On this journey, we will explore both Kathmandu and Pokhara, two of the most iconic cities in Nepal. We will stay at the Pema Ts’al Monastery, where we will participate in various activities with the monks, focused on meditation and lama rituals, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the spiritual life of the monastery.
Afterward, we will embark on an adventure on Royal Enfield Classic motorcycles, riding through the Annapurnaregion. During the journey, we will combine road sections with off-road trails. We will stop at the picturesque village of Ghorepani, from where we will take a one-day trek to reach the Poon Hill viewpoint. From this point, we will enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range.
Along the way, we will witness the stunning diversity of Nepal’s landscapes, passing through jungle areas, rice terraces, and traditional villages inhabited by the Gurung and Magar ethnic groups, until we reach the majestic snow-capped peaks. Upon returning to Pokhara, we will conclude our adventure with a relaxing Ayurvedic massage, a revitalizing experience of traditional Himalayan medicine.
This trip offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and immerse yourself in the culture and nature of Nepal. From the serenity of the Buddhist monastery to the adrenaline of riding through mountainous routes, each day will provide unforgettable experiences. The contrasts between the spiritual life of the monks, the vibrant local culture, and the stunning landscapes will leave a deep impression. Additionally, interacting with ethnic communities and experiencing traditional Himalayan medicine will reveal the diversity and ancient wisdom of this land. Prepare for an adventure that will refresh you both physically and spiritually.
Day 1 begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, where our team will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to the hotel in Thamel. After checking in, we’ll explore the lively streets of Thamel, known for its craft shops, cafes, and stores where you can purchase any equipment you might need for the tour. As evening falls, we’ll enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant, where we’ll try dal bhat, the typical Nepali meal, and be entertained by local ethnic dances. We’ll end the day by returning to the hotel to rest.
After breakfast, we will head to the domestic airport and fly to Pokhara, the lakeside city nestled amidst the Annapurnas. From here, all our activities will take place. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we will proceed to the Pema Ts’al Monastery. You will stay in the hotel that supports the monastery, located within the monastery premises. During the day, you will participate in meditation and rituals with the monks, following their daily routines. The monastery will provide you with meals during your stay.
Similar to the previous day, you will spend today at the monastery, continuing with the activities and rituals alongside the monks. You’ll have the opportunity to deepen your meditation practice and immerse yourself further in the monastery’s daily routines.
Ride: 5h, 2474m elevation, 110km distance
Today, after breakfast, we will pick you up early from the monastery and collect our Royal Enfield Classics to begin our adventure. From Pokhara, we will drive to Tatopani, passing through the famous Beni Bazaar. Along the way, we will cross rivers and, if we wish, walk over the famous Himalayan suspension bridges. Today, we will see the great and famous peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail, and we will share the legends of each of these mountains. When we reach Tatopani, we will also enjoy its magic! “Tato” means hot and “pani” means water. Tatopani is home to the most famous hot springs for trekkers in Nepal. Here, all hikers stop to relax after their grand adventures. The hot springs are located in a beautiful spot. After relaxing in the hot springs, we will head to the guest house where we will sleep and where they prepare delicious food! Today’s journey is lengthy, as our destination of Tatopani marks the beginning of the breathtaking mountainous region.
Ride: 3h, 2860m elevation, 20km distance (off road)
After breakfast, we will depart from Tatopani and head towards Ghorepani. Today, the ride will be off-road, taking us through rugged terrain and adventurous trails. You will experience the thrill of driving on challenging paths while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of the Annapurna region. Upon arriving in Ghorepani, we will settle into our accommodations and spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the trek the following day.
Trek: 1h, 3210m elevation, 3km distance
Ride: 3h, 20km distance (off road)
Waking before dawn, we hike for about an hour up Poon Hill (3,210m) to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas! From Poon Hill, we can see a brilliant panorama of mountain ranges – Dhaulagiri I (8,167m), Tukuche(6,920m), Nilgiri (6,940m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), and many more.
After admiring the scenery, we will return to Ghorepani to collect our motorcycles. From there, we will ride back to Tatopani.
Ride: 5h, 110km distance
We will return to Pokhara, where we will check into our hotel, freshen up, and then head to a spa for a soothing ayurvedic massage performed by experts in this ancient wellness practice. After the relaxing session, we’ll enjoy dinner in Lakeside, the most charming and picturesque area of Pokhara.
Today, you will fly back to Kathmandu, and from there, you will take your flight back to your country. If you have extra time on this day, we can visit some temples in either Pokhara or Kathmandu, depending on your preference. This is a great chance to explore and experience more of Nepal’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage before your departure.
