Guided or self-ride · 3 days
Kathmandu to Pokhara by Motorbike
Swap the tourist bus for a Royal Enfield: down the Trishuli valley on the Prithvi Highway, a night in the hilltop bazaar of Bandipur, and into Pokhara with the Annapurnas ahead.
- Duration3 days, 2–3 riding
- Start / endKathmandu → Pokhara
- Max altitude~1,400 m
- LevelEasy–moderate
- Distance~210 km
- Best timeOct–May
Overview
Kathmandu to Pokhara is about 200 km, and most visitors sit through it on a bus for seven or eight hours. On a motorbike it becomes one of the best introductions to riding in Nepal: out of the valley over the old Nagdhunga pass road (motorbikes are not allowed in the new tunnel), down to the Trishuli river and west past Malekhu and Kurintar to Mugling, then up towards Dumre and Pokhara.
We break the ride with a night in Bandipur, a Newari trading town on a ridge 8 km above the highway with stone-paved streets, no traffic in the bazaar and sunrise views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges. It works as a stand-alone ride, as the first leg of a Pokhara to Muktinath tour, or as part of the Nepal Highlights loop. For distances, bus and flight options, see Kathmandu to Pokhara: distance and travel options.
Highlights
Bandipur
A car-free Newari bazaar town with Himalayan sunrise views.
The Trishuli valley
River gorges, rafting camps and Malekhu’s famous fried fish.
Manakamana cable car
An optional detour to a hilltop temple.
Pokhara Lakeside
Finish beside Phewa Lake with the Annapurnas on the skyline.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 Kathmandu: bike handover and briefing
Meet your guide, fit the bike and luggage, and do a short shakedown ride to Swayambhunath or Nagarkot.
- StayHotel, Kathmandu
- Meals—
- Altitude1,400 m
Day 2 Kathmandu – Mugling – Bandipur
Leave early over the Nagdhunga pass, along the Trishuli with chai stops, lunch at Mugling, then up the switchbacks from Dumre to Bandipur for sunset.
- StayHotel, Bandipur
- MealsBreakfast, dinner
- Altitude1,030 m
Day 3 Bandipur – Pokhara
Sunrise from Thani Mai temple, then west to Pokhara. Hand the bike back at Lakeside or keep it for the mountains.
- Stay—
- MealsBreakfast
- Altitude820 m
Distances and riding times are approximate. Mountain roads change after every monsoon, and your guide adjusts the plan for weather, road conditions and how the group is riding.
Difficulty: is this ride right for you?
Easy to moderate. All paved, but the Prithvi Highway is Nepal’s busiest road, with trucks and buses overtaking on blind bends. Suitable for any licensed rider with some experience in traffic.
What’s included
Included
- Royal Enfield Classic 350 or Himalayan 411 with fuel
- Licensed riding guide
- Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast
- Dinner in Bandipur
- One-way bike return from Pokhara
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Travel insurance covering motorcycling
- Riding gear (helmet hire available)
- Other meals
- Damage excess
- Manakamana cable car ticket
- Tips
Price and dates
Guided, the three-day ride costs from about USD 550 per rider, up to around USD 800 with a Himalayan 450 or upgraded hotels. A self-ride with a one-way rental and route notes is cheaper — see motorbike rental in Kathmandu.
Bikes for this tour
Any of our bikes suits this paved route; the Classic 350 is the most comfortable two-up.
Royal Enfield Classic 350
349cc
Relaxed tarmac cruiser, great two-up.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 411
411cc
Comfortable and ready for Mustang if you continue.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
452cc
More power for overtaking trucks.
Permits and documents
No permits are needed. Carry your licence, International Driving Permit and the bike’s papers for police checkpoints.
- Passport with Nepal visa
- Full motorcycle licence
- International Driving Permit covering motorcycles
- Travel insurance details
Best time to ride
| Season | Months | Conditions on this route |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Oct–Nov | Dry and clear; busy |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | Dry; cold early mornings in Kathmandu |
| Spring | Mar–May | Dry, hazy and warm in the valleys |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Frequent landslides between Naubise and Mugling — the highway closed for 18 days at Krishnabhir in 2026 |
Accommodation and food
A hotel in Kathmandu and a heritage guesthouse in Bandipur.
Safety and rider support
- Licensed riding guide
- Breakdown support and bike replacement
- First-aid kit
- Local SIM communication
Travel insurance that explicitly covers riding a motorcycle of your engine size, at the altitude on this route, with helicopter evacuation, is a condition of joining. Read riding a motorbike in Nepal as a foreigner.
What to pack
- Helmet (or hire one)
- Riding jacket, gloves and boots
- Light layers
- Rain layer (Mar–Oct)
- Buff or mask for dust
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Cash
Dos and don’ts
Do
- Leave Kathmandu before 7 am
- Keep left and use your horn on bends
- Stop every hour or so
- Stay in Bandipur rather than rushing through
Don’t
- Don’t try to use the Nagdhunga tunnel on a bike
- Don’t ride after dark
- Don’t overtake on blind bends
- Don’t ride the highway in heavy monsoon rain
Why ride with Motorbike Tour Nepal
- Run by licensed Nepali operators. Your tour is operated on the ground by a registered Nepali tour company with licensed riding guides — required by law for restricted areas.
- Itemised, transparent quotes. Bike, crew, permits, lodges and meals are priced line by line, so you see exactly what you pay for.
- Private departures. Your dates, your group, your pace — no being slotted into a stranger’s schedule.
- Mechanic and spares on every guided ride. Breakdowns are fixed at the roadside, not the end of your trip.
- Honest advice. If a route does not suit your experience or the season, we will tell you and suggest one that does.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kathmandu to Pokhara by motorbike?
About 200–210 km via the Prithvi Highway; with a night in Bandipur it is a relaxed two days of riding.
Is it safe?
For experienced riders, yes, but it is the busiest road in Nepal. Ride early and never after dark.
Can I ride it without a guide?
Yes. No permits are needed — see self-guided tours.
Can I drop the bike in Pokhara?
Yes, a one-way return is included.
Can motorbikes use the Nagdhunga tunnel?
No — riders use the old pass road.
Private guided tour
Kathmandu to Pokhara · 3 days
From USD 550 per rider
Check dates & get a quoteAsk a question- 3 days · Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Paved highway and hill roads
- Overnight in Bandipur
- One-way bike return included
- Itemised quote within 24 hours
- No payment to enquire
- Licensed local guides and mechanics
- Private dates to suit you
Talk to someone who has ridden it
Questions about the route, bikes, altitude or dates? Send us a message and a rider who knows Nepal will reply within 24 hours.
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