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Nepal Tour
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Magic Nepal
Nepal, the Hindu kingdom nestled in the Himalayas has it all – fertile green hills, vast, snowcapped mountain ranges, rivers with raging whitewater, deep jungle and rainforests, spectacular mountain roads, ancient cities with bazaars and palaces, remote villages, and a unique biosphere.
We’ve taken the scenic and cultural highlights of this dream destination and put them together for you in a unique tour program on two wheels.
After all, could there be a more beautiful and immediate way to explore this Shangri La than by motorcycle?
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The program highlights in brief:
As is always the case when traveling in exotic countries without advanced tourist infrastructure, it may become necessary alter the program on the spot due to unforeseen circumstances.
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Day 1:
Fri.
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Flight with Qatar Airways
Afternoon flight from Frankfurt via Doha on the Persian Gulf to Kathmandu.
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Day 2:
Sat.
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- Arrival in Kathmandu
In the morning. Our man in Kathmandu will be waiting for us at the gate with an Action Team sign. A bus will be standing by to take us to our hotel near Mugling, about 140 km from Kathmandu. During the ride, we’ll be getting our first impressions of what to expect in the next two weeks. The view through the dusty windows will leave no doubt that we’ve arrived in a completely different world.
We’ll have a bit of time to relax in the Riverside Spring Resort while our guide changes money for us.
Next, a short briefing. The day will finish with a welcome dinner featuring Nepalese specialties.
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Day 3:
Sun.
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From Mugling to Gorhka
After a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to collect our Enfields. We’ll take half a day to get to know the bikes and practice on the parking lot in front of the resort.
A bit of training in a quiet area is time well-spent for our safety in light of the chaotic traffic on Nepal’s main roads, especially the Prithvi Rajmarg highway. After all, driving on the left and shifting on the right takes a bit of getting used to.
Our first taste of the open countryside will be on a quiet little road that winds its way through the Himalayan foothills. The tiny mountain town of Gorkha is virtually untouched by tourism, located amid terraced hill slopes at an altitude of around 1,200 meters. It’s famous for its Shah Dynasty palaces and temples dating back to the 17th century. We’ll be spending the night at the simple but cozy Gorkha Inn.
(approx. 45 km)
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Day 4:
Mon.
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From Gorkha to Pokhara
Before breakfast, we’ll be hiking the 250-meter ascent to the old royal palace on a mountain ridge overlooking Gorkha. From there, we’ll have a breathtaking view of the Ganesh Himal Massif with the Yangra (7,429 m) and Manaslu (8,163 m) peaks.
After our descent, we’ll be taking things much easier for the rest of the day on the saddles of our bikes. We’ll be cruising through lush valleys to Lake Phewa and Pokhara. There we’ll be spending the night at a simple but centrally-located lodge on Lake Road.
(approx. 150 km)
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Day 5:
Tue.
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In Pokhara
A day off:
- relax at Lake Phewa, or enjoy an outing on a rented rowboat with a spectacular view of the Annapurna Massif
- take a trip to a Tibetan refugee camp and visit its Buddhist monastery
- and if you really can’t help yourself, go for a ride on your Enfield.
Inveterate bikers can look forward to plenty of amazing scenery, sparse traffic, breathtaking views, and scratching a curve or three on a 150-km tour on a new, little-used mountain road leading up to the western edge of the Annapurna Massif at Baglungh. The route guarantees tremendous views of some of the world’s most spectacular mountains.
(depending on activity, 0 or 150 km)
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Day 6:
Wed.
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Pokhara – Siddharta Highway – Thansen
130 km of endlessly winding, lonely mountain roads on the Siddharta Highway, named after the historical Buddha, Siddharta Gautama. Bikers will certainly feel a step closer to enlightenment on this road.
We’ll be reaching Thansen (1,500 m) in the afternoon. The ancient market town is located on the former Silk Road. Time seems to have stood still in the old town with its many merchants and artisans.
