Can I ride my own motorcycle on the tour?

SKY HIGH RIDERS does not allow “own motorcycles” on the tours.  Also, please note that motorcycle riding on our “organized tours” is done in a sort of “convoy” formation between the ride leader in the front and back-up vehicle(s) with support crew at the rear (as sweeper).  Independent riding is NOT allowed during the tour.

    Do I need to rent a bike to tour with SKY HIGH RIDERS?

No. SKY HIGH RIDERS will provide the Bike and Gas.

    Are there any restrictions to participate in your tour?

To participate an individual has to be equal or above the age of 18 years at the time of the tour, hold a valid motorcycle license authorizing him/her to ride a 350cc/500cc motorcycle, in reasonable health and 2 years of motorcycle riding experience.

    How fit do I need to be ?

Reasonably fit.  In our opinion if you can go about your daily life (like climbing two flights of stairs) without getting out of breath then you’re “reasonably fit”.  Consult your doctor in case you have any existing medical conditions which will prohibit you from ridding.

    Do I need a motorcycle rider’s license to participate in your tour?

Yes, a valid full motorcycle driver license (authorising you to ride a 350cc/500cc motorcycle) and international riding permit are mandatory for riders to take part in our tours.  Also, make sure you obtain the International Driving Permit (IDP) from your country of citizenship since it is not issued to foreigners in India. AAA offers international permits.  In due course, you’ll require to obtain a travel insurance which covers you for riding a 350cc/500cc motorcycle in India, before joining the tour.

    What other documents will I need?

A passport containing valid tourist visa to India and a certificate of travel insurance (covering the riding of 350cc/500cc motorcycles).

    Are the seats on the Royal Enfields comfortable enough for riders?

Based on customer feedback, we’ve had both opinions.  Most have found the seats completely fine.

    Can my friends or family members (non-riders) join me on the tour?

If you want your friends/family to accompany you on the tour, they can reserve a place on the tour as passengers in the support vehicle.  However, we urge you to book them on the tour at the time of your booking otherwise we might not be able to offer this facility at a later stage when the available seats are already taken.

    Can a person new to motorcycle riding participate in your tours?

We would prefer if you had at least 2 years of motorcycle riding experience.

    Do I get time to get accustomed to the motorcycle & riding conditions?

SKY HIGH RIDERS has set aside half a day at the start of the tour for getting used to the roads. We will take a short trip up the mountain to get you used to ridding in India.  A 2-3 hour ride later you will be familiar with the controls and other aspects of riding the motorcycle in Indian conditions.

    Is riding a motorcycle in India any different?

Yes, there are certain factors which make ridding different from other places specially the “west”.  1. Remember that one rides on the left side in India and if you come from a country where the opposite is true then you’ll need to get acquainted to it.  2. Road conditions can be classified anywhere from “ordinary” to “difficult”. But that doesn’t deter an adventurer looking for the thrills of riding.  3. Many other riders on the road can be annoying since traffic laws are lax and most people learn their driving “on the road” with hardly any or no professional training.  You’ll be learning the “Indian” way of handling that too. You don't want to blow up if someone cuts you off. Patience will be needed and lots of forgivness of others mistakes will be in demand.

    How much risk is involved?

Motorcycle riding comes with its risks no matter which part of the world you are riding. In fact, any adventure activity has its elements of danger but that’s what makes it an adventure activity in the first place.

    Are there any possibilities of these tours getting disrupted?

Yes, although we prepare for almost every contingency with utmost care, certain factors can cause “delays”, disruptions and possibly cancellations as well. If the tour gets cancelled you will recieve a full refund. We will not be able to refund your cost of travel to and from India however.

    What if there is a medical emergency?

An adventure activity of any kind carries its risk with it and motorcycle journeys are no exception.  A comprehensive medical & first aid kit will be provided.  However, for an emergency which requires hospital care, we have to rely on the nearest available medical facility in the region.

