Rajasthan, India From Desert to Mountains
TRAVEL DESIGNER Stephane Gautronneau BENJAMIN He splits his time between leading tours and running our Delhi office. But of one thing we re sure: his love for motorbikes is undivided! Rajasthan for grown-ups, after a briefing and a mechanics lesson in our garage. 2
MAP A TRIP WITH UNIQUE SENSATIONS A motorbike trip for freedom-loving bikers who pack some mechanical savvy but are, above all, resourceful and fearless. Boldly go, on two wheels, into one of India s most compelling regions: Rajasthan. Visit mythical cities, make an incursion into the Thar Desert, journey through the Aravali Range, and relish encounters with an endearing people. When you arrive in Delhi, we give you our best tips and provide a sat-nav and road book. Once familiar with your Royal Enfield, you re ready to embark on a highly colourful motorcycle tour. 3
EN BREF Without tour leader Mechanics training Unexpected events on the road Period October to March Duration 15 days including 12 days riding Level Demanding From 990 4
YOUR TRIP IN 15 STAGES STAGE 1 Arrive in Delhi: You re met at the airport and taken to your hotel in central Delhi. Free time, and night at the hotel. Delhi: You come to our garage for an induction day: a theory class about driving on Indian roads, and a hands-on mechanics class. You depart with a phone and an electronic roadbook.. Stephane Gautronneau STAGE 2 5
YOUR TRIP IN 15 STAGES Delhi - Shekhawati [300 km* 8H riding]: And off we go, for our motorcycle tour of Rajasthan! You pick up your bikes in Delhi, and head for the region of Shekhawati, famous for its majestic havelis. Arrival in the village of Mandawa, set in semi-desert terrain. STAGE 3 Shekhawati - Bikaner [200 km* 6H riding]: STAGE 4 On the way to Bikaner, your route continues through increasingly desert-like landscapes. On the edge of the Thar Desert, the historic city of Bikaner will take you by surprise with its noisy, cluttered alleyways. You can visit the city and its superb fort. 6
YOUR TRIP IN 15 STAGES Bikaner - Jaisalmer [340 km* 7/8H riding]: You could ride a long and beautiful road through the Thar Desert. On the approach to Phalodi, it s not unusual to spot lovely blackbuck antelopes by the roadside. Arrive at day s end in Jaisalmer. STAGE 5 STAGE 6 Jaisalmer: We advise you to spend a day in Jaisalmer. Walk round the fort, and visit the palace and Jain temples. Another tip: take a walk as far as Gadi Sar Lake. 7
YOUR TRIP IN 15 STAGES STAGE 7 Jaisalmer - Jodhpur [280 km* 6/7H riding]: After watching the dawn break, and breakfast, a 200km ride eastward along small roads to Jodhpur, the Blue City, one of the most beautiful cities in Rajasthan. Jodhpur - Ghanerao [170 km* 4/5H riding]: We cross the crowded, heaving old town of Jodhpur, overlooked by the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. You can visit the fort, then ride to the ancient kingdom of Mewar. Stephane Gautronneau STAGE 8 8
YOUR TRIP IN 15 STAGES Ghanerao - Udaipur [120 km* 4/5H riding]: You leave the arid plain of Mewar behind and wind your way into the Aravali Mountains: the superb roads pass through numerous valleys and a very diverse landscapes. Arriving in Udaipur, Venice of the East, will make a big impression on you. STAGE 9 Udaipur - Dhamli [220 km* 6H riding]: STAGE 10 You can visit Khumbalagarh Fort. In the afternoon, set off straight north on the road to Dhamli. You'll drop down from the mountains to the large semi-desert plain of Mewar. 9
YOUR TRIP IN 15 STAGES Dhamli - Pushkar [220 km* 6H riding]: You can continue your motorcycle trip through Rajasthan to Pushkar, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. To get there: small roads, semi-asphalt roads, and trails. STAGE 11 STAGE 12 Pushkar - Jaipur [190 km* 5h riding]: Northeast bound, you can ride along small roads to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan. On the way, be sure not to miss the large salt lake of Sambhar. In the afternoon, we recommend visiting the "Pink City". 10
