Our Spiti Trip with “Backstab Clan” was an absolute disaster. If you value your life and hard-earned money, avoid them at all costs!
We were a group of 9 friends, mostly from South India, who were cheated, duped, and put in unnecessary danger. Mayank, our salesman, sold us on false promises, and we discovered the truth only after arriving in Chandigarh.
Bike Condition:
The Himalayan bikes we were given were unserviced and in terrible condition, more like old tractors than proper motorcycles. They had oil leaks, faulty suspensions, and no speedometer or odometer. The bikes constantly stalled, and shifting gears was so difficult that our legs hurt every day. Despite arriving early to check the bikes (as promised), they handed us the bikes just 15 minutes before the ride, having done nothing but clean the seat.
We barely survived 1200 km on these bikes through challenging terrain. Attaching photos of the bike from our first fueling stop outside the hotel in Chandigarh – the condition worsened throughout the trip.
Riding Accessories:
We were promised riding jackets, pants, and new helmets. Instead, we got used, worn-out elbow and knee pads that offered no real protection. The helmets were damaged, with broken visors, making them unsafe, especially in the wind. After the trip, we were told to dump the used accessories in a room – no cleaning or maintenance for the next group.
Accommodation:
We were promised 3-star hotels but were given triple-sharing rooms with barely any space to move. We had to pay out-of-pocket to secure better rooms. The El Gitano camp in Kaza was the worst – right next to an open septic tank. The stench was unbearable, and there was no hot water in freezing temperatures. It was impossible to sleep, and we were stuck there for two days.
Other (lack of) Facilities:
There was no one from “Backstab Clan” to meet us in Chandigarh. We had to wait until midnight to see the bikes. Drone photography was promised, but when we arrived, they told us that we were supposed to bring our own drone! Medical support was also supposed to be available, but they didn’t even have a working oximeter or antiseptic cream. One of our team members fell sick in Kaza, and we were fortunate enough to have access to a hospital. Had this happened in a more remote area, it could have been dangerous.
Despite these terrible conditions, we went through with the trip because we had already spent 20k on flights and paid 40k to “Backstab Clan”. When we complained about the false promises and unsafe conditions, they had the audacity to say we could cancel the trip but wouldn’t get a refund.
On the positive side, the ride captain Gautam and mechanic Bilal did an excellent job given the circumstances. They were the only bright spot in an otherwise miserable experience.
Please avoid “Backstab Clan”. There are more professional companies out there. You deserve better, and your money deserves to be spent on a safer, well-organized trip.v
