8 Epic Road Trips in Nepal

Beyond the Himalayas and trekking, there are some of the epic road trips in Nepal. If you are adveeture enthusiast and thrill lover, it’s a must to experience at least one of the road trips in Nepal. It’s worth saying that Nepal is a good candidate to be one of the road-tripper’s paradises.

Nepal offers some of the most interesting road trips, from driving off-road through the high altitude cold desert, the world’s deepest canyon, through tea gardens, beautiful Terai flat, or racing along jungle-packed highways.

In Nepal, you won’t see skyscrapers; instead, you’ll see towering mountain peaks. Adventure here hits differently as you will be close to nature. You will get a chance to drive along the winding hill road with snow-capped mountains in the background, and turquoise rivers that look like they’re painted.

This blog will introduce some of the exotic road trips in Nepal. Just choose your dream destination and experience these adventures first-hand.

8 Epic Road Trips in Nepal

1. Upper Mustang Jeep Tour: Road Trip to Nepal’s Forbidden Kingdom

If you love road trips, the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is the one. Upper Mustang, also known asthe  Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal, is located in the Mustang region. This gem was hidden and closed to outsiders until 1992.

Upper Mustang is a remote high-altitude desert hidden behind the giant Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Untouched by the pollution and noise, an adventure to Upper Mustang heals your mind and body. The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour officially starts from Kathmandu or Pokhara.

The Kali Gandaki valley is loined by two 8000 m giants (Dhaulagiri and Annapurna), the world’s deepest gorge. As your jeep tires touch Mustang dusty roads, you’re driving through a continental divide.

The jeep drive to Upper Mustang takes you through a green valley and finally into a wide rain-shadow plateau. Local people of Mustang are Tibetan Buddhists. The place itself speaks as you will spot prayer flags everywhere, mani walls, and gompas. The traditional Tibeatan style white washed stone houses are the identity of this place. Chiseled sky caves and Buddhist monasteries (gompas) perched on high hills are the treasure of Mustang.

The drive passes through the highway above Beni. Likewise, you will enter the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest canyon in the world. Driving off-road along the hugging cliffs and hairpin turns gives you the best thrills. As the jeep rumbles past, the Annapurna and Nilgiri peaks greet you.

The route continues through whitewashed hamlets and arrives at Kagbeni (2,800 m). It is an entry point and a must-stop. Kagbeni carries a centuries-old history. It’s a home to old fort and the Gompa. After a little bit of exploring, the drive continues over the dusty and bumpy road.

We arrive at Marpha Village, famous for its apple orchards and locally brewed alcohol. Passing by Jomsom, the drive takes us toward Mustang. These villages are part of the lower Mustang. It is more developed with facilities and services. It’s one of the ost popuar destination among tourists.

Drive moves forward as we pass by Rupse Waterfall, Tatopani (natural hot springs), Kalopani, and finally arrive at Muktinath Temple (3,800m). It is one of the most revered Hindu and Buddhist temples. Muktinath is known for having eternity flame and 108 sacred water spouts. It is located inside the village of Kagbeni.

After a few more hours of driving, we arrive at Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital of Mustang. The atmosphere completely changes here. The mud-brick palaces and temples are built in a traditional style. The local king (a descendant of the old Lo royal line) still lives here. Kart caves, Lo Manthang Royal Palace, Jampa Lahkhangis must see. The whole village feels like you have traveled back in time. Do not forget to click photos.

Marpha’s apple and wine, local Mustang cheese is a must have to make your road trips in Nepal more epic.

2. Pokhara to Mustang Road Trip via Kali Gandaki

Pokhara to Mustang is a popular destination for road trips in Nepal. It starts from Pokhara and leads towards the high mountains. The drive moves towards Beni, then turns north on a mix of paved and dirt roads. As you climb, higher surrunding changes from swy Peach orchards and rice fields change into terraced fields. The Himalaya views get closer.

Driving moves along the rushing glacier Kali Gandaki river over the dirt and bumpy road. To add more fun, you can start the drive very early and enjoy the iconic sunrise view from Sarangkot.

