Asia Bike Tours live at Moto Austria 2026 · February 6–8 · Wels · Tour talks, meet & greet and real motorcycle journeys through Asia
This 12-day Himalayan motorcycle tour is a newly designed journey of discovery through one of the most spectacular highland regions on Earth – Ladakh.
With a perfectly balanced mix of culture, adventure, and dramatic landscapes, we explore hidden monasteries, remote side valleys, vast high-altitude plateaus, and some of the highest mountain passes in the world – including the legendary Umling La, often referred to as the highest motorable pass on the planet.
Our journey begins with a flight from Delhi to Leh, where we acclimatize in a beautiful hotel in the Indus Valley. The first riding days take us to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Stok Kangri range, into the lush oasis of Alchi, and across two unnamed mountain passes near Hemis Shukpachen – an ideal introduction for gradual altitude adaptation.
We then cross the famous Khardung La Pass into the Nubra Valley before following a spectacular route along the Shyok Gorge to reach the turquoise waters of Pangong Lake. From there, the route continues into the remote region of Hanle, passing endless high-altitude plains and isolated monasteries. The undisputed highlight of this Ladakh motorcycle adventure – and a true test of spirit and endurance – is the ascent to Umling La at an awe-inspiring altitude of 5,798 meters.
After a final riding stage through the Indus Valley, we enjoy the peaceful comfort of a beautiful hotel in Sakti. Those who wish to stay active can opt for an additional ride up to the Wari La Pass or return to Leh for shopping and exploration. The return flight to Delhi marks the end of this remarkable motorcycle journey to the highest motorable pass in the world.
INDIA / Ladakh - Umling La & the highest Passes in the World / June 2026
This tour shows you unexplored areas of the Indian Himalayas. Spectacular roads, high passes, and breathtaking landscapes await us. This journey also involves pioneering work, as we will drive on the newly opened Umging La Pass (5799 meters) and the new road to the Zanskar Valley.
INDIA / Ladakh - Umling La & the highest Passes in the World / August 2026
This tour shows you unexplored areas of the Indian Himalayas. Spectacular roads, high passes, and breathtaking landscapes await us. This journey also involves pioneering work, as we will drive on the newly opened Umging La Pass (5799 meters).
Yes An international driving license in combination with the national driving license is mandatory. It is not always checked, but in case of failure, it must be presented.
On arrival, there are stations at airports that offer SIM cards to tourists at acceptable prices. We recommend the providers Airtel and Jio. Be careful when it comes to offers on the street. A special feature in India is that not all SIM cards work nationwide. Prepaid SIM cards purchased in Delhi do not work in Ladakh. In Ladakh, the tour guide will be happy to help you organise a suitable local SIM card in Leh. WLAN is available in almost all accommodation.
Visa requirements may change at any time. Therefore, always check the latest information on official government websites. The following information is for guidance only. Austrian, German and Swiss citizens need a visa to enter India, which must be applied for online before traveling. In addition, an e-Arrival Card is now also required. Both are available on the official website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.htmlWenn If you want to save yourself the hardships of the Indian bureaucracy, you can also use the visa service offered by Asia Bike Tours. Simply send us an email. The e-visa must be printed out upon arrival. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure and contain at least two free pages. A booked return or onward travel ticket must be available. In addition, in rare cases, proof of sufficient financial resources for the stay may be required. There is no general identification requirement within India. In addition to the national driving license, an international driving license (according to the Geneva Transport Agreement of 1949) is required. Although this is usually rarely checked, it should be possible to present the case of doubt at any time.
Yes and no With its culture, diverse landscapes and colors, India offers a wide range of photo opportunities that people like to take away as a reminder. However, there are a few basic rules to follow: Photographing military and military facilities is generally prohibited. In religious cities, photography is sometimes not permitted or is only allowed to a limited extent. A photo fee is often charged, the amount of which may vary depending on the camera; stands are often prohibited. In some cases, video cameras are not allowed, while cell phones - including video recordings - are allowed. When taking pictures of people and on markets, permission should always be asked - verbally or with gestures. The subsequent showing of the photo often creates a friendly moment and contact with the local population. Important: Do not use flash when taking pictures of elephants, as frightened animals can react dangerously. Photographing corpses on the Ganges in Varanasi is strictly prohibited.
