Quick answer: India Loves To Ride (ILTR) runs multi-day motorcycle tours to Spiti, Ladakh, Mustang and the North East, and arranges customised tours on request. Motorcycles are usually included on customised tours. You can also bring your own, if you can reach the starting city a day before the ride.
Key takeaways
- Long tours go to Spiti, Ladakh, Mustang and the North East, plus customised routes.
- Bike included, or bring your own: both are possible.
- A tour leader, mechanic, backup vehicle, first aid kit and oxygen cans travel with the group.
- Check road dates and permits from official sources before you go.
Which long tours does ILTR run?
Four regions, plus tours built around you.
| Region | What the tour covers | Read next |
|---|---|---|
| Spiti | Kinnaur and Spiti valleys, and the Kunzum La crossing (about 4,500 m) | Spiti motorcycle trip guide |
| Ladakh | Leh, Khardung La (5,359 m) and the high roads of Ladakh | Ladakh motorcycle trip guide |
| Mustang | Mountain riding in Nepal | Ask ILTR for the current plan |
| North East | Arunachal Pradesh, including Sela Pass (4,170 m), Tawang and Ziro, with Majuli, Nagaland and Kaziranga on our tour | Arunachal motorcycle trip guide |
| Customised | A route, dates and group size that suit you | Write to us |
Our Epic Himalayan Motorcycle Adventure links Delhi, Shimla, Spiti, Leh and Srinagar in one ride, and Explore Untamed India on Two Wheels covers the North East. Our site also has tour pages for Rajasthan and the Western Ghats.
Are motorcycles included, or can you bring your own?
Both work. On customised tours, motorcycles are usually included. You can also bring your own if you can reach the ride’s starting city a day before the ride. Our tour pages list Royal Enfield motorcycles, and the North East tour uses the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Sunday rides and weekend getaways work differently, so see our guides to Sunday breakfast rides and weekend getaway rides.
What support travels with the group?
A full team, so you can focus on riding. On ILTR tours you ride with:
- a tour leader who guides the group;
- a mechanic with spare parts;
- a backup vehicle;
- a first aid kit;
- oxygen cans for altitude.
When is the best time for a long tour?
It depends on the region. The high Himalayas (Ladakh and Spiti) open from about June to mid-September, and Arunachal Pradesh is best in April to June and October to November. See our best time to ride in India guide. Himachal and Ladakh roads open and close with snow, landslides and flash floods, so always confirm road dates from official sources, such as the Border Roads Organisation and the district administrations, before you travel.
What about permits?
It depends on the region and on who is riding. Indian riders need no permit for Spiti, but foreign riders do, and our guide for foreign riders explains the rules. Our Ladakh and Arunachal guides cover the permits for those regions.
Mustang is different. Upper Mustang needs a Restricted Area Permit, an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and a licensed guide with a registered agency. Indian citizens need these permits too, even though they do not need a visa for Nepal. Fees have changed recently, so check current rates before you book.
How do you stay safe on a long tour?
Prepare for altitude, weather and distance.
- Weather: Himalayan weather can turn cold fast, and your hands can feel frozen on the road. Carry waterproof riding gear and always keep a backup set with you.
- Altitude and dry air: high regions like Spiti are dry desert, so keep yourself hydrated at all times and avoid direct sunlight. If you feel any sign of altitude sickness (AMS), tell your tour leader immediately. ILTR always carries oxygen cans, which help in dealing with AMS. Even so, your safety always lies in your own hands, so please take these adventures seriously.
- Respect: respect the locals and their traditions and culture. Do not get into arguments. If something does go wrong, involve the ILTR team to resolve it. Never take matters into your own hands.
If you are new to group touring, a weekend getaway is a good first step.
FAQ
Are motorcycles included on ILTR tours?
On customised tours they usually are.
Can I bring my own motorcycle?
Yes, if you can reach the starting city a day before the ride.
Which regions do long tours cover?
Spiti, Ladakh, Mustang and the North East, plus customised tours on request.
Can ILTR arrange a customised tour?
Yes. Write to us with your dates, group size and route ideas.
Do I need a permit for Mustang?
Yes. Upper Mustang needs a Restricted Area Permit and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, arranged through a registered agency.
What support travels with the group?
A tour leader, mechanic, backup vehicle, first aid kit and oxygen cans.
Plan your tour with ILTR
Tell us your region, month and group size, and we will suggest a plan. Write to join@indialovestoride.in, or browse upcoming rides on the All Events page.
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026. Rules, fees and road status change, so check before you travel. Mustang permit sources: Upper Mustang permit guide; Upper Mustang permit facts; Permit rules for Nepali, Indian and foreign travellers.