Upper mustang bike ride is an off-road adventure from Pokhara to Lo-man thang, also known as Nepal’s last forbidden kingdom. Upper Mustang is a perfectly preserved piece of land on the border of Nepal and Tibet.  Mustang is one of the world’s best-preserved areas because it was a restrict militarized area until 1992 and was only opened to non-Nepali trekkers fifteen years ago.

Upper Mustang is still a visitor-restrict area. This means that there are fewer tourists and those who have the impression that they are doing something unique and different. And the landscape is unique and unlike anything else.

Other Himalayan regions do not have the high rocky cliffs and arid climate that this region does. There is a lot of culture and history to discover here, with the Annapurna range of mountains visible against the clear blue sky.

The high-altitude rock caves where monks once lived, rock paintings, and more recent monasteries, combined with the local, Tibetan-like people, make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are doing an Upper mustang bike ride, please ensure that both your bike and you are prepared for the dry, rocky, and exhausting journey ahead!

Highlights of the upper mustang bike tour

1. Visit historical sites in Kathmandu and natural wonders in Pokhara.

2. Bike through traditional villages, monasteries, temples, and historical caves.

3. Begin your ride in lowland greenery and end up on the scenic Tibetan plateau in the Upper Mustang region.

4. Before reaching Upper Mustang, visit the significant and well-known villages in Lower Mustang.

5. From Lo Manthang, ride until you reach the Tibetan border.

6. In Kathmandu, you can rent a bike.

What to expect on an Upper mustang bike ride?

If you’re looking for an adventure of a lifetime, then an upper mustang motorbike tour is the perfect way to experience the beauty and culture of this part of Nepal. As you ride along the ancient trails of Upper Mustang, you will be immerse in stunning scenery, ancient cultural sites, and some of the most impressive monasteries in the country.

You can expect to explore the famous walled city of Lo-Manthang and some of the spectacularly located monasteries perched on the cliffs of Upper Mustang. You will also get to see some of the unique local art and architecture that this region is known for.

Along the way, you will pass through picturesque villages and stunning mountain landscapes, giving you the perfect opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of this incredible region.

As you ride along the dusty tracks, you will be able to interact with the friendly locals and discover more about their customs and culture. This journey offers you a chance to learn more about traditional Nepalese culture, as well as experience some of the more spiritual aspects of it, such as visiting various temples.

This is a great adventure for anyone looking to experience something truly unique and beautiful!

Then, What’s included?

When you book an upper mustang motorbike tour, you will be provided with everything you need for a successful and enjoyable adventure. Your tour includes a fully equipped mountain bike, all camping equipment, a professional guide and support staff, food, drinks, and snacks throughout the day, and transportation to and from the starting point.

Additionally, you will get the opportunity to experience stunning views of the Himalayas and explore ancient Buddhist culture and architecture. The tour also includes a safety briefing before the start of the ride and medical insurance in case of any emergency. With all of these amenities included, you can be sure to have a safe and unforgettable experience!

Why is the Upper Mustang the Perfect Place for a Bike Ride?

The varied terrain

Upper Mustang is a stunning region of Nepal that offers some of the most varied and dramatic landscapes imaginable for a bike ride. From towering cliffs to deep gorges, you’ll have the opportunity to traverse these incredible terrains while taking in breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range and the Kali Gandaki river.

While this area is largely desert, there are also lush green forests and orchards full of fruit trees. You’ll be able to experience a wide variety of terrain during your ride, and it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.

The remote location

Upper Mustang is the perfect place for a bike ride due to its remote location. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Upper Mustang is situated in a high-altitude desert that provides breathtaking views and challenging terrain for biking. As it is located on the border between Tibet and Nepal, there are very few tourists who make their way here – making it a great place to explore if you’re looking for a little bit of peace and quiet.

Additionally, the lack of human population in the region means that you can have a truly wild and remote experience while biking through this area. Furthermore, because of its remote location, the region is still relatively untouch by modern development and remains largely unchanged from its traditional cultural heritage – allowing you to take in ancient sights. So, if you’re looking for a unique adventure that takes you away from civilization, Upper Mustang is definitely the place to be.

The lack of crowds

One of the best things about going on an Upper mustang bike ride is the lack of crowds. It is a very remote area, so you won’t be fighting for space with dozens of other riders or competing with the noise and hustle and bustle. Instead, you can enjoy the peace and serenity of a quiet mountain path, far away from all the noise and stress of city life.

As you ride through the terrain, you will have plenty of time to take in the scenery, spot wildlife, and explore ancient culture without having to worry about bumping into another person or vehicle. This is an ideal environment for anyone who enjoys peaceful solitude and appreciates the great outdoors.

The opportunity to explore ancient culture

Exploring ancient culture is one of the most enjoyable parts of an upper mustang bike tour. This area is known for its timeless culture, preserve by the natural boundaries of the Himalayan Mountains. Located in the district of Mustang, Nepal, Upper Mustang is home to a unique and ancient culture that is very much alive today.

Upper Mustang is considered part of Tibet because it was ruled by Tibetan kings until 1950. Here you can find influences of both Tibetan and Nepali cultures. The unique language spoken in Upper Mustang, called Loba, is a combination of Tibetan and Nepali.

