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Best of Manang and Mustang Motorbike Tour - 14 Days
Travel Styles
Active Adventures
Country
Nepal
Best Season
Mar To November
Group
Private
Max. Altitude
12,467 Ft./ 3,800 M.
Grade
Adventurous
Hotel
Hotel/ Lodge
Transportation
Royal Enfield Bikes
Ride out to Upper Mustang first, through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest river gorge on Earth, to the walled kingdom of Lo Manthang, then loop back via Manang's glacial valley on the return leg. Fourteen days that take you from wind-carved desert cliffs and ancient monasteries to lush gorge riding and the high peaks of the Annapurna range, closing the loop back to Kathmandu.
Best of Manang and Mustang Motorcycle Expedition Overview
This expedition takes Mustang first, while riders are freshest, then brings them back through Manang on the way home — a structure that lets the trip build toward its most demanding stretch (the Kagbeni-to-Lo Manthang desert riding) early, then unwind into Manang's more forgiving, scenic gorge road for the return. Your route runs Kathmandu → Pokhara → Kalopani → Muktinath → Kagbeni → Lo Manthang → Chhoser → back through Jomsom and Pokhara → Manang via Tal and Chame → Besisahar → Kathmandu.
Best of Manang and Mustang Motorbike Adventure - Highlights and Experience
Two entirely different Himalayan riding environments in one loop: Mustang's high desert kingdom on the outbound leg, Manang's glacial valley on the way home.
Muktinath Temple
A sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists at 3,800 metres, with the ever-burning natural gas flame of Jwala Mai temple nearby — one of the most significant stops on the entire route.
Lo Manthang
The walled former capital of the Kingdom of Mustang, still inhabited today, with centuries-old monasteries including Thubchen Gompa and a royal palace at its heart.
Chhoser cave complex
Ancient man-made caves near Lo Manthang, including Shija Jhong Cave — estimated to be over 3,000 years old and still of interest to archaeologists studying how early communities lived at this altitude.
The Kali Gandaki Gorge
The deepest river gorge on Earth, with the Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri massifs visible along the route between Pokhara and Muktinath.
Manang's glacial valley
On the return leg, the route follows the Marsyangdi River through Tal, Chame, and Pisang into Manang village, with sweeping views of the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri, plus stops at Milarepa Cave and Braga Monastery.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later, attend a detailed trip briefing where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travellers.
Head out around 8 am, riding through small towns and settlements on the way to Pokhara. Free evening to explore the lakeside.
Start with a ride up to Sarangkot Hill for mountain views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre. Continue to Beni on paved road, then cross the Kali Gandaki River on a mix of paved and off-road terrain toward Kalopani, stopping for lunch and a visit to Rupse Waterfall along the way.
Ride to Marpha village to see local apple orchards, then continue via Jomsom with views of Nilgiri. Visit Muktinath Temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, and the perpetually burning Jwala Mai flame nearby. Return to Kagbeni, stopping at the ancient Kag Chode Buddhist monastery.
After completing restricted-area permit formalities, ride through Chuksang, Chele, Samar, Syangboche, Ghiling, and Ghami villages, crossing the Kali Gandaki River repeatedly en route. Visit Chungsi Cave and Tsarang Monastery, with a viewpoint stop at Syangboche.
Visit Thubchen, Chode, and Jampa monasteries plus the local Buddhist museum in the morning. After lunch, ride to the Chhoser cave complex, including Shija Jhong Cave.
Retrace the route along the Kali Gandaki River, passing ancient stupas and monasteries. Visit Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest functioning monasteries in the region.
Ride down through Beni back to Pokhara. Free evening to rest before the Manang leg begins.
Follow the Marsyangdi River into the Manang region, with views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, deep gorges, and waterfalls along the way.
Continue via Chame, Bhratang, Dhikur Pokhari, Lower Pisang, Humde, and Braga into Manang village, through forest and towering peaks.
Begin the return leg on off-road paths to Bhratang, stopping at Green Lake along the way.
