The Best Motorcycle Routes Around Nepal

motorcycle routes around nepal
Johanna
Johanna 
Updated
| 4 min read

Going through Nepal is an adventure itself. Doing it by motorcycle takes the trip up to a whole different level, and that’s meant both literally and metaphorically. It is meant to be a trip of a lifetime, but there are a couple of things to remember so that you’ll come prepared. First, you’ll need a valid driver’s license. It doesn’t have to be an international license, but you’ll need a regular one as checkpoints are common throughout the country. Other than that, you’ll also need travel insurance to ensure that you and your equipment (whether it’s been rented or you flew it in) will be taken care of in cases like special evacuations and such.

Lastly, whether you’re a beginner or veteran, always make sure that you have the right gear to make this trip. It always helps to have a good helmet and riding jacket. Nepal has a variety of altitudes and climatic regions that will take you from hot to cold in a span of minutes. Be prepared for all types of weather. The routes presented to you now are moderate to challenging routes that will take you through the most scenic spots in Nepal. You can do them individually, or combine them together. Without further ado, here are the best motorcycle routes in Nepal:

1. Take the scenic passage from Kathmandu to Bandipur

If you ride from Kathmandu to Bandipur without hitches, it will take you about four hours. The roads going to Bandipur are a combination of flatlands and ridges, but there are parts that are cracked as buses ply by this route every day to get to Pokhara. The highest elevation is at 1,030 meters (0.6 miles). To share with you some history about these roadways, Bandipur used to be an important stop in the India-Tibet trade route but it was bypassed in the construction of the Prithvi Highways in the 1960s.

Nevertheless, visiting Bandipur is a must as it’s a living museum of Newari culture. You’ll be surprised by winding lanes with traditional Newari houses. There are also a lot of cafes and lodges now. And there are very little motorized vehicles in the area. Mostly, there are a lot of traders and farms who do business alongside the tourists. You can also check out Bandipur Bazaar in the town of Dumre, which happens to have spectacular views of Manaslu, Dhaulagiri and Langtang. If you like adventure sports, you can also try a bit of caving, paragliding, rock climbing, and hiking.

8 Days Kathmandu to Pokhara Circuit Motorcycle Tour in Nepal

Website: 8 Days Kathmandu to Pokhara Circuit Motorcycle Tour in Nepal

Visited this place?

2. The many winding roads from Bandipur to Pokhara

Going from Bandipur to Pokhara is a relatively short travel time. At most, without any stops, it will take you around two and a half to three hours. However, the reason why it continues to be a popular route is not just because Pokhara is a great end destination, but the view to and from these areas are also picture-worthy. There are a lot of routes to choose from. From Bandipur, you can go back down the town of Dumre and head to Pokhara. You can also start your trip from Damauli or Ramkot. Since no one really ventures in these areas a lot, expect to be flocked with children and villagers.

From there, you can head on to the Prithvi Highway which is full of local trucks, lorries, and buses, so be careful, as they go in both directions. If you’re a little nervous to take this highway, you can take the old one. The route is also prone to landslides although some say this risk is worth it because of the scenic drops, switchbacks, and agricultural scenery like rice terraces, water buffalos, sugarcane plantations and such. You can stop at the many roadside restaurants for lunch.

Visited this place?

3. The road less traveled from Pokhara to Tansen

Tansen is about 120 kilometers (74 miles) from Pokhara. If you don’t stop, you’ll get there in around 3 to 4 hours. This is also not a typical route. Most people take the Pokhara - Chitwan route, and then head on to Tansen. That said, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that this area has so much history and has an amazing collection of Nawari architecture.

Going there, you’ll be met by good and winding roadways which is perhaps the reason why people think the trip takes longer. The altitude is higher than Kathmandu (at 4,600 feet/1,500 meters), so be sure to prepare for the hot monsoon weather. Tansen is a great rest stop. Depending on what your goal is, you can easily stay here for a couple of days to check out the traditional pagoda-style temples such as Amar Narayan, Bhagwati, and Tansen Durbar.

Pokhara Motorbike Rent Services

Facebook: Pokhara Motorbike Rent Services

Visited this place?

4. End with the birthplace of Buddha from Tansen to Lumbini

Is Lumbini worth it? There have been mixed reviews about the place because it isn’t exactly a thriving tourist town. But if you’d like to see the birthplace of Buddha, which is primarily why it’s a significant crowd drawer in the first place, then, by all means, take the extra day or so to go to Lumbini.

From Tansen, you can make your way to Butwal. And from Butwal, it’s another 36 kilometers (22 mi) going to Lumbini. All in all, you will have travelled 80 kilometers (50 mi) from Tansen to Lumbini. It’s a relatively easy route. Head on to Maya Devi Temple where Buddha was born, the Ashoka Pillar, and the Holy Pond.

Visited this place?

Nepal Tour Guide

Ananta Kafle

Ananta Kafle

Hello there! My name is Ananta. I am a tourist guide. I have completed my master degree in Tourism Administration from Bangalore University since 2011 AD. I am a citizen of Nepal. I look after tours of UNESCO world heritage sites of Nepal. I can travel frequently to the tourist destinations of Nepal. One day trip to round trip tours are assisted by me to the travelers who would like to visit Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, Janakpur, Mustang district and many other places. Hindu temples and Buddhist stupas are main pilgrimage sites and medieval centuries kings courts are main historical sites in Nepal. Pokhara is famous for scenic beauty where we can find lakes including Fewa lake, Begnas lake etc. Chitwan has a national park where one horned rhinoceros, tigers and other wild life animals are found to see. Lumbini is the birth place of Gautam Buddha, he is the founder of Buddhism faith. Mount Everest is also a scenic attraction of Nepal. When you find these places on your interest to visit as tourist attraction, you may find me your the best travel provider. When there arises further assistance please free to contact me. Thank you.

Tours by Ananta

Nepal Tour Guide

Dinesh Thapa Magar

Dinesh Thapa Magar

Meet Dinesh, your go-to guide for an unforgettable Nepal experience. With years of expertise, he seamlessly blends city charm with mountain thrill. Let Dinesh unveil Nepal's secrets, from vibrant streets to towering peaks, creating memories that linger far beyond the journey.

Nepal Tour Guide

Biren Choudhary

Biren Choudhary

Check your equipment at your rest stops

The changing hot and cold weather can do all types of things to your engine. As it is your most prized possession in this trip, make sure to treat it nicely. Don’t leave it out in the hot or cold weather. Make sure your parking spot is well-shaded. Lastly, one of the best rewards of going via motorcycle is that you can make as many stops as your want, which is an advantage when you have views of the Himalayas as majestic as the ones found in these four routes. While you’re stopping though, make sure to check your engine every so often. You wouldn’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere for hours at a time, although quite frankly, with views like this, that doesn’t sound so bad, does it?

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Johanna Michelle Lim is a brand strategist, creative director, and travel writer based in Cebu City, Philippines. She swims in jellyfish-infested oceans, treks through mountains, rides rickety...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Nepal
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.