On the Upper mustang bike ride, you will get to explore temples and monasteries from centuries ago. The rare opportunity to explore an ancient culture makes a bike ride in Upper Mustang even more special. It’s a great way to get a glimpse into a world that has been largely untouch by modern development and to appreciate the simplicity of life that still exists here.

What types of motorbikes are suitable for the upper mustang motorbike tour?

The first thing to consider when traveling by motorcycle is the type of bike. The bike you choose may be determine by your previous experience, whether you are an on-road or off-road rider. Upper Mustang is not recommending for first-time off-road bikers because the road is complex and the rides are long.

NOTE: Motorcycles can be easily rented in both Kathmandu and Pokhara.

If there are several of you on this trip, you might want to contact Himalayan Enfielders, who rent out heavy-duty Enfields with spare parts, a mechanic, and a support vehicle for around $45 per day, per bike. Only groups of three or more bikes will receive a mechanic and support vehicle. To rent a motorcycle, you must leave a copy of your passport as well as a deposit. Fuel is not include in the price, and keep in mind that the higher you go, the more expensive it becomes!

Upper Mustang Motorbiking Tour Route

The tour begins with time to explore major historical sites in the Kathmandu valley. I took the busy highway to Pokhara. At the end of the term, you will have enough time to explore the natural city of Pokhara. Take the well-paved road from Pokhara to Beni and then begin riding on the rough road.

The first night in the Mustang area is spent at Kalopani. Ride to Jomsom with views of the Annapurna Himalayan range. On to Muktinath and Kagbeni. We officially crossed the Upper Mustang restricted area after Kagbeni. Riding for two more days to reach Lo-man thang, the capital city of Upper Mustang.

Lo-man thang is an ancient Nepalese kingdom located in the Trans Himalayan range. People of Tibetan origin and local Thakali make this region culturally rich. They speak various languages and have a fusion of Tibetan and Nepalese cultures. There are hundreds of years of the oldest monasteries, sky caves, palaces, and scenic settlements of local villages to explore here.

Best Season for the upper mustang motorbike tour

Upper Mustang motorcycle riding is best from March to June and late September to November. The upper part of the Mustang is more difficult to access during the winter months. Because the Upper Mustang area is in a rain shadow, rainy months such as July and August are also suitable. However, riding on a muddy road, a landslide route in the lower part of Mustang that must be cross to reach the upper part can be difficult.

Upper Mustang Permit

A group of at least two riders is require to obtain an upper Mustang restrict area permit. If you are an Upper mustang bike ride lover, you can join one of our fixed departure dates. ACAP is another permit require for this trip (Annapurna conservation area permit).

1. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) charges a $20 entry fee per person for a single visit to the area.

2. Upper Mustang requires a Restricted Area Permit (or RAP) (Kagbeni onwards). This is $500 per person, with a minimum of two people, and is valid for ten days.

Please see here for more information on the permits required and how to obtain them.

Accommodation

After Jomsom/Kagbeni/Muktinath, accommodation is quite basic and will cost you around $5 for a room. Expect to pay between $3 and $6 per meal (excluding alcohol).

If you want to camp, you can rent tents and sleeping bags in Kathmandu and Pokhara. We recommend eating at local lodges and tea shops unless you have your own camping cooking facilities. It saves you a lot of time and energy while also giving back to the community.

Short Itinerary of upper mustang bike tour

We can assist you in tailoring your itinerary to your time and interests. Here’s an example itinerary to get you to start. Please contact us if you require any additional information.

Day-1: Arrived in Kathmandu and spent the night at a hotel.

Day-2: Motorcycle sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.

Day-3: Ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

Day-4: Ride from pokhara to kalopani

Day-5: Ride from kalopani to chaile

Day-6: Ride to chaile to lo manthang

Day-7: Explore Lo-manthang

Day-8: Ride from Lo Manthang to Kora-la and Return

Day-9: Return to kagbeni by bike

Day-10: Kagbeni to Tatopani

Day-11: Ride back to Pokhara and sightseeing

Day-12: Riding to Bandipur

Day-13: Ride back from Bandipur to Kathmandu

Day-14: Departure

What exactly is included in the cost, then?

1. Arrangements for arrival and departure

2. Backup transportation all through the journey

3. Accommodation in three-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

4. Permit for Upper Mustang Restricted Area (USD 500 per person)

5. All food and hot drinks are included while traveling the upper mustang trek

6. Renting a motorcycle and its fuel

7. Health Kit

8. Service fees and government taxes

9. Every morning breakfast in major city hotels

10. Kathmandu Valley Tour with Guide and Entrance Fees

So, What exactly is Excluded from the cost?

1. In major cities, lunch and dinner are served (Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bandipur)

2. The cost of any major motorcycle damage

3. Personal protective equipment, such as your helmet

4. Personal and medical expenses

5. Tipping

6. Personal insurance, emergency evacuation costs in the event of an emergency

How to book?

Booking an Upper Mustang bike ride is easy and can be done online. Simply visit our website, select the tour you’re interested in, and then fill out a few basic contact details. Once you have submitted your booking request, a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss availability and payment options.

We accept all major debit and credit cards, and you can also pay via bank transfer if you prefer. Once payment has been made and confirmed, you will receive your confirmation documents which will include all of the necessary information for your tour. We recommend that you read through this information carefully and make sure that you are happy with it before proceeding with the tour.

We look forward to welcoming you on board!

READ: Upper Mustang Trek