Essential Information - Indian Himalayas

Before booking your holiday with us, please check the status of your chosen tour. We strongly advise against booking any flights or making other travel arrangements until the tour is marked as Guaranteed. 

To confirm your place, simply pay the deposit. This deposit can be refunded at any time until the tour status changes to "Guaranteed". Your final balance will be due 56 days before the tour start date. 

When you book, you are agreeing to our booking conditions – please take a moment to read them in full. 

Each tour requires a minimum number of participants to go ahead. As bookings come in, the status will update from Available, to 2 More to Guarantee, and finally to Guaranteed once the minimum is met. You can always check the current status on the ‘Dates and Prices’ section of the tour page. 

Tour status definitions: 

✅ Guaranteed – The tour is confirmed and open for booking. 

✅ Guaranteed – Limited – Confirmed to run, but only a few spaces left. 

⏳ Available – 2 More to Guarantee – Tour is open but needs just 2 more bookings to confirm. 

🟢 Available – Open for booking but not yet confirmed to run. 

📩 Contact – Please get in touch if you're interested in this tour. 

❌ Fully Booked – This tour is no longer available. 

Once a tour is marked Guaranteed, you can confidently go ahead with booking your flights and making travel plans. We don’t cancel trips once they reach guaranteed status, except in very rare and exceptional circumstances. 

✅ What’s Included

🚐 Support Vehicle – Full vehicle support throughout the tour

🏨 Accommodation – Comfortable local stays each night with sleeping mat for camping nights (sleeping bag not provided)

🍽️ Meals – Most meals included (see Trip Notes for details)

🚰 Snacks & Water – Refreshments provided during cycling days

✈️ Airport Transfers – Provided on the first and last day of the tour

🧑‍🏫 Local Guides – Experienced, English-speaking professional guides

🛫 International Flights
Flights to and from tour destination must be arranged independently.

🍷 Alcoholic Drinks
Alcohol is not included in the tour package.

🍽️ Unlisted Meals
Meals not specified in the itinerary are at your own expense.

🛂 Visa Fees
Any visa costs are the responsibility of the traveller.

🛡️ Travel Insurance
Must be arranged separately before departure.

💰 Tips
Gratuities for guides and support staff are not included.

🚲 Bike Hire
Available on request for an additional fee.

✈️ Flights & Arrival Information
📍 Tour Start Location: Delhi
📅 Arrival: Day 1 of your itinerary
📅 Departure: Final day of the itinerary

🚕 Airport Transfers
✅ Included Transfers

Arrival: We’ll collect you from the airport and transfer you and your luggage to the joining hotel in Delhi, no matter what time your flight lands on Day 1.
Note: If you arrive before midday, your room may not be available until the standard check-in time.

🚪 Extra Nights in Delhi
Planning to arrive early or stay on after the tour? We’re happy to help arrange:

Additional hotel nights

Airport transfers

These services are available at an additional cost. Please contact us in advance to confirm availability.

🌍 Flight Booking Details
🧳 Flights Not Included in Tour Price

International flights in and out of Delhi

Domestic flight from Leh to Delhi at the end of the tour

✈️ Important Note for Riders Bringing Their Own Bike
If you are flying home immediately after the tour, we strongly recommend allowing a 24-hour buffer between your Leh–Delhi domestic flight and your international flight, in case there are delays with your bike arriving back in Delhi.

🌐 Flight Search Tools
Explore flight times and prices via:

www.kayak.com

www.opodo.co.uk

For this tour we have Talon 27.5 1 and Scott Aspect 750 in a range of sizes.

 Our support vehicle carries a complete toolkit, spare parts, and a track pump to handle any issues along the way.

 Customise Your Ride
All bikes come with standard flat pedals. If you prefer using SPD or clip-in pedals, feel free to bring your own.
Similarly, if you have a personal saddle you’d like to use, you're welcome to bring it along.
 Our guide will be on hand to fit your pedals and saddle to your hire bike.

