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Kathmandu to Upper Mustang Motor Bike Tour - 10 Days

from $2340

Best on the ultimate Himalayan motorcycle expedition with Jatra Travels! This restricted-area motorbike tour takes you deep into Nepal's hidden kingdom of Upper Mustang, combining adrenaline-pumping off-road riding with ancient Tibetan culture and breathtaking landscapes.

Unforgettable Adventure Experiences

- Forbidden Kingdom Exploration: Ride into Upper Mustang – Nepal's last restricted Buddhist kingdom (special permit required)
- Epic Off-Road Challenge: Conquer rugged Himalayan trails through Kali Gandaki Gorge (world's deepest canyon)
- Borderland Thrills: Reach Kora La Pass (4,600m) – gaze into Tibet from this high-altitude frontier

  • Destination Kathmandu, Pokhara and Mustang
    September, October, November, Early December, March, April & May
  • Tour Type Group
    Tours
  • Activity Level Moderate
    3900m
  • Group Size Customizable
    Customizable

Overview

All about the Kathmandu to Upper Mustang Motor Bike Tour - 10 Days

Best on an unforgettable adventure with Jatra Travels as we take you on an exhilarating 10-day motorcycle tour from Kathmandu to Upper Mustang, a hidden gem in the Himalayas. This journey is not just a ride; it’s an exploration of ancient cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and some of the most thrilling off-road trails in Nepal.

Upper Mustang, often called the "Last Forbidden Kingdom," is a remote and mystical region that was once an independent Buddhist kingdom. Its unique Tibetan-influenced culture, dramatic desert-like terrain, and medieval villages make it a dream destination for adventure seekers. Riding through this rugged landscape on a motorbike offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and excitement.

Why Choose This Motorcycle Tour?

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: Unlike regular tourist routes, Upper Mustang remains relatively untouched, offering raw and authentic experiences.
  • Cultural Immersion: Discover ancient monasteries, cave dwellings, and traditional Tibetan-influenced lifestyles.
  • Thrilling Ride: Navigate winding mountain trails, river crossings, and high-altitude desert landscapes.
  • Small Group Experience: Personalized attention with expert guides ensuring safety and enjoyment.
  • Flexible Itinerary: Customize parts of the trip to suit your riding preferences.

Cultural & Spiritual Wonders

 Lo Manthang Discovery: Explore the walled capital of Upper Mustang with its:

  • 1,200-year-old monasteries
  • Royal Palace of Mustang (still inhabited by the former king)
  • Ancient cave dwellings carved into cliffs

 Sacred Sites:

  • Muktinath Temple (3,800m) – Holy site for Hindus & Buddhists
  • 2,000-year-old Chosar Caves – Ancient meditation chambers
  • Sky Burial Sites – Witness unique Tibetan death rituals

Breathtaking Natural Wonders

 Panoramic Mountain Views:

  • Annapurna & Dhaulagiri ranges
  • Tibetan Plateau landscapes (resembles a Himalayan desert)

Geological Marvels:

  • Red Canyon formations near Dhakmar
  • Wind-sculpted cliffs of Upper Mustang

Authentic Cultural Encounters

 Meet Lobas (indigenous Mustang people) – Experience their Tibetan-influenced traditions

 Visit Traditional Villages:

  • Marpha (Apple brandy capital)
  • Kagbeni (Medieval fortress village)
  • Ghami (Ancient mani walls & prayer flags)

 Local Festivals: Time your trip with Tiji Festival (May) for vibrant mask dances

Why This Tour is Unique?

Rare Access: One of few operators legally permitted to Upper Mustang
Expert Guides: Local Lobas who know every hidden monastery
Bikes Built for Altitude: Royal Enfields modified for thin air
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Full Logistics Handled: Permits, fuel stops, altitude-safe itinerary

Itinerary

  1. Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu

    • Airport Pickup: Jatra Travels representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport
    • Transfer: Comfortable vehicle to your 3-star heritage hotel in Thamel
    • Evening Briefing: Trip overview with your guide over welcome drinks
    • Overnight: Kathmandu

  2. Day 2 Kathmandu - Pokhara (200km | 6-7 hrs)

    • Breakfast: At hotel with mountain views

    • Scenic Ride: Prithvi Highway along Trishuli River

    • Lunch Stop: Riverside restaurant in Mugling

    • Pokhara Arrival: Sunset at Phewa Lake with Annapurna views

    • Special Experience: Evening stroll along Lakeside

    • Overnight: Boutique lakeside hotel

  3. Day 3 Pokhara - Kalopani (125km | 5-6 hrs)

    • Early Start: Ride along Kali Gandaki River

    • Adventure Begins: Off-road sections after Beni

    • Waterfall Stop: Rupse Chhahara (120m cascade)