For dinner, we’ll be sampling Nepalese specialties in the historical atmosphere of the Naglo West beer garden. We’ll be staying in the best place in town – there are only two to choose from, so don’t get your hopes too high – Hotel Srinagar, overlooking the town.
(approx. 130 km)
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Day 7:
Thu.
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Thansen – Mahendra Highway – Royal Chitwan National Park
From Thansen, we’ll be descending through rocky gorges to the tropical Therai plain. Things seem very Indian down there on the plain, which does indeed extend from the slopes of the Himalayan foothills to the coast of the Indian ocean. Even the towns seem to exude the unmistakable flair of India – not surprising, since Butwal, one of the two towns we will be passing through, is only 20 km from the Indian border.
We’ll be spending the night in Sauhara, just outside the Royal Chitwan National Park, in the stylish Royal Park Hotel, the best jungle lodge in Sauhara. Dinner will be followed by a slide show about Nepal’s wildlife. We’ll round the evening out with a nightcap at the campfire, watching the sun set over the river.
(approx. 180 km)
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Day 8:
Fri.
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Chitwan National Park
No riding today. We’ll be getting up very early and taking an elephant safari into the national park to see wild rhinos – and leopards, if we’re lucky. After breakfast, we’ll take dugout canoes to visit the residents of Crocodile Creek.
Participants wanting to see tigers can join the trekking tour into the jungle. With a bit of luck, you may briefly see one of these lone predators from a few hundred meters away. (It can’t hurt to have a bit of space between yourself and the tiger when you’re on foot.)
Second overnight stay in the Royal Park Hotel, the finest safari lodge in the vicinity.
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Day 9:
Sat.
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On the Rajpath Mountain Road to Daman
We can look forward to an exciting day in the saddle today. We’ll be taking one of Nepal’s most beautiful mountain roads, the Rajpath highway, across Kulekhani Pass (2,600 m).
We’ll be spending the night in the very comfortable Everest Panorama Resort just behind the pass.
(approx. 140 km)
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Day 10:
Sun.
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Daman - Kathmandu ring road – Nagarkote hill station
At sunrise, we’ll enjoy a fantastic view of the Himalayas, from the Annapurna Massif west of us, to the Mt. Everest range in the distance in the east.
From the top of Kulekhani Pass, we’ll descend into the Trisuli Valley. From Naubise, we’ll take the Prithvi Rajmarg highway to Kathmandu Valley and plunge into the chaotic traffic of the Kathmandu Ring Road. We’ll be taking this highway for a short distance – extreme caution and defensive riding is absolutely essential here – to our turnoff for Nagarkote hill station. Nagarkote (2,100 m) will give us an excellent view of the snowcapped Langtang Lirung Massif with its 7,000-meter peaks. We’ll be spending the night in the Farmhouse Resort, a beautifully situated, quiet and very comfortable lodge.
(approx. 140 km)
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Day 11:
Mon.
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From Nagarkote to Borderland Adventure Resort
An early start is essential today to experience the Mt. Everest Massif at sunrise, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll be starting our descent to the Arniko highway, heading toward the Tibetan border. But first, we’ll visit Bhaktapur, one of the three historical royal cities of Kathmandu Valley, with its beautiful old city and temples at Durbar Square.
We’ll be reaching our day’s destination, the Last Resort at the Bothe Kosi River in the afternoon. Time to relax. More information is available here: http://www.tlrnepal.com/
We’ll be spending the evening together with other adventurers in the resort’s open club tent, and the night in safari tents set up under wooden roofs.
(approx. 100 km)
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Day 12:
Tue.
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The Last Resort – the adventure resort at the Bothe Kosi River
Today we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some spectacular whitewater river rafting. You shouldn’t miss it, this is truly an untamed river. (payment on location, approx. USD 30.00)
Afterward, there will still be time to take your Enfield around 20 km up a dusty trail to the Tibetan border checkpoint at Kodari Bridge.
