Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour - 14 Days

Motorcycle Ride through Kaligandaki Gorge Up to Lo Manthan, Tibet Border

Trip Facts

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Group Size: Minimum 2
  • Trip Type: Motorbike Tour
  • Experience: Expertise Bike Drive
  • Food: As Per Itinerary
  • Best Season: March - June | Sep - Dece
  • Requirement: International Driving License
  • Transport: As Per Itinerary
  • Max Elevation: 3,840m | 12,598ft

Highlights

  • Visiting world heritage historical monuments in Kathmandu.
  • Experience a mountain view flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu.
  • Explore beautiful natural sights in Pokhara.
  • The trip is a lifetime experience, a motorbike ride through typical villages, caves, and mountains.
  • The bike ride starts from 8,20m up to 4,000m high altitude gain.
  • Start your riding at the lowland, greener, and reach the scenic Tibetan plateau Upper Mustang.
  • You'll ride the motorcycle through the world's deepest gorge bank of Kaligandaki holy river.

About Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour - 14 Days

The Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour is a popular adventure in Nepal, specifically in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges. This scenic journey takes enthusiasts riders through the Mustang region's remote, semi-arid desert landscape, known for its unique Tibetan culture, ancient monasteries, and stunning views of the Himalayas. The Upper Mustang Motorbike tour offers an incredible experience for motorcycle enthusiasts.

The motorcycle tour to Upper Mustang, a restricted area in the north-central part of Nepal, is often called the "Last Forbidden Kingdom." Historically, this region was closed to foreigners until 1992. Now, it is protected due to its rich cultural heritage and fragile environment. The area is renowned for its Tibetan Buddhist influence, ancient caves, monasteries, and unique landscapes featuring rock formations, cliffs, and desert terrain.

The Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour offers a spectacular view of the mountains and a chance to experience the breathtaking journey of a lifetime. This tour takes you through the Upper Mustang region, allowing you to connect with its rich cultural heritage. A guide from Nepal Spirit Adventure will accompany you to the Tibetan Plateau at high altitudes, where you can enjoy stunning landscapes and views of the snow-capped peaks of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Bhirkuti, Damodar, and the Mustang Himalayas, as well as the Annapurna range.

Why should you visit the Upper Mustang of Nepal? 

  • Rich Tibetan Cultural Experience: The area is home to unique Tibetan Buddhist traditions and practices. The region has preserved its culture, and visiting the monasteries and meeting locals will give you a deep understanding of their way of life.
  • Indulging in Breathtaking Scenery: The stark desert landscapes, ancient caves, and the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayas are awe-inspiring. The Kali Gandaki River Valley, deep gorges, and panoramic mountain views are some of the highlights.
  • Understanding Historical Significance: Upper Mustang’s walled city of Lo Manthang and the caves and monasteries tell the stories of centuries-old Buddhist practices. The area was once a kingdom that existed for centuries and had significant influence in the region.
  • Adventure: Riding a motorbike through some of the most challenging terrain in the world is an unforgettable experience for motorbike enthusiasts and adventure lovers. 

What are the major attractions of the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour?

During your Upper motorbike tour of Nepal, you will encounter numerous exciting places including;

  • Lo Manthang: The ancient walled city and capital of Upper Mustang. Here, you can visit the royal palace, explore monasteries, and immerse yourself in Tibetan Buddhist culture.
  • Tiji Festival (if timing allows): This religious festival, held in May, is a highlight for those visiting during that time.
  • Caves of Upper Mustang: Discover ancient cave dwellings carved into the cliffs, such as the Chhoser Caves.
  • Ghar Gumba: Visit one of the oldest monasteries in the region.
  • Jomsom: A popular rest stop and gateway to Upper Mustang, Jomsom is known for its apple orchards and rich local culture.  

Why should you choose a Motorbike Tour to the Upper Mustang?

