Upper Dolpo Motorcycle Expedition - 18 Days
Travel Styles
Active Adventures
Country
Nepal
Best Season
March–May & September–November
Group
Private
Max. Altitude
3,800 m / 12,467 ft
Grade
Adventurous
Hotel
Hotel/ Lodge
Transportation
Royal Enfield Bikes
Ride out of Kathmandu across the length of the Nepali plains and mid-hills to Dunai, gateway to Dolpo, then leave the bikes behind for a multi-day trek into Shey Phoksundo National Park to reach one of Nepal's most striking turquoise lakes. Ride back out via Jajarkot and Chitwan. This is a hybrid expedition, part motorcycle journey and part trek, into one of the most remote and least-visited districts in the country.
Upper Dolpo Motorcycle Expedition Overview
Dolpo isn't reachable by motorbike alone. The roads run out well before Phoksundo Lake, which is exactly what makes this expedition different from every other tour in our lineup. Ten days of riding take you from Kathmandu through Lumbini and the remote hill roads of Jajarkot to Dunai, where the bikes are parked and the journey continues on foot into Shey Phoksundo National Park. It's the only way to combine long-distance motorcycle travel with genuine high-altitude trekking in one trip.
Upper Dolpo Motorcycle Expedition - Highlights and Experience
This is not a ride for a first international motorcycle trip. It combines long highway and rough hill-road riding days with a demanding multi-day trek at altitude, through one of Nepal's most isolated regions.
Phoksundo Lake
Nepal's deepest lake, sitting at 3,650 metres inside Shey Phoksundo National Park, is known for its striking turquoise colour, set against sheer cliffs and glacier-fed streams.
Dunai and the road to Dolpo
Dunai marks where the road ends and the trek begins — a small district headquarters town that serves as the last proper settlement before the trail into Phoksundo.
Remote west Nepal riding
The ride through Jajarkot and Tripurakot covers hill roads far less travelled than Nepal's more established motorbike routes, passing through villages rarely seen by outside visitors.
Bon and Tibetan Buddhist culture
Dolpo preserves ancient Bon traditions alongside Tibetan Buddhism, visible in the region's monasteries, chortens, and village life along the trekking route.
Chitwan on the return
The ride back to Kathmandu routes through Chitwan, giving riders a chance to unwind with a jungle stop after the trek and the long days in the saddle.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later, attend a detailed trip briefing where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travellers.
Meet your bikes and take a test ride out toward Namo Buddha to get familiar with the machines and Nepali road conditions before the expedition begins in earnest.
Head out of Kathmandu on the highway toward Butwal and continue on to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, for an overnight stay.
Continue west from Butwal into the hills, riding toward Khalanga in Jajarkot district — a long day on progressively rougher roads as you head deeper into west Nepal.
Ride on from Khalanga to Tripurakot, following hill roads through remote villages rarely visited by outside travellers.
The final riding day of the outbound leg brings you to Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpo and the point where the road ends. Bikes are parked here for the trekking section of the expedition.
Leave the motorbikes behind and set off on foot along the Suli Gad river valley toward Chhepka, entering Shey Phoksundo National Park.
Continue trekking deeper into the park, gaining altitude steadily as the trail follows the river through forest and narrowing valley.
Reach the shores of Phoksundo Lake, one of the most striking sights in the Nepal Himalaya, with its turquoise water set against sheer rock walls.
A full day to explore the lake, visit nearby monasteries, and acclimatise before the trek back down.
Retrace the trail back down the valley toward Chhepka.
Complete the trek back to Dunai, where the motorbikes are waiting for the return ride.
Back on the bikes, retrace the hill road route toward Jajarkot.
Continue the return journey east, riding down out of the hills toward the Terai and Chitwan.
A day to unwind in Chitwan after the long riding and trekking days, with the option to add jungle activities.
A buffer day in the capital to rest, explore, or handle any delays in the schedule before departure.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
More Information
Difficulty Level — Upper Dolpo Motorcycle Expedition
This is a genuinely challenging trip, combining roughly 10 days of riding — much of it on rough hill roads far from any support infrastructure — with a demanding multi-day trek up to 3,650 metres. Riders need solid motorcycle experience on mixed terrain, plus reasonable trekking fitness for the Phoksundo section, since there's no way to ride this route end to end.
If you want a genuine expedition into one of Nepal's most remote regions, combining long-distance riding with high-altitude trekking, this is the tour for you. It is not suited to first-time international riders or those without trekking experience.
Permits & Requirements For Upper Dolpo Motorcycle Expedition
This route enters Shey Phoksundo National Park, so the following permits are required:
- Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit
- TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
Note: this itinerary reaches Phoksundo Lake within the lower Dolpo/national park area rather than the further restricted Upper Dolpo zone beyond Shey Gompa — if you want to push into the restricted Upper Dolpo area itself, a separate restricted-area permit and minimum group size apply, and the itinerary would need to extend further. Our team can advise on which version fits your plans.
Best Time for the Upper Dolpo Motorcycle Expedition
The best seasons for this expedition are:
- Spring (March–May)
- Autumn (September–November)
These windows offer the clearest trekking conditions at Phoksundo and the most stable riding weather on the long hill-road sections in west Nepal. Winter brings snow at altitude, closing the trekking route; monsoon brings landslide risk on the hill roads between Jajarkot and Dunai.
