Destination: Himalaya, India, Nepal
Duration: 13 Day(s)
Group Size: 10
Pillion Friendly: Not ideal, due to dirt roads, but passengers can ride in the support vehicle when needed
Terrain: Mix of tar and dirt in the high mountains and the foothills
Support: Tour leader / Medic / Mechanic / Support vehicle
Distance: 950km (Approx)
*** Arrival Airport: Kathmandu (KTM)
Let us introduce you to some of the best riding, views and food you'll find anywhere – really, anywhere – all amid the fascinating culture of Nepal. We will guide you along sinuous mountain trails, through the shadow of mighty Annapurna and on to Majestic Upper Mustang. On the Tibetan Plateau at some 4300m we pause to explore the area surrounding Lo Manthang, with a ride up to the Tibetan border. We return via epic views, with 'side rides' off into the mountains to take in the extreme views and mooch beside altitudinous lakes. This trip is characterised by rides in places of the most incredible natural beauty... and no lack of bends!
This is a supported tour, using Royal Enfield 411cc, or 450 Himalayan motorcycles, with a vehicle to carry luggage, a medic and their kit. Internal flights, guiding, accommodation, fuel and some meals are included in the price.
Parts of this adventure could be tough, maybe very tough. Some of the roads we're taking are unpaved dirt and unseasonable wet weather could throw up some mud, rocks and extra logistical challenges. For these reasons, no itinerary is ever set in stone, but we always have a contingency. Whenever riding there will be a leader and 'outrider' guiding and trouble-spotting. A support vehicle with spares, medic and mechanic will travel at the rear. The trip could include some long days in the saddle, both on easy cruising roads and very challenging mountain chicanery. These longer rides will require skill and concentration, but if you need (or want) a break from the bike, the support truck is there to take the strain.
To meet this tour you will fly to Kathmandu, where you will be met by a Blazing representative, who will escort you to your hotel. Next morning you will be collected for your flight to Pokhara (45mins). On most days this flight will offer jaw-dropping scenes over the Annapurna Massif, with views all the way to the very, very big mountains. In Pokhara your tour team will meet you and later we'll take gentle ride around the area to get a sniff of the bikes and get into the Nepali groove.
The tour ends back in Pokhara, from where you will fly back to Kathmandu Valley with time for some sight-seeing. Internal flights will be provided as part of the cost of the trip. Should you wish to add extra days/activities, the option is always there – check out the options on the bookings page, or contact us for details...
Weather will range from warm, or hot, in lower areass, to 'nippy' in the higher stations. We would not expect rain at the times of year that we run tours in Nepal, but it's always possible.
Nepali jungle and high Himalayan valleys; views of the huge Himalayan ranges – this is a trip full of fabulous contrasts, epic rides and limitless hospitality.
You will need a reasonable fitness level to complete this trip and there are certain medical conditions that preclude travelling at altitude, so check with Blazing Trails and your GP if in doubt.
ADVICE ON BOOKING A FLIGHT HERE
The 'START DATE' (Day 1) date is the date of arrival at your destination airport. The 'END DATE' is the date on which you fly home.
Please make sure that on booking you select a tour date and bike.
Advice on finding a flight can be found HERE
Leap aboard your overnight flight and kipmandu to Kathmandu. The left side of the 'plane usually gives the best views of the mountains.
We will collect you from the airport and transport you to your comfortable hotel in Thamel, the thriving hub of Kathmandu. From the hotel's rooftop restaurant it is often possible to see all the way to the dramatic Langtang mountain range. Depending on your arrival time, you'll also have time to explore the lively streets and temples. Restaurants and bars can be sampled before off to bed you go.
You will be transported to the domestic terminal for the short-hop (30 min) flight to Pokhara (there should be awe-inspiring views from the 'plane). At Pokhara you will be met by your Blazing crew. After a briefing at the hotel, there's a 'get to know your bike' ride to a viewpoint above the town, before we head out for dinner in this lively town.