  • Adventure: Riding a motorbike through the rugged terrain of Upper Mustang adds an extra layer of excitement compared to traditional trekking.
  • Accessibility: A motorbike tour enables you to cover more ground in less time, making it easier to visit remote villages and historical sites.
  • Flexibility: Motorbike tours provide greater freedom for stops and detours, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
  • Cultural Experience: The region's rich Tibetan culture is best experienced with the flexibility and speed that a motorbike offers. You’ll have the opportunity to visit ancient monasteries, interact with locals, and learn more about the area's history and religion.

When is the best season for the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour?

The best time to go on an Upper Mustang motorbike tour is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons, when the weather is most favorable. To be specific and picky, the Autumn season (September, October, and November) is the best time to embark on the motorbike tour to the Upper Mustang. The simple reason is the clearance of weather and good accessibility of road trails after monsoon season.

What is the Permit Cost for the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour?

Traveling to Upper Mustang by motorbike/ trekking requires special permits because it is restricted. To undertake the motorbike tour and need a minimum of two people to obtain the permit is called a Restricted Area Permit (RAP). This is mandatory for entering Upper Mustang. The RAP can be obtained through a licensed trekking or tour agency. We need also another permit called the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), the Upper Mustang lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need an ACAP.

Cost: Restricted area permit cost per person is USD 500 a 10-day and the additional cost for any extra days is 50 dollars per day. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit costs USD 23 per person.

What are the Safety measurements for the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour?

  • Experienced Riders Only: Upper Mustang's roads can be rough and challenging, especially in the higher altitudes. It is recommended that participants have previous motorbike riding experience.
  • Motorbike Condition: Ensure the motorbike is well-maintained and suitable for the terrain (most tours provide sturdy off-road bikes like Royal Enfield).
  • Altitude: The region sits at a high altitude, so take precautions against altitude sickness. Be sure to acclimatize properly, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Travel Insurance: Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers both medical emergencies and motorcycle accidents.

What are the Terms of the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour?

You must present your permit before entering the Upper Mustang. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs $30 USD per person, must be purchased in addition to the limited permit. According to Nepali government regulations, a minimum of two individuals must hike to qualify for the Upper Mustang Motorbike tour.

Suitable Motorbike:

Dirt bikes are excellent for a more comfortable and appropriate motorbike ride to the upper Mustang. However, Nepal and Kathmandu have fewer of these bikes due to the higher daily rental costs. We strongly suggest the Royal Enfield Classic or Himalayan. Although there are various company bakes, such as Bajaj, RE Classic is best for heavy bodies, and RE Himalayan is best for light bodies.

Motorbike Tour to Upper Mustang

An Upper Mustang motorbike tour is an incredible opportunity to experience one of the last untouched corners of the Himalayas. The adventure of riding through remote villages, encountering ancient Tibetan culture, and exploring stunning landscapes makes it an ideal trip for those looking for a blend of adventure and cultural immersion.

 

Itinerary

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Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal! As soon as you come out of the Kathmandu airport, you will find our representative waiting for you in the waiting area right outside the arrival lounge. You will be warmly greeted and welcomed by the representative and led to the vehicle. Our vehicle will take you to the trip hotel, most of the time in Thamel, which is a 20-30-minute drive, depending upon traffic, from the airport.

After you check into the hotel, you can take relaxing time on your own as there are no activities scheduled for today, we are happy to collect your original passport to apply for the special upper Mustang motorbike permit by the next day overnight in the hotel. 

  • Meals: Breakfast for Day-2
  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Location: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,315m | 4,314ft
  • Transportation: Private Vehicle

Today full day in Kathmandu, and you may be interested in visiting Kathmandu's cultural heritage sites, while we are applying for the Upper Mustang special tour permit. Late afternoon introduction with tour guide overnight in hotel.
Melas Includes: Breakfast

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Location: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,315 m | 4,314 feet

Breakfast, transfer to the airport as per Pokhara flight schedule about 30 minutes scenic Himalayan mountain view flight to Pokhara, transfer to hotel rest and time for lookup the motorbike as per your requirement. 

