While you're a passionate motorcycle rider at home and confident with what you're doing, you may wonder what the heck is in for you once you go motorcycling up and down this fascinating country.
Like any other country, Nepal will receive you with its own set of unique challenges. For some, you can prepare: for others, you can’t.
But if you keep a few things in mind and approach your journey from your heart, you'll be surprised how far it can make you ride.
Discount the flaws
Nepal is a country of many extremes that you may find daring at first: mad traffic, appalling road conditions, a myriad of vehicles oozing black smoke straight into your face, uncontrolled urban growth that insults your sense of aesthetics, tons of dust you're likely to swallow on the many roads; staggering poverty that won't escape your eyes to name just a few.
But prime yourself for embracing the charms of a country that warmly welcomes visitors. Gaze beyond the country's many flaws that you can find everywhere.
Let Nepal’s incredible beauty and fantastic hospitality shape your view and riding experience instead.
Look out for the many precious jewels and not the piling rubbish.
Embrace your firsts
You'll likely encounter a row of many firsts on your trip through Nepal.
It could be crossing a national park with serious wildlife, riding into high altitudes, in clouds of dust, snow, or at night, facing hair-raising off-road sections, or the fact that days won’t end—situations requiring courage and constant resilience.
Self-appreciation is often the essential go-to attitude.
Once you're past and done with any of your firsts, pause and honor yourself for your daring efforts. Remind yourself repeatedly that you're uncovering new grounds with every ride you take, which few women have experienced yet. And that deserves nothing less than the highest respect for yourself.
Tackle your fears
Your skills are advancing while you overcome new trials on your trip through Nepal. You feel on top of it and firm. But suddenly, the next day, nothing's left. Fears are creeping up. You begin to doubt your motorcycling skills and wonder what the hell has brought you here.
There are moments when you think you can ride no further — but it’s often no more than a clunky chatter of a destructive mind.
Stop the self-chat and pay attention to what's boiling up when it happens. Look at it respectfully, and what of it holds really true. Regain your confidence by taking a break or some more accessible roads.
Follow the ease of locals and accept their offer to help you through some tricky bits if need be. Traversing active wildlife parks, e.g., is way more relaxing in company than alone.
Live your freedom
Nepal’s massive gender and social disparities still assign women a subordinate role in public and private life.
Sandwiched between ancient beliefs and suffocating traditions, they have very little individual freedom to start outgrowing the many social shackles. A reality that’s likely far from yours.
Just keep this in mind wherever you ride your motorcycle. The fact that women ride (and may dare to do so without men) is revolutionary in the eyes of many Nepalese. It’s simply unimaginable. But know that they secretly look up to you for the incredible bravery and freedom you exhibit.
You’re proof to them that women can do anything.
If not for themselves, maybe for their daughters. Live up to their freedom, too!
If you’re ready to head to Nepal, join us on our upcoming hilltop tour in Autumn 2023.
Thank you for your time, and meet you out there!