Kathmandu, Nepal - Nepal’s growing focus on adventure and experience-based tourism will be on display with the organization of the 8th Nepal Riders Meet, scheduled to take place from February 14 to 16 (Falgun 2-4) at Chhapkharka, Godavari-2, Lalitpur.
The event is expected to bring together more than 550 motorcycle riders from Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Myanmar, reflecting the increasing regional interest in motorcycle-based travel and cross-border tourism. Organizers say the gathering aims to promote Nepal as a destination beyond traditional trekking and mountaineering, emphasizing road travel, cultural exchange, and immersive travel experiences.
Information about the event was shared during a press conference held in Kathmandu on Monday. According to Arjun Thapa, Coordinator of The Himalayan Motorcycle Experience, the riders’ meet has steadily expanded in scale since its inception, both in terms of international participation and its role in tourism promotion.
Officials from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) have highlighted motorcycle tourism as an emerging tourism product. Surya Thapaliya, Senior Manager at NTB, stated that road-based travel and adventure tourism offer opportunities to diversify Nepal’s tourism portfolio. He noted that motorcycle travel allows visitors to engage more closely with Nepal’s landscapes, local cultures, and communities, particularly along scenic highways and rural routes.
Stakeholders from organizing and supporting institutions-including Fore Nepal, Royal Enfield, and The Himalayan Club-emphasized that the Nepal Riders Meet is not only a recreational gathering but also a platform for cultural interaction and community building among riders. They stressed the need to recognize motorcycle tourism as a structured tourism product that can contribute to local economies and destination branding.
First held in Bardiya in 2013, the Nepal Riders Meet began with a small group of enthusiasts and has since evolved into one of the country’s notable rider community events. Previous editions have been organized in destinations such as Chitwan and Manang, helping draw attention to lesser-explored routes and regions.
Organizers believe that the combination of rider networks, digital platforms, and media coverage associated with the event can help amplify Nepal’s image as a regional hub for adventure tourism, while also promoting its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and hospitality traditions.
As Nepal seeks to recover and diversify its tourism sector, events like the Nepal Riders Meet highlight the potential of alternative travel experiences to attract regional and international visitors.
