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Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Circuit Motorbike Tour - 5 Days
Travel Styles
Active Adventures
Country
Nepal
Best Season
Mar To November
Group
Private
Max. Altitude
1,036 M. (Bandipur)
Grade
Adventurous
Hotel
Hotel/ Lodge
Transportation
Royal Enfield Bikes
Ride the classic Kathmandu-Pokhara loop with a detour through Bandipur, a hilltop Newari trading town frozen somewhere between the 18th century and today. Five days of smooth highway riding connect Kathmandu, Bandipur's cobbled lanes, and Pokhara's lakeside, with a sunrise stop at Sarankot before the ride home.
Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Motorcycle Circuit Overview
This circuit takes the well-travelled Kathmandu-Pokhara highway and adds the one detour most riders skip: Bandipur, a hilltop Newari settlement above the Marsyangdi valley that kept its old trading-town character while the highway below moved on without it. From there, the ride continues to Pokhara for lakeside time and an Annapurna panorama, before looping back to Kathmandu. It's an easy, highway-based circuit that works well as a first motorbike tour in Nepal or a shorter add-on to a longer trip.
Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Motorbike Adventure - Highlights and Experience
This is a comfortable, mostly paved ride connecting three of Nepal's most distinct town characters — the capital, an old hill trading post, and a lakeside adventure hub — without technical off-road riding.
Bandipur old town
A car-free hilltop bazaar of Newari townhouses, temples, and cobbled streets, Bandipur was once a major stop on the Kathmandu-Tibet trade route and has kept its 18th-century character remarkably intact.
Marsyangdi valley views
Bandipur sits above the Marsyangdi River valley, with wide views over terraced hillsides and, on clear days, the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges in the distance.
Phewa Lake and Sarankot sunrise
Pokhara's lakeside setting beneath the Annapurna range is one of the most photographed views in Nepal, and a short ride up to Sarankot delivers sunrise over the full Annapurna and Dhaulagiri panorama.
Prithvi Highway riding
The route runs along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers for much of the way, one of Nepal's most scenic and well-maintained highway corridors.
Itinerary
After your arrival in Kathmandu, you will get to know your guide while you make preparations to start the trip. You will receive information about safety protocols in addition to getting details about the planned course and learning about bike setup
Head out on the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli River west out of the valley. Stop for lunch en route, then leave the highway at Dumre for the climb up to Bandipur. Spend the afternoon exploring the hilltop old town on foot — its Newari townhouses, temples, and cobbled main street. Overnight in a heritage lodge in Bandipur.
A short, relaxed riding day down from Bandipur to Pokhara. Check into your lakeside hotel with the afternoon free to explore Phewa Lake, the Peace Pagoda, or simply relax by the water.
Overnight: Pokhara
A free day to explore Pokhara at your own pace — boating on Phewa Lake, the International Mountain Museum, Devi's Fall, or the Gupteshwor Mahadev cave are all easy additions. Riders looking for more adventure can add paragliding or a short ride out to the Seti River Gorge.
Overnight: Pokhara
Start early with a short ride up to Sarankot for sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then take the Prithvi Highway back to Kathmandu, closing out the circuit.
More Information
Difficulty Level — Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Circuit
This is an easy tour, ridden almost entirely on paved highway with no technical off-road sections. The only unpaved stretch is the short climb up to Bandipur town itself, which is well-maintained. It's a good fit for riders of any experience level, including those on their first motorcycle trip in Nepal.
If you want a comfortable introduction to riding in Nepal that still covers real cultural and scenic variety, this circuit is for you.
Permits & Requirements For Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Circuit
This route runs entirely on open highway through non-restricted areas, so no special permits are required. A valid international driving license is required to ride.
Best Time to Ride the Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Circuit
The best seasons for this motorbike tour are:
- Autumn (September–November)
- Spring (March–May)
Autumn brings the clearest views of the Annapurna range from both Bandipur and Sarankot; spring brings warmer riding weather. Winter (December–February) is rideable but cold in the early mornings at Sarankot. Monsoon (June–August) brings heavy rain and reduced visibility on the highway.
Culture & Attractions on the Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Route
This ride combines an old Newari trading town with Pokhara's lakeside adventure-hub character.
Tour highlights include:
- Bandipur old town and Newari architecture
- Marsyangdi valley viewpoints
- Phewa Lake, Pokhara
- Sarankot sunrise viewpoint
- Peace Pagoda, Pokhara
Cost of a Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Motorcycle Tour
The cost depends on:
- Group size
- Motorcycle type
- Accommodation category
- Tour duration
Tour packages typically include:
- Motorcycle rental and fuel
- Accommodation
- Guide support
- Breakfast throughout
Contact us for current pricing and private departure dates.
What's Included in the Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Guided Tour Package?
- Motorbike rental and fuel
- Experienced guide
- Airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, heritage lodge in Bandipur
- Breakfast throughout
What's Not Included In the Package?
