Embark on the ride of a lifetime through Upper Mustang, one of the most exhilarating and remote motorcycle experiences you’ll ever have. Have you ever dreamed of riding through the mystical landscapes of Lo Manthang on a motorbike? This is your chance! Our Upper Mustang Motorcycle Tour, timed with the vibrant Tiji Festival, offers a one-of-a-kind adventure. Why trek when you can explore this ancient kingdom, immersing yourself in its rich culture and stunning scenery?
Upper Mustang is known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” a region that remained isolated from the rest of Nepal until 1992, preserving its ancient Tibetan Buddhist practices and lifestyle. The region’s monasteries, temples, and architecture reflect centuries of heritage, offering a rare opportunity to explore a living museum of Tibetan civilization. The locals, predominantly of Tibetan origin, still speak the ancient Mustang language, ensuring an authentic cultural experience.
The ride itself is as thrilling as the destination. Begin your journey through the lush green valleys of the lower Annapurna region, where vegetation flourishes under the shadow of towering peaks. As you ascend into Mustang, the landscape transforms into a barren, desert-like terrain with rocky cliffs and windswept hills. This dramatic shift offers breathtaking visual contrasts, and each day’s ride presents new, stunning vistas.
Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang, is an ancient walled city that feels frozen in time. The city is home to palaces, monasteries, and traditional mud-brick homes. Key sites include the Royal Palace and the Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, where you can learn about local Tibetan Buddhist practices. The narrow streets and timeless Tibetan architecture offer an immersive experience of the kingdom’s medieval way of life.
Beyond Lo Manthang, journey into lesser-explored villages like Chuksang, Tsarang, and Jomsom. These remote settlements offer a peaceful contrast to more touristy areas, where you’ll encounter welcoming locals who still follow ancient ways of life. Riding through rugged, off-road paths, you’ll have the chance to engage with local families, living in traditional homes and relying on farming and herding for their livelihood. This off-the-beaten-path experience provides a rare insight into untouched Tibetan village life.
Riding along the Kali Gandaki River, one of the deepest gorges in the world offers panoramic views of the towering peaks of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna. The ever-changing scenery, with jagged cliffs and lush river valleys, is perfect for photography and moments of awe. The region’s natural beauty is unmatched, providing constant opportunities to capture the essence of this pristine wilderness.
Upper Mustang is home to several sacred monasteries, such as Tashi Lhakhang, where local monks still practice Tibetan rituals. The Cave Monastery in Charang, carved into the cliffs, offers not only spiritual insight but also magnificent panoramic views. These monasteries, often perched high on cliffs, are reminders of the deep spiritual roots of the region. Exploring these sacred sites will deepen your understanding of the local people’s devotion and way of life.
A thrilling aspect of this adventure is navigating high-altitude passes like the Lomanthang Pass. Riding through these rugged terrains is a test of your skill and endurance. The reward is worth it, with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and the vast desert landscape. These high-altitude sections, reaching over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), add an exhilarating challenge to your ride.
From the ancient architecture of Lo Manthang to the breathtaking landscapes of the Kali Gandaki River valley, Upper Mustang is a photographer’s dream. Whether capturing the golden prayer wheels, the weathered stone structures, or the dramatic mountain backdrops, this region offers endless opportunities to snap photos that will stay with you long after the journey ends.
The locals of Upper Mustang are known for their warm hospitality. Throughout your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to taste traditional Tibetan cuisine, including momo (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and tsampa (roasted barley flour). These hearty, energizing dishes are perfect for fueling your adventure. Alongside delicious food, the friendly, welcoming nature of the locals makes you feel at home in this remote and culturally rich region.
This Upper Mustang motorbike adventure is more than just a ride—it’s an unforgettable experience. The perfect combination of off-road thrills and cultural exploration will take you through one of Nepal’s most unique and remote regions, offering rare insights into Tibetan culture and stunning natural beauty. Whether navigating rugged terrain or soaking in the spiritual ambiance of a centuries-old monastery, the memories you create here will last a lifetime.
