Day 4: Mandi to McLEod Ganj
From Mandi we head east – and up – along a sweeping highway. Following this blissful road, the huge mountains of the Dhauladhar Range soon come into view, looming ahead of us. Turning off the highway we climb steeply, passing through Dharamsala and up to our hotel above the busy town.
Day 5: In McLeod Ganj
McLeod Ganj is home to the exiled Dalai Lama and a huge Tibetan community, including the Tibetan government-in-exile. The town is cosmopolitan, colourful, packed with shops and eateries and is a wonderful opportunity for photographers. There are also colonial relics to explore, including the St John in the Wilderness Church. If you prefer something more strenuous, local treks of various durations and severity can be arranged with local guides.
Day 6: MCLEOD GANJ TO CHAMBA
Today we leave McLeod Ganj and head over remote hills to Chamba. This is an incredible road and an incredible ride as the tarmac ribbons its way steeply upward, with huge drop-offs and vast panoramic views. Although the distance to be covered is relatively small, the twistiness of the road means this is a whole day’s ride, with time to take a few cups of chai and stops to admire the scenery.
Day 7: CHAMBA TO KHAJJIAR
We have the morning to to explore the back-streets and important temples of this thriving market town. From Chamba it is only a short, but very pretty ride to the mountain village of Khajjiar. Set beside a tree-fringed meadow, Khajjiar is famous for its holy lake, temples and beauty. We will be staying a little way outside the village itself, as there is no adequate accommodation, but will have time to explore.
Day 8: KHAJJIAR TO DHARAMSALA
Again we are in the hills, following small, quiet roads that carve unfeasibly – and sometimes unnervingly – across the steep hillsides. We will pass through deodar forests and many charming villages with their traditional (and fast-vanishing) wooden houses. On reaching Dharamsala we’ll relax at a terrace restaurant and look miles down to the plains as the sun sets.
Day 9: DharAMsala to Rewalsar
Our route takes us down in altitude, past the tea plantations of the lower-foothills. There is plenty of roadside interest as we make our way through towns and villages. Toward the day’s end we follow a small, winding road that takes us to the village of Rewalsar. This is a sacred site to three religions – Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism, with temples for each. A sacred lake and huge statues make this a wonderful place for an evening stroll.
Day 10: Rewalsar to Manali
From Dharamsala it’s back down to the Kangra valley floor at just 615m above sea level. We will pass through Kangra Gorge, where we have views across to Kangra Fort and continue until we hit our steep hill road up to Rewalsar. This small mountain town is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs and colourful tribespeople can be seen circling the lake, chanting prayers. Overlooking the lake are huge statues of Buddha, monasteries and temples. It is quite a spot.
Day 11: In Manali
Manali, gateway to the high Himalaya, is a thriving tourist hub. Good restaurants abound, whether you’re looking for Indian, Tibetan, or western fare. There are several interesting temples in the area, hot springs and the option of trekking, or taking part in other adventure activities. Our accommodation has views straight to the snowy heights, with in-house trekking guides and paragliding.
Day 12: Manali to Chindi
An early start for a long and very curvaceous ride. Leaving Manali, we will follow the right bank of the Beas River, through busy villages, skirting the district capital, Kullu. Soon the route breaks into a huge canyon with the road carved into the cliff-face, with small shrines and waterfalls. Around 80km into the ride we hit the rural roads again, climbing beautiful forested passes at around 2400m metres elevation. We end the day at a hill-top hotel, set in pine forest, with wonderful vistas all around.
Day 13: CHINDI TO CHAIL
A lesser day in terms of distance. Mountains, forest and sublime roads await as we climb the hills from Chindi over to the magnificent Sutlej Valley, where we follow the road up to Narkanda. Views from here can stretch all the way to the Great Himalayan National Park. A short way off the Shimla-Narkanda highway is Chail, another old Himalayan kingdom. Here we will stay in the converted royal palace, set in wonderful wooded grounds.
DAY 14: Chail to Chandigarh
From the palace hotel we will again start on the wonderful backroads down towards Chandigarh. Around halfway we meet a larger road for the last leg of our trip. We’ll arrive in plenty of time to sort gear for the journey home and a dinner to celebrate the end of a beautiful adventure.
