Why Nepal?
Nepal is a popular destination for motorcycle tours. It's not only about the beautiful scenery but also the technical riding highlights this trip offers. Above all, the fascinating little Himalayan kingdom welcomes its visitors with great hospitality in a very charming way.
Nepal is the perfect entry point for adventure riding as it caters to all riding levels.
Why women-only?
We want to attract more women motorcyclists to adventure riding in Nepal, especially those who prefer to ride in homogenous groups, feel unsure about, or have had enough of riding in mixed/male groups. Women are often less intimidated and more courageous when riding with other women.
Are RE motorbikes suitable for riders of shorter heights?
We exclusively offer Royal Enfield (Himalayan or Bullet) motorcycles on all our tours in Nepal. These are perfectly suitable for women, even those of shorter height. Consider visiting your nearest motorcycle dealer and taking their bikes for a test ride. This is particularly helpful for those who are less experienced. Both bike types are easy to handle and pretty forgiving.
If you have concerns regarding your height, do let us know.
What kind of experience do I need?
The tour has its challenges in parts and requires sound riding experience (no off-road). How much depends largely on your practice and trust in your abilities. You can switch to the support van for more demanding road sections or if you’re tired. In that case, our local staff will ride your bike until you're OK again.
What if I can’t keep up with the group?
We encourage our participants to ride from start to finish. Typically, confidence and skills improve within a few days of the tour. However, if a rider drastically delays the group, the road captain might ask them to switch to the support van for a specific segment.
If you're unsure whether your current riding level is suitable, give us a call or send us an email. We will be more than happy to advise you personally.
What happens if I get injured or meet with an accident?
Depending on the severity of the injury, our staff can provide first aid treatment. If you cannot continue your trip on your motorcycle due to an injury, you will switch to the support vehicle. We will immediately initiate evacuation for more severe injuries requiring transport to a medical facility/hospital. We have access to an extensive network in the area to organize necessary medical assistance promptly.
It's essential, though, to have appropriate insurance that includes medical evacuation flights.
How much luggage can I carry?
Your luggage will be transported in our jeep during the trip. We kindly request that you limit your luggage to one larger piece, such as a suitcase or duffle bag, if possible, unless you only have two smaller bags to travel with. While there is no specific weight limit for luggage during the tour, please only pack what you need. After six days of riding, there will be an opportunity to do laundry.
Excess luggage can be securely stored at our guest house in Kathmandu until we return.
How much cash do I need to carry?
Your tour is an all-inclusive package featuring half-board meals. This includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea, coffee (instant), soft drinks, and water throughout the day. However, you'll need cash for dinner, alcoholic beverages, cappuccinos, and souvenirs.
An amount of EUR 200 to 300 should suffice as pocket money.
Do I tip the support team?
Tips for our local staff are collected at the end of the tour and distributed during our farewell dinner. However, your contribution is entirely voluntary and based on your experience and satisfaction.
Typically, we collect around 50 $ per person on average.
Can I discard my motorbike gear after the trip?
BIKE ‘N SOUL supports a women’s riding school in Kathmandu, which gladly accepts donations of seasoned motorbike gear (helmets, boots, gloves, bandanas, socks, T-shirts, etc.) for its students.
If time permits, we can visit the school.
How many days should I allocate before/after the tour?
If this is your first visit to Nepal, take your time exploring. The Kathmandu Valley boasts endless opportunities for enthusiasts of temples, stupas, royal palaces, monasteries, history, and religion. Two to four days prior to the tour will be sufficient to get a good feel for the surroundings and to recover from jet lag.
Nepal is renowned for its Himalayan hiking trips, offering options from short few-day treks to month-long adventures. This is something you should consider after the motorbike tour.
How do I get around in Kathmandu?
Traveling by motorbike taxis, known as Pathao, is the fastest and cheapest way to hop between various places of interest. This app-based service gives you all the details, including price, once you enter your destination. A city ride typically costs around $1. While carrying a helmet is advisable, most people don’t.
How is the food?
Nepalis typically eat twice daily, and the national dish is 'daal bhaat,' which means lentils and rice. This meal is accompanied by seasonal vegetables and meat curries, making it a cost-effective option, as it's served with unlimited refills. Prices range from 200 to 500 NRs (about $2 to $5). Besides “daal bhaat,” momos (dumplings filled with veg or meat) are a popular snack.
But you also find noodle dishes, soups, and a variety of Western foods. Breakfast is typically continental.
Do I need a local SIM card?
Most places, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops, offer Wi-Fi, but you'll need mobile data to use maps on the go, on the Pathao, or to make local calls. You can either activate a roaming package on your home SIM card or buy a local one with data in Nepal—it's very affordable and quick to set up.
Is there a dress code for women?
Nepali women still traditionally wear saris or kurtas. They avoid outfits that reveal too much skin. When visiting temples, carry a scarf to cover your shoulders or use it as a wrap-around if you are wearing shorts/skirt.
Thumb rule: Choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable but respects Nepali culture's more conservative views.
What happens if I violate a tabu?
Nepal is steeped in traditions, with numerous rules on seniority, age, gender, caste, and more—impossible to prepare for. The best approach is to come with an open heart and mind, observe closely, ask questions, and not be afraid to make mistakes.
If you break an intolerable rule, Nepalis will gently let you know and forgive you with a genuine smile.
Updated: August 2024