- International airfare and travel insurance
- Lunch and dinner (except where specified)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Optional activities in Pokhara (paragliding, boating, museum entries)
- Bike insurance and damage charges
- Tips for guide and support staff
Accommodation & Food on the Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Tour
Nights in Kathmandu are spent in comfortable 3-star hotels; Bandipur offers a heritage-style lodge within the old town; Pokhara accommodation is lakeside, close to Phewa Lake.
Breakfast is included throughout, with lunch and dinner options widely available at each stop to suit your taste and budget.
Safety & Rider Support on the Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Motorbike Adventure
Our Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur motorcycle tours include:
- Experienced guide
- Route planning and logistics management
- First aid support
- Pre-departure briefing and test ride
Travel Tips for Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Tour Riders
- Wear proper riding gear even on smooth highway sections
- Set an early alarm for the Sarankot sunrise on Day 5
- Carry cash for optional activities in Pokhara
- Bring comfortable shoes for exploring Bandipur's cobbled streets
- Book the Bandipur night ahead — rooms in the old town are limited
Packing List for a Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Motorbike Tour
Recommended items for the ride:
- Riding jacket and gloves
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light layers for Bandipur and Sarankot mornings
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal medication
- Power bank
- International driving license
- Swimwear (optional, for Phewa Lake)
Dos & Don'ts for Riding the Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Route
Do:
- Respect Bandipur's heritage buildings and temples
- Ride at a relaxed pace on the highway — this isn't a race
- Support local guesthouses and shops in Bandipur's old town
- Make the most of the free day in Pokhara
Don't:
- Litter along the highway or lakeside
- Skip the early start for Sarankot — cloud cover often builds by mid-morning
- Rush through Bandipur — it rewards a slow walk, not a quick stop
What Makes This Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Circuit Different?
- Adds a genuine heritage-town stop most standard Kathmandu-Pokhara routes skip
- Easy, beginner-friendly highway riding throughout
- A full free day in Pokhara to explore at your own pace
- A well-balanced short circuit for riders with limited time in Nepal
Why Book Your Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Motorcycle Circuit with Us?
- We are local, and it shows. Nepal Moto Tours is based in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Our guides know this highway and Bandipur's old town well.
- A fleet suited to comfortable highway riding. Our Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Himalayan 410 both handle this route with ease.
- Small groups, private experience. We run private departures — your pace, your itinerary.
- Transparent pricing, no hidden costs. Motorbike, fuel, guide, and accommodation are included, and we tell you upfront what isn't.
Useful Information for Riders (Quick Facts)
- Maximum Altitude: 1,036 m (Bandipur)
- Ride Difficulty: Easy
- Best Season: Autumn & Spring
- Terrain: Paved highway, short unpaved climb into Bandipur
- Permit Required: No
- Guide Required: Included
- Accommodation: Hotel & heritage lodge
- Daily Riding Hours: Approx. 2–5 hours
- Recommended Bikes: Royal Enfield Classic 350 or similar
Available Fleets
Choose from our premium fleet of motorcycles for your adventure
Hero Xpulse 200cc
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BMW G 310 GS
.Rent BMW G 310 GS – Adventure Meets Sophistication The BMW G 310 GS is a motorcycle...
Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 CC
. Rent Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 is a bike tha...
Royal Enfield Himalayan 410 CC
.Rent Royal Enfield Himalayan 410 CC: Adventure Redefined. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 410 CC is...
Rent Royal Enfield Classic 350 CC
.Rent Royal Enfield Classic 350 CC– Get the classic ride. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 CC...
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 CC
.Rent the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 CC and Win Every Challenge. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450...
Honda CRF 250L
Rent a new Honda CRF 250L in Nepal
Frequently Asked Questions
Faqs:
The route reaches a maximum altitude of 1,036m at Bandipur, the lowest of Nepal Moto Tours' Himalayan circuits.
No. This route runs entirely on open highway through non-restricted areas. A valid international driving license is required to ride.
Yes. This is ridden almost entirely on paved highway with no technical off-road sections, making it a good fit for riders of any experience level, including first-time riders in Nepal.
Bandipur is a car-free hilltop Newari trading town that has kept its 18th-century character intact, offering a different pace and culture from the standard Kathmandu-Pokhara highway route.
Autumn (September-November) for the clearest Annapurna views, and spring (March-May) for warmer riding weather.
3-star hotels in Kathmandu, a heritage-style lodge in Bandipur's old town, and lakeside accommodation near Phewa Lake in Pokhara.
Breakfast is included throughout. Lunch and dinner are not included, with options widely available at each stop.
Yes, Day 4 is a full free day in Pokhara, with optional activities such as paragliding, boating, or museum visits.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 or Himalayan 410 are recommended, as both handle this highway-based route comfortably.
Yes, a valid international driving license is required to ride legally on this route.
Approximately 2-5 hours per day, with the shortest day being the ride from Bandipur to Pokhara.
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Kathmandu Pokhara Bandipur Circuit Motorbike Tour - 5 Days
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