If you are searching for a most extraordinary motorbike tour in Nepal accompanied by honey hunting motorbike adventure in the Himalayas, this route is unlike anything else in Nepal.
This route takes you from Kathmandu to the forested hills of Lamjung where ancient Gurung (locally known as Tamu) community practices cliff mad honey hunting for generations. And then dives deep into Annapurna Conservation Area, passing hidden lakes, beautiful rivers and waterfalls, traditional villages, and finally reaching the most beautiful Tilicho lake, which is one the highest lakes in the world and elevation is about 4919m (16138 feet).
This is the complete tour guide. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple or a group of riders looking for a roadless tour in the Himalayas of Nepal, this itinerary will explain what is the true adventure to you.
Nepal is a dream destination for any biker. With mountain roads, gorge rivers, forests of pine and high-altitude pass, biking in Nepal is both untamed and difficult, yet incredibly fulfilling. What makes this motorbike tour in Nepal accompanied by honey hunting motorbike adventure unique from another motorcycling experience is the honey hunting tour that opens up in Lamjung where your adventure awaits.
Locally known as “Bhir mauri ko Mah,” mad honey is an extremely rare, wild honey that has psychoactive characteristics. It is collected by the Gurung indigenous tribesman who scales the cliffs of the Annapurna mountain range to get to the honey. The song and dance of hunters working with smoke and weaving together bamboo ropes to reach a height of 300 feet as they scale a cliff is one of the most incredible things you will ever see. Sounds crazy but it has made the cover of National Geographic and drawn the attention of people from Japan, Europe and the United States travelling to see it.
If you want to experience the rare honey hunting motorbike adventure through the Annapurna region of Nepal, this motorbike tour in Nepal accompanied by honey hunting motorbike adventure trip will provide you with the best possible adventure in Nepal.
Route Overview: The Complete Motorbike Tour in Nepal from Kathmandu to Tilicho Lake
Here is the day-by-day route for this motorbike tour in Nepal accompanied by honey hunting motorbike adventure:
Day 1: Kathmandu → Besisahar, Lamjung —175km – around 6 hours ride
(Embark your journey from Kathmandu, heading towards Basisahar, gateway to the
Annapurna region)
Day 2: Hike around 3–4 hours to the honey hunter village, planning and exploration for
honey hunting
Day 3: Honey hunting day — witness the ancient tradition in action, 5–6 hours
(Enjoy the honey hunting expedition, local food and wine with locals, explore the
traditional village and streets)
Day 4: Besisahar→ Manang — 98km, around 5 hours ride
(Ride from Besisahar to the town of Manang, visit the green lake and blue lake way to
Manang, visits the historic 500 years old Braga Monastery in Manang. Extending the
tour by an extra day offers a chance to explore Ice Lake and the beautiful villages)
Day 5: Manang → Khangsar( ~6–8 km, half an hour ride) → Tilicho Base Camp (~ 10–12 km,
5–6 hours trek)
(We leave our bikes in khangsar and start the trek to Tilicho Base camp. It takes around
5–6 hours to reach Tilicho base Camp)
Day 6: Tilicho Base Camp → Tilicho Lake — Day trek, total 8–9 hours →Tilicho Base
Camp → khangsar
(This is the main trekking day. Hike from Tilicho Base Camp to the phenomenal Tilicho
Lake, which take approximately 4–5 hours to climb up and 3–4 hours to descend down to
khangsar)
Day 7: Khangsar → Besisahar
(After enjoying your time at the lake, begin your ride back down the mountains to
Besisahar)
Day 8: Besisahar → Kathmandu
(Return to Kathmandu to complete your incredible Himalayan tour)
Bikes commonly used on this motorbike tour in Nepal accompanied by honey hunting motorbike adventure include the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411, CRF and Hero Xpulse 200. All are suitable for the mixed muddy and gravel roads of the Annapurna circuit.
