Discover the Hidden Realm of Upper Mustang – A Legendary Motorbike Expedition
Tucked away in the mystical folds of Nepal lies a hidden kingdom — Upper Mustang, a true crown jewel of the Himalayas. Embark on a 12-day motorcycle escapade through this ancient land, where time seems frozen and every mile feels like a journey into myth and majesty.
For nine immersive days, you'll traverse rugged highland trails flanked by the towering peaks of Nilgiri (7061 m), Annapurna (8091 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Fishtail (6993 m), Tukuche (6920 m), Bhrikuti (6476 m), and Tilicho (7134 m). These sacred summits will be your constant companions as you cruise deep into the Himalayan frontier.
Your journey takes place over rocky terrain where horse caravans, local mopeds, motorcycles, rickety buses, and jeeps crisscross the landscape — a true melting pot of ancient rhythm and modern grit. You'll ride through a land that has preserved its original character, spiritual roots, archaeological wonders, and vibrant traditions for over a thousand years.
For motorcycle enthusiasts with a hunger for authentic culture and raw natural beauty, Upper Mustang is a sacred paradise.
Cradled by the mighty Himalayas, this secluded region in north-central Nepal remained inaccessible to outsiders until 1992. Even today, it remains one of Nepal’s most elite travel zones — long unreachable except on foot or by yak or pony. Only since 2010 have motorized vehicles been allowed, and even now, permits must be arranged in advance, with entry restricted to a limited number of adventurers each year.
The route unfolds through Lower Mustang, where the Gurung people have long settled, and leads into Upper Mustang, the land of the Lo Pas, from the village of Samar onwards. Here, Tibetan Buddhism flourishes, with colorful prayer flags and sacred mantras dotting the route.
You’ll kick off this incredible expedition from Kathmandu, cruising on the legendary Royal Enfield Himalayan, winding through the scenic routes of Pokhara and deeper into Nepal’s remote heartlands.
As you ride through Kalopani and the awe-inspiring Kali Gandaki gorge, you’ll witness some of the most stunning scenery Nepal has to offer. The journey continues through Kagbeni and Samar, culminating in the majestic arrival at Lo Manthang — Nepal’s only walled city.
In Lo Manthang, time stands still. Monasteries speak of centuries gone by, while the Chhoser cave complex invites you to uncover the mystique of civilizations long past. This remarkable labyrinth is still the subject of ongoing research, echoing tales of ancient life.
Descending into Lower Mustang, the route brings you to Muktinath, a revered sanctuary for both Hindus and Buddhists. There, you can engage in ritual purification under the 108 holy springs, a spiritually rejuvenating experience.
Your ride then continues to Tatopani, where the famous natural hot springs offer a soothing soak before your scenic return to Kathmandu via the tranquil beauty of Pokhara.
To add more thrill to the adventure, the ride features thrilling ascents and high-altitude passes, including Syangboche (3850 m), Mui La (4170 m), and Tsarang Chu (3900 m). Each elevation shift adds challenge and excitement to this unforgettable journey.
Especially captivating during the autumn and spring seasons, this Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour is tailor-made for thrill-seekers and seasoned riders who crave authentic adventure and cultural immersion.
Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour – Adventure Highlights
Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu (1,400m)
Touch down in the vibrant capital of Nepal. A member of our team will be waiting at Tribhuvan International Airport to greet you and provide a smooth transfer to your hotel.
Once checked in, take time to relax, explore the lively streets of Thamel, and soak in your first impressions of Nepal’s unique charm.
Day 02: Cultural Sightseeing & Motorbike Test Ride
After a hearty breakfast, meet your guide and fellow riders for a pre-tour briefing and orientation.
Explore the cultural gems of the Kathmandu Valley including the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, the serene Boudhanath Stupa, and the ancient hilltop shrine of Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple).
Later in the day, we inspect our Royal Enfield 350cc motorbikes and take a short test ride to familiarize ourselves with local road conditions.
