Quick take: For Tawang, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is the better bike, and the clear pick if you're riding two-up, with luggage, or in winter. The Royal Enfield Scram 440 is enough for a confident solo rider travelling light in the good season, and saves you money: ₹12,594 for a week against ₹15,744.
Side by side
| Royal Enfield Scram 440 | Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 443cc, air- and oil-cooled | 452cc, liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Front / rear wheel | 19 / 17-inch | 21 / 17-inch, spoked |
| Brakes | Dual-channel ABS | Dual-channel ABS, switchable at the rear |
| Fuel tank | 15 litres | 17 litres |
| Feels like | Lower, lighter, easy-going | Taller, long-travel, built for altitude |
| Per day | ₹1,999 | ₹2,499 |
| A week | ₹12,594 | ₹15,744 |
Specs are the manufacturer's. A week includes 10% off for 7 days or more.
Power at altitude
Tawang is about 480 km from Guwahati, and the road climbs to 13,700 ft at Sela Pass. Engines lose power in thin air. The Himalayan's liquid-cooled engine is made for long climbs at altitude and keeps pulling with a pillion and bags. The Scram copes well with one rider, but you'll use the gears more on the steepest stretches.
Rough patches
The road is mostly paved, with broken stretches after landslides and around construction. The Himalayan's 21-inch front wheel and long-travel suspension take those in their stride. The Scram's 19-inch front wheel is fine for them at a gentler pace.
Two-up and luggage
This is where the Himalayan earns its price. Two people, two bags and a long climb is what it's built for. On the Scram, two-up to Tawang is possible but hard work over two days each way.
When the Scram is the smarter pick
- You're riding solo and travelling light.
- You're going in the good season (March to June, or September to November), not when Sela has snow.
- You'd like a lower, lighter bike that's easier to manage at fuel stops, in Tawang's lanes and in Guwahati traffic.
- You'd rather keep the difference in rent for stays and food.
When to take the Himalayan
- Two-up, or with a lot of luggage.
- Winter, when snow and cold make the pass harder.
- You want to add rough side trips, like the lakes above Tawang.
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Can I ride the Scram 440 to Tawang? Yes, solo and travelling light, in the good season. Take two days each way and stop at Bomdila or Dirang to acclimatise.
Is the Himalayan 450 worth the extra rent for Tawang? If you're riding two-up, carrying luggage or going in winter, yes. Solo in good weather, the Scram does the job for less.
Which is easier to ride for a smaller rider? The Royal Enfield Scram 440: it sits lower and feels lighter. The Himalayan is tall, so try both at pickup if you're unsure.
Do I need a permit for Tawang? Yes. Indian riders need an Inner Line Permit, which we help with. Visitors from abroad need a Protected Area Permit through an approved operator: see renting a Royal Enfield for Tawang as a foreign visitor.
More on the trip: Guwahati to Tawang on a rented adventure bike, the route guide, and all our adventure bikes.
Contact / Book
Not sure which? Tell us on WhatsApp whether you're riding solo or two-up, and when. We'll suggest one and keep it for you.
The information in this post is indicative. Final terms and policies are discussed and confirmed when you take the vehicle on rent.
