Broom Broom! Jane ho Upper Mustang? (Will you go to Upper Mustang?) Just imagine the engine of your motorbike is roaring and its echo sounds louder with the crisp air in the hidden treasure of Upper Mustang, it would feel amazing. If you are an avid lover of the thrill of riding motorbikes, then you will love the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour.
Upper Mustang is often called the “Last Forbidden Kingdom” of Nepal. It is a mystical land where you will see endless hills with towering cliffs, deep gorges, and waterfalls. Lo Manthang, which is one of the magical places to visit, where you can witness the beauty, history, and adventure all together, is a total gem. It is an adrenaline-pumping journey as you will be riding on the rocky trails and high mountain passes, which will test your riding skills. The sky caves are amazing to take insights into during your Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour.
The traditional villages with the ancient culture and touch of spirituality, with the monasteries, unusually showcase Tibetan heritage. Strikingly barren and arid, a typical rain shadow area of Nepal, Upper Mustang is an off-road thrilling adventure, seemingly untouched by modernity, where you will discover something new in each twist and turn of the road. Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour is a sacred adventure that allows you to deeply immerse yourself in its sanctity by drawing you into its allure.
With the remoteness including the arid plateaus and breathtaking scenery of alpines, the 10-Day Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour will be an exclusively authentic experience for you.
Freedom & Flexibility: Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour will offer you a flexible itinerary, as you have the liberty and choice of exploring anywhere at any time. You can stop and explore without any restrictions.
Intimate Connection: You will get to build an internet connection with the terrains as you can feel them beneath the wheels, and the changing weather is aware of you too. The winding roads of Upper Mustang with the wheels will allow you a deeper sense of exploration.
Accessibility: You can discover secluded areas such as monasteries and valleys off the beaten path because the remoteness of upper Mustang is not really accessible for conventional vehicles, unlike motorbikes.
Adrenaline Rush: Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour will offer you the sense of accomplishment as you embark on the thrilling off-road trails and conquer them, where your adrenaline rush is so evident.
Community: The 10-Day Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour can become your transformative journey as you get to share camaraderie with fellow riders by having genuine interactions, and the insights of the local traditions provided by local people make this journey not only a physical but a fulfilling experience for you.
Your ride of the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour will start from the bustling streets of Kathmandu for the beautiful city of Phewa Lake, Pokhara. Then from Pokhara, you will head towards Beni, and there your off-road ride begins. You will ride along the Kali Gandaki river, and this will be a different feeling for you because it is the deepest gorge in the world, along villages of Jomsom, followed by Kagbeni. And you finally reach Lo Manthang, where you will see how you will be stunned by the unique ancient architecture, Tibetan culture, and the vistas. After you are done feeling surreal because of such enriching moments offered by those serene landscapes, you will make your way with your friend, your motorbike, all along the way back to Pokhara. You cannot be sad at this moment as even Pokhara offers you so many exciting things to do, such as paragliding, bungee jumping, and zip flying. These can still make up for your hangover from the thrilling adventure you just rode on.
Historical Significance: Upper Mustang, known as the Lo Kingdom back then, was an independent kingdom founded by Ame Paul in 1380. This kingdom acted as a major route for the salt trade between Tibet and India in the 15th to 17th centuries, ruled by the Lo dynasty. But in 1951, the constitutional monarchy of Nepal declared this Buddhist kingdom, Upper Mustang, a restricted area and closed to foreigners. Until 1992, the parliamentary democracy removed the restricted policy. During the restriction time, Upper Mustang got the tag “Forbidden Kingdom” and it was forbidden only to preserve the unique traditions, culture of Thakalis, and ecosystem of Mustang.
Unique Landscape: Upper Mustang has a unique structure of land. You will find the land arid, and this is a semi-desert of Nepal. This desertness of Upper Mustang contrasts with the lush greenery of the Himalayas. You will just find red canyon formations at Dhakmar and the colourful wind-sculpted cliffs, along with narrow and steep ascents, which are unique geographical formations with the rugged and rocky roads.