In Pokhara City, You can find a variety kind of motorcycle rentals. The bike is not included in the tour package, select the bike overnight in the hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Location: Pokhara
  • Altitude: 820 m | 2,690 feet
  • Walking Hours: 30 Minute Flight
  • Transportation: Flight & Private Vehicle

Breakfast is included at the hotel then start the tour first part of the road level is the paved road to the world's deepest gorge 104 kilometers, long and takes about 3 hours. The rough road begins after Beni. The riding road is a bank of Kali Gandaki River and huge waterfalls. 

Reach Tatopani for lunch break then continue drive to Kalopani. From Kalopani we can see the excellent views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Tukuche Peak, and the Annapurna Himalayan range overnight in the guest House.
Includes meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Guest House
  • Location: Kalopani
  • Altitude: 2,530 m | 8,300 feet
  • Walking Hours: 124 km | 77 mile
  • Transportation: Motorcycle

After breakfast a bike ride on a rough road through Kali Gandaki river with a scenic Himalayan range of Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri. Reach Muktinath (3,800m) where you can visit the holy site Muktinath temple and Buddhist monastery. Ride back down to Kagbeni overnight. Kagbeni has an interesting place to visit that may suit your evening walking overnight in the guest house.
Includes meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner

  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Kagbeni
  • Altitude: 2,890 m | 9,481 feet
  • Walking Hours: 3 Hours 38 km | 23 mile
  • Transportation: Motorcycle

Breakfast and our ride reach the Upper Mustang area after crossing the permit checking point at the end of Kagbeni village. The almost-riding road is via a bank of Kali Gandaki River, and a typical settlement of local peoples. Pass 3,800 miter altitude village and Nya La pass of 4,010 miters. Reach Ghami overnight in the Guest house.
Includes meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Ghami
  • Altitude: 3,510 m | 11,515 feet
  • Walking Hours: 3 Hours, 26 km | 16 mile
  • Transportation: Motorcycle

Quite an exciting day today to reach the ultimate destination of this tour, Lo-Manthang. We cross several Mani walls and a big village called Charang to visit Ghargumba. Panoramic Mountain View is always seen as a different angle view. 

You will then view wall-covered villages from far away. It is better to take rest once you reach the lodge, which helps your body to acclimatize.
Includes meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Lomanthang
  • Altitude: 3,700 m | 12,139 feet
  • Walking Hours: 18 Km 4 Hours Drive
  • Transportation: By Bullet Bike

Today is one of the best walking and hiking mini-trekking days around the famous Lo Manthang, it would be a natural way to explore by foothill journey. You will be exploring the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, which was founded in the 1380s by Ame Pal. Lo Manthang has around 150 houses. 

Tall whitewashed brick and mud walls, gompas or monasteries, and the King’s Palace are the main attractions of Lo Manthang. The five-story King’s Palace is the oldest structure in the walled city and was built around 1400. The King’s palace is situated in the middle of the city. The King and queen reside in the palace; despite mostly being ceremonial kings, villages respect and consult the king on various matters. Further, you will be visiting ancient Gompas.

Visit the famous Champa Lhakang, which features a large statue of Buddha and walls painted with Mandalas. Also, visit a beautiful hilltop Gompa called Namgyal Gompa. The monastery holds social, religious as well and legal significance. Namgyal Gompa also functions as a local courthouse. Visit the 15th-century Thubchen Gompa with a big red assembly hall.

Also, pay a visit to Choprang Gompa, locally known as New Gompa, and get an insight into local culture and tradition. Moreover, Tsechen Shedrubling Monastic School, a part of the Monastic Museum, trains young monks from the area as well overnight in Lo Manthang.
Includes meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Lo Manthang
  • Altitude: 3,700 m | 12,139 feet
  • Walking Hours: 3-4 hour
  • Transportation: By on foot or Motorcycle

Today is also a beautiful tour after breakfast start your motorbike drive to the Tibet border about 20 kilometers and visit the Chhoser village which can be a top highlight of this tour. Chooser village offers you ancient monasteries and many caves then back to Lo Manthang overnight stop.
Includes meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Lo Manthang
  • Altitude: 3,700 m | 12,139 feet
  • Walking Hours: 4 - 5 hours drive
  • Transportation: Motorcycle