Continue down through the Annapurna foothills back to Besisahar.
Return to Kathmandu on the highway, watching the mountain scenery give way to city as you approach.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
More Information
Difficulty Level - Best of Manang and Mustang Motorbike Tour
This expedition front-loads the harder riding: the Kagbeni-to-Lo Manthang stretch is loose gravel, riverbeds, and cliffside track at altitude, tackled early in the trip while riders are fresh. The Manang return leg, while still genuine off-road riding with rough patches, is more forgiving and scenic by comparison. Riders should have solid motorcycle experience on mixed terrain and be comfortable with sustained high-altitude riding across consecutive days.
If you want Upper Mustang's desert kingdom first and Manang's glacial scenery as the way home, this order lets you meet the toughest riding early and unwind into it on the return.
Permits & Requirements For Best of Manang and Mustang Motorbike Tour
This route crosses both the Annapurna Conservation Area and the restricted Upper Mustang zone, so the following are required:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
- A licensed guide for the Upper Mustang section
- A valid international or home-country motorcycle riding license
Our team arranges all permits before the tour begins.
Best Time to Ride the Manang and Mustang Circuit
The best season for this expedition runs March to November, with the clearest mountain views and most stable riding conditions in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Summer/monsoon months bring rain and landslide risk in the Marsyangdi gorge on the Manang leg; winter brings snow risk at higher passes.
Culture & Attractions on the Manang and Mustang Route
This expedition moves from the walled Tibetan Buddhist kingdom of Upper Mustang to the Gurung and Manangi trading villages of the Annapurna region.
Tour highlights include:
- Muktinath Temple and the Jwala Mai eternal flame
- Lo Manthang's walled city, royal palace, and monasteries
- Chhoser cave complex
- Milarepa Cave and Braga Monastery, Manang
- Kali Gandaki Gorge
Cost of a Manang and Mustang Motorcycle Expedition
The cost depends on:
- Group size
- Motorcycle type
- Restricted Area Permit fees
- Accommodation category
Tour packages typically include:
- Motorcycle rental and fuel
- Accommodation (hotel and lodge)
- All meals during the Manang and Mustang sections
- Guide, mechanic, and driver support
- Backup vehicle
- All permits
Contact us for current pricing and private departure dates.
What's Included in the Manang and Mustang Guided Tour Package?
- Necessary airport transfers
- 2 nights twin-sharing hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- 2 nights twin-sharing hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
- 5 nights standard lodge/guesthouse in Mustang (twin-sharing)
- 4 nights standard lodge/guesthouse in Manang (twin-sharing)
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450cc motorcycle
- Fuel for the trip
- Brekfast during the Manang and Mustang sections
- Experienced government-licensed trip leader
- Qualified Royal Enfield mechanic support
- Insurance, meals, accommodation, and salaries for mechanic, guide, and driver
- Backup vehicle for luggage and mechanic support
- Upper Mustang restricted area permit
- ACAP permit and entrance fees in Mustang
- Monastery and cave entrance fees
- Basic medical kit
- All toll and government taxes
Minor repairs (brake shoe, spark plug, etc.) are included; clients bear costs for major damage.
What's Not Included In the Package?
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Personal riding gear
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal travel and evacuation insurance
- Personal expenses (tea, coffee, drinks, laundry, etc.)
- Motorcycle fuel beyond the included allowance
- Costs due to natural calamities or breakdowns
Accommodation & Food on the Manang and Mustang Tour
Kathmandu and Pokhara nights are spent in comfortable twin-sharing hotels; Mustang and Manang accommodation is in standard twin-sharing lodges and guesthouses. All meals are included during the Manang and Mustang sections; Kathmandu and Pokhara meals are breakfast only, with lunch and dinner at your own cost.
Safety & Rider Support on the Manang and Mustang Motorbike Adventure
Our Manang and Mustang expeditions include:
- Experienced, government-licensed trip leader
- Qualified Royal Enfield mechanic support
- Backup vehicle for luggage and mechanical support
- Basic medical kit
Given the altitude and remoteness of both legs, riders should carry personal travel and medical insurance, including evacuation coverage.
