How Difficult is the Moto Riding in Nepal?
Some questions are tough to answer. With regard to the difficulty of riding in Nepal, that question is equally subjective.
What about the traffic?
It looks chaotic, but the traffic in Nepal is based in one law - the law of common sense. While there are basic rules at play, the general flow of traffic flows like water in a logical pattern that is intuitive and easy to understand. It’s really just about being attentive and using basic judgement. If you see a big truck in your “lane” move around it. It’s that easy.
That said, we never ride in Kathmandu as the traffic is simply too heavy to make the experience any fun. We minimize riding in cities as much as possible, but there are a few busy towns we ride through.
You must be comfortable riding with other traffic on the road, which even in the rural areas can include busses, trucks, taxis, tuk-tuks, and tractors.
Conditions on Paved and Unpaved Roads
Nepal’s roadways are a mixed bag that change from great to crummy in an instant. That also makes them fun and interesting. Riders should expect everything from new pavement to potholed concrete, dusty backroad, and even mud. That sounds difficult but again, anyone with off road riding experience finds the variable conditions fun and exciting.
Here again, it is vital that you are comfortable on mixed terrain. You must have the ability to ride in rough conditions which includes steep roads, tracks with ruts and rocks, mild water crossings, and possible sections of light mud.
The pandemic provided an opportunity for the Nepali government to repave a few rough roads. This ribbon of smooth tarmac is a rare gem and part of our Jungle to Himalaya Expedition. There are very, very few roads this nice in Nepal. Most look quite a bit more like the roads below.
Paved, unmaintained, and off-road sections
The advantage of narrow roads and slow speeds - there are no crashes, only tip-overs.
We classify our routes based on the percentage of pavement, unmaintained gravel roads, and genuine off-road sections we traverse. It’s important to note that paved sections can offer a few challenges with an abundance of potholes, cracks, traffic, and other hazards. The gravel sections are often the most enjoyable but still have periodic sections of “rough stuff” that demand solid off-road riding skills.
The true off-road sections typically fall on roads where weather and use have created ruts and worn areas. We may also venture high atop hills and into valleys to access our camps. Those roads can be narrow, rocky, and steep.
This is not Italy, Spain, or Colorado. This is the Himalayas!
We travel great distances on gravel roads, most are idyllic with great views and no traffic whatsoever. They can get dusty or muddy, but seldom slippery or difficult.
Foot bridges, goat paths, and the path less traveled
On some routes we ride the longest and highest foot bridges in the Himalayas and it looks absolutely horrifying. It isn’t. We often ride a dozen bridges on some routes, the last becomes no more heart pounding than a trip down a sidewalk. Please note, these bridges are solid, firm, and wider than they appear.
Even for seasoned pros, we ride in situations few have experienced before. It might be a meander down a narrow footpath in an ancient Himalayan village or goat track leading to our favorite campsite. We fold in these unique elements to bolster the adventure, but do so knowing anyone of any skill level can enjoy them.
Do I need off-road riding skills? Yes.
To confidently enjoy riding in the world’s largest mountain range, the Great Himalayas, you must be comfortable in mixed conditions. That can include broken pavement, steep climbs, uneven surfaces, and all the challenges you would find on a rugged forest road. Most of the difficult sections we encounter are brief, but even the best roads in Nepal have rough patches.
There is Always an Alternative
As professional travelers we know people get tired or reach the limits of their comfort zone. For those occasions riders always have the option to hop in the SUV at any time. We never want anyone to feel like they have to ride every mile.
If conditions worsen, we simply slow down. In this photo one of the riders to have the most fun, and little difficulty, had only been riding for one year.
Overall Fitness & Ability
A trip to Nepal is an active adventure. We suggest our travelers have a base level of fitness to ensure they enjoy their trip to the fullest. How fit is fit enough? On any given day, we may walk a mile or so through local villages, climb a short hill to a majestic view point, and don’t forget how active a good day of riding can be.
Don’t forget - it’s the Himalayas. There is no flat ground. Just a short stroll is likely to involve a good climb up a hill. While you certainly don’t need to by Olympic fit, you will enjoy your time most if you bring a moderate level of conditioning to the trip.
We always recommend you prepare accordingly for a very active adventure in the world’s biggest mountain range.
What’s it really like to ride in Nepal?
Watch this short video and pay particular attention to the road surfaces.