Tibetan Buddhist Culture: Upper Mustang is highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. You can visit the ancient monasteries (gompas), which are 1200 years old, in Lo Manthang. Similarly, you can see the prayer flags adorning the chortens. Also, you will find hidden caves like the 2,000-year-old Chosar caves. But the most important highlight will be your interaction with the Loba people. They are the indigenous inhabitants of Upper Mustang, and you can immerse yourself in their culture, which is vibrant, enhancing your Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour.
Rain Shadow Region: Upper Mustang is a rain shadow area. The annual rainfall on average is just 250 mm. This lack of rainfall is the reason for its extreme dryness, which makes it one of the driest places in Nepal. Beyond this, you will find numerous rocks that have just eroded by wind and sand. But the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour can be your ideal destination for summer, as you can escape the monsoon rain.
Local Villages: You will have a great time in the local villages. Kagbeni, being the gateway of Upper Mustang, you can see the mud houses reflecting medieval vibes. Marpha, a popular village of Mustang, is known for its apple orchards. Ghami, featuring a Buddhist monastery built in a cliff face. Tsarang, an old village known for its 14th-century monastery. All of these villages have their own characteristics in architecture and lifestyle.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP): You are required to get an RAP since the Upper Mustang is a restricted area. You will need to pay 500 USD for the first 10 days, and the additional cost will be 50 USD per day after the 10 days are exceeded.
If you are a solo motorbike rider, then it is a mandatory requirement that you need to be paired with an authorized agency for a guide. There is a group rule that there must be a minimum of 2 foreigners.
You should not apply for this Upper Mustang trekking permit yourself because only a registered Nepalese trekking agency can provide you with the permit. They will take your documents like original passport, valid visa, passport-sized photos, including the insurance details, and they will submit your application to the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP): ACAP is required to enter the Mustang’s protected areas. You will need to pay around 30 USD (NPR 3,000). This Upper Mustang trekking permit is mandatory because you will enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. You can get this permit through a registered trekking agency.
These Upper Mustang trekking permits are made mandatory with the aim to preserve the ecological environment, unique culture and traditions, and to control tourism as well. The money you pay for the permits is also used in cleaning the litter, developing trails, and protecting the endangered species.
Although there is mostly no rainfall, the path from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Beni receives quite a significant amount of rain. So, you will be riding in the monsoon heavy rains, leading to slippery and muddy roads. There is even a high risk of landslides, which you need to be cautious of. The heavy rains and potential landslides also lead to delays sometimes. Even the flights to Jomsom can be affected because of the bad weather.
Therefore, we highly recommend you to go for the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour during Spring or Autumn because of their pleasant temperatures and stable weather conditions with the best skies.
If you are wondering about the Upper Mustang motorcycle tour difficulty, then you must know that it is actually moderately difficult. It may be challenging for you if you do not have off-road riding skills because you will be riding in the rugged terrains and uphill routes. So, you need to learn some off-road riding skills, such as experience in rocky trails with good balance, handling long riding hours, and of course, you need to be mentally tough as well before you start your journey of the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour.
Altitude is also another factor you should consider on this tour. The highest altitude you will be riding in is at Lo Manthang with 3,840 m/12,598 ft. But if you plan for a short excursion to Kora La, then you should prepare yourself for the altitude of 4,660 m. The experienced riders in Nepal will not face Upper Mustang tour difficulty. Therefore, if you do not have much experience in riding at high altitudes, you need to acclimatize properly during the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour.
Don’t worry about the meals. You will get to have the best Dal Bhat version, which is Thakali Khana, a tasty set of cuisine. Your basic meal will be Dal Bhat, made of rice, lentils, and soup. Apart from these, you can choose other options such as Dhindo, Tibetan bread, momo, and other simple continental dishes as well. In Marpha, you can taste the apple pies and other tasty apple products. Although your food choices will be limited as you ride even further in Upper Mustang. You can buy bottled water to drink. But it is better that you use reusable water bottles to protect the environment.
Miscellaneous: You can take snacks, a water bottle, a personal repair kit including the basic tools for emergencies, hand sanitizer, and a small backpack.
