Nepal Motorcycle Tour - The Shangri-La Tour

Nepal Motorcycle Tour

On our Nepal motorcycle tour a surprise awaits round every corner and there is no better way of experiencing this wonderful country than on a Royal Enfield Himalaya or Classic Bullet 500.

For many, Nepal is paradise on earth – one of the last Shangri-La's.  A land full of contrasts; from the highest mountains in the world to the steamy jungles of the Indian plains, monasteries and temples, tigers and rhinoceros, Sherpas and Gurkhas, magic and mystery.  

This tour takes place at the end of October, beginning of November – this is the ideal time to visit Nepal with warm daytime temperatures, clear skies and great weather for motorcycling.  You will get to explore the temples and squares of the Kathmandu valley; visit the elephant sanctuary and canoe through Chitwan National Park, hoping to see a Rhinoceros or even the elusive Bengal Tiger; visit the birthplace of Buddha at Lumbini; go white water rafting at the Borderlands Resort.

The Cost of The Tour

The cost of the tour is £2450 for a single rider in shared room (two to a room). A rider and pillion will cost £4600.  A few single rooms are available at a cost of £2950

A £250 deposit secures a place on the tour and the remaining balance payment is due 16 weeks before departure.

What is Included in the Price

• Royal Enfield Motorcycle Hire
• Experienced Tour guides 
• Luggage Vehicle
• Mechanics and medical support
• All hotel accommodation
• Breakfast every day and evening Meals at Chitwan, Lumbini, Borderlands.
• Chitwan National Park safari/canoeing
• Adventure day rafting at Borderlands Resort
• Tour routes and information pack

What is Not Included in the Price

• Flights to and from Kathmandu
• Petrol
• Travel Insurance
• Alcoholic drinks (we will provide water during day)
• Visa documentation (bought on arrival at Kathmandu airport)
• Evening meals in Pokhara and Kathmandu  

The general itinerary is shown below:

Day 1 – UK to Kathmandu (Departure UK on 19 Oct 2024)

The majority of flights from the UK fly via the middle east to Kathmandu.  Taking into account the time difference and few hours stop over, flights departing the UK on 19 October 2024 will arrive in Kathmandu on the following morning i.e the 20 October 2024.  

Day 2 – Kathmandu (Arrival 20 Oct 2024)

Conveniently, there is no need for a visa – you can get a Nepal tourist visa on entry at the airport.  From the airport you will be transferred to your 4 star hotel, a former 100 year palace with beautiful garden pool and recently refurbished rooms.  Located only a few minutes walk from the fun Thamel area of Kathmandu, this will be our base for two nights.

Day 3 – Kathmandu (Exploration Day - 21 Oct 2024)

Up early for a full day to explore Kathmandu.  Take a walk through the labyrinthine back streets and alleys of the old town eventually ending up at the architectural wonder of Durbar Square, visit the Unesco World Heritage site of Swayambhunath - the ‘Monkey Temple’.  If you fancy a rest there are plenty of restaurants to enjoy a meal and cool beer.  In the afternoon, we will pick up our trusty Enfields and take a short ride around the grounds of the hotel.  

Day 4 – Kathmandu to Chitwan (22 Oct 2024)

Today, its on the bikes as we make our way out of chaotic Kathmandu.  It is good to be on the road.  We will be taking the twisty Tribhuvan Highway - this time of year the road will not be blocked by the landslides which affect it during the monsoon season and with clear skies the scenery is breathtaking.  We will stop for lunch at Damon, which at 7700ft has what many consider to be the most spectacular view of the Himalaya in the whole of Nepal with unimpeded views of the entire range from Dhaulagiri to Mt Everest.  In the afternoon we will be heading to Chitwan National Park and a two night stay.

Day 5 – Exploring Chitwan National Park (23 Oct 2024)

This is not a rest day - there is so much to see in Chitwan.  It is home to approximately 410 Rhinos (there are only approx 2500 in the world); approximately 210 Royal Bengal Tigers; Gharials (strange looking crocodiles) and Sloth Bears (the most ferocious and feared animal in Chitwan).

