Kathmandu Manang Bike Tour

It is a serious off-road challenge. About 80% of the route from Besisahar to Manang is unpaved, featuring loose gravel, mud, and deep water crossings. While you don't need to be a "pro" racer, you must be comfortable with steep inclines and narrow cliffside tracks where there is no room for error. We provide a support vehicle and a lead guide to scout these sections, especially near the "Octopus Waterfall" area where the track often gets slippery.

The Honda CRF series (250/300L) is our recommendation for the Manang stretch because it is lightweight and handles the rocky, technical terrain much better than the heavier Royal Enfields. However, the Himalayan 450 is a great "all-rounder" if you prefer more comfort on the paved road from Kathmandu to Besisahar. In our experience, the lighter the bike, the more you will enjoy the technical climb into Chame and Manang.

No, you cannot ride to the lake itself. The motorable road ends near Khangsar. From there, you ride a technical trail to Tilicho Base Camp (4,150m), but the final ascent to the lake (4,920m) is a strict 3-4 hour hike on a steep, landslide-prone trail. We arrange for your bikes to be safely kept at the trailhead/lodge while we complete the hike on foot. Attempting to ride past the base camp is not only impossible due to the terrain but also extremely dangerous at that altitude

Standard travel insurance will almost certainly NOT cover this trip. You specifically need a policy that covers "motorcycling on unpaved roads" and "emergency helicopter evacuation up to 5,000 meters." Many US/EU riders use World Nomads (Explorer Plan) or Global Rescue. We require proof of this insurance before departure because a helicopter evacuation from Manang can cost between $2,500 and $5,000 USD, which must be guaranteed by your insurance or paid upfront.

Technically, as of April 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board requires a registered guide for trekking in the Annapurna region (ACAP). While enforcement for motorcylists at the Besisahar and Dharapani checkpoints can be inconsistent, having a registered guide is the only way to guarantee your permits (TIMS/ACAP) are valid and that you aren't turned back. As a licensed company, we ensure your guide is government-registered, which prevents any legal or logistical delays at the mountain check posts.

Food hygiene is generally good in Manang, but you should stick to the "cook it, peel it, or forget it" rule. We provide meals chosen from the menu, including Nepali Dal Bhat (the safest and most nutritious option) and some Western dishes. Never drink tap water or river water. We recommend using water purification tablets or a LifeStraw, as plastic bottled water is increasingly banned in the conservation area to reduce waste.