Altitude Sickness (AMS) & Safety
Acute Mountain Sickness is the mildest form of altitude sickness. You can get AMS when you reach an altitude of 2,000 metres, where there is a thinner oxygen level. The common symptoms you can get are headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, but if you keep it untreated, then it may turn into a severe condition. Therefore, you need to prevent AMS as much as possible by opting for slow ascent and taking sufficient rest. You should also hydrate yourself and avoid smoking and alcohol. Most importantly, you need to take Diamox for the prevention, but you should consult a doctor for the dosage recommendation.
Himalayan Hero Adventures is a solid trekking company that stands out in Kathmandu. We offer you exclusive Himalayan Royal Enfield rentals, making your journey to Upper Mustang an unforgettable one. Our all-in team makes sure that each rider associated with our agency gets to experience the epic adventure of the Royal Enfield Mustang tour because you will get our outstanding support, and you can rely on us.
Himalayan Hero Enfield rental for Upper Mustang takes care of all your things. Our Himalayan Royal Enfield package Nepal has years of trekking experience with motorcycle touring, and the following are the reasons that make our trekking company stand out from any standard rental service.
Our Himalayan Royal Enfield collection has a specially designed legendary motorcycle for the Himalayan terrains. We can assure you that each Himalayan Royal Enfield goes through high-altitude calibration, which features an upgraded suspension system perfect for Upper Mustang's challenging landscape.
Our on-tour mechanic services include:
Himalayan Hero Adventures' booking process includes:
Why delay your Himalayan motorcycle adventure? Even when you have us as Nepal's most trusted trekking company to assist you throughout your journey. Reserve your Royal Enfield with Himalayan Hero Adventures today and know why we will be the best choice for Upper Mustang Motorbike Tours.
Himalayan Hero Adventures works a lot with top-quality Himalayan Royal Enfield experiences. So, we can understand that alternative motorbike rentals in Kathmandu serve different preferences of riders. But we assure you that through our trusted partnership work, we can offer you options for motorcycles to embark on your Upper Mustang adventure.
Honda CRF Mustang rental Nepal leads the adventure bike category through our partner shops:
Although each KTM 390 Upper Mustang tour bike is designed for high-altitude its performance can vary significantly depending on its maintenance level. So, how the partner shops and our in-house service maintain the bike has a huge impact.
Alternative bike rental rates through partner shops typically range:
While Himalayan Hero's comprehensive in-house service features the mechanic services anywhere and at any time, the Partner shop lacks in providing such 24/7 mechanic services, and their support is also basic and not advanced. Even their permit assistance is limited. Additionally, Himalayan Hero Adventures makes the fuel available for you when you need it whereas the partner shop does not provide any fuel delivery service. You can only get the standard pickup and drop-off service from the partner shop. Most importantly, we provide you with the spare parts whenever and wherever you need, and you will always be aided in emergencies.
Your Upper Mustang motorcycle selection can be done considering the following guidelines:
You can customize your Upper Mustang journey by choosing a motorbike that suits your choice and style. So, whether you choose the Royal Enfield service or partner shops for alternatives, we, Himalayan Hero Adventures, assure you that we will meet your expectations for your Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour.
Himalayan Hero Adventures provides you with experienced guides who are not only skilled and trained for emergencies but also have deep knowledge about the overall terrain, history, and culture of Upper Mustang. We provide you with a well-maintained Royal Enfield Himalayan or Classic 500, or other off-road bikes that are really reliable and comfortable even in the challenging, rugged terrains. More importantly, we make sure that each bike that we provide you goes through a thorough check to offer you the best riding experience.
For your Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour, you will also get a support vehicle for your luggage, spare parts, and if you get fatigued or get into any emergency. More importantly, you will be getting a skilled mechanic from us who will deal with your unexpected circumstances. There is no need to worry as we will take care of your permits and their process, including the logistics. The best thing is that you can customize your itinerary according to your interests and group size.
