Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
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We are indeed withdrawing to a silent and secluded place – ourselves, as we practice, and ride - and Ladakh, the most remote and inhabited region in India. It will be an inner and outer journey. Meaning, we will journey within, as we travel without. The practices of Yoga, men’s work and meditation are central in this retreat (whatever your level of practice). The way the whole program is structured, between the practices, the roads we are riding through, the hotels we stay at, the visits we will do, they all contribute to such withdrawal and introspection, as we move from place to place.
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Yes, in order to keep it sustainable and more intimate, this is quite an exclusive retreat. The maximum number of participants is 11 (12 with the travel leader). This will facilitate a closer and more friendly environment within the group, throughout the retreat.
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On your own motorcycle, of course. Exception made to the first two days, and the two last. We will ride almost every other day of the retreat, unless it’s a rest day.
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As long as you have a motorcycle licence, some riding experience and an open mind to go deeper with the group, then yes. Every participant has to take part in all the retreat’s practices and activities, have a motorcycle driver’s licence for 500cc, and we recommend at least one year riding experience on asphalt. It is also advised to be physically fit, as the altitude and the roads are quite tough already. Even though you don’t need to have off road experience, some harder days on the road are to be expected.
You will also need an International Driving License, and travel insurance that includes riding a motorcycle in India. If you fail to comply with any of the above, even if you are already in India, a motorcycle will not be assigned to you.
RETREAT
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Men born in male bodies, wanting a deeper experience than the average tourist ride, longing to connect authentically with themselves and others through Yoga, men’s work, meditation and motorcycle riding.
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This retreat is exclusive for men because it provides a focused and supportive environment for addressing male-specific issues and concerns. It offers a safe space for men born in male bodies to explore their identities, challenges, and growth opportunities, without pressures or expectations. In this retreat, men can openly discuss topics such as masculinity, mental health, relationships, career and purpose without inhibition, promoting deeper understanding of themselves and their peers. By creating a supportive environment, this retreat empowers men to address their unique concerns and develop strategies for personal and collective growth. This focused approach allows participants to explore and confront issues that may be overshadowed or overlooked in a mixed-gender setting, ultimately promoting deeper introspection, connection, and self-development.
Click here if you want to learn more about Men’s RetreatsClick here if you want to learn more about Men’s Work
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Men’s circles are safe and inclusive spaces where men born in male bodies can explore their masculinity, share about emotions, mental health, personal struggles, goals and other themes, while cultivating stronger relationships with other men. Men’s circles help men challenge harmful and limiting beleifs about masculinity, become more self-aware and emotionally intelligent, connect with others authentically, work towards goals, and deepen their sense of purpose. Men's circles have been around since ancient times. They are a way for men to come together and share their experiences and wisdom. These gatherings were important in many indigenous cultures for passing down knowledge to future generations. In recent years, men's circles have become popular again in the West.
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In this retreat we will practice Kundalini Hatha Yoga, a spiritual development practice rooted in Indian Tantric traditions, Tibetan Bön, and Tibetan Buddhism. It introduces awareness of body, and health cultivation, offering gentle purification and strengthening.
Topics in our practice will include elemental balancing postures, Pranayama, Yoga Nidra, and meditation. Catering to all ages, body types, and fitness levels, this practice emphasises listening to one's body and commit to personal growth.
Learn about the facilitator, by clicking here
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There are plenty of books on mature masculinity to read and get inspired. Among those, try these for a start:
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Unfortunately not. If you are just looking for a motorcycle tour, this is not the right group for you. Yoga, men’s circling and meditation are core practices of this retreat. All participants without exception, regardless of their experience, agree to take part in all the practices and activities. Health issues and personal needs will be assessed individually with the facilitator, on a daily basis. If you have a medical condition or any other questions about your ability to participate, you should send us a message and schedule a discovery call before you register. Be aware that refusal to participate in the practices and group activities will result in the expulsion of the retreat without any refund.
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Some days are tighter, with an estimate of about 6 to 8 hours of riding. Some other days are pretty relaxed between 3 to 5 hours of riding. Riding in this journey will be an extenuating practice, as it adds up to the harshness of the high altitude desert, where it is quite dry, and there is much less oxygen than at sea level. This can result for instance, among other things, in less quality sleep during some nights. The days will flow as smoothly as possible in this retreat, between riding, practice, and acclimatisation, but expect some harder days, and also rest days in between to restore our energies.
