Prices
How much does a motorcycle tour in Nepal cost?
Honest, itemised prices for guided tours, self-guided rides and bike rental in 2026 — and what actually drives the cost up or down.
The short answer
A guided motorcycle tour in Nepal costs roughly USD 170–270 per rider per day including bike, fuel, guide, mechanic, accommodation, most meals and permits. A self-guided tour with support costs around USD 90–150 per day, and renting a bike on its own costs USD 25–115 per day depending on the model.
That is considerably cheaper than equivalent tours in Ladakh during peak season or in Bhutan, where the daily Sustainable Development Fee alone is USD 100 per person — and Nepal’s mountains are higher.
Guided tour prices by route
| Tour | Days | Typical price per rider |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu day ride | 1 | USD 120–180 |
| Kathmandu to Pokhara | 3 | USD 550–800 |
| Pokhara to Muktinath | 6 | USD 1,100–1,500 |
| Dirt bike tour | 8 | USD 1,600–2,200 |
| Nepal Highlights loop | 10–11 | USD 1,800–2,500 |
| Lower Mustang and Muktinath | 9–11 | USD 2,000–2,800 |
| Annapurna circuit to Manang | 9–11 | USD 2,000–2,800 |
| Upper Mustang to Lo Manthang | 12–13 | USD 2,700–3,500 |
Pillion passengers usually pay 50–65% of the rider price. Single supplements for a private room apply in Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels; in mountain lodges rooms are usually twin share or single at little extra cost.
What makes up the price
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bike hire | USD 25–115/day | Classic 350 cheapest; Himalayan 450 and CRF250L most expensive |
| Fuel | USD 8–20/day | More on long highway days; pricier above Beni |
| Riding guide | USD 40–70/day | Licensed, with his own bike, food and lodging |
| Mechanic and support vehicle | USD 50–120/day | Shared across the group — cheaper per rider in bigger groups |
| Hotels in Kathmandu / Pokhara | USD 40–120/night | Depends on standard |
| Mountain lodges | USD 10–40/night | Simple, often with shared bathrooms |
| Meals | USD 15–35/day | Dal bhat is cheapest and refillable |
| ACAP permit | NPR 3,000 (about USD 22) | Mustang and Manang |
| Upper Mustang permit | USD 50/day in the restricted area | Approved November 2025, replacing USD 500 for 10 days — confirm the fee in force when you book |
More on permits in our Upper Mustang permit guide.
How to keep the cost down
- Ride in a group. Guide and mechanic costs are shared; a group of four pays noticeably less per rider than a solo rider.
- Choose the Himalayan 411 over the 450 unless you are going to Upper Mustang or Manang.
- Travel in March or early December rather than October, when hotels and bikes are at peak price.
- Ride two-up if you are travelling as a couple.
- Go self-guided on routes that do not need a guide — see self-guided tours — or simply rent a bike.
Costs not in a tour price
- International flights to Kathmandu
- Nepal tourist visa on arrival (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days at the time of writing — check before you travel)
- Travel insurance that covers motorcycling and altitude
- Riding gear, if you do not bring your own
- Drinks, snacks and tips for your guide and mechanic
Frequently asked questions
Is a motorcycle tour in Nepal expensive?
Compared with Europe or North America, no. A fully guided Himalayan tour at USD 170–270 a day includes bike, fuel, crew, accommodation and most meals.
Why is Upper Mustang more expensive?
The restricted-area permit (USD 50 per day), a longer itinerary and the need for a guide and support crew in a remote area.
Do you need a deposit?
The licensed operator who runs your tour usually asks for a deposit at booking and the balance before or on arrival. Terms are set out in writing with your quote.
Are prices in USD?
Tours in Nepal are normally priced in US dollars. You can pay in GBP, EUR or AUD by card or bank transfer at the operator’s exchange rate.
Get an itemised quote for your ride
Every line — bike, crew, permits, lodges and meals — priced separately, so you can see exactly where the money goes.