Himalayan Hero Adventures keeps safety at the top of the priority list. It is evident through the safety equipment, and pre-tour briefings we conduct, including our safety protocols and first aid service. We truly believe in the cultural, social, and religious values. So, we make sure that your experience becomes really insightful and deeply immersive in the unique culture of Upper Mustang. If you don’t believe our words, you can check the reviews or testimonials of our previous clients.
Contact our expert team to customize your perfect Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour experience:
After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will be picked up by our representative. Then, you will be taken to your hotel, which is full of comfort. In the evening, you will have a warm welcome dinner. You will meet your guides and other fellow riders as well.
Before your Kathmandu motorbike tour starts, we will also provide a comprehensive Nepal motorbike trip briefing on your safety, like wearing helmets all the time, speed limits, on how to navigate the challenges along the route and being respectful to the locals and their properties. Then Tada!!, you will be given a motorbike like the Royal Enfield Himalayan, Classic 500, etc. Don’t worry! You will get some time for Royal Enfield familiarization by getting to do test rides, but also, you will get to learn the basic control system and its tricks so that you can better handle it and ride it with confidence.
You will start your Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour today. You will head towards Pokhara from Kathmandu. This journey will cover approximately 210 km and will take 6 to 7 hours. You’ll ride along the Prithivi Highway. This scenic Nepal highway is winding. You will see beautiful mountain views, lush green hills, and terraced fields with small settlements around. But the Trishuli River is the highlight of this Kathmandu-Pokhara motorbike ride.
If you are a fish lover, you’ll be so happy knowing that Malekhu will provide you with tasty local fish on your way to Pokhara. In this, you will witness rural life as you move towards the open countryside of Nepal.
After arriving at Pokhara, you will go to your hotel, which is near Phewa Lake. Then, you can relax and explore the Lakeside area, where you will get numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. You can go boating as well, and you will enjoy it. A Phewa Lake motorcycle tour sounds good too.
Although your ride will be dusty, the breathtaking views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Nilgiri will keep you going. Rupse Chhahara, which is a popular waterfall, you will be on your way to Kalopani. If you want to explore the waterfall, you can have your lunch around there. This will be one of the highlights of your Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour. Then, you will pass through the Thakali villages as well. You will just see the transition in the landscape as you ride even further. Finally, after 5 to 6 hours, you will reach Kalopani. You will stay overnight in a guest house.
You will ride along the Kali Gandaki river, or the deepest valley, as the Kali Gandaki gorge. The path will be rocky and dusty with increasing roughness, so you should have skills in riding your motorbike. You will pass beautiful villages along the way, such as Larjung, Tukuche, and Marpha.
You will have an amazing time in Marpha because this place is famous for apple orchards and local brandy. As you will have enough time on this day, you can explore there and taste the delicious apples and apple products like apple pies, and also taste the local brandy, which you may not get anywhere else. Then, riding along an even more arid and barren landscape, you will reach Jomsom, which is the district headquarters of Mustang district. After 3 to 4 hours, you will finally reach Kagbeni.
Kagbeni is the place where you will go through the checking of permits before entering Upper Mustang. The whole distance you will cover is approximately 40 km, but the challenging terrain consumes your time a bit. You will stay overnight at Kagbeni in a guest house. You will get to feel the unique vibes of the ancient village of Kagbeni.
Now, from Kagbeni, your adventurous ride for the true Upper Mustang begins. You will cover around 30 to 40 km. You will ride off-road on some steep ascents and descents. You will find the path rocky and dusty. Then, passing through Chhusang, where you can see the cliff-face caves, you will reach Shamar village, and you will enter the Upper Mustang red cliffs. After this, you will cross the Kali Gandaki river and pass through places like Syangboche La and Nyi La to finally reach Ghami village after 4 to 5 hours of riding.
You will find so much dramatic change after arriving in Ghami because of the red, brown, and grey cliffs, a desert-like landscape. This village has a Buddhist monastery which you can visit. Also, you can explore Loba villages, which appear to be so traditional, untouched by time. You will stay overnight in Ghami at a local tea house. You can also make your overnight stay at Tsarang, which may take more than half an hour.
