Self-ride Nepal
Motorbike rental in Nepal
Royal Enfield, Himalayan 450, CRF250L and Xpulse hire in Kathmandu and Pokhara — with one-way drop-offs, permits, route plans and a mechanic on call if you need one.
How motorbike rental works in Nepal
Almost every rental bike in Nepal comes from small, family-run shops in Kathmandu’s Thamel district and on Pokhara’s Lakeside. Quality varies hugely: some shops service their bikes between every hire, others send out machines with bald tyres and tired chains. Prices are usually per day, with discounts for a week or more, and include a basic helmet and unlimited mileage.
We match you with rental partners we know, check the bike is right for your route, and add whatever support you want on top: an ACAP permit, a route plan with lodges, a backup mechanic on call, or a full guided ride. You pay the rental shop or licensed operator directly.
- Motorbike rental in Kathmandu — best if you want to ride the Prithvi Highway, Daman or the Rajpath
- Motorbike rental in Pokhara — best for Mustang, Muktinath and Manang
Nepal motorcycle rental prices
| Bike | Engine | Best for | Typical daily rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scooter | 110–125cc | Town riding only | USD 10–15 |
| Hero Xpulse 200 | 200cc | Light, budget off-road | USD 30–35 |
| Royal Enfield Classic 350 | 350cc | Tarmac touring, two-up | USD 25–50 |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 | 411cc | All-round adventure | USD 40–55 |
| Honda CRF250L | 250cc | Rough tracks, lighter riders | USD 70–85 |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | 450cc | Mustang, Manang, high routes | USD 85–115 |
On top of hire, budget for fuel (petrol is sold by the litre at roadside pumps, scarcer above Beni and Besisahar), a deposit, ACAP permits for the Annapurna region and simple lodges at around USD 10–40 a night in the hills. The full picture is in our Nepal motorcycle tour prices guide.
Which bike should you rent?
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
The modern choice for Mustang and Manang: liquid-cooled, about 40 hp, proper suspension and a ride-by-wire throttle that copes with altitude far better than the old air-cooled engines. More expensive and harder to fix in a village, which is why we pair it with a mechanic on guided rides. More on our Royal Enfield Himalayan tour page.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 411
Simple, tough and easy to repair anywhere in Nepal — every village mechanic has seen one. Slower at altitude, but it will get you to Muktinath and back.
Honda CRF250L
Light, nimble and forgiving. The best choice if you are under about 5′8″ or plan to ride rough tracks, and the base for our dirt bike tours.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Hero Xpulse 200
The Classic is comfortable on tarmac and two-up; the Xpulse is light and cheap. Both are fine for the Kathmandu–Pokhara loop and Bandipur; neither is our pick for Mustang.
Where you can ride a rental bike on your own
| Region | Permit | Self-ride? |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu valley, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel | None | Yes |
| Prithvi Highway, Bandipur, Pokhara | None | Yes |
| Tansen, Lumbini, Chitwan, Rajpath | None | Yes |
| Lower Mustang: Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath | ACAP | Yes |
| Manang via Besisahar | ACAP | Yes |
| Upper Mustang (north of Kagbeni) | Restricted Area Permit + ACAP | No — guide and registered agency required |
If you are new to riding in Asia, start with a day ride from Kathmandu before committing to a week in the mountains. Planning to go it alone for longer? See our self-guided motorcycle tour option.
Documents and insurance
- Full home licence with motorcycle category
- International Driving Permit covering motorcycles
- Passport (a copy for the shop; carry the original at checkpoints)
- Deposit in cash
- Travel insurance that explicitly covers motorcycling at your engine size and altitude, plus evacuation
Read riding a motorbike in Nepal as a foreigner for the detail on licences, checkpoints and insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists rent a motorbike in Nepal?
Yes. Foreigners can rent motorbikes in Kathmandu and Pokhara with a home motorcycle licence and an International Driving Permit. Shops will take a passport copy and a deposit.
How much is it to rent a Royal Enfield in Nepal?
A Classic 350 costs about USD 25–50 a day, a Himalayan 411 USD 40–55 and the new Himalayan 450 USD 85–115, depending on season and hire length.
Can I take a rental bike to Upper Mustang?
Not on your own. Upper Mustang is a restricted area that requires a registered agency and a licensed guide. You can ride there on a guided tour, such as our Upper Mustang motorbike tour.
Can I do a one-way rental between Kathmandu and Pokhara?
Usually yes, for an extra fee to bring the bike back. We arrange this on request.
What happens if the bike breaks down?
Most shops will talk you through a fix by phone or send a part on the next bus. With our support package, a mechanic is on call and a replacement bike can be sent from Pokhara.
Rent the right bike for your route
Send your dates, route and experience. We will reserve a bike, sort permits and tell you honestly whether the route suits a self-ride.