 Helmet Policy
Please note that cycle helmets are not included in the bike hire.
 You must bring your own helmet — helmet hire or purchase cannot be guaranteed on location.
 Wearing a helmet is mandatory while cycling. Failure to do so is at your own risk and may impact the validity of your travel insurance.

Scott Aspect 750 Gaint Talon 27.5

💱 Currency Exchange

Indian Currency
The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR / ₹). All purchases must be made in rupees—foreign currencies are not accepted in shops or restaurants.

What to Bring

• Bring a Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card for ATMs

• Travellers from the UK, Europe, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand: bring GBP, EUR, or USD for exchange

• New, clean banknotes only—old, torn, or damaged notes may be refused

• It's best to carry a mix of cash and a travel card for flexibility

Where to Exchange

• On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Terminal 3:

  • Currency exchange counters are available in the Arrivals Hall

  • ATMs are also located before and after immigration

  • ✅ Exchange a small amount at the airport for initial expenses (e.g. ₹3,000–₹5,000 / £30–£50)

  • ❌ Airport exchange rates are generally lower—better rates are found in Delhi city

• ✔ Your redspokes guide will assist with finding reliable exchange offices and ATMs in Delhi and en route to the mountains

💸 Spending Money

We recommend budgeting around £350 / $470 for the tour. This covers drinks, snacks, souvenirs, occasional meals, and optional extras.

Typical Costs in Northern India

🧭 Helpful Tips

• Cash is essential in remote areas like Ladakh—ATMs are limited

• Let your bank know your travel dates to prevent card blocks

• Carry small denomination rupee notes for markets and tipping

• ATMs may have withdrawal limits and occasional outages—withdraw early when in towns

• Your redspokes guide will help with practical advice throughout

💁‍♂️ Staff Tipping

Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for your guide and support crew.

💷 Suggested: £60–£80 per person
💵 Or $80–$100 equivalent

Tips are usually pooled and distributed by the lead guide at the end of the tour.
They are voluntary and based on the quality of service received.
redspokes pays all local staff fairly—tips are a bonus and a personal thank-you.

🚲 Bike Support
🛻 Full Vehicle Support
Throughout the tour, you’ll have the security of a dedicated support vehicle—either a jeep or a minibus. This vehicle:

Transports your main luggage between overnight stops

Is available if you need a break from cycling

Travels with the group, typically stopping every 12 miles (20 km)

🔧 On-Tour Repairs
Our experienced tour leaders carry a comprehensive tool kit and can assist with most minor bike repairs. During the ride, you’ll only need a small daypack for essentials like your camera, snacks, or sunscreen.

⚠️ Bringing Your Own Bike?
If you plan to bring your own bike:

It must be in excellent working condition

We strongly recommend a full service at a professional bike shop before your trip

While our team can help with most issues, we can’t guarantee parts or tools for every bike type.

🚲 Bike Hire & 🛏️ Single Room Options
If you’d like to hire a standard bike for your tour, or prefer the comfort of a single room, we can usually arrange this for you at an additional cost.

These options are:

✅ Available during the online booking process

✉️ Or can be requested later by email, subject to availability

🚴‍♀️ Who Travels with Us?
We welcome a wide mix of cyclists on our tours — from couples and friends to solo travellers.

🛏️ Room Sharing & Single Supplement
Our tour prices are based on twin-share accommodation.

Solo travellers are paired with another solo participant of the same gender.

Prefer your own space? You can usually upgrade to a single room for an additional charge (subject to availability).

Let us know your preferences at the time of booking — we’re here to help make your trip as comfortable as possible.

🍽️ Meals & Dietary Information – India (Delhi to Leh Tour)
Most meals are included in your trip price, with the exception of non-cycling days and some specified locations. Please refer to the itinerary for exact details.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us at the time of booking. Most diets can be accommodated, but it’s essential we’re informed in advance to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

Included Meals
All food is provided during the tour, with the exception of Delhi, Manali, and Leh, where you will need to cover your own lunch and evening meals.