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On day three in Srinagar, we'll meet our team and get safety tips for riding in India. Our first ride will be short that day, to Sonamarg, giving us a chance to get used to our motorcycles, traffic and left-side riding.
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No, you don't need to worry about your luggage. We will carry it in our support vehicle along with spare parts. You should bring a small backpack with water pouch (highly recommended) that contains your passport, cards, cash, camera, and other important items. We will take care of the rest of your luggage, so you can travel with less weight and fully enjoy the journey.
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Driving in India is generally more difficult for Westerners compared to most Western countries. The rules are sometimes more relaxed than in other countries, so one needs to be extra cautious when driving, especially in areas with heavy traffic like Srinagar and the outskirts of Leh. The traffic reduces gradually after Srinagar, and the roads are slower due to the mountainous terrain. However, it is important to remain fully attentive as the mountain roads are challenging and often lack guardrails. We will drive carefully and at a slower pace in many sections, taking regular breaks for short rests.
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Rental motorcycles in India are covered under third-party insurance only. This means they don’t cover accidental damages caused by reckless driving, like off road or excess speed. Although we do not charge you for an extra deposit, as some agencies do, we consciously trust that you will, in good faith, cover the cost of any major damage, caused by you, in the course of this journey.
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We will be riding in average between 50-80 km/h, in any given day. Besides caring for everybody’s safety, we ride slow so to be more present and aware of ourselves our surroundings at all times. It’s a retreat on motorcycles, remember?
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Land slides can happen along the way, since we are indeed traveling in harsh inhabited regions. If any of these happen, the safety of the situation will be accessed on the ground, and the travel leader will decide what to do. The same will happen in case of snow fall (rare but possible).
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Riding jacket and pants - protected, waterproof, windstopper. Riding boots, helmet, sunglasses and gloves. Hydration Pack. Thermal inner wear is strongly advised, as we might find snow and some cold on the way. Rain gear, although not compulsory, is also advised.
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Riding boots are strongly advised. You want to have your feet and legs protected and dry, all the way.
Light shoes should be brought for resting days, as we are mostly relaxing and also going for short walks. Beware of the cold nights, if you are only thinking of flip-flops. And we might walk up a mountain trail, just so you know.
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Yes, it can be arranged once you register.
RIDING
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We support family run businesses for accommodations, providing an experience as authentic as possible. Our selection balances local culture, comfort, practice space, and parking safety. Standards in India differ from the West. Rooms are shared twins with fans. Expect varying Wi-Fi, and slow connections. Toilets have hot showers and western-style bowls with toilet paper and optional bum jets. Accommodations have friendly staff and have been thoroughly researched over nine years. Rooms are usually comfortable, clean, and quiet, but cleanliness may vary. Bring your own bed sheet if you are concerned. We will handle any challenges that may occur. Expect a few.
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Yes. You can stay in your own room, provided you choose the single occupancy option when you pay. Single occupancy availability is limited, as we are staying in small hotels most of the time. If you want a single occupancy room (double bed with private toilet and shower), you need to register as soon as possible. Otherwise we can not guarantee its availability.
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There is electricity in our rooms every day, except at Pangong Lake, Shyok, and Diskit. There, a generator provides limited electricity from sunset until around 10pm. Power cuts sometimes happen, leaving entire villages without electricity, including us. So be prepared and lower your expectations. Bring a flashlight and stay positive.
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The only meals included are the ones mentioned in the itinerary. Mainly breakfasts in most days, and dinners in the few places where we actually eat in the hotel, for lack of better options.
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Bottled water is sold along the way. We are still figuring out ways to generate less plastic waste, by having bigger supplies of water with us. In any case, you need to bring a hydration pack so you can drink along the way, and an extra bottle for water when we are not riding. A filter is a possibility to bring, specially for using during rest days.
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During the trip, we'll have breakfast after practice each morning. For lunch, we'll stop at roadside dhabas while we're riding. In the evenings, we'll have dinner at the hotel or a restaurant. Keep in mind that we'll be traveling through desert regions, which means there might not be many food options available. We'll try our best to have meals at regular times, but it might not always be possible. If you have low sugar and tend to get grumpy between meals, make sure to bring your own snacks. We'll make enough stops along the way to take care of our physical needs and enjoy the beautiful views.
