Top of the Himalaya Tour August 2018
For me, choosing a guide / tour company for this trip (of a lifetime!) came down to two factors - deciding to go with a local Indian business, and the emails back and forth with the various operators in India. I was keen to meet and ride with a diverse group of other riders rather than an existing group from a home country, so that narrowed and simplified choices considerably. Then, contacting a few Indian operators 12 months prior for itinerary, pricing, and dates, it became clearer that one guide (and ride captain) stood out - Yogesh Kumar of Royal Bike Riders.

Their website provides plenty of good tour options and detailed information (dates & pricing, ride difficulty, equipment to bring), and Yogesh backed this up with further details - giving me the confidence to drop an early deposit.

As arranged, Yogesh met me at Delhi airport in August 2018, checked me into a good hotel, and the following day the group all met (7 travellers) for a night out in New Delhi. Fog in the north cancelled our flight plans the next morning, so Yogesh hired two taxis for a rollicking and enthralling drive instead - the adventure began! Arriving at Manali, Yogesh again checked us into a very plush hotel.

Next morning, we met the rest of the support crew - our mechanic Shishu, and our 4wd driver - and our bikes - almost new Royal Enfield Bullet 500's (with obligatory prayer flags). With the 4wd loaded with our bags, petrol, bike tools and parts, snack-food, and bottled water, we set off for Rohtang La. Quickly adapting to some of the group's varied riding abilities, Yogesh was easily able to make significant changes (to bikes/riders, accommodation) on the fly to maintain our itinerary. During the ride, there was no need for riders to keep close - we often strung out over several km, stopping for photos or rests, and always with the 4wd bringing up the rear.

Being border country, there were numerous military / government checkpoints. Yogesh had pre-booked our transits and had all passport details summarised, so we had no delays or problems.

I do recommend watching a few youtube vids on motorcycling in the region - it'll highlight the ride conditions, and ensure you're more prepared for this epic journey.

So, I highly recommend Royal Bike Riders and it's owner/ride captain Yogesh Kumar as a motorcycle tour operator in India.

We had amazing trip in South india with Royal Bike Riders. Thanks Yogesh

Spectacular tea gardens, mountains, beaches, houseboat amazing weather. Thanks Yogesh

Sorry it has taken so long to write to you. I like to say thank you from my father and myself for a fantastic trip we both felt thoroughly looked after during our time with you. I hope everything is well with yourself. Many thanks again our time together is a memory i should cherish for many many years.

Lot’s of adventure & fun in Himalayas. Hard work but truly Himalayan ride. Thanks Yogi

Hi Yogesh- I am reflecting on an exciting and challenging ride in the beautiful Himalaya. Congratulations on being a great road captain and host, in particular we felt very welcomed into your family and Royal Rider Team. You encouraged riders to have a go in unfamiliar territory and we felt well supported with mechanical and personal support. It was a blast that I will remember always...

Can I just say to you thanks so much for a fantastic time. You (and your crew) were absolutely great. Quite honestly I (and I know the others did as well) just had the best trip. It was something that I will never forget.

Just wanted to thank you all for a wonderful time spent with each of you on our Himalayan bike ride. It was a great ride with Yogesh and I appreciate the opportunity to undertake the adventure with a unique and interesting group of guys. Thanks Grand Yak Paul for the opportunity to join the group. It was a lot of fun.

Loved this trip. Great company of riders. Thanks Yogesh.

Hello Yogesh, Thank you for a wonderful trip to Rajasthan. In the name of the whole group I congratulate you for your organization and your choices!

Great trip Yogesh

Hello Yogesh, Enjoyed the trip very much for the following reasons: 1. Well planned and organised.
2. Well backed up with a mechanic, spares, fuel and a vehicle.
3. Not too cold.
4. Stunning high altitude scenery.
5. Friendly local people.
6. Didn’t get sick.
7. Great socializing at the end of the day over a few beers.

Hi Yogesh, For me every day was an adventure, one of the best trips I have been on.

Just letting you know that I have just returned from doing The Top Of The Himalayas ride with Yogesh. Ended up with 9 riders. We had a great time . I now agree with everything you said. It was a wonderful ride. Yogesh was definitely worthwhile travelling with. He treated us all as his guests and not as clients.

First of my motorcycle adventure in Himalayas & feel proud to be alive. Enjoyed it fully. Thanks Royal Bike Riders

Enjoyed it totally. Thanks RBR

Great scenery in Himalayas. Enjoyed Royal Enfield ride with group of Riders in Himalayas. Thanks Royal Bike Riders.

Done 5 trips & enjoyed every time.

I came for a Motorbike adventure. I found a country and a people warm and friendly. RBR made my experience real. Thanks Guys

You can't make it any better perfect.

I Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the only comment I have is more meat dishes.

Our Driver was very good. Ashok Mechanic was excellent. Hot water in Sarchu camp good.

Overall tour was very good.

Tour to Himalaya (Top of The Himalaya) was very good. Our driver & mechanic were very good.

The team introduced me to the bikes, Royal Enfield's, the newer models Classic 500's with gear shift on the left and older models with gear shift on the right. My machine a maroon Classic 500 purred into life and we set off on an orientation ride into Manali some 15 Kms away. I know this doesn't sound far but getting into the riding format takes a bit of getting used to. Following Yogesh on that first day I realized that your every sense had to be on the alert as buses came swooping towards us while we negotiated a truck doing a delivery, zipping passed 2 kids strolling off to school and ancient woman with huge loads of cattle fodder on their backs in cone shaped baskets.

Speed is not the thing skill is , tight turns going up the mountain blaring hooters all around and the solid beat of that trustworthy R Enfield gets you through any situation.

Our tour arranged by Royal Bike Rider & they provide us moving camping in the Himalayas (Ladakh). All services were very good & we all enjoyed our trip to Himalaya.

Our trip to Ladakh, Himalaya with my friends was memorable & most of the services arranged by Royal Bike Riders. Having some problem in Himalayas but rest of thing had gone very good. Overall we all enjoyed our trip.

I have done Himachal Tour (Himalayan foothills tour) with Royal Bike Riders & everything has gone well. We all enjoyed our trip & will come again. Very nice trip.

Mr. Rupert Lawson
UK

I was also with Rupert Lawson & we have enjoyed every moments of this trip. Hotels & cottages were very nice. We had great time together in Himalayan foothills.

All the Best Royal Bike Riders & ride Safe

Mr. Andrew Sims
UK

It has been a great tour to Indian Himalayan. Himachal Pradesh is so nice places to visit. We had great time with Royal Bike Riders & Rohtang pass was a great place to visit.

Memorable trip to India.

Mr. Sherif Meneisy
UK