Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour - 11 Days

Warm greetings from Kathmandu, a vibrant city of colors and sounds where Eastern and Western cultures meet in harmony. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will be waiting at the arrival gate to welcome you according to your scheduled arrival time.

You will then be transferred to your hotel in the city for your overnight stay. After check-in and some time to rest, your Lower Mustang motorbike tour guide will meet you for a pre-ride briefing. During this session, the guide will explain the tour plan and provide important information about motorcycle riding rules and road conditions in Nepal.

In the evening, you will choose your favorite bike and spend time getting familiar with it. After a short introduction, we will go on a trial ride around the city with other riders. This test ride helps you adjust to local traffic, understand Asian road conditions, and improve basic riding and cornering skills.

The ride will be kept short, as an early and long journey to Pokhara is planned for the next day.

The adventure of the Lower Mustang Motorbike Tour begins! After breakfast in Kathmandu, we will set off on our motorcycles, leaving the bustling city behind. A support jeep will follow the group throughout the tour, providing assistance whenever needed.

After passing Kalanki and Thankot, we descend along the asphalt Prithvi Highway, riding beside the scenic Trishuli River. We will stop at a local market for a short break and refreshments before continuing the journey.

Next, we ride along the picturesque Mugling-Narayanghat Highway, which winds through lush rice terraces and the charming village of Bandipur. Along the way, we pass the sacred Manakamana Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, seeking her blessings for a safe journey. The stunning views of Ganesh, Fishtail, and Annapurna mountains gradually appear, offering a first glimpse of Nepal’s majestic Himalayas.

Finally, we arrive at Pokhara, often called the “pearl of the Himalayas.” Here, riders will experience their first true taste of Nepal’s breathtaking Himalayan landscape, setting the tone for the rest of the adventure.

If you want to start your day with a breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas, you can wake up early and ride your motorcycle to Sarangkot Viewpoint. This optional ride offers stunning panoramic views, but you can also skip it and get ready for another exciting day of adventure.

We will then leave Pokhara and ride along the scenic Baglung Highway, reaching Kushma. Here, you can test your riding skills as we cross the long suspension bridge before continuing to Baglung and then Beni, where a comfortable stop for lunch is planned.

After lunch, the journey takes us along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, flanked by some of the tallest mountains on Earth, including Dhaulagiri (8,167 m / 26,795 ft) and Annapurna (8,091 m / 26,545 ft).

The road becomes bumpy and dusty, challenging your riding skills until we reach Tatopani. From here, the road rises steadily to Dana (1,446 m / 4,744 ft). Along the way, take a moment to admire the beautiful Rupse Chhahara waterfall.

The ride continues as the road climbs to Ghasa Village (2,012 m / 6,601 ft) and then to Tukuche, where you can enjoy a delicious Thakali meal. Finally, we reach Kalopani, where a warm dinner and cozy accommodation await, giving you a chance to relax and recharge for the next day.

After breakfast, we continue our Upper Mustang motorbike adventure, heading steadily uphill. Our ride begins past Marpha, famously known as the Apple City, before moving toward Jomsom.

As we ascend, the air becomes crisp and refreshing, and the surrounding views are breathtaking, offering scenery that can leave even the most seasoned rider in awe. Our route follows the mighty Kali Gandaki River, riding along rocky slopes and rugged terrain toward Ekle Bhatti. Soon, we arrive at Kagbeni, where the landscape transforms into a dry but stunning desert-like scenery, motivating us to keep moving. At the edge of the village, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Checkpost will verify our permits before we continue.

Beyond the checkpost, the trail becomes rougher and rockier as we climb toward Tangbe. From here, the snow-capped Nilgiri peak, standing at 7,061 meters (23,168 ft), dominates the horizon, creating an exhilarating backdrop for our journey.

The route then takes us down a 10-kilometer (6.2 mi) descending track to Chhusang (2,980 m / 9,777 ft), continuing onward to Chele. From Chele, we tackle another uphill stretch until we reach Samar (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), where we will rest our bikes for the night and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

This stage of the Upper Mustang motorbike tour perfectly combines challenging mountain trails, stunning Himalayan views, and authentic Mustang culture, making it an unforgettable experience for riders.

After waking up in postcard-perfect surroundings, we begin our ride through the Mustang Kingdom and the Tibetan Highlands, experiencing one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich regions. The route ahead is hard, with steep climbs, cliffs, high passes, and rough pathways. Our first target is Syangboche La Pass at 3,850 m (12,631 ft), where the engines roar to conquer the high-altitude track. From the pass, we descend into the charming village of Syangboche, which leads us further toward Ghami at 3,520 m (11,545 ft). This small town is serene and beautiful, with narrow streets winding through its traditional houses.

As we continue, the red and gray cliffs begin to appear, and the trail gently rises past the long, impressive Mani Walls. Riders should be prepared for the steep and rocky climb up Mui La Pass at 4,170 m (13,681 ft), a highlight for those seeking high-altitude adventure.

From here, we descend toward Dhakmar Village, also known as Ghar Gompa, to visit the Lo-Ghekar Monastery, restored and famous for its stunning interior and scenic views. After this brief stop, the journey continues along the picturesque Charang Khola, guiding us to Tsarang/Charang Village. Perched above the Tsarang Chu Canyon, this enchanting settlement features a five-story Dzong, serving as both monastery and fortress.

Visitors can see at skillfully made thangkas and intricately carved Buddha statues within. Outside, the surrounding panorama is breathtaking, with views of Bhrikuti, Annapurna I, Tilicho, and Nilgiri towering over the valley.