Wobbling and bumping, the drive climbs up. Along the way, you can stop by Rupse Waterfall, a thunderous 300-meter drop. You can reach there after a short hike from the road, and it’s very worth it. Moving ahead, we reach Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs. It’s a must to soak your body and get rid of your body aches.

Drive on the north side. We pass by some of the popular villages like Kalopani, Marpha, and Jomsom along the way. Along the road, enjoy the view of apple-wood barns, Yaks grazing, and traditional stone houses. Then we arrive at Muktinath Temple located at 3,800 m. Abode of Lord Shive it is reverd temple among Hindu and Buddhist devotees. Bathing in cold glacial water coming from a 108 sprouts is worth trying.

The road drops down briefly to Kagbeni (2,800 m), the checkpoint for Upper Mustang. From here, already dusty roads gets more dry, and surrounding gets more deserted. After driving a few more hours through the cold desert, we arrive at Lo Manthang, a forbidden city.

Route Highlights: Rupse Jharana (Waterfall), Marpha Village (cobblestones & apple brandy), Muktinath Temple (3,800m pilgrimage site), Kagbeni Monastery and cliffs, then Lo Manthang Villages and Lo Manthang Royal Palace.

3. Rara Lake Jeep Tour: Western Nepal’s Hidden Jewel

Another gem of road trips in Nepal is the journey to Rara Lake. The jeep tour of Rara Lake takes you to far northwest Nepal. When you stand by Rara Lake, you will understand the meaning of heaven on earth. The Rara Lake jeep tour is a remote adventure. Along the route, you will hardly find any people or other vehicles.

Rara Lake is part of the Rara National Park. It is the largest lake in Nepal, with 5.1 km. Journey to Rara Lake by jeep is not an easy task. It takes you to one of the wildest and remote region of Nepal. Covering the distance of 786 km off the beaten path, it will test your determination. By air takes about 375 km from Kathmandu.

Rara Lake Jeep Tour takes from five to seven days. Route descends through the Terai (tropical plains) via Mugling and Narayanghat, then follows Highway 9 through Dang and Surkhet. The drive continues as you leave behind the towns like Kohalpur, Mangam, and slowly the jeep climbs up into the hills of Kalikot.

As the day passes by surrounding also change drastically. Rice fields and dense jungles change into pine forests and terraced farms. Flat terrain starts getting more windy. If you follow the standard route, we will reach Talcha (2,630 m), the entry point of Rara, by day 4.

From Talcha, you have to hike about 8 km, and then you will arrive at Rara Lake. Views feels magical, as you stand amidst the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks, Murma Hill. Standing in front of the vast, blue glacial lake overwhelms you with all the emotions. The high alpine forest around the lake is home to musk deer, Himalayan black bears, red pandas, and birds like the Himalayan Monal. The lake is a major food and water source for these wild animals

Having a warm cup of coffee, enjoying the 360° views, gives you the best experience to cherish forever. Rara Lake is also a popular camping destination. If you have time and will, you can try. Sitting by the shores with only the sound of your heartbeat is meditation itself.

The Rara Lake Jeep Tour is one of the iconic road trips in Nepal because the road journey offers the best adventure alongside the jaw-dropping views. Driving through hill meadows, cattle grazing, farmers tending crops, people carrying firewood, and children smiling and waving with rosy cheeks is just wow.

Don’t Miss: Camp overnight in Rara Lake under a blanket of stars. Explore around Rara National Park, rhododendron forests, local Thakuri and Khas villages.

4. BP Highway (Dhulikhel-Sindhuli-Bardibas): Eastern Road Trips in Nepal

Adventurous road trips in Nepal mean the B.P. Koirala Highway. This journey takes you from winding roads through green hills to the plain Terai flat. BP Highway connects Dhulikhel (east of Kathmandu) to Bardibas (near the Indian border). It is 160 km completed in 2015 with Japanese aid. The well-paved, pitched road become senastional as it connected the east to Kathmandu Valley.

The Highway starts from Dhuikhel, gradually climbing into forested roads. Enjoying the Himalayan panorama from the window. If the weather is good and clear, you can also see a glimpse of Everest and Ganesh Himal.

