India & Nepal Grand Motorcycle Expedition

Week 1 – Delhi, Agra & Rajasthan
Your India and Nepal Expedition begins in Delhi, where you collect the bikes and settle into the rhythm of India. Explore Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar before riding south to Agra. Visit the mighty Agra Fort and see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, one of the most famous sights in the world. From there, ride to Jaipur, the Pink City, with time for Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, stepwells and colourful markets, before continuing to the painted havelis of Mandawa.

Week 2 – Into the Himalayas
Leave the plains behind and ride north towards the foothills of the Himalayas. The route takes you through Chandigarh and up to Shimla, once the summer capital of British India. Continue through the Kullu Valley to Manali, where the mountains begin to close in and the expedition starts to feel very different. After a rest day, ride through the Atal Tunnel to Jispa, then climb higher towards Leh, crossing some of the great high-altitude roads of Ladakh, including Baralacha La and Tanglang La.

Week 3 – Ladakh, Nubra Valley & Pangong
Spend time in Leh to acclimatise, explore the monasteries and prepare for the high mountain riding ahead. Cross the famous Khardung La into Nubra Valley, descending to the sand dunes of Hunder and the monastery at Diskit. Ride towards Turtuk and the Thang viewpoint, close to the northern edge of India, before returning to Leh. From there, the route heads over Chang La towards Pangong, one of the most dramatic high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas.

Week 4 – Hanle, Tso Moriri & Kashmir
Ride deeper into remote Ladakh, following wild, open roads towards Hanle, known for its dark skies and high-altitude desert landscape. Weather and conditions permitting, take on the Umling La loop, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Continue to the quiet lakeside setting of Tso Moriri, then return via Chumathang and Leh before riding west to Kargil and on towards Srinagar, with mountain roads, valleys and dramatic scenery all the way.

Week 5 – Srinagar, Amritsar & Rishikesh
Enjoy time in Srinagar, with its lakes, gardens and old city, before riding south through the mountains to Jammu. Continue to Amritsar, home to the beautiful Golden Temple, with time for the Wagah border ceremony and the Partition Museum. From there, the route turns east through Pragpur and down towards Rishikesh, on the banks of the Ganges, before reaching Corbett National Park.

Week 6 – Into Nepal
Ride from Corbett to Lucknow, known for its historic architecture and Awadhi food, before crossing the border into Nepal. The first stop is Bardia National Park, with the chance for a jungle walk or wildlife experience. Continue through the hills to Pokhara, set beside the lake with views towards the Annapurna range. After a rest day, ride to Kathmandu, with time to explore the old squares, stupas and temples of the Kathmandu Valley, before heading south to Chitwan National Park.

Week 7 – Lumbini, Varanasi & Central India
Leave Chitwan and ride to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, before crossing back into India and continuing to Varanasi. This is one of the oldest living cities in the world, with a dawn boat ride on the Ganges and the evening aarti on the river. From Varanasi, ride south-west to Khajuraho, famous for its UNESCO-listed temples, then on to Orchha, Sanchi and Bhimbetka, with riverside forts, ancient stupas and prehistoric rock shelters along the way.

Week 8 – Bhopal, Pench & the Caves of Maharashtra
Take a rest day in Bhopal, with time for the lake, museums and local food, before riding south to Pench National Park. Continue through Nagpur to Aurangabad, your base for two of India’s great UNESCO sites. Visit the painted Buddhist caves of Ajanta, then the remarkable temples and rock-cut architecture of Ellora, along with Daulatabad Fort. From here, the ride continues towards Pune, crossing into western India.

Week 9 – Goa, Hampi & Badami
Ride across the Ghats to Goa, reaching the coast and the old Portuguese heritage of Old Goa. Enjoy a rest day by the sea before following the coast south to Gokarna, then inland to Hampi, one of India’s most spectacular ancient sites. Spend time among the ruins, boulder hills and riverside temples before continuing to Pattadakal, Aihole and Badami, with cave temples, forts and early Chalukya architecture. The week finishes at Chitradurga, with its impressive hill fort.

