Day rides
Motorbike day tours from Kathmandu
Only have a day or two? Escape the valley on a Royal Enfield with a local guide — sunrise at Nagarkot, the stupa at Namobuddha, the pine ridges of Kakani or the switchbacks of the Rajpath to Daman.
How our Kathmandu day rides work
Your guide meets you at your hotel in Thamel or Patan with the bikes, runs through controls and hand signals, and leads you out of the city on quieter back roads before the traffic builds. You stop for chai, lunch and photos wherever you like, and you are back by late afternoon. It is the best way to find out whether a longer Nepal motorcycle tour is for you.
Day ride options
| Ride | Round trip | Highlights | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nagarkot sunrise | ~70 km | Himalayan sunrise from the rim of the valley, Bhaktapur on the way back | Easy |
| Dhulikhel and Namobuddha | ~90 km | Newari hill town, a quiet monastery and stupa, terraced ridge roads | Easy–moderate |
| Kakani and Shivapuri | ~60 km | Pine forest, Ganesh Himal views, cool air even in spring | Easy |
| Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan | ~40 km | Two UNESCO-listed sites, back lanes and pottery square | Easy |
| Rajpath to Daman | ~160 km | One of Nepal’s best switchback roads, panoramic views from Everest to Annapurna on clear days | Moderate, long day |
Two-day versions are possible with a night in Nagarkot, Dhulikhel or Daman. Daman also works as the first stage of our Nepal Highlights tour.
Price and what is included
A guided day ride costs about USD 120–180 per rider, depending on the bike and route. Pillion passengers pay less.
- Royal Enfield Classic 350 or Himalayan 411 (Himalayan 450 on request)
- Helmet (bring your own if you have one)
- Fuel and a licensed riding guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Lunch and tea stops
Prefer to ride alone? You can hire a bike with route notes via motorbike rental in Kathmandu.
Tips for riding around Kathmandu
- Leave by 7 am — the Ring Road and the exits from the valley jam quickly.
- Expect dust in the dry season: bring a buff or mask.
- Keep left, and treat every bus and microvan as if it has not seen you.
- Carry your licence, IDP and the bike papers; police check points are common on the valley exits.
- Avoid riding in the dark, especially on hill roads where there is no lighting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a motorbike day tour in Kathmandu without experience?
You need a full motorcycle licence and some riding experience. If you have never ridden, ask about riding as a pillion with your guide.
What is the best day ride from Kathmandu?
For mountain views, Nagarkot at sunrise or Daman on the Rajpath. For culture, Dhulikhel and Namobuddha. For an easy first ride, Kakani.
Can I see Everest on a day ride from Kathmandu?
On very clear days in autumn and winter, Everest is visible from Nagarkot and Daman as a small peak on the horizon — the closer Langtang and Ganesh ranges are the real show.
Do I need a permit?
No. None of the Kathmandu valley day rides need a permit.
Get out of the city for a day
Tell us your hotel, date and riding experience and we will suggest the right ride.