Welcome to Dream Ride Himalaya. By booking a motorcycle expedition, renting a motorcycle, or participating in any guided tour operated by us, you agree to be bound by the following Terms & Conditions. Please read them thoroughly prior to booking.
1. Booking & Payment Terms
All tour reservations require an advance token deposit (typically 25% to 30% of the total tour cost) to confirm your slot, allocate your Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle, and block your hotel/camp rooms.
- Advance Payment: Payable via online bank transfer (NEFT/IMPS), UPI, or recognized payment gateway.
- Balance Payment: The remaining balance must be cleared at least 15 days prior to tour departure, or in cash/bank transfer upon arrival at our base camp in Manali or Leh before motorcycle handover.
- Booking Confirmation: A detailed booking voucher with batch dates, hotel list, and rider instructions will be issued upon receipt of the advance payment.
2. Rider Eligibility & Licensing Requirements
Himalayan riding involves extreme terrain, high altitude passes (up to 19,024 ft), river crossings, and unpredictable weather. To participate as a rider, you must meet the following criteria:
- Valid Driving License: Indian riders must possess a valid, permanent motorcycle driving license with gear. International riders must hold a valid domestic motorcycle license and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Age Limit: Riders must be at least 18 years of age (21 years for standalone bike rentals). Pillion riders must be at least 14 years old.
- Riding Competency: Riders must have prior experience operating geared motorcycles over long distances. High-altitude Himalayan passes are not suitable for novice or learner riders.
3. Motorcycle Usage & Security Deposit
All motorcycles in our fleet (Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, Scram 411, Classic 350) are thoroughly serviced by certified Royal Enfield mechanics before each expedition.
- Pre-Ride Inspection: Riders will inspect the allotted motorcycle alongside our mechanic before the trip begins. Existing minor scratches or blemishes will be documented.
- Refundable Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit of ₹10,000 (standard tours) or ₹15,000 (standalone rentals) per motorcycle must be submitted before departure.
- Damage Liability: In the event of an accident or fall resulting in component damage (clutch levers, mirrors, handle bars, footrests, fuel tank, etc.), the actual replacement cost as per Royal Enfield MRP will be deducted from the security deposit.
- Normal Wear & Tear: Punctures, engine wear, and brake pads consumed under regular riding conditions are handled by our dedicated mobile mechanic and backup crew free of charge.
4. Cancellation & Refund Policy
Because hotels, camps, permits, and motorcycles are booked well in advance in remote regions, the following cancellation slabs apply:
| Cancellation Timeline | Refund Percentage |
|---|---|
| 45 days or more prior to departure | 85% Refund (15% processing fee) |
| 30 to 44 days prior to departure | 60% Refund |
| 15 to 29 days prior to departure | 30% Refund |
| Less than 15 days or No-Show | No Refund (0%) |
5. Inner Line Permits (ILP) & Checkpoints
All riders must carry original government photo ID (Passport for Foreign Nationals; Aadhaar/Voter ID for Indian Citizens) throughout the expedition.
- All Inner Line Permits for protected areas (Pangong, Nubra, Turtuk, Hanle, Umling La) are arranged by Dream Ride Himalaya as part of your package.
- Riders must maintain strict decorum at Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) checkposts. Photography of military installations, bridges, and radar bases is strictly forbidden by Indian law.
- Flying private drones in Ladakh, Spiti, and near international border zones is strictly banned without prior written clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs and District Magistrate.
6. Health, Acclimatization & AMS Disclaimer
Riding through passes exceeding 15,000 to 19,000 feet exposes participants to thin air, reduced oxygen levels, and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
- Mandatory Acclimatization: Our itineraries incorporate mandatory acclimatization rest days in Leh (11,500 ft) or Kaza before attempting high passes like Khardung La or Kunzum Pass.
- Medical Backup: Every guided group is accompanied by a backup vehicle carrying emergency medical oxygen cylinders, pulse oximeters, and first-aid gear.
- Rider Responsibility: Riders with cardiovascular problems, severe asthma, or high blood pressure must obtain a medical fitness certificate from a qualified physician prior to joining the tour.
7. Force Majeure & Route Modifications
The Himalayas are governed by natural elements. Sudden landslides, heavy unseasonal snowfall, bridge collapses, flash floods, or military road closures (e.g., at Rohtang, Baralacha La, Zoji La, or Khardung La) are beyond human control.
- In the interest of rider safety, our Road Captain reserves the absolute right to alter, shorten, or detour any route.
- Any additional expenses arising from unforeseen delays (extra hotel nights, emergency transport, or flight re-bookings) will be borne by the individual participant.
8. Rider Conduct & Zero-Tolerance Policy
- Riders must adhere to group riding formations, speed limits set by the Road Captain, and standard hand signals.
- Wearing an ISI/DOT certified helmet, riding jacket, knee guards, and sturdy gloves is mandatory on all riding days.
9. Jurisdiction & Governing Law
Any disputes, claims, or legal matters arising out of or in connection with bookings with Dream Ride Himalaya shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Leh, UT Ladakh or Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India.