Between the Himalayas and dirt roads: Nepal’s motorcycling scene defies the mountains and ignites a passion for racing

Nepal is world-renowned for the Himalayas and the majestic Mount Everest range. No one would expect to see motorcycles speeding by. Yet Nepal is home to a small but lively community of motorcyclists who defy the country’s complex geography to compete both on the road and on the track.

Nepal is a predominantly mountainous Asian country, with narrow valleys and high plateaus. Most of the territory is only accessible via trails, dirt tracks, or by air. This terrain makes road motorcycling extremely challenging but favors the development of disciplines such as enduro, motocross, and ice racing in some winter regions.

Despite the difficulties, Nepal has developed a few circuits for motorcycling. The best-known is the Dhulikhel Race Track, about 30 km from Kathmandu, which hosts the Nepal Road Racing Championship races. The track is modest by international standards but represents the heart of Nepal’s motorcycling scene. Here, riders such as Shree Hari Poudel, a five-time national champion, have risen to prominence.

Temporary circuits are also set up using lots, roads closed to traffic, or mountain routes. The lack of permanent infrastructure does not dampen the passion: local competitions continue to grow, attracting young riders and motorsport enthusiasts. The most well-known Nepalese rider is Shree Hari Poudel: in the past he gained prominence in the Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship and is proof of how passion can overcome the challenges of a remote country. Among the most active motorcycle manufacturers in Nepal is Yamaha, which organizes numerous events.

Motorcycling in Nepal is not just competition: it’s also a way to connect with the land. Local riders must face rugged routes, extreme weather conditions, and high altitudes. This makes the sport particularly demanding and captivating, attracting both local riders and tourists seeking unique off-road experiences.

Beyond racing, motorcycles are an essential means of transportation in many areas of Nepal, especially where paved roads are scarce. The local motorcycling community is small but very passionate. Motorsport events often become occasions for celebration and socializing.

Motorcycling in Nepal is booming, characterized by the riders’ passion in a landscape unlike any other. Among mountains, valleys, and dirt roads, Nepal shows that even in a country with limited infrastructure, the love for two wheels can find its space, leading local riders to compete both nationally and internationally.