Motorcycle Tour in Nepal: Meet the Women of Manang
A woman’s motorcycle tour in Nepal is one way that can help eliminate the social barriers to mobility and independent action that limit the opportunities available to many women. Women have historically been confined to the home or village due to the restrictions placed on them as a result of traditional gender roles and a lack of access to transportation. Therefore, these tours enable women to take control of their journeys, travel to schools, work, etc., and ultimately define their futures based on choices of their own making, rather than being restricted by gender-based limitations.
Secure your place on this unique Nepal women’s motorcycle journey by registering your interest.
17 to 27 April 2027 / 31 October to 10 November 2027
Get a glimpse of what it feels like to ride across Manang on this women-only motorcycle tour in Nepal
When you’re on a women’s motorcycle tour in Nepal with us, you are showing the way to break free from social barriers limiting the opportunities available to many women. Indeed, women have historically been confined by traditional gender roles and financial or mobility restrictions placed on them.
When you join our tours, you are making the invisible visible, highlighting what women can do when they have the courage to step out of their comfort zone, access mobility and independence.
Most importantly, you are supporting and inspiring other women. Our tours enable women tour guides and delivery riders trainees to take control of their journeys by enabling them to work and own their two-wheelers. Ultimately, they get to define their futures based on choices of their own making, rather than being restricted by gender-based limitations. Have a look at how we Fuel Freedom!
When you join FreeW on a motorcycle road trip through Nepal, you’ll discover that it’s not just about riding from the central hilly region of the Bagmati Province up to the impressive hiking trails of Manang, beyond 4,000 m!
It’s so much more.
- You will BIKE & HIKE, surrounded by snow-capped giants, opening your mind, heart and lungs, both on 2 wheels and on 2 feet.
- You will meet the remarkable and smiling Newari and Gurung communities, who share their culture in a thousand ways.
- You will take part in a motorcycle adventure that gifts you the time to reconnect – with yourself and with others
With this road trip you will discover what you and other women are made of.
Where female motorcycle tours in Manang, Nepal, meets social impact
Sharing with Nepalese women
You’ll meet the incredible women of Nepal across various communities, experiencing their local lifestyles and learning some cooking tips.
- The Newari in the central hilly region of Bagmati province
- The Gurung in middle hills region of the Gandaki Province
We will also ride alongside local women, more specifically those whose life has been transformed at our riding school and whose scooters are subsidised through our tour.
(Re)connecting to your wild soul
A motorcycle road trip with FreeW offers unique glimpses into what Nepal has to offer, and (re)connects you to the wild – in you and in nature.
- You’ll be led to skillfully navigate your motorcycle along twisting roads through the mountain ranges.
- You’ll be hiking to mountain lakes and discover the mystical Himalayan trails
- You’ll experience camping by the river, witnessing wildlife at its undisturbed best.
Let us show you that you can do it, and that nothing is beyond your reach.
Making a social impact
Through this women’s motorcycle ride, we support local communities and homestays, increasing the visibility of women in society and recogniszing their value. We also
- provide local women guide, and endeavour to prioritise women-led businesses
- distribute reusable sanitary pads to rural communities where women can’t afford these products
- subsidise the scooters of Nepali women through our tour profits, so that they can access new livelihood opportunities
Most importantly, we will inspire and will be inspired.
What women riders say about our road trip in Nepal
Having lost confidence as a rider and as a traveller, l was looking for a way to push myself and see l was still up for an adventure in my mid-forties. The trip with FreeW exceeded all expectations. I’m in awe of the energy and commitment of the FreeW team to their cause of empowering women through riding, especially the Nepali women riders who are courageously showing leadership and challenging stereotypes every time they head out there on 2 wheels.
Ruth, United Kingdom
This trip was one of the greatest things I’ve ever done. Alison & her team create a supportive community and camaraderie for all levels of riders, with tips on techniques to improve riding skill shared with everyone. Her calm encouraging attitude and ability to bring fun and laughter to a challenging ride made my experience life-changing on so many levels. I bring this with me now into all aspects of my life. Make a difference to yourself, take this trip. Just do it.
Ellen, USA
What I didn’t expect from this trip was that I would return to the UK a much stronger, safer, more confident rider. All of which adds up to a happier rider. Such an unexpected and glorious outcome, and I also got to see the sights, and make some new friends. The surprise of cooking lunch at the ethnic minority homestay was great. This trip also expanded my idea of what’s possible and given me a push to go out and being doing what I actually want to be doing instead of merely surviving.
