Can You Ride a Motorbike to Upper Mustang?

Yes, and it is one of the most spectacular motorcycle routes in the Himalayas. The ride from Pokhara to Lo Manthang — the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo — takes you through the deepest gorge on earth, across high-altitude desert that looks like Mars, and into a restricted region that only opened to foreigners in 1992. It is remote, demanding, and absolutely unforgettable.

Upper Mustang by motorbike is not a casual weekend ride. The road above Jomsom deteriorates into a rough dirt track with river crossings, loose gravel, and sections where the trail disappears entirely. You need off-road riding experience, a capable motorcycle, and the willingness to get dirty, cold, and occasionally lost. But if you are the kind of rider who chose motorcycling because cars were too comfortable, this is your route.

What Is the Route?

Day 1: Pokhara to Tatopani (6-7 hours, 120km): Paved road through the Kali Gandaki valley. Pass through Beni and Galeshwar. The road follows the river through a dramatic gorge with towering walls on both sides. Good riding, moderate traffic. End the day at Tatopani's hot springs — soak your muscles because the next days get rougher.

Day 2: Tatopani to Marpha (5-6 hours, 80km): The road climbs through Ghasa and Dana. Surface deteriorates above Dana — gravel, dust, and narrow sections with drops. The views open up as you climb — Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri appear ahead. Marpha is a beautiful Thakali village famous for apple brandy. The lodges are excellent.

Day 3: Marpha to Muktinath (4-5 hours, 50km): Ride through Jomsom (the last town with services) and up to Muktinath temple at 3,800m. The road is rough but rideable. The Kali Gandaki wind starts after 10am and can be ferocious — leave early. Muktinath is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, and the eternal flame at the temple burns natural gas seeping through the rock.

Day 4: Muktinath to Chele (5-6 hours, 55km): This is where Upper Mustang begins. You cross the restricted area checkpoint (permit required), and the landscape transforms. Green valleys give way to red and ochre cliffs eroded into surreal formations. The road is a dirt track, often just a line of tyre marks across open ground. River crossings are common. Chele has basic accommodation.

Day 5: Chele to Lo Manthang (6-7 hours, 60km): The toughest and most rewarding day. The trail climbs through Samar, Ghiling, and Charang — each village more remote than the last. The landscape is Tibetan — prayer flags, chortens, barley fields against red cliffs. Lo Manthang appears as a walled city on a plateau at 3,840m, surrounded by eroded badlands. Arriving here by motorbike feels like reaching the end of the known world.

Return: 2-3 days back to Pokhara via the same route. The return is faster because you know the road, but do not rush — downhill sections on gravel are more dangerous than climbing them.

What Permits Do You Need?

Upper Mustang is a restricted area. Foreign nationals need a special permit that costs $500 for 10 days (as of 2026). This permit must be arranged through a registered trekking agency — you cannot apply independently or at the checkpoint.

You also need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) — approximately $30. And an International Driving Permit with motorcycle endorsement for riding legally in Nepal.

We arrange all permits as part of our motorbike tour packages.

What Motorcycle Should You Ride?

The Royal Enfield Himalayan (411cc) is the most common choice and the one we provide on guided tours. It handles the rough terrain well, has adequate ground clearance for river crossings, and is mechanically simple enough to repair in remote villages if something breaks.

Other options: KTM 390 Adventure (more power, better suspension, less comfortable on long days), Honda CRF300L (excellent off-road, limited luggage capacity), or a locally rented Hero Xpulse 200 (cheap, capable, but less comfortable for multi-day touring).

Do not attempt Upper Mustang on a road bike, a scooter, or anything under 200cc. The terrain demands proper off-road capability.

When Is the Best Time?

June to September: Surprisingly, this is actually peak season for Upper Mustang. The Mustang region sits in a rain shadow north of the Annapurna range, so it receives very little monsoon rain while the rest of Nepal is drenched. The landscape is green (by Mustang standards), the rivers are full, and the sky alternates between dramatic cloud formations and clear blue.

October to November: The classic post-monsoon window. Clear skies, cold nights, and dry roads. The best visibility for mountain views but colder for camping and riding.

March to May: Spring. Warmer than autumn, but the Kali Gandaki wind is at its strongest in the afternoons. Morning riding only above Jomsom.

Avoid December to February — the Thorong La approach is often blocked by snow, temperatures at Lo Manthang drop below -20°C, and most lodges close.

What Should You Bring?

Riding gear: helmet (bring your own — rental helmets are unreliable), armoured jacket, riding trousers, boots with ankle protection, waterproof gloves, and a neck gaiter for dust. Temperatures range from 30°C at Tatopani to -5°C at Lo Manthang, so layering is essential.

Bike spares: inner tubes (if relevant), tyre repair kit, basic tools, spare clutch and brake levers, cable ties, duct tape. The nearest bike shop is in Jomsom, and it stocks limited parts.

Camping option: some riders carry lightweight camping gear for flexibility. The stretch between Chele and Lo Manthang has very basic accommodation, and camping gives you more route options.

Guided Tour vs Independent?

For Upper Mustang specifically, guided is strongly recommended. The restricted area permit requires agency booking anyway, the road above Muktinath has no signage, and breakdowns in remote villages need local contacts to resolve. A guided tour includes a lead rider, support vehicle, spare parts, pre-booked accommodation, permits, and a mechanic.

Independent riding is technically possible (with a pre-arranged permit), but you are on your own if something goes wrong above 3,500m on a dirt track with no phone signal.

WhatsApp us for Upper Mustang motorbike tour dates and pricing. We run guided departures from March to November.