Epic Road Trips in Nepal with GoTravelDaily
Nepal is famous for its trekking trails; however, the road network offers plenty of adventures at less dizzying altitudes. Having your own set of wheels—whether that means a rented bike or motorcycle or a chartered car and driver—enables you to escape the crowds, explore at your own pace, and visit remote areas that would otherwise be out of reach.
Hiring a Vehicle in Nepal
Self-drive rental cars are not available, but it’s easy to hire a vehicle with a driver. Some adventurous travelers drive their own vehicles or jeeps overland from Europe. If you plan to join them, you’ll need an international carnet (a customs document), an international driving permit, and other pieces of paperwork. A much easier option is to hire a motorbike in Nepal – just ensure you possess an international driving permit or a national driving license endorsed for motorcycles, as a regular car license is insufficient.
Road Safety Considerations
It’s crucial to consider Nepal’s poor road safety record. Many roads are in poor condition, and road rules are widely flouted, leading to frequent accidents. Moreover, the mountainous terrain—with steep and winding roads—can be treacherous, and the weather, especially during the monsoon, is unpredictable. Consequently, this is not a country for novice drivers or motorcyclists!
Five Spectacular Road Trips in Nepal
Drive the Middle Hills for History and Heritage
Pokhara–Gorkha; 130km (81 miles); allow 2 days
This easy road trip whisks you from the tourist hub of Pokhara to two of the most interesting and attractive towns in the Middle Hills: Bandipur and Gorkha. Initially, you’ll head east along the Prithvi Highway towards the capital, gradually leaving behind stunning views of the Annapurna range before spiraling south up a steep road to Bandipur, a ridge-top bazaar town filled with beautiful 18th-century architecture.
From here, the route continues northeast to Gorkha, another medieval township and the former home of Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king who unified Nepal’s warring kingdoms in 1769. The dynasty he founded ruled Nepal almost uninterrupted until 2008, and the king’s precipitously-located palace-temple sits on the ridge above town, reached by a steep stone pathway. Although you can drive this route in a single day, it’s far better to stay overnight in Bandipur, which has several atmospheric places to stay.
Drive from Dhulikhel to Nagarkot for the Best Himalayan Vistas
Dhulikhel–Nagarkot; 56km (34 miles); allow 1–2 days
This short drive around the eastern fringes of the Kathmandu Valley combines panoramic views with trips to sacred sites and medieval hill towns. The route starts in the Newari town of Dhulikhel on the valley rim, which offers stunning views of towering peaks, especially at sunrise. From here, drive to Namobuddha, home to a famous Buddhist monastery, and then to Panauti, one of the oldest towns in the country, where medieval bazaars are filled with well-preserved Newari houses.
The drive finishes in the village of Nagarkot, where a string of hotels and guesthouses line up along a ridge gazing up at the Himalayas. Assuming you arrive when the skies are clear, the views at sunrise are quite simply breathtaking.
Get Off the Beaten Track in Eastern Terai
Janakpur–Ilam; 320km (199 miles); allow 3–4 days
The eastern part of the Terai—a steamy, subtropical plain—receives relatively few travelers despite boasting a range of attractions. This route showcases some of the lowlands’ star turns, beginning in the city of Janakpur, where the Janaki Mandir—a vividly colorful temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sita—attracts pilgrims from across South Asia.
After turning east onto the Mahendra Highway, drive to the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, where pristine wetland areas teem with birdlife—over 527 bird species have been spotted here. The final stop is the mountain village of Ilam in the far east of the country, a center of Nepal’s tea-growing industry.
Adventure Sports Enthusiasts Will Love Driving the Araniko Highway
Dhulikhel–Kodari; 83km (52 miles); allow 1–3 days
The Araniko Highway, named after a renowned Nepali architect, traces an ancient trade route from Kathmandu to Lhasa in Tibet. Following this winding road, you’ll travel up from Dhulikhel to the frontier settlement of Kodari, where the Friendship Bridge stretches across into Tibet. Along the last stretch of road, you’ll find several adventure sports camps, offering thrilling activities such as whitewater rafting and bungee jumping.
Nevertheless, driving the Araniko Highway requires caution due to hazards such as sheer drops, landslips, and flooding, particularly during the monsoon season.
The Tribhuwan Highway: The Best Plains-to-Hills Drive
Birgunj–Kathmandu; 116km (72 miles); allow 2 days
This steep, dramatic route follows the oldest highway in Nepal from the frontier with India to Kathmandu. The Tribhuwan Highway winds its way up from the bustling border post of Birgunj through Hetauda and the hill village of Daman, which offers some of the finest Himalayan views in the Middle Hills. After an overnight stay in Daman, you’ll continue north until you reach the Kathmandu Valley, where heavy congestion may require following back roads for a smoother journey.