Max, United Kingdom
Trip details
17 to 27 April 2027
31 October to 10 November 2027
10 days, 8 riding days
Royal Enfield Classic or Himalayan
8 people max
EUR 2,995 / person
Route
Included
Our women’s motorcycle trip around Manang in Nepal will have your airport transfers in Nepal taken care of. You will be provided with ten nights’ accommodations. Additionally, you will receive a fully equipped motorbike for ten days of riding, with the fuel and oil paid for during the entire trip. Daily breakfast and lunch are included. In addition to food, there is also free water and soft drink/tea on the road. A local guide and/or international guide will provide assistance and guidance throughout the trip.
Key entrance fees and permits (Bhaktapur and Annapurna Conservation Area) and local community contributions are also included in this package. There is a support vehicle that can carry your luggage and if needed some spare parts. Each day your motorbike will be serviced mechanically.
Also included in this package is a traditional motorbike puja ceremony; a welcome gift; and all local VAT so you don’t need to worry about anything other than the ride.
- Airport pick-up/drop off in Nepal
- Accommodation 10 nights
- Motorbike rental for 10 days
- Fuel and oil
- Breakfasts and lunches
- Water, soft drinks and tea on the road
- Inter/national licensed tour guide(s)
- Local contributions and donations
- Entry fee Bhaktapur
- Annapurna Conservative Area Permit
- Support van for luggage/spare parts
- Daily mechanical servicing
- Motorbike puja prior to departure
- Welcome gift
- Local 13% VAT
Excluded
The Manang motorcycle tour does not include flights to and from Nepal, meals in the evenings and alcohol. It will give you the opportunity to try your own local food. The price of travel/medical insurance, visa costs and entrance charges to attractions outside of those listed, porter costs on the hike parts of the tour should they be required, tips for the staff at local accommodations etc. are not included. A rider must pay a deposit for each bike by providing a refundable €350 security deposit per bike. An optional €100 membership fee to the Two Wheels For Freewill non-profit organization can be paid once, which provides riders with a $50 discount off their next tour.
- Flight to/from Nepal
- Evening dinners and drinks
- Medical/ Travel insurance
- Entry fees other than specified
- Visa fees
- Alcoholic beverages
- Porter Fees if applicable (for the hike)
- Tips for local staff
- 350 euros refundable security deposit per bike
- 100 euros Annual Membership to Two Wheels to Freewill non-profit, granting a 50 euros discount on all our tours
Route Details
This Women’s Motorcycle Tour Manang has riders beginning in Kathmandu. Riders travel on their motorcycles from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur and Panauti, while accompanied by other women traveling from Kathmandu. Along the way there will be opportunities to immerse yourselves in Nepal’s rich culture with hands-on experiences such as learning how to cook Newari food. The rest of your journey is spent on less traveled country roads that take you to the quiet villages of Charaundi. As an added benefit of being off the beaten path, each evening will have been spent gazing up at the stars. From there you continue through the Mid-Hill regions of the Himalayas to Ghale Gaun, which provides you the opportunity to learn about and connect with the Gurung, ethnic group of the terraced village Bhujung, and gain first hand knowledge of what it is to live in a village.
Once you climb higher into the mountains you begin to follow along the Marsyangdi River through some of the most dramatic valleys you can imagine to get to Bhratang, which is well-known for its apple orchids and mountain vistas. Once you reach Bhratang, the adventure continues as you make your way to Manang via Pisang and Humde. In Manang, you will find yourselves surrounded by towering Himalayan Peaks and you’ll be able to visit this remote and mysterious area. One of the highlights of your journey will include a hike to Green Lake. This experience allows you to combine biking and hiking with visiting caves and seeing beautiful alpine landscapes. This type of experience will provide you with both a physical challenge and a rewarding view.
The return trip will involve descending down various rivers crossing, and viewing numerous waterfalls as well as stunning mountain vistas on the roadways back to Bandipur. Once in Bandipur, you will continue on forested roadways to Kakani. At Kakani, enjoy sunset views and local trout delicacies at Kakani adventure camp. Finally, the last leg of your trip will take you back to Kathmandu via scenic backroad routes giving you ample time to relax, unwind and reminisce about your incredible Women’s Riding Experience in Nepal.
- Kathmandu – Panauti via Bhaktapur: ride with local women, explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, cook Newari food at a community homestay
- Panauti – Charaundi: ride peacefully in the morning and camp overnight with a bonfire
- Charaudi – Ghale Gaun, via Mugling & Besisahar): cruise through the Himalayan mid-hills, and meet the Gurung ethnic group of the terraced village Bhujung
- Ghale Gaun- Bhratang Farm House: enter the Annapurna Circuit trail through Marsyangdi River valleys, and sleep at the apple heaven Bhratang
- Bhratang – Manang, via Lower Pisang & Humde: stare at Annapurna II and III, stop by Chindi Lake, and explore the mystical Himalayan town of Manang (3,540m).
