ATV Adventure Tour in Pokhara: The Complete Guide

An ATV tour is the best way to see the Pokhara valley away from the lakeside strip. The route runs on farm tracks, dry riverbeds and forest trails around Hemja and the Seti gorge — country that is a few kilometres from town and completely different in character, with terraced fields, Gurung hamlets and the Annapurna range above.

The quads are automatic and easy to ride: throttle, brake, and a guide leading the way. No licence is needed, and the briefing includes a practice loop on flat ground before the group sets off, so complete beginners are the norm rather than the exception.

Riders can go solo or two-up.

The Tour at a Glance

We run it as a guided half-day ride. For the other Pokhara valley activities, see paragliding and the ultralight flight.

The Route

Hemja sits north-west of Pokhara on the way to the Annapurna trailheads, and the country around it is ordinary working valley rather than anything arranged for visitors.

• Farm tracks between terraced fields, past buffalo and rice or millet depending on the month.
• Dry riverbed along the Seti — wide, stony and the fastest part of the ride.
• Forest trail on the valley sides, narrower and slower.
• Gurung hamlets, with a tea stop at a village on the route included.
• The Annapurna range above you for most of it, on a clear day.

A lead rider and a sweep rider accompany the group throughout, so nobody gets left behind and the pace is set to the slowest rider rather than the keenest.

Riding: What to Expect

The quads are automatic — there is no gear changing and no clutch. The controls are a thumb throttle and a brake lever, and the briefing covers body position, cornering and what to do on loose ground.

• A practice loop on flat ground before the group sets off, which is where most nerves disappear.
• Helmet, gloves, goggles and protective gear provided and included.
• Solo or two-up — riding two-up is a good option for children old enough, or for a nervous partner.
• You will get dusty. In the dry months, very. Wear clothes you do not mind ruining.

What It Costs

What Is Included

• Private vehicle transfer between your Pokhara hotel and the activity site.
• ATV hire, fuel and trail access fees.
• Lead and sweep riders accompanying the group throughout.
• Helmet, gloves, goggles and protective gear.
• A practice session and safety briefing before departure.
• A tea stop at a village on the route.
• All government taxes and service charges.

What Is Not Included

• Travel insurance covering adventure activities — check the wording, as quad biking is excluded from many standard policies.
• Meals not specified in the itinerary.
• The photo and video package.
• Damage waiver excess if the machine is damaged.
• Luxury vehicle upgrade — private transport is included as standard.
• Drinks, snacks, laundry, phone calls and souvenirs.
• Tips for the guides and driver.
• Any additional cost caused by weather, roadblocks or circumstances beyond our control.

The damage excess is worth asking about at booking. It is rarely invoked, but it is the one line item that can surprise people.

Practicalities

• Allow half a day including pickup, transfer, briefing and kitting up. The ride itself is shorter than the day.
• Wear long sleeves and trousers you do not mind getting filthy, plus closed shoes.
• No phones or cameras while riding — loose items are a hazard. The crew shoots photo and video on mounted cameras, sold separately.
• Avoid the monsoon. The tracks turn to mud and the riverbed section is not usable.
• Combine it. A morning ATV ride and an afternoon on the lake or a paragliding flight is a straightforward Pokhara day.

See the adventure activities guide for the full Pokhara list.