Tour Overview
The Pikey Peak Motorbike Tour is a carefully balanced adventure for riders who want more than a standard road journey. It combines scenic motorcycle riding, remote hill roads, Sherpa and Tamang village culture, and a rewarding sunrise hike to one of the best viewpoints in the lower Everest region.
This 9-day journey begins in Kathmandu and moves east through Sindhuli, Dolakha, Charikot and the Solu region before reaching Jhapre, a peaceful mountain village close to the Pikey Peak trail. From there, riders leave the motorcycles behind for a short Himalayan hike to Pikey Peak Base Camp and then continue to the 4,065-meter summit for a wide mountain panorama that may include Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and other peaks on a clear day.
Unlike pure trekking programs, this package lets travelers experience the changing geography of Nepal directly from the saddle. The route moves from city roads to river highways, forested hills, mountain settlements, rough jeep tracks and quiet ridge trails. The result is a compact adventure with strong variety: riding, hiking, culture, mountain views and local hospitality.
Gateway Adventure Treks & Expedition organizes the tour with professional route planning, bike checks, guide support, permit assistance, accommodation coordination and safety-focused logistics. It is suitable for active travelers with basic riding confidence, a willingness to handle mixed road conditions, and enough fitness for two days of hiking at altitude.
Why This Pikey Peak Ride Is Special
- A rare combination of motorbike touring and short Himalayan trekking in one package.
- One of the best accessible Everest sunrise viewpoints without following the crowded Everest Base Camp trail.
- A culturally rich route through Sherpa, Tamang and hill communities of eastern Nepal.
- A varied riding experience across highways, river valleys, hill roads, dirt tracks and remote mountain settlements.
- A practical adventure for riders with limited time who still want Everest-region scenery and authentic village life.
- A scenic return through Mulkot and the Sunkoshi corridor, giving the route a strong circular travel feel.
Tour Highlights
- Ride from Kathmandu into the lower Everest region through changing landscapes and hill highways.
- Enjoy panoramic views from Pikey Peak Summit at 4,065 m / 13,336 ft.
- See Mount Everest and other Himalayan giants from a less-crowded viewpoint on clear days.
- Pass through Charikot, Phaplu, Jhapre and other peaceful mountain settlements.
- Experience Sherpa, Tamang and rural Nepali culture along the route.
- Walk through rhododendron, pine and alpine landscapes during the hiking section.
- Stay in a mix of comfortable city hotels, resorts, lodges and simple mountain teahouses.
- Travel with professional guide support, route coordination, first aid assistance and optional backup vehicle support.
- Complete a memorable ride-and-hike adventure within 9 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
The Riding and Hiking Experience
The Pikey Peak route is moderate but active. The riding days include a mix of blacktop roads, winding hill highways, gravel surfaces, muddy or dusty tracks, narrow village roads and occasional rough patches. The tour is not designed as an extreme off-road expedition, but riders should be comfortable controlling a motorcycle on uneven terrain and riding for several hours per day.
The hiking portion begins from Jhapre and reaches Pikey Peak Base Camp before an early morning summit walk. The trek is manageable for fit travelers, but the altitude above 3,000 meters can make the hike feel more demanding. A steady pace, hydration, warm clothing and proper footwear are important.
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Recommended rider profile
- Basic to intermediate motorcycle riding experience.
- Comfort with 5 to 8 hours of riding on selected days.
- Confidence on gravel roads, rough sections and mountain curves.
- Moderate fitness for 2 days of hiking.
- Willingness to travel in simple mountain conditions during the remote section.
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Outline Itinerary
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Day
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Program
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Day 01
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Arrival in Kathmandu, trip briefing and evening test ride
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Day 02
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Ride from Kathmandu to Charikot
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Day 03
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Ride from Charikot to Phaplu
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Day 04
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Ride from Phaplu to Jhapre
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Day 05
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Hike from Jhapre to Pikey Peak Base Camp
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Day 06
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Sunrise summit of Pikey Peak and return to Jhapre
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Day 07
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Ride from Jhapre to Mulkot
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Day 08
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Ride from Mulkot to Kathmandu
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Day 09
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Final departure from Kathmandu
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Private and Group Discount Price
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Group Size
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Package Price
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1 person
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US$ 1,800 per person
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2 people
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US$ 1,200 per person
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3 to 5 people
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US$ 1,100 per person
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6 to 10 people
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US$ 1,000 per person
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11 to 16 people
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US$ 800 per person
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Prices are indicative and may vary depending on hotel category, support vehicle requirement, motorcycle model, season, route condition, meal plan and customization request.
