"Revving Up Nepal's Tourism: The Rise of Motorcycle Touring"

Motorcycle touring is an emerging yet often overlooked segment of tourism in Nepal. As Motorcycling touring is rarely mentioned as the tourism product in Nepal, but motorcycle tourism is a large and growing market with considerable economic value for country. In Nepal, the use of the motorcycle has changed from a means of transportation to a recreational purpose. 

 Motorcycle tourism has the potential to contribute to local economies by promoting tourism in lesser-known regions and supporting small businesses such as motorcycle rental companies, accommodations, and local attractions. Unfortunately, this issue requires more than just economic benefits. After all, these problems will not be solved if everyone is not involved in tourism and if the revenues are not distributed equally.

Motorcycle touring in Nepal is on almost every rider’s wish list. Surrounded by China in the north and India to the south, Nepal's compact geography and breath-taking terrain make for exciting and adventurous rides. The landscape might take tourist breath away, but it is the local people tourist will meet that will make the biggest impression. They’re very friendly and helpful, especially to foreigners. Stop at a tea stall by the highway and tourist be surprised by the way they greet you. Since Nepal is geographically small when compared to India and China, riding across it could be done more leisurely and peacefully. That way, tourist get to know it even better! Motorcycle events all over Nepal attract motorcycling fans for ride-outs, shows, live music or just to share the common culture, lifestyle and love of motorcycles throughout the year.  

Since the development of the road projects, road transportation is considered as the most reliable means of transportation in Nepal. There are about 15 national highways in the country, apart from the many small feeder roads. There are also many villages and agricultural lands. Among them 40% plain area 60% hilly, muddy, and off road. The total length of roads in Nepal is about 28,000 kilometres. There is one lakh km road available among that road 1/5 of the road is only black top. In road transportation many means of transportation are runner. Among them two wheelers motor vehicles are consider as famous in context of Nepal. The market size of motorcycles in total motor vehicle population is 78%. The consumer size of motorcycles in Nepal is 7.21% of current population. (Two-wheel touring in Nepal,2022)

About 80% of the vehicles are motorized two wheelers in Nepal. The country imported two-wheelers worth Rs 33.19 billion in the fiscal year 2020-21, a sharp increase of 76.91 percent as the import bill stood at Rs 18.76 billion in the fiscal year 2019-20. The country imported 208,793 motorcycles in the fiscal year 2019-20 while the number jumped to 355,959 in the fiscal year 2020-21 about (70%) increment. But all these imported vehicles had been usually used for the daily official and personal use which increased the traffic on the road (Source DOTM). For the touring purpose the two wheelers have to be used with proper gears and gadgets which are mentioned. (Two-wheel touring in Nepal,2022)

Two Wheel Touring has lots of potentiality in Nepal but due to lack of knowledge, marketing, research, promotion, weather condition, training, idea, government support, local people involvement, government rules and regulation, market to sell product, skill manpower, new technology, political issues, unexpected disaster/pandemic, lack of communication and cooperation between different stakeholders Motorbikes touring business of Nepal is not receiving proper recognition as expected.

Unfortunately, the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have not collected comprehensive data on motorcycle tourism or issued guidelines and policies to support this sector. There is a pressing need for dedicated departments and policies to foster the growth of motorcycle tourism.

 

Despite its potential, motorcycle tourism faces several challenges that need to be addressed. Policymakers, tourism authorities, and stakeholders must work together to optimize benefits and mitigate potential negative impacts. By addressing these issues, motorcycle tourism can enhance travel experiences, support sustainable development, and positively impact local communities and the environment. The government and stakeholders can contribute by promoting electric bikes, constructing roads to iRAP standards, establishing a bike consumers forum, making helmets mandatory for pillion riders, easing the import of sports bikes, and providing land for auto maintenance.

One of the motorcycle tours of Nepal that I particularly enjoyed was the chance to merge with the country's rich cultural heritage. In Nepal, many ethnic communities live which have their own unique customs, traditions, and festivals. Travelers can visit villages that are not known to many, based on a motorcycle trip, and get to know the local people, observe their conventional way of life. From the ancient pagodas and monasteries to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many cultural sites of Nepal are the premises where visitors are allowed to step into the vibrant history of the country and the spiritual traditions.

In conclusion, to support motorcycle tourism, Nepal has developed a supportive infrastructure. In major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are many motorcycles rental companies that provide well-maintained bikes and necessary gear. While motorcycle touring in Nepal is an exciting concept, safety considerations are paramount. Motorcycle touring in Nepal offers a thrilling and immersive experience for adventure enthusiasts. With scenic routes, cultural exploration, outdoor activities, and customizable itineraries, Nepal has much to offer motorcycle tourists. Embracing motorcycle touring in Nepal unlocks a world of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural wonders that leave an indelible mark on travelers.

Introducing Kundan Shrestha, a prominent figure in the field of tourism, known for his significant contributions to sports tourism in Nepal. Holding a Master's degree in Tourism Studies and Renowned for his influential thesis, “Role of Two Wheel Touring in the Nepalese Tourism Sector”, Mr. Shrestha has dedicated his academic and professional career to enhancing the understanding and development of tourism in Nepal.