Culture & Attractions on the Upper Dolpo Route
This expedition moves from Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the plains to Bon and Tibetan Buddhist culture in the high valleys of Dolpo.
Tour highlights include:
- Phoksundo Lake and Shey Phoksundo National Park
- Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha
- Remote Dolpo villages and monasteries
- Dunai and the Suli Gad valley
- Chitwan National Park
Cost of an Upper Dolpo Motorcycle Expedition
The cost depends on:
- Group size
- Motorcycle type
- Accommodation category
- Permit fees for Shey Phoksundo National Park
Tour packages typically include:
- Motorcycle rental and fuel
- Full-board meals during the tour
- Accommodation (hotel and teahouse)
- Guide, road captain, and mechanic support
- Park entry and TIMS permits
Contact us for current pricing and private departure dates.
What's Included in the Upper Dolpo Expedition Package?
- Airport pick-up and drop by private vehicle
- One-day test ride in Kathmandu
- Motorcycle rental with fuel
- Shey Phoksundo National Park entry fee
- Mechanic backup crew and spare parts
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (bed & breakfast basis)
- Full-board accommodation during the tour and trek
- Experienced road captain
- Transport vehicle for luggage
- All entrance fees
- Farewell dinner at the end of the trip
What's Not Included In the Package?
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal expenses (drinks, mineral water, phone calls, Wi-Fi)
- International airfare to Nepal
- Personal clothing and trekking equipment
- Travel and evacuation insurance
- Tips for guide, road captain, and mechanic
Accommodation & Food on the Upper Dolpo Expedition
Four nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, with teahouse accommodation during the six days of trekking in the Dolpo region. Full-board meals are provided throughout the tour and trek.
Safety & Rider Support on the Upper Dolpo Motorcycle Expedition
Our Upper Dolpo expeditions include:
- Experienced road captain
- Mechanic backup crew carrying spare parts
- Transport vehicle for luggage
- Trekking guide support for the Phoksundo section
- First aid support
Given the remoteness of this route, riders and trekkers should carry comprehensive travel and evacuation insurance covering both motorcycling and high-altitude trekking.
Travel Tips for Upper Dolpo Expedition Riders
- Bring both riding gear and trekking gear — this trip genuinely needs both
- Build in trekking fitness ahead of time, not just riding stamina
- Carry cash for personal expenses in Kathmandu and along the route
- Expect basic teahouse conditions during the Phoksundo trek
- Allow for schedule flexibility — remote hill roads can bring delays
Packing List for an Upper Dolpo Motorcycle Expedition
Recommended items for the ride and trek:
- Riding jacket, pants, gloves, and boots
- Trekking boots and warm layers for altitude
- Sleeping bag rated for teahouse conditions
- Rain gear
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal medication, including altitude sickness medication
- Power bank
- International driving license
- Water purification tablets
Dos & Don'ts for the Upper Dolpo Route
Do:
- Acclimatise properly during the rest day at Phoksundo Lake
- Respect Bon and Buddhist religious sites along the trek
- Carry sufficient cash — ATMs are not reliable in Dolpo
- Follow your road captain and trekking guide's instructions closely
Don't:
- Underestimate the remoteness of this route — support is limited
- Rush the trekking days, especially above 3,000 metres
- Litter on the trail or at Phoksundo Lake
- Attempt this expedition without solid riding and trekking experience
What Makes This Upper Dolpo Expedition Different?
- A genuine hybrid: motorcycle expedition combined with a real high-altitude trek
- Reaches one of Nepal's most remote and least-visited regions
- Ten days of long-distance riding through west Nepal's hill roads
- A rare combination of Buddhist pilgrimage (Lumbini), Bon/Tibetan Buddhist culture (Dolpo), and jungle (Chitwan) in one trip
Why Book Your Upper Dolpo Motorcycle Expedition with Us?
- We are local, and it shows. Nepal Moto Tours is based in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Our road captains know west Nepal's remote hill roads well.
- A fleet built for the distance. Our Royal Enfield Himalayan 410 and 450 models are suited to the mixed highway and rough hill-road riding this route demands.
- Full support, start to finish. A mechanic, backup vehicle, and trekking guide accompany the expedition through both the riding and trekking sections.
- Small groups, private experience. We run private departures — your pace, your itinerary.
- Transparent pricing, no hidden costs. Motorbike, fuel, permits, and full-board meals during the tour are included, and we tell you upfront what isn't.
Useful Information for Riders (Quick Facts)
- Maximum Altitude: 5,300m/18000 ft (Phoksundo Lake)
- Ride Difficulty: Challenging
- Best Season: Spring & Autumn
- Terrain: Highway, rough hill road, and multi-day trek
- Permit Required: Yes (Shey Phoksundo National Park, TIMS)
- Guide Required: Included (road captain + trekking guide)
- Accommodation: Hotel & teahouse
- Riding Days: Approx. 10 of 18 days
- Trekking Days: Approx. 6 of 18 days
- Recommended Bikes: Royal Enfield Himalayan or similar ADV motorcycle
Available Fleets
Choose from our premium fleet of motorcycles for your adventure
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Royal Enfield Himalayan 410 CC
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Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 CC
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Honda CRF 250L
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Frequently Asked Questions
Faqs:
A: Absolutely! We can tailor the tour to fit your preferences.
A: The months of March to May and September to November worked best with clear skies and good weather.
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Upper Dolpo Motorcycle Expedition - 18 Days
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