Day 15: Chandigarh to home
The are plenty of flights between Chandigarh and Delhi and whatever time you choose to fly, we will transport you to the airport and wave bye bye.
QUICK OVERVIEW
In ten words
Himalayan culture, cuisine, via twisty super-scenic roads. Top value.Riding Level
Tight and twisty all-tarmac riding requires concentration and nerve, but no super skills. Some endurance needed on a couple of full riding days.
Tarmac 99%; Dirt 1%
The Adventure
Overall: approx' 800km
Shortest day: approx'100km
Longest day: approx'150km
3 days travelling
9 days riding
3 off-bike days
Pillion Rating
Can be potholed and bumpy in places, but otherwise a nice two-up tour.
Accommodation & Meals
The accommodation is a mixed bag, due to what's available, but is always decent and in great venues. The food, if you like real Indian grub, is one of the tour's highlights.
Included meals: all breakfasts. Otherwise food is extremely inexpensive.
Highlights
Colonial-era Shimla; stays in historical buildings; Hindu temples of Chamba; Buddhist culture at Rewalsar & McLoud Ganj; views of high, snow-capped mountains; relaxing in Manali; forests and hills; fine India food, with a Himalayan twist.WHAT THE TOUR PRICE INCLUDES
INCLUDED
- Bike with Mechanical Back-up
- Luggage-carrying Support
- All Internal Transfers
- First Tank of Fuel
- Accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast Basis
NOT INCLUDED
- International Flights
- Damaged Motorcycle Parts
- Most Lunches & Evening Meals
- Entry Fees
- Fuel Subsequent to First Tankful
FAQ
CAN I BOOK FROM OUTSIDE THE UK?
Yes. We enjoy hosting riders from all countries.
How do I book?
The tours can be booked online, by email, or over the phone on: +44 (0) 7494 050404. To secure a place you will be asked to put down a deposit of £500 and payment can be made by card, cheque, or bank transfer.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
Flights are not included in the price of your tour, but we can provide details of where to book an appropriate flight.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
Yes, you need travel insurance to cover you for the period of the tour. This insurance must cover you to ride a bike of the capacity offered on your tour.
How & Where do I get a visa?
PLEASE NOTE: AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME, THERE IS NO AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND THE UK ON THE ISSUING OF E-VISAS. SO, PLEASE IGNORE THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH AND REVERT TO THE INSTRUCTIONS IN BOLD, LOWERCASE TEXT.
To visit India you will need a passport (valid for six months from date of entry) and a valid tourist visa. For visits of up to a month’s duration it is possible for British citizens (and those of many other countries) to obtain an ‘E Tourist Visa’ online, HERE. You will need to provide a PDF scan of your passport’s first page with a file size between 10 and 300kb. You will also need to provide a scan of a passport picture (as a J-Peg, 10kb-1mb). This picture must be square, on a plain, light-coloured background and without borders. Applicants must submit online between 30 and four days before travelling and the visa will be issued on arrival – on production of an emailed confirmation document. The visa will be valid for 30 days from entry. The fee for an E Tourist visa is currently USD [currency amount=”80″ from=”USD” to=”GBP” iso=false between=” (which is ” append=”” round_append=””]).
If visiting India for more than 30 days, your passport must also have at least six months validity remaining at time of application. Visas are obtained from the VFS Global (the official agent of the Indian High Commission) offices in either London, Hayes, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow, or Edinburgh. There are also sub-offices in other locations where applications can be made – please check the current situation in all regards at: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
It is possible to apply over-the-counter, or by post. We would recommend the latter and suggest you apply in plenty of time. A tourist visa is usually valid for a maximum of six months from date of issue.
Visas for entry to Nepal are available at borders, at a cost of USD [currency amount=”30″ from=”USD” to=”GBP” iso=false between=” (which is ” append=”” round_append=””]), or at the Nepali Consulate in London prior to travelling.
The visa application asks for two Indian addresses, what should I put?