Following the wider trail, we ride north and descend to Tsarang Chu at 3,900 m (12,795 ft), the natural boundary separating Charang from the Kingdom of Lo. The journey then climbs to the windy Lo La Pass at 3,950 m (12,959 ft) as we set our sights on the walled city of Lo Manthang, the heart of Upper Mustang.

This stage of the Upper Mustang motorbike tour offers a perfect mix of high-altitude riding, cultural exploration, and unforgettable Himalayan scenery, making it one of the most thrilling experiences for adventure riders in Nepal.

Today, we spend a full day in the capital of Mustang – Lo Manthang – immersing ourselves in its rich culture, history, and stunning architecture. This walled city is like a living museum, featuring centuries-old monasteries, caverns that date back thousands of years, and traditional Tibetan-style villages.

We start our day by visiting the local nomads. We check out their yak camps in the mountains and try yak milk tea, which is a common drink in Mustang's rural regions. Next, we go to some of the most famous monasteries in the area.. Highlights include the 15th-century Champa Lhakang, the 200-year-old Chode Gompa, and the vibrant red Thugchen Gompa, each showcasing the spiritual and artistic heritage of the Kingdom of Lo.

In the afternoon, we take a scenic 16 km (10 mi) ride east of Lo Manthang to Chhoser Village. This small Tibetan-style settlement is renowned for its ancient caves, which have attracted researchers, archaeologists, and historians from around the world. Among these, the Jhongu Cave system is particularly fascinating. The caves feature wooden ladders connecting multiple chambers, tunnels, and floors, spanning five levels, with some sections believed to be over 3,000 years old.

After exploring these remarkable caves and taking in the unique landscapes of Upper Mustang, we return to our lodge in Lo Manthang for the evening, reflecting on a day filled with cultural discovery and Himalayan adventure.

This experience makes the Upper Mustang motorbike tour one of the most unforgettable journeys in Nepal, offering the perfect combination of high-altitude riding, historical exploration, and cultural immersion.

After an unforgettable day exploring Lo Manthang, we begin our ride toward Muktinath, one of Nepal’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. The journey takes us through some of the most breathtaking landscapes of Upper Mustang, combining high-altitude riding with spectacular Himalayan scenery.

After leaving Lo Manthang, we begin with a gentle descent before taking on the rugged route to the windy Lo La Pass at 3,950 m (12,959 ft). From the pass, the trail unfolds into sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, turning every stretch of the ride into an unforgettable adventure.

The route continues past remote villages and along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, passing through areas that feel untouched by time. Riders will experience a mix of rocky trails, steep ascents, and open desert-like valleys that are typical of Mustang’s high-altitude terrain.

As we approach Muktinath at 3,710 m (12,172 ft), the sacred site comes into view, renowned for its temple and natural springs, which are considered holy by both Hindus and Buddhists. The arrival at Muktinath marks the perfect blend of adventure and spiritual discovery, offering riders a memorable stop to explore the temple, surroundings, and the serene Himalayan atmosphere.

Early in the morning, we will explore the Muktinath Temple and visit its 108 holy springs, believed to cleanse past sins. After breakfast, it’s time to continue our Lower Mustang Motorbike Tour toward Tatopani.

We will ride across Jhong Khola to return to Kagbeni, and as we move forward, the barren landscape gradually begins to change. The route takes us to Jomsom, from where we pass through the famous apple orchards and the town of Marpha, a perfect spot to taste fresh apple brandy and pies.

Continuing our ride, we traverse the picturesque Himalayan settlements of Tukuche, Lete, and Ghasa, before finally arriving at Tatopani.

The journey from Jomsom to Tatopani is mostly a downhill ride, descending about 1,000 m (3,281 ft). Riders need to stay alert, although the route is generally manageable. There are a few stretches where using the support jeep may be necessary.

Once we reach our lodge, there will be free time to relax and unwind in the natural thermal pools, enjoying the stunning view of Nilgiri smiling above us.

After breakfast, we will leave Tatopani and begin our ride back toward Pokhara. First, we will head a short distance to cross a bridge over the Kali Gandaki River.

The route takes us past a beautiful waterfall before reaching Tiplyang, followed by another bridge as we continue toward Baisari. Soon, we will arrive at Beni, from where we follow the smooth Baglung-Pokhara road back to Pokhara.

Once in Pokhara, you will have free time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. You can take a walk along the Phewa Lake shoreline, explore local cafes, or visit popular pubs and attractions in the city with your travel companions.

Our Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour comes to a close today as we begin the long ride back to Kathmandu. Leaving the majestic peaks of Annapurna, Ganesh, and Fishtail behind, we will pass along the Marshyangdi and Trishuli rivers one final time.

We will reach the bustling streets of Kathmandu by early evening, where the familiar comforts of the city will give our tired legs a well-deserved rest. In the evening, we will celebrate the completion of the tour with a refreshing drink and a delicious Nepali meal, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and memories from this Himalayan adventure.

Before departing for home, you may want to enjoy a quick shopping trip in Kathmandu to pick up souvenirs, local handicrafts, or gifts for family and friends. We hope that throughout your Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour, we have provided the high level of service and care you deserve, making your adventure safe, enjoyable, and memorable.

As a final gesture, our private transport will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in time for your scheduled departure. With this, your Lower Mustang Motorbike Tour comes to a close, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Himalayas, breathtaking landscapes, and the rich culture of Nepal.