Typical Meals on Tour
Breakfast: A choice of muesli, porridge or cereal, followed by eggs (omelette, fried, or scrambled) with chapattis or bread.

Lunch: A hearty mix of cooked vegetable dishes, rice, and traditional breads.

Dinner: A 3-course meal that starts with soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice, and pasta dishes, and finished with dessert.

Our cooks and kitchen crew uphold exceptional standards of cleanliness and food hygiene, ensuring that meals are both nutritious and safely prepared — keeping you well-fuelled for the journey ahead.

It is mandatory that you are well-insured for the full duration of the tour. This must include personal injury, medical expenses, death, repatriation, helicopter or aircraft rescue, loss of luggage or equipment, cancellation or curtailments.

You should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities included in your tour. Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance at the time of booking your trip to ensure that you are covered in the event of cancellation.

For people within the UK Snowcard Insurance Services specialize in all mountain sports holidays including mountain biking. Follow the link above to obtain full information and a quote.

🛏️ Accommodation – Tour Overview
We choose accommodation based on comfort rather than luxury — perfect for adventure travel with a good night's rest.

👥 Twin-Share Basis
Tour prices are based on twin-share rooms. If you’d prefer your own space, a single supplement is available on most tours.
📅 For additional cost details, please see the Dates & Prices section.

🏕️ Guest House, Hotel & Camping
Accommodation on this tour is a mix of guest houses, hotels, and camping, offering a variety of experiences along the way.

🚿 Facilities
Some hotel rooms include en suite bathrooms and 🌬️ air conditioning, although amenities can vary by location.

🧳 All accommodation options are selected with cyclists in mind, balancing comfort, convenience, and local charm.

🚴‍♂️ Bike Recommendations – Himalayan Tour
Riding in the Himalayas is tough on bikes — we recommend bringing something durable, comfortable, and well-geared for both the climbs and rough terrain.

🔧 Bike Type & Setup
🔩 Tough Build: A strong, resilient bike is essential.

⚙️ Gearing: Ideal gearing would be a 22-tooth front with an 11–32/34 rear block for those steep Himalayan climbs.

🚵 Mountain Bike: A popular choice.

Front suspension is useful for potholes and washboard tracks.

Full suspension is acceptable but may be less efficient on long tarmac sections.

🧤 Bar Ends: Helpful for hand position variety and climbing on flat bars.

🚲 Touring Bike: Possible, but make sure it has:

Strong wheels (preferably 36-spoke, hand-built)

Wide tyres (at least 37mm)

Low gearing

Recommended rim brands: Sun Rhyno, Mavic, Rigida

🛣️ Road Surface
A mix of poorly maintained tarmac and rough gravel tracks.

Best Tyre: Schwalbe Marathon XR – durable, well-treaded for gravel, yet efficient on tarmac.

🔧 Pre-Tour Servicing
Before departure, ensure your bike is fully serviced:

True and tension wheel spokes

Grease all bearings

Inspect & adjust gear/brake cables

Tighten all bolts

Check chain, rims, tyres, and QR clamps

Fit new inner tubes

🧰 Recommended Spares & Tools
Pack the following:

🧰 Multi-tool

🔧 Tyre levers

🪜 Mini-pump

🚴 Spare inner tubes

🧵 Spare spokes

🛑 Disc/brake pads (check with your bike shop)

⛓ Chain links

🔩 Any unique parts (e.g., bleed kits, fluids)

✈️ Bike Transport
Your bike counts toward your luggage allowance.
Weight in a cardboard box: 15–20 kg

⚠️ Be mindful of airline weight limits — you may need to pay excess luggage fees.

You must hold a valid passport in order to travel.  Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return from any overseas destination. 

Visa and entry requirements for most countries can and do change from time to time and so we strongly recommend that you consult the government travel website for where your passport was issued.

For UK nationals, please visit the gov.uk website for up to date information about entry requirements for India.  The website also provides vaccination advice as well as the option to sign up for Alerts so that you are aware if requirements have changed. 

