Upper Mustang Motorcycle Tour

Welcome to Pokhara, the starting point of our Upper Mustang adventure! Our team will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel near beautiful Phewa Lake. After settling in, we’ll introduce you to your fellow riders, hand over your Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and go through the expedition briefing. Later, we’ll head out for a short ride to Pumdikot Viewpoint, where you’ll get your first spectacular views of the Annapurna mountains. It’s a great opportunity to get comfortable with your motorcycle before the real adventure begins. We’ll finish the day with a relaxed welcome dinner by the lake.

Our adventure begins as we leave Pokhara and follow the Kali Gandaki River towards the mighty Himalayas. The scenery changes quickly, with green valleys giving way to deep gorges, waterfalls and towering mountain peaks. Along the way, we’ll stop at the impressive Rupse Waterfall, one of the most beautiful sights on this route. If road conditions allow, we’ll also take a detour to peaceful Titi Lake, surrounded by forests and traditional mountain villages. As we ride higher, the magnificent peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri begin to dominate the skyline. By late afternoon, we’ll reach Kalopani, where we’ll spend our first night surrounded by the Himalayas.

Today’s ride takes us deeper into Mustang, where the green valleys slowly turn into rugged mountain desert. We’ll pass through Marpha, famous for its apple orchards and charming whitewashed houses, before continuing towards Jomsom. Along the way, we’ll visit the beautiful turquoise waters of Dhumba Lake and stop at Jomsom View Tower for some incredible Himalayan views. Our next stop is Kagbeni, an ancient trading village with narrow streets and traditional Tibetan architecture. From here, the road climbs towards sacred Muktinath, one of Nepal’s most important pilgrimage destinations. Surrounded by towering mountains and colourful prayer flags, it’s a memorable place to spend the night.

Today is one of the most exciting days of our expedition as we enter the legendary restricted region of Upper Mustang. Leaving Muktinath behind, we ride towards Kagbeni and enter the restricted region of Upper Mustang. The landscape changes dramatically as green valleys give way to rugged desert trails, colourful cliffs and remote villages shaped by centuries of Tibetan culture. Beyond Ghami, the route takes us towards the extraordinary red cliffs of Dhakmar, where winding mountain tracks and ancient canyons make for some of the expedition’s most memorable riding. By late afternoon, we reach Tsarang, a historic village known for its centuries-old monastery and former royal palace. Tonight, we stay in Tsarang, giving us time to explore the village rather than simply passing through on the way to Lo Manthang.

It’s a shorter ride today, but easily one of the most memorable of the entire expedition. We cross Mustang’s vast desert plateau, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and endless Himalayan landscapes. As we approach Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo slowly comes into view. After arriving, we’ll spend the afternoon wandering through its narrow streets, exploring centuries-old monasteries and discovering the city’s fascinating Tibetan heritage. There’s something special about being in a place where traditions and everyday life have changed so little over the centuries. Best of all, we’re staying here for two nights, giving us plenty of time to explore without rushing.

Today is all about exploring the hidden treasures of Upper Mustang beyond the walls of Lo Manthang. We’ll ride towards the remote village of Chhoser, home to the mysterious Sky Caves carved into towering cliffs centuries ago. Exploring these ancient caves gives us a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited this remote Himalayan region. Along the way, we’ll visit traditional Tibetan villages and ancient monasteries, getting a closer look at the local culture and way of life. If conditions allow, we’ll also stop at Namgyal Gompa, beautifully positioned above the surrounding valleys. We’ll return to Lo Manthang in the afternoon, leaving plenty of time to wander through the old town and enjoy another peaceful evening in the Forbidden Kingdom.

It’s time to leave the Forbidden Kingdom behind, but there’s still plenty of incredible riding ahead. We make our way back through Upper Mustang’s dramatic desert canyons, rocky trails and colourful mountain landscapes. This is one of our longer riding days, with a mix of rocky tracks, gravel and mountain roads. Travel times can vary depending on road conditions and the group’s pace, so we’ll plan our stops accordingly. Even though we’re retracing parts of our route, the views feel completely different as we head south towards the Kali Gandaki Valley. As we descend past Kagbeni and Jomsom, the barren desert gradually gives way to greener mountain scenery. By late afternoon, we’ll reach Marpha, one of Mustang’s most charming villages, famous for its whitewashed houses and apple orchards. We’ll spend the evening exploring its cobbled streets, trying some local apple products and enjoying traditional Thakali food.

Our final riding day takes us back through the spectacular Kali Gandaki Valley towards Pokhara. Leaving Marpha behind, we follow winding mountain roads as the rugged landscapes slowly give way to green hills, forests and beautiful river valleys. Along the way, we’ll stop at Kushma to see its impressive suspension bridge and enjoy some final views of the Himalayas. The ride offers a wonderful mix of scenery and a chance to reflect on everything we’ve experienced over the past week. By late afternoon or early evening, depending on road conditions and our stops along the way, we’ll arrive back in Pokhara for a well-earned rest beside Phewa Lake.

After days of riding through the rugged landscapes of Upper Mustang, today is all about slowing down and enjoying Pokhara at your own pace. We’ll have the opportunity to visit the International Mountain Museum, where fascinating exhibits tell the stories of Himalayan mountaineering, legendary climbers and the people who call these mountains home. You can also explore Pokhara’s colourful local markets, browse for souvenirs or spend some time discovering the cafés and shops around Lakeside. For those who prefer to relax, a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake or simply unwinding at the hotel is just as good an option. With no riding schedule to follow, the day is yours to enjoy however you like. It’s a well-deserved break after our Himalayan adventure and a chance to soak up the atmosphere of Pokhara before heading home.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Pokhara and the friends we’ve made along the way. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for one last coffee by Phewa Lake or a final glimpse of the Annapurna mountains. Our team will arrange your transfer to Pokhara Airport for your onward journey home. Over the past ten days, we’ve ridden through some of Nepal’s most spectacular landscapes, explored ancient Tibetan villages and discovered the legendary Kingdom of Lo. The motorcycles may be parked, but the memories of incredible roads, shared adventures and new friendships will stay with us long after the journey ends. Until next time, keep exploring and keep riding!

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 backup vehicle carrying luggage, tools & spare parts, accompanied by professional ride leaders, dedicated mechanics & support crew with comprehensive safety briefings and first-aid throughout.

What special permits are required for the Upper Mustang Motorcycle Tour?

Upper Mustang is a regulated Restricted Area near the Tibetan border. We arrange and include all mandatory government permits in your tour package, including the Special Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Where does this 10-day Upper Mustang expedition start and finish?

The 10-day, 725 km expedition starts and finishes in Pokhara (PKR), Nepal. Airport transfers in Pokhara on Day 1 (arrival) and Day 10 (departure) are included, along with a dedicated lakeside recovery and sightseeing day on Day 9.

What motorcycle is provided for this expedition?

All riders are equipped with factory-prepared Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycles (Liquid-Cooled Sherpa 452cc, 40 PS, Showa USD forks, switchable rear ABS), including fuel and scheduled mechanical maintenance throughout the ride.

What riding experience and fitness level are required for Upper Mustang?

Upper Mustang features rocky Kali Gandaki gorge trails, gravel switchbacks, river crossings, and high-altitude desert riding up to 3,840m in Lo Manthang. Riders should hold a valid motorcycle license with an International Driving Permit (IDP) and have solid intermediate off-road or adventure touring experience.

How does luggage transfer and 4x4 mechanical support work?

A dedicated 4x4 support vehicle travels with the group carrying all rider luggage, spare parts, tools, first-aid supplies, and medical oxygen, accompanied by experienced road captains and an in-house motorcycle mechanic.

When is the best season to ride to Upper Mustang and Lo Manthang?

The prime riding windows are Spring (March to June) and Autumn (September to November), when skies are clear, mountain views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri are sharpest, and high-desert temperatures in Lo Manthang are ideal for riding.

Is the Upper Mustang Motorcycle Tour suitable for beginners?

No. The expedition is designed for riders with previous adventure motorcycling experience. Participants should be comfortable riding on gravel, rocky mountain roads and uneven terrain at high altitude.

How many nights do we spend in Lo Manthang?

The itinerary includes two nights in Lo Manthang, allowing riders to explore the historic walled city, visit monasteries and take a guided excursion towards Chhoser Sky Caves

What are the road conditions like on the Upper Mustang motorcycle route?

The route combines paved mountain roads, gravel tracks, rocky sections and remote Himalayan trails. Conditions become more demanding as we travel beyond Kagbeni towards Tsarang and Lo Manthang, with loose surfaces, uneven terrain and occasional steep sections. Road conditions can change due to weather, maintenance work and seasonal conditions.The route combines paved mountain roads, gravel tracks, rocky sections and remote Himalayan trails. Conditions become more demanding as we travel beyond Kagbeni towards Tsarang and Lo Manthang, with loose surfaces, uneven terrain and occasional steep sections. Road conditions can change due to weather, maintenance work and seasonal conditions.The route combines paved mountain roads, gravel tracks, rocky sections and remote Himalayan trails. Conditions become more demanding as we travel beyond Kagbeni towards Tsarang and Lo Manthang, with loose surfaces, uneven terrain and occasional steep sections. Road conditions can change due to weather, maintenance work and seasonal conditions.

How do international riders reach Pokhara for the Upper Mustang Motorcycle Tour?

Our 10-day Upper Mustang Motorcycle Tour starts and finishes in Pokhara. Most international riders arrive in Kathmandu before travelling to Pokhara by domestic flight or road. We recommend allowing extra time for international connections and possible travel delays. Airport transfers in Pokhara are included on the scheduled arrival and departure days.

What happens if my motorcycle breaks down during the expedition?

Our Upper Mustang expeditions include dedicated mechanical support and a 4x4 backup vehicle carrying tools, spare parts and rider luggage. Minor mechanical problems can often be repaired along the route. If a more serious issue occurs, our support team will assess the situation and arrange the most practical solution based on the location and available resources.

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