A beautiful day of riding as we head off parallel to the Annapurnas. It will be of no surprise that the road is twisty, as we pass through rustic villages and over passes affording views of the towering snowcaps beyond. Expect patches of broken and unmade road, waterfalls and deep satisfaction. The small town of Kushma is known for the dizzying heights and huge spans of its suspension bridges (you do not have to ride across them). Our plush, cliff-side resort here borders a vast gorge with views up to the mountains. Tasty food and drinks etc will cap an excellent day.
The Dhaulgiri mountain to the left; the Annapurna to the left: welcome to the world's deepest valley. We start climbing on tar, with sections of landslide damage likely, before things get steeper and the higher ranges become visible. In Kalopani we spend the night in a characterful guest house surrounded by awesome mountains.
Today we take in the sites of the Lower Mustang Valley on sometimes challenging roads, beside the Kali Gandaki River. Passing though village life and the ever-outstanding vistas, we make our way ever upwards to Muktinath, one of the most important (and highest at 3800m) temples in Hinduism. This site, dedicated the the god Vishnu, is also holy to Buddhists. Feel free to wash away your sins under the 108 cold water outlets. From this holy site we will descend back toward the river, cross the valley and gain height to reach a dizzying dirt track. Down again – and across – the river and we find our overnight stop at Kagbeni village in a charming guesthouse.
This is a full day on the bikes, as we head further into the rugged desert beauty of Mustang. We start with permit formalities at the checkpoint, before up we go into Upper Mustang, one of the most extraordinary environments on the planet. Buddhist shrines and flags colour the dramatic landscape of 'The Forbidden Kingdom' as we scale the switchbacks... and on to Lo Manthang, the 15th-century walled capital of Upper Mustang.
A day in which to fully appreciate this magical place, a kingdom founded toward the end of the 15th century. We will ride out on rough a winding roads in the direction of the Tibetan border, getting as close as the authorities will allow. We will also visit one of the many Buddhist Monasteries in the valley and enjoy views of the royal palace, returning in time to explore the 'city's' narrow streets and alleys as the folks and beasts ready themselves for the evening.
From the end of the road, we have no alternative but to turn back and follow the river back down to Earth. To cover the 100km to Marpha will take us most of the day, with time to take breaks and drink in the stunning views to the south – seeing Annapurna from a new perspective. The streets of traditional Marpha village are too narrow for four-wheelers and full of local colour. Stone buildings, slate roofs and stacks of charm.
This looks like a very short hop on the map, but we will be leaving the highway at several points to ride up into the mountains to visit an amazing viewpoint and a stunning lake, set in a forest – again with views of the snow-capped high peaks. A small suspension bridge over the frothing river needs to be crossed – vertigo sufferers can walk across if they prefer, or can sit out this part of the day with the support vehicle, which can't cross.
Having left Lete, we will be following the 'highway' (with special sections featuring missing tarmac and roadworks) for some time, before we turn off to climb to a village where we will get great views over Pokhara and its massive lake. We will descend into the the town's Lakeside area, where a fab night out is the order of the evening.
It's a fairly short ride from Tatopani to bustling Pokhara, which will give us the afternoon to have a look around, pick up some shopping and stroll beside the lake. In the evening we can gather to enjoy a slap-up meal
Early morning transport takes us to the airport at Pokhara. Here a short flight will be taken to Kathmandu – and a taxi ride to fascinating Bhaktapur on the outskirts. Here the afternoon can be spent wandering among ancient buildings in this living museum.
Adios. Time to leave amazing Nepal. The best mountain views are had by those sitting on the right-hand side of the 'plane.
The tours can be booked online, by email, or over the phone on: +44 (0) 7494 050404. To secure a place you will be asked to put down a 15% deposit and payment can be made by card, cheque, or bank transfer.
International flights are not included in the price of your tour, but internal flights are. We can provide details of where to book an appropriate International flight.