Permits and Documents
The Pikey Peak route is in the Solu and lower Everest region. Required permits can vary depending on the final route, road access and protected area entry points. Gateway Adventure Treks & Expedition will confirm the exact permit requirements before departure and arrange the applicable documentation for the group.
- Valid passport and Nepal tourist visa.
- Valid motorcycle driving license. An international driving permit is strongly recommended for foreign riders.
- Applicable local entry or conservation area permit based on the final route.
- Travel insurance document covering motorbike riding, hiking, altitude travel and emergency evacuation.
- Passport-size photos and passport copy if required for permit processing.
Note: This package should not use Annapurna or Mustang permit language. Pikey Peak is not part of the Annapurna Conservation Area and does not require Upper Mustang restricted-area permits.
Useful Trip Information
Best Season
The best seasons for the Pikey Peak Motorbike Tour are spring, from March to May, and autumn, from late September to November. These months usually offer clearer skies, more stable weather, better visibility and more comfortable riding conditions. Spring brings blooming rhododendron forests, while autumn offers crisp air and strong mountain views.
Difficulty Level
This is a moderate adventure. It is suitable for active travelers with basic riding confidence and reasonable fitness. The riding route includes both paved and rough sections, while the hiking section reaches 4,065 meters. Complete beginners may find the combination of mountain riding and altitude hiking challenging.
Food and Drink
Meals vary by location. Kathmandu, Charikot and Mulkot offer more comfortable food options, while Phaplu, Jhapre and the Pikey Peak trail provide simpler local meals such as dal bhat, noodles, soup, potatoes, eggs, tea and coffee. Riders should carry snacks, energy bars and a reusable water bottle.
Altitude Awareness
The highest point of the tour is Pikey Peak Summit at 4,065 meters. Although the itinerary gains altitude gradually, some travelers may feel tiredness, headache or mild altitude discomfort. Drink enough water, avoid alcohol at altitude, walk slowly during the hike and inform the guide immediately if symptoms appear.
Accommodation
Accommodation combines city comfort and mountain simplicity. Kathmandu and selected road towns use hotels or resorts based on the package category. In remote villages, stays are arranged in local lodges or teahouses with basic facilities. Rooms are generally twin-sharing, and hot showers or charging may cost extra in some places.
Transportation and Motorcycle Support
The standard motorcycle is a Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 / 450 or similar adventure-style bike, depending on availability and final package selection. Motorcycles are checked before departure, and riders receive a short briefing on handling, safety and daily riding discipline. A support vehicle can be arranged for luggage and backup assistance, especially for larger groups or premium arrangements.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly required. The policy should cover motorcycle riding, hiking, high-altitude travel up to at least 4,500 meters, medical treatment, accident expenses, emergency evacuation and trip interruption. Riders should verify that off-road motorbike travel is not excluded from their insurance policy.
Network, Internet and Charging
Mobile networks work in larger towns but may become weak or unavailable around remote mountain villages and higher trail sections. Wi-Fi may be limited or unavailable in teahouses. Charging facilities can be basic and may cost extra, so carrying a power bank is highly recommended.
Essential Packing Checklist
Documents
- Passport, Nepal visa and passport copy
- Motorcycle license and international driving permit
- Travel insurance document
- Emergency contact details
- Cash in Nepali rupees
Riding Gear
- Full-face helmet
- Riding jacket with protection
- Riding gloves
- Riding pants or knee protection
- Riding boots or sturdy ankle-support boots
- Rain gear
- Buff, dust mask and sunglasses
Hiking and Clothing
- Warm base layers
- Fleece or insulated jacket
- Down jacket for higher altitude
- Comfortable hiking pants
- Trekking shoes for the Pikey Peak hike
- Warm hat, socks and gloves
- Quick-dry shirts
Health and Hygiene
- Personal medicines
- Basic first aid items
- Altitude medicine after doctor consultation
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Wet wipes, tissue and hand sanitizer
- Water purification tablets or filter bottle
Electronics and Accessories
- Mobile phone with offline maps
- Power bank
- Universal adapter
- Headlamp
- Camera or GoPro
- Waterproof pouch or dry bag
- Small day bag for hiking
Optional Add-Ons
- Backup jeep or support van for luggage, comfort and emergency assistance.
- Bike upgrade, subject to availability and route suitability.
- Extra nights in Kathmandu, Mulkot or another stopover town.
- Kathmandu, Bhaktapur or Patan sightseeing before or after the ride.
- Private group departure with customized pace and accommodation level.
- Photography or video support for groups that want promotional content.