And anyone in need of a serious adrenaline rush can go for a bungee jump into the 160-meter deep gorge at the Last Resort (approx. USD 80.00).
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Day 13:
Wed.
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Last Resort – Charikote
In the morning, before breakfast, we’ll be riding around 20 km up the track to the Tibetan checkpoint at Kodari (Friendship) Bridge. The Arniko Highway – little more than a broad, dusty gravel road in the ravine of the Bothe Kosi Rivers – is currently being financed and built by the Chinese to improve connections to Nepal and India. We’re allowed to go as far as the middle of the Friendship Bridge at the Nepalese-Chinese border. Go a couple of steps further and you’ll be able to truly say that you’ve set foot in Tibet – and a boot on the bridge is always better than a finger on the map.
We’ll take the Arniko Highway back, have breakfast in the Borderland Resort, and continue to the turnoff for Jiri Road. This wild, scenic mountain road, which was built with Swiss development aid, twists its way up evergreen slopes from 800 to around 2,700 meters. The deep forest opens up time and again, giving us spectacular views of lush valleys and soaring, snowcapped mountain peaks. Your camera is sure to get a workout here.
In the late afternoon, we’ll reach our day’s destination, the small mountain town of Charikote (2,000 m), and stop at the cozy, traditionally styled Charikote Panorama Resort for the night.
(approx. 100 km)
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Day 14:
Thu.
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Charikote – Kathmandu
After around 100 km on a winding road, we’ll reach Kathmandu in the afternoon.
Time permitting, we’ll visit the Pashupatinath Hindu temple and the Stupa of Bodnath, the largest and best-known Buddhist temple in Nepal. From here, it’s just a couple of kilometers to our very comfortable, quiet and central Nirvana Garden hotel, where we’ll be spending the last two nights.
(approx. 120 km)
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Day 15:
Fri.
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Kathmandu – Pattan
We’ll start the day with a visit to Kathmandu’s old city bazaar, taking in a fascinating mix of Asian markets, quaint temples and narrow alleyways. We can also visit Kathmandu’s sister city of Lalitpur (also known as Patan), which is famous for its temple district and a very impressive museum.
A trip to Swayambhunath, the renowned Monkey Temple on a hill overlooking the capital, is also very worthwhile. That evening we’ll be getting together for our farewell dinner – one last opportunity to savor the true flavors of Nepal before returning home.
(approx. 100 km)
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Day 16:
Sat.
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In Kathmandu – Mount Everest sightseeing flight, Monkey Temple and shopping
Early in the morning – before breakfast – we’ll have the opportunity to take a one-hour sightseeing flight with Buddha Air, taking in Mount Everest and the vast panoramas of the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau (approx. €120.00, payable on the day).
Afterwards there will still be plenty of time in Kathmandu for shopping and sightseeing. Two hotel rooms will be available until our departure time (around 4:00 pm) for changing and freshening up.
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Tour Map
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The itinerary is therefore subject to change!
Important information
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- Equipment: Please bring your own protective clothing and helmet. Also be sure to bring your wet-weather gear to help ensure that it won’t rain.
- Other helpful items: A flashlight – ideally a headband-mounted one. A Leatherman tool or Swiss army knife can be useful. Sunglasses are absolutely essential. A personal drinking bottle is also very convenient.
The Enfields are equipped with sturdy leather saddlebags. We nevertheless recommend a waterproof daypack for your most essential items, or a tail bag with mounting straps that will let you easily remove everything from the bike and take it with you anytime.
You should keep drugs (diarrhea and cold medication, vitamins, etc.) and other personal items (sun blocker, insect repellant) within convenient reach. On the topic of medication, a shot of Fernet Branca or a similar herbal digestive can work wonders in case of problems with the local cuisine. As these are not available locally, we advise persons with sensitive stomachs to stock up at home.
