How to Rent a Bike in Srinagar in 2024 – 2025

Are you planning a trip to Kashmir or Ladakh and wondering about how to rent a bike in Srinagar? In the article below, I will provide some necessary details on renting a motorbike in Srinagar like how much it will cost, what you should check, and where you can rent it from.

As compared to other tourist destinations like Manali or Ladakh, options to rent a bike in Srinagar were not many until a few years ago. But now there are several rental agencies in the city where you can get a bike for your local sightseeing in Srinagar or for even visiting places like Ladakh.

How to rent a Bike in Srinagar?

In this article, we will talk about what your options are in case you want to rent a motorcycle from Srinagar. This article is completely based on my knowledge of the region and the feedback I have received from numerous people that I have helped plan their trips.

Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Kashmir – A Complete Travel Guide

Where can I rent a Bike in Srinagar?

Unlike Manali, where the entire town is flooded with places offering motorcycles for rent, the situation in Srinagar is way more different.

Finding a motorcycle to rent here can be slightly difficult for primarily two reasons. First, it is a larger city than Manali, and second that the options here are not that great.

Hence it is better to contact a renter in advance and check with them if they have motorcycles available in the time slot that you are planning to rent. Below are the details of the rental agency that I recommend in Srinagar.

Kashmir Travelogue
Lal Chowk, Srinagar
Phone: +91-9596410670, +91-7006029164
Website: http://www.kashmirtravelogue.com
FB: http://www.facebook.com/kashmirtravelogue
Email: [email protected]

Can I rent a motorcycle in Srinagar and use it in Ladakh as well?

Please do not. The tour operators and the locals in Ladakh do not allow this. If you have rented a motorcycle outside of Ladakh, then you can only use it to get as far as Leh.

For local sightseeing and visiting areas like Pangong and Nubra, you will have to rent another motorcycle from the city of Leh itself.

Can I rent a motorcycle in Srinagar and drop it at Manali?

While some of the tour operators in Manali offer the option of one-side rental for an additional cost, I am not too sure if this option is also available in Srinagar so cannot give a firm answer on this. Best to call the agencies I mentioned above and inquire with them.

Can I rent a Bike in Srinagar and drop it at Leh?

Same answer to this question as above.

Is there a minimum or maximum rental period?

It depends on the renter but some of them do have 7-day minimum criteria.

How much does it cost to rent a Bike in Srinagar?

It depends on which motorcycle you want to rent but the cost would be anywhere between Rs. 800 to Rs. 2000. Smaller engine motorcycles, 150 CC, for example, would cost you slightly less and a 500CC motorcycle would cost you more.

For example, Royal Enfield Standard, classic, or Electra 350CC would be around Rs. 1500 per day, and a 500 CC Machismo, Himalayan, or Thunderbird would be around Rs. 2000 per day.

On the other hand, a Pulsar or Xpulse would cost you close to Rs. 1200 per day. Automatic bikes like Activa or Aprilia would cost around Rs. 800 to Rs. 1200 per day.

For the most recent information in this regard, please read Updated Motorcycle Rental Rates in Srinagar.

Is this price negotiable?

Most of these tour operators have a standard rate but the price can be negotiated in Srinagar. It may however depend on how well you negotiate, how many motorcycles you want to rent, and for how long.

This is actually one good thing if you were to hire a motorcycle in Srinagar. Places like Ladakh and Manali have overpriced and non-negotiable rates but in Srinagar, the prices are flexible.

Do you have to pay a security deposit to rent a motorcycle in Srinagar?

Yes, you do. Apart from what you will pay as daily rent, a security deposit ranging anywhere from Rs. 10000 to Rs. 20,000 would also have to be paid. Renters usually would accept part of this amount in cash and may take a cheque for the remaining amount.

They may also keep your Identity card as a security deposit. If you crash the motorcycle or there is any damage to it, the repair cost would be deducted from the security deposit. If there is no damage at all, then this amount is refundable in full.

Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Ladakh – A Complete Travel Guide

What are the documents required while renting the motorcycle?

Your driving license is a must and pretty much the only document you will need to submit. It works both as Identity proof and address proof as well. Someone asked me in an email if I have to submit the original and the answer to that is no.