1. Overland Escape, 251,252, Vardaman Crown Mall, Sector 19, Dwarka, New Delhi -110075 2. Hotel Iceland, Solang Valley Village, Solang, PO Palchan Manali, Himachal Pradesh – 175103
What other paperwork do I need?
You will need a valid certificate of travel insurance and an International Driving Permit.
Where do I get an International Driving Permit?
Obtain one through the Post Office service, at major branches. All you need is your UK Driving Licence and some six of Her Imperial Majesty’s Pounds.
Where should I change money?
We would advise that you have some idea of the Rupee exchange rate before you leave, to avoid getting ripped-off at airports. Sites like this should help. In many major towns, there are cash-points that will accept major credit and debit cards. Arrivals in Cochin for the Kerala Tour will be able to change money in town if the airport rate is not competitive. Goa Airport is rapidly getting a reputation as a den of rip-off merchants and we would advise you not to change money there at present. Money can easily be changed at banks, agencies and be withdrawn from cash-points close to your hotel before we set off. Further advice to this will be given in the tour briefing. Generally if arriving at Delhi, for Himalayan and Rajasthani tours, airport rates should be reasonable and we would advise you to change at least £50. Money can be easily changed in Manali and Leh on the Himalayan tours.
Can a lady with a wooden leg change a pound note?
No, she’s only got half a knicker.
How much spending money will I need?
About £500 should cover food, drink, petrol and sundries.
Will I have to share a room?
Yes, unless you pay a supplement. Even then, single rooms may not be available at some stops as the hotels we use are popular, or in some cases small, and we have to book our accommodation some time in advance.
What standard is the accommodation?
It varies widely, but is always clean and the best we can find in the area for a reasonable price. In some places you may be staying in comfortable tented camps, in others luxury huts or hotel rooms. In Kerala and Rajasthan the accommodation is of a higher standard. There may be nights on the beach or under the desert stars in more remote areas – it’s all part of the adventure experience.
Will we have electricity?
It can’t be guaranteed. In some places there’s no power; in all power cuts are possible. Thus, if it’s vital you need electrical power every night, please speak to us before booking. Don’t forget a travel adaptor if you need to recharge your electricals.
what is the difference between tarka dhal and regular dhal?
They are very similar, but Tarka dhal is a bit ‘otter.
How much riding experience do I need?
We would recommend only booking a tour with us if you have a licence that covers the tour bike (compulsory) and have at least two years’ recent riding experience. The main criterion, however, is confidence. If you’re happy to zip through a London rush hour, then you’ll be capable of dealing with road life in India.
Is riding in India dangerous?
Riding anywhere carries with it a degree of risk, as does Indian riding. For more information on the riding side of things see ‘Riding’ in the ‘About India ‘ section of this site. If any rider joining us rides in a manner we suspect will endanger themselves, or others, or indeed displays antisocial behaviour, they will receive one warning. If they continue to display a threat to the safety or enjoyment of others on the tour, they will be excluded from the remainder (with no refund given, see terms and conditions).
How fast will we be riding?
Due to road conditions and other traffic, vehicles tend to move a lot slower in India than they do in the West. We will do likewise. There are also constraints on speed enforced by the bikes. These are not high-revving sports bikes and so we will lead the tour at a maximum speed of around 80kph.
Can I use the bike in the evenings?
No, you can’t ride independently of the tour group, sorry.
How fit do I need to be?
Reasonably so, especially for the Himalayas, where roads can be very rough and there is also the matter of altitude to deal with. What’s ‘reasonably fit’? If you can’t jog up stairs without panting, then Indian bike tours probably aren’t for you.
Can I take a pillion?
Yes , but please be sure they know what they’re letting themselves in for: some long days in the saddle, bumpy roads and, in the mountains, some pretty shocking drop-offs. We have limited space in our support vehicles, so pillions may not always be able to hop off on a whim. Likewise, if riders have any doubt over handling the extra weight, then we’d advise they ride solo. It is possible to book a place in a support vehicle for those who want to join the tour, but not to ride or travel as a pillion passenger.
How much luggage can I bring?