YOUR TRIP IN 15 STAGES STAGE 13 Jaipur - Kesroli/Sariska/Alwar [170 km* 5H riding]: A morning visit to the huge Amber Fort, a few miles north of Jaipur, the we continue along small and sometimes mountainous roads to the fort in Alwar. Kesroli/Sariska/Alwar - Delhi [150 km* 4H riding]: We ride back to Delhi - and that's the end of your motorbike tour. Drop off your Royal Enfields in our garage, then back to your hotel and free time. Stephane Gautronneau STAGE 14 11
YOUR TRIP IN 15 STAGES Delhi - International airport: A tour of the city, then transfer to the airport based on your flight-departure time. STAGE 15 *Riding distances are indicative. 12
HOW DO YOU WANT TO GO? Create a new group Personalise your motorbike trip by creating your own dates and group! ''A la carte'' trips don't depend on the number of bikers in the group - you can even set off in a duo! 2 participants: 1190 /pilot 3 participants: 1140 /pilot 4 participants: 1090 /pilot 5 participants: 1040 /pilot 6 participants: 990 /pilot Book now: contact@vintagerides.com *Our prices are indicative. Please refer to our general terms & conditions. And enjoy 5% off your second trip 10% off your third trip and more Always in the limit of 300 13
MORE INFO PRICE INCLUDES A Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle is provided with full mechanical assistance and all spare parts from day 2 to day 14 Domestic transfers as appearing in the program, by private vehicle, on day 1 and day 15 Lodging in standard hotel on a twin-sharing basis (two single beds) on day 1, day 2 and day 15 Breakfasts on day 1, day 2 and day 14 Training: a freedom formula mechanics with an english-speaking tutor Electronic Road Book for the group: an itinerary designed by our team A mobile phone for emergency calls in India (communications are not included) PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Compulsory insurances, including repatriation assistance which covers you in case of a motorbike accident in India and legal assistance International flights and airport taxes Visa fees A refundable security deposit of 1500 for every motorcycle. If you re responsible for any damage during the trip, the necessary amount for motorcycle repair will be deducted from your deposit. The totality or the rest of the deposit will be given back at the end of the trip. Fuel expenses: count 10 to 20 per day Accommodation: from 2 per room Breakfasts except day 1, day 2 and day 14 Meals, drinks and tips: count 3 to 15 per person per meal Admission fees to various monuments, temples etc. Souvenirs and personal expenses 14
MY CHECKLIST Appropriate equipment is a component of a successful journey! Travel lightly, TRY TO STAY UNDER 45LBS (20 KGS) BAGS: A sailor bag would be perfect, a walker's bag too (without steel bar). You can close it with a padlock if you want to. Don t forget to tag it before leaving with your address. Also with the address of Vintage Rides in India. A small backpack of 20 litres is advised for daily necessities such as camera, sunscreen lotion, etc. SPECIAL MOTORCYCLE EQUIPMENT: Motorcycle boots are strongly advised or trekking shoes (waterproof) Warm motorbike jacket (synthetic preferred) A rain suit (just in case!) Gloves Helmet Bandana CLOTHES AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: 2 light pants 4 shirts (including some with long sleeves, to protect yourself from the sun) 2 warm sweaters or jackets Sunglasses Hat Sport shoes or trekking shoes 1 liter canteen (flask) and a flashlight (don t forget the battery) Some sweets and cereal bars PERSONAL MEDICINE: Sunscreen lotion Lip balm Broad-spectrum antibiotic Paracetamol Anti-diarrhoea Elastoplast Skin disinfectant Bandages and special blisters bandage 15
CONTACT US Copyrights photos: Charles Davidson - Daniel Verdon - Geraldine Shandilya - Agnes Cassiere - Benjamin Benini - Jolly Biliosi - Marie Diemer - Johann Rousselot - Franck Charton VINTAGE RIDES INDIA C-65 Okhla phase 1 New Delhi - 110020 Tel: +339 70 44 01 30 VINTAGE RIDES FRANCE 98 Rue Baudin - 92300 Levallois-Perret By appointment only Tel: +337 68 13 89 07 CONTACT@VINTAGERIDES.COM www.vintagerides.travel 16