    • Mountain Views: First glimpses of Dhaulagiri & Nilgiri

    • Unique Stay: Traditional teahouse with fireplace

    • Overnight: Kalopani

  4. Day 4 Kalopani - Kagbeni - Samar (Restricted Area Entry)

    • Permit Check: At Kagbeni police checkpoint

    • Cultural Gem: Explore Kagbeni's medieval alleys

    • Landscape Shift: Enter Upper Mustang's red cliffs

    • Altitude: 3,800m at Samar

    • Overnight: Authentic Mustangi guesthouse

  5. Day 5 Samar - Lo Manthang (4-5 hrs | 3,840m)

    • Highlights:

      • Chele's prayer flag forests

      • Syangboche's wind-carved cliffs

      • Ancient cave dwellings at Chungsi

    • Royal Arrival: Enter walled city of Lo Manthang

    • Special Access: Visit King's Palace (when permitted)

    • Overnight: Best available lodge in Lo Manthang

  6. Day 6 Lo Manthang Exploration

    • Morning: Visit 8th-century Thubchen Gompa

    • Adventure Ride: To Chosar's 2,000-year-old caves

    • Afternoon: Optional horse ride to Namgyal Gompa

    • Cultural Insight: Meet local Thakali artisans

    • Overnight: Lo Manthang

  7. Day 7 Lo Manthang - Tatopani (Full Day Descent)

    • Downhill Thrills: Retrace route through Kali Gandaki Gorge

    • Reward: Soak in Tatopani's natural hot springs

    • Overnight: Riverside lodge with thermal baths

  8. Day 8 Tatopani - Pokhara

    • Morning Relaxation: Extra hot spring time

    • Engineering Marvel: Cross 344m Kushma suspension bridge

    • Evening: Celebrate completion at Fewa Lake

    • Overnight: Pokhara luxury hotel

  9. Day 9 Pokhara - Kathmandu

    • Final Ride: Scenic highway return

    • Souvenir Stop: Tibetan refugee center

    • Celebration: Farewell dinner with Raksi (local wine)

    • Overnight: Kathmandu heritage hotel

  10. Day 10 Departure

    • Flexible Morning: Last-minute shopping in Thamel

    • Airport Transfer: Based on flight time

    • Bonus: Departure gift from Jatra Travels

  11. Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu

    • Airport Pickup: Jatra Travels representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport
    • Transfer: Comfortable vehicle to your 3-star heritage hotel in Thamel
    • Evening Briefing: Trip overview with your guide over welcome drinks
    • Overnight: Kathmandu

  12. Day 2 Kathmandu - Pokhara (200km | 6-7 hrs)

    • Breakfast: At hotel with mountain views

    • Scenic Ride: Prithvi Highway along Trishuli River

    • Lunch Stop: Riverside restaurant in Mugling

    • Pokhara Arrival: Sunset at Phewa Lake with Annapurna views

    • Special Experience: Evening stroll along Lakeside

    • Overnight: Boutique lakeside hotel

  13. Day 3 Pokhara - Kalopani (125km | 5-6 hrs)

    • Early Start: Ride along Kali Gandaki River

    • Adventure Begins: Off-road sections after Beni

    • Waterfall Stop: Rupse Chhahara (120m cascade)

    • Mountain Views: First glimpses of Dhaulagiri & Nilgiri

    • Unique Stay: Traditional teahouse with fireplace

    • Overnight: Kalopani

  14. Day 4 Kalopani - Kagbeni - Samar (Restricted Area Entry)

    • Permit Check: At Kagbeni police checkpoint

    • Cultural Gem: Explore Kagbeni's medieval alleys

    • Landscape Shift: Enter Upper Mustang's red cliffs

    • Altitude: 3,800m at Samar

    • Overnight: Authentic Mustangi guesthouse

  15. Day 5 Samar - Lo Manthang (4-5 hrs | 3,840m)

    • Highlights:

      • Chele's prayer flag forests

      • Syangboche's wind-carved cliffs

      • Ancient cave dwellings at Chungsi

    • Royal Arrival: Enter walled city of Lo Manthang

    • Special Access: Visit King's Palace (when permitted)