Today will be a quite long day motorbike drive to Kagbeni from Lo Manthang but the scenery is beautiful and feels like a very comfortable journey of about 6 to 7 hours of motorbike drives overnight in a guest house. 
Includes meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Kagbeni
  • Altitude: 2,890 m | 9,481 feet
  • Walking Hours: 4 hours 42 km - 26 mile
  • Transportation: Motorcycle

Morning exploration in Kagbeni village after breakfast then start your motorcycle to Tatopani (natural hot spring) passing the beautiful village apple garden of Jomsom, Marpha, Tukuche, and Kalopani with wonderful mountain views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayan ranges reach to Kalopani enjoy your evening bathing in natural hot spring pounds overnight in the guest house. 
Includes meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

  • Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Location: Tatopani
  • Altitude: 1,200 m | 3,937 feet
  • Walking Hours: 4 hours 42 km | 24 mile
  • Transportation: Motorcycle

Today is a lovely day for the motorcycle drive from Tatopani to Pokhara! surrounding fantastic Mountain views, bike riding the bank of Kaligandaki river, and seeing beautiful forest vegetation, arriving in Pokhara for lunch hours, you could have time to explore Pokhara city by motorcycle overnight stay in a hotel.
Meals Include:  Breakfast & Lunch

  • Meals: Breakfast + Lunch
  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Location: Pokhara
  • Altitude: 820 m | 2,690 feet
  • Walking Hours: 5 hours 96 km | 60 mile
  • Transportation: Motorcycle

Enjoy the breakfast stool around Pokhara, as per the flight schedule transfer to Pokhara airport to catch a flight to Kathmandu for about 30 minutes fly surrounding Himalayan views, arrive in Kathmandu pickup by the NSA crew then transfer to the hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
  • Location: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,315 m | 4,314 feet
  • Walking Hours: 30 minute flight
  • Transportation: Flight & Private Vehicle

Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight, a representative from Nepal Spirit Adventure will take you to the airport from where you will take your flight back or join with another trip. Meals: Breakfast included

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Transportation: Private Vehicle
Customize My Trip

Cost Details

  •  International and domestic arrival-departure by private vehicle
  • 3 Night hotel in Kathmandu includes breakfast
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by air with departure taxes
  • Two-night hotel in Pokhara included breakfast
  • Annapurna conservation permit
  • Upper Mustang Motorbike special permit
  • Melas: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner along the tour
  • Experience guide including his daily wages, motorbike, fuel, and insurance
  • Lodge - Guesthouse accommodation along the tour
  • Emergency evacuation management
  • Government taxes and office service charge
  • Nepal visa fee  you can get on arrival
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Personal tour equipment
  • Personal expenses such as table drinks alcoholic or non-alcoholic cold drinks, tea-coffee, mineral water, telephone calls, and bar bill
  • Personal insurance, emergency evacuation cost in case of need
  • Motorcycle rent: Easily  can rent in Pokhara (approximately cost 25$ - 30$ per day per bike)
  • Fueling on a motorcycle (available in most of the places along the route)
  • Damage Bike: Motorcycle any part damage along the tour & services
  • Tips

Dates & Prices

Departure note

The dates listed online are confirmed departures; if the dates don't work for your itinerary, we can arrange a date that works for you. Tell us about your preferred trip type, and our travel specialists will assist you in creating a custom itinerary for your ideal location.

 

Departure DateStatusPriceNote  
26 Mar, 2025 - 08 Apr, 2025AvailableUS$1890Confirm
30 Mar, 2025 - 12 Apr, 2025AvailableUS$1890Confirm

Useful Information

How We Can Get a Nepal Visa?

# You can get the Nepal visa upon arrival, if you are flying to Kathmandu, you can get it on arrival and if you are entering Nepal via overland service you will get the Nepal visa at every Nepal border.

What Is the Cost of a Nepal Visa?

