Planning & Essential Information
Planning a Nepal motorcycle tour from overseas involves far more than booking flights and securing dates. Riding in the Himalayas demands an understanding of altitude, terrain, local regulations, cultural nuances, and on-ground logistics that can significantly impact your experience.
At Mototour, we believe preparation is part of the adventure. In this section, you’ll find essential guidance to help you confidently prepare for your journey to Nepal — from arrival procedures in Kathmandu and airport transfers to accommodation standards, regional food expectations, riding conditions, weather patterns, permits, and high-altitude considerations.
Our goal is simple: remove uncertainty, simplify the complex details of a guided motorcycle tour in Nepal, and ensure you arrive fully informed, properly equipped, and ready for an unforgettable Himalayan expedition.
Arrival & Tour Kickoff
Your Nepal Mototour expedition begins in Kathmandu.
If you arrive one or two days before the official start date, complimentary airport transfer from Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel is included. For arrivals more than two days early, an optional airport transfer can be arranged in advance.
After clearing immigration, your driver will be waiting outside the arrivals area holding a Mototour sign.
Our recommended meeting hotel in Kathmandu will serve as the official starting point on Day 1. Pre- or post-tour nights can be arranged upon request. If staying elsewhere, please reach the meeting hotel by 12:00 noon on Day 1.
We strongly advise arriving at least one day early to adjust to the timezone and avoid unexpected delays.
Tour Completion & Airport Transfers
Your Mototour Nepal motorcycle tour concludes in Kathmandu.
If you depart within two days after the tour ends, airport transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport is included. For departures scheduled later, optional airport transfers can be arranged in advance.
We recommend reaching the airport at least three hours before your international flight. Our team will coordinate your pickup time directly with you at the end of the expedition.
Please schedule your onward flight no earlier than the morning following the final official day of the tour.
Getting to Kathmandu
For riders joining our Nepal motorcycle tour from Europe, Africa, or the east coasts of North and South America, the most convenient connections are usually via major Middle Eastern hubs such as Doha, Abu Dhabi, or through Delhi. Common carriers include Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways.
Travelers from Australia, New Zealand, or the Pacific side of the Americas often find efficient routes via Southeast Asian hubs such as Bangkok or Singapore, with strong regional connectivity into Kathmandu.
Tourist Visa for Nepal
Tourist visas for Nepal are available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Visa fees can be paid by card or in US dollars (cash).
To reduce waiting time after a long international flight, you may complete the online application in advance through the official Nepal immigration website. Third-party platforms may also assist, though additional service fees can apply.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date and contain a minimum of two blank pages.
It remains your responsibility to ensure all travel documents meet Nepal’s current entry and exit requirements before departure.
Nepal Tourist Visa Nepal Entry & Visa Information
Most travelers can get a tourist visa upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Payment is accepted by card or in US dollars.
If you prefer to avoid airport queues, you can complete the visa form online before departure using Nepal’s official immigration website. Some external agencies also offer assistance for an additional fee.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and has at least two blank pages available.
Before flying, always double-check that your passport and visa eligibility meet Nepal’s latest entry regulations.
Food
Food is an important part of your Nepal motorcycle tour experience. We encourage you to try authentic Nepali and Himalayan dishes, often prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From traditional dal bhat ( Thakali ) to regional mountain specialties, meals reflect the culture of the areas we ride through.
At the same time, most hotels and lodges offer a varied menu, so familiar options are usually available if you prefer something simple or continental.
All meals are included during the tour, and we dine together as a group — sharing daily ride stories over satisfying, well-earned food.
Rider Safety Guidelines
Your safety comes first on every Nepal motorcycle tour we operate. Riding in the Himalayas is unforgettable, but it also involves mountain terrain, changing weather, altitude gain, and remote stretches where preparation truly matters.
We provide clear safety briefings, structured riding formations, and experienced ride leaders to manage traffic, road conditions, and group pacing. You’ll also receive guidance on recommended riding gear and the type of travel and medical insurance required for high-altitude motorcycle travel.
With the right preparation and professional support, you can focus on enjoying the adventure while we manage the risks responsibly.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for joining our Nepal motorcycle tour. Your policy must include medical coverage, personal accident protection, and explicit coverage for motorcycle riding in remote, high-altitude regions.
Because this is a Himalayan motorcycle adventure, standard travel insurance is often not enough — please confirm that adventure motorcycling is covered in your plan.
We strongly recommend additional protection for trip cancellation, baggage, and personal riding gear, particularly if you are bringing your own equipment.
It is your responsibility to arrange suitable insurance before departure and ensure it meets all coverage requirements for riding in Nepal.
Riding Gear
For your safety and comfort during the Nepal motorcycle tour, you must bring your own riding gear. This should include a certified helmet, proper riding jacket and pants, gloves, sturdy over-the-ankle boots, and any protective armor you typically use such as knee, elbow, or back protection.
Himalayan riding conditions can change quickly, from warm valley temperatures to cold high-altitude winds. Quality riding gear is essential to protect against weather shifts, dust, gravel, and uneven terrain encountered throughout the route. Proper equipment ensures you ride confidently and safely across Nepal’s diverse mountain landscapes.
Riding Conditions & Traffic Awareness
Riding in Nepal can feel very different from Western traffic systems, and even experienced riders may need time to adjust. Road behavior, overtaking patterns, and mixed traffic are part of the local driving culture.
We carefully design our Nepal motorcycle tour routes to avoid heavy highways where possible, though some busier sections are unavoidable. During these stretches, our ride leaders manage group formation, pacing, and communication to keep everyone moving safely and smoothly.
Before departure, you’ll receive a detailed road and safety briefing covering local traffic habits and hazard awareness. Ongoing guidance throughout the tour ensures you gain confidence while riding in Himalayan conditions.
Currency & Exchange
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali Rupee (NPR). While US Dollars and some major currencies may be accepted in select tourist areas, it is strongly recommended to exchange money into local currency upon arrival in Kathmandu.
The Nepali Rupee cannot be obtained outside Nepal, so plan to exchange at the airport or a licensed exchange counter. ATMs are widely available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Once the Nepal motorcycle tour moves into remote mountain regions, access to ATMs becomes limited. Carry sufficient cash for personal expenses, snacks, or small purchases along the route.
Laundry
Laundry services are available mid-tour in Pokhara, giving you the opportunity to refresh riding clothes before continuing the journey.