The open road has always called to a certain kind of traveller. In 2026, that call is louder, dustier and far more remote.
Extreme Bike Tours, a Sri Lanka-based operator specialising in guided motorcycle tours, is preparing for its biggest year yet, with a 57 per cent increase in departures as global travellers seek off-grid adventure travel experiences.
From the Himalayas to Africa’s vast plains, this is motorcycle travel at its most immersive — stripped back, exhilarating and deeply connected to place.
Why adventure motorbike tours are booming
A shift is underway in the way people travel. The demand for remote travel experiences and authentic cultural immersion is reshaping itineraries across the globe.
Extreme Bike Tours is a clear reflection of that trend. In 2026, the company will operate 22 tours across nine destinations, including Nepal, India, Tibet, Mongolia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Georgia, Namibia and Tanzania.
These are not conventional holidays. Riders traverse rugged terrain, high-altitude passes and remote villages, often far from major infrastructure.
The appeal lies in the rawness. Travellers are actively seeking journeys that feel unfiltered, where the road dictates the pace and every day brings a sense of discovery.
Australian travellers are leading this movement, now accounting for 70 per cent of bookings. Their appetite for adventure travel, particularly motorcycle tours, continues to grow as experiences take priority over traditional sightseeing.
New destinations for 2027
Looking ahead, Extreme Bike Tours is expanding its portfolio with three new destinations in 2027: Japan, Thailand and Kyrgyzstan.
Each offers a distinct riding experience.
Kyrgyzstan delivers high-altitude landscapes and nomadic culture, with routes that cut through vast alpine valleys. Japan combines winding mountain roads with cultural depth, while Thailand offers a mix of tropical scenery and vibrant local life.
Demand is already strong. Early departures to Kyrgyzstan are nearly sold out, while Japan tours are close to capacity, signalling continued growth in motorcycle adventure tourism.
Bhutan by bike
One of the most compelling itineraries is the 14-night Bhutan tour, a 1,250 kilometre journey across the Himalayan kingdom.
Riders travel from west to east, navigating mountain passes reaching 3,750 metres, with daily rides of four to six hours. The route includes visits to Bhutan’s iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery and journeys through forested valleys and traditional villages.
Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels to family-run guesthouses, offering insight into local life and cuisine. It is a balance of physical challenge and cultural immersion that defines the experience.
What’s included on a guided motorcycle tour
These guided motorcycle tours are fully supported, making remote travel more accessible without compromising adventure.
Each itinerary includes:
- Fuel and mechanical support
- Accommodation across hotels, lodges and camps
- Daily meals
- Transfers and logistics
Trips range from 10 to 21 nights and are open to licensed riders and pillion passengers.
For those planning ahead, there is also a 10 per cent saving available on select departures booked before 24 May 2026.
For travellers seeking something beyond the ordinary, these journeys offer a rare opportunity to explore some of the world’s most remote regions on two wheels.