Travel Tips for Manang and Mustang Tour Riders
- Prepare for sudden weather shifts and biting cold above 3,500 metres
- Carry cash for meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and for personal expenses throughout
- Pack for both desert wind and dust in Mustang and cooler, wetter conditions in Manang
- Fuel up whenever possible — availability is limited beyond major towns
- Bring a full set of proper riding gear; it isn't included in the package
Packing List for a Manang and Mustang Motorbike Tour
Recommended items for the expedition:
- Full riding gear: helmet, jacket, boots, gloves, protective suit
- Warm layers for altitude and evening cold
- Wind and dust protection for Mustang
- Rain gear for the Manang leg
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal medication, including altitude sickness medication
- Power bank
- Valid international or home-country motorcycle riding license
- Personal travel and medical insurance documents
Dos & Don'ts for the Manang and Mustang Route
Do:
- Respect monasteries, caves, and religious sites throughout both regions
- Complete restricted-area permit formalities before entering Upper Mustang
- Carry sufficient cash — ATMs are unreliable beyond major towns
- Pace yourself on the longer riding days, especially Days 2, 8, 9, and 13
Don't:
- Ride independently in the Upper Mustang restricted zone — a licensed guide is required
- Skip proper riding gear — it isn't included and the terrain demands it
- Rush through Chhoser or Lo Manthang's monasteries — they reward a slower visit
- Underestimate the cold at Muktinath and Lo Manthang's altitude
What Makes This Manang and Mustang Expedition Different?
- Rides Upper Mustang first, meeting the hardest terrain while riders are freshest
- Returns via Manang's more scenic, forgiving gorge road rather than retracing the same route
- Covers both of Nepal's signature high-altitude motorcycle routes in one 14-day loop
- Full mechanical, medical, and logistical support throughout
Why Book Your Manang and Mustang Motorcycle Expedition with Us?
- We are local, and it shows. Nepal Moto Tours is based in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Our guides know both routes well.
- A fleet built for both terrains. Our Royal Enfield Himalayan 410 and 450 models handle Mustang's desert terrain and Manang's gorge riding equally well.
- Full support throughout. A mechanic, backup vehicle, and licensed guide accompany the group across both restricted and non-restricted zones.
- Small groups, private experience. We run private departures — your pace, your itinerary.
- Transparent pricing, no hidden costs. Motorbike, fuel, permits, and accommodation are included, and we tell you upfront what isn't.
Useful Information for Riders (Quick Facts)
- Maximum Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft (Muktinath & Lo Manthang)
- Ride Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Best Season: March to November (best in Spring & Autumn)
- Terrain: Kali Gandaki Gorge, high desert, glacial valley
- Permit Required: Yes (ACAP, Upper Mustang RAP)
- Guide Required: Mandatory in Upper Mustang
- Accommodation: Hotel & lodge
- Riding Distance: Approx. 1,238 km total over the loop
- Recommended Bikes: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450cc
Available Fleets
Choose from our premium fleet of motorcycles for your adventure
Hero Xpulse 200cc
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BMW G 310 GS
.Rent BMW G 310 GS – Adventure Meets Sophistication The BMW G 310 GS is a motorcycle...
Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 CC
. Rent Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 is a bike tha...
Royal Enfield Himalayan 410 CC
.Rent Royal Enfield Himalayan 410 CC: Adventure Redefined. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 410 CC is...
Rent Royal Enfield Classic 350 CC
.Rent Royal Enfield Classic 350 CC– Get the classic ride. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 CC...
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 CC
.Rent the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 CC and Win Every Challenge. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450...
Honda CRF 250L
Rent a new Honda CRF 250L in Nepal
Frequently Asked Questions
Faqs:
A: Absolutely! We can tailor the tour to fit your preferences.
A: The months of March to May and September to November worked best with clear skies and good weather.
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Best of Manang and Mustang Motorbike Tour - 14 Days
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