You are limited to 20-ish kg by most airlines. However, we suggest you pack as lightly and in as compact a form as possible. As support vehicle space is tight, we insist you bring soft luggage. If you turn up with a suitcase we will ask you to buy a soft bag and repack.
How much luggage should I bring?
Keep it as minimal as you can, please.
Isn’t India full of snakes?
Yes, it’s full of snakes. Don’t bring any snakes. It’s full.
Do I need a towel?
If you’re wet, yes. One small travel towel for Goa, Nepal and the Himalayas only. Although our hotels provide towels, there may be the occasional night you need your own.
Is food included in the price?
Only breakfast. You will pay for lunch and dinner, because we prefer that you make your own choices on where you eat and you will find Indian food substantially cheaper than meals at home.
I don’t like curry, what can I eat?
We would firstly suggest that you avoid too much curry, purely on the grounds that you don’t like it. Indian cuisine has much more to offer than that which we in the West are offered in most ‘Indian’ restaurants. In many destinations, Western-style food is available and where it is not, less spicy food can be arranged. As an alternative, it is possible to bring your own pre-packed camping meals and add hot water.
Is it possible to milk shrews in order to make shrew’s cheese?
Yes, but it’s a very tricky procedure requiring specialist equipment and best left to the experts.
Are laundry facilities available on-tour?
They are, but not every night. Check the itineraries of Tours. You should be able to get clothes cleaned at two-night stops, so consider this when packing.
Do I require a pollution mask?
Not specifically. Pollution is not a problem except in the major cities, but some roads are dusty so a facemask, snood, or scarf can be useful.
Do I need waterproofs?
Yes. If your riding kit isn’t waterproof, then bring some light waterproofs.
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
For the Himalayan tours a light, compact bag will add to your comfort.
What medication should I bring & what inoculations are required?
Consult your GP/travel clinic for immunisation and malaria advice. Bring enough of any prescribed medication you take regularly. A basic first aid kit is useful (plasters, antiseptic cream, bite/sting relief, plus insect repellent). Any serious medical problems will be dealt with by the tour medic, or first-aider.
Should I bring a seat pad?
Gel or air pads add comfort on long days in the saddle, but are not necessary.
Should I bring a sports bra?
If you like. We don’t really know you that well yet and so consider your underwear requirements to be your own business.
Should I bring a water carrier?
As air-fares are so high these days, better to hire one locally, or carry your own water. Packaged drinking water is readily available throughout our routes, which you may wish to transfer into a CamelBak, or similar device.
Do I need gloves?
Proper bike gloves are essential. Check this site’s information on Clothing Advice for a comprehensive guide to what you’ll need.
I’ve read that on your southern tours there will be the opportunity to spot wild ‘bison’. Surely the only bison sub-species reside in European and North American populations. Are we being taken for fools?
Yes, unfortunately guidebooks and indeed most guides themselves can be short on taxonomical understanding. The ‘Indian bison’ is properly known as a ‘gaur’ and is the largest bovine (cow) species.
How do I tell the difference between a buffalo and a bison?
You can’t wash your hands in a buffalo.
USEFUL INFORMATION
DOCUMENTATION
You will need a passport with valid visa, appropriate travel insurance and an international driving permit. For information on visas, please look at our Indian FAQs.
CURRENCY
You should be able to get by on around £500 spending money if you don’t do a lot of shopping. Cash and travellers’ cheques are easily changed in Leh (where there are also cashpoints), but nowhere else on the route.
CLIMATE
Even at high altitudes the Himalaya can be surprisingly warm in summer. But nothing can be taken for granted and although rain is rare there is the chance of wet weather. When overcast, things can get chilly at night and at the highest points there is a remote possibility of snow. The maximum temperature is likely to be around 30ºC; the minimum 0ºC (rarely, at night).
BIKE KIT
We advise riders to consider their kit in terms of layers. Good quality gear can also prevent a minor spill causing a trip-ruining injury, so we require that you ride with no exposed skin (except your face). Please find more information on bike kit here.
LUGGAGE
While your main luggage will be carried in a support vehicle, you may wish to bring a small rucksack in which to carry articles you need on the road. Your main bag must be ‘soft’ and not a suitcase.