Day 03: Ride to Pokhara (900m | 210 km)
Start early for a scenic ride from Kathmandu to the lake city of Pokhara. Traverse winding roads along the Prithvi Highway, pass through charming villages, lush valleys, and the occasional river gorge.
En route, admire the distant Himalayan peaks — Manaslu, Annapurna, and Fishtail — as we approach Pokhara, a tranquil town nestled by Phewa Lake.
Day 04: Pokhara to Kalopani (2,530m | 125 km)
Optional early ride to Sarangkot Viewpoint for a sunrise panorama over the Annapurna range.
Post-breakfast, head north along the Baglung Highway to Kushma, home to Nepal’s longest suspension bridge and a world-class bungee jump site.
Continue via Beni, where the paved road gives way to rugged terrain. Ride along the Kali Gandaki River, pass the roaring Rupse Waterfall, and ascend gradually through Tatopani, Dana, and Ghasa before reaching Kalopani.
Day 05: Kalopani to Samar (3,650m | 65 km)
The journey continues through Marpha, famed for its apple orchards, and Jomsom, the windy gateway to Upper Mustang.
Ascend gradually through the arid Kali Gandaki valley, crossing Kagbeni where permits are checked at the ACAP checkpoint.
Traverse desert-like terrain and ancient settlements including Tangbe and Chele before ending the day at Samar, a charming mountain village.
Day 06: Samar to Lo Manthang (3,860m | 63 km)
Ride deeper into the restricted kingdom of Mustang. Navigate high passes like Syangboche La (3,850m) and Mui La (4,170m), ancient mani walls, and colorful canyons.
Pause to visit the historic Lo-Ghekar Monastery in Dhakmar, then descend to Tsarang, home to a centuries-old fortress-monastery complex.
Conclude the day’s adventure with a final climb over Lo La Pass (3,950m), revealing the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang.
Day 07: Explore Lo Manthang & Chhoser Caves
Spend the day discovering the ancient capital of the Mustang Kingdom. Visit age-old monasteries such as Champa Lhakang, Chode Gompa, and the iconic Thugchen Monastery.
In the afternoon, take a scenic ride to Chhoser Village, where you’ll explore the remarkable Jhong Caves — multi-level dwellings carved into the cliffs over 3,000 years ago.
Day 08: Lo Manthang to Muktinath (3,710m | 105 km)
Retrace our journey through the dramatic Mustang landscape. Descend to Kagbeni, then make a short uphill ride to Muktinath, a revered pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 09: Muktinath to Tatopani (1,200m | 70 km)
In the morning, visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, take part in its 108-spring purification ritual, and enjoy panoramic Himalayan views.
Then descend through Jomsom, Marpha, and verdant forests to reach Tatopani, where you can relax your muscles in the region’s natural hot springs.
Day 10: Tatopani to Pokhara (900m | 105 km)
Enjoy a leisurely return ride to Pokhara through familiar Himalayan landscapes. En route, stop at Kalika Bhagwati Temple in Baglung, and once in Pokhara, celebrate the journey with a relaxing lakeside evening.
Day 11: Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m | 210 km)
The final leg of our journey takes us back to Kathmandu. Relive your adventures while riding through rice fields, riverbanks, and picturesque hills.
In the evening, we gather for a memorable farewell dinner, reflecting on the unforgettable ride through Mustang’s hidden kingdom.
Day 12: Departure Day
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a relaxed morning for last-minute souvenir shopping or café hopping. We’ll arrange timely transport to the airport for your onward journey.
Tour Difficulty: How Tough Is It?
This is not a leisure ride—it’s a true test of endurance and adventure. The Upper Mustang motorbike journey is suited for seasoned riders with prior off-road and mountain riding experience.
Once you leave Beni, forget about smooth highways. You'll ride over raw terrain that often forces you to stand on the foot pegs for hours. The bikes provided are durable, adventure-ready machines—designed for rough trails, not comfort.
