Itinerary
This Expedition is not suitable for pillion riders (passengers)
Day 1: CITY OF TEMPLES
Check-in Day
Try to get a window seat on your plane ride into Nepal. The Himalayas stretch across the horizon and the enduring city of Kathmandu fans out through the valley below.
A Motorcycle Sherpa representative will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel.
Arrive early for opportunities to experience all that Kathmandu has to offer. Visit Swayambhunath Stupa, a.k.a. The Monkey Temple, for views of the Kathmandu Valley (and of course the monkeys), take a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Durbar Square, or take in a traditional Hindu cremation ceremony at sundown along the banks of the Bagmati River at Pashupatinath Temple.
After visiting the city, get to know the other riders over a traditional Nepali meal at this evening’s welcome dinner.
It’s recommended to arrive before Day 1 in order to compensate for the physical rigors of travel and jet lag.
Day 2: ESCAPE FROM KATHMANDU
Kathmandu to Daman (85 km/ 4 hours)
Your adventure starts early today. The best play is to get out of Kathmandu before the traffic gets too thick.
There is a rider refresh during breakfast, then you get the keys to your bike.
The first leg of the journey points towards the mountain village of Daman, the first over night stop. Once in Daman you will enjoy uninterrupted views of the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas.
Day 3: CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Daman to Chitwan (130 km/5 hours)
Enjoy your morning chai while watching the sun rise over the Himalayan Mountains. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll gear up and hop on your bike.
The road will take you through thrilling hairpin turns as you make your way towards Hetauda and then on to Chitwan. This leg features some of the best riding and scenery.
You’ll get some lunch and free time to explore after checking into the hotel mid-day.
Day 4: ANNAPURNA RIDE
Chitwan to Pokhara (133 km/ 5 hours)
Hold on tight because the road here is challenging here to say the least but you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Annapurna range as you arrive in Pokhara. Three of the ten highest mountains in the world can be seen from here – Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu - in addition to the sacred mountain Machapuchare, aka Fishtail.
There’s not much time to explore the city tonight, but never fear – you’ll have time to enjoy the city on your way back through in a few days’ time.
Day 5: UNSEALED
Pokhara to Kalopani (125 km/5 hours)
Another challenging riding day. There is little pavement in this stretch. Rough road conditions and water crossings are par for the course.
You’ll pass through mountain villages and spy locals working in the terraced fields; you may even come across the occasional yak. You’ll bed down for the night in Kalopani after a much needed meal.
Day 6: THE LOWER MUSTANG VALLEY
Kalopani to Muktinath (60 km/5 hours)
If you’re lucky this morning, the clouds will clear in Kalopani to give you stunning views of the Annapurnas towering above you.
The road today leads through river crossings, over suspension bridges, and passes remote villages perched on hillsides. This region is famous for its apples and you will see many well tended orchards nestled along the valley floor. The landscape changes dramatically as you pass through Jomsom and start the ascent towards Muktinath.
At nearly 13,000 feet of elevation, Muktinath is one of highest temples in the world and has been a sacred site to both Hindus and Buddhists for centuries. Gazing down at the windswept mountains and valleys below you is a truly unforgettable experience.
Tonight’s accommodations and meal are in a comfortable local hotel.
Day 7: FROM MEDITATION TO HOT SPRINGS
Muktinath to Tatopani (80 km/4-6 hours)
Descend back through the Mustang Valley this morning with a stop at Kagbeni and its monastery. This area is known for its caves where spiritual seekers come to meditate.
Today’s journey finishes in Tatopani, famous for its hot springs.
Day 8: TATOPANI MIRROR
Tatopani to Pokhara (105 km/4 hours)
The road back to Pokhara reveals just as much on the way down as it did on the way up. Views of the surrounding peaks are inspiring and the pace is relaxed enough for you to stop and snap some photographs of things you may have missed on the first pass though.
Arrive in Pokhara in the evening in time for dinner and a proper shower in a comfortable hotel.
Day 9: CHASING THE TRISHULI
Pokhara to Nuwkot (185 km/6 hours)
The adventure isn’t over!
Get back in the saddle today and head south west out of Pokhara and into one of the least visited areas of Nepal. The road to Nuwakot follows the Trishuli river and is dotted with small villages and farms. Don’t let the idyllic scenery fool you, the riding today is demanding and requires all your skills.
The day may be long and tiring but tonight’s accommodations will more than make up for it.
Day 10: RETURN TO KATHMANDU
Nuwakot to Kathmandu (70 km/4 hours)
Enjoy your last day of riding as you pass through tranquil villages before landing back into the chaos that is Kathmandu. You’ve earned the right to celebrate – and celebrate you will, starting with a group dinner at one of Kathmandu’s best restaurants.
Day 11: FROM THE AIR
THE EVEREST EXPERIENCE
Don’t leave Nepal without a flight over the Himalayas! An early morning ascent above the Himalayas provides a bird’s eye view of the terrain you have just covered. Soak in the indescribable vista of four of the worlds highest mountains including Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) from the cockpit.
Return back to Kathmandu for a relaxing free day and one hell of a celebration before tomorrow's departure.
NOTE: The Everest Experience is included as standard on adventures starting from November 17th 2019 onward.
DAY 12: DAY OF REFLECTION
CHECK OUT DAY
Take one last day in Kathmandu to absorb this Himalayan motorcycle journey. Visit those missed shops or museums and enjoy some free time before being shuttled to the airport.