FITNESS
While you don’t have to be an athlete to join us on this adventure, we would not recommend this tour to those who cannot, for instance, climb a flight of stairs without puffing and blowing. Please note that there are some long days in the saddle. We reach some great altitudes on this tour, so if you have any existing medical condition, please consult your doctor and Blazing Trails before booking.
RIDING SKILLS
While we insist those joining us have a full motorcycle licence, and recommend a minimum of two year’s riding experience, time in the saddle and miles ridden are of more relevance to an adventure like this. Riding in India is very different from Europe and although the speeds at which we travel are relatively low, demands on planning and observation are high. Other factors making demands on riders are the heat (and possibly cold) and conditions of the road – including sections of unpaved dirt.
HEALTH & HYGIENE
Although there is always the chance of getting a ‘holiday tummy’, following a few simple guidelines keeps the chances of this to a minimum. The tour will be accompanied by a medic with extensive kit to deal with any problem. If you have any pre-existing medical condition, it is essential that you consult both Blazing Trails and your physician before booking.
DON’T FORGET!
To check out our suggested packing list.
ABOUT THE HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS
This state is also among the best for both state and private education facilities and challenges Kerala to have India’s highest literacy rate. Perhaps the fact that although still prevalent, corruption in HP is generally at lesser levels than other parts, helps in this regard.
The 95 per cent Hindu occupants of HP have a life expectancy higher than the Indian average, a lower birth rate and, also thanks to the steepness and altitude of the terrain, population density is lower. Around eight million Himachalis speak some 20 major languages. Among the other religions in Himachal, Tibetan Buddhism is among the most noticeable and although HP has its endemic Buddhists, many of these communities are refugees from Chinese-controlled Tibet. The Tibetan Government-in-Exile and Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, reside in the state at McLoud Ganj.
During our tours we have found the people of HP to be among the most welcoming. This may be due to the fact that these hills are a cultural crossroads and outsiders, both traders and those of a more martial bent, have travelled through these hills for millennia. Various parts of what is now Himachal have been under the control of dozens of invaders, the incursions recorded all the way back to the time of the Indus Valley civilisation (around 2000BC). Timur, Alexander the Great and many great Mughal warriors have all marched here. The state capital, Shimla was (in the late-seventeen-hundreds/early eighteen-hundreds) in the hands of the Gurkhas, who had spread their power all the way from central Nepal. They were, however, defeated at Kangra Fort – which we will see on tour – and their power started to wane. With the onset of the first Anglo-Sikh War in 1846, the British managed to expel the Gurkhas.
Following the end of colonial rule, much of modern southern Himachal Pradesh was part of the Punjab, with Himachal Pradesh being not a state, but a province. Over the years boundaries were re-drawn until in 1971 the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by parliament and HP became India’s 18th state.
Although mainly mountainous (average elevation 2319m), HP is also geographically diverse. It ranges from as low as some 350m above sea-level, to nearly 7000m above. To the heavily-forested south and west, the state is greatly influenced by the monsoons, but to the east, where the state borders the Tibetan Plateau in the Spiti Valley region, are high-altitude deserts. The average summer temperature in HP is 32ºC; in winter 7ºC.
How To Make A Booking
Holiday bookings can be made online, by email, or over the phone on: +44 (0) 7494 050404
Contact us by any of the means above.
Upon deciding to book, please pay a deposit of £500 (or the full balance if within two months of the departure date). This can be done by credit/debit card through our website, by bank transfer, or by sending a cheque to our UK office.
Having booked with Blazing Trails, you will be sent all the necessary information on timings and meeting points. You may also like to use our Facebook Page to liaise with others.
BIKE DEPOSIT (MYANMAR ONLY): A deposit of £600 is required against bike damage in Myanmar. You will be invoiced this sum two weeks prior to the tour and the money will be returned rapidly on your return (subject to bike condition).
PLEASE NOTE: A maximum of one week (seven days) will be allowed for your deposit payment to reach and clear in our account. Should this not happen, we can suspend your booking and may have to give your place on tour to somebody else.