- Currency: You are not allowed to bring Nepalese currency into the country or take it out. You may bring unlimited amounts of foreign currency into the country. We recommend euro banknotes in €50.00 and €100.00 denominations. Our guide will assist you in changing money. US dollars are not required. American Express Traveler’s Cheques (€100.00 or US dollar denominations) are accepted in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but are not essential. Credit cards (Maestro, Visa and MasterCard) can be used in Kathmandu, but not in the rest of the country. Cash advances are very easy to obtain at the new ATMs in Kathmandu and Pokhara, provided you know your card’s PIN.
- You will need the equivalent of around €200.00 to €300.00 for drinks, lunch and tips for the duration of your stay.
- Documents: Please be sure to carry photocopies of all of your important travel documents such as your passport, driving license and flight ticket for emergencies.
- Arrival: A tourist visa is required for Nepal. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of your stay.
The visa can be obtained in advance at any Nepalese embassy or consulate, or at the airport on arrival (a single-entry tourist visa valid for 60 days currently costs USD 30.00; two passport-size photos are required).
We will send you a visa application and further information together with your booking confirmation.
- Import regulations: Up to 20 films, 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of alcohol may be imported duty-free. All international film and battery types are available in Nepal. Customs checks of arriving tourists have become considerably less strict in recent years.
- Food: Western food is not generally available, so we’ll be eating simple vegetarian meals and regional specialties throughout the tour. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price of the tour and will be served to the group. Hearty breakfasts will not always be available.
We can, however, promise you a wide range of cuisine, with a special emphasis on local specialties. In general, less meat is served in Nepal – chicken being the most common non-vegetarian food –, but therefore plenty of vegetables, legumes and rice. Nepalese cuisine is generally well-spiced and not overly hot.
Beer in Nepal is up to international standards, the most common brands being Tuborg, Carlsberg and San Miguel. The local Chang beer is quite effective but requires a bit of getting used to, Wine – when it’s available – is even more of an acquired taste than Chang. The very good, local Khukri rum is definitely the better choice. Mineral water or purified water can be purchased anywhere and must be carried individually. We also recommend carrying some Fernet Branca or a similar herbal digestive for medicinal purposes.
During the day, we’ll be stopping for small refreshments and snacks, generally at basic local restaurants and roadside tea shops.
- Riding skills: You should be confident in handling a motorcycle on paved roads. Unpaved sections or rough gravelly trails should not be a problem for you. Roughly 90% of the roads we will be taking are paved.
- Driving license: All riders must have a valid motorcycle driving license issued in their home country. An international driving license is also required. Be sure to contact the relevant authorities in your home country well in advance for more information on obtaining an international driving license.
- Baggage: Your baggage will be transported in the support vehicle. Don’t pack too much – remember: less is more. From time to time, we’ll have to carry our own baggage over short distances to the hotel. Baggage is not insured, so please be sure to purchase your own baggage insurance for the trip if necessary.
Your personal items for the day are best kept in the saddlebags or your daypack. Tank bags – including magnetic ones – can be used on the Enfields, but we do not provide them.
- Health: Tropical diseases do not occur in the Himalayas. A bit of prevention will ensure that plague, hepatitis and amoebic dysentery are not an issue. Malaria is only relevant in Terrai. Except for Kathmandu and the Terrai, the air and water in Nepal is clean, and our food and its preparation is completely hygienic. You should always use purified water – or better yet, mineral water – for drinking and brushing your teeth. The most frequent health disorders on our past tours were hangovers after long evenings around the campfire and mild cases of diarrhea that usually last a day or two and disappear without complications.
Altitude sickness is hardly a problem on our tours in Nepal, as we rarely stay at altitudes greater than 2,000 meters for extended periods.
Our tour dispensary is a small treasure chest for emergencies. We’re prepared to deal with almost any problem. In cases where we cannot provide adequate help on the spot, we will organize the appropriate measures quickly, conscientiously and in a professional manner. We do expect participants to be in good health and physically fit, however.
