Nepal12 days
Nepal Motorbiking Route: Kathmandu, Pokhara & the Annapurna Circuit — 12 Days
Kathmandu to Lumbini to Pokhara to Muktinath and back, combining highway and mountain passes on two wheels
This 12-day motorbiking route moves across Nepal's lowland and mountain terrain, connecting UNESCO heritage sites, temples, and villages. The journey begins in Kathmandu, descends to the Terai plain and Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha), then climbs into the middle hills through Tansen before reaching Pokhara's lakeside. The second half follows the Annapurna Circuit motorbiking track: an ascent through gorges to Tatopani's hot springs, then higher to Muktinath at 3,800 meters, with descent back down to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu. The route covers both paved highways and unpaved mountain passes, with daily riding distances and difficulty levels varying significantly. Accommodation shifts from hotels in major cities to tea houses and lodges in mountain settlements. All meals outside Kathmandu and Pokhara are included, as are guide services, mechanical support, and road permits.
Highlights
- Mayadevi Temple and Ashoka Pillar at Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha
- Tansen's blacksmith workshops and traditional Nepali handicraft markets
- Chitwan National Park and evening Tharu cultural dance performance
- Tatopani's natural hot springs at 1,210 meters elevation
- Muktinath Temple complex at 3,800 meters with 108 sacred water taps
- Nepal's longest suspension bridge crossing en route to Tatopani
- Marpha village apple orchards and Thakali cultural zone
- Views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks from multiple riding sections
- Descent through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of Nepal's deepest river valleys
Day by day
1Arrival in KathmanduKathmandu · airport
A representative meets travelers at the airport and transfers them by private vehicle to a hotel in Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is unstructured, allowing time to rest after travel or visit local markets and streets independently. Overnight in Kathmandu.
2Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Trip BriefingDurbar Square · hotel
A private vehicle tour visits historic sites within the Kathmandu Valley, including Durbar Square and associated temples. Travelers meet the riding guides and mechanics at the hotel for a briefing on the route, bike specifications, and practical details. There is opportunity for final purchases or adjustments before departure. Overnight in Kathmandu.
3Transfer to Chitwan National ParkChitwan National Park · Chitwan
Transfer by private vehicle (not by motorcycle) to Chitwan National Park, Nepal's largest protected area. Upon arrival, visitors tour the park to observe its wildlife and vegetation; short riding around the immediate area occurs if time permits. In the evening, a local Tharu dance performance takes place. Overnight at a hotel in Chitwan.
4Ride from Chitwan to LumbiniChitwan to Lumbini · Mayadevi Temple · Sacred Pond Pushkarini · Ashoka Pillar
Motorbiking begins today after breakfast. The route from Chitwan to Lumbini follows paved highway through the Terai lowlands and is easy terrain. Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), contains several linked pilgrimage sites. The route includes Mayadevi Temple, the Sacred Pond Pushkarini, the Ashoka Pillar, and various monasteries representing different Buddhist traditions. Time is allocated for meditation and walking through local areas. Overnight at a hotel in Lumbini.
5Ride from Lumbini to Pokhara via TansenLumbini to Pokhara via Tansen · Pokhara · Tansen
The ride from Lumbini toward Pokhara gains elevation progressively as it moves north toward the middle hills. The first leg reaches Tansen, an old Nepali town situated on a ridge, known for its blacksmith quarter producing traditional Karuwa drinking vessels and Nepali Dhaka Topi caps. Narrow, winding streets connect heritage buildings and handicraft workshops. After lunch in Tansen, the ride continues to Pokhara, the lake city. Pokhara serves as a base for the following days of climbing toward the Annapurna region. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
6Ride from Pokhara to Tatopani via SarangkotPokhara to Tatopani via Sarangkot · Tatopani · Sarangkot village · Nepal's longest suspension bridge
An uphill ride of approximately 105 kilometers climbs north from Pokhara toward Tatopani. The first waypoint is Sarangkot village, offering views of the Annapurna range. The route then crosses Nepal's longest suspension bridge before descending to Tatopani (1,210 meters), a village situated above natural hot springs. The terrain transitions from paved roads to unpaved mountain tracks during this section. Overnight at a tea house in Tatopani.
7Ride from Tatopani to Muktinath via MarphaTatopani to Muktinath via Marpha · Muktinath · Kali Gandaki river valley · longest mani wall in Nepal · Muktinath Temple
An ascent passes through Marpha and arrives at Muktinath. The route follows the Kali Gandaki river valley and includes sections through high-altitude terrain with views of snowy peaks. The longest mani wall in Nepal—a stone wall carved with Buddhist mantras—appears along the route. Muktinath Temple sits at a sacred confluence significant to both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. The single-day elevation gain and reduced oxygen present the most physically demanding section of the motorbiking route. Overnight at a tea house in Muktinath.
8Muktinath Temple and Jharkot MonasteryMuktinath Temple · Muktinath · Jharkot Monastery
An early-morning ascent to Muktinath Temple allows visitors to pass through the 108 sacred water taps fed by a natural spring; this ritual is central to pilgrimage practice at the site. After breakfast, visitors can visit the Jharkot Monastery for views of Dhaulagiri and other snowy peaks. Time is spent in and around the temple complex without further motorbiking. Overnight at a tea house in Muktinath.
9Ride from Muktinath to Tatopani via MarphaMuktinath · Tatopani · Marpha · Tukuche
A downhill descent returns riders through Marpha, a village noted for apples. Time is allocated to taste local apples and apple products. The route continues through Tukuche, another Thakali settlement, before descending steeply on jeep trails to Tatopani (1,210 meters). The hot springs provide relaxation after the prolonged downhill riding. Overnight at a tea house in Tatopani.
10Ride from Tatopani to PokharaTatopani to Pokhara · Pokhara · Beni · World Peace Pagoda
A 30-minute ride reaches the village of Beni, where the route transitions to winding roads that descend through green valleys toward Pokhara. The final section follows easier terrain back to Pokhara, the lake city. Weather permitting, riders may visit World Peace Pagoda before sunset for views across Pokhara Valley. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
11Ride from Pokhara to KathmanduPokhara to Kathmandu · a Nepali restaurant · the hotel in Kathmandu
The return ride to Kathmandu follows paved highway. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, the group gathers for a farewell dinner at a Nepali restaurant featuring local cuisine and a cultural dance performance. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
12Departure from KathmanduKathmandu
A representative provides airport transfer by private vehicle according to individual flight times. The trip concludes.
Where you go
- 1Kathmandu
- 2Pokhara
- 3Muktinath
- 4Muktinath Temple
- 5Muktinath
- 6Pokhara
- 7Kathmandu
Included
- Included
- Airport Pickup and Drop in private vehicle
- Kathmandu Sightseeing in a private vehicle
- Road taxes and government fees
- All meals except in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Guide bike and guide fuel
- Mechanics and tools in Jeep
- All permits and paper works
- All accommodations in lodges/ tea houses
- Medical supplies (first aid kit)
- Farewell dinner in Nepali Restaurant
Not included
- Excluded
- Any Emergency and unforeseen evacuation bills
- Any Medical Insurance
- Any Personal bills/ bar bills/ laundry bills, etc.
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Bike fuel
- Any tipping and donations
- International airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Anything other than mentioned in the inclusions
- Entrance fees during the sightseeing in the city and major monumental places.
- Lost or damages of bikes/ accidents