The paths in Upper Mustang are not conventional roads but well-worn trails used by locals and their animals—strewn with stones, dips, and steep ascents that cross high-altitude passes.
It’s a visually stunning and physically demanding expedition, and beginners are advised to train on smaller off-road rides before attempting this challenge.
Safety and Support on the Trail
While thrilling, this adventure is fully backed by a support system for your safety and convenience.
Why Choose the Upper Mustang Motorbike Ride?
Among all off-road experiences in Nepal, Upper Mustang stands out as a dream ride—rugged, raw, remote, and incredibly rewarding.
This ride is more than just a motorbike tour. It’s an immersive, personal challenge that tests your will and leaves you with unforgettable memories.
Transportation Options
You have two choices for your Upper Mustang motorbike tour:
On day two in Kathmandu, our mechanics will conduct a full inspection of your bike in front of you. You'll also have time to test ride it before heading to Pokhara.
We’ll also provide private transfers for airport pickups and Kathmandu sightseeing.
Note: If you're transporting your own motorcycle, please share its details in advance so we can confirm compatible service and support availability.
Altitude Sickness: What You Need to Know
Contrary to popular belief, riders are more vulnerable to altitude-related illness than trekkers due to the rapid elevation gain.
Even though the tour stays below 4,000 meters, the thin, dry air in Upper Mustang contains less oxygen and can lead to symptoms like:
To counter this, we’ve built acclimatization days into the itinerary:
If symptoms do arise, inform your guide immediately. Our support jeep can take you to lower elevations, and Diamox (Acetazolamide) can be used if needed.
Stay hydrated, eat well, and avoid alcohol or strenuous activity during your first few days.
Pre-Tour Preparation
A ride this epic demands solid physical and technical preparation. You’ll be riding 60–70 km daily over 4–7 hours for nine days straight.
Before You Arrive:
During the Tour:
Accommodation & Food on the Road
Your stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara will be at centrally located, locally rated 3-star hotels in twin-sharing rooms with breakfast included.
As you move deeper into Mustang, accommodation shifts to local guesthouses (lodges). These offer:
Meals:
Expect to spend $25–$30 per day on meals, depending on your appetite and choices.
Travel Insurance: Mandatory for the Ride
Travel insurance is a non-negotiable requirement for this journey. It is necessary not only for obtaining your restricted area permit, but also for:
Choose a policy tailored for adventure biking that includes:
Always read the fine print to understand what’s included and excluded in your plan.
Permits & Legal Documents
To legally access Upper Mustang, two official permits are mandatory:
Our team will handle all paperwork and administrative tasks on your behalf. The permit fees are included in your tour package.
Essential Documents
Before embarking on your Upper Mustang motorbike journey, ensure you have the following paperwork:
Protective Riding Gear
Safety is your top priority, followed by adventure. Equip yourself with proper riding armor to ensure a secure ride:
Motorbike Travel Accessories
These additions help streamline your ride and keep essentials within easy reach:
Clothing Essentials
Be ready for diverse climates and conditions across the Mustang terrain with these layers and outfits:
Footwear
Versatile shoes will keep you prepared for every stop and stroll:
Basic Bike Tool Kit
Be prepared for minor roadside repairs with this compact toolkit:
Personal First Aid Essentials
Handle minor medical needs or discomforts with this health kit:
Personal Hygiene Items
Stay refreshed during long days on the road:
Electronic Devices
Keep your gadgets charged and ready to capture the moments:
Safety Utilities
Add these emergency tools for added peace of mind:
Handy Extras
A few optional items to make your ride more enjoyable:
The given cost are per person and exclude international flights. Given below are the departure dates available for online booking. If the given date is not favorable then please contact us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.
Note: If your group size is of more than 1 pax then you can set your own departure date.
| Start Date | Trip Price | Discount | Discounted Price | Action |
|---|
USD2198pp
Duration : 12 Days
