If you’re interested in making a trip to South Asia, Kathmandu is one of the absolute best destinations in the region. The capital city of Nepal, it’s nestled between the Himalayan mountains and offers stunning views of this mountain range’s awe-inspiring peaks in every direction. In the heart of the city you’ll find a labyrinth of alleyways leading through Durbar Squarem, which becomes a bustling metropolis during Indra Jatra, a one-of-a-kind religious festival that features people dancing around in masks.
Kathmandu is one of the highest capital cities in the world at an elevation of 1,400 meters above sea level, so get ready for some thin air and shortness of breath. However, a trip to Kathmandu is well worth it, as the palaces, mansions, gardens, and incredible vistas throughout the city will make for a truly unique experience. And if you want to get the fullest experience possible out of Nepal’s elevated capital, the best way to do so is by renting a motorcycle and traversing the winding streets of the city on your own or with a passenger.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Kathmandu. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motor scooter. This guide includes:
- Whether it’s safe to hire a motorcycle in Kathmandu as a foreigner
- The price of motorbike hire in Kathmandu
- Whether you need an international driving permit to rent a motorbike in Nepal
- The best places in Kathmandu to find motorcycle rental
- The best things to do in Kathmandu on a motorbike
Is It Safe to Drive a Motorbike in Kathmandu as a Foreigner?
On the whole, the city of Kathmandu has very low crime rates and is very safe for travelers. You should be wary of pickpockets and should keep your senses about you at night, but chances are you won’t experience any crime while in Kathmandu.
While Kathmandu isn’t dangerous because of crime, driving in the city can present some real challenges and can even be downright dangerous at times. The quality of the roads in the city is fairly poor and there are some real issues with congestion, so you should always drive cautiously in Kathmandu. And, due to the fact that the city is surrounded by one of the world’s largest mountain ranges, landslides are relatively frequent in the area. With all that being said, if you drive defensively and stay aware of your surroundings, you should have a pleasant and safe time driving in Kathmandu. Just don’t take it too fast.
What Does Motorcycle Hire in Kathmandu Cost on Average?
Prices for pretty much everything are exceptionally affordable in Nepal, even in the capital city of Kathmandu. If you want to hire a motor scooter such as a Honda Dio 100, you can expect to pay as little as €6 per day. If you want to upgrade to a motorcycle such as a Bajaj Pulsar 150, you’re still only looking at about €10 per day.
Because riding motorbikes is a very popular activity in the city, there is a large variety of different motorbikes for rent at affordable prices in Kathmandu. You can get a powerful street motorcycle for only around €35 per day, such as a Royal Enfield Classic 500. You can also opt for an off-road motorbike such as Honda XR 190, which are available for around €40 per day and will allow you to do some exploring off the beaten path.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Motorbike in Nepal?
If you are not a citizen of Nepal with a driver’s license issued by the Nepalese government, you will need to obtain an international driving permit to operate a motor vehicle in the country, including a motorcycle or motor scooter. If you want to apply for your international driving permit online, you can do so here.
There is a $20 application and you should apply for your IDP at least two weeks in advance before departing for Nepal because that’s how long it usually takes to arrive in the mail. Once you have your IDP, it is valid for one full year. While you’re driving a rental vehicle in Nepal, you should carry your IDP, national driver’s license, and passport with you at all times.
Where Is the Best Place to Find Motorcycle Rental in Kathmandu?
If you’re flying internationally into Kathmandu, you’ll probably arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, which is located rather close to the city center. If you want to drive a motorcycle straight from the airport to your accommodation, your best bet is to search for a service online that will deliver a motorbike directly to your terminal when you arrive.
If you want to wait until you get deeper into the city of Kathmandu before you rent a motorbike, there are many shops throughout the city that would be happy to rent you a vehicle. The highest concentration of rental shops is between the Khusibun and Kamaladi areas of the city, so this would be the best place to start your search. Locals are typically very helpful towards tourists in Kathmandu, so you can always ask someone if you need help finding a rental motorcycle.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Kathmandu With a Motorcycle?
Now that you’re aware of all the necessary information for renting a motorbike in Kathmandu, here are some of the best things to do in the city on two wheels:
Swayambhu
Among the many religious monuments in Kathmandu, Swayambhu may be the most impressive. Often referred to as the Monkey Temple, it’s a short 13-minute drive east from the center of the city and it offers some of the best views that can be found so close to the metropolitan area. You can park your motorcycle, walk up over 300 stone stairs that lead to the top of the temple, and soak up the views of the Kathmandu Valley.
The temple grounds are decorated with colorful flags and interesting stupas. And they don’t call it the Monkey Temple for no reason; there are monkeys constantly climbing around. Just make sure that you keep your possessions close to you because the monkeys have been know to steal.
Bhaktapur
Drive about 40 minutes west out of Kathmandu and you’ll arrive at Bhaktapur, the best place around Kathmandu to get a sense of the indigenous lifestyle of the Newari people. This small city is filled with colorful art, people dancing in the streets, an open museum, and so much more.
The entire city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, so every corner of Bhaktapur has something significant to see. However, while you’re there, make sure to try some of the street food, visit Nyatapola Temple, and shop for some handmade clothes and trinkets in Taumadhi Square.
Ason and Mangal Bazaars
These two street markets are the best places to pick up a souvenir from your trip to Nepal. And even though the local merchants will probably inflate the prices because you’re a foreigner, everything is still exceptionally cheap.
Park your motorbike and take a walk through the bazaars, watch the street life, soak up the smells of the fresh herbs and spices, and get a real sense of what daily life is like for the people of Kathmandu. Both Ason Bazaar and Mangal Bazaar are bursting with colorful textiles, foods, and vibrant people. One could easily spend several hours just wandering from stall to stall.
Explore the Areas Around Kathmandu by Motorcycle
If you’re confident in your ability to control a motorcycle, one of the absolute best things to do in Kathmandu is to leave the city limits and go exploring around the Kathmandu Valley. This is seriously one of the most beautiful regions in the entire world, and seeing from the seat of a motorcycle on a cliffside road is an experience you will never forget.
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