We strongly recommend that you contact your doctor or local Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks before going on your trip for advice on the current vaccinations required for your trip.  Please also refer to the advice given by the National Travel Health Network and Centre . 

The weather is best in Ladakh during the summer months. Daytime temperatures can rise as high as 30-35C; the sun is very strong at altitude.  Nights are chilly at high altitude; temperatures can drop to 0C. There is always the possibility of rain and even snow at higher altitudes.  Conditions on high passes can be coldandthere are windy stretches. You will need gloves and warm, waterproof layers on the cycling days.  Our trip dates coincide with the time of year when you can expect good weather, please do remember that in any mountain area conditions can be unpredictable.  You should be equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.  Delhi in the summer months is hot and humid.

Here’s a general packing guide for your cycling adventure in the Himalayas. Please tailor this list to suit your personal needs and preferences. Conditions can vary widely, so prepare for both warm and cold weather.

🚴‍♂️ Essential Cycling Gear
Cycle Helmet (mandatory – must be worn at all times while cycling)

Padded cycling shorts

Cycle gloves (fingerless for warm weather, full-finger for cold)

Water bottles or CamelBak-style hydration system

Base layer tops (thermal or moisture-wicking)

Breathable waterproof cycling jacket

Lightweight thermal long johns and top

Fleece pullover or jacket

Buff or neck gaiter

👕 Clothing
T-shirts (lightweight and breathable)

Long-sleeved shirts (for sun and wind protection)

Baggy trekking shorts

Lightweight trousers (for evenings or cultural visits)

Waterproof trousers

Warm gloves and fleece hat

Trekking shoes or sturdy cycle shoes

Lightweight socks & heavier socks for cold nights

Flip-flops or sandals (for camp use)

🧼 Toiletries & Personal Care
Towel

High-factor sunscreen & lip balm with SPF

Insect repellent

Anti-bacterial hand wash or sanitiser

Antiseptic wet wipes

Toiletries (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)

🛌 Sleeping
3/4 season sleeping bag (essential – nights can be very cold)

Ear plugs (for peace and quiet in shared rooms or campsites)

🩺 First Aid (Bring Your Own Small Kit)
Your guide will carry a full first aid kit, but we recommend you carry personal items, including:

Pain relief (Paracetamol/Ibuprofen)

Anti-diarrhoea medication (e.g., Lomotil or Diacalm)

Rehydration salts (e.g., Dioralyte)

Plasters (band-aids)

Antiseptic cream

Throat lozenges

Nasal spray / eye drops

📱 Mobile Phones & SIM Cards
Most travellers bring a mobile phone to stay connected, take photos, or use maps and translation apps.

SIM Cards: You can purchase a local Indian SIM card on arrival in Delhi, either at the airport or from any major mobile provider like Airtel, Jio, or VI (Vodafone Idea). You’ll need to show a copy of your passport, visa, and a passport-sized photo for registration. The process may take a few hours or up to 24 hours to activate.

Coverage: Mobile signal can be patchy in remote Himalayan areas, but is generally good in towns and cities.

Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels and guesthouses.

⚡ Other Useful Items
Energy bars/gels or powdered recovery drinks

Camera (or use your mobile phone)

Power bank (for charging devices on the go)

Small daypack or saddlebag for essentials while riding

In India, the standard voltage is 230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz, which is compatible with most appliances from Europe, Asia, and other countries that use similar standards. India primarily uses Type C, Type D, and Type M plugs:

• Type C: Two round pins (common in Europe)

• Type D: Three round pins in a triangular formation (used mainly in India)

• Type M: Similar to Type D but with larger pins, used for heavy appliances

• Population 1.3 billion

• Area 3.1 million sq km (1.2 million sq miles), excluding Kashmir

• Major languages Hindi, English and more than 20 other official languages

• Major religions Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism

• Life expectancy 67 years (men), 70 years (women)

• Currency Rupee