# The cost of a Nepal visa charges you 15 days of tourist USD 30, 30 days of USD 50, and 90 Days visa cost you USD 125

Is inclusive arrival and departure transfer in the Package?

# Yes, All the ground transportation from the international or domestic airport to the hotel and hotel to the airport (arrival and departure) by private vehicle with an experienced driver.

Does Accommodation is Included in the Package?

# Yes, All the accommodations are included as per 14 days Upper Mustang Motorcycle Tour on a twin basis 3 nights in Kathmandu with breakfast, 2 nights in Pokhara with breakfast, and lodge accommodation is included along the tour.

Is Food Included in the Tour Package?

# In the city: Kathmandu and Pokhara breakfast is included, and daily 3 times meals (breakfast + lunch + dinner) are included during the Upper Mustang motorcycle tour.

Soft and Hard Drinks: All the table drinks such as alcoholic - Beer, Wine whiskey, and more | nonalcoholic- Menural water, CocaCola. Fanta, Sprite, Fruity, Chocolate, tea, Coffee, and more.

What kind of food is available during the tour?

# Foods: In the Upper Mustang, food is simple but nutritious. Most meals consist of traditional Nepali and Tibetan cuisine, including the following menu.

  • Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice).
  • Tibetan bread and momos (dumplings).
  • Thukpa (noodle soup).
  • Tsampa (roasted barley flour).
  • Tibetan tea or milk tea is widely available.

 Experiences: Food can be a bit more expensive in remote areas, but the taste and availability generally remain good.

Testimonials

Lifetime experience motorcycle tour-upper mustang

It was my first time in Nepal, a beautiful country with friendly people, and delicious foods, the motorcycle tour to Upper Mustang was incredible and required a highly experienced off-road bike drive, I enjoyed it a lot, the mountain vistas were magnificent, showed many caves and Buddhist monastery. The road condition from Pokhara to Beni-Tatopani is nice, but from Danaque to Ghasa requires careful driving road is not clean, Ghasa-Kalopani to Lomantang was the good road we had a great time with Prabin (who was my tour guide) very friendly and well knowledge. Thanks.

Ram Magar for providing me with excellent service, you are the #01 company in Nepal his customer service was brilliant I highly recommend this adventure company you can book any Nepal trip without any hesitation. I was there in April 2023.

Review by:Mr. Laurent Lapotre, France

Gorgeous experience!

I had a great experience during the Upper Mustang motorcycle tour, The countryside landscape was beautiful, and had a wonderful Mountain View, The people were so very similar to Tibetan customs and required good skill driving off-road rides. The road condition: From Kalapani to Lo-Manthang offers a good road and from Beni to Ghasa road was difficult and needed to drive very carefully, The other part was awesome, I had a really great time at Lo Manthang and Choser cave, and monastery, thanks for all them of Nepal Spirit Adventure, you had organized my gorgeous trip to Mustang.

Review by:Joel, Switzerland

Lifetime experience upper mustang

It was our first time in Nepal, south Asia and had a warm dream visit to Upper mustang valley on a motorcycle trip as we loved the bike adventure tours. We found Nepal Spirit Adventure via online search and then inquired immediately Mr. Ram Thapa Magar replied supper fast according to our holiday purpose, his company services were great highly take care of our arrival in Kathmandu, provided good accommodation, arranged a comfortable motorcycle- Royal Enfield Classic 350CC/500CC as per our require.

The drive to Pokhara was fantastic, the highway was so busy but our guide Deepak managed well until returned to Kathmandu. From Pokhara to Lo Manthan was a top classical drive but the scenery was wonderful; we had seen many historical caves, and Buddhist monasteries, and the peoples were so good and friendly similar to Tibetan tradition. All the guest houses were so nice, foods were delicious at every place even though we did not have any problems re-fuelling the petrol along the journey thanks to Nepal spirit adventure for providing such as great trip, especially for Ram we will never ever forget this tour our lifetime experiences.

Review by:Thomas, Canada
Trip Advisor