Highest Point 
This Nepal tour takes you on an ultimate riding adventure, offering an unforgettable journey from the plains of the Terai, through the lush hilly region, and slightly into the stunning mountainous region of the country.
In just 12 days, you’ll get to explore diverse landscapes and cultural experiences, covering some of the most beautiful tourist destinations of Nepal (mostly in the western region).
This motorcycling tour is designed especially for riders who crave the thrill of open roads combined with scenic views of river valleys, charming towns, and snow-capped peaks. Riding on a Royal Enfield, you’ll experience not just the destinations but each step of the journey itself!
Your 12-day Nepal Motorbike Tour begins with a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, exploring cultural and historical landmarks (which are all world heritage sites). From there, the real ride begins, first heading to Nagarkot for a Himalayan sunset/sunrise.
Then, you’ll head south to the wildlife-rich Chitwan National Park for a thrilling jungle experience. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided jungle safari in search of one-horned rhinoceros, deer, crocodiles, and, if lucky, the elusive Bengal tiger.
From Chitwan, the ride continues westward to the hill town of Tansen, where you’ll mostly enjoy the scenic views of the region. The journey then takes you deeper into the Annapurna region, reaching the Gurung village of Ghandruk, passing via Kushma and other small towns.
The adventure then shifts towards Pokhara, where you’ll relax by the serene Phewa Lake, with optional sightseeing that can be arranged. The next day, you’ll make a ride to Begnas Lake before continuing to the historic Gorkha district, home to the Late King Prithvi Narayan Shah and his Gorkhali soldiers.
Your return to Kathmandu is another scenic experience in itself as you take another unique route, riding through Nuwakot’s landscapes and exploring the farm here. After reaching Kathmandu, your final evening will be accompanied by a farewell dinner, celebrating your journey, friendships, and memories made along the way!
Seriously, this 12-day motorbiking adventure in Nepal covers everything, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites and sunrise views in Nagarkot to wildlife encounters in Chitwan, old towns, highland villages, Himalayan panoramas, and serene lakes!
It offers an authentic taste of Nepal on two wheels. And with the support of our team at Altitude Himalaya, you gain more than just a route: you gain an expertly crafted experience, backed by professional guides, quality accommodations, and the perfect mix of culture, nature, and adventure. Read below to learn more.
Nepal Motorbike Tour Facts
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Region |
Bagmati, Lumbini, and Gandaki Provinces |
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Bike Type |
Royal Enfield (350CC or 500CC) |
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Highest Elevation |
Ghandruk (2,012m) |
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Total Motorbiking Distance |
880 km approx. |
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Avg. biking distance per day |
120 to 140 km |
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Permits Required |
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) |
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Ethnic Groups |
Newar, Brahmin, Chhetri, Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Magar, Gurung, Tharu, Darai, Bote, Majhi, Kumal |
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Route |
Kathmandu > Nagarkot > Chitwan > Tansen > Ghandruk > Pokhara > Gorkha > Nuwakot > Kathmandu |
A Brief Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Your journey begins in Nepal’s bustling capital city, Kathmandu, a place where history, culture, and the busy daily life of its people somehow blend seamlessly.
Here, you’ll explore four out of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Monument Zones with a professional tour guide who knows the city by heart. Think of this as a crash course before your real motorbike adventure in Nepal begins.
Here are the world heritage sites you’ll visit on your Kathmandu sightseeing:
- Kathmandu Durbar Square: Roam around the Basantapur Durbar streets and head to Kumari Ghar to catch a glimpse of the Living Goddess. Since time is limited, we have not included a museum visit in this package.
- Swayambhunath Stupa: This is where you can get your first glimpse of the mountains (weather permitting) and, more importantly, discover how Buddhism and Hinduism come together. The Mahachaitya here is one of the oldest and has a deep connection to the time when Kathmandu Valley was still a vast lake (called Nagdaha).
- Pashupatinath Temple: The most sacred Hindu temple in the world, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, you’ll witness devotees offering prayers on one side and, on the other, cremation rituals taking place along the Bagmati River.
- Boudhanath Stupa: The moment you step through the entrance gate, you’ll be greeted by the aroma of incense, the sound of pigeons cooing, and the sight of people walking the kora. Just outside the stupa is Buddha Peace Park, which you can step into as well.
Nagarkot: Your First Ride With Himalayan Views
Instead of staying in Kathmandu overnight on the second day, we’re going for something better! An evening ride to Nagarkot sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
And this is where the motorbike adventure officially begins! Nagarkot gives you the perfect warm-up ride, passing through Sankhu, another historical Newar town worth noticing.
Here, both sunrise and sunset are magical, and you’ll have the choice to either watch them from your hotel balcony or take a short ride to the Geodetic View Tower for panoramic Himalayan views.
A little bit of luxury, a lot of views, and the perfect way to start your journey are exactly what Nagarkot offers.
Chitwan and Jungle Adventures
One of the biggest highlights on this ride is Chitwan National Park, which is recognized as Nepal’s first national park and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
You’ll be staying in Sauraha, where you’ll naturally be introduced to the Tharu community, the indigenous people of the Terai plains. While our package doesn’t include a Tharu cultural program or village visit by default, we can easily arrange it if you’re interested.
Expect to see rhinos (almost guaranteed), gharials, deer, monkeys, and, if luck’s really on your side, the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger that most come to see.
