Upper Mustang Motorbike Adventure - 14 Days

Your Upper Mustang motorbike adventure begins with arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our experienced team will greet you with traditional Nepali hospitality. After a smooth 30-minute transfer through Kathmandu's vibrant streets, check into your comfortable hotel in the bustling Thamel district, known for its colorful markets and cultural diversity.

The evening features a welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant, where you'll savor authentic Nepali cuisine while meeting your fellow riders and receiving an overview of the incredible journey ahead through the forbidden kingdom of Mustang.

Begin your day with a thrilling motorbike tour of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage sites, starting with the sacred Pashupatinath Temple where Hindu cremation ceremonies take place along the Bagmati River.

Continue to the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, affectionately known as the Monkey Temple, perched atop a hill with panoramic city views, followed by the massive Boudhanath Stupa with its all-seeing Buddha eyes.

The tour concludes at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a living museum of medieval architecture, before your final pre-ride briefing covering safety protocols, route details, and motorcycle handling for the challenging terrain ahead.

Embark on your first major ride covering 210 kilometers through Nepal's picturesque countryside, following the winding Trishuli River with its dramatic gorges and occasional white-water rapids.

Stop at Malekhu for a delicious lunch featuring fresh river fish, a local specialty, while enjoying views of traditional Nepali village life and terraced farms in the Gorkha region.

Arrive in Pokhara by evening, where the serene Phewa Lake reflects the stunning Annapurna range, and settle into your lakeside accommodation, perfectly positioned for sunset views over the Himalayas.

Today's 111-kilometer ride takes you deeper into the Himalayan foothills, passing through Kusma - home to one of Nepal's longest suspension bridges - and the district headquarters of Baglung.

The route follows the mighty Kali Gandaki River, with the road becoming increasingly adventurous as you approach Beni, the gateway to the Mustang region.

Arrive in Tatopani, which literally means 'hot water,' where natural thermal springs fed by geothermal activity provide perfect relaxation for tired muscles after your 5-6 hour riding day.

Enter the world's deepest gorge as you ride through the spectacular Kali Gandaki Valley, flanked by the massive peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna towering over 8,000 meters high.

Pass through traditional Thakali villages including Ghasa and Tukuche, stopping in Marpha famous for its apple orchards, brandy, and distinctive whitewashed houses with slate roofs.

Kagbeni serves as the official gateway to Upper Mustang, with its medieval architecture, ancient monastery, and dramatic position at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Khola rivers.

Begin your true Upper Mustang adventure after permit checks at the Kagbeni checkpoint, entering the restricted area that was closed to foreigners until 1992.

The landscape transforms dramatically into a high-altitude desert resembling Tibet, with eroded cliffs, strange rock formations, and surreal colors as you ride through Chhusang and Samar villages.

Ghilling village provides your first authentic experience of Mustangi culture, with its traditional mud-brick houses and stunning views of Nilgiri and other snow-capped peaks.

Today's shorter ride takes you across the Ny La and Ghami La passes, with the trail winding through some of Mustang's most dramatic and colorful geological formations.

Dhakmar Village features stunning red cliffs riddled with ancient cave dwellings, creating an almost Martian landscape that contrasts dramatically with the blue Himalayan sky.

Tsarang boasts one of Mustang's most important monasteries and the ruins of a former royal palace, set in a broad valley that showcases the region's agricultural practices in an otherwise arid environment.

The final approach to Lo-Manthang takes you across the challenging Sungda La and Lo La passes, with your first view of the walled city creating an unforgettable moment of arrival.

Lo-Manthang, the medieval capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, is surrounded by an impressive 6-meter-high wall and contains within it a treasure of Tibetan Buddhist culture and architecture.

Spend the afternoon exploring the royal palace, several significant monasteries including Thubchen and Jhampa, and wandering through the narrow lanes of this living museum of Himalayan civilization.

Venture north to the ancient settlement of Chhosar, known for its extensive cave systems that once served as dwellings, meditation chambers, and even entire villages carved into the cliffs.

Namgyal Monastery sits perched on a hilltop with panoramic views toward Tibet, representing one of the region's most important religious sites and centers of learning.

Depending on conditions and permissions, you may approach the Nepal-Tibet border at Kora La pass (4,660m), offering a rare glimpse into the remote borderlands between these two Himalayan nations.

Begin your return journey southward, retracing your route through the spectacular Mustang landscape with new perspectives and different lighting on the dramatic rock formations.

Chungsi Cave, also known as the 'Cave of Self-Emanated Avalokiteshvara,' contains a naturally formed stalagmite revered as a manifestation of the Buddha of Compassion.

Syangboche provides a comfortable stopping point with its traditional village setting and opportunities to interact with local Mustangi people, understanding their unique culture and challenges of high-altitude living.

Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple, one of the world's highest-altitude religious sites revered by both Hindus and Buddhists for its eternal flame and 108 water spouts.

The ride takes you through Jomsom, the administrative capital of Mustang district, and back to Kagbeni before descending to the famous apple-growing region of Marpha.

Marpha is renowned for its traditional architecture, apple orchards, and production of various apple products including cider, brandy, and pies, offering a welcome return to more abundant vegetation.

Descend through the Kali Gandaki gorge, passing through Kalopani with its stunning views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna massif, then through Ghasa and Beni as the landscape becomes increasingly lush.

The ride from the high desert of Mustang to the subtropical climate of Pokhara creates a dramatic ecological transition visible within just a few hours of riding.

Arrive in Pokhara with time to optionally visit the World Peace Pagoda for sunset views over the Annapurna range or enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Phewa Lake, celebrating your successful completion of the Mustang circuit.

The final riding day takes you back to Kathmandu via the scenic Prithvi Highway, following the Trisuli and Marshyangdi rivers with opportunities for final photos of rural Nepal.

As you approach the Kathmandu Valley, reflect on the incredible geographical and cultural journey from the high desert of Mustang back to the urban energy of Nepal's capital.

The farewell dinner provides a perfect opportunity to share stories and memories with your riding companions and support team, celebrating the completion of this extraordinary motorbike adventure through one of the world's last forbidden kingdoms.

Enjoy a final Nepali breakfast with time for last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel's vibrant markets or visiting any sites you may have missed at the beginning of your journey.

Our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport three hours before your scheduled flight, ensuring a smooth departure process.

Depart with incredible memories, new friendships, and the satisfaction of having completed one of the world's most unique and challenging motorbike adventures through the legendary Kingdom of Mustang.