Vaccinations are currently not required for northern India and Nepal, but most physicians recommend immunization against hepatitis A and B. This is now available as a combined vaccine that is generally advisable for serious travelers.
Immunization against tetanus and polio is essential in any case. In addition to any personal prescription medicines you may need, we recommend carrying medication against diarrhea, insect bites, fever and colds.
With regard to malaria, please contact your physician or an institute for tropical diseases to discuss whether prophylaxis or the subsequent treatment of an actual infection would be more appropriate for you. That also applies to the vaccinations recommended above.
It is important to clarify all medical matters well in advance so that you do not have to receive multiple immunizations at the same time.
- Deposit: Motorcyclists must make a deposit of €500.00 in traveler’s cheques or cash for their bikes.
- The deposit will be returned when the bike is returned in good condition. The deposit also corresponds to the comprehensive insurance deductible for damage to the rented bike and damage or injuries to third parties.
Please see the Motorcycle section for more information on insurance.
- Clothing: Whatever you need for riding and leisure at temperatures between 5° and 30°C, including swimwear. You should also be prepared for cold nights at higher elevations in the Himalayas, with temperatures that may drop below freezing. Rugged clothing is advisable. Formal evening attire will definitely not be required.
- Cell phones: GSM phones do not work in Nepal.
- Total distance: Approx. 1,250 to 1,500 km (depending on your activities on the days off)
- Group strength: The minimum number of participants is 6, the maximum is 10 riders plus a tour guide. A maximum of 5 persons can ride in the support jeep or van.
- Hotels: Our hotels have been selected with care and vary from basic to upper midrange standards. Some are especially comfortable or well-situated, others have excellent cuisine or atmosphere, but they all have in common that they warmly welcome motorcyclists. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms (except for the Last Resort).
The Last Resort is located on a plateau overlooking the 160-meter deep gorge of the Bothe Kosi River.
It features permanent safari tents that are protected against the elements by wooden roofs, not unlike carports. The toilets and washrooms are separate, like those on a camping site.
Breakfast and dinner buffets are served in the partially open restaurant, which also features the well-stocked Good Karma Bar.
- Single rooms: Many of the locations we cover do not have a highly developed tourist infrastructure, so requests for single rooms can only be accommodated where the local hotel situation permits. We cannot guarantee the availability of single rooms at all times.
We’re confident that our tour guide will be able find a mutually acceptable solution wherever necessary, however.
- Climate: Expect sunny weather with daytime highs of 15° to 30°C, with night-time temperatures ranging from below freezing to 20°C, depending on the altitude and weather conditions. Chances of rain in February, March, October and November are around 5%, with good to excellent visibility. There are no guarantees against freak weather conditions, of course.
UV radiation is extremely high due to the clear air. Be sure to take plenty of sunscreen.
- Motorcycles: Royal Enfield Bullet 500
The Royal Enfield Bullet 500 stands out from the current crop of retrostyled bikes like the Kawasaki W 650 in one important respect – the fact that its 1950s design is genuine. The Bullet is manufactured in India and features a torquey long-stroke single-cylinder 500cc engine that delivers 24 bhp at 4,600 rpm. The bike, which weighs in at 168 kg, has a four-speed gearbox and a top speed of just over 120 kph.
New: All bikes now feature a dual-piston front disk brake.
The original front drum brakes and their marginal performance are now history. The drum brake has been retained in the rear, where it’s perfectly adequate
- Technical specifications: Single-cylinder four-stroke, 499cc, 16 kW (24 bhp) at 4,600 rpm, 168 kg, seat height 75 cm, 123 kph
- Our Enfields were manufactured between 1998 and 2004 and are well-maintained. Naturally, some of them bear the minor battle scars typical of rental motorcycles. Technically, they are all in top shape and perfectly suited to the planned tours.