    What kind of medical or travel Insurance will I need? SEE LINK BELOW

Adequate travel insurance is mandatory at least for the duration of your tour with us and is not included in the price of the tour. We suggest you purchase short term insurance from______  If you are a Rider (motorcycle operator) or Co-rider on the pillion the insurance must cover riding motorcycles of  (350cc/500cc for leisure).

    What about Motorcycle damage insurance?

Please note that, our motorcycles are fully insured for third party damage only. For damage to the motorcycle itself, a deposit of INR 40,000 ($600 USD) is required before the tour departs and will be refunded in full at the completion of the tour provided no damage has occurred to the motorcycle. The maximum liability of a Rider for damage to the motorcycle is INR 80,000. ($1200 USD)

    What if there’s only normal wear & tear of the motorcycle?

It will be our greatest pleasure to return the entire deposit to you at the completion of your tour if there is only normal wear and tear of the motorcycle. But if there is damage to any part of the motorcycle or its appendages & accessories (including helmets) out of negligence or due to an accident/ fall, the price of repair and replacement part will be deducted from your deposit/or charged to your card.

    Which motorcycle will I be riding during the tour?

You will be riding a Royal Enfield Motorcycle 350cc/500cc, (apparently the best touring motorcycle available in India).

    What kind of riding & safety gear do I need?

Proper Protective Riding gear is a must; namely, riding shoes, riding gloves, Knee & Elbow guards (if your Riding jacket/pants do not already include them) & CE protective clothing.

    Do I have to wear a helmet?

Yes, we have a regulation that makes it mandatory for both the rider and pillion to wear helmets during the ride.  SKY HIGH RIDERS will provide helmets.

    Who will be my tour guide?

An experienced Ride Leader from SKY HIGH RIDERS will be part of each tour, leading from the front on his own motorcycle.  Our ride guides are well versed in English, besides being familiar with the local language, culture, routes and conditions.

    How many participants will/can there be in a group?

Our ability to organize affordable tours is dependent on numbers. However, we have to keep the numbers manageable (also considering the available resources & logistics of a region like the Himalayas). Therefore, normally, on our Fixed Departure Tours, we prefer min. 4 and max of 10 riders.

    Are all Itineraries fixed?

There is no such thing as a “fixed” itinerary when you’re touring a country like India that too on a motorcycle.  Bad weather, landslides, damaged bridges and similar events beyond the control of the “mortals” can spoil any pre-planned itinerary specially in the Himalayas.  Even events well within the control of “mortals” like strikes, political unrest and road blocks can cause their share of snags.  Having a flexible attitude is very crucial on such tours.

    How fast will we be riding?

In our opinion, taking into account the road conditions in India, anything above 80 km/h could be danderous.  On the narrow single lane mountain routes even 40km/h is fast.  We travel in a convoy formation with ride leader in front and support vehicles in the rear.  Our tours are done in a steady yet relaxed manner in the “spirit of camaraderie” which not only ensures safety but also gives ample time for fun, rest, adventure and exploration. Any rider who is found to be riding in a manner which seems “dangerous” to either himself or others in the tour will be excluded from the remainder of the tour with no refund.

    Do you provide Transportation for Local sight-seeing on your tours?

Yes, Transportation for local sight-seeing on the tours has been included only at selected locations & covering only the popular sights.  On most days on which we aren’t riding, we organize a sight-seeing tour of the popular places in the city.

    What is the type of accommodation you provide?

We have carefully selected some good Mid-Range hotels at the destinations we visit on our tours.

    Will I have to share a room?

Not necessarily.  Our regular tour prices are on “twin-sharing” basis in which case accommodation will be for 2 persons in a “twin-bedded” room.  If you’re coming alone for the tour, we’ll do our best to bunk you in with an acceptable roommate (of the same sex).  However, if you’re the last person to book a certain tour and opted for “twin-share”, it’s quite likely that you’ll have to take a room on your own and will therefore be liable for the single room supplement whether you wanted or not.  In other words, book early or bring your own roommate with you. Or preferably both!  We insist you specify any such requirement at the time of booking itself since room availability at many hotels we use is limited during the peak season and we have to book your accommodation some time in advance.