The Honey Hunting Adventure in Lamjung: Where the Motorbike Tour Begins
What Is Mad Honey and Why Is Lamjung Famous for It?
Mad honey from Lamjung, Nepal is one of the most famous naturally occurring hallucinogenic substances on earth and is collected from rocky cliffs by brave Gurung people. This high altitude cliff honey has a rich history as a unique treasure of Nepal found only in its wild forests. An adventure through the rugged roadways that wind through the mountains of Nepal on a motorcycle is the best way to reach these villages on a motorbike tour in Nepal accompanied by honey hunting motorbike adventure.
The ancient collection of mad honey is a wonderful experience and truly a once in a lifetime journey. Nepal is the only place in the world where you can witness the incredible tradition of mad honey hunting.
This motorbike tour in Nepal revolves around a honey flavored adventure in Lamjung, Nepal’s honey harvesting site for the world’s largest honeybee, Apis laboriosa. It has been taking place for over 1,000 years, as members of the Gurung community living in the Lamjung District have been harvesting honey from nests from wild cliffs.
The honey produced from these bees, which can be found in nest locations that are 8,200 to 11,500 feet and above the ground on the rocky cliffs of the Himalayan foothills and create a habitat for bees at the base of the Himalayas, is called mad honey (Bhir mauri ko Mah).
The honey contains grayanotoxin (a naturally occurring compound in the pollen of rhododendron flowers that bloom throughout the hills). When consumed in small amounts, grayanotoxin produces a mild hallucinogenic effect. Mad honey has also been used in traditional Nepali medicine to treat hypertension, diabetes and joint pain for many centuries.
The mad honey hunting season occurs twice a year in the spring season (from April to May) and autumn season (from October to November). Plan your motorbike tour in Nepal accompanied by honey hunting motorbike adventure in this season for the best chance of witnessing a live hunting.
Entering the Annapurna Region: Motorbike Tour in Nepal Along the Circuit
After your honey expeditions in Lamjung, this motorbike tour in Nepal accompanied by honey hunting motorbike adventure continues north through the area known as the Annapurna Conservation Area. Here, there is a drastic change between the landscapes – pine trees will give way to alpine shrubs, rivers will narrow to gorges, and the higher you ascend the thinner the air will become.
Famous Villages Along the Way Toward Manang
As you continue riding from Besisahar towards Manang on the Annapurna Circuit Road on this motorbike tour in Nepal accompanied by honey hunting motorbike adventure, you will pass through some of Nepal’s most scenic and culturally rich villages. Here is some of the villages along the way:
Dharapani (1,860m): This is where the Dudh Khola River joins the Marshyangdi River. This is a junction point where the Annapurna Circuit is forked toward Manaslu.
Chame (2,710m): The district headquarters of Manang that has hot springs, apple trees, and pine forests. Many motorcycle tourists park their bikes here and continue their journey to the upper villages on foot or by jeep.
Pisang (3,200m – 3,300m): Located at an elevation of approximately 3,200 to 3,300 meters, Pisang Village marks the transition from the lush greenery of forests to the harshness of high alpine (Manang District) terrain.
– Lower Pisang (3,200 m): Located at the foot of the valley along the banks of the
Marsyangdi River, Lower Pisang is a modern settlement with numerous teahouses available
for your convenience as you make your way through the region.
– Upper Pisang (3,300 m): Upper Pisang lies directly above Lower Pisang on a hillside and
consists of ancient, traditional, Tibetan style buildings constructed with flat roofs and narrow
streets. The upper reaches of the village are home to an elegant Buddhist monastery
(Gompa). A panorama of the majestic mountains can be viewed from this location, which
includes Annapurna II, Annapurna IV and Pisang Peak.
Barga (3,450 m): One of Manang’s quaint villages that is built from stacked stone set into the side of the mountain. Barga is located on the Annapurna Circuit at an altitude of 3,450 meters and also boasts one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region (over 500 years). Bhraka is a peaceful, high-altitude base for trekkers to acclimatize before hiking to Tilicho Lake.
