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Kathmandu to Pokhara Loop: A Himalayan Motorcycle Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable motorcycle journey through the heart of Nepal, from the bustling city of Kathmandu to the serene beauty of Pokhara. This loop takes you through winding mountain roads, lush valleys, and charming villages, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Be aware of ongoing road construction delays due to a nationwide bitumen shortage affecting blacktopping on key highways like Nagdhunga-Mugling. However, significant progress, including extensive blacktopping, has been reported on the Jamune-Pokhara section. Recent severe weather alerts, including widespread heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong gusty winds, have been issued across Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces (affecting areas like Kathmandu, Daman, Chitwan, and Pokhara) from September 24-28, 2026. Authorities have advised against unnecessary long-distance and nighttime road travel until at least October 6, 2026, due to heightened risks of flash floods and landslides. Moderate risks of flash floods in small rivers are also present across many districts including Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan, and Kaski. The major flash flood on August 26, 2026, in the Bhote Koshi River continues to impact infrastructure. Notably, the Prithvi Highway's Muglin-Kathmandu section at Krishnabhir (Dhading), while temporarily reopened in mid-September, has faced renewed severe disruptions and closures due to continuous rainfall, gabion wall collapses, and fresh landslides since mid-September 2026. This section, along with the Nagdhunga-Mugling road, is currently experiencing significant blockages in multiple locations, with authorities advising road users to avoid this route or exercise extreme caution. Efforts are underway to clear landslides and restore two-way traffic, but conditions remain dynamic and unpredictable. Fuel prices have been kept unchanged by Nepal Oil Corporation as of September 30, 2026, despite rising import costs, to ease consumer burden amidst flood impacts and the festive season. Experience the thrill of the ride and the warmth of Nepali hospitality.

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Verified · 30 Sept 2026 · Active
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Roads: RoughBeginner Friendly

📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu → Daman

8:00 AM — Start from Kathmandu

Ride from Kathmandu to Naubise via Tribhuvan Highway. Expect heavy traffic leaving Kathmandu. Be aware that asphalt work on the Nagdhunga-Naubise section has stalled due to a nationwide bitumen shortage, potentially affecting road conditions. The broader Nagdhunga-Mugling road section, particularly at Krishnabhir, has been severely impacted by recent continuous rainfall and landslides since mid-September 2026, leading to renewed disruptions and closures. Authorities advise extreme caution or avoidance of this route. Fuel stop in Naubise.

40 km

9:30 AM — Naubise to Daman

Continue from Naubise to Daman via SH52. Winding mountain road with some rough patches. Enjoy the scenic views. Stop for lunch in Daman and check out the panoramic view from Daman View Tower.

40 km

Day 2: Daman → Chitwan

8:00 AM — Daman to Hetauda

Descend from Daman to Hetauda via SH52. Expect steep descent with hairpin bends; ride carefully.

80 km

11:00 AM — Hetauda to Sauraha (Chitwan)

Continue from Hetauda to Sauraha (Chitwan) via East-West Highway. This section is relatively flat and well-maintained, though be aware of potential muddy conditions or landslides, especially after rainfall. Recent reports indicate 'road denting' (rut formation) near the 'S-mode' at Daunne and in parts of the Bardaghat-Chisapani section, particularly on the uphill lane, with temporary repairs ongoing. Note current heatwave alerts for Terai regions and adverse weather warnings (thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds) for Chitwan, and moderate flash flood risks. Explore Chitwan National Park (optional jeep safari) upon arrival.

40 km

3 more days locked

Day 3 · Chitwan → Pokhara

150 km · 4-5 hours · 2 timed stops

✓ Verified 12 days ago by a partner rider

8:00 AMSauraha to Mugling70 km

Ride from Sauraha to Mugling via East-West Highway, enjoying good road conditions.

+ 1 more stop in this day

  • Remaining itinerary3 days · 6 stops
  • Per-day cost breakdownfuel ₹3,714 +
  • Packing list for this route28 items
  • Offline PDF + navigationincluded

30 days · every trip · no auto-renew · refund policy

💰 Cost Breakdown

Estimated Total₹11,714 - ₹23,714
🔒

Per-day cost breakdown locked.
Unlock to see fuel, stay, food, and activity estimates.

📋 Packing Checklist

🎒

28-item route-specific packing list locked.
Tuned for this route's terrain, weather, and altitude.