You are required to carry your DL with you during the trip and just need to submit a photocopy at the place you are renting the bike from in Manali. If you are a foreign tourist, you must have an international driving license to be able to rent a bike in Srinagar.

Is riding gear available for rent as well?

It depends on the agency or operator you are dealing with. Some of them do provide the riding gear on rent but there will be no jacket included. It is pretty much limited to helmets, knee and elbow guards, etc.

Is a Luggage carrier available for rent?

Since these motorcycles get rented out for touring purposes, most of them are already equipped with luggage carriers. In case you want a motorcycle without a luggage carrier, you can opt for that too.

There may however be a separate cost involved for renting luggage carriers, like Rs. 100 per day for renting the carrier.

Is there any paperwork involved while renting the motorcycle?

You may be required to sign a rental agreement which would lay down the terms and conditions like what will happen if there is damage to the bike, if you do not return it or if you return it late, etc.

Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Srinagar

What documents should you ask for along with the motorcycle?

Please ensure that the renter provides you with the RC, Insurance documents, and pollution certificate of the motorcycle. Also, check the dates carefully and ensure that all these documents are still valid and have not expired.

Can I book a motorcycle in advance over the phone?

Yes, you can but I recommend that you do not. The most important thing before renting the motorcycle is to test it and you will be deprived of this option if you pre-book it.

The best thing would be to walk through the town, check out several options, the condition of the motorcycle, and the costs involved, and then make a decision on where to rent it from.

What is the condition of the motorcycles?

The condition will differ from being OK to bad to even being pathetic which is why it is of utmost importance that you do not book in advance and inspect the motorcycle closely before paying the amount.

These motorcycles have been used by multiple people and are always in the hilly region. Used is actually the wrong word, these motorcycles mostly get abused and hence the bad condition.

From the engine to fuel efficiency, it will never be at par with a personally-owned motorcycle. But it also depends on the agency you are renting it from. Some of the agencies, like the one I recommended above, have extremely well-maintained motorcycles.

What to check before renting the motorcycle?

I am not a mechanic myself but I will still list a few things. The first tip is that check how old the motorcycle is and how many kilometers are on the odometer.

Try to find a motorcycle that is comparatively new, has been bought in the last couple of years, and has run lesser kilometers. Finding a new motorcycle is hard but not tough so if you find one go for it.

Check the condition of the chainset and ensure it is not worn out. If the motorcycle is an electric start, try bringing it to life a couple of times and ensure that it doesn’t cough or give trouble when you press the start switch.

If it is a kick start, ensure that there is no starting problem and the motorcycle is a single or at most two kick start.

Check the condition of the tires if they are worn out. If there is a fix required, get it done immediately. If there is a fault too big or time-consuming to repair, dump the motorcycle and find another one.

Sit down on the motorcycle to check that the seats are comfortable enough. Do a thorough inspection of the motorcycle for any oil leakage, either from the engine or front shock absorbers.

Check that the headlamp is bright enough and get it replaced if it is not. Also, check the tail light and that both the indicators are in working condition.

Also Read: How to Plan a Trip from Srinagar to Leh

Other Tips on How to Rent a Bike in Srinagar

If you are going towards Ladakh, make sure that you are carrying some essential spares like clutch/accelerator/brake wires, headlamps, spare tubes, a toolkit, chain link, spark plug, etc. You must learn how to take off the wheel and change the tube in case of a flat tire.

Any other basic mechanical knowledge too will be beneficial. So learn the little basics of bike repair like fixing a puncture, changing sparkplug, clutch/cable wire, headlamp, headlight, attaching chain link, etc.

My final advice would be that do not be tied down to a particular motorcycle. Do not also go with the mindset that you only have to rent an Enfield or a Pulsar. Rather look for a motorcycle that is in good running condition irrespective of which brand it is.

With all this said, another point to consider here would be that if you have a motorcycle of your own, transporting it to and from Srinagar would actually cost you less than going through the hassle of renting a motorcycle in Srinagar.

Since it is your own motorcycle, you will always have trust in its capabilities and hence peace of mind. Something to think about.

Conclusion

I hope the information above on how to rent a bike in Srinagar was of help. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section and I will be happy to answer. You can also follow me on Instagram and chat with me live or subscribe to my YouTube channel and ask a question there.