Motorcycle rentals in Kathmandu

Kathmandu doesn't reveal itself from a taxi window. The real city is in the alleys around Swayambhunath where prayer flags snap overhead, in the incense-heavy courtyards of Pashupatinath, and on the ridgeline at Nagarkot where the Himalaya turns pink at sunrise. A motorcycle gets you to all of it on your own schedule, and it's the only practical way to trade the valley floor for a mountain view before breakfast.

Kathmandu's streets weren't built for cars. Once you leave the ring road, lanes narrow, pavement turns to gravel or disappears altogether, and traffic bunches into a slow crawl that a nimble bike simply slips around. That same agility opens up day trips that public transport makes needlessly complicated — Dhulikhel, Namobuddha and the hill roads above Kakani are all one to two hours away by motorcycle rental in Kathmandu, but a frustrating half-day by bus.

Top 10 things to see in Kathmandu by motorcycle

1. Nagarkot — a hill station east of the city and the classic sunrise ride, with the whole Himalayan range laid out in front of you.
2. Dhulikhel — a Newar town on the old Kathmandu–Tibet road, with mountain viewpoints worth the climb.
3. Chandragiri Hills — a short run southwest of the city, capped by a cable car and a wide valley overlook.
4. Kakani — a winding hill road north of the valley, popular for views of Annapurna and Ganesh Himal.
5. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) — a hilltop stupa reached in minutes, with the whole city spread out below.
6. Pashupatinath Temple — a major Hindu temple complex on the Bagmati river, an easy ride within the city.
7. Bhaktapur Durbar Square — a well-preserved medieval royal square, a favourite half-day trip from Kathmandu.
8. Patan Durbar Square — Newar architecture and quiet courtyards just across the river in Lalitpur.
9. Sundarijal — the gateway to the Shivapuri hills, a short scenic ride north of the valley.
10. Namobuddha — a hilltop monastery east of Dhulikhel, and a rewarding longer day out.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Kathmandu?

You'll need a valid motorcycle licence from your home country, and it's worth carrying an International Driving Permit alongside it, since acceptance can vary by shop and checkpoint. Rental shops generally expect riders to be adults, and almost every shop will hold a deposit for the rental period — most commonly your passport, sometimes a photocopy plus a cash deposit.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Kathmandu?

A standard 125–150cc scooter runs around 3,500–4,500 NPR per day in low season and 5,500–8,000 NPR per day in high season. If you'd rather ride a Royal Enfield 350 or 500 on the mountain roads, expect 6,000–10,000 NPR per day depending on the season.

• Prices climb in October–November and again in March–April, the two main trekking seasons.
• They drop in June–August during monsoon, and again over the cold, quiet months of December–January.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Kathmandu?

October–November and March–April are high season — clear skies, the best mountain visibility, and the highest demand, so book ahead if you're planning a motorcycle rental in Kathmandu then. June through August brings monsoon rain and landslide risk on the hill roads, while December–January is cold but quiet, with the cheapest rates of the year.

Local traffic rules in Kathmandu

Nepal drives on the left, so overtake on the right. Helmets are compulsory for both rider and passenger, and the police do check. Speed limits sit around 40 km/h in the city, though the state of the road usually slows you down long before the limit does. Drink-driving enforcement is zero-tolerance, with roadside breath tests common at night in Kathmandu, so don't risk it. Keep your licence, the bike's registration and your rental paperwork on you at all times — checkpoints on the highways and at the city's edges stop foreign riders regularly.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!