FAQ's

Planning Your Cycling Adventure Across the Deserts of Rajasthan?

We’ve gathered the most common questions to help you prepare. From detailed route insights and heritage accommodations to expert support services and essential safety guidelines, here’s all the key information you need at a glance to make your expedition smooth and unforgettable.

What should I wear?
We recommend breathable cycling apparel, a helmet, sunscreen, hydration packs, and any personal medications. A detailed packing list will be provided upon registration to help you prepare.
Is medical support available during the ride?
Yes, our team includes trained medical professionals and a support vehicle equipped with first aid supplies to ensure your safety throughout the expedition.
Are meals and accommodations included?
All accommodations, three meals daily, and high tea are included in your package, except lunch during the city tour day. We cater to various dietary preferences upon request—just let us know in advance.
Can I ride after the cutoff time?
No, for safety reasons, riders must finish before the designated cutoff time each day. If you miss the cutoff, please cooperate with our team, who will assist in transporting you safely to the hotel.
Is pickup and drop facility available to/from the airport, railway station, or bus stand?
Yes, our team will gladly assist you with airport, railway station, and bus stand transfers upon request.
Can someone accompany me on the expedition?
Yes, loved ones or supporters are welcome to join; however, please inform the team in advance as additional charges will apply.
Will I get support with cycle installation and packing?
Absolutely! Our technical team will assist you with cycle installation, checkups, and packing to ensure a hassle-free experience.
What if I parcel my cycle to the hotel before the expedition? Will there be assistance?
Yes, you may send your cycle to the hotel 1–2 days prior after informing our team so we can make arrangements to safely handle your bicycle.
Will accommodation be on twin or triple sharing?
All hotel stays are arranged on a twin-sharing basis to maximise comfort.
Can I opt for single room occupancy?
Yes, single rooms are available upon request. Please inform us during registration. Additional charges apply for single occupancy.
What if a rider lags back?
No rider is ever left behind. Our support vehicle trails the group throughout the day and keeps a close watch on every rider's pace. If a rider falls behind the group or is unable to continue, our support crew will accompany them, provide assistance, and safely transport them to the next stop or the day's hotel. Your safety and comfort always come first.
What kind of support do I get on road?
You ride with a full on-ground support system — a dedicated backup vehicle follows the group at all times, a certified mechanic is available for any on-the-spot bike fixes, a trained medical professional handles any health concerns, and volunteers assist at every hydration and nutrition stop (every 25–40 km depending on the stage). You are never alone on the road.
Where will we be staying?
All accommodations across the tour are handpicked heritage properties — think havelis, forts, and resort stays that reflect Rajasthan's rich culture. Every night's stay is on a twin-sharing basis and includes meals. Single occupancy is available on request at an additional charge.
Does the tour charge include transport?
Yes. The tour fee includes inter-city transport for your luggage and bicycle between each stage via the support vehicle. Airport, railway station, and bus stand transfers at Jaipur (arrival) and Jaisalmer (departure) are also arranged on request. A shared bus to Delhi's airport/railway station/bus stand is coordinated on the last day.
What happens to our bike boxes and bags in Jaipur & Jaisalmer?
At Jaipur (Day 0), once your bike is assembled and inspected by the support team, your bike box/bag will be stored safely. Throughout the tour, all personal luggage is loaded onto the support vehicle each morning before flag-off and delivered to the next hotel ahead of your arrival. On the final day (Day 7 evening), the support team will pack your bike for departure, and all personal gear from the support vehicles will be handed back to you before check-out.
Tour inclusions
Your Tour of Deserts fee covers:

