Rajasthan - Desert & Palaces

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15 Days

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Delhi

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Rajasthan

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Delhi

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India

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2,200 km

Overview

This motorcycle journey through Rajasthan combines classic Indian highlights such as Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur with remote and lesser-known regions of this impressive Indian state. Handpicked accommodations in former palaces and carefully designed routes make this tour a truly special experience.

Rajasthan—“the Land of Kings,” as the name already suggests—is a place of grandeur. One of India’s largest states, it encompasses both the vast expanses of the Thar Desert and some of the country’s most fascinating cities. The history of the Maharajas, the aristocracy, and the colonial era is often romanticized. While a critical perspective on the sometimes questionable legacy of monarchic power structures is appropriate, it cannot be denied that these periods left behind remarkable architecture and extraordinary palaces that continue to captivate visitors. The landscape itself is equally compelling, with a strong, rustic charm: the colours, forms, and scenery of this rugged region offer an extraordinary riding experience and leave lasting impressions.

India is an intense interplay of sensory impressions—from food to sounds and smells, and the sheer visual density of everyday life. Poverty, simple living, wealth, and luxury coexist side by side, and Rajasthan brings all of these contrasts together in a striking way. Urban traffic is chaotic and often challenging, yet most travelers handle it well and come to embrace it as an intriguing part of the overall experience. At the same time, great importance is placed on balance, recovery and rest: palace hotels and experienced tour guidance provide comfort, calm, and orientation after demanding riding days.

For many, this journey marks the beginning of a deep connection with an extraordinary country—India: complex, challenging, and profoundly impressive at the same time.

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At A Glance

Best Travel Time	October, November, February, March
Tour Start / End	Delhi / Delhi
Duration	15 travel days, 13 riding days
Total Distance	Approx. 2,200 km
Daily Rides	110 to 340 km
Road Conditions	Mainly paved roads, with occasional short sections of gravel or sand. Overall, Rajasthan’s road network is well developed. This tour is well suited for riding with a passenger.
Motorcycles	Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Upon request, Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 or Royal Enfield Bullet 500 (left-side gear shift, electric starter, front disc brake) are also available.
Riding Skills	No special requirements, just good nerves and a sense of humor to handle Indian traffic. Suitable for pillion passengers.
Group Size	Minimum 4 and maximum 10 riders. There is always space for a passenger in the support vehicle.
Accommodation	Mainly former palaces and forts converted into hotels, as well as some mid-range hotels
Included Services	Motorcycle rental, fuel, support vehicle, mechanic, all accommodations, breakfast, lunch snack, dinner, drinking water with meals and on the road, all entrance fees, continuous tour guidance
Highlights	Taj Mahal, Udaipur (“Venice of the East”), the desert fort of Jaisalmer, the Rajput palaces, and the colorful splendor of traditional Rajasthani attire
Tour Guide	From arrival to departure, the entire tour is accompanied and supported by an experienced local, English-speaking guide. Our tour guides ride their own motorcycles and are much more than just road captains — they ensure smooth logistics, share local knowledge, and take care of the group throughout the journey.
Extras	Local mechanic in the support vehicle, also available as a replacement rider
Important	An Indian visa is required and must be applied for online in good time before the trip (not too early, not too late). Asia Bike Tours also offers a visa service. Simply send us a short email with the subject “Visa Service India”.

ITinerary

Day	Description
Day 1	Delhi – Neemrana (approx. 120 km): We travel by bus directly from the airport to the palace hotel Neemrana Fort. The comfortable two-hour drive helps us ease smoothly into the atmosphere and spirit of Rajasthan right after landing.
Day 2	Neemrana – Jhunjhunu (approx. 124 km): After a short introduction to the Royal Enfield motorcycles and the basics of Indian road traffic, we do some practical exercises before heading out on our first ride. The route leads into the Shekhavati region, famous for its beautifully decorated town palaces known as “havelis.”
Day 3	Jhunjhunu – Mandawa – Bikaner (approx. 200 km): Today’s ride takes about four hours and brings us to Bikaner. A visit to Fatehgarh Fort offers our first real impression of the opulent lifestyle of the Maharajas. Afterwards, we head to the unusual Rat Temple—certainly not for the faint-hearted, but truly unique. Those who prefer can relax in the gardens of the hotel instead.
Day 4	Bikaner – Jaisalmer (approx. 330 km): A long riding day along the edge of the Thar Desert. The medieval fortress of Jaisalmer rises like a guardian above the desert sands. We explore this beautiful and historic city.
Day 5	Jaisalmer surroundings: Short excursions into the nearby desert and free time to enjoy the sunset from the weathered walls of the old fortress.
Day 6	Jaisalmer – Osian (approx. 230 km): Back on Rajasthan’s open roads, we ride on to Osian. Although the town is small, it is home to an impressive number of ancient Jain temples carved from stone. An introduction to the Jain religion and excellent local food make this day especially memorable.
Day 7	Osian – Jodhpur (approx. 65 km): A short ride takes us to Jodhpur. The day is filled with sightseeing. Mehrangarh Fort is one of the best-preserved fort museums in India. The spice market is equally fascinating—rich aromas, vibrant colors, and insights into traditional trade invite us to linger. In the evening, we enjoy a special dinner overlooking the old city.
Day 8	Jodhpur – Ghanerao (approx. 120 km): We follow smaller roads toward Ghanerao. The charm of this place is immediate. The dry desert is now behind us, the landscape has turned green, and gentle hills add variety to the ride.
Day 9	Ghanerao – Kumbalgarh – Udaipur (approx. 180 km): The route leads through the Aravalli Mountains and the Ranakpur National Park. Hidden in a quiet valley lies the 15th-century Ranakpur Temple, built from white marble and supported by 1,444 finely carved columns holding up 29 temple roofs. We continue through traditional Bhil villages before stopping at the gates of the historic Kumbalgarh Fort, one of the largest fortresses in India, and then ride on to Udaipur.
Day 10	Udaipur: This fairytale-like city sits beside a chain of lakes. The Fateh Prakash complex and the old town are within walking distance of the hotel. A relaxed day with a city stroll, local sightseeing, and a boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Day 11	Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Bijaipur (approx. 130 km): Part of our rural, off-the-beaten-path exploration. We ride to Chittorgarh, one of the largest fortresses in Asia, and continue on to Bijaipur, where village life offers a glimpse of everyday rural India.
Day 12	Bijaipur – Bundi (approx. 140 km): Bundi is a favorite stop for many guests, known for its blue houses, a lively and authentic market with no tourist souvenir shops, and a charming guesthouse.
Day 13	Bundi – Karauli (approx. 75 km): Riding through lush green landscapes, we reach Karauli. The ancient temples and evening rituals are especially fascinating.
Day 14	Karauli – Bharatpur (approx. 160 km): The final riding day of the tour. We enjoy the fertile countryside before ending the day in Bharatpur.
Day 15	Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi (approx. 220 km): A long and rewarding day. An optional bird-watching rickshaw ride through a small national park is available. After breakfast, we continue to the Taj Mahal. Thanks to the new highway, we comfortably reach Delhi Airport on this memorable final day.
Extension	Additional nights in Delhi or a short side trip to Jaipur, the “Pink City.”