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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: Mainly dirt in the high mountains, with tar in the foothills
Support: Tour leader / Medic / Mechanic / Support vehicle
Distance: 800km
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. Motorcycle touring does not get better than this! We will guide you along sinuous mountain trails, through the shadow of mighty Annapurna, to the edge of the Tibetan Plateau at some 4800m ... and back via epic views, across plains and through jungles. This trip is characterised by rides in places of the most incredible natural beauty... and millions of bends.
This is a supported tour, with a vehicle to carry luggage and medical kit. Internal flights, guiding, accommodation, fuel, our jungle expedition and most meals are all included in the price.
Parts of this tour 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.
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 views over the Annapurna Massif, with views all the way to the very, very big fellas. In Pokhara your tour team will meet you and later we'll take gentle ride around the lake to get a sniff of the bikes and get into the Nepali groove.
The tour ends in the jungles of Western Nepal, from which you will fly back to Kathmandu 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...
Whenever riding there will be a leader and 'outrider' guiding and trouble-spotting. A support vehicle with spares and a well-equipped medic will travel at the rear. The trip includes some long days in the saddle, both on easy cruising roads and very challenging mountain chicanery. These longer rides will require skill and concentration.
Weather will range from warm, or hot, on the plains, 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.
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.
Leap aboard your overnight flight and kip to Kath'.
We will collect you from the airport and transport your comfortable hotel in Thamel, the thriving hub of Kathmandu. Depending on your arrival time, there will be time to explore the lively streets, restaurants and bars.
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 around the huge Phewa Lake, before we head out for dinner in this lively town.
Today we leave the comforts of Pokhara and head for the village of Kushma. Kushma is known for its motorised cable cars and there are amazing views over the river gorge. At just 1300m above sea-level it's a gentle start to the acclimatisation process.
Today we have 75km of challenging dirt roads ahead of us and utter geographical magnificence as our route bisects two 8000m giants – Annapurna and Dhaulgiri. The Kali Gandaki Gorge is not a steep-sided canyon, but the height differential between the lowest mountain of the pair either side and the river is 5571m – 3.46 miles! Leaving the main trail we will head though pine forest, past a glacial lake, and spend the night in the village of Kalopani.
A short hop, but very satisfying as we take in the sites of the Mustang Valley on challenging roads, beside the Gandaki River. Passing though village life and the ever-outstanding vistas, we make our way to Kagbeni Village, with it's 500 year-old monastery.
We will start the day with a short, rough, ride up the steep hill 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 climb to Marpha (2556m). A popular overnight stop on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, this village has many small hotels and guest houses. As ever, the setting is breathtaking.
Having left Marpha, we will stop for a look at the Rupse Falls, which tumble 300m down the mountainside. Tatopani (meaning 'hot water') is surrounded by hot springs. Despite being an incredibly beautiful place, this is all we have to report about Tatopani.
Today we leave the highest mountains, for just very high mountains as we leave the upper Gandaki Valley, heading south through dazzling valleys. We ride a mix of dirt and tarmac, taking a full day to cover a little over 100 miles. The day ends in the town of Tansen, with its ancient architecture and a most excellent restaurant.
This is a long ride – around 200 miles – but is on tar. Very twisty tar to begin with, but most of the day being on a wide highway. Having scaled the heights, we now find ourselves at just 150m above sea-level in sub-tropical forest. At the day's end, we turn onto rough roads into the jungle where we find our resort accommodation in a small village.
Depending on river conditions, we will be transferring to rafts, or heading out into the national park on foot. Having tracked animals with our expert guides, we will camp deep in the jungle. This National Park is one of Asia's great secrets, situated as it is away from the usual tourist circuits. The park holds plenty of tiger, leopard, elephant, great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, crocodile and many, many other species.
The journey back from our overnight camp to the hotel near the park gates can be made either on foot, with our guiding team, or by raft/jeep. Either way, it's well worth it, as it's rare to be allowed to walk in such places and the chances of seeing wildlife here are high.
Early morning transport takes us from Bardia and along the highway to the airport at Nepalgunj. 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.
If you would like to book some extra time in Nepal prior to, or just after, your tour dates, then we offer a range of short packages in Pokhara, Kathmandu, or Bardia National Park. Including accommodation and transfers, these can be selected as 'Trip Extras' during the booking process, or contact us for more options.
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.
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