FAQs

Who’s behind Nomadic Knights?

Hi. I’m Alex Pirie. For the last 14 years, I’ve been leading people like you on life-changing motorcycle adventures through India, Nepal and to Mount Everest in Tibet. Nomadic Knights is my business and my passion. We offer:

• Unique routes – tuned and perfected for over a decade.
• The best fleet – Royal Enfield Himalayan & Royal Enfield Bullet.
• The best mechanics, safety and support.

Make no mistake. These are real adventures that will summon the very essence of you. From open plains to winding mountain paths, you’ll fall in love with life all over again. Plus, you’ll have more fun than you’ve had in years. I know, because in 2006 I was sat right where you’re sitting.

You can read our story or take a look at the routes you could be riding.

How much riding experience do I need?

It is important that you feel confident on a motorcycle, so we usually suggest that you have at least two years recent riding experience. For some of our adventures, it may also be useful to book an off-road training day before you travel.

Download our free Information Packs (from the Adventure pages for details).

BUT, it’s not just about your ability. It’s as much about your attitude to the situations we may encounter.

Our participants have wildly different levels of experience, but we all tend to share a positive attitude, a sense of humour and a passion for adventure. Conditions during the tour will challenge us all, but it’s easier to take it in your stride when you’re surrounded by like-minded people.

All our days are planned so we can stop, take photographs, and have regular breaks to eat and drink.

How fit do I need to be?

You don’t need to be super-fit, but we’re talking long rides, early mornings and varying temperatures. A small amount of effort before departure can make all the difference.

If you go to a gym, you’re fine. If not, we recommend that you try to walk at a brisk pace for twenty minutes or more – three or four times a week.

For specific details about a particular adventure, download its free Information Pack. If you have specific health concerns, please get in touch.

Can I bring a pillion?

Yes, you can. We offer pillion options on each of our tours, with one caveat. If the conditions on a particular leg require it, we reserve the right to ask a pillion passenger to travel in a support vehicle.

Are these adventures safe?

Safety is our first concern. We travel with mechanics, medical back up and experienced support-teams.

But it’s important to recognise that these are adventures, not holidays. We’re riding through bustling cities, remote mountain passes and sometimes challenging weather.

We take safety seriously, and we require everyone who rides with us to have adequate personal travel insurance. See the adventure information packs for more specific details.

What motorcycles will I be riding?

You’ll be riding a motorcycle from the iconic brand, Royal Enfield. Each motorcycle is in first class condition and is fully serviced before every ride. We replace the fleet every two years.

I’m a mechanic by trade, so nothing gets past me.

That means you won’t find any of our motorcycles with bald tyres, bad brakes or bashed fuel tanks. Safety is our first concern. We don’t repair inner tubes; we fit new ones. If your horn’s not working, we’ll replace it.

Find out more about our motorcycles.

Can I buy my motorcycle?

It’s not unusual for riders to fall in love with their motorcycles on our adventures. After all, it’s a bond built over thousands of kilometres. Because of this, we now offer a genuinely unique service – the chance for you to bring your motorcycle home. See our Make It Yours page for details.

What accommodation can I expect?

If you expect it to be basic, nothing will shock you. Your accommodation will vary as much as the terrain.

Depending on the tour, you can expect everything from lodges, cabin-style accommodation to luxury hotels. The important thing is that it will always be safe, clean, and the best we can secure in the (sometimes) remote regions we ride through.

Will I be sharing a room?

We allocate rooms on a twin-share basis. (If you are travelling with a friend or partner, let us know when you book and we will do our best to accommodate you.)

If you’d prefer a single room, we can arrange that (where possible) for a supplemental fee. Select the option when you book.

All that said, given some of the places we ride on certain tours, there may be times when it is necessary to sleep more than two to a room.

The can-do attitude is all part of the adventure.

What kit will I need?

Although the basics stay the same, the exact kit you’ll need will depend on the tour. Download the free Information Pack from any adventure page to get its Kit List.

Here are some things to bear in mind.

• These are serious trips. It’s not a good idea to bring anything you are worried about damaging.
• All camera and computer equipment should be well-protected and insured.
• Temperatures can change significantly during our rides. Wearing several layers will give you the ability to adjust your kit to suit the conditions.
• Take comfort seriously. You’ll want as much of your attention as possible on the road ahead.

For everything else, download the Information Pack for the adventure you are considering.

Will I need a Visa?

The short answer to that is yes. Take a look at the adventure you are interested in, and download its Information Pack.

How do I pay?

Once you’ve booked, we’ll send you an automated email along with your booking reference detailing how to pay your deposit, or in full. (It is this payment that guarantees your place.)

Ready to pay?

What about COVID-19?

Everyone is entitled to make their own choices regarding COVID, but ours is to keep riding. We’re a motorcycle adventure company, so we choose the road.

And we aren’t alone.

India is a very different from the West, and the people here have chosen a different path. There’s no panic or hysteria. Indians are used to taking responsibility for themselves and getting on with life – and that’s what they are doing.

How you feel about COVID will come down to your beliefs and situation, but this isn’t a theme park. Many of the places you’ll travel will be busy, bustling and vibrant. That’s part of the experience.

Our Covid Guarantee

So, life goes on… unless we are forced to cancel a tour because of COVID. In that case – of course – we guarantee to rebook all riders on a future tour free of charge.