Self-guided
Self-guided motorcycle tours in Nepal
Ride at your own pace with a serviced bike, a day-by-day route plan, pre-booked lodges and permits — and a mechanic on the end of the phone if something goes wrong.
What a self-guided tour includes
- The right bike for your route — Himalayan 450 or 411, CRF250L or Classic 350 — checked before you collect it
- A day-by-day route plan with distances, realistic riding times, fuel stops and road warnings
- GPX tracks for your phone or GPS
- Pre-booked hotels and lodges on every night
- ACAP permits for Mustang and Manang, arranged before you arrive
- A 24/7 support number for breakdowns, route changes and advice
- Recovery plan: a mechanic sent from the nearest town, or a replacement bike from Pokhara
You ride alone or with your friends; nobody leads the way. It suits experienced riders who want independence without spending their holiday finding lodges and arguing about deposits.
Self-guided routes
| Route | Days | Start / end | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu – Bandipur – Pokhara | 3–4 | Kathmandu → Pokhara | None |
| Pokhara – Jomsom – Muktinath | 5–6 | Pokhara | ACAP |
| Annapurna circuit to Manang | 6–8 | Pokhara or Kathmandu | ACAP |
| Nepal Highlights loop: Pokhara, Tansen, Lumbini, Chitwan, Daman | 9–11 | Kathmandu | None |
| Lower Mustang + Manang combined | 10–12 | Pokhara | ACAP |
Each route mirrors one of our guided tours, so if you change your mind you can switch to a guided version: Pokhara to Muktinath, Annapurna circuit to Manang and Nepal Highlights.
Where you cannot go self-guided
Upper Mustang (north of Kagbeni to Lo Manthang) is a restricted area. Permits are issued only through a registered Nepali agency and a licensed guide must accompany you, so it is only possible on our guided Upper Mustang motorbike tour. Details are in the Upper Mustang permit guide.
Self-guided vs guided: which is right for you?
| Self-guided | Guided | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower — roughly USD 90–150 per rider per day | About USD 170–270 per rider per day |
| Navigation | You, with GPX and notes | Guide leads |
| Mechanic | On call, may be hours away | Rides with the group |
| Checkpoints and permits | You present them | Guide handles it |
| Upper Mustang | Not allowed | Included |
| Best for | Experienced riders, comfortable with Asian traffic | First-time visitors, Upper Mustang, mixed-ability groups |
If you have never ridden in South Asia, our advice is to do your first trip guided, or at least the first two days. The traffic, the roads and the language barrier at checkpoints catch out even very experienced riders from the UK, US and Australia.
What you need
- A full motorcycle licence and an International Driving Permit
- At least a few years of riding experience, and some time on gravel for Mustang or Manang
- Travel insurance that covers motorcycling, your engine size and altitude, with evacuation
- Your own helmet if possible, plus boots, armoured jacket and gloves
Read the Nepal motorbike tour planning guide and riding in Nepal as a foreigner before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ride a motorbike in Nepal without a guide?
Yes, everywhere except restricted areas such as Upper Mustang. You need a home motorcycle licence, an International Driving Permit and an ACAP permit for the Annapurna region.
How much does a self-guided motorcycle tour in Nepal cost?
Roughly USD 90–150 per rider per day including bike, lodges, permits and support, depending on bike and route. Fuel and most meals are extra.
Is it safe to ride Nepal self-guided?
For experienced riders who ride defensively and never at night, yes. The main risks are traffic on the highways and changing road conditions in the mountains after rain.
Can I switch to a guide part-way?
Yes. A guide can meet you in Pokhara or Jomsom, for example, for the harder sections.
Plan your self-guided ride
Tell us your experience, dates and the route you have in mind. We will send a plan, a bike recommendation and an itemised quote.