Overview
Overview
This trip rides deep into Upper Mustang, a remote region behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges that stayed closed to outsiders until the 1990s, preserving centuries of Tibetan-influenced culture, monasteries, and stark Himalayan desert terrain. Riders cover 852km over 11 riding days on a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, following the Kali Gandaki River through hidden caves, Buddhist stupas, and wind-sculpted cliffs to the mystical walled city of Lo Manthang, capital of the former Mustang Kingdom.
The route starts in Kathmandu and heads to Begnas Lake, then climbs through Kusma's suspension bridges and the Kali Gandaki Valley to Muktinath before pushing into Upper Mustang and Lo Manthang itself. From there it descends back through Tatopani to Pokhara and Phewa Lake, then continues through the mountain villages of Taal and Manang, the historic hill towns of Bandipur and Nuwakot (passing Gorkha, birthplace of the Gurkhas, with views of Mt. Manaslu), and back to Kathmandu for departure.
Ground transfers, the Upper Mustang permit, a Pokhara–Kathmandu flight, motorcycle and fuel for the whole trip, all required permits, twin-share accommodation, breakfast and dinner (with lunch on the road), an English-speaking guide, a medical kit, mechanics with spare parts, a support vehicle, and sightseeing with entrance fees are included. Nepal's visa fee (available on arrival), international flights, travel medical insurance, personal expenses, and gratuities are not included, and any damage to the motorcycle is the rider's responsibility.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive Kathmandu & Welcome Dinner (Mon, Mar 8)
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,370m) and transfer by private vehicle to the hotel. In the evening, riders are introduced to their motorcycles before a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Day 2 — Kathmandu to Begnas Lake (Tue, Mar 9)
After a pre-tour briefing, ride through Kathmandu's streets into the Nepalese countryside, ending at Begnas Lake with a relaxing boat ride and first distant views of the Himalayas.
Day 3 — Begnas Lake to Kalopani (Wed, Mar 10)
The route passes Kusma's high suspension bridges before climbing toward the Mustang region, following winding rivers and dramatic mountain valleys to Kalopani.
Day 4 — Kalopani to Muktinath (Thu, Mar 11)
Ride north through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley with views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Nilgiri, climbing to the sacred mountain settlement of Muktinath.
Day 5 — Muktinath to Lo Manthang (Fri, Mar 12)
The ride climbs deeper into Upper Mustang past ancient villages and monasteries, above 4,000m, ending in the historic walled city of Lo Manthang, capital of the former Mustang Kingdom.
Day 6 — Lo Manthang to Tatopani (Sat, Mar 13)
A descent through Mustang's dramatic landscape and traditional villages leads toward the lower Kali Gandaki Valley, with scenery turning greener on the way to Tatopani.
Day 7 — Tatopani to Pokhara (Sun, Mar 14)
Winding mountain roads descend to Pokhara and Phewa Lake, with time to relax lakeside and take in views of the Annapurna range.
Day 8 — Pokhara to Taal (Mon, Mar 15)
The route crosses terraced farmland into increasingly dramatic valleys, tackling narrow rocky trails to reach the mountain village of Taal, ringed by cliffs and waterfalls.
Day 9 — Taal to Manang (Tue, Mar 16)
The ride climbs the Marsyangdi Valley alongside a turquoise river, with views of the Annapurna massif, ending in the high-altitude village of Manang with an afternoon free to explore.
Day 10 — Manang to Bandipur (Wed, Mar 17)
A descent from the high Himalayas passes remote villages and waterfalls as the landscape turns to lush forest, ending in the historic hilltop town of Bandipur, known for its Newari architecture.
Day 11 — Bandipur to Nuwakot (Thu, Mar 18)
The route passes through historic Gorkha, birthplace of the Gurkhas and a viewpoint toward Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), continuing to the hilltop town of Nuwakot with time to explore its temples.
Day 12 — Nuwakot to Kathmandu (Fri, Mar 19)
The final ride returns through the countryside to Kathmandu, marking the end of the adventure, with a transfer to the airport for departure.
Packages
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