Getting around · Nepal
Renting a Scooter in Pokhara
Rent in Lakeside, ride to Sarangkot and the lakes — costs, licence rules and tips for Pokhara.
Renting a scooter is one of the best ways to enjoy Pokhara — rentals cluster in Lakeside, cost roughly NPR 800–1,500 a day for an automatic, and the city's lighter traffic and flatter roads make it far friendlier for beginners than Kathmandu. With your own wheels you can chase the views at Sarangkot, loop the lake, or ride out to Begnas at your own pace.
Where to rent
Lakeside is the rental district, with shops all along the main strip hiring automatic scooters and geared motorbikes. Before riding off:
- Inspect the bike — brakes, lights, horn and indicators.
- Photograph existing damage to avoid disputes on return.
- Check the fuel level and how it should be returned.
- Confirm the deposit — usually cash or your passport.
Rules and paperwork
You legally need a valid motorcycle licence; foreigners should carry an international driving permit endorsed for two-wheelers with their home licence. A helmet is required for rider and passenger and is normally provided. Checkpoints around the city and on the highways do ask for documents.
Costs
- Daily rate: around NPR 800–1,500 for an automatic; more for bigger bikes.
- Multi-day discounts are common.
- Fuel is extra, paid at the pump.
Where to ride
Pokhara rewards a scooter:
- Sarangkot for sunrise and Annapurna views — a steep but rewarding climb.
- The World Peace Pagoda side of the lake via the loop road.
- Begnas and Rupa Lakes, a quieter pair east of the city.
Roads can be rough and steep on the climbs, so ride within your ability, avoid night riding, and keep your documents on you for the checkpoints you will meet on the highway routes out of town. Fill up before longer rides, as petrol stations thin out beyond the lake.
If you would rather not drive, our getting around Pokhara guide covers taxis and buses across the city, and Pokhara airport to Lakeside handles your arrival transfer. Comparing the two hubs? Kathmandu's denser traffic makes renting a scooter in Kathmandu a tougher proposition. See every option at the Kathmandu and Pokhara city transport hub, plan inter-city travel with getting around Nepal, and line up the sights with the Pokhara sightseeing guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I rent a scooter in Pokhara?+
Lakeside is the main hub for scooter and motorbike rental, with many shops along the main strip offering automatic scooters and geared bikes. Inspect the bike, test the brakes and lights, and photograph any existing damage before you ride off, and check what deposit or document the shop requires.
How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Pokhara?+
A daily rate for an automatic scooter is usually around NPR 800 to 1,500, with discounts for multi-day hires and larger motorbikes costing more. Fuel is paid separately, and shops typically hold a deposit or your passport for the rental period. Rates are broadly similar to Kathmandu.
Do I need a licence to rent a scooter in Pokhara?+
Yes, legally you need a valid motorcycle licence, and foreigners should carry an international driving permit endorsed for two-wheelers with their home licence. Helmets are legally required for rider and passenger and are usually provided. Police checkpoints around the city and on highways do check documents.
Is Pokhara good for riding a scooter?+
Pokhara is far more beginner-friendly than Kathmandu, with lighter traffic, flatter Lakeside roads and scenic routes to Sarangkot, the Peace Pagoda area and Begnas Lake. Roads can still be rough and steep on the climbs, so ride within your ability, avoid riding at night, and wear your helmet.