Discover Upper Mustang: A Hidden Gem
Nestled in the heart of the Tibetan Plateau, Upper Mustang offers a dramatic adventure through a landscape that’s both wild and enchanting. As you explore this isolated land, you’ll be captivated by its mountain views and rich ethnic heritage. Situated within the Annapurna Circuit, the region allows for exploration via motorbike, bike, or jeep (excluding the Thorang La Pass), offering an experience beyond the traditional trek.
Join Parikrama Treks for an Unforgettable Adventure
Join Parikrama Treks for an unforgettable motorcycle tour to Upper Mustang and Lo Manthang. This tour, timed with the Tiji Festival, promises a rare and exciting Nepalese adventure that you’ll never forget.
Permits and Festivals: What You Need to Know
To ride through the Upper Mustang, a special permit is required to access this remote region up to the Tibetan border. The Tiji Festival, held annually over three days, is a highlight of the year, attracting visitors with its rich cultural traditions and celebrations. Be sure to visit during this festive time for a unique experience of local traditions and rituals.
Meet and transfer to your hotel. Brief ride to inspect bikes. Evening briefing about the Upper Mustang adventure.
Early departure. Navigate through heavy traffic for 25km, then enjoy a scenic ride along the river. View Nepal’s first cable car and Machhapuchre before reaching Pokhara by mid-afternoon. Check into your hotel, relax by the lake, and enjoy dinner at a top restaurant.
Breakfast and ride to Kalopani. Beware of potholes due to road expansion. Enjoy views of Fishtail and Nilgiri, with a fuel stop in Beni and lunch in Tatopani. Check into Kalopani Guest House. Relax with views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Nilgiri. Explore Kalopani village in the morning.
Ride to Kagbeni, entry point to Upper Mustang. Pass Marpha village and Jomsom (permit registration). Enjoy coffee with Mt. Nilgiri views and continue to Kagbeni. Quick ride to Muktinath (3800m) for panoramic mountain views. Return to Kagbeni for the night.
Ride to Charang Village through challenging off-road conditions. Enjoy stunning scenery, stop at Yak herder villages, and have lunch in Syangboche. Check into Maya’s Inn in Charang Village and explore the local sights.
Early ride to Lo Manthang. Experience breathtaking views at the high pass before descending into the walled city. Check into Pema’s Lotus Inn and explore Lo Manthang’s monasteries and museums.
Ride to Korola Pass and enjoy views of the Tibetan plateau. Return to Lo Manthang and visit the Choser Sky Caves, ancient cliffside dwellings with incredible views. Rest in Lo Manthang.
Ride back to Marpha, covering two days’ distance in one day. Stops for tea and lunch. Check into a hotel in Marpha, famous for its apple orchards.
Ride back to Kalopani Guest House for lunch, then continue to Tatopani. Check into a guest house and relax in natural hot springs. Enjoy local snacks and chilled beer by the pools.
Ride back to Pokhara. Stop at Kusma’s Hanging Bridge for a photo opportunity. Arrive in Pokhara, check into your hotel.
Return to Kathmandu, with stops for coffee and lunch. Check into your hotel and enjoy a celebration dinner.
End of adventure. Check out by 12 PM.
END OF ARRANGEMENTS
TREK COST: USD 3,500.00 per person on Twin Sharing room accommodation
Single Supplement: USD 380 Per Person.
| JOIN THE ADVENTURE 2025 | JOIN THE NEXT ADVENTURE 2026 |
As per Tiji Festival DateArrive Date In KTM – May 19, 2025 As per Yartung Festival DateArrive Date In KTM – August 23, 2025 |
Arrive Date In KTM – March 6, 2026 Arrive Date In KTM – April 30, 2026 Arrive Date In KTM – September 11, 2026 Arrive Date In KTM – October 10, 2026 Arrive Date In KTM – November 14, 2026 |
To ensure a safe and comfortable journey, you’ll need the right gear, equipment, and clothing for the riding adventure in Upper Mustang. Feel free to contact us for more details.