You will love the ambience of Lo Manthang. You will get the vibe of the medieval times. To enjoy more, you can explore the nearby areas or take a stroll around the narrow alleys. You will stay overnight at Lo Manthang.
You can visit the Royal Palace of Lo Kingdom. The three monasteries, such as Jampa, Thubchen, and Chodey, are the major highlights of Lo Manthang. These monasteries go back to the 15th century. You can see 108 ancient mandalas in Jampa monastery, fine white washed walls in Thubchen monastery and learn how the monks live in Lo Manthang by taking a visit to Chodey monastery. You can see the ancient mural paintings and the statues in these monasteries.
If you wish, then you can do a motorbike ride for the excursion to the Chhoser valley. You will get to see the Chhoser caves. You can see the sky caves like Lho Gekar. estimated to be 10,000 years old. The other option you have is taking a motorbike ride to the border with Tibet, which is Kora La. This pass will offer you panoramic views of the Tibetan plateau. Also, you will get to see the Nyamdok village near Kora La, as this is the last village of Upper Mustang.
You can see the 108 water spouts and the eternal flame of the Jwala Mai temple. You will witness the shift as you descend to the populated areas around Muktinath from the arid and stark land of Upper Mustang. You will stay overnight at Muktinath near Ranipauwa. In the exhilarating return journey, you retrace some of your path but with new perspectives. Head south towards Muktinath.
On your way back to Beni, you can stop at Tatopani, which offers natural hot springs. You can relax there and enjoy the natural wonder. After Beni, you will find good road conditions. You will feel like moving towards the civilized areas along with enjoying the beautiful changing scenery.
After arriving at Pokhara within 6 to 7 hours, you can just relax by the Phewa Lake, and celebrate your adventurous journey with dinner. You have many other options to do in Pokhara, such as visiting Davis fall, Sarangkot, going bungee jumping, boating, etc. You can even visit the Tal Barahi temple if you wish.
This is the end of your epic adventurous motorbike ride. After reaching Kathmandu, you will check into your hotel. You will reflect on your motorbike journey. The urbanness of Kathmandu will try to wake you up from your hangover.
In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner with your team. Then on the next day, we will take you to the airport. But if you wish to continue exploring Nepal, we can offer you numerous options.
Not truly. Upper Mustang is called a “forbidden” kingdom because this area was made restricted by the constitutional monarchy in 1951. But since the restriction was removed in 1992 by the parliamentary government, it has been opened for tourism. So, you can still enter Upper Mustang with the required permits, and the aim to protect the unique environment also succeeds.
We highly recommend the Royal Enfield Himalayan or Classic 500 because they have a robust build and have high torque, best for off-road riding and varied terrain. But if you want a lighter motorbike, then go for the Honda XR 190, it has good suspension and ground clearance, suitable for the rugged terrains.
Yes. You will need an international driving license, including your national driving license, because the rental companies and local authorities will ask you for proof. But make sure that they are valid during the whole trip. Your IDP will make you eligible for the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour
Usually, Lo Manthang, which is approximately 3,840 meters (12,598 feet) is the highest altitude for the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour. But, Kora La at around 4,660 meters (15,290 feet) can become the highest if you are going there for a short excursion. You need to acclimate properly with proper hydration so that you do not get altitude sickness.
It is generally safe if you are doing it with an experienced guide. Apart from this, you need to take the right gear for riding, a well-maintained bike, and follow the safety protocols adherence to safety protocols to ensure a safe ride. The experienced off-road riders do not find the trail challenging.
Yes. But there is a rule that you need to be a minimum of 2 foreigners. So, even if you are alone, we will pair you up with another rider. But if you are in a group, consider making a group of 6 to 12 motorbike riders, as you will get more attention from the guide and there will be less impact on the environment.
Yes. Most of the tour packages of Upper Mustang cover the meals and accommodation at tea houses and lodges along the whole itinerary. But it is better if you look out for the confirmation of inclusion when you do the booking. If not, you can expect to pay around 5 USD per room and 3 USD to 6 USD per meal.