Khangsar (3,734m): This village is saturated with spirituality due to the effects of Tibetan Buddhism. Being located at a higher elevation than Manang, it seems much more wild, peaceful, and pure from heavy commercialized tourism compared to Manang.
Hiking through Khangsar brings close up towering views of the enormous Tilicho Peak (7,134m) and its surrounding rock faces, with plenty of yak pastures on the slopes just outside the village.
Famous Waterfalls on the Route to Manang
The road between Besisahar and Manang is lined with several spectacular waterfalls:
Chamje Waterfall: Between Jagat and Dharapani, this powerful fall drops from the cliffs into the Marshyangdi gorge. Highly photogenic from the suspension bridge.
Octopus Waterfall: Situated near the Jagat village. It gets its unique name because it splits into different directions like legs of the octopus. The most beautiful waterfall, many tourists stop here to click photos and shoot videos.
The Lakes of Annapurna: A Highlight of Every Motorbike Tour in Nepal Accompanied by Honey Hunting Motorbike Adventure
The lakes located around Manang are some of the most beautiful high-elevation water features found in the Himalayas. Do some short treks from the highway, which will reward you with beautiful clear water, reflecting glaciers and total tranquility. Below is the sequence of lakes you will pass as you ride north from Besisahar to Manang along with some defining characteristics for each lake.
1. Green Lake (Mring Tall / Mringkyo) - The First Lake You Will Pass
The green lake is located at an elevation of about 3,500 meters (11,480 feet) above sea level. The first lake you will see is the Green Lake, also known as Mringkyo. It is found situated at the foot of the Gangapurna glacier and the green color of this lake comes from glacial silt, or rock flour, suspended in the melt water.
In clear weather, the peaks of Gangapurna (7,455 m) and Annapurna III (7,555 m) can be seen reflected in the lake creating an exceptional panorama of the Annapurna Region. The lake is one of the Annapurna Region’s most photographed sites.
It takes approximately 1-2 hours to trek to the lake from upper pisang village. Ideal time to visit is in the early morning when peaks will perfectly mirror still waters.
Special features – The color of the water (green) is due to glacial flour, which is rare and visually striking as compared to blue glacial lake water.
2. Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) — The Most Challenging and Rewarding
Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) is the highest lake listed on this motorbike tour in Nepal accompanied by honey hunting motorbike adventure on the Annapurna circuit. It is called Ice Lake, because it is often frozen solid or partially frozen throughout the year. The surrounding land is bare rock with no trees or other vegetation; Kicho Tal looks very barren.
Hiking from Manang to Kicho Tal is steep and will take 6-7 hours (1,100 meters of elevation gain). This hike is the most demanding part of this motorbike tour in Nepal; however, the views from the top are magnificent. At the edge of the lake, you will be able to take in a complete 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including: Annapurna II, III, and IV; Gangapurna; and all of the Chulu peaks.
Many trekkers use the Kicho Tal hike as an acclimatization hike before attempting to cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). Therefore, if you are a motorbike touring and have already taken a day off in Manang, this would be an excellent option to help you acclimatize.
When to go: Late morning. The trail can be slippery and icy during the early morning.
Why you’ll love it: The highest lake on this itinerary and it has a complete, 360-degree view of the Himalaya that is hard to find anywhere else!
3. Blue Lake (Chindi Lake) — The Hidden Gem
Blue Lake is located at an elevation of about 4,150 meters (13,615 feet) above sea level. Also known as Chindi Lake, Blue Lake is the third of the lakes visited by this motorcycle tour in Nepal accompanied by honey hunting motorbike adventure and it is very unique and interesting. At its elevation, 4,150 m, Blue Lake is a deep alpine lake that is a bright cobalt blue due to its clear cold water and the reflection of the open sky.