Week 10 – Mysuru, Wildlife & Tamil Nadu
Continue south to Mysuru, known for its palace, markets, silk and sandalwood. After a rest day, ride into the wildlife areas around Kabini, with the chance for a boat safari and sightings of elephants, crocodiles and birdlife. The route then climbs into the Nilgiri Hills, passing through Bandipur and Mudumalai forests to Ooty, before descending towards Coimbatore. Continue on to Madurai, home to the vast Meenakshi Temple, before riding to Rameswaram across the famous Pamban Bridge.

Week 11 – The Southern Tip & Kerala
Ride from Rameswaram to Kanyakumari, the southern tip of mainland India, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean meet. This is a major expedition milestone, and there is a day here to relax and take it in. From Kanyakumari, the route turns north along the Kerala coast to Varkala, with its cliffs, beaches and sea air. Continue through the backwaters around Kollam and Alappuzha, before climbing inland to Thekkady and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Week 12 – Munnar & Kochi
The final riding days take you through the tea country of Munnar, with cool hills, plantations, viewpoints and time to slow down before the finish. After a rest day in the mountains, ride down through Kerala towards Kochi, finishing in the historic Fort Kochi area by the harbour. After 80 days, approximately 8,300 miles, the Himalayas, Nepal, the Ganges, central India, the west coast, the southern tip and Kerala, the expedition comes to an end.

Our India & Nepal Grand Motorcycle Expedition offers an incredible variety of accommodation, reflecting the diverse landscapes, cultures and history of the Indian subcontinent. Throughout the expedition, we handpick a mix of quality hotels, heritage properties, jungle lodges, mountain guesthouses and boutique resorts that complement the journey, providing both comfort and an authentic sense of place.

In India’s major cities, such as Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Lucknow and Mumbai, we typically stay in high-quality 4* and 5* hotels, many of which are former palaces or historic buildings that have been beautifully restored. These hotels provide excellent facilities, comfortable en suite rooms, restaurants, bars, swimming pools and reliable Wi-Fi, offering the perfect place to relax after the excitement of India’s bustling streets.

As we head north into the Himalayas, accommodation naturally becomes more remote. In regions such as Ladakh and the high mountain passes, facilities are simpler, but always clean, welcoming and full of character. Here, the spectacular scenery more than makes up for the lack of luxury, and staying in family-run guesthouses, mountain lodges and traditional camps forms an unforgettable part of the adventure.

Across Nepal, we stay in a carefully selected mix of comfortable hotels, riverside resorts and jungle lodges, providing an excellent base from which to explore the country’s incredible wildlife, mountain scenery and rich cultural heritage.

Further south, the character of the accommodation changes once again. From colonial-era hotels and luxurious beach resorts to peaceful plantation retreats surrounded by tea and spice estates, you’ll experience some of India’s finest hospitality. Many of these properties are destinations in their own right, allowing you to unwind beside the coast, enjoy spectacular views or simply relax after another rewarding day on the road.

As with all GlobeBusters expeditions, our accommodation has been chosen not simply for comfort, but to enhance the journey itself. Every stop has been selected to reflect the region we are travelling through, giving you the opportunity to experience the remarkable diversity of India and Nepal, both on and off the motorcycle.

You have the benefit of booking this India & Nepal Motorcycle Expedition with a tour operator holding Financial Payment Protection Insurance through Towergate Travel, and your money paid to us in advance is protected in accordance with The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.

Before You Go

• The assurance of booking with a fully bonded and insured UK tour operator, acting in accordance with The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, ensuring your money paid in advance is protected.
• GlobeBusters Guidance Handbook with all pre-expedition information.
• Pre-departure expedition briefing and ongoing access to the GlobeBusters team for any questions you may have before departure.
• Assistance and guidance with obtaining any required visas and travel documentation.
• Daily route notes containing information on the roads, accommodation, local attractions and points of interest.
• GPS routes supplied via .GPX files suitable for importing into GPS units and selected smartphone navigation apps.
• Expedition Tour Shirt.