    • Overnight: Best available lodge in Lo Manthang

  16. Day 6 Lo Manthang Exploration

    • Morning: Visit 8th-century Thubchen Gompa

    • Adventure Ride: To Chosar's 2,000-year-old caves

    • Afternoon: Optional horse ride to Namgyal Gompa

    • Cultural Insight: Meet local Thakali artisans

    • Overnight: Lo Manthang

  17. Day 7 Lo Manthang - Tatopani (Full Day Descent)

    • Downhill Thrills: Retrace route through Kali Gandaki Gorge

    • Reward: Soak in Tatopani's natural hot springs

    • Overnight: Riverside lodge with thermal baths

  18. Day 8 Tatopani - Pokhara

    • Morning Relaxation: Extra hot spring time

    • Engineering Marvel: Cross 344m Kushma suspension bridge

    • Evening: Celebrate completion at Fewa Lake

    • Overnight: Pokhara luxury hotel

  19. Day 9 Pokhara - Kathmandu

    • Final Ride: Scenic highway return

    • Souvenir Stop: Tibetan refugee center

    • Celebration: Farewell dinner with Raksi (local wine)

    • Overnight: Kathmandu heritage hotel

  20. Day 10 Departure

    • Flexible Morning: Last-minute shopping in Thamel

    • Airport Transfer: Based on flight time

    • Bonus: Departure gift from Jatra Travels

Includes/ Excludes

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
Whats included in this tour Items that are covered in the cost of tour price.

-Arrival/Departure

  • Airport transfers in private vehicle (Pickup/Drop)

- Riding Essentials

  • Royal Enfield Himalayan or similar (Well-maintained)
  • Full fuel coverage for entire route
  • Basic spare parts (Tubes, cables, spark plugs)
  • Support mechanic throughout the trip

- Premium Accommodation

  • Kathmandu: 3-star heritage hotel (BB Plan)
  • Pokhara: 3-star lakeside hotel (BB Plan)
  • Mountain Stays: Best available lodges/teahouses (Twin sharing)

- Permits & Fees

  • Upper Mustang Restricted Permit ($500 value included)
  • ACAP Entry Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area)

-Expert Support Team

  • English-speaking local guide (Trained in wilderness first aid)
  • Mechanic with Himalayan riding experience
  • All staff costs (Wages, food, accommodation)

- Meals

  • Daily breakfast (Nepali/Western options)
  • Farewell dinner with cultural show in Kathmandu

 

Whats not included in this tour Items that are covered in the cost of tour price.

Food & Drinks

  • Lunch & dinner during kathmandu and Pokhara
  • All beverages (Alcohol, bottled water, soft drinks)

Travel Formalities

  • Nepal visa fee ($30-50 depending on duration)
  • World Heritage Site entry fees (Approx. $30 total)

Insurance & Protection

  • Travel insurance (Must cover high-altitude riding)
  • Motorbike insurance (Damage liability applies)

Personal Costs

  • Tips for guide/mechanic (Recommended $5-10/day)
  • Bike gear rental (Helmets/jackets available for hire)
  • Repair costs for any bike damage beyond normal wear

Unforeseen Situations

  • Itinerary changes due to weather/political conditions
  • Early return costs if abandoning tour

 

Faq & Review

Gallery

Dates & Price

Package Type Available Packages Trip Status Trip Status Group Size Can be customized Price (PP) Price Per Person  
Motorbike Tour
Available
2-20
$2340.00
Package Type Available Packages Trip Status Trip Status Group Size Can be customized Price (PP) Price Per Person  
Motorbike Tour
Available
2-20
$2340.00

Other Information

Other related information about the package

Important Information for Your Trip:

  • Backup Transportation: Provided if the group size exceeds 5 people.
  • Flexible Itinerary: The trip schedule can be customized upon request.
  • Driving License Requirement: Bring a valid driving license from your country or an international driving license.
  • Recommended Gear: We advise bringing your own complete motorcycle gear, including a helmet, boots, gloves, and a protective suit (with back protector).
  • Travel & Medical Insurance: Personal travel and medical insurance are highly recommended.
  • Tour Guidelines: Always follow the tour leader’s instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Responsibility for Equipment: Participants are responsible for their own gear and motorbike. Jatra Travels will not be liable for any loss or recovery costs.
  • Repairs & Maintenance: Basic repairs (brake shoes, spark plugs, clutch plates, tubes, cables, and engine oil) are included. However, any additional damages caused by accidents, rough handling, or theft will be the rider’s responsibility.

Disclaimer:
Jatra Travels will not be liable for disruptions caused by natural calamities, weather, political conditions, or any unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. Any additional expenses arising from such situations will be the participants' responsibility.