18 Dec 2022
My trip was everything I’d hoped for: a chance to ride fun bikes on incredible roads while meeting people along the way and seeing breathtaking landscapes. Grace and Udaya planned an itinerary to suit my interests, and my guide, Takeshi, and my bike, a seemingly indestructible and hugely capable Honda CRF250, made for a memorable 10 days on the road.
The weather in mid-December was perfect, with clear views of mountains and blue skies/golden sunshine all along the way. Manang was cold at night (minus temperatures), but the time on the bike was equivalent to a dry day in Spring in the U.K. - i.e. perfect. The food was fantastic and the accommodation was great (although don’t expect heating and hot showers when you get up high in the mountains).
The roads are tough in places if you have limited off-road experience like me, but they are also a huge amount of fun! The bikes are more than capable and never fail to start - even after you fail to keep them upright.
Lastly, Udaya, Grace and Takeshi are all really good people who will look after you. Udaya is full of the most remarkable stories that have the makings of a best-selling autobiography if he chooses to write it. (Make sure he tells you about his time at Sandhurst and his athletics records.)
If you’re not sure about booking, find a way to get the cash together and take the plunge. You won’t regret it.