En Route

• Motorcycle rental of a Triumph Scrambler 400 (or equivalent model) throughout the expedition.
• Motorcycle permits, insurance and border documentation.
• All hotel accommodation on a shared room basis (or single room if booked).
• Daily breakfast, in keeping with local traditions.
• Selected number of group dinners throughout the expedition.
• Hotel parking charges where applicable.
• All motorcycle permits and documentation required for the expedition route.
• Welcome dinner at the start of the expedition.
• Celebration dinner at the conclusion of the expedition.
• Any national park tickets where the route travels through.

Support Crew

• GlobeBusters Expedition Manager accompanying the group throughout the expedition.
• Dedicated Support Vehicle with Expedition Support Driver carrying tools, selected spare parts, water, luggage capacity, first aid equipment and emergency supplies.
• Access to spare bike if yours is to fail. (Subject to availability)
• GlobeBusters Assistant Manager
• Local Fixer for the whole duration of the expedition.
• Additional GlobeBusters support staff where expedition numbers require.
• Backup support from GlobeBusters HQ

Motorcycle Rental & Maintenance

Your Triumph Scrambler 400 motorcycle rental is included within the expedition price.

The Triumph Scrambler 400 has been selected specifically for this expedition due to its suitability for Indian road conditions. Its lighter weight, manageable size and comfortable riding position make it ideal for navigating busy city streets, mountain roads and remote rural regions.

By providing a premium motorcycle fleet, participants avoid the significant costs and complexities associated with shipping their own motorcycle to India, including freight charges, Carnet de Passage requirements and import administration.

Routine servicing and scheduled maintenance of the rental motorcycles will be arranged by GlobeBusters throughout the expedition. Any repairs resulting from accidental damage, misuse or negligence remain the responsibility of the participant. (You are responsable to keep the bikes in good working order.)

Not Included

• Return international flights and any additional travel costs to and from the expedition start and finish points.
• Personal travel, accident and medical insurance (including cancellation, curtailment, medical expenses and repatriation).
• Search and Rescue membership or insurance.
• Motorcycle damage liability beyond normal wear and tear.
• Entrance fees to national parks, monuments, attractions, museums and optional excursions unless specifically stated.
• Lunches, snacks and evening meals except where stated.
• Alcoholic beverages and personal refreshments.
• Personal spending money, souvenirs, gratuities and tips.
• Personal documentation including passports, visas and vaccinations.
• Riding equipment. Participants must supply their own helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves and motorcycle boots.
• Fuel, engine oil and other motorcycle consumables.
• Toll roads, traffic fines or charges arising from breaches of local laws.
• Costs arising from rider-caused motorcycle damage.
• Additional hotel nights before or after the expedition.
• Airport transfers unless specifically stated.
• Any item not specifically listed as included.

Flights

For clarity, we do not include passenger flights within the expedition price.
Once we have confirmed that the expedition is a guaranteed departure, it is your responsibility to arrange your own flights to the expedition start point and from the expedition finish point.
Detailed joining instructions, recommended airports and arrival times will be supplied within the GlobeBusters Guidance Handbook and during the pre-departure briefing.
Only book flights once we have confirmed that the expedition is a guaranteed departure. We do not refund flight costs if flights have been booked for a departure that has not been confirmed.

Please also refer to our Booking Conditions

What motorcycle will I be riding?

This expedition includes the rental use of a Triumph Scrambler 400 motorcycle (or equivalent model) . We have specifically chosen the Triumph because it is lightweight, easy to handle, comfortable over long distances and perfectly suited to the varied road conditions found throughout India and Nepal.

Whilst many motorcycle tours in India use older Royal Enfields, we believe the Triumph offers a more modern, refined and reliable riding experience that better reflects GlobeBusters standards. The smaller capacity motorcycle is also ideal for navigating busy towns, mountain roads and remote regions where agility is often more important than outright power.

The high cost and documents needed for shipping your own bike into India is not worth the hassle compared to have a local bike. We have chosen to provide the bike for the duration of the expedition.

What riding experience do I need?

This expedition is not suitable for novice riders.

India presents a unique riding environment and riders should be comfortable operating a motorcycle in busy traffic, on winding mountain roads and in changing road conditions. Whilst average daily mileages are lower than many GlobeBusters expeditions, the riding can be demanding and requires concentration throughout the day.

