My Epic Motorcycle Ride Through Nepal with Bikemandu – December 2022
In December 2022, I had the unforgettable experience of riding through Nepal’s Himalayas on my Honda XR190, guided by my friends from Desartica Adventure, Italy — Sasa Planet and Alex, incredible tour leaders who made every day smooth and exciting. The tour was organized by Bikemandu, whose expert planning ensured a safe, enjoyable, and culturally rich Himalayan journey.
From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the remote villages of Lower Mustang, every moment was filled with adventure, breathtaking scenery, and cultural encounters.
Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu (22 December 2022)
Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, my guide welcomed me and drove me to Bikemandu’s office in Patan to complete introductions, paperwork, and payment. Afterwards, I was transferred to my hotel for rest.
Later, we strolled through Patan Durbar Square, exploring ancient temples and traditional architecture while soaking in the vibrant local atmosphere. It was the perfect start to our adventure.
Day 2 – Kathmandu to Pokhara (200 km, 6 hrs)
After breakfast, a support jeep transported us to Bikemandu for last-minute formalities. At 8 AM, we set off on our ride. Navigating through Kathmandu’s busy streets was thrilling before the scenery changed to calm riverside roads and picturesque villages.
We made several scheduled stops along the way before reaching Pokhara, the “City of Lakes,” where we spent the night enjoying the city’s charm and reflecting on the day’s ride.
Magnificent view of Annapurna Himalayas
Day 3 – Pokhara to Tatopani (115 km, 6 hrs)
We departed early, riding along the Baglung Highway to Beni, pausing for lunch before tackling the rougher mountain terrain toward Tatopani. Flanked by Dhaulagiri (8167 m) and Annapurna (8091 m), this route offered breathtaking views.
Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs, was a rejuvenating stop and an ideal place to rest before the high Himalayan section of our tour.
Day 4 – Tatopani to Kagbeni (75 km, 5 hrs)
View from Lete while enroute to Jomsom
Heading north into the Himalayan region, the landscape transformed dramatically. Riding off-road through rugged terrain, we arrived at Kagbeni, a serene village marking the gateway to Upper Mustang and Muktinath. The tranquility of the village, surrounded by towering mountains, made it a perfect overnight stop.
Day 5 – Kagbeni to Muktinath & Jomsom (55 km, 5 hrs)
After exploring Kagbeni, we rode toward Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. The narrow, black-topped road offered smooth but scenic riding, with views of Nilgiri Himalaya and the Kali Gandaki River.
We strolled through the town, interacted with locals, and even purchased ancient ammonite fossils as souvenirs. Later, we descended to Jomsom, a charming town at 2743 m, with views of Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri peaks.
Day 6 – Jomsom to Tatopani (85 km, 6 hrs)
Morning in Jomsom greeted us with spectacular Himalayan vistas. Riding back to Tatopani, we passed Marpha, known for apples, and Himalayan settlements like Lete and Ghasa. Relaxing in the hot springs at Tatopani was an excellent way to recover after a long day.
Day 7 – Tatopani to Pokhara (125 km, 5 hrs)
Our ride back to Pokhara along paved roads offered a welcome relief from rugged mountain trails. In Pokhara, we enjoyed lakeside exploration, pubs, and friendly local interactions, all while the towering Himalayan peaks reminded us of the epic journey we had completed.
Day 8 – Pokhara Sightseeing (29 December 2022)
We spent the day exploring Pokhara’s natural treasures:
- Davies Falls, a hidden gem
- Gupteshwari Mahadev Cave, a mystical underground site
- Hilltop viewpoints providing panoramic vistas of the Annapurna Himalayan ranges and surrounding valleys
Pokhara perfectly captured the beauty and diversity of Nepal’s landscapes.
Day 9 – Pokhara to Kathmandu (30 December 2022)
Our final ride along the river valley back to Kathmandu marked the conclusion of our journey. Bikemandu arranged a farewell BBQ, a group photo, and commemorative tour T-shirts. The adventure not only tested our riding skills but also strengthened friendships and created lifelong memories.
Riders ready for the ride
Day 10 – Departure (31 December 2022)
Our guide ensured smooth check-out and accompanied us to Tribhuvan International Airport, sending us off with warm Nepalese hospitality — a perfect ending to a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Tips for Riders on Himalayan Motorcycle Tours
- Winter gear is a must: warm jackets, gloves, and sleeping bags
- Bring binoculars and head torches
- Carry light snacks and energy foods
- Cash is essential in remote Himalayan regions; ATMs are limited
- Small gifts like toffees delight local children and villagers
Why Bikemandu Is the Top Choice for Motorcycle Adventures in Nepal
Bikemandu ensures that Nepal motorcycle tours are safe, well-supported, and unforgettable. With professional guides, support vehicles, and carefully planned routes, riders can focus on adventure and exploration.
Exploring Lower Mustang and the Annapurna region was a life-changing experience, offering breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and challenging rides. For anyone looking to experience the Himalayas on two wheels, I highly recommend joining a Bikemandu motorcycle tour It’s a journey you’ll remember forever.
Thank you Bikemandu Nepal!
By Sam Wilson (United Kingdom)