Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who operates Roadrunners tours and do you contract any of your guide services to local operators?
A: Himalayan Roadrunners is a family owned and operated company, and all tours are run in person by owners Rob Callander and Jack Sherpa Callander, along with their hand picked staff of Sherpas, guides, and mechanics. We are the guys you talk with when planning a trip, and we are the guys on the ground to meet your flight and guide you throughout the tour or expedition.
Q: I’m interested in your Himalaya tour offerings, but not sure if I have the experience or riding skills to take part. What are your recommendations regarding riding experience for your tours the Himalaya and SE Asia?
A: With the exception of our latest Nepal Upper Mustang expedition tour, and some short sections on our Nepal to Tibet trips, all the tour routes operated by Himalayan Roadrunners are on paved roads. Participants must bear in mind that all roads routes throughout the Himalaya are constantly subject to small landslides and water damage during the heavy monsoon rain months that occur from June to September. While off road riding experience is not mandatory, it can be very helpful to navigate these sorts of occasional rough road sections on any given tour route. With regards to regular road riding experience, if one is proficient and comfortable in urban city traffic on a large modern motorcycle, this is usually enough experience to consider a Roadrunners trip. Please feel free to email us to discuss riding skills and specific tour route conditions and requirements in more detail.
Q: Do I need to ring my own riding gear & equipment or does Roadrunners supply?
A: Yes. Roadrunners does not supply individual riding gear of any kind and participants must bring a decent quality helmet, eye protection, modern armoured type riding jacket & pants, gloves and boots. Finding good quality riding equipment in Nepal, India and Northern Thailand is difficult, so please plan well ahead of the tour departure date.
Q: Are international airfares included with the tour cost?
A: No. International airfares are not included to tour start destination cities, but Himalayan Roadrunners can help in recommending the easiest and cheapest routes and fares to trip start destination cities. Domestic airfare seats will occasionally be sourced or even included in with a tour cost, on routes where its easier for us to secure seats that are in high demand and/or difficult to get. This will be outlined in the specific trip itinerary for the particular tour.
Q: Do I need inoculations for travel to the Himalaya and South East Asia? What medications are advised to carry on tour?
A: Yes. All participants should seek medical advice from a travel clinic specialist for the specific tour destination country or region. Certain inoculations and precautions are highly recommended for travel to the Himalaya and South East Asia. A recommended medications & first aid list is provided by Himalayan Roadrunners as part of the specific tour pre-departure information pack.
Q: What if I get sick or injured on the tour, what provisions are provided by Himalayan Roadrunners to deal with such situations?
A: We have over thirty years experience running adventure trips in the Himalaya and South East Asia and are prepared for any situation, whether a case of traveler diarrhea easily sorted with antibiotics on hand, or a vehicle or helicopter evacuation for a more serious problem, which to date we have never had to initiate. With years of contacts in Nepal, we know who to call fast for the quickest assistance for any given emergency.
Q: What travel documents do I need to participate on a Roadrunners tour?
A: Valid Passport no less than 6 months from expiry from the return date back to your home country is required. Visas for Nepal, Thailand, Laos & Cambodia are easily obtained upon arrival at Kathmandu or Bangkok airports, or the specific land border crossings for the tour. India and Burma visas must be applied for in advance from your nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. No exceptions. Tibet and Bhutan visas are arranged in advance by Himalayan Roadrunners and issued upon arrival at the specific land
border crossings.
Q: What type of driving license is required for participation on a Roadrunners tour?
A: An International Driving Permit endorsed for motorcycle operation is required for all tours, and these are obtainable from your nearest driving club such as AAA or the RAC. Participants must also be in possession of their regular home country issued driver license also endorsed for motorcycle operation.
Q’s: What’s included in with the tour cost?
A: All hotel accommodations with breakfast, airport transfers on arrival and departure, motorcycle including all fuel and mechanical backup support, sightseeing and entry fees while on tour, pre-departure tour package including route map and Roadrunners tour T-Shirt.