Blue Lake is in an open valley, unlike the other two lakes which are surrounded by massive moraines, and is surrounded by rolling alpine meadows and the distant snowcapped peaks of Annapurna III (7,555m). Because so few visitors go to Blue Lake, you may have the lake completely to yourself, making it a true gem in Nepal’s popular trekking routes.
Manang: The Ideal Base For Your Motorbike Tour In Nepal
Manang village is one of the largest human settlement places in the upper Annapurna circuit and the suitable basecamp for motorbike tours in Nepal accompanied by honey hunting motorbike adventure. It has multiple restaurants, guest houses, hotels, and shops. Electricity is available, most of the guest houses and hotels also provide facilities like Wi-Fi, hot water and hot shower.
One of the most visited places in this village is Braga monastery around 30 minutes’ walk from the Manang village. It is a 500-year-old monastery with the beautiful Annapurna views.
Tilicho Lake: Crown Jewel Motorbike Tour in Nepal
Tilicho lake is located at an elevation of 4919 meters (16,138 feet) above sea level. Tilicho lake is one of the highest lakes in the world, located in Manang district, Gandaki province, Nepal.
No motorbike tour in Nepal accompanied by a honey hunting motorbike adventure would be complete without visiting Tilicho Lake. Tilicho is one of the 5 highest lakes worldwide and one of the most religiously important lakes in Nepal. Hindus hold Tilicho Lake to be the lake mentioned in their Ramayana (as the holy lake of the sage Tilicho from the Ramayana) and Tibetan Buddhists regard Tilicho as a location of great spiritual vibration.
Tilicho Lake is roughly 4.8 km2 in size and is situated in a glacial basin surrounded by walls consisting of ice and rock. The water color ranges from a very dark to a very light blue-grey (silver on cloudy days) to a very greenish-blue when it is clear. At such a high elevation, the air is very thin, clean and cold, with the only sounds being the occasional cracking of ice or the loud calls of the Himalayan griffin birds.
What to Expect When Trekking to Tilicho Lake from Manang
The journey from Manang to Tilicho Lake, the final destination of this motorbike tour in Nepal accompanied by honey hunting motorbike adventure is challenging but well-marked. Here is a stage-by-stage breakdown:
Manang to Khangsar: Half an hour motorbike ride. The path gradually climbs through yak herding areas and alpine shrubland; this location has the last place for snacks and water before beginning its next portion (the last available place for meals along the way will be at one of the tea houses)
Khangsar to Tilicho Base Camp: 5-6 hours trek. The trail from Khangsar to Base draws ever closer to Mount Tilicho, with an increasing amount of rock and harsh elements becoming more and more prominent; this base has a small lodge available during trekking season
Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m): 4–5 hours to climb up and 3–4 hours to descend down. A steep, rocky trail will lead along the edge of a landslide-prone slope (be careful); coming up the last stretch of a steep rocky slope will create an unforgettable view as you approach the shores of the lake.
Total round trip to Manang: 8-9 hours in total, plan on starting this journey between the hour of 6:00 am and before dark so you can complete the trek before 6:00pm for safety reasons and avoid the wind and cloudy conditions present at the lake in the afternoons.
The Properties and Features of Tilicho Lake
- The lake’s color ranges from light to deep blue to turquoise, and changes rapidly with different weather conditions and times of day.
2. Between the months of December and March, the lake will freeze over partially or completely.
- The estimated depth of the lake is 80 – 100 meters, making it one of the deepest high-altitude lakes located in the Annapurna Region.
- The mountain peak of Tilicho (7,134 M) is located directly northwest of the lake; to the east of the lake is the Grand Barrier Ridge.
- There have been instances where snow leopards have been recorded in the area surrounding the lake, however, they are rarely seen. The Himalayan Snow Cock and Choughs can be found in abundance near the lake.
- A small shrine and prayer flags have been placed at the shore of the lake; many people visit the lake to leave their prayers here.
