Nepal on Two Wheels: An Adventure of Many Awakenings
- Kerstin Krause
- May 16
- 5 min read
Some journeys don't just take you somewhere—they take you deeper. Into grit. Into courage. Into a version of yourself you may have forgotten or never dared to meet.
And sometimes, those journeys begin on an adventure ride with some soul sisters in Nepal.
When I first thought about motorcycle adventure rides for women, I had no idea what it would ignite. I wasn't much of an off-road pro—just a woman with a strong connection to Nepal and a deep-rooted passion for adventure riding.
So I began where I felt most at home: in Nepal, on a weathered Royal Enfield Himalayan.
Today, leading this tour feels second nature. And yet, it never is. Every group is unique. Every ride unfolds its own story—one of grit, breakthroughs, belly laughs, and the pure joy of moving forward, together.
But it all starts with a moment I cherish the most: when the group of women from all over the world disembark from the plane in Kathmandu, uncertain of their journey ahead but open to everything that unfolds.
Familiar Strangers on Unfamiliar Roads
There's magic in the air when the participants arrive at Kathmandu airport. We've never met in person, yet we recognize each other instantly—thanks to our Zoom prep sessions and maybe something more: a shared curiosity, a quiet courage, that look in the eye that says, "I don't know where this road leads, but I'm here for it."
Most participants have never been to Nepal and share the same experience I had nearly 40 years ago, seen through a lens of wonder and awe. They remind me of what it felt like to touch down in this enchanting country for the first time.
We kick things off with a visit to the world-renowned Pashupatinath Temple, a briefing, a shared meal, and usually an early night.
Nerves tend to peak just before departure.
The First Ride: High Fives, Jitters & Stalls
On the morning of our first ride, we take a moment. We tie small, colorful prayer flags between our mirrors—a Nepalese ritual to invite blessings for a safe journey. It's simple, powerful, and grounding.
Then, it's time. A final cigarette. One last "Was this a good idea?" photo. A few shaky high-fives, tight lips—and we roll out of the compound. Movements are jerky, the stops abrupt. The first bike stalls. Another one tips over. A puncture.
Nothing is rehearsed. It's raw. And it's real.
The traffic in Kathmandu Valley is chaotic, and the roads are bumpy. Add an unfamiliar motorcycle and the sensory overload of Nepal's bustling streets, and it's no surprise that some riders doubt their choice before we even reach our first destination.
For some, this doesn't feel like the adventure they had imagined.
But it's a feeling that won't last.
When Doubt Gives Way to Grit
Something shifts at the end of day one. We are on the road, and the most challenging part is over. By day two, things begin to move. Slowly, we realize we are actually doing it. That confidence comes—not in big leaps—but in gritty little steps: successfully navigating a tight corner, conquering a muddy track, mastering a rocky driveway.
Glances at each other reveal subtle grins that silently convey, Hell yes!
We no longer grasp the handlebars in fear. We relax. With each mile, we trust the bike, the process, and ourselves a bit more. Faces soften. Dinner conversations grow louder, more cheerful.
The hesitation? It's replaced with humor—and a flicker of pride.
Confidence Rises When the Dust Settles
By day three or four, the transformation is undeniable. The once-hesitant rider is now standing on her pegs through a rocky section. The one who quietly questioned her abilities is the first in the saddle and now leads the pack.
There's rhythm now—muscle memory forming, minds adjusting, while the bikes feel like a valuable extension of the body. The roads, though still wild, become trusted companions. And the ride is no longer just about getting through—it's about expansion and the unshakable feeling of being free.
When we gather at the end of the day, tired, sun-kissed, and dust-covered, we are wonderfully alive. What begins with nerves leads to celebration and an eager curiosity for what tomorrow might hold.
Rural Magic in Begnas
And then there are places like Begnas that get under my skin—in the best way.
Tucked high on a ridge in Western Nepal, with the Himalayan skyline stretched across the horizon, Begnas greets us with calm skies, home-cooked meals, and the quiet warmth of Anil and his family at their organic farm.
It feels like arriving somewhere your soul has always known.
In the early morning, the garden turns into a pumping dance floor. Anil's wife, Namrata, plays traditional music and patiently shows us the steps and hand movements to a local folk performance. Already in our dusty motorbike boots, we're a bit clumsy at first, but soon, we let go and enjoy the happy boogie at the foothills of the Himalayas.
No audience. Just pure joy, shared happily. Moments like these—genuine, unplanned—make this ride so unforgettable.
Sisterhood in the Saddle
What truly sets this journey apart isn't just the terrain or the challenge—or even Nepal's people, as beautiful as they are.
It's the women who choose to ride with you.
The sisterhood that grows when strangers face the unknown together is honest, unfiltered, and enduring.
Someone always has a tissue when tears fall. A steady hand when the ground gives way. A whoop of encouragement when we conquer a hill we thought impossible.
There's no competition. No judgment. Just fierce support and the unshakable sense that we're in this—all of it—together.
You can't fake this kind of bond. It's earned—mile by mile, in the dust, the laughter, and yes, the occasional breakdown, too.
This Is Why We're Into Nepal on Two Wheels
By the time we return to Kathmandu two weeks later, something inside us has shifted. It's not just about the distance covered or how much better we ride. It's something deeper: a rewarding rediscovery of resilience, joy, courage, and a stronger self.
This isn't a tour. It's a journey into something tangible. Something unforgettable.
Some rides change your perspective.
This one has the potential to do both.
"As Kerstin promised, I experienced a life-changing ride in a safe and uplifting environment. I had no idea this existed!" Janet Middleton / Scotland
If you've ever felt the call to step out of routine and into something braver, Nepal may be the place. And we'll be waiting—with a bike, a blessing, and another team of women on their pegs doing it again.
Don't ask if you're ready. Picture yourself doing it.
Kerstin 💥
If you are interested in joining our next Hilltop Discovery Tour in Nepal, running from 1 to 14 November 2025, click here or get in touch. We'd love to ride with you.
Contact us at: kerstin@bike-n-soul.com or visit www.bike-n-soul.com/nepal
P.S.
Get a taste of the adventure—and feel the spirit of our Nepal ride come alive 👇
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