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 10-day Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour.
Upper Mustang is often referred to as 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 ride 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.
Key Benefits of a Motorbike Tour in Upper Mustang:
- Navigate challenging Kora La Pass - Test your dual-sport motorcycle handling skills at high altitude
- Discover thousands of year-old caves - Ancient Buddhist meditation retreats carved into cliffsides
- Master adventure riding skills - Perfect terrain for developing off-road motorcycle techniques
- Experience optimal altitude acclimatization - Gradual ascent from Pokhara to high-altitude regions
- Explore the complete Beni to Lo Manthang route - Classic Himalayan motorcycle touring pathway
- Journey through Kaligandaki Gorge - the World's deepest river valley between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
- Visit the authentic Lo Manthang palace - a 15th-century royal residence in the heart of the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang
- Immerse in Tibetan Buddhism culture - Active monasteries and traditional Buddhist practices
- Choose ideal weather conditions - Compare monsoon vs autumn weather for optimal riding experience
- Complete the epic Pokhara-to-Pokhara circuit - Full-circle adventure starting and ending in Nepal's adventure capital
Trip Snapshot - Daily Highlights
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara transfer • Bike handover & gear check
Day 2: Pokhara to Tatopani • Enter Kali Gandaki Gorge (110km)
Day 3: Tatopani to Muktinath • Sacred temple with 108 water spouts (45km)
Day 4: Muktinath to Charang • Cross into Upper Mustang, desert landscapes (55km)
Day 5: Charang to Lo Manthang • Reach the forbidden kingdom capital (15km)
Day 6: Explore Lo Manthang • Ancient monasteries & Tibetan culture
Day 7: Lo Manthang to Ghami • Cross Kora La Pass 4,660m (65km)
Day 8: Ghami to Samar • Historic trade routes & canyons (75km)
Day 9: Samar to Chhuksang • Descent through river valleys (70km)
Day 10: Chhuksang to Pokhara • Victory return via Kali Gandaki (120km)
Why a Motorbike Tour?
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.
Brief Tour Overview
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.
Discovering Upper Mustang: Nepal's Hidden Gem
The Mystique of the Forbidden Kingdom
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.
Key Highlights of the Upper Mustang Motorbike tour
- Lo Manthang: Lo Manthang is called the walled city of Mustang. You will love visiting the three monasteries of Lo Manthang: Jampa monastery, Thubchen monastery, and Chodey monastery. These monasteries have beautiful wall paintings and 15th-century scriptures. After this, you will feel like vanishing once you visit the Royal Palace of Lo Manthang. You can see this palace has carved balconies, wooden windows, and mud-brick walls.
- Chhoser Caves: Chhoser Caves are man-made. They are 2,000 years old. You can see them carved on the sand cliffs, which are towering in height. They were used for dwellings by the ancient humans of Upper Mustang.
- Kali Gandaki Gorge: You will just have a different feeling when you ride through the roughly 6,000 metres deep Kali Gandaki gorge. It is the deepest gorge in the world. It lies between Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri.
- Muktinath Temple: This temple is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites in the world for Hindus and Buddhists. The best highlights of this temple are the 108 water spouts with the significance of salvation, and the eternal flame.
- Panoramic Himalayan Views: You can see the panoramic views of the Himalayas. The breathtaking peaks such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche will stun you.
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.
Essential Information for Your Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour
Permits Required for Upper Mustang
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.
Why These Permits?
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.
Best Time to Undertake the Tour
- Spring (March to May): Spring is one of the best times for the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour. This season has clear skies and mild weather conditions. As this is the blooming season, you can see the beautiful rhododendrons on the hillsides, making them red, pink, and white. You will get the optimal visibility to see the beautiful mountains during the motorbike ride. And you can even get to participate in the Tiji festival, which falls around May. Although Spring may be windy mainly in the afternoon, you will have pleasant temperatures.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn is the best time for the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour. This season comes after the end of monsoon, so you will breathe fresh air post-monsoon while riding. Apart from this, Autumn has the best clear skies with stable weather conditions to get the breathtaking views of the mountains and beautiful scenery around. You will find really comfortable temperatures, which makes it an excellent time for the scenic motorbike ride. One of the good things about riding this season is that you will find fewer crowds. So, we also recommend that you ride this season as the cons do not exist.
- Summer/Monsoon (June to August): Upper Mustang is the rain shadow area. So, it is usually very dry and untouched by the heavy rains. It receives very little rainfall in comparison to other areas of Nepal. There may be some moisture in the lower areas. One of the best things of this season would be you getting to celebrate Yartung Festival, which falls in August. This festival marks the start of the winter season.
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.
- Winter (December to February): Winter has good things to offer, too. Like you can find really few tourists this season, and you can see the best snowy peaks. But of course, the chilling cold and the snow will be piled up in most of the areas, which will be challenging for you. You may not even get access further. Besides, you may find difficulty in finding accommodation because many of the local guest houses are closed this season as they go to the warmer areas. So, definitely it is a No No from our side too.
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. Also check out the Best time to do upper Mustang Motorbike tour.
Choosing the Right Motorbike
Key Considerations
- Engine Size & Torque: You need to look for a motorbike that has a large engine size and high torque. As you will be riding in the challenging ascents, which will require strong pulling power.
- Suspension: If your motorbike has good suspension, then your ride will be smooth because it can resist the bumps on rocky paths. Good suspension is crucial for comfort on rocky roads.
- Tires: Tyres are a really important factor to look out for while choosing a motorbike. So, you should choose the one that has the dual-sport feature, meaning you can ride on off-road sections easily with better grip.
- Reliability: Your motorbike should be reliable as you will be riding in remote areas, which have harsh road conditions.
