What Is the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour?
Upper Mustang is the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal, a rain-shadow desert tucked behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, closed to foreigners until 1992 and still restricted today. Riding a motorbike through this landscape is one of the most raw and rewarding ways to experience it. You pass through deep gorges carved by the Kali Gandaki River, cross high-altitude plateaus that look more like Tibet than Nepal, and arrive at Lo Manthang, a medieval walled city where Tibetan Buddhist culture has survived almost untouched for centuries.
Our Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour covers this route over 11 days, with a support vehicle, mechanic, and experienced guide. It is not a casual ride. The terrain is demanding, the altitude reaches 3,800 metres, and river crossings are part of the daily routine. But if you have solid off-road riding experience and want something genuinely different, this is it.
Route Overview
The full route runs: Kathmandu → Pokhara → Tatopani → Jomsom → Kagbeni → Chele → Syangboche → Lo Manthang → and back. You ride north along the deepest gorge in the world (Kali Gandaki), climbing steadily from subtropical Pokhara into the arid high desert of Upper Mustang. The return follows the same route south, giving you a second look at sections you blasted through on the way up.
Total riding distance is roughly 900–1,000 kilometres depending on detours and side trips. Road conditions shift from sealed tarmac (Kathmandu to Pokhara, and parts beyond) to gravel, dirt, loose rock, and riverbed. The stretch from Kagbeni north into Upper Mustang is almost entirely off-road.
Day-by-Day Itinerary (11 Days)
Here is a summary of the standard 11-day itinerary based on our package:
- Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu. Bike fitting, briefing, and gear check.
- Day 2: Ride Kathmandu to Pokhara (approx. 200 km, 6–7 hours). Sealed highway through river valleys.
- Day 3: Pokhara to Tatopani (approx. 120 km). Road quality drops after Beni. Hot springs at Tatopani for sore muscles.
- Day 4: Tatopani to Jomsom (approx. 90 km). Kali Gandaki gorge. Expect wind, dust, and river crossings.
- Day 5: Jomsom to Kagbeni, then north to Chele. You enter the restricted area at Kagbeni checkpoint. Terrain becomes desert-like.
- Day 6: Chele to Syangboche. Steep climbs, narrow trails carved into cliff faces. Altitude around 3,400–3,800 metres.
- Day 7: Syangboche to Lo Manthang. Arrive at the walled city. Explore the monastery, royal palace ruins, and local life.
- Day 8: Rest and exploration day in Lo Manthang. Visit Choser caves, Thingkar village, or simply walk the ancient streets.
- Day 9: Lo Manthang to Jomsom. Long return ride south, retracing the route.
- Day 10: Jomsom to Pokhara. Back through the gorge.
- Day 11: Pokhara to Kathmandu. Final ride or optional tourist bus/flight. Trip ends in Kathmandu.
Permit Requirements and Costs
Upper Mustang is a restricted area, so you need special permits on top of the standard trekking permits. Here is the full breakdown:
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit: USD $500 per person for the first 10 days. Each additional day costs USD $50. This is non-negotiable and must be arranged through a registered agency (independent travellers cannot get this permit).
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): USD $30 per person.
- TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System): USD $20 per person.
Total minimum permit cost: approximately USD $550 per person.
All permits are included when you book our Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour. We handle the paperwork in Kathmandu before departure, you just need to bring passport-size photos and a copy of your passport.
Tour Cost and What Is Included
Our 11-day Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour starts from USD $1,299 (budget), USD $2,149 (standard), and USD $2,499 (luxury). The price includes:
- Motorbike (Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc or equivalent)
- Fuel for the entire route
- Support vehicle with mechanic and spare parts
- All accommodation (teahouse/guesthouse for budget and standard; best available lodges for luxury)
- Three meals a day on the trail
- Experienced riding guide
- All permits (Upper Mustang, ACAP, TIMS)
- First aid kit and emergency evacuation arrangement
Not included: international flights, personal travel insurance (mandatory), alcoholic drinks, tips, and personal expenses.
Bike Options
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc is the standard bike for this tour, and for good reason. It handles altitude well, has enough ground clearance for rough terrain, and is widely available across Nepal for parts and service. Other options include the KTM Duke 200/250 (lighter, sharper handling but less comfortable on long gravel stretches) and the Royal Enfield Classic 350 (heavier, better for highway sections but less ideal off-road).
If you have a strong preference, let us know when booking and we will do our best to arrange your preferred bike.
Road Conditions
Do not expect smooth roads beyond Pokhara. The Kathmandu–Pokhara highway is sealed and manageable. After that, road quality deteriorates progressively:
- Pokhara to Jomsom: Mix of tarmac, gravel, and dirt. Active road construction in places. Dust is constant.
- Jomsom to Kagbeni: Mostly dirt and riverbed. River crossings are common, especially during and after monsoon.
- Kagbeni to Lo Manthang: Almost entirely off-road. Loose rock, narrow cliff-side trails, steep switchbacks. This is the most technically demanding section.
Maximum altitude on the route is approximately 3,800 metres (12,467 feet) near Lo Manthang.
Best Time to Go
The riding season runs from March to November. The best months are:
- March–May (spring): Clear skies, moderate temperatures, dry trails. This is the most popular window.
- September–November (autumn): Post-monsoon clarity, excellent visibility, stable weather.
- June: Possible but warmer and some early rain. Upper Mustang sits in a rain shadow so it receives far less monsoon rainfall than the rest of Nepal.
Avoid December to February, passes can be snowbound, temperatures drop well below freezing, and some guesthouses close for winter. July and August bring heavy monsoon rain south of Jomsom, making river crossings dangerous even though Upper Mustang itself stays relatively dry.
Physical Requirements
This is not a tour for beginners. You must have:
- Prior motorcycle riding experience (minimum 1 year of regular riding)
- Confidence on off-road and gravel surfaces
- Reasonable physical fitness, long days on a bike at altitude are tiring
- No serious altitude-related medical conditions
If you are unsure whether your experience level is sufficient, message us on WhatsApp and we will give you an honest assessment.
Safety and Altitude Tips
- Acclimatisation matters. The route gains altitude gradually, which helps, but do not push through headaches or nausea. Rest days exist for a reason.
- A backup bike travels with the group. Mechanical breakdowns happen on these roads. Our support vehicle carries tools, spare parts, and a replacement bike.
- First aid and evacuation. The guide carries a comprehensive first aid kit. Emergency helicopter evacuation is available (covered by your travel insurance, which is mandatory).
- Ride within your limits. The scenery is distracting. The drops are real. Focus on the trail, especially on cliff-side sections between Chele and Lo Manthang.
- Hydrate constantly. The high-altitude desert air is extremely dry. You will lose moisture faster than you realise.
How to Book
Check the full package details, pricing, and departure dates on our Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour page. If you want a shorter ride, the Lower Mustang Motorbike Tour (8 days) covers the Jomsom–Kagbeni section without entering the restricted zone.
For more on motorbike touring in Nepal, read our Nepal Motorbike Tour Cost 2026 breakdown and the Nepal Motorbike Guide: Rental vs Guided Tour.
Ready to ride? Message us on WhatsApp to check availability or ask anything about the route.
