Scenic Road Journeys In Nepal

With its diverse landscapes, Nepal is a paradise for motorcycle enthusiasts. With winding roads, mountain roads, and stunning views, Nepal is loved by internals and outsiders as a great place for road journeys. Although many criticize Nepal for not having good road conditions, it is slowly improving.

Riding through lush forests of terai or high Himalayan passes, every journey is memorable. While some highways are well-engineered, others are less maintained. Here are five of the most scenic bike journeys in Nepal that every biker should experience once.

Kathmandu-Sindhuli ( 155 km)

Regarded as one of the most scenic routes in Nepal, the Bp Highway connecting Dhulikhel to Sindhuli is first on our list. It is one of the best roads for a bike trip in Nepal. With outstanding views of rivers, valleys, forests, and winding black-topped roads, this is also a well-made and maintained road. This route is mostly used by people as it connects the capital, Kathmandu, to eastern Nepal.

Mostly occupied by microbuses and local jeeps, this road is known for having multiple viewpoints. Famous for smooth, curvy roads with moderate traffic, it offers a thrilling experience. Even the first half of this iconic route from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel is pretty scenic. If you ever get to ride on this beautiful route, don’t forget to stop along the way and take pictures and videos. You can complete this scenic route in around 5-6 hours.

Highlights of this route

1. One of Nepal’s smoothest highways for a bike ride.
2. Furthermore, there are numerous viewpoints along the way to take pictures.
3. Lastly, it is less crowded than other busier highways like Prithvi and Mahendra.

Kathmandu-Pokhara ( 200 km)

This is probably the most iconic route in Nepal. Most of this route is part of the Prithvi Highway, which starts at Naubise, 27 km from Kathmandu. The journey takes you through winding roads along the Trishuli River, with magnificent views of surrounding hills and occasional sights of snow-capped peaks. Additionally, you can see lots of people traveling this route as it connects two of the biggest cities in Nepal.

The midpoint of this route, Mugling, is a famous spot, as most people stop here for lunch. Bikers will enjoy the second half of the journey (Mugling-Pokhara) as the road conditions are better with beautiful views of the Kali Gandaki River too. If you want a unique adventure, you can take a left from Dumre, Tanahun, towards Bandipur, which is another famous tourist destination.

As this route runs mostly alongside the Trishuli and Kali Gandaki rivers, there are reports of landslides and blockades during monsoon. So, before heading out on the route, be sure to check the current road status and be well-prepared. Estimate around 7-8 hours for this journey.

Highlights of this route

1. Excellent views of the Trishuli and Gandaki Rivers.
2. You can take the Bandipur detour for a unique adventure along the way.
3. The destination, Pokhara, is one of the most famous tourist destinations with multiple scenic lakes, and majestic mountain views.

Pokhara-Muktinath, Mustang ( 175 km)

Perfect for people who love high-altitude adventures, the road trip from Pokhara to Muktinath, Mustang, is ideal. This memorable journey follows the Kali Gandaki River and is home to some of the most scenic landscapes. From Pokhara, which is 820 meters in elevation, you will ascend to 3700 meters all the way to Muktinath Temple. This route has numerous deep gorges, waterfalls, and rugged Himalayan terrain.

The route up to Beni, Myagdi, is similar to most routes of Nepal; however, once you cross Beni, the landscape changes. One of the most popular waterfalls, Rupse also lies on the way to Muktinath. This road was not well maintained in the past, but it has been made properly currently. From Lete, the entrance to Mustang, the road condition improves, and most parts are black-topped until Muktinath. You can estimate to complete this journey in about 6 hours. Upon reaching Mustang, you can explore one of many attractions.

Highlights of this route

1. You can ride through the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge.
2. You will catch a glimpse of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
3. Once you reach Mustang, you can explore alternate routes and rugged terrain on your bike.
4. If you wish to extend your journey, ride to the Kora La border (Nepal-China).

Kathmandu-Jiri ( 180 km)

Known as the gateway to the Everest region, Jiri is a beautiful municipality in the Dolakha district. The bike ride to Jiri from Kathmandu offers some of the best views of hills and mountains in all of Nepal. Jiri is one of the least traveled places in Nepal. The route is also fairly less crowded, and you can enjoy the peaceful nature of this road. This scenic route takes you through small villages, rivers, and scenic towns.

This road is fairly well maintained, and it will take you around 6 hours to complete.

Highlights of this route

1. Ride through green hills and river valleys
2. You will glimpse spectacular mountain views along the way
3. It is a quiet, less traveled road, perfect for a bike ride.

Practical Tips For Bikers

• Check your bike: Make sure your bike is in good condition before your journey begins. Especially brakes, tires, and engines should be well maintained.
• Dress properly: Wear proper riding gear, including helmet, gloves, and jacket, for your safety and comfort
• Ride cautiously: Be extra careful of the road conditions. Nepal’s roads are notoriously famous for having potholes and sharp turns, especially in the mountains.
• Plan Properly: Check the weather forecast and plan for any emergencies carefully.

Read More: https://nlrfnepal.org/short-bike-rides-from-kathmandu-exploring-the-valley/