- Difficulty Level & Rider Experience
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.
Accomodation and food on upper mustang motorbike tour
- You will mostly stay at tea houses during the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour. You will find these tea houses at Jomsom, Ghami, Lo Manthang, etc. But, you can also get to stay at a guest house or hotel in Kagbeni and again in Jomsom. The tea houses will provide you with clean twin beds with shared bathrooms. You can also find attached bathrooms in some of the tea houses. Moreover, you will need to pay extra for the internet and charging facility, even for the hot showers, which are limited.
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.
Packing Essentials for Upper Mustang Motorbike tour
- Riding Gear: You need to make sure that you are packing the essentials for the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour. For the essentials, you should be packing the right gear such as a full-face helmet, riding jacket and pants, riding gloves, and riding boots. You should choose windproof and waterproof for them.
- Clothes: You should be packing thermal sets for base layers, a fleece jacket, a down jacket for insulation, and waterproof and windproof pants and jackets for outer layers.
- Personal Items: You should pack the toiletries, sunscreen with high SPF, lip balm, sunglasses, and a quick dry towel should be taken for the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour.
- Medication: Diamox for the prevention of altitude sickness is a must. You should consult your doctor for the dosage. Besides this, a first aid kit including painkillers, antiseptic creams, band aids, bandages, and personal medications should be packed.
- Documents: You need to take important documents such as your original Passport, visa, driving license that has an international driving permit, tour permits, and travel insurance details.
- Electronics: You can take a camera, headlamp or flashlight, portable chargers, and a power bank. For trivia, just know that Nepal uses Type C, D, and M sockets.
Miscellaneous: You can take snacks, a water bottle, a personal repair kit including the basic tools for emergencies, hand sanitizer, and a small backpack.
Also for more information about ckeck out our Upper Mustang Motorbike tour packing guide.
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.
- Safety Measures
- You must take an experienced guide for proper navigation of the trails, but you can also take a mechanic because it is beneficial if you encounter any problem with your motorbike, and in emergencies.
- You need to check your engine, brakes, and tyres before the tour, and you need to take a support vehicle for your convenience and safety. This not only carries your luggage but also helps you to evacuate in an emergency.
- You must ride at a speed according to your guide’s instructions. You also need to maintain a distance because this will make your ride safer.
- You need to be aware of the conditions of the trails. As you will ride on the rocky, muddy, and dusty path, you need to do careful motorbike riding. You may even have to do river crossings in some areas.
- Get the emergency contact numbers, such as the local emergency numbers, and those of your agency saved in your mobile.
- You cannot miss out on getting travel insurance; it’s mandatory. Make sure that it covers high-altitude rescue and medical emergencies.
Himalaya Royal Enfield Rentals by Himalayan Hero Adventures for Upper Mustang Tours
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.
Why Choose Himalayan Hero's Royal Enfield Service?
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.
- We give you the service of airport and hotel pickup and drop off. You will be assisted throughout your journey from your arrival to your departure.
- Our company offers you the support of an experienced mechanic wherever you go in Upper Mustang.
- You do not need to worry about the run out of fuel in your motorbike because we deliver you fuel whenever you need it.
- We handle all the work of your restricted area permits and other paperwork for your Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour.
- Our company prioritizes your safety with reliable GPS route guidance. So, you will navigate the route without getting lost.
Enfield Models & On-Tour Support
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:
- Your motorbike will go through safety inspections before you departed for the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour.
- Your motorbike will be getting maintenance checks every day.
- You will get emergency repair services.
- We will provide you with spare parts throughout the route.
Booking, Pickup & Permits
Himalayan Hero Adventures' booking process includes:
- Our company handles the permit process work for the ACAP and TIMS cards.
- You will get good accommodation because of our cordial association with the tea houses that you can trust.
- We make the itinerary plans with the knowledge and experience we have about the route of Upper Mustang.
- We provide you with briefings on your safety and conduct orientation programs before your departure.
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.
Alternative Motorbike Rentals for Upper Mustang 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.
Other Bikes for Mustang Adventures
Honda CRF Mustang rental Nepal leads the adventure bike category through our partner shops:
- Honda CRF 250L is lightweight, making it ideal for beginners. It uses less fuel, too.
- Honda CRF 300L Rally features enhanced suspension for challenging terrains.
- KTM 390 Adventure is designed with advanced technology.
- Suzuki DR-Z 400 - provides you with solid performance.
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.
Price & Service Comparison
Alternative bike rental rates through partner shops typically range:
- Honda CRF 250L: 40 USD to 50 USD per day (Basic support included)
- Honda CRF 300L Rally: 50 USD to 60 USD (Limited roadside assistance)
- KTM 390 Adventure: 60 USD to 70 USD per day (Moderate support coverage)
- Suzuki DR-Z 400: 45 USD to 55 USD per day (Seasonal availability)
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.
How to Pick the Right Bike
Your Upper Mustang motorcycle selection can be done considering the following guidelines:
- If you are a beginner, then you can choose the Honda CRF as it is lightweight. Experience level - Honda CRF suits newer riders
- If you choose the KTM 390, it will be perfect even when you exceed 4,000 metres. Altitude performance - KTM 390 excels above 4,000 meters
- While choosing the motorbike, you should look out for the in-house and partner shop services. And choose the one that is well supported.
- If you are low on budget, then you can consider Partner rental offers because they offer lower daily rates.
- Trekking companies like Himalayan Hero Adventures provide thorough service and support to the riders throughout their journey unlike the basic rental shops.
- You need to look out for the reliability of the motorbike. You should get the confirmation if you can fully rely on the motorbike in the high altitudes where the routes are more challenging and the weather is harsh in Upper Mustang.
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.
Why Choose Our Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour Package?
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:
