An Upper Mustang motorcycle tour is an exceptional privilege that allows you to experience the authentic way of life of mountain dwellers who have had limited contact with the rest of Nepal for centuries. This rare journey enables you to witness the region’s rich cultural heritage, which has been preserved by locals. Upper Mustang, part of the Tibetan plateau, was once a separate kingdom within Nepal until 1950, and the last king still resides in the ancient capital, Lo Mustang.
Access to Upper Mustang is strictly regulated, with non-Nepalese visitors only permitted in the last 15 years. To venture further north of Kagbeni on an Upper Mustang motorcycle tour, you must hold a special driving permit and be accompanied by a government-appointed official. The journey is a kin to a motorcycle tour in Tibet, as both are located on the same plateau.
Upper Mustang motorcycle tours are well-suited for motorcycle riding and hiking, even during monsoons. Although it can be windy and dusty throughout the year, the Upper Kali Gandaki valley remains relatively dry during this time, with occasional rains. The tour is not particularly challenging, with the highest point reaching only 3,800 meters. However, conditions can be difficult, particularly during the winter months, when it’s best to avoid walking due to severe weather.
Accommodation facilities above Kagbeni are limited, and groups must be self-sufficient, particularly with regards to fuel. While porters are available from Jomsom, it’s advisable to use mules, which are more affordable and eco-friendly.
If you’re interested in visiting the ancient capital, Lo Manthang, on an Upper Mustang motorcycle tour, it takes a minimum of four days. You should also spend an additional day to enjoy the sights and sounds of this unique walled settlement. If you wish, you can rent ponies for your journey. You can either take the same route back or an alternative route along the east coast of Kali Gandaki. In any case, an Upper Mustang motorcycle tour provides a unique and unforgettable experience.
Outline Itinenary;
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1,370 m) / Welcome Dinner
Day 02: Day activities as per discussion with group.
Day 03: Ride Kathmandu to Pokhara. (210 Km) 6Hrs.
Day 04: Ride Pokhara to Kalopani (1,190 m) (105 Km) 4Hrs.
Day 05: Ride Tatopani to Muktinath (3,750 m) (71 Km) 4Hrs.
Day 06: Ride Muktinath to Lo- Manthang (3,840 m) (56 Km) 4:15 Hrs.
Day 07: Ride around Lo-Manthang (3,840 m)
Day 08: Ride Lo-Manthang to Kagbeni (2,840 m) (47 Km) 4 Hrs.
Day 09: Ride Kagbeni to Tatopani via Marpha (2,530 m) (48 Km) 4Hrs.
Day 10: Ride Tatopani to Pokhara (827 m) (126 Km) 5Hrs.
Day 11: Ride Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,370 m) (210 Km) 6Hrs.
Day 12: Final Departure
Upon arrival meet the representative who waits with name board at the airport and transfer to the Hotel. Guest will be welcomed with the welcome drink at the hotel and the rooms will be assigned. 18:00 Hrs: A short briefing about the tour will be carried out at the hotel lobby. Later proceed for a welcome dinner at typical Nepali Restaurant. Bhojan Griha is located in Dilli Bazar is an authentic Nepali Restaurant. It is an old Nepali Building which is more than 100 years old; it is historical & artistic building of former royal priest. There is a one-hour Nepali folk dance program. The main meal (dinner or lunch) is served with a choice of either table sitting or Nepali style floor sitting. After the dinner drive to hotel.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: is an ancient palace of art and large building built by the King of Mala in the middle Ages. It is located in the center of Kathmandu and is busy most of the time. The pillars, buildings and windows of the palace reflect art, architecture, craftsmanship and design. There are many small temples around the palace that give it a fascinating look. The palace is also known as Hanuman Dhoka. A large statue of Hanuman was placed in front of a door in Durbar, whose name was Hanuman Dhoka. Built in the 14th century, this magical palace is the crown of the king when he ruled the monarchy. Since 1997, it has been on the list of UNESCO heritage sites in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, we negotiate the traffic out of the Kathmandu city and ride out of the valley, just past Thankot. From here, the road twists and turns as we negotiate the traffic and descend to Naubise, Then the road becomes much larger and a much smoother enjoyable ride on the highway. We continue ride to Mugling, the junction where the highway bifurcates, South to Chitwan and West to Pokhara. Head west crossing the bridge and follow the Marshyangdi River for about 25 kilometers which lead us Dumre town. Continue for another 2 hours for Pokhara. Pokhara stands at 884 meters above sea level and is an ideal vacationer’s paradise. With its crystal-clear lakes, magnificent views of the Annapurna Mountain Range, and bustling but quaint lakeside bazaar, it is a major tourist attraction. Upon arrival at Pokhara check in to the hotel and after resting for a while proceed for the sightseeing tour.
After an early breakfast, leave Pokhara and ride towards Beni (70 KM) on the Baglung Highway. This section of the ride provides fantastic mountain vistas, picturesque terraced farmlands and a opportunity to walk on one of Nepal’s famous suspension bridges. Beni, It is located on the confluence of Kali Ghandaki and Myagdi rivers at an altitude of 799 meters and From here, the road is unpaved and dusty with potholes in several places. Unpaved, graveled rough road poses a real challenge for riders and makes it more difficult with the occasional river crossings. Ascend gradually through the Kali Gandiki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. Upon arrival at Kalopani we check in to the Lodge. Rest of the day is free to relax or explore around the village and take a relaxing dip in the Hot Springs located nearby
After an early breakfast, set out on the trail by following the Kali Gandaki River and passing Villages to Dana, Ghasa, Tukuche and Kalopani. Enroute, there are fantastic views of the Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Tukuche (6920m), and Nilgiri (7061m). As we pass between the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Mountain range, a dramatic change in vegetation is witnessed from green forests, to dry arid desert. It takes gradual acclimatizing with the Surrounding. Continue the ride towards Jomsom through the dusty graveled “off” road passing smaller settlements and apple orchards. This day’s journey is a tough one but the scenic views of the rugged landscape, beautiful cascading waterfalls, orange and apple orchards, scattered roadside villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries all make it ‘One Hell of a Ride”. From here continue ride passing through the village on the desert plateau brings us to Muktinath “Place of Salvation”. Upon arrival at Muktinath we check in to the guest house. Late PM: Visit Muktinath Temple. A sacred place both for Hindus and Buddhists and is located at an altitude of 3,710 meters at the foot of the Thorong La (5416 m Pass).
After breakfast, ride backtracking all the way till the outskirts of Kagbeni and then turn northeast and ride to Chhuksang Village, the entry point of the restricted Upper Mustang region. Restricted area permits are checked here at the Police Check post. After completing the permits work, we continue our ride to Geling. As we pass Kagbeni village we will be riding on the bank of Kali Gandaki River. Kali Meals (Black) and the water of the river are black in color. In Chele we will be able to see the river tunnels. Upon arrival at Samar, we rest for a while and take lunch. After lunch continue our ride to Lo-Manthang. Lo-Manthang served as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Mustang, which survives as the Kingdom of Lo or “Upper Mustang”. Lo Manthang was founded in 1380 by Ame Pal, who oversaw construction of the city wall and many of the still-standing structures in the early 15th century. The monarchy officially ceased to exist on October 7, 2008 by Nepali Government order. The last king (raja or gyelpo) is JigmeDorjePalbarBista (born c. 1933), in the direct line of the historic monarchy dating back 25 generations to 1380. The population includes ethnic Lhobas. Upon arrival at Lo-Manthang we check in to the lodge and rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around the kingdom of Lo-Manthang. .
The major Temples inside the walls are Champa Lakhang (God House) which houses the massive 45 ft. statue of Maitreva, the future Buddha, the red Thugchen Gompa with several large images of Sakyamuni, Avalokitesvara and Maitreya, and the Chyodi Gompa of the Sakya sect which has several monks in residence and is the site of the annual Mani Rimdu festival in many which is referred as ‘tegi’ in Lomanthang. They are all supposed to have been built in 1420. Despite the apparent squalor of Lo Manthang, the city is prosperous and maintains a strong sense of community. Though the people call themselves Lobas- people from Lo, they are very much Tibetan and practice a sophisticated culture and economy. After a leisurely breakfast, we get ready for the days adventure. Today we are going to visit one of the most interesting sites of the pre human settlement in this unexplored valley and famously known Caves of Chhoser and magnificent landscape and Nymphu monastery built on the cliffs. On our way back we can also visit the Namgyal village and monastery. As you approach the Chhoser village, you could see numerous caves in the front of the cliff that once use to be the home of the pre historic Loba’s and the monks. After the sightseeing tour, we back to the city of Lo, for hot lunch. Rest of the day at leisure or free to explore the walled village.
