How do I book?
The tours can be booked online, by email, or over the phone on: +44 (0) 7494 050404. To secure a place you will be asked to put down a deposit of £500 and payment can be made by card, cheque, or bank transfer.
Are flights included?
International lights are not included in the price of your tour, but internal Transfers are. We can provide details of where to book an appropriate flight.
Where do I get a visa?
To visit Nepal you will need to obtain a valid tourist visa. Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining at time of application. Visas are available on arrival at Kathmandu Airport, but the queues can be very long. Better to obtain your visa from the Embassy of Nepal. Currently a 15-day visa costs £20.
What other paperwork do I need?
You will need a valid certificate of travel insurance and an International Driving Permit.
Where do I get an International Driving Permit?
Obtain one through the Post Office service, at major branches. All you need is your UK Driving Licence and some six of Her Imperial Majesty’s Pounds.
can i book from outside the UK?
Yes. We enjoy hosting riders from all countries.
CAN I take a different flight?
You can, but we may have to add a surcharge if you are not on the group flight. Please contact us for details.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
Yes, you need travel insurance to cover you for the period of the tour. This insurance must cover you to ride a bike of over 50cc while away. Recommended by past guests are The Post Office and Tesco, both of whom do reasonably priced policies with the requisite cover. The bikes are insured, so bike insurance need not concern you.
Where should I change money?
We would advise that you have some idea of the Nepali Rupee exchange rate before you leave, to avoid getting ripped-off. We would advise changing around £100 at the airport. In many major towns, there are cash-points that will accept major credit and debit cards. In Kathmandu and Pokhara you will be able to use money changers and banks. Further advice to this will be given in the tour briefing.
Can a lady with a wooden leg change a pound note?
No, she’s only got half a knicker.
How much spending money will I need?
About £250 should cover food, drink, petrol and sundries.
Will I have to share a room?
Yes, unless you pay a supplement. Even then, single rooms may not be available at some stops as the hotels we use are popular, or in some cases small, and we have to book our accommodation some time in advance.
What standard is the accommodation?
It varies widely, but is always clean and the best we can find in the area for a reasonable price in a suitable setting. Mostly we are in clean, comfortable hotels. In one place you will be staying in a comfortable tented camp; in another, camping rough in the wilderness – it’s all part of the adventure experience.
Will we have electricity?
It can’t be guaranteed. In some places there’s no power; in all power cuts are possible. Thus, if it’s vital you need electrical power every night, please speak to us before booking. Don’t forget a travel adaptor if you need to recharge your electricals.
How much riding experience do I need?
We would recommend only booking a tour with us if you have a full licence (compulsory) and have at least two years’ recent riding experience. The main criterion, however, is confidence. If you’re happy to zip through a London rush hour, then you’ll be capable of dealing with road life in Nepal.
Is riding in nepal dangerous?
Riding anywhere carries with it a degree of risk, as does riding in Nepal. For more information on the riding side of things see ‘Riding’ in the ‘About Nepal ‘ section of this site. If any rider joining us rides in a manner we suspect will endanger themselves, or others, or indeed displays antisocial behaviour, they will receive one warning. If they continue to display a threat to the safety or enjoyment of others on the tour, they will be excluded from the remainder (with no refund given, see terms and conditions).
How fast will we be riding?
Due to road conditions and other traffic, vehicles tend to move a lot slower in Nepal than they do in the West. We will do likewise. There are also constraints on speed enforced by the bikes. These are not high-revving sports bikes and so we will lead the tour at a maximum speed of around 70kph.
Can I use the bike in the evenings?
No, you can’t ride independently of the tour group, sorry.
How fit do I need to be?
Reasonably so. What’s ‘reasonably fit’? If you can’t jog up stairs without panting, then Nepali bike tours probably aren’t for you.
Can I take a pillion?
Yes (full price, less £300), but please be sure they know what they’re letting themselves in for: some long days in the saddle, bumpy roads and, in the mountains, some pretty shocking drop-offs. We have limited space in our support vehicles, so pillions may not be able to hop off on a whim. Likewise, if riders have any doubt over handling the extra weight, then we’d advise they ride solo. It is possible to book a place in a support vehicle (full price, less £300) for those who want to join the tour, but not to ride or travel as a pillion passenger.
How much luggage can I bring?
You are limited to 20kg by most airlines. However, we suggest you pack as lightly and in as compact a form as possible. As support vehicle space is tight, we insist you bring soft luggage if you turn up with a suitcase we will ask you to buy a soft bag and repack.
How much luggage should I bring?
Keep it minimal. One set of riding kit for the tour and a couple of sets of clothes for the evening. You can always pick up cheap clothing locally and there are laundry facilities at two-night stops.
Isn’t nepal A Dangerous commie hell?
Not really. Nepal values its tourist industry and foreigners are generally treated very politely. Like anywhere, there is a low-level risk of crime, but you will be given a briefing on sensible behaviour before we set off.
Do I need a towel?
If you’re wet, yes. One small travel towel. Although most of our hotels provide towels, there may be the occasional night you need your own.
Is food included in the price?
Only breakfast (and lunch/dinner in the jungle). We prefer that you make your own choices on where you eat and you will find Nepali food substantially cheaper than meals at home.
I don’t like curry, what can I eat?
We would firstly suggest that you avoid too much curry, purely on the grounds that you don’t like it. Nepali cuisine has much more to offer than what we in the West are offered in most ‘Indian’ restaurants. In many destinations, Western-style food is available and where it is not, less spicy food can be arranged. As an alternative, it is possible to bring your own pre-packed camping meals and add hot water.
I hear that they eat rats in nepal – is this true?
Yes, but they pickle them for a few days first.
Are laundry facilities available on-tour?
They are, but not every night. Check the itineraries of Tours you will be able to get clothes cleaned at two-night stops, so consider this when packing.
Do I require a pollution mask?
Not specifically. Pollution is not a problem except in the major cities, but some roads are dusty so a facemask, snood, or scarf can be useful.
Do I need waterproofs?
Yes. If your riding kit isn’t waterproof, then bring some light waterproofs.
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
Yes, a light, compact bag will add to your comfort.
What medication should I bring & what inoculations are required?
Consult your GP/travel clinic for immunisation and malaria advice. Bring enough of any prescribed medication you take regularly. A basic first aid kit is useful (plasters, antiseptic cream, bite/sting relief, plus insect repellent). Any serious medical problems will be dealt with by the tour medic.
Should I bring a seat pad?
Gel or air pads add comfort on long days in the saddle, but are not necessary.
I hear that elephants are the most dangerous animal in nepal – is this true?
Yes, don’t mess with elephants.
