Guided off-road · 8 days
Dirt Bike Tour in Nepal
Light Honda CRF250Ls, village jeep tracks, river crossings and ridge roads above Pokhara and in Lower Mustang — an off-road week for riders who would rather stand on the pegs than sit on a highway.
- Duration8 days, 6 riding
- Start / endPokhara
- BikeHonda CRF250L
- Max altitude~3,800 m
- LevelChallenging
- Best timeOct–Nov, Mar–Apr
Overview
Nepal has thousands of kilometres of unsealed jeep tracks linking hill villages that had no road at all twenty years ago. They are steep, narrow, rutted and often single-track — hard work on a heavy adventure bike, and the best riding in the country on a 145 kg Honda CRF250L.
This tour links ridge tracks in the Panchase and Kaski hills above Pokhara with the old villages and side valleys of Lower Mustang, leaving the main Kali Gandaki road for tracks to Lubra, Jhong and the high ground above Jomsom. Your guide picks the lines on the day according to weather and the group’s ability. We stay on existing roads and tracks — riding on walking trails is neither legal nor welcome.
Highlights
Panchase ridge
Forest and terraces with Annapurna views above Pokhara.
Lubra
A Bon village reached by a valley track near Jomsom.
Jhong and the Muktinath valley
High tracks with views into Upper Mustang.
Riverbed riding
Wide gravel bars of the Kali Gandaki above Jomsom.
Tatopani
Hot springs to soak sore muscles.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 Pokhara: bikes, gear and skills session
Set up the CRF250Ls, check gear and ride a practice loop.
- StayHotel, Pokhara
- MealsDinner
- Altitude820 m
Day 2 Pokhara – Panchase ridge – Kusma
Forest and terraces onto the Panchase ridge, then village tracks down towards the Kali Gandaki.
- StayLodge or hotel, Kusma
- MealsAll meals
- Altitude~1,000 m
Day 3 Kusma – Beni – Tatopani
Back roads and river crossings along the Myagdi and Kali Gandaki valleys.
- StayLodge, Tatopani
- MealsAll meals
- Altitude1,190 m
Day 4 Tatopani – Ghasa – Marpha
The gorge, plus side tracks around Titi Lake and Kalopani where conditions allow.
- StayLodge, Marpha
- MealsAll meals
- Altitude2,670 m
Day 5 Marpha – Lubra – Kagbeni – Muktinath
The Panga valley track to Lubra, then up to Muktinath.
- StayLodge, Muktinath
- MealsAll meals
- Altitude~3,710 m
Day 6 Muktinath – Jhong – Kagbeni – Jomsom
High tracks across the plateau to Jhong, then down to Jomsom.
- StayLodge, Jomsom
- MealsAll meals
- Altitude2,720 m
Day 7 Jomsom – Tatopani
Back down the valley with optional tracks to Dhumba Lake.
- StayLodge, Tatopani
- MealsAll meals
- Altitude1,190 m
Day 8 Tatopani – Pokhara
Back to Lakeside for a celebration dinner.
- Stay—
- MealsBreakfast, lunch
- 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?
Challenging. You need solid off-road experience: standing for long stretches, rocky climbs and descents, and shallow river crossings. If most of your riding is on tarmac, start with the Pokhara to Muktinath tour.
What’s included
Included
- Honda CRF250L with fuel
- Licensed riding guide and mechanic
- ACAP permit
- Lodge accommodation
- Breakfast and dinner daily, lunches on riding days
- Support vehicle for luggage where possible
Not included
- Flights and Nepal visa
- Travel insurance covering off-road motorcycling and altitude
- Riding gear — bring motocross boots and armour
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Damage excess
- Tips
Price and dates
The guided eight-day dirt bike tour costs from about USD 1,600 per rider, up to around USD 2,200 depending on group size and support.
Bikes for this tour
This tour runs on the Honda CRF250L — light, low and reliable.
Honda CRF250L
250cc · ~145 kg · fuel-injected
Easy to pick up, low enough to dab a foot on rocky ground, and copes with altitude.
Permits and documents
The ACAP permit (NPR 3,000) is included. The route stays in Lower Mustang, so no restricted-area permit is needed.
- Passport valid for six months with a Nepal visa
- Full motorcycle licence from home
- International Driving Permit covering motorcycles
- Travel insurance details
- Passport photos or digital copies for the ACAP permit
Best time to ride
| Season | Months | Conditions on this route |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Oct–Nov | Best — dry tracks |
| Spring | Mar–Apr | Good; dusty |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Not run — mud and landslides |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | Cold; some high tracks icy |
Accommodation and food
Lodges and small hotels, with hearty local food.
Safety and rider support
- Licensed riding guide
- Mechanic with tools and spares
- Support vehicle where possible
- First-aid kit
- Evacuation plan
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
- Motocross or adventure helmet
- Motocross boots
- Knee guards and body armour
- Riding gloves (two pairs)
- Hydration pack
- Warm layers for Muktinath
- Goggles and buff
- Personal medication
Dos and don’ts
Do
- Bring your own boots and armour
- Ride within your limits
- Follow the guide’s line choices
- Stay on existing tracks
Don’t
- Don’t ride walking trails
- Don’t ride after rain on steep tracks
- Don’t ride alone off the main road
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
Can you ride dirt bikes in Nepal?
Yes, on existing roads and jeep tracks. Riding on walking trails is not allowed.
Can I rent a dirt bike in Nepal?
Yes, CRF250Ls are available at about USD 70–85 a day — see rental in Pokhara.
Do I need my own gear?
We strongly recommend your own helmet, boots and armour.
What is the group size?
One to eight riders.
Guided off-road tour
Dirt Bike Tour · 8 days
From USD 1,600 per rider
Check dates & get a quoteAsk a question- 8 days · 6 riding days
- Honda CRF250L
- Challenging · off-road experience needed
- Guide, mechanic and ACAP 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.
Send a message →Plan an off-road week in Nepal
Tell us your off-road experience and dates and we will tailor the route.