India has very strict drone laws and is also one of the best organized countries when it comes to regulating drone use. The import of drones is severely restricted, including to protect local drone production. Drones brought along can be confiscated at customs upon arrival. Foreign drone pilots may only fly if they have received prior approval from the Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing (WPC) Department. Illegal drone flights can be punished with fines or confiscation of the drone. Tourists should be aware that a violation of drone laws in India can have serious consequences. The regulations are subject to constant change, and many drone videos posted on the Internet by tourists were presumably created illegally. However, this is by no means a recommendation to do the same. In India, flying drones without a permit is risky and illegal, and careless handling can result in significant penalties.
It is advisable to carry a combination of cash (USD or EUR), a credit card (Visa and Mastercard are available; American Express and Diners are accepted much less frequently) and an ATM card. The ATM card should be activated at the bank for the travel time for foreign European countries (keyword Geo Control). Card payments are not accepted in many places. When carrying cash, be careful to only bring undamaged notes, as even slightly damaged notes are often not accepted. Small notes are recommended. In larger towns, ATMs are usually available, but the density is significantly lower than in Europe. Currency exchange is possible at airports, hotels and official exchange offices. Note: There have been isolated cases that ATMs have been manipulated and card data was then misused. We therefore recommend that you only use ATMs in secure, well-frequented locations (e.g. in banks or larger hotels).
In India, no vaccinations are required for entry (apart from a yellow fever vaccination if entry is from a corresponding risk area). Regardless of this, travel doctors often recommend several vaccinations for travel to India. These include in particular hepatitis A, often hepatitis B, and rabies vaccination, especially for longer stays and trips to rural areas. There are stray dogs in many regions and medical care is not immediately available. In India, there is a certain risk of malaria all year round, which varies from region to region. Destinations over 2,000 m above sea level are considered malaria-free. A general vaccination for travelers is currently not established; depending on the region, however, medication prophylaxis may be recommended. Typhoid vaccination may be useful depending on the type of trip, length of stay and personal circumstances. We recommend that you seek individual advice from a doctor experienced in travel medicine well in advance of the trip.
Silk and other fabrics, silver jewelry, various types of tea, carpets, fabrics embroidered with small mirrors, spices, decorative stone inlays (table tops, glass coasters, storage boxes?)
With the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. On request, the Himalayan 411 Or the legend Royal Enfield Bullet 500 (left shift, electric starter, front disc brake) available.
Use right hand: The left hand is considered unclean and should not be used to eat, shake, or give away objects.Restraint in public spaces: public affection between men and women (kissing, hugging, close body contact) is perceived as inappropriate.Appropriate clothing: In temples and rural areas, shoulders and knees should be covered; Shoes are taken off in religious cities. Respectful communication: Better avoid sensitive topics such as politics, religion, caste system or Pakistan. Photograph With care: photograph people, religious rituals and holy places only with permission; military facilities may not be photographed. Be careful in everyday life: do not drink tap water; avoid ice cream and unwashed food.Negotiate: Action is common on markets, but not when it comes to food or fixed prices. Observe laws: Drug possession and consumption are strictly prohibited and are severely punished.In principle, the following applies: Patience, respect and a friendly appearance — often accompanied by a smile — are the best way to welcome yourself to India to feel.
We expect a net travel time of around 5 hours per day. Depending on the route, this can result in different kilometers per day. On average, we drive 100-200 km, sometimes less than 100 km, rarely significantly more - as long as road conditions allow it without any problems. Road conditions vary greatly: In addition to good asphalt roads, there are also unpaved roads and slopes, depending on the tour. Sandy sections can occasionally be expected; after rain, individual passages may be muddy. The general condition of roads and traffic often make driving in India an exciting challenge for foreigners. We generally avoid trips after dark.