Further on, the winding highway goes through pine wood. Driving along the small, pitched road along the Sunkoshi River gorge is thrilling. Along the route is Sindhuli Bazaar, a famous stop point to recharge and refill. If you have time, you can explore around of fortess you can enjoy the view of the winding road

The Sindhuli-Bardibas section of the BP Highway is popular among roadies and bikers due to its curves and small lanes. Driving along a small lane as the rivers crash below bridges, your lungs get filled with pine-scented air.

After a few more hours of driving 20 km before Bardibas, you can stop by the cliff-top Namobuddha Monastery. Subsequently, the terrain changes from here. The curvy lanes become fat and straight as you enter the Terai plains at Bardibas. The route from here meets the East-West Mahendra Highway.

Route highlights: Stop by Dhulikhel for a breakfast and Sindhuli for a meal. Along with enjoying the view attentivness is crucia during BP Highway road trips in Nepal. It’s highway is known for windy path and small lanes.

5. Mahendra Highway (Kakarbhitta-Gaddachauki)

Among many road trips in Nepal, the Mahendra Highway is one of the grandest overland routes in Nepal.

Also known as East-West Highway, it stretches over 1,000 km across the Terai from the Mechi (Kakarbhitta) border in the east to Gaddachauki (Mahendranagar) in the far west. This highway is the country’s longest road, making it popular among bikers.

Fun fact: Mahendra’s Highway is along threads along the flat plains just north of India.

From the East side of Mahendra Highway, it starts from Kakarbhitta, a border city between India and Nepal. As it passes through the terrain plains, driving over the flat-pitched highway is more thrilling. The highways pass through tea gardens in Jhapa, dense Terai jungles, districts like Morang and Sunsari, and cross the Kanchenjunga Range’s lower ridges.

Those with enough can stop by the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. You can take a short detour from Biratnagar to reach this national park. After returning, the route continues through Janakpur, another worthwhile stop point. Janakpur is home to Ram Janaki Temple, a revered Hindu temple.

As we reach the midway of Mahendra Highway, near the road trips in Nepal, you arrive at Chitwan National Park near Bharatpur. Chitwan National Park is famous for jungle safari, wild lives ike Royal Bengal Tiger, one-horned Rhino, and many more.

As we drive further west, highways pass by Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha, via Butwal and Siddharthanagar. Finally, after a few more hours of drive you reach Mahendranagar/Gaddachauki. It is near the Baitadi-Dadeldhura, which shares the border with India.

Some might feel monotonous due to the flat route. However, including a frequent stop at popular landmarks along the route won’t bore you.

Similarly, it is the best cross-section of Nepal. From the Bengali-influenced east to the arid Lumbini plains and dense jungle, it has a lot to offer. It also offers a great cultural immersion. You will get to see a glimpse of Tharu cultures, traditional villages made with brick kilns puffing smoke, mango orchards, and festivals.

The route also passes along the busy bus bazaars. You can buy fresh fruits and moosup (mango lassi). You can stop by roadside dhabas to eat dal-bhat for such a cheap amount.

Must Try: Dahi lassi in Janakpur with minced dates is must have. Especiay during the dry seasn, rads are quiet dusty. Do not forget to bring spare tire as road’s condition varies by district. As meantay prepare for rough patches in places like western Bardiya.

6. Dharan-Dhankuta-Hile Highway: Eastern Hill Road Trip

If you are looking for a short and sweet mountain road, there is one perfect road trip in Nepal. Dharan Dhankuta Highway is 50 km long. It is one of the most popular road trips in Nepal. It is a popular escape in eastern Nepal among locals.

The starting point of the highway is Dharan, a famous city in Nepal. The road climbs up high through the south and up through the subtropical forests. Passing ang the tea plantations and small villages and into the pine-clad middle hills.

Attitude increases gradually as we climb higher. After covering 35 km of distance, we arrive at Dhankuta Bazaar (2,100 m), the former headquarters of the Eastern Hills. Dhankuta is a famous hill town known for harvesting oranges.

