Meet the Crew — Himalayan Rides
The Meet the Crew page introduces the riders, guides, and mechanics who form the backbone of Himalayan Rides. Each member brings a rare mix of skill, courage, and humility earned through years on the world’s highest roads. They’ve crossed borders, braved snow passes, and repaired bikes at 5,000 meters — all to ensure every guest experiences the adventure of a lifetime. Together, they represent the heart and soul of Himalayan Rides: professionalism with passion.
Arvind Singh — Lead Guide, India
Arvind Singh is one of India’s most trusted motorcycle expedition leaders. Trained as a mechanical engineer, he left his corporate career to pursue life on two wheels. Based in Pune, Arvind has guided hundreds of riders through Ladakh’s passes, the deserts of Rajasthan, and the jungles of Northeast India. Known for his calm confidence and deep technical knowledge, Arvind embodies what it means to ride with purpose and precision. On any given expedition, he’s both a leader and a friend — a steady hand in unpredictable terrain.
Mandil Pradhan — Founder & Ride Leader
Mandil Pradhan, founder of Himalayan Rides, built the company from a lifetime of adventure and exploration. A passionate motorcyclist and endurance rider, Mandil has spent years exploring Nepal’s most remote trails and forging connections with riders around the globe. His leadership philosophy centers on authenticity — treating every trip as a chance to share his country’s beauty, people, and stories. For Mandil, the Meet the Crew concept means showing the human side of adventure: real riders helping others experience the real Himalayas.
Pelden Dorji — Guide, Bhutan
Pelden Dorji represents Bhutan’s quiet strength and gentle spirit. A dedicated father and veteran mountain guide, he’s spent decades leading both motorcycle and mountain bike expeditions across Bhutan’s sacred landscapes. His calm presence, attention to detail, and cultural depth create a rare sense of balance and safety on every tour. Riders who join Pelden on the road quickly learn that Bhutan’s magic lies not just in its mountains but in the people like him who call it home.
Rajesh Magar — Rider & Technical Specialist
Rajesh Magar, also known as RJ, is a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and one of Nepal’s most decorated athletes. From downhill mountain biking to dual-sport motorcycle expeditions, Rajesh brings unmatched focus, agility, and intuition to the Meet the Crew team. His mechanical understanding and natural sense of balance make him invaluable on technical trails. He’s not just a rider — he’s an inspiration to anyone who believes skill, humility, and heart can coexist on the same road.
Arun Karki — Trail Guide & Brand Ambassador
Arun Karki is a professional guide and founder of Shredders Nepal, a brand that celebrates local craftsmanship and trail culture. His guiding style is patient, methodical, and deeply empathetic. Whether crossing suspension bridges or descending rocky slopes, Arun leads with composure and clarity. He represents a new generation of Nepali riders — passionate, skilled, and grounded in community values. Every tour with Arun feels more like an old friend showing you the backroads of his home.
The Team Behind the Scenes
The Meet the Crew story extends beyond the riders in the spotlight. Our logistics coordinators, drivers, and mechanics work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure each expedition runs flawlessly. They handle permits, luggage transfers, refueling, and vehicle maintenance with precision and care. Many have decades of experience supporting overland expeditions and understand the unpredictable nature of Himalayan travel. Their dedication allows our guides to focus on what matters most — giving riders the confidence to explore freely.
Shared Values & Mission
Every member of the Meet the Crew team shares one goal: to make adventure travel in the Himalayas safer, smarter, and more meaningful. Together, they emphasize sustainable tourism, cultural respect, and environmental awareness. The team’s collective experience across four countries ensures that riders enjoy both the thrill of discovery and the peace of responsible travel. With years of field-tested coordination, they bring world-class professionalism to every Himalayan Rides expedition.
Join the Crew on the Road
When you join a Himalayan Rides tour, you’re not just meeting guides — you’re joining a family. Each ride is a shared experience built on trust, teamwork, and the joy of two-wheel exploration. From the icy roads of Mig La to the dirt trails of Mustang, the crew leads with skill and sincerity. Learn more about our journeys through motorcycle tours in the Himalayas or contact us to plan your adventure with the people who live and breathe the world’s highest roads.
Himalayas
Our Incredible
Crew
At the heart of every Himalayan Rides journey
Chris Birch
Chris Birch is a world-renowned offroad coach and elite adventure rider whose passion for two wheels has taken him across more than thirty countries and to the top of the world’s toughest rallies. From winning the Red Bull Romaniacs and conquering the Dakar Rally to coaching riders of every level, Birchy has built a life around skill, precision, and joy on a motorcycle.
A mechanical engineer by training and a teacher at heart, Birchy is celebrated for breaking down complex riding techniques into simple, confidence-building lessons. His approach—equal parts humility, humor, and high performance—has inspired thousands of riders to unlock new levels of control and freedom.
Arun Karki
Arun Karki is a highly capable and passionate mountain bike guide, known not just for his deep knowledge of Nepal’s trails but also for his calm, grounded presence on every ride. Whether navigating technical descents or remote backcountry routes, Arun brings a steady hand and quiet confidence that puts riders instantly at ease. His love for the sport goes beyond guiding—he is also the founder of Shredders Nepal, a proudly Nepali mountain bike apparel brand that reflects his commitment to quality, style, and the local riding culture. Arun embodies the perfect balance of skill, soul, and mountain spirit.
Pelden Dorji
Pelden Dorji is a proud Bhutanese mountain bike and motorcycle guide with a deep passion for adventure and his homeland. A dedicated father of two beautiful daughters, Pelden brings warmth, wisdom, and decades of experience to every journey he leads. His contributions to Bhutan’s tourism sector have been instrumental in promoting sustainable, off-the-beaten-path travel, helping showcase the country’s stunning landscapes and rich culture to the world. Whether navigating remote trails or sharing stories by the campfire, Pelden’s calm presence and deep-rooted love for Bhutan make him not just a guide, but a true ambassador of Himalayan adventure.
Rajesh Magar
Rajesh Magar is a fearless dirt rider with roots deep in the hills of Nepal and a reputation that reaches far beyond. Originally known as one of Asia’s top mountain bikers and a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Rajesh has seamlessly crossed over into the world of motorcycles—bringing with him the same agility, instinct, and edge that made him a legend on pedals. His riding style is raw, fast, and flowing, built on years of technical riding in rough terrain. Whether he’s ripping through forest trails or charging up steep hills, Rajesh rides with heart, skill, and a deep connection to the land.
Mandil Pradhan
Mandil Pradhan is a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and one of Nepal’s leading figures in the adventure motorcycling scene. With a deep-rooted passion for two wheels and a knack for navigating the wild, Mandil has spent years exploring Nepal’s most remote and rugged terrains—often far from the beaten track. As the founder of Himalayan Rides, he brings together his expertise in ride leadership, technical terrain, and high-altitude endurance to craft unforgettable journeys for serious riders. For Mandil, riding isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life shaped by the mountains, the machines, and the people along the way.