Best to obtain your E-visa visa from the Embassy of Nepal: https://uk.nepalembassy.gov.np/visa/. Currently a 15-day visa costs £25.
You will need a valid certificate of travel insurance and an International Driving Permit.
Obtain one through the Post Office service, at major branches. All you need is your UK Driving Licence and some six of His Imperial Majesty's Pounds.
Yes. We enjoy hosting riders from all countries.
Yes, you need travel insurance to cover you for the period of the tour. This insurance must cover you to ride the bike you have booked.
We would advise that you have some idea of the Nepali Rupee exchange rate before you leave, to avoid getting ripped-off. We would advise changing around £100 at the airport. In many major towns, there are cash-points that will accept major credit and debit cards. In Kathmandu and Pokhara you will be able to use money changers and banks. Further advice to this will be given in the tour briefing.
About £350 should cover food, drink, and sundries.
Not if you pay a supplement, which can be selected at the booking stage.
It is always clean and the best we can find in the area with a suitable setting. We are in clean, comfortable hotels or resorts. One night you will be staying in a tented camp in the jungle.
Usually, but it can't always be guaranteed in remote areas. During our jungle night there's no power. If it's vital you need electrical power every night, please speak to us before booking. Don't forget a travel adaptor if you need to recharge your electricals.
You need a licence to ride the bike you've booked. It would also be good to have a couple of year's experience. While you don't need dirt-riding experience, as we can help you through tricky sections there are dirt roads to be tackled. These may be muddy, or/and rocky in places.
Riding anywhere carries with it a degree of risk, as does riding in Nepal. If any rider joining us rides in a manner we suspect will endanger themselves, or others, they will receive one warning. If they continue to display a threat to the safety or enjoyment of others on the tour, they will be excluded from the remainder (with no refund given, see terms and conditions).
Due to road conditions and other traffic, vehicles tend to move a lot slower in Nepal than they do in the West. We will do likewise. There are also constraints on speed enforced by the bikes. These are not high-revving sports bikes and so we will lead the tour at a maximum speed of around 70-80kph where conditions allow
No, you can't ride independently of the tour group, sorry.
Reasonably so. What's 'reasonably fit'? If you can't jog up stairs without panting, then Nepali bike tours probably aren't for you.
Yes, but please be sure they know what they're letting themselves in for: some long days in the saddle, bumpy roads and, in the mountains, some pretty shocking drop-offs. We have limited space in our support vehicles, so pillions may not always be able to hop off on a whim. Likewise, if riders have any doubt over handling the extra weight, then we'd advise they ride solo. It is possible to book a place in a support vehicle (same as pillion price) for those who want to join the tour, but not to ride or travel as a pillion passenger.
You are limited to 20kg on most flights. We suggest you pack as lightly and in as compact a form as possible. As support vehicle space is tight, we insist you bring soft luggage. If you turn up with a suitcase we will ask you to buy a soft bag and repack.
Keep it minimal. One set of riding kit for the tour and a couple of sets of clothes for the evening. There are laundry facilities at two-night stops, but it's a good idea to bring under-layers that can be hand-washed.
If you're wet, yes. One small travel towel. Although most of our hotels provide towels, there may be the occasional night you'll want your own.
All breakfasts and some evening meals are included – where there is little choice. In some places guests may chose to eat dinner where they wish.
We would firstly suggest that you avoid too much curry, purely on the grounds that you don't like it. Nepali cuisine has much more to offer than what we in the West are offered in most 'Indian' restaurants. In many destinations, Western-style food is available and where it is not, less spicy food can be arranged.
Yes. If your riding kit isn't waterproof, then bring a waterproof over-layer.
Consult your GP/travel clinic for immunisation and medical advice. Bring enough of any prescribed medication you take regularly. A basic first aid kit is useful (plasters, antiseptic cream, bite/sting relief, plus insect repellent). Any serious medical problems will be dealt with by the tour medic.
Yes, don't mess with elephants.
We are not allowed to tell you.
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