As you drive further, you arrive at Hile (1,948 m), another hill-station bazaar with a famous Tongba (millet beer). They even have a Tongba statue in the center of Chowk. From the top of Hile, you can seea  360° panorama of rolling ridges, tea gardens, and distant Himalayan peaks.

The highway is pitched and well-maintained. It offers the best riding experiences among motorcyclists and Jeep tours alike.

As the altitude increases, the landscape gradually changes. Settements gets more thined replaced by pine forests and rhododendron thickets. You may as encunter waterfalls spilling down the slopes. The Dharan Dhankuta Highway is one of the must-do road trips in Nepal.

Nepali mutton curry and a locally brewed Tongba in one of Hile’s eateries is must have.

7. Kathmandu to Langtang Valley Road Trips in Nepal

If you want a quick high-country road trip in Nepal without missing adventurous thrills. Kathamndu to Langtang Valley road trips in Nepal are very popular among off-road riders. This trip takes you north from Kathmandu

Driving through the remote villages of Nepal beneath the Ganesh Himal and Langtang has its own beauty. From Kathmandu, the Langtang National Park, Syabrubesi is only about 120 km. It takes a 6 to 8-hour drive to reach there.

Though it’s a short distance adventure, it’s winding rad and off the beaten path, making it quite challenging. This road trip in Nepal feels like an alpine adventure. The rute fllws ges along the Trishuli River gorge.

Driving through winding roads as turquoise waters flow below and through forests ffers great experience. As you head deeper into the Valley, pine and rhododendron forests slowly change into a subtropical veneer.

The road passes by the small villages like Thulo Bharku or Bhotebas. If you are not shy, you can stop by to talk to local Tamang people. After a few more drives, we arrive at Dhunche (2,010 m). It’s a Langtang National Park checkpoint for your permit.

In the final section from Syabrubensi, we drive above 2,400 m. The width is paved but gets narrow with sight bumps in places. Towering Langtang Lirung (7,227m) and Ganesh Himal greet you throughout the rute Do not forget to take a break at Syabrubesi for chiya (milk tea) and hot Mo: Mo.

8. Kathmandu-Pokhara Road Trips in Nepal

Kathmandu to Pokhara is one of the classic road trips in Nepal Adventure for road trip, including the famous Kathmandu-Pokhara highway, can’t be complete. This highway is 174 km long and takes 6 to 7 hours to complete.

Kathmandu to Pokhara Highway takes you through rivers, green hills, traditional villages, and towns. The route goes along the Trishuli River canyon, leaving Kathmandu behind. Driving on the windy and busy road with the river flying below gives an adrenaline rush.

As you pass by Malekhu, make sure to stop by. This place is popular for riverside restaurants grill where you can eat local mahseer fish in bamboo tubes.

Drive ges further through Abukhaireni and Muglin. These beautiful towns are surrounded by green landscapes. Here you can see traditional bazars where farmers sell fresh vegetables and fruits.

Along the way, you can take a detour from Kurintar up to the Manakamana cable car. It is a revered place home to Manakamana Temple, located on top of the hill. To reach the temple, you have to take a 10-minute cable car ride. Along the way, enjoy the panoramic views.

As we return to the highway, the road climbs through the famous ridgeline town of Bandipur (via a short paved spur). Bandipur is a famous Newari town. The town is known for preserving their cuture, still having colonial-era buildings, and 360° mountain views.

The route heads down from Bandipur to the Trisuli-Prithvi Highway, then a straight run into Pokhara. Finally, after a long drive, we reach Pokhara, a famous tourist hub. Pokhara has lots of iconic landmarks which are a must-visit, like World Peace Pagoda, Tal Barahi Mandir, Devis Fall, Phewa Lake, Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave, Bat Cave, and many more.

Best time to visit Nepal is Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). It is the peak season. It is best to avoid monsoon and winter for bad expereince.

All of these road trips in Nepal offer cultural exchange. Travelling from the cold desert of Mustang, dusty off-road, to the flat Terai. It offers one of the best adventures to riders and bikers alike. Next time, do not hesitate to plan some of the best road trips in Nepal.