Nepal has 6 different seasons including two additional seasons, Early Summer and Early Autumn. But for the motorcycle tour and specially for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek the best season would be Spring (March to May), Autumn (September to November) and Winter (December to February). During this time the skies are clear, the scene is fantastic and you can see splendid views of the mountains. In Spring season rhododendron flower blooms that add red, pink, and white colors to the sub-tropical forest. Autumn is one of Nepal’s best trekking falls, so that it can be the best time for crystal-clear mountain view. Not just clear weather, the temperature in these months is also bearable in Autumn. You can also see blooming Himalayan cheery (Sakura) along the way to Poon Hill in November. Winter occurs from late November to February and is typically rain-free and a clear season. As the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a low altitude trek the trails are open during the winter. During trip you must have warm clothes, waterproof clothes (in case it snows), waterproof hiking boots, and microspikes.
Travel insurance is compulsory for the trip. All the riders must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation – including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes.
Riding members are kindly requested to send their detailed insurance information after trek booking. In case of emergencies, we will be using the insurance policy and informational documents you sent us. It will help us arrange a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for emergency medical help, etc. Please ensure that your insurance covers all costs incurred during mountain rescue service.
Before buying travel insurance, make sure to call the insurance company and recheck if they have heli-rescue.
Our journey is meticulously designed to ensure a progressive acclimatization process for all travelers. It’s imperative that everyone listens to the guide attentively at all times, as they have the authority to halt the journey if any altitude-related issues arise among the group. Our itinerary is meticulously crafted to prevent altitude-related problems, with each day’s travel time carefully planned for this purpose. Additionally, there are tricks to aid in acclimatization, such as staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding heavy meals and alcohol. Travelers are encouraged to inform their guide immediately if they experience any symptoms, as our guides are fully equipped to take appropriate action. Your safety and well-being are our utmost priority, and we are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone.
We recommend you bring a container for one liter of water. In the teahouses we can buy boiled water suitable for drinking with which to fill our bottles. Another option is to refill the water from the fountains that we find along the way or from the tap of the teahouses themselves, for this we have to count on water disinfectant tablets that we can find in pharmacies.
When it comes to riding a motorcycle in Nepal as a foreigner, it’s important to consider certain legal requirements. Generally, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed, which is used in conjunction with your valid driver’s license from your home country. The IDP serves as a translation of your national license and is internationally recognized. It’s essential to ensure you obtain this document before embarking on any motorcycle journey in Nepal.
While prior experience with Himalayan rides isn’t necessary, it’s important to be a skilled motorbike rider and capable of navigating long distances on Himalayan roads.
This package includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks.
During the ride and the trek, all the food is prepared with fresh produce sourced from local homes, ensuring exceptional quality and taste. We highly recommend trying the local cuisine, as it’s often delicious and served in generous portions. It’s especially rewarding to indulge in the varied Nepali cuisine, which offers a wide range of flavors and traditional dishes.
In particular, we suggest opting for vegetarian options, as they are easier to digest and tend to be more abundant at higher altitudes. While non-vegetarian options are available at mountain regions, we advise against them due to concerns about meat quality.
A classic and highly popular choice among riders and Nepalis alike is the dal bhat, a nutritious and comforting meal consisting of rice, lentils, and assorted accompaniments. This dish is known for its ability to satisfy hunger, and it can be refilled infinitely!
It’s important to note that supplies may be limited in mountainous areas, so it’s essential to use available resources responsibly. Out of respect and consideration, we recommend carefully considering orders and ensuring that any food requested is fully consumed.
Additionally, we encourage you to refrain from dairy and avoid alcoholic drinks, caffeinated beverages, and hot chocolates at high elevations.
At the monastery, you will enjoy the same meals that the monks eat as part of their daily routine.
Enjoy the local culinary experience and savor the unique flavors of Nepal as you explore the mountains!
Your safety and security are our top priorities. We implement various measures to ensure your well-being. Throughout the ride, we’ll have all the essential gear, equipment, and first aid kits on hand. Our guides are highly trained in wilderness first aid. In case of illness, the ride leader will assess the situation and determine whether to proceed or descend promptly. Additionally, we’ll stick together as a group while riding.
At the monastery, it is important to follow a respectful dress code. You should wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and legs, such as long-sleeved shirts or blouses and long pants.
In most areas of the monastery, you will walk barefoot inside the buildings. This is done to maintain the cleanliness and purity of the sacred environment and to foster a closer connection to the spiritual space. Be sure to bring sandals or easy-to-remove shoes for your convenience and to adhere to the monastery’s guidelines.