You will get an experienced motorbike guide, a skilled mechanic, a support vehicle for luggage, spare parts, and emergencies. Even the permits and its processes are handled by our agency.
We provide you with the best-trained guides and basic first aid facilities. A support vehicle also does not go in vain. If you are fatigued and feel no strength to continue, a support vehicle can help you evacuate. Even travel insurance will aid you in an emergency, and it is mandatory to get travel insurance. For the bike breakdown, the skilled mechanic will deal with the problems of your motorbike.
"The Himalayan Royal Enfield handled Upper Mustang's rugged terrain perfectly! Lo Manthang felt like a medieval kingdom, and the Muktinath sunrise was magical. Guide Pemba knew every trail, accommodations were comfortable, and logistics were flawless. Recommendation: 100% YES! This is a spiritual journey through the last forbidden kingdom. Perfect for experienced riders seeking the ultimate Himalayan challenge."
July 6, 2025
"The Royal Enfield Himalayan was perfect for Upper Mustang - reliable and comfortable. Ancient monasteries and Charang village were highlights, with incredible star-filled nights at 3,800m altitude. Guide Tenzin shared amazing cultural stories. Recommendation: Without hesitation! A once-in-a-lifetime experience combining challenging terrain, stunning landscapes, and rich Tibetan culture."
July 6, 2025
"Upper Mustang challenged me beyond Indian terrains! The Royal Enfield Himalayan performed flawlessly from river crossings to mountain passes. Ghami village's red cliffs and Lo Manthang's palace were spectacular. Guide Norbu was incredibly knowledgeable. Recommendation: Absolutely! This trip pushes your limits while rewarding you with spectacular Himalayan scenery and cultural experiences."
July 6, 2025
"The Himalayan Royal Enfield handled Upper Mustang's rugged terrain perfectly! Lo Manthang felt like a medieval kingdom, and the Muktinath sunrise was magical. Guide Pemba knew every trail, accommodations were comfortable, and logistics were flawless. Recommendation: 100% YES! This is a spiritual journey through the last forbidden kingdom. Perfect for experienced riders seeking the ultimate Himalayan challenge."
July 6, 2025
"The Royal Enfield Himalayan was perfect for Upper Mustang - reliable and comfortable. Ancient monasteries and Charang village were highlights, with incredible star-filled nights at 3,800m altitude. Guide Tenzin shared amazing cultural stories. Recommendation: Without hesitation! A once-in-a-lifetime experience combining challenging terrain, stunning landscapes, and rich Tibetan culture."
July 6, 2025
"Upper Mustang challenged me beyond Indian terrains! The Royal Enfield Himalayan performed flawlessly from river crossings to mountain passes. Ghami village's red cliffs and Lo Manthang's palace were spectacular. Guide Norbu was incredibly knowledgeable. Recommendation: Absolutely! This trip pushes your limits while rewarding you with spectacular Himalayan scenery and cultural experiences."
July 6, 2025
"Solo female rider who felt completely safe! The Royal Enfield Himalayan gave me confidence on challenging terrain. Lo Manthang's approach through colorful badlands was like riding on Mars. Guide Dawa was patient and encouraging with excellent safety support. Recommendation: 1000% yes! Adventure has no gender barriers. Perfect combination of challenging riding, stunning scenery, and cultural immersion."
July 6, 2025
"After 25 years of motorcycle touring worldwide, Upper Mustang on a Royal Enfield Himalayan ranks as my #1 adventure. The bike's torque and stability were perfect for the high-altitude terrain, and the journey felt like riding through a National Geographic documentary. Highlights: The ancient trade routes between Tibet and Nepal were fascinating to explore. Lo Manthang's royal palace and the view from Marang La Pass at 4,230m were absolutely breathtaking. The hospitality in Charang village and the spiritual atmosphere at Muktinath Temple created profound moments. Himalayan Hero Support: World-class operation! Every detail was perfectly organized - from permits to accommodations to mechanical support. Our guide Pasang was an encyclopedia of local knowledge, and the backup vehicle provided peace of mind on challenging sections."
July 6, 2025