Self-ride from Lakeside
Motorbike rental in Pokhara
Hire a well-serviced Royal Enfield, Himalayan 450 or CRF250L in Pokhara and ride to Muktinath, Manang or Bandipur — with route notes, permits and an on-call mechanic arranged before you land.
Why rent a bike in Pokhara rather than Kathmandu?
Pokhara is where most of Nepal’s best riding begins. The Kali Gandaki road to Jomsom and Muktinath starts at Beni, an hour and a half west of Lakeside, and the road to Manang starts at Besisahar, about three hours east. Renting here saves you two days in Kathmandu traffic and the busy Prithvi Highway, and the bikes in Lakeside shops are usually set up for the mountains rather than the city.
If you want to ride the Prithvi Highway as part of the trip, collect a bike in Kathmandu instead and drop it in Pokhara — see motorbike rental in Kathmandu and our Kathmandu to Pokhara ride.
Pokhara bike rental prices
Typical daily rates from established Lakeside rental shops, usually including a helmet, basic lock and unlimited mileage. Weekly hires get a lower daily rate, and October–November is the busiest (and most expensive) time to book.
| Bike | Engine | Best for | Typical daily rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scooter (Dio / Ntorq) | 110–125cc | Lakeside, Sarangkot, Begnas Lake | USD 10–15 |
| Hero Xpulse 200 | 200cc | Light off-road, budget riders | USD 30–35 |
| Royal Enfield Classic 350 | 350cc | Tarmac touring, Bandipur, two-up | USD 25–50 |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 | 411cc | All-round adventure, Lower Mustang | USD 40–55 |
| Honda CRF250L | 250cc | Rough tracks, shorter riders | USD 70–85 |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | 450cc | Mustang, Manang and high routes | USD 85–115 |
Expect a refundable deposit, either in cash or by leaving a passport copy plus cash with the shop. Never leave your actual passport — you need it at ACAP and police checkpoints.
Best rides from Pokhara
| Ride | Distance one way | Time | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarangkot viewpoint | ~10 km | Half day | None |
| Begnas and Rupa lakes | ~15 km | Half day | None |
| Bandipur hill town | ~70 km | Day trip or overnight | None |
| Tansen and the Siddhartha Highway | ~120 km | 2 days | None |
| Beni – Tatopani – Jomsom | ~155 km | 1–2 days | ACAP |
| Jomsom – Kagbeni – Muktinath | ~25 km more | Half day | ACAP |
| Besisahar – Chame – Manang | ~180 km | 2 days | ACAP |
The Mustang ride is the classic. Our Pokhara to Muktinath motorbike tour covers it in six days with a guide, or you can self-ride it with an ACAP permit. Read the Pokhara to Muktinath road guide before you go.
Upper Mustang is off-limits to self-riders. North of Kagbeni is a restricted area, and the permit is issued only through a registered agency with a licensed guide. See the Upper Mustang permit guide.
What you need to rent a motorbike in Pokhara
- Your full home driving licence with a motorcycle category
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) that covers motorcycles
- Your passport (shops take a copy)
- A cash deposit
- Travel insurance that covers riding a motorcycle of that engine size, at the altitude you will reach
- An ACAP permit if you are riding into Mustang or Manang (NPR 3,000 for foreign nationals)
Police checkpoints at Beni, Jomsom and on the Manang road regularly ask for licence, IDP and the bike’s blue book or rental agreement. Our planning guide covers licences for UK, US and Australian riders.
How to choose a good rental bike
- Check the tyres. For Mustang you want dual-sport tyres with real tread, not worn road tyres.
- Test the brakes and clutch in the lane outside the shop, not on the first descent.
- Look at the chain and sprockets. A hooked sprocket or slack chain will not survive the Kali Gandaki gorge.
- Photograph every scratch and the odometer with the shop owner present.
- Ask what is included: helmet, lock, luggage rack, spare tube, tool kit, phone mount.
- Agree the breakdown plan. Who pays for a recovery jeep from Jomsom? Get it in writing.
We work with rental partners who service their bikes between hires and will send a mechanic or swap bike if something goes wrong. That is the main reason to book through us rather than walking into the first shop on Lakeside.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a motorbike in Pokhara?
Scooters cost around USD 10–15 a day; a Royal Enfield Classic 350 USD 25–50; a Himalayan 411 USD 40–55; and a Himalayan 450 or Honda CRF250L USD 70–115 a day, depending on season and hire length.
Can I ride from Pokhara to Muktinath on a rental bike?
Yes. Lower Mustang including Jomsom, Kagbeni and Muktinath needs only an ACAP permit, so you can self-ride it. Allow at least four days return and avoid riding the gorge after heavy rain.
Do I need a licence to rent a scooter in Pokhara?
Legally, yes — a motorcycle licence plus an IDP. Some shops do not ask, but police do, and your travel insurance is likely to be void if you crash without the right licence.
Can I pick up in Pokhara and drop off in Kathmandu?
Often, yes, for a one-way fee to cover the return of the bike. Tell us your plan and we will arrange it.
Is it safe to ride a motorbike around Pokhara?
The town and nearby roads are fine for experienced riders. Mountain roads are narrow, unsealed in places and shared with jeeps and buses, so ride defensively and never after dark.
Get a bike waiting for you in Pokhara
Tell us your dates, the route and your riding experience. We will reserve the right bike, sort the ACAP permit and send you a route plan.