The Grand Himalayan Circuit – Upper Mustang & Manang

Welcome to Pokhara, Nepal's adventure hub framed by the Phewa Lake and the iconic fish-tailed peak of Machapuchare (6,993m). Our expedition team meets you at Pokhara Airport and transfers you to our boutique lakeside hotel. In the afternoon, we assemble for motorcycle handovers—assigning your factory-prepared Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. We conduct a detailed expedition briefing, fit riding gear, and embark on a gentle shakedown ride up to the Pumdikot Shiva Viewpoint overlooking Phewa Lake to test throttle response and clutch feel. In the evening, gather for a traditional welcome dinner and route overview.

We roll out of Pokhara on smooth tarmac westward via Kushma, catching panoramic glimpses of the Annapurna range. Past Beni, the tarmac gives way to hard-packed gravel, river stones, and rushing mountain streams as we penetrate the colossal Kali Gandaki Gorge—the deepest canyon on earth, cleaved between the 8,000-meter giants of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m). We pass the steaming natural springs of Tatopani and cross roaring suspension bridges before climbing through alpine pine forests into Kalopani, where snow-draped Dhaulagiri dominates the skyline.

An exhilarating morning ride up the wind-sculpted riverbed towards Marpha, famous for whitewashed apple orchards, flagstone alleys, and local apple cider. Beyond Jomsom and the windy airstrip, the landscape morphs into an arid, high-altitude lunar plateau. We pause at medieval Kagbeni—the ancient Tibetan trade outpost guarding the entry to Upper Mustang—before tackling the paved mountain switchbacks climbing to sacred Muktinath (3,800m). Revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, the temple complex features 108 sacred water spouts and an eternal natural gas flame.

Today we clear the official Restricted Area Permit (RAP) checkpoint at Kagbeni and enter the once-forbidden Kingdom of Lo. We cross the Kali Gandaki riverbed and ascend the sheer rock face of Chele, navigating tight switchbacks, rocky ledges, and multi-colored clay canyons. Powering over high Himalayan passes including Taklam La (3,624m), Dawa La, and Syangboche (3,800m), we ride past Nepal’s longest Buddhist Mani wall in Ghami and the ancient palace of Tsarang. A final push over Lo La Pass (3,950m) reveals our first unforgettable sight of the medieval walled capital of Lo Manthang rising from the desert basin.

A dedicated exploration day in the cradle of ancient Tibetan civilization. In the morning, we ride north toward the Tibetan border to the astonishing multi-story cave complex of Shija Jhong in Chhoser—an intricate five-level honeycomb of over 40 interconnected rooms carved into vertical sandstone cliffs over 2,500 years ago. Visit the dramatic cave-dwelling monasteries of Nyphu and Garphu clinging to blood-red canyon walls. In the afternoon, explore inside the mud-brick battlements of Lo Manthang: walk through centuries-old alleys, visit the King’s Palace, and view pristine 15th-century frescoes at Jampa Lhakhang and Thubchen Gompa.

We bid farewell to the Forbidden Kingdom and retrace our path south across the windswept passes of Mustang. Riding in the reverse direction treats us to completely new angles of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountain ramparts towering against deep blue Himalayan skies. We power through gravel washes, cross crystal-clear glacial runoffs, and clear the Kagbeni restricted border post. Continuing down through Jomsom, we arrive in the idyllic Thakali village of Marpha by late afternoon. Stroll along pristine stone-paved lanes, tour family distilleries, and savor genuine Thakali cuisine.

Descending the southern half of the Kali Gandaki gorge, we drop rapidly from the arid rain shadow of the high Himalayas into lush subtropical bamboo groves and roaring cascades. We ride past the thundering Rupse Falls and navigate gravel trails through Tatopani, where the road gradually broadens back into asphalt past Beni and Kushma. Arrive back in Pokhara by late afternoon. Wash off the Mustang trail dust, enjoy a sunset drink on Lakeside, and recharge for the second leg of the expedition into the Annapurna Circuit.

Today marks the start of the dramatic eastern loop into the Annapurna Circuit! Leaving Pokhara on the Prithvi Highway, we ride eastward through fertile river valleys to Dumre before turning north to Besisahar—the historic gateway of the Annapurna Circuit. From here, the tarmac ends and extreme Himalayan adventure begins. We tackle the formidable Marsyangdi River canyon, riding beneath towering vertical granite cliffs, crossing thundering wooden suspension bridges, and splashing through cascades cascading across rocky ledges. After clearing Dharapani checkpost, we climb into pine forests to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, greeted by close-up views of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II.

One of the most visually breathtaking rides on earth. We leave Chame and pass through the apple orchards of Bhratang, riding alongside the curving rock amphitheater of Paungda Danda—a sheer, seamless 1,500m slab of polished slate rising into the sky known as the 'Gateway to Heaven'. Climbing past Dhukur Pokhari, we take the scenic upper track through Pisang, opening up colossal amphitheater vistas of Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna. Passing the high-altitude airstrip at Humde and the 500-year-old cliffside monastery of Braga, we cruise into the ancient Tibetan settlement of Manang (3,519m) beneath turquoise glacial lakes.