Essential Tips for Your Motorbike Tour in Nepal Accompanied by Honey Hunting motorbike Adventure
Best Time to Do This Motorbike Tour in Nepal
The two best times for motorbike tour in Nepal accompanied by honey hunting adventure are:
1) Spring (March-May): This is when Rhododendrons start to bloom, honey hunting is at its best. The majority of the roads are dry, and there will not be significant clouds creating an excellent platform for photography.
2) Autumn (September-November): Clarity following the monsoon, golden light, and the most popular month of the year for trekking. The 2nd honey hunt of the year occurs in October-November.
Avoid the monsoon months (June-August) due to the high risk of landslides on the roads north of Besisahar, which will most likely cause the road to be impassable.
Permits and Supports:
Three permits cover this honey hunting motorbike adventure tour in Nepal:
1) ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): Required for entry into the Annapurna Conservation Area. This can be obtained in either Kathmandu or Besisahar.
2) TIMS Card (Trekker Information Management System): Required for the Tilicho Lake Trek.
3) Annapurna Circuit Vehicle Permit: If you want to ride to the Annapurna Circuit, you will need a special permit; you can either check with either the Manang District or your motorcycle rental company in Kathmandu.
Adventure Series Nepal will cover the permitting fees, and all other planning related to these permits— the ACAP, TIMS Card, and Annapurna Circuit Vehicle Permit. Therefore, as a traveler in Nepal, you don’t have to worry about organizing or being responsible for those expenses yourself.
While climbing the Himalayan trails, the last thing you want to deal with is how heavy your pack will be or if your bike will break down. That’s why Adventure Series Nepal provides:
Luggage Van: You don’t have to carry bulky panniers or top boxes that will weigh down your bike. A dedicated back up vehicle carries all your main luggage, and gear from station to station. You can ride with a light agile bike and simply add a small daypack, if desired.
Mechanic: Due to their rough condition, Himalayan roads are often a problem. A qualified, ride along mechanic will travel with your group to service your bike on the trip. They will be travelling with a mobile workshop of tools and many essential parts to maintain each bike in the group, including changing flat tires, repairing trail damaged bikes at the time, and tuning each bike.
The Expert Guide: As your lead guides will be extremely knowledgeable and experienced regarding these mountain passes, they also have the added benefit of managing not only your group’s safety, but they track your group’s altitude acclimatization, local challenges and help you understand the beautiful culture of the area.
When you go to the mountains with an experienced crew carrying your gear, your permits taken care of, you’ll experience a riding experience that is unmatched. An experience filled with hope, courage and thrill.
What to Pack for This Motorbike Tour in Nepal
Riding gear: Full-face helmet, riding jacket with armor, gloves, riding pants, and ankle protective boots.
Layers: Thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof outer shell. Temperatures at Tilicho Lake can drop to -10°C even in October.
Altitude medicine: Carry Diamox as a precaution. Consult a doctor before use.
Camera: The scenery — from honey hunters on cliffsides to frozen lake shores it is bucket-list photography material.
Cash: ATMs are only available up to Besisahar. Carry enough Nepali rupees for fuel, accommodation, and permits.
Final Thoughts: The Tour in Nepal Accompanied by Honey Hunting motorbike Adventure Is Worth Every Kilometer
A honey hunting motorbike adventure tour in Nepal it’s not just a tour– it’s an immersion.
From the moment you start the engines of your bike in the congested streets of Kathmandu and watch fearless Gurung honey hunters scaling the cliff faces of Lamjung, to riding through beautiful mountainous landscapes, stunning views of the Himalayan mountains including Annapurna, spending a night under the stars of Manang, and then climbing to the tranquil banks of Tilicho Lake, this trip provides an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in everything that makes Nepal such a unique and diverse country. Its culture, nature, people, and elevation from the view from a motorcycle.
Put on your helmets, get your travel permits, and go ride. Tilicho is calling.
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