Motorbike Tour in Nepal

Short Information of Motorbike Tour in Nepal

One of the most exciting ways to experience the beauty of the Nepalese countryside is by taking a motorbike tour through the country. Not only does Nepal have stunning panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains, but it is also a treasure trove of valleys, gorges, forests, rivers, and ancient villages, which are all fully encapsulated by the bikeable wilderness.

In addition to Nepal’s diverse and breathtaking geography that includes lowland jungles and the towering peaks of the Himalayas, including the 8,848.86m tall Mount Everest, riding a motorbike through the terrains is a once-in-a-lifetime experience full of adventure and a sense of heroism like no other. Motorbiking throughout Nepal is not only an external experience, but also an internal one, as it touches your soul and truly connects you to the culture and lifestyle of the Nepalese.

Why Motorbike Tour in Nepal

Riding motorcycles offers the freedom and adrenaline that most encounters in Nepal lack. It is adventurous and allows travelers to connect with Nepal in a raw and meaningful way. Tour companies designed for motorcycle tourism allow travelers to step away from the average tourist traps found in Nepal.

You will visit places in an inaccessible area, and from the itinerary will cross Nepal’s winding Himalayan roads, along and through deep and winding river gorges, up to snow-capped viewpoints. Riding allows you to focus on the experience rather than the destinations. It is more than a mode of transportation and allows true exploration. Each corner you turn elevates the experience. The memories created are deep and meaningful. Villages, smiling locals and temples are found at every turn.

Scenic Routes for Motorbike Tour in Nepal

When it comes to breathtaking landscapes and views, Nepal offers some of the best routes to novice and professional bikers alike. Among these routes, the Mustang Valley is the most recognized. Characterized by its colorful scenery, vast dry landscapes, and Tibetan-influenced architecture, the valley is filled with ancient historical sites.

Another biker’s favorite is the Annapurna Valley, which is known for its green hills, massive rivers, and the city’s famous lake in Pokhara, which adds to the beauty of the region. Riders often enjoy the high altitudes of Everest which offer great views of the mighty Himalayas. Lumbini and the Chitwan National Park offer great contrast to the hills of Nepal with the jungles of Lumbini. Each route prides themselves in their unique cultural richness and scenery, making Nepal one of the best places to explore by bike.

Best Time for Motorbike Tours in Nepal

Motorbike Tours in Nepal can be really exciting if the timing is right. Nepal is best experienced in Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During this time, the weather is pleasant and the views are clear. During Spring and Autumn, road conditions are also favorable. In the Monsoon Season (June to August), the roads will be muddy and there is a large chance of landslides.

In the Winter Season (December to February), the weather can be extremely cold in the mountains, but the lower regions can still be favorable. Winter, Monsoon, and even Spring will present more risk, but the journeys can be more exciting if the risk is worth it.

Rental Services and Tour Operators

In Nepal, you can either book a motorbike tour with a tour company or if you are experienced, you can do it solo. Most tour companies offer an all-inclusive package with a tour guide, a mechanic, a place to stay, meals, tour permits, and a support vehicle, if necessary. This is the most reliable and safest option, especially for those who are new to the Nepalese roads.

If you prefer to travel on your own, you can rent a motorbike in either Kathmandu or Pokhara. They offer a Royal Enfield 350, an XR 190, a Honda CRF 250, and a Himalayan 411/450. These are the most popular and reliable for the rugged roads of Nepal. However, those who choose to do this are legally required to have a driving license, and it is recommended that they have an international one. They should also be experienced in riding on rough and mountainous terrain.

Cultural and Adventure Experiences Along the Route

For the people of the West, a motorbike tour of Nepal is mostly about the ride, however, for the direct recipients of the West’s touristic financing, the tour is more about culture and adventure and less about simply riding a motorbike.

The tour allows participants to stop en route to the next destination. Participants are able to drop into traditional Nepali culture by stopping in a village to observe a local lifestyle. Participants are able to visit a representation of the various subcomponents of Nepali culture, such as a monastery, a prayer wheel, a temple, and even a village, as all of them are significant parts of Nepali culture.

Participants will be able to be hosted by and eat traditional Nepali: dal bhat, momo, thukpa, and Tibetan bread in a mountain tea house. Depending on the chosen route, participants will be able to explore high-altitude lakes (e.g. Tilicho Lake); navigate the high, steep, narrow, and winding motorbike paths of Nepal’s mountainous region of Mustang, or relax by the peaceful lakeside evenings in the touristic city of Pokhara. Participants will enjoy the cultural experiences more than the scheduled activities of the typical commercial tours.

Motorbike Tour Safety Tips

One of the most vital elements of planning a motorbike tour in Nepal is safety. Riders must engage safety gear for every trip such as a helmet, a riding jacket, gloves, knee guards, and strong boots, especially for off-road riding. Check the condition of the bikes and bring tools to do minor repairs.

Nepal’s roads are a challenge, featuring sharp turns, loose gravel, rivers, and sudden changes in weather, so riders need to stay alert and ride at a controlled speed. The riding regions of Upper Mustang, Manang, and the Everest routes require riders to be properly acclimatized to avoid altitude sickness. The driver must stay hydrated and take rest days as needed. Following the advice of local guides will help to make the ride safe and enjoyable.

How to Plan For Your Long-Distance Motorcycle Tours

In order for your long-distance motorcycling tours to be fun and free of hassle, you will need to plan well and make your reservations ahead of time. During the peak season, places such as Mustang, Pokhara, and the Everest region become busy. Safe to say, you will need to make a reservation for the places you will be staying at during the tour as soon as you know your itinerary.

During these tours, and especially in places that are more remote, you will need to bring a good amount of cash, because many places will be card only, and as you may guess, the ATMs in these remote areas are not reliable, and may not be present at all. Plan for gas stations to be spaced far apart, especially in remote areas, and gas up whenever you can.

Make sure to pack a light bag that has a good amount of layered clothes, water and some snacks, a portable charger, and rain gear. Before you start riding for the day, you will want to check the route you will be taking, as well as the road conditions and the weather.

Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour

12 Days

Moderate

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