Savor the morning sunrise illuminating the icefall of Gangapurna and the Annapurna peaks. We begin our descent down the Marsyangdi valley, navigating technical loose gravel switchbacks, rocky drops, and wooden suspension bridges. The high desert gives way once more to towering pine forests around Chame and sheer canyon drops near Timang. By late afternoon, we reach the idyllic village of Tal (1,700m)—a magical hidden hamlet nestled on the flat sandy banks of a serene river basin at the base of a spectacular 100-meter waterfall. Enjoy an evening of bonfire and camaraderie by the river.

We descend the final rugged stretch of the Marsyangdi canyon past roaring waterfalls, returning to tarmac at Besisahar. Cruising along the flowing river road to Dumre, we begin a scenic serpentine climb of 8 km up a winding mountain ridge to Bandipur (1,030m). Bandipur is a preserved living museum of Newari architecture—a hilltop trading town where motor vehicles are banned on the central bazaar. Wander along stone-paved main streets lined with 18th-century tiered wooden mansions, brass lanterns, and open-air cafes, enjoying panoramic views across the Himalayan arc from Dhaulagiri to Langtang.

Wake up to a magical sunrise above the morning clouds cloaking the Marsyangdi valley below. After breakfast on a heritage wooden balcony, we ride down the ridge to Dumre and join the smooth, sweeping asphalt of the Prithvi Highway back toward Pokhara. We cruise past terraced paddy fields, lush hill country, and bustling market towns before making our grand entrance into Pokhara by midday. Check back into our luxury lakeside resort. The afternoon is free for celebratory lakeside beers, massage therapy, or relaxing by the pool.

A well-deserved full rest and recovery day in Nepal’s most tranquil destination. Sleep in, take an optional early morning ride up to Sarangkot for sunrise over the Annapurna massif, or enjoy a tranquil wooden boat cruise on Phewa Lake. Explore Pokhara’s vibrant cafes, gear shops, and lakeside promenade. In the evening, our team hosts an unforgettable expedition celebration dinner with cocktails, awards, dispatches, and certificates commemorating your completion of the ultimate Nepal motorcycle circuit.

Savor a final relaxed breakfast overlooking Phewa Lake and the snow peaks of Machapuchare. Our support team assists with luggage transfers and drives you to Pokhara International Airport (PKR) for your domestic flight to Kathmandu or connecting international departures. Head home with unforgettable memories, lifelong riding bonds, and the pride of conquering both Upper Mustang and the Annapurna Circuit.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

Liquid-Cooled Sherpa 452cc • 40 PS • Showa USD Suspension

Provided with dual-sport tires, heavy-duty engine crash bars, sump plate, USB-C rapid charger, and luggage racks.

Dedicated 4x4 Mobile Workshop Rig

Luggage Transfer • Spares • Emergency Backup Bike • Medical Oxygen

Dedicated 4x4 Mahindra Scorpio Support Rig carrying all rider luggage, spare parts, precision mobile tool workshop, emergency medical oxygen, and master technician on the entire circuit.

What special permits are required for the Grand Himalayan Circuit expedition?

All required permits are fully included in the tour package: the USD Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, and TIMS card. Nepal Bike Tours manages the complete permit application process. Riders only need to present their original passport with at least 6 months validity and a valid motorcycle driving license with an International Driving Permit (IDP).

What is the total duration and distance of this motorcycle tour?

The Grand Himalayan Circuit spans 14 days (13 nights) and covers approximately 1,150 kilometers (715 miles) across two Himalayan valleys. The route starts and finishes in Pokhara, reaching a maximum elevation of 4,100 meters at the ancient Chhoser sky caves.

Where does this 14-day expedition start and finish?

The expedition starts and finishes in Pokhara (PKR), Nepal. Complimentary airport reception on Day 1 and private departure transfers on Day 14 at Pokhara International Airport are included. Domestic flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara take 25 minutes and operate regularly every day.

How does this 14-day circuit compare to the 11-day Manang Mustang or 10-day Upper Mustang tours?

This 14-day Grand Circuit is Nepal's only dual-flank expedition combining both the restricted Upper Mustang Forbidden Kingdom and the high Annapurna Circuit. Unlike the 10-day tour (which focuses only on Mustang) or the 11-day tour (which reaches only Lower Mustang Muktinath), this route takes riders all the way to walled Lo Manthang and Chhoser ( RAP included), and also ascends the Marsyangdi River canyon into Manang (3,519m) and Bandipur.

Which motorcycle model is provided and what support accompanies riders?

Every rider receives a factory-prepared Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 with fuel included. The expedition is led by an experienced Himalayan road captain and shadowed by a dedicated 4x4 mobile workshop chase rig carrying all rider luggage, spare tires, aviation-grade tools, and emergency medical oxygen.

What riding experience and difficulty level is required?

The Grand Himalayan Circuit is graded Challenging. Riders should have intermediate-to-advanced dual-sport or adventure riding experience. You will navigate high-altitude unpaved mountain tracks, rocky riverbeds, steep switchbacks, and water crossings with professional guide pacing.

Can I bring a pillion passenger or non-riding family member?

Yes. Pillion passengers can ride on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, and non-riding family members or friends can travel comfortably inside our air-conditioned 4x4 Mahindra Scorpio expedition chase vehicle with panoramic Himalayan window views.

What is the booking, cancellation and refund policy?

Deposits can be transferred to any future scheduled departure or alternate route up to 60 days before the tour without penalty. Cancellation schedule: 90+ days before departure: 100% balance refund; 89–60 days before departure: 50% refund; <60 days before departure: No Refund (riders claim through travel insurance).