After breakfast we ride back track to Kagbeni following the same trail. We have Lunch at convent place on the way. Kagbeni at an altitude of 2840 meters is a gateway to Upper Mustang. It is a fascinating medieval village with closely packed mud brick houses, dark alleys and imposing chortens. The village stands in a little green oasis dominated by its red monastery. Though the village has a very medieval looks but has all the modern amenities that a travelers require. This village also boasts of a Monastery. The monks here are of the yellow hat or the Gelup Sect and are only recently opened to the visitors with a legitimate entrance fee of Rs 100, which they collect for the maintenance of school. Upon arrival at Kagbeni we check in to the lodge and rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around Kagbeni Village.
After later breakfast visit the Kagbeni village and later continue ride to Jomsom. Jomsom is approximately 11 kilometers from Kagbeni. Upon arrival at Jomsom we complete the paper works and later continue further 25 kilometers, about 1 ½ hour slow ride to Kalopani via Marpha Village. Sightseeing tour of Marpha village. Marpha is at an elevation of 2670 meters. Marpha is famous for its apple orchards and apple products. This large Thakali village exhibits the typical Thak Khola architecture of flat roofs and narrow paved alleys and passageways. It also has a monastery. Marpha is a pretty stone lined village which has survived the transition to the current time, by catering to trekkers and tourists. After the sightseeing tours of Marpha take lunch at nearby restaurant or lodge. After lunch continue ride for another 2 ½ hour to Tatopani. “Tato” means ‘hot’ and “Pani” means ‘water’, a name earned courtesy of the hot springs and is a popular place for trekkers to relax and dip their weary bodies in the natural hot springs. Upon arrival at Tatopani we check in to the guest house. Rest of the day is free to relax or explore around the village.
It is a pleasant relief to be able to tackle the roughest section of the journey in the early morning. Descend to Tatopani (21 kilometers) and then continue riding back to the settlement of Jaleswor located close to the river and then continue on to beni. After a quick stop for a quick, set out following the trail along the river and the after about an hour meet the main highway at Maldhunga and then continue of the metalled road to Pokhara which is reached in about 2 ½ hours. Upon arrival at Pokhara we check in to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax or explore around the Lakeside Bazaar.
After we negotiate the traffic out of the Pokhara city. We arrive to Mugling. So from Mugling since we are riding from Pokhara we will not take south we will keep riding the same highway to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu check in to the hotel and rest of the day is free to relax and explore around the city. Bid farewell to the Road Captain and mechanic transfer to the Hotel. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey sharing experience and comment our service. Evening 6:30 PM we will have a farewell dinner at tourist categories restaurant where our guest experience relaxing atmosphere, peace of mind and to enjoy the diverse and delicious cuisine. Extensive choices are side and main dishes as well as nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages. Overnight at the Hotel.
Free until the flight time and later will be dropped till the airport for the final departure
-Arrival and departure arrangement
-Accommodation in Kathmandu twin sharing room with breakfast
– Accommodation in local hotel/ guest houses in Tibet on twin sharing with breakfast
-Tibet travel permit and visa
-Royal Enfield Motorbike on hire for 8 days -Motorbike fuel -Permit of Motorbike and immigration deposit for security
-Backup transportation in the entire trip -A professional mechanic with a proper toolbox –
Government license holder Professional Tibetan guide
-Immigration formalities -Management of emergency evacuation
-First Aid box
-Government taxes and all service charge
.o Lunch and Dinner in entire tour o Bottled drinks including drinking water, bar bills o Personal equipment and riding gears o Cost of emergency evacuation in case of need o Medical expenses o Personal trip insurance o Any tipping o Any cost in damage in motorbike, any parts exchange in Motorbike during your riding
Note:
-3 working days is required for Tibetan visa in Nepal
-You do not need to obtain a visa or any permits, we do look after every arrangement
