Great Indian Rides
Golden-hour mountain pass with prayer flags and a rider
Cross-Border ExpeditionNepal

Nepal – Upper Mustang Motorcycle Ride

Ride to the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo Manthang

A 12-day ride from Gorakhpur through Kathmandu and Pokhara up the Kali Gandaki gorge to the walled city of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang.

Check departures
Duration
12D / 11N
Distance
TBC
Start / End
Gorakhpur
Max altitude
3,730 m
Next departure
To be announced
From
₹1,45,000
Riding difficulty
Challenging

The expedition

Overview

This ride is one of the classics: the rain-shadow, wind-swept desert landscape of the Himalayas, with views of implausible gorges, high passes and enormous vistas. The ride to Lo Manthang passes through authentic Tibetan villages, barren ridges, deep canyons, eroded cliffs and moraine valleys — a stupendous wilderness of pristine scenery, snow-capped peaks, spectacular 16th-century monasteries and caves.

The founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava, came here centuries ago to defend Buddhism against the forces trying to destroy it. To celebrate his successful battle he built the temple of Lo Gekhar, which still stands today, alongside a Tibetan culture that cannot be found elsewhere.

For political reasons, travel into Mustang was strictly forbidden and the region remained isolated from the modern world. In 1992 outsiders were allowed in on a very limited basis, and this isolation has helped maintain a way of life almost unchanged for centuries.

The Kingdom of Lo, or Mustang, at around 3,770 m, keeps allegiance with the democratic republic of Nepal. Its people call themselves Lobas — people from Lo. The King’s palace, an imposing four-storey building, stands in the centre of the walled city.

Maximum group of 12 riders. 5% GST applies.

Important: this trip includes a few long stages. First aid and transfer to the nearest medical centre are provided by our support vehicle, as helicopters and ambulances are rarely available. Phone coverage is limited and satellite phones are restricted, so contacting emergency services can be difficult. As on any mountain route, road quality and difficulty depend heavily on current and recent weather.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Start → End
Gorakhpur → Gorakhpur
Highest altitude
≈ 3,730 m
Riding
Mountain highways, rugged trails and river crossings in the high desert
Category
Cross-Border Expedition

Who is this ride for?

Riders comfortable with long days, mountain trails, river crossings and altitudes above 3,500 m.

Highlights

  • Lo Manthang

    The legendary walled city, its royal palace, monasteries and medieval streets.

  • Kali Gandaki gorge

    One of the world’s deepest river gorges, into the Annapurna Conservation Area.

  • Choser village & Sinja cave

    Multi-storey cave dwellings carved into cliffs, near the Tibetan border.

  • India–Nepal border crossing

    Ride across at Sunauli and up into the Himalayan foothills.

  • Marpha

    Whitewashed houses, apple orchards and local apple products.

Route map

Stop locations are approximate and the line on the map is indicative only, not the exact road.

Dashed line is an indicative connection between stops, not the road route.

Select a day

Overview

  • Gorakhpur· Day 1
  • Kathmandu· Day 2
  • Pokhara· Day 4
  • Kalopani· Day 5
  • Samar· Day 6
  • Lo Manthang· Day 7
  • Marpha· Day 9
  • Gorakhpur· Day 12

Day-by-day itinerary

Distances and riding times are estimates; mountain conditions can change the plan on the day.

  1. Arrive at Gorakhpur and transfer to your hotel. Meet the tour coordinator for a brief introduction and trip overview. Relax after your journey or explore the local markets if time permits, and prepare your riding gear and documents for the adventure ahead.

    Route
    Gorakhpur
    Meals
    Dinner
    Overnight
    Gorakhpur

Dates & availability

Departures

No scheduled departures right now.

Enquire and we’ll let you know about the next dates — or ask about a private departure for your group.

Pricing & packages

Prices are per person, plus 5% GST. Departure-specific prices are shown when you book. An advance of ₹50,000 per person secures your place. Per person · maximum group of 12 riders

  • Solo rider — Himalayan 450cc

    One rider on a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.

    ₹1,68,000

  • Pillion rider — Himalayan 450cc

    Riding pillion on a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.

    ₹1,45,000

What’s included

Included

  • Overnight stays as per the itinerary in the best available hotels, on breakfast and dinner basis, inclusive of all applicable taxes
  • Services of an experienced road captain and mechanic, including their allowance, accommodation and meals
  • Motorcycle and fuel for the road captain
  • 1 back-up 4×4 jeep (Hilux) to carry luggage, spare parts and mechanic
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fee
  • TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
  • Special permit for Upper Mustang / Lo Manthang (restricted area) of USD 50 per person per day (subject to change without prior notice)
  • Comprehensive medical kit
  • Bhansar (customs duty) for the motorcycles
  • Hire of motorcycle (Himalayan 450cc)
  • Fuel for the motorcycle (as per the itinerary)

Not included

  • Nepal entry visa fee (applicable for foreigners)
  • Domestic and international airfare
  • Airport transfers
  • Personal insurance and evacuation charges
  • Sightseeing tours in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • All expenses of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry etc.
  • Insurance against accidents, loss of life, loss of goods etc.
  • Costs due to natural calamities, strikes, breakdowns and anything beyond our control
  • Anything not included in “The cost includes”
  • Motorcycle security deposit of ₹10,000

Accommodation

Best available hotels and guest houses on breakfast and dinner basis — for example Hotel Manaslu (Kathmandu), Hotel Landmark (Pokhara), Hotel Black Horse (Kalopani), Hotel Karma Inn (Samar), Everest Guest House (Lo Manthang) and Hotel De Maya (Marpha), or similar.

Motorcycles & support

  • Royal Enfield Himalayan 450

    450cc

    Solo or pillion; fuel included as per the itinerary.

Luggage: A back-up 4×4 jeep (Hilux) carries luggage, spare parts and the mechanic.

Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need?

Voter ID card or driving licence, Indian passport, passport-size photographs, and a valid visa if required.

How do booking and payment work?

A non-refundable deposit of ₹50,000 confirms your booking. The remaining balance must be paid 21 days before the departure date. 5% GST applies.

Which permits are included?

The ACAP fee, TIMS card and the Upper Mustang restricted-area permit (USD 50 per person per day, subject to change) are included.

What should I pack?

Clothing: comfortable, breathable T-shirts and riding pants; warm layers (fleece jacket, thermal inners); waterproof and windproof jacket and pants; quick-dry socks (6–7 pairs); woollen cap and gloves for high-altitude cold; lightweight trekking shoes for off-bike exploration. Personal essentials: sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm and moisturiser, UV-protection sunglasses, basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wet wipes), and a first-aid kit with your personal medication.

What is the cancellation policy?

The advance amount is non-refundable. Once 100% of the trip cost is paid: cancellations made more than 30 days before the start date receive 50% of the remaining amount; cancellations made more than 15 days before the start date receive 25% of the remaining amount; cancellations within 0–15 days of the start date are not refundable. If weather or government restrictions cancel some activities, we will try to arrange a feasible alternative, but no refund is given for them.

Nepal – Upper Mustang Motorcycle Ride

Your next great ride starts here.

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Nepal – Upper Mustang Motorcycle Ride