They’re tremendous fun to ride, and their handling is safe and predictable after a brief familiarization period. Our average speeds on the tour range from 40 to 60 kph, depending on the road conditions and traffic.
- We also have a limited number of electric-start Enfields that are available for a €75.00 surcharge. Electric-start bikes must be reserved in advance when booking the tour.
The bikes have comprehensive insurance, with €500.00 deductible that must be paid as a cash deposit when collecting the bike.
Important note! The deductible also applies to damage or injury to third parties. In practice, the rider is initially liable for the full damages. The costs are later refunded by the insurance company, minus the deductible.
(Not to worry, however: damages rarely exceed USD 1,500.00, even in accidents involving severe personal injury.)
When booking the tour, please read and sign the included rental agreement and return it to us together with the booking form.
- Road conditions: We will mainly be taking quiet country roads and narrow, often dizzying mountain passes. Over 90% of the roads are paved, and are mostly in surprisingly good condition. We will occasionally encounter badly deteriorated paved roads, potholed gravel roads and unpaved mountain tracks.
- You should, however, always be alert to occasional potholes, rough surfaces, and loose gravel in curves, even on well-paved roads.
The flexible, considerate driving style of the locals makes it easy to adjust to driving on the left and coping with the seemingly chaotic traffic conditions. The behavior of pedestrians and cyclists, and the frequent presence of animals on the road call for considerably more attention, however. Extreme caution is required around children.
- Day schedule: A travel day normally begins at 8:00 am with breakfast. This is followed by a short briefing by the guide at around 9:00 am, and the day’s riding, the mileage of which can vary considerably. Plenty of time will be available for lunch and coffee breaks, of course. A times, it can be a good idea to get up very early to enjoy the view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains in the clear morning air. The humidity tends to rise over the course of the day, with haze reducing the visibility.
- Daily distances: Between 30 and 180 km
- Agreement M/S Peter & Friends Classic Adventures Pvt. Ltd: Our partner company in India is responsible for booking the hotels and additional program, as well as providing the motorcycles and guides. This agreement has been drawn up to provide legal security for both the participants and the organizer by stating the terms of the tour, especially with regard to the rental and use of the motorcycle. Please read and sign the enclosed copy and return it to us together with the booking form.
Important note: We cannot provide a motorcycle in Nepal without this signed agreement.
- Insurance: We have already mentioned our recommendations regarding useful insurance policies at the appropriate places in the tour description. However, travel health insurance and travel accident insurance is mandatory for taking part in this tour. You must carry appropriate proof of insurance during the tour.
We also recommend taking out baggage insurance for the duration of the trip.
Please contact your insurance agent to take out the necessary policies.
- Time: Nepalese time is 5¾ hours ahead of GMT.
- Our services:
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- 15 overnight stays in double rooms in hotels or guest houses
- 2 overnight stays in deluxe safari tents in the tent camp resort
- all breakfasts and evening meals
- Enfield Bullet 500 rental motorcycle (optional electric starter: €75.00 surcharge)
- all fuel, motor oil and other lubricants for the bikes
·experienced, English-speaking guide for the entire tour
- support vehicle for baggage (as well as spare parts for the bikes and the first-aid kit containing adequate stocks of the most frequently-needed medicines)
- local mechanic with a basic command of English in the support vehicle
- admission fees (not including camera and video fees)
- Road and bridge tolls
- fees for special road permits
- sightseeing in Kathmandu
- admission to Chitwan National Park
- crocodile watching in dugout canoes
- elephant safari in the national park
- road map
- airport transfers
Not included: ·
- lunch, drinks and coffee breaks
- departure tax in Kathmandu, approx. USD 16.00
- visa fees
- holiday cancellation insurance
- travel health insurance
- optional activities such as Mt. Everest sightseeing flight, river rafting, jeep safari, climbing, etc.
- personal expenses
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