It’s just an amazing feeling to ride a bike on Manali – Leh highway. I remember my last trip to Trilokinath which I planned last year with a few of my friends. The bikes which we rented were Himalayan and Royal Enfield 500 and believe me guys the feeling of riding these bikes was just fabulous.
At home, I myself ride 350cc bullet but when we planned a trip to Leh my only choice was to ride Royal Enfield Himalayan because many people told me that it is the best off-roading bike till now.
Rahul Thakur my old friend and companion helped me a lot in arranging bikes in Manali. I trust this person blindly, Month ago I just called him and told that I would need two bikes 500cc bullet and Himalayan for 8-9 days and he said no problem.
When I reached Manali I could spot Rahul standing outside the bus stand with two brand new bikes which he bought lately. He charged me around 1700Rs for Himalayan and 1600 Rs for 500 cc royal Enfield standard per day. The best part was that both the bikes were having saddle fixed which otherwise we have to rent separately on per day basis ( 100 Rs per day)
That is the reason whenever I visit Kullu or Manali this person is my first and only choice. If I have to rate this person I would give him 10 out of 10 marks. Rahul Thakur = 8988265439
Where to Hire/Rent a Bike/Motorcycle in Manali
If you ask my suggestion then personally the contact number I have mentioned above is the best option to hire bikes in Manali or Bhuntar. wherever you want to just tell this person your location and he will provide you bike where ever you want may be in Hotel or anywhere else.
Cost to Hire/Rent a Bike/Motorcycle in Manali
Personally, if you ask me I have always preferred Bullet 350cc classic for the off-roading to Rohtang, Gulaba or Solang valley from Manali. Thakur’s centre is the cheapest rental and best rental store in Manali. I have seen people renting bikes from him for Leh Ladakh. So guys here is a list of bikes which you can rent from his Thakur bike rentals Manali.
Bullet 350cc Classic
I personally own this motorcycle and love it. The best part about this bike is the mileage, which is generally more than 25-30km. You may think then scooty is a better choice then but guys if you are planning to Gulaba or Marhi around Manali then scooty won’t give you much power as this bike can give you. So personally its the best bike you can rent from Manali for rentals.
Royal Enfield Himalayan
If you love off-roading and want to ride power with thrill then this is surely a motorbike is for you. For me, this bike is in the second position, because this is not good in mileage as compared to bullet 350cc but probably one of the finest bikes to ride to Rohtang or Solang valley from Manali.
Royal Enfield 500cc Bullet
Bullet 500 is also one of the finest motorcycles to plan a trip to Manali, Rohtang or Solang valley but the major disadvantage which I think of this motorcycle over 350cc and Himalayan is the poor mileage this motorcycle delivers. Hence I rank this motorcycle on number 3 for Manali bike rentals.
KTM duke 200
The 4rth motorcycle on my list which you should consider for your trip to Manali and around is KTM duke. This is probably the fastest and powerful machines to travel around. Rent this bike only if you have used it before otherwise go for other rental options as the roads are not good enough to take a risk with rented motorcycles.
Street Avenger
On Number 5 is the Bajaj street Avenger, It’s not like that it is not good but it’s just not that powerful to give you feel of the mountains. But if you are a budget traveller and have planed an entire trip on a budget then probably this motorcycle is for you as it is the cheapest bike to rent from Manali.
One more important thing about this motorcycle is its average which is much better than all other above mentioned motorcycles.
Scooty
Scooty is probably one of the cheapest things to rent from Bhuntar. If you are on a tight budget and confused with renting options then scooty is probably the best choice to rent in Manali. But the only disadvantage about scooty is the power which is not enough to feel the vibes of Manali valley on your journey to Rohtang, Marhi from Manali.
Read: how to reach Jibhi and things to do around Jibhi
Important Things to Know for Renting/hiring a cheapest bike/Motorcycle in Manali
- The first and last thing you should do before renting a bike is to check it properly. The conditions of the bikes are not that good so “prevention is always better than cure”.
- If you are planning a Spiti or Leh bike tour. Then booking a bike online would be a great Idea but only from a trusted source. Because during the peak season getting bikes to become really difficult so booking in advance is the best option.
- Always remember to carry the deposit amount which varies from 10K to 15K if you are renting a bike to Leh or Spiti. This deposit amount is refundable and you get it back when you return the motorcycle
- You will need to deposit one of the original identity proof of yours like passport, pan card etc along with the money in many cases.
- You should always have a valid driving license before renting a bike. If you are a beginner in riding a bike then you should prefer the bus as a good travelling option to Leh Ladakh.
- Bikes rented outside Leh are not allowed for sightseeing inside Ladakh including Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, Khardung La etc. Outside rented bikes can only be used to enter Leh from Srinagar – Leh Highway or Manali – Leh Highway. So always keep this thing in mind before planning a trip
- Private owned bikes can be used to commute anywhere in Leh – Ladakh. You just have to show your name in the RC of bike or your parent’s name.
- Some dealers will provide you with too old bikes which will cost your pockets very less but that is never a good idea. Try to get a new bike at a decent price after bargaining. Bargaining is a tool which I always use while travelling in Himachal.
- If you want to plan a short trip for the local sightseeing then renting a bike in Manali can be a good option but if you are looking to plan a trip to Leh Ladakh then Manali is a much better option for renting a bike.
- Make sure that the RC(registration certificate), Insurance and PUC (Pollution Under Control) documents related to rented/hired bike are provided and they are up to date and valid enough. After all, you do not want to land in some dismal situation on your lifetime trip.
- Always ask your bike renter to attach the carrier to your bike so that it becomes easy for you guys to carry your luggage in a most comfortable manner.
Read: List of most beautiful villages in Himachal Pradesh
Summary
I have written this post because earlier I have written how you can rent or hire bikes in Bhuntar after which I received lot of emails thanking me for sharing the contact of a local person of Kullu
And for any other queries, you are free to comment below .. and don’t forget to share….
IF WE RENTED A BIKE FROM MANALI, WHAT WILL WE DO IF IT GET BREAKDOWN, WHETHER WE HAVE TO PAY FOR THE BREAKDOWN COST AND ALSO CAN WE LEAVE IT IN NEAR AND HANDLE THE KEYS TO THEM.