- Manang – Green Lake: Bike & Hike: ride 30mins to Khangsar and hike the Shree Kharka trail or Milarepa Cave (5 hours), then relax for the night at Green Lake with its stunning views
- Green Lake – Bandipur: descend back through Marsyangdi valley, enjoy river crossings, waterfalls, and Himalayan backdrops.
- Bandipur – Kakani: ride via villages and forested roads, enjoy sunset views and local trout delicacies at Kakani adventure camp
- Kakani – Kathmandu, via Tokha/Nagarjun: return ride to Kathmandu via back roads and take time to wind down before the farewell party at a local club
Meet your local team on the ground in Nepal
Sushant Ghimire
Motorcycle tour manager
Sushant led Alison’s (Founder of FreeW) tour in 2019, and their shared values kicked off a collaboration. His kind heart, can-do attitude, professionalism, great sense of humour, singing and dancing skills make him a terrific and reliable tour manager.
Kreetika Thapa
Motorcycle tour guide
With more than 5 years experience in motorcycling, Kreetika has been dedicating time to improve her skills and share her knowledge with others. She has been trained on multiple rides, both with FreeW and other partner agencies.
Shetal Giri
Motorcycle trainer and mechanics
Shetal has been riding since the age of 16. She has done a few solos and group rides in Nepal, and took part in various local racing competitions. She is a motorcycle trainer for FreeW and is developing her mechanics training.
Frequently asked questions
Can I arrive earlier/ leave later?
Yes. We can recommend and help you book a few extra nights accommodation. We will cater for airport pick-up/drop-off.
If you wish, one of our women riders can join you for a short warm-up ride and/or city tour.
Costs will be borne by you.
Do I need to bring cash? and How much?
Yes, you can easily change your cash in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but it will be more difficult in the rural areas.
Your budget will depend on the optional activities you wish to do, and the food you want for dinners. International dishes are more expensive than local food. A typical local meal costs NPR 800 while an international dish might cost up to NPR 1500 in the mountains.
You can also withdraw and pay in most places with your VISA cards, but additional charges might occur.
How is medical assistance in Nepal? Do you have somebody on the team who can give first aid?
We will carry a first aid kit with us and our team members are experienced in giving first aid.
Clinics and health posts are accessible on our route.
Do we need any specific vaccines or medicines?
Take sufficient quantity of any of your personal medications.
You can check updated health information for Nepal here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/nepal
And we will let you know closer to the date if there is any new in-country health requirements.
How do I get my visa?
You can apply online here- visa- on arrival: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/
What insurance do I need to take?
Any international travel insurance that covers medical repatriation and “dangerous” activities such as motorcycling travel.
How much do we usually tip in Nepal?
During the trip, we will take care of the tips for the team for fair allocation.
Outside the team members, you can usually tip 10 to 15% of the bill amount.
What if I don't get on with my roommate or she snores? What is the extra cost of a single room and can I get one along the trip if I need it?
As you get to know your fellow travelers, you will certainly be allowed to swap roommates.
We can eventually allocate a single room but cannot guarantee it as availability might be scarce in some areas we are travelling to.
Extra cost for a single room is 45 euros per night.
Do I need to bring camping gear?
No, we will provide everything, and we do not camp as we mainly stay in tea houses and homestays.
However, if you feel more comfortable with your own sleeping bag or pillow for example, you should bring it.
What happens in case of an accident/ if I break the bike? or if the bike gets stolen?
Motorcycles are fully insured for damages and theft. However, damages incurred by the rider outside normal wear and tear will be charged, up to 50,000 NPR (or EUR 350). A security deposit of the said amount might be requested upon arrival.
Security of the bikes will be our responsibility.
Do we have mechanics assistance?
Yes we have a mechanics on the team and carry spare parts with us
Why you should join this women’s motorcycle tour in Manang-Nepal
This women’s motorcycle ride, Nepal, Manang is one of the most unique trips available for women wanting to see the beauty of the Himalayas in a way that exceeds just a typical ride around. This is a women-only trip for women riders guided by women as well, which unites like-minded riders looking to connect on more than just scenic routes – they are also connecting with the local communities, with each other and with their own sense of self.
Every element of this motorcycle ride has been crafted to provide an inspiring and empowering experience. Whether it be taking in the vast, isolated mountain valleys while on the bike or hiking at some of the highest altitudes possible and experiencing genuine culture from Newari and Gurung communities, this entire tour is designed to take you outside of your comfort level and help you realize your full potential.
