What this journey covers

This ride takes you beyond Muktinath into the restricted Upper Mustang region. You follow the Kali Gandaki north from Kagbeni, cross into the arid high-altitude desert, and reach Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the former Mustang Kingdom. The route requires an Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, ACAP, and a licensed guide.

Highlights

• Ride from Kathmandu through Pokhara, Tatopani, Marpha, and Jomsom
• Enter the restricted Upper Mustang zone at Kagbeni
• Cross red-cliff landscapes, ancient chortens, and windy high passes
• Explore Lo Manthang, its royal palace, and ancient monasteries
• Visit Chhoser sky caves and ride toward the Nepal-China border at Kora La
• Support vehicle, guide, and permit handling included

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to your hotel, and meet the tour support team. Evening briefing and welcome meal in Thamel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
• Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara Ride roughly 200 kilometres along the Prithvi Highway. Overnight in Pokhara.
• Day 3: Pokhara to Tatopani Off-road ride of about 110 kilometres to Tatopani. Relax in the natural hot springs. Overnight in Tatopani.
• Day 4: Tatopani to Muktinath via Marpha and Jomsom Ride roughly 65 kilometres through the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Muktinath. Visit the temple and continue to Kagbeni. Overnight in Kagbeni.
• Day 5: Kagbeni to Ghami / Tsarang via Chhusang Cross the Kagbeni checkpoint into Upper Mustang. Ride 60 to 70 kilometres through arid terrain, red rock formations, and ancient cliff caves. Overnight in Ghami or Tsarang.
• Day 6: Tsarang to Lo Manthang Ride past the longest Mani wall in Nepal and over windy high passes to Lo Manthang. Explore the alleys, royal palace, and Tibetan-influenced culture. Overnight in Lo Manthang.
• Day 7: Exploration day in Lo Manthang Ride out to Chhoser village to see the multi-storied sky caves and visit monasteries like Jampa Lhakhang and Thubchen Gompa. Overnight in Lo Manthang.
• Day 8: Day trip to Kora La border Ride north through barren high-altitude terrain to the Nepal-China border at Kora La, at approximately 4,660 metres. Return to Lo Manthang.
• Day 9: Lo Manthang to Tatopani Retrace your route south for roughly 120 kilometres, descending from the desert back into green vegetation. Optional second soak in the Tatopani hot springs. Overnight in Tatopani.
• Day 10: Tatopani to Pokhara Navigate the rough off-road section back to Beni, then ride smoothly into Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
• Day 11: Pokhara to Kathmandu Ride the Prithvi Highway back to Kathmandu. Return the bike and end the trip.

What is included

• Adventure motorcycle rental and backup vehicle
• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, ACAP, and TIMS card
• Licensed local guide for the restricted zone
• Twin-sharing lodges with breakfast
• Airport transfers in Kathmandu

What is not included

• Motorcycle fuel
• Lunch and dinner
• Personal riding gear, insurance, and tips
• International flights and Nepal visa

Motorbike rental, Upper Mustang RAP, ACAP, TIMS, licensed guide, backup vehicle, twin-sharing lodges with breakfast.