To ensure you get the full experience of the flora and fauna, your trip to Chitwan is on jungle adventures:
- Jeep Safari: On a standard safari vehicle, you’ll proceed with your group along with a professional naturalist deep into the Chitwan jungles. It’s a great way to get the sights of the wildlife.
- Jungle walk: A much more immersive experience compared to the safari, as you’ll go on a tracking of the wildlife. This even increases the chances of spotting the elusive big cats during the right season.
- Sunset by the Rapti River: Watching the sun go below the horizon in the plains of Terai is one of the most beautiful highlights of Chitwan. And watching this mesmerizing scene with your favorite drink on hand makes it the cherry on top!
Taking an Uncrowded Route to Tansen
Tansen is a charming hill town and a hidden gem of Nepal! Many are unaware of its rich history and Newari-Magar architecture that feels like stepping into an actual painting!
On this trip, we’ll take the more scenic and less crowded route to reach Tansen/Palpa, avoiding the dusty Daune-Butwal of the East-West Highway.
That way, you’ll enjoy cleaner air, better views, and a smoother ride. That’s exactly the kind of Nepal we want you to remember.
And as per the itinerary, we’ll pass through smaller towns and villages before reaching Tansen. Though we won’t be visiting Palpa’s Rani Mahal (often called the “Taj Mahal of Nepal”) in this package, we can add it as an optional detour if you’re up for the extra ride.
Enjoy Annapurna Views in Ghandruk Village
Ghandruk is located at around 2,012 meters and is home to the Gurung community, known for their warm hospitality, traditional stone houses, and colorful traditional attire. You can even try on those Gurung dresses for an unforgettable photo moment (it’s a trend here among the Nepalese).
The village in the Annapurna region offers both sunrise and sunset views over the Annapurna range and Machapuchare (Fishtail) right beside it. And the landscape itself is so beautiful!
The road to Ghandruk involves a bit of off-road riding, which adds to the thrill of the adventure. Your stay here will be in a local-style accommodation with modern amenities, giving you the best of comfort and authenticity.
Be sure to strike up conversations with locals, taste local cups of tea, and feel that crisp mountain air!
Leisure Day in Pokhara
Known as the tourism capital of Nepal, Pokhara is where travelers come to relax, recharge, and soak in Lakeside vibes. It offers both adventure and European-style cafe culture, making it perfect for a leisurely day.
We’ll give you the option to explore some of Pokhara’s popular sights (optional), which include places like Devi’s Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, the International Mountain Museum, the Pumdikot Shiva Statue, and the World Peace Pagoda.
However, the real highlight of Pokhara city is Phewa Lake, where you can try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or just boating (depending on your group’s size and preference).
On the next day, before heading towards Gorkha, we’ll make a stop at Begnas Lake, which is amongst the famous lakes in Nepal for its peaceful atmosphere, boating experience (optional), and fish items.
The City of Warriors: Gorkha!
Gorkha is a district that holds deep Nepalese history. It’s the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who unified Nepal and is today considered the father of Nepal!
Not to forget that Gorkha is the exact place where the legacy of the Gorkhali soldiers began, and these warriors have a renowned name across the globe for their bravery.
As per the itinerary, we’ll explore the town and have an optional visit to the Gorkha Palace Museum (in the morning time), which is highly recommended for its historical significance. And not to forget that Gorkha’s hilltop views are also equally stunning!
Other Stops During Your Motorbike Ride
Aside from the main aforementioned destinations, this Nepal Motorbike Tour’s itinerary is dotted with smaller yet memorable stops in different districts. Here are the other essential stops that you’d want to learn about:
- Taudaha Lake: Kathmandu’s only natural lake, located in Kirtipur, can be a good place to rejoice before leaving the capital city.
- Kulekhani Dam: Stunning reservoir views in the largest man-made Indrasarovar Lake of Nepal.
- Hetauda: Headquarters of Makwanpur district, which acts as the gateway city to the Terai plains. And on this trip, it acts as the gateway to Sauraha.
- Devachuli: A peaceful hill settlement en route to Tansen. Home to Sashwat Dham, and on this Nepal Motorbike Tour, it takes you through a unique route beginning exactly from here.
- Rampur: A riverside town fitting perfectly for lunch as we head towards Tansen. Needless to say, it is the gateway to Palpa.
- Kushma: Known for the world’s third-highest bungee and scenic suspension bridges, it’s the headquarters of Parbat District. We’ll stop here briefly to get glimpses of what the town has to offer, going slightly off-route.
- Lumle: Best known for local coffees, we’ll stop here once on your day to reach Pokhara from Ghandruk.
- Sarangkot (optional): As mentioned in the itinerary, this hilltop is famous for Pokhara’s views. While there’s limited time to enjoy sunrise here, we can take the Kaskikot route to reach here when you’re travelling from Ghandruk to Pokhara.
- Sundarbazar: A small market town, which is less known in the Lamjung district. It’s a stop that connects you to Gorkha as you’re coming from Pokhara.
- Palungtar: A famous old town famous for the airport, but now it is rather a quiet hillside with rural charm. It’s worth a stop as you’re heading to Gorkha from Pokhara.
- Nuwakot/Bidur: We’ll stop here to explore local farms and old fort ruins of Nuwakot Durbar (if time allows). The views of the valley are surreal, and it also acts as the gateway to Kathmandu.