    Is international airfare included in the tour price on the web site?

No, International airfare is NOT included in the price of the tours.  We have found that most clients often prefer to arrange their own flights using frequent-flyer miles and are either extending their stay in India before or after the tours.

    Do you assist in bookings for extended stay, before or after the tour?

Yes, but you need to inform us about your plans at the time of tour booking.

    Where do the tours “start” and “end”?

The tour starts & ends in Bagdogra, India.

START - You will fly into New Delhi India and then you will take a Domestic Flight to Bagdogra (IXB) Aiport. We will pick you up in a taxi at the Bagdogra Airport.

END – At the end of the tour we will drop you back at the Bagdogra Airport. You will then take a return flight to New Delhi.

    When/How should I book my tour?

We suggest booking your tour 3-4 months in advance. You will need to get a visa and buy your plane ticket. We can suggest some great agents that can book your flight if you need us to.

    Will services like Internet & laundry available throughout the tours?

Yes internet will be avaible each night. The speed will most likely not be what you are used to but will be good enough. Laudry service will be available but we will not be at the hotels very long so you will need to get it done fast.

    Is electricity available even in the remote areas?

Yes. Don't forget a travel adaptor if you need to recharge your electricals. Electric supply in India is 220-240 Volts, 50 Hz.

    How long is the duration of your tours?

Our tours are 7-10 days.

    What vaccinations will I need?

Yes. We advise you to immunize yourself against harmful diseases such as Hepatitis, Typhoid, Malaria, Rabies and Tetanus.  There’s a list of recommended vaccinations for travel to countries like India however we suggest that you should consult your doctor for country specific advice as there are certain vaccines which are not mandatory if duration of stay is shorter than 1 month.

    Is food included in the price?

At all hotels/night stops your dinners & breakfasts will be inclusive as well as tips.

    What about drinking water?

In India, availability & reliability of drinking water through normal tap supply is uncertain.  Therefore, for all foreign tourists we insist “packaged drinking water” of renowned brands such as Bisleri, Aquafina or Kinley which are available at most places.

    What about rest stops or bathrooms along the roads?

In India, conveniences like rest stops with “decent toilets facilities” are either non-existent or few and far between.  Cleanliness will also vary and will be mostly found below acceptable levels.  At most stops, riders can “relieve themselves discreetly” in the bushes/wasteland/fields around the road (which is normal practice in India specially away from urban population).  Wherever possible we try and make a stop at a restaurant catering to the tourists where we can use the facilities as well as have a quick cup of tea/coffee.

    How much luggage can I bring?

We suggest that baggage allowance on our tours to 35-40 pounds.  We recommend that you pack as lightly and in as compact a form as possible.

    Do I need Rain Gear?

Yes. Although it is doubful you will use it.  On our tours we can’t allow rain to spoil our travel plans.

    Do I need to bring a sleeping bag ?

No, its not mandatory.

    Do I need gloves?

Proper protective riding gloves are suggested for riders.

    During the ride, can I stop to take pictures whenever I want ?

India offers plenty of sights worth capturing in the camera. However, for navigation & other logistic reasons we travel in a “convoy” formation. It would become a navigational & logistical nightmare if every rider kept stopping to take pictures every few minutes.  We urge riders to stop only if it is absolutely necessary.  We try to include rest stops at picturesque locations along the way, offering several good photo opportunities.

    How much spending money will I need?

You will need money for expenses of a personal nature like laundry and Internet  About USD 300 per person is suggested.

    I can't find answers to some of my questions. What shall I do?

We will be glad to answer any and all questions for you. The fastest way to reach us is by email at skyhighriders.siliguri@gmail.com