All accommodation (heritage stays, twin sharing)
All meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner on riding days; breakfast and dinner on non-riding days
High tea and on-route hydration & nutrition (every 25–40 km)
Inter-city baggage and bicycle transport via support vehicle
Airport/station transfers (on request)
Dedicated mechanic and cycle maintenance throughout the tour
Trained medical professional and first aid support
Physiotherapy and stretching sessions (pre & post ride)
Volunteer and pace support on road
Goodie bag — jersey, route map, accessories & more
Tour briefings, group debriefs, and guided city tour (Jodhpur)
Closing ceremony, awards, and celebration dinner
Tod ends at Jaisalmer — how does a rider get back to their place of residence?
On the departure day (after Day 7), shared or private cabs are arranged to Jaisalmer's railway station, airport, or bus stand. For riders heading to Delhi, a shared bus is coordinated to Delhi's airport, railway station, or bus stand. Exact timings are confirmed the night before departure based on your travel plans.
How will I carry my bike from the tour endpoint to my residency?
On Day 7 evening, after the closing ceremony, the support team will pack your bike for you. On departure day, your packed bike will be ready for you to carry or dispatch. You may choose to courier/parcel your bike home from Jaisalmer — the team can guide you on the nearest logistics options. We recommend carrying your original bike box for the return journey, or arranging a hard case in advance.
Is there a doctor accompanying us?
Yes. A trained medical professional is part of the core support team and travels with the group throughout the entire expedition. The support vehicle is equipped with first aid supplies and medical essentials. For any health concern — big or small — help is always within reach. We strongly recommend all riders carry their personal medications as well.
Can I put my laptop, SLR camera, or any fragile item in my baggage?
We strongly advise against placing laptops, SLR cameras, or other fragile/high-value items in your main luggage bag. While the support team handles baggage with care, the nature of desert roads and loading/unloading means we cannot guarantee protection of fragile items. Carry such valuables in your personal backpack or handlebar bag while riding.
What if I get a flat / mech problem?
Not a problem at all — we've got you covered. Our certified mechanic rides with the support vehicle and is always on call throughout the day. Whether it's a flat tyre, a broken chain, gear issues, or any other mechanical trouble, pull over and the support vehicle will reach you. Riders are also encouraged to carry a basic repair kit (inner tube, tyre levers, multi-tool) as a first-response measure.
Is there a luggage limit?
Yes. To ensure smooth logistics across all stages, each rider is permitted one soft duffel/kit bag (recommended under 15 kg) in the support vehicle. Overpacking affects loading efficiency and can delay the day's start. Travel light — you're here to ride! A detailed packing list is shared with all registered riders in advance.
Is a bike part of the fee?
No, the bicycle is not included in the tour fee. Riders are expected to bring their own road or gravel bike suited for long-distance cycling. If you need help with transporting your bike to Jaipur, our team can assist with guidance on parcelling or courier services. Bike rentals are not currently offered as part of the tour package.
What fitness level is required to join TOD?
TOD is designed for committed cyclists, not casual riders. You should be comfortable riding 70–100 km on consecutive days. We recommend a minimum base of 150–200 km per week in training before the tour. Beginners are welcome but must build endurance well in advance. A detailed training guide is shared upon registration.
Is there an age limit for the tour?
Riders must be at least 18 years of age to participate independently. Riders between 15–17 years may participate with written consent and physical presence of a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit — what matters is fitness and medical clearance.
Do I need a medical certificate to participate?
We strongly recommend consulting your physician before registering, especially if you have any heart, respiratory, or orthopaedic conditions. While a formal medical certificate is not mandatory, riders with known conditions must inform the TOD team during registration so appropriate support can be arranged.
What type of bike is recommended for TOD?
A road bike or gravel bike is ideal for the TOD route — a mix of tarmac highways and semi-rural roads. Hybrid bikes are acceptable but may feel heavier over long distances. Mountain bikes are not recommended. Ensure your bike is fully serviced before arrival. Our mechanic will conduct a full check on Day 0.
Are e-bikes allowed on the tour?
Currently, the Tour of Deserts is a non-motorised cycling expedition. E-bikes are not permitted on the tour to maintain the spirit of the challenge and ensure fairness across all riders.
How do I register for the tour?
You can register directly via the Book Your Slot page on our website. Slots are limited to 30 riders per edition. A registration fee is collected at the time of booking to confirm your slot, with the balance payable as per the booking policy.
Is there an EMI or instalment option available?
Yes, instalment options are available. Please refer to our Booking Policy page or reach out to our team at info@tourofdeserts.com for a payment plan that works for you.
What happens if the tour is cancelled by the organisers?
In the rare event that the tour is cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances (natural disaster, government advisory, force majeure), a full refund will be processed as per our Refund & Cancellation Policy. Please refer to the policy page for detailed terms.
What is the weather like during the tour?
The tour is held in December, which is the ideal window for cycling through Rajasthan. Daytime temperatures range between 22°C–28°C, with cool early mornings (10°C–12°C) at flag-off time. Riders should be prepared for dry desert winds and bright sun — sunscreen, arm sleeves, and a buff/neck gaiter are essential.
Will there be mobile network connectivity on the route?
Network connectivity is generally available across most of the route, though it may be patchy in remote desert stretches between Dechu and Jaisalmer, and near the Longewala border area. We recommend downloading offline maps before each stage. The support team maintains communication via radio/dedicated devices throughout.
Is there travel or accident insurance included?
Basic medical support is provided on-ground by our team. However, personal travel insurance or cycling accident insurance is NOT included in the tour fee and must be arranged individually by each rider before the tour. We strongly recommend all participants carry personal insurance.
Do I receive a finisher certificate or medal?
Absolutely! Every rider who completes the tour receives a finisher medal, momento/badge, and a certificate of completion at the Grand Finale closing ceremony on Day 7. This is one of the most celebrated moments of the entire expedition.
Will there be a photographer or videographer on tour?
Yes, a dedicated media team accompanies the group to capture your journey — from flag-off moments to desert landscapes and finish line celebrations. Curated photos and highlight videos are shared with all participants post-tour.
Can my dietary preferences or restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. We cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs upon prior request. Please inform our team at the time of registration so we can coordinate with our hotel and nutrition partners accordingly.
Can I join only half the tour (Half Circuit)?
Yes! TOD offers two Half Circuit options in addition to the Full Circuit:

Half Circuit 1: Jaipur → Pushkar → Jodhpur (INR 46,999)
Half Circuit 2: Jodhpur → Dechu → Jaisalmer → Longewala Border (INR 46,999)

Half Circuit riders follow the same support structure, stays, and inclusions for their respective legs of the journey.
How should I prepare for the tour?
A structured training plan is shared with all registered riders. As a baseline: aim for 3–4 rides per week, including one long ride of 80–120 km on weekends. Work on building saddle endurance, core strength, and nutrition habits. Starting training at least 3 months before the tour date is highly recommended.