Up early for a canoe ride along the Rapti  river. An excellent opportunity for Bird Watching  and for seeing the 2 rare species of crocodiles;  the Marsh Mugger and the fish eating Gharial.  Then its a thrilling Jungle walk before lunch.  In the afternoon, it is the optional Elephant Safari - the best way of seeing Chitwan and an excellent opportunity  to see four different kinds of deer, rhino, wild  bore, monkey, leopard, sloth bear, and the Royal  Bengal Tiger (if you are very lucky).  Then a evening of dance, food and beer.

Day 6 – Chitwan National Park to Lumbini (24 Oct 2024)

Back on the bikes for a ride through part of Chitwan and then onto the Mahendra Highway and through the lowlands of ‘The Terai’ region of Nepal.  We will be staying near Lumbini - it was here in the year 563BC that Siddhartha Gautama, better know as the Buddha, was born.  The spiritual heart of Lumbini is Maya Devi Temple which marks the exact spot where the Buddha was given birth to under a Bodhi Tree.  Our 5 star hotel is also a wonderful place to spend the evening.

Day 7 – Lumbini - Pokhara (25 Oct 2024)

An exciting days riding awaits along the dramatic Siddhartha Highway.  This road is regarded as one of the finest and most scenic motorcycle journeys in Nepal - a real cracker.  We will lunch at Tansen which is a beautiful and very friendly medieval town.  In the afternoon we will continue along the scenic road to Pokhara.

Pokhara is a great place - laid back, perfect setting and a fantastic adventure-sports scene.

Day 8 – Exploring  Pokhara (26 Oct 2024)

A well earned rest day in Pokhara.  There are two distinct sides to Pokhara and both are worth exploring.  Firstly, there is Lakeside, located around the stunning Lake Phewa Tal.  This is the perfect place to recharge the batteries, drink beer in the extremely friendly music bars, eat huge steaks and generally chill out.  Then there is Old Pokhara, where you will see the real Nepal. 

So the day is yours, take a boat around the lake, visit the Gurkha Museum (the Gurkha recruitment centre is on the outskirts of Pokhara), walk to the World Peace Pagoda. For the more adventurous you can have a days white water rafting, go up in a Microlight or go Paragliding or even Parahawking.  The latter was invented by British falconer Scott Mason and is 100% unique to Pokhara.  Parahawking is where trained birds of prey lead gliders to the best thermal currents.  As a reward for their guidance the birds will land on your outstretched gloved arm for you to feed it 2000 ft in the air.

We will be on hand to help you arrange any activity. Enjoy!!

Day 9 - Pokhara Ride out Day (27 Oct 2024)

Back on the bikes for an optional off road ride out day.  We will take you to fantastic viewpoints where you will see, providing the sky is cloud free, the majestic Annapurna range. Cross a suspension bridge on your Enfield. Explore remote villages before returning back to Pokhara.

Day 10 - Pokharah to Kathmandu (28 Oct 2024)

Today we are on the Prithvi Highway.  Another dramatic road which follows a series of deep river valleys, through rocky gorges.  There are glorious views of the Annapurna range on our left and the road is a classic twisty motorcycle road.  Great fun! We will stop for lunch at Manakamana and take the Austrian engineered cable car up to the ancient Temple.  Then after lunch we will follow the banks of the Trisuli back into busy Kathmandu.

Day 11 – Kathmandu - Borderlands (29 October 2024)

Leaving Kathmandu, we will take you on the friendship highway towards the Tibetan (Chinese) border and the "Borderlands Eco Resort".

Day 12–  Adventure Day at Borderland resort (30 October 2024)

A day off the bikes where you can go rafting, canyoning, abseiling etc or you can just chill out and enjoy the glorious scenery.  Click the following links to get more info on this world renowned adventure resort.

Borderlands Resort Details

Day 13 –  Borderlands to Kathmandu (31 October 2024)

It is only a 3 hr ride down to Kathmandu so we suggest that you spend the morning at the resort before heading down to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. 

Day 14 - Kathmandu Exploration Day (1 November 2024)

A final day in Kathmandu. Last minute shopping and a chill out before leaving fabulous Nepal and it's beautiful people.

Day 15–  Kathmandu - UK (2 November 2024)

Say our final goodbyes to wonderful Nepal before heading home.

Click below for information on bikes, visa, vaccinations, kit list