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During the retreat, we'll eat at various locations, including restaurants, road-side dhabas, accommodations, and surprise venues. Expect North Indian and Kashmiri cuisine with vegetarian options. The Srinagar-Leh Highway offers limited choices, typically warm lentil or Rajma dishes. Leh provides more variety but remains primarily vegetarian. Vegan, raw, and organic options are unlikely throughout the trip. The food is generally tasty and clean by Indian standards. Bring necessary precautions for potential intestinal issues.
FOOD AND ACCOMODATION
HEALTH
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Before traveling to India, it's beneficial to exercise and consider practicing yoga. It's also important to consult with your doctor regarding vaccines and medications, including the possibility of taking Dyamox. Keep in mind that being at high altitude may lead to minor symptoms like headaches or difficulty sleeping. Ensure that you are physically capable of enduring 2 to 7-hour rides on mountainous roads at an average altitude of 3000m. Consult your doctor and seek specialized advice if necessary. Take precautions for allergies, asthma, and altitude sickness. While Malaria and Dengue are possible in Delhi, they are unlikely as you travel further beyond Srinagar. To help prevent altitude sickness, you need to drink at least 4 liters of water daily.
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This retreat was carefully designed, having acclimatisation into account. That is why we ride shorter distances in the first days. That is also one of the reasons we take rest days in Hemis Shukpachan, Leh, and again in Turtuk, throughout the retreat.
One of the most important things we can do for acclimatisation is to go up as slow as possible. The other is to drink plenty of water (4 liters a day, at least, are advised, to get our kidneys going, and the blood as pure and oxygenated as possible), and have as much rest as we can. Remember that this is a retreat, so give yourself a break, all the way, throughout this journey.
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Transportation to the nearest hospital will be arranged immediately, if needed. We do carry a first-aid kit and oxygen with us. Your travel insurance, however, must necessarily include air evacuation, in case of emergency.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
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Yes, you do. You can apply for it online. It is now possible, for travellers with passports from different countries, to request an e-Tourist Visa for India. You need to do the e-Tourist Visa at least a week before travelling. You should carry the copy of your Visa along side with your Passport, all the way throughout the whole program.
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Get ready for mild weather in Srinagar but drier weather in Ladakh. During the day, it's around 25ºC, and at night it's between 10-15ºC. Generally, it's dry, and higher places might drop to 0º to -5ºC. Remember to bring a warm sweater or jacket, as well as gear that can withstand wind and rain. Also, be aware that the Himalayas are affected by climate change, so expect warmer or colder conditions, especially in September.
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The Indian government restricts roaming in Ladakh and Kashmir due to national security concerns near the borders with China and Pakistan. This means that during our journey from Srinagar, there won't be roaming available. However, there will be wifi in some restaurants and hotels where we stay. If you need to stay connected, you should bring an unlocked mobile device and ask our team to help you buy a sim card. Keep in mind that the activation process may take a few hours, you will need to be present and provide your passport. The government is strict and has specific rules for this.
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We all meet in Srinagar, in the hotel, on our first day. A designated taxi driver, authorised to enter the airport with his car, will pick you up from the airport on arrival. If by any chance you are already in Srinagar before Day 1, you just need to get in touch with us and let us know where you are staying – you will get picked up from your hotel.
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We will ask you to send us the details of your flights to Srinagar, and out of Leh (on your return). This way you will be welcomed at Srinagar Airport, and also taken to the airport in Leh, in the end of the program.
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Unfortunately not. We do not operate as a travel agency. This means you will have to book your own international flight to Delhi and return, as well as the connection flights that will take you to Srinagar (on arrival), and then from Leh - Ladakh, to Delhi, in the end of our journey.
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You should have a Travel Insurance that includes riding a rental motorcycle in India, as well as medical expenses and emergency air evacuation. It has to cover your entire period of travel.
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There will be ATM’s in Srinagar, and in Leh. Money exchange is easier in Leh. In every other place, you should have enough Indian Rupees with you, to pay for your meals and other personal expenses. We advise you to carry a bit more than you need on arrival, in any case, as there might always be a shortage in the ATM’s.
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Not really, unless you are really attached to one, or feel a bit picky with higiene.
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We can help you book you a room in the hotel where we meet in Srinagar, if you arrive earlier, and if there are rooms. We can also help you book a room if you want to stay longer, in our last hotel – in Leh. That’s about it.