You will enjoy the expedition more if you are confident with slow-speed control, tight manoeuvring, hill starts and riding in mixed traffic conditions. Previous touring experience is highly recommended.

Are there any off-road sections?

The majority of the expedition is on paved roads. However, road conditions in India can vary considerably and riders should expect occasional sections of broken tarmac, gravel roads, roadworks and temporary diversions.

In the Himalayan regions and remote mountain areas there may also be stretches of rough road surface, loose gravel and unsealed roads. These sections are generally manageable but riders should be comfortable riding their motorcycle away from perfect tarmac.

What are the roads like?

The roads in India are incredibly varied. One day you may be riding modern highways and sweeping mountain roads, whilst the next could involve narrow village lanes, bustling city traffic or remote mountain passes.

Road conditions can change quickly and riders should expect livestock, pedestrians, bicycles, tuk-tuks, trucks and local traffic sharing the same road. This diversity is all part of the adventure and creates one of the most rewarding motorcycle journeys in the world.

What is the weather like?

This expedition covers a huge geographical area and riders should be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.

In the Himalayas temperatures can fall close to freezing at higher elevations, whilst southern India can be warm and humid. Riders should be prepared for everything from cool mountain mornings to tropical coastal conditions.

A full packing list will be provided before departure.

Is it difficult to get fuel?

No. Fuel is widely available throughout India and Nepal and we have carefully planned the route around reliable fuel stops.

On the occasional longer remote section, your Expedition Leader will advise where it is important to fill up before continuing. The support vehicle also carries emergency fuel supplies if required.

What is the average group size?

Our groups are normally between 8 and 16 riders, with some passengers.

GlobeBusters attracts riders from around the world and it is common to have participants from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and across Europe. The international mix of riders is often one of the highlights of the expedition.

Is this ride suitable for a passenger?

Not so much.

While we have successfully guided many riders travelling with passengers on previous GlobeBusters expeditions. Passengers should enjoy long-distance travel, be comfortable spending extended periods on the motorcycle and be prepared for the varied road conditions found throughout India and Nepal. Keeping in mind the Triumph Scrambler 350 X is a smaller bike than normal adventure bikes and being pillion may be less comfortable than bigger adventure bikes.

Because of the uncomfortable rear seat on the smaller bike we are classing this expedition and a non-pillion friendly expedition. However, if you feel you can handle the small bike with two-up riding please contact us directly and we can chat through the option. At this time booking a pillion is not possible on our website for this very reason.

Is there a support vehicle?

Yes.

A dedicated support vehicle accompanies the expedition throughout the journey. The vehicle carries tools, spare parts, first aid equipment, water and emergency supplies.

Should you experience a mechanical problem or require assistance, our support team will be on hand to help. The support vehicle is not intended as a luggage vehicle and riders should carry their personal luggage on their motorcycle.

The support vehicle will carry a spare bike incase we need to swap a bike around.

Do I have to ride in a group?

No.

One of the key differences with GlobeBusters is that we do not require riders to travel in convoy. You are free to ride at your own pace and enjoy the journey in the way that suits you.

Each day we provide route information, GPS tracks, hotel details and a comprehensive briefing. You may ride independently, with friends you meet on the expedition or alongside the Expedition Leader.

What documents do I need?

You will require a valid passport, driving licence and International Driving Permit where applicable.
As the expedition includes a GlobeBusters motorcycle rental, there is no requirement to ship your own motorcycle or obtain a Carnet de Passage.
Most nationalities will require visas for India and Nepal. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and can change regularly. GlobeBusters will provide guidance and support during the visa application process.

You can have a look on the Indian e-Visa website – https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html

For Nepal a visa for UK citizens need to be applied prior to travel – https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/

You must also have comprehensive travel and medical insurance that covers motorcycle touring.

How challenging is this expedition?

This is one of the most rewarding motorcycle adventures in the world.

The challenge comes less from high daily mileages and more from the constantly changing environments, cultures, traffic conditions and landscapes. From the Himalayan mountain roads of the north to the tropical coastline of the south, every day presents something new.

Riders who arrive with a flexible attitude, a sense of humour and a spirit of adventure invariably leave with memories that last a lifetime.