What to Pack
Items you need to take with you
What to pack for the Himalayas (Bhutan, Indian Himalayas and Nepal – similar weather conditions)
Riding in the Himalayas always requires a range of clothing. The passes can get very cold and snowed under. As much as your riding jacket should protect you from the road, it should offer protection from the cold and also be well ventilated for when the sun shines brightly in the high altitude landscapes. Evenings in the mountains can be cold, therefore we advise you to bring a warm pullover, body-warmer or a fleece jacket. Off the bike, lightweight clothes should be sufficient, provided you bring thermal underwear. The higher the altitude, the cooler the temperature. After the summer season, warm clothes are required.
What to pack for South India & Sri Lanka (Thailand & Laos – similar weather conditions)
The above destinations call for lightweight, cool clothing, with a woollen pullover or fleece for chilly evenings. It’s hot during the day, so protective / armoured clothing should be lightweight and well ventilated. Remember to bring swimwear and a lightweight towel.
What to pack for Mongolia
As long as it’s a sunny day, the temperatures are pleasant. The climate changes sporadically and there are huge drops in temperatures. Mornings and evenings will always be fresh / cold out in the Steppes. Pack for camping in the Steppes (incl. warm sleeping bag).
What to pack for Vietnam
Vietnam like Thailand can be very hot close to the coast but several degrees cooler in the central highlands. Our tours are usually conducted in the period July to September so temperatures of mid 30’s are expected on the coast and mid 20’s once in the mountains. Whilst the majority of these tours are on sealed roads, you are still recommended to wear protective/armoured clothing with good ventilation. This period can also be wet so it is necessary to bring rain wet weather gear. Bring swimwear.
General
We always wear Helmets! It is the law to wear a helmet everywhere we ride. ‘Local quality’ helmets can be bought in larger cities though your own is always more comfortable and there is no guarantee that there’ll be an opportunity to shop for a helmet before the ride commences.
When visiting Temples or Gompas, you must remove your shoes. Slip-ons and zipped boots make this lot easier.
Often newcomers to India and Nepal will bring too much “stuff”! All over India and Nepal the essentials are available, from toothpaste to batteries, from headache tablets to pants and socks. It’s part of the experience to buy simple requirements as you go along.
We recommend you travel to India with rugged, ‘soft’ luggage, which can later be stowed in the hotel or support Jeep.
What follows, is a selected and detailed list of items that are of primary importance for the safety and comfort of all our riders. This list has been carefully elaborated, year after year, on the basis of our experience in the terrain. Each and every item that we consider suitable will guarantee a better course of the expedition. There is neither time nor facility to equip yourself adequately during your trip in India, so please read through the following list. We strictly recommend our guests to acquire, specifically, all of the required items.
Bike Gear (*required)
The easiest way to bring your riding gear is by wearing it on the flight if you need to transfer onto a smaller, national flight with luggage restrictions (Please check before you leave home). Should you only fly international flights to the meeting point, it’s easy to pack all this gear into a duffel bag, which can be folded and kept with your luggage which will travel in the backup van for the duration of your motorcycle tour.
Clothing [casual clothes] (*required)
Camping – if required
(some of these items are good to bring even for non-camping tours)