EASTERN NEPAL MOTORCYCLE EXPEDITION – 21 DAYS
This is no ordinary motorcycle tour. It is a 21-day expedition through the heart of Nepal, travelling from the Kathmandu Valley into the remote hills of Solukhumbu and the tea country of the far east before crossing the Terai and returning through Chitwan, Tansen, Pokhara and Bandipur. Over approximately 2,200 kilometres, the landscape changes constantly—from high Himalayan viewpoints and rhododendron forest to deep river valleys, subtropical jungle, ancient hill towns and peaceful lakeside roads.
DAY 1 – ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest, recover from the journey and settle into the atmosphere of Kathmandu.
DAY 2 – KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING AND EXPEDITION BRIEFING
Today we explore some of the extraordinary cultural landmarks of the Kathmandu Valley. Ancient temples, Buddhist stupas, palace squares and crowded old streets reveal the many layers of Nepalese history. Later, we hold our full expedition briefing, introduce the motorcycles and discuss the route, riding conditions and safety procedures.
DAY 3 – KATHMANDU TO NAGARKOT
Our first riding day provides a gentle introduction to Nepalese roads. Leaving the bustle of Kathmandu behind, we climb through villages and terraced farmland to Nagarkot, situated on a high ridge above the valley. In clear weather, the ridge offers an immense panorama of the Himalayas and a memorable sunset over the surrounding hills.
DAY 4 – NAGARKOT TO JIRI
The expedition begins in earnest as we follow winding mountain roads eastwards. The road rises and falls across forested ridges, crosses fast-flowing rivers and passes hillsides carved into countless agricultural terraces. Jiri is an attractive mountain town historically known as the starting point for the overland approach to Everest.
DAY 5 – JIRI TO PATTALE
Today we ride deeper into the Solukhumbu region. This is remote Himalayan country, with long climbs, rougher roads and magnificent views into steep-sided valleys. As we approach Pattale, cultivated hillsides give way to pine and rhododendron forest and the air becomes noticeably cooler. On a clear day, distant summits may appear above the eastern horizon.
DAY 6 – PATTALE REST DAY
A welcome rest day in the high country. Pattale lies at approximately 2,800 metres and offers an opportunity to walk through the surrounding villages and woodland or simply enjoy the peace of the mountains. When conditions are clear, local viewpoints can reveal Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and other great Himalayan peaks in the distance.
DAY 7 – PATTALE TO HALESI
We leave Pattale and follow a dramatic route through the middle hills. The journey alternates between ridge-top roads, deep descents and sustained climbs, with terraces and isolated settlements clinging to the mountainsides. Halesi is one of eastern Nepal's most important sacred places, centred upon a remarkable system of natural caves revered by Hindus, Buddhists and Kirat followers.
DAY 8 – HALESI TO BASANTAPUR
This is a long and adventurous crossing of eastern Nepal. The route winds through sparsely visited hill country, crossing rivers and traversing forested slopes before climbing towards Basantapur in the Tehrathum highlands. At around 2,200 metres, Basantapur is surrounded by cool mountain scenery and is known as a gateway to some of Nepal's finest rhododendron forests.
DAY 9 – BASANTAPUR TO KANYAM
The scenery changes again as we travel into the beautiful tea-growing district of Ilam. Roads curl across misty green hills covered with carefully clipped tea bushes, tall shade trees and small farming communities. Kanyam's rolling tea estates create one of the most distinctive and photogenic landscapes of the expedition.
DAY 10 – KANYAM TO DHARAN
Leaving the cool tea hills, we descend towards the warmer plains. Forested slopes gradually open into the broad landscape of the Terai, while the climate and vegetation become increasingly subtropical. Dharan stands at the meeting point between the eastern hills and the plains and provides a lively contrast to the remote country of the previous days.
DAY 11 – DHARAN TO SINDHULIMADI
We turn west for a rewarding cross-country ride through Nepal's inner hills. The road follows sinuous river valleys and climbs through sal forest, farmland and scattered roadside settlements. This is a substantial expedition day, filled with continually changing views and the absorbing rhythm of long-distance motorcycle travel.
DAY 12 – SINDHULIMADI TO CHITWAN
Our route continues westwards before descending onto the plains of Chitwan. Mountain bends and terraced hills gradually give way to straighter roads, broad rivers, cultivated fields and tropical vegetation. We arrive near Chitwan National Park, where the pace of the expedition slows for two nights.
DAY 13 – CHITWAN JUNGLE SAFARI
Today is devoted to the wildlife and landscapes of Chitwan. Depending upon local arrangements, the safari may include travel by jeep, canoe or on foot with experienced naturalists. The park's riverine grasslands and sal forests support greater one-horned rhinoceros, deer, crocodiles, monkeys and an exceptional variety of birdlife. The elusive Bengal tiger also inhabits the park, although sightings are rare.
DAY 14 – CHITWAN TO TANSEN
We leave the heat of the Terai and climb back into the hills. The road rises through forest and cultivated valleys towards Tansen, a historic Newar trading town built along a steep mountain ridge. Traditional streets, old houses and views across the surrounding hills make Tansen an atmospheric overnight stop.
DAY 15 – TANSEN TO KUSMA
Today's route carries us northwards into increasingly dramatic mountain country. We ride above the Kali Gandaki basin through terraced slopes, deep valleys and scattered villages. Kusma is famous for the enormous suspension bridges spanning the surrounding gorges and enjoys a spectacular setting between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions.
DAY 16 – KUSMA TO POKHARA
A shorter ride takes us towards Pokhara, Nepal's celebrated lakeside city. The great Himalayan wall draws closer as we approach, with the Annapurna range and the unmistakable summit of Machhapuchhre dominating the skyline when the weather is clear. We finish beside Phewa Lake, surrounded by subtropical greenery and mountain views.
DAY 17 – FREE DAY IN POKHARA
Today is free to enjoy Pokhara at your own pace. Relax beside the lake, take a boat onto Phewa Tal, explore the town or visit one of the viewpoints overlooking the Annapurna range. After the demanding eastern stages, this is also an ideal opportunity to rest before the final ride back towards Kathmandu.
DAY 18 – POKHARA TO BANDIPUR
We follow the main valley eastwards before climbing away from the highway to Bandipur. Perched on a ridge, this beautifully preserved Newar town is known for its stone-paved streets, traditional merchant houses and complete absence of through traffic in its historic centre. The ridge commands sweeping views across terraced valleys towards the Himalayas.
DAY 19 – BANDIPUR TO KATHMANDU
Our final riding day follows the Trishuli corridor towards the Kathmandu Valley. Rivers, suspension bridges, cultivated hillsides and busy roadside settlements accompany us eastwards. A final climb brings us over the valley rim and back into Kathmandu, completing an extraordinary circuit of Nepal.
DAY 20 – KATHMANDU SHOPPING AND CELEBRATION DAY
A relaxed final day for shopping, sightseeing or revisiting favourite places in Kathmandu. Browse the markets for handicrafts, clothing and souvenirs, enjoy the cafés of Thamel and celebrate the completion of the Eastern Nepal Motorcycle Expedition with the group.
DAY 21 – DEPART KATHMANDU
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. The expedition ends, but the mountain roads, remote villages and constantly changing landscapes of Nepal will remain long in the memory.
IMPORTANT EXPEDITION NOTE
This itinerary travels through remote and mountainous areas where road surfaces, weather, landslides and local conditions can affect progress. Daily routes and overnight stops may be adjusted by the expedition leader when necessary. Flexibility, patience and a spirit of adventure are essential parts of the experience.
