Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour

Upper Mustang Motorcycle Tour Overview

Few motorcycle tours in the world can match what Upper Mustang offers. Tucked behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in northwestern Nepal, Upper Mustang is a high-altitude Himalayan desert that was closed to the outside world until 1992. The Upper Mustang motorcycle tour with Nepal Moto Tours takes you from the busy streets of Kathmandu all the way to Lo Manthang - the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo,  across 11 days of riding that span approximately 1000+ kilometres of Himalayan terrain.

Upper Mustang Motorbike Adventure - Highlights and Experience

Upper Mustang motorbike adventure is a journey through contrasts. One hour, you are riding alongside a turquoise glacial river carving through red canyon walls. Next you are navigating a dusty plateau 3,800 metres above sea level, with prayer flags snapping in the wind and the snowcapped Nilgiri massif towering above you. There is nowhere else on earth quite like this.

Lo Manthang — the walled city:

The crown jewel of the Upper Mustang motorcycle adventure is Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo. 

Chhosar Sky Caves 

Near Lo Manthang, the cliff faces of Chhosar are riddled with man-made caves carved up to 3,000 years ago. 

Muktinath Temple

 At 3,710 metres, Muktinath is one of the holiest shrines in both Hinduism and Buddhism. A natural gas flame burns perpetually inside, surrounded by 108 water spouts. 

Kali Gandaki Gorge road 

Riding the Kali Gandaki Gorge is the kind of road that motorcycle travellers tell stories about for years. The Kali Gandaki River has carved the deepest gorge on earth between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. 
 

Marpha village 

Known as the apple capital of Nepal, Marpha is a beautifully preserved Thakali village of whitewashed stone houses and cobbled lanes. Stop for a glass of locally distilled apple brandy, refuel your senses, then ride on.

Adventurous Mountain Road

 The roads on this Upper Mustang motorbike adventure are a mix of sealed highway, gravel mountain track, and rocky off-road trail. You will ford shallow streams, navigate switchbacks above 3,500 metres, and ride through landscapes that shift from subtropical gorge to high-altitude desert within a single afternoon. 

Difficulty Level — Upper Mustang Motorcycle Tour

The Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour is a moderately challenging Himalayan adventure ride best suited for riders with basic to intermediate off-road experience. Expect gravel roads, rocky trails, river crossings, high-altitude terrain, and long riding days through remote mountain landscapes.

If you enjoy adventure riding, Royal Enfield expeditions, and rugged Himalayan routes, this ride is for you.

Permits & Requirements For Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour

Upper Mustang is a restricted region of Nepal, and special permits are mandatory for all foreign travelers.

Required permits include:

• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

A licensed guide is compulsory for Upper Mustang travel. Our team manages all permits and logistics before the tour begins.

Best Time to Ride Upper Mustang

The best seasons for the Upper Mustang Motorcycle Tour are:

• Spring (March–May)
• Autumn (September–November)

Upper Mustang lies in a rain-shadow region, making it one of the few Himalayan destinations suitable even during parts of the monsoon season.

Expect:

• Clear mountain views
• Dry off-road trails
• Pleasant riding temperatures
• Stunning Himalayan landscapes

Culture & Attractions in Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang is known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom” of Nepal — a remote Himalayan region deeply influenced by Tibetan culture and Buddhism.

Tour highlights include:

• Lo Manthang
• Kagbeni Village
• Muktinath Temple
• Chhoser Sky Caves
• Ancient monasteries
• Himalayan desert landscapes
• Traditional Tibetan villages

This ride is more than a motorcycle tour — it’s a journey through one of the Himalayas’ most unique cultural regions.

Cost of an Upper Mustang Motorcycle Tour

The cost of the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour depends on:

• Group size
• Motorcycle type
• Accommodation category
• Support vehicle requirements
• Tour duration

Tour packages typically include:

• Motorcycle rental
• Fuel
• Accommodation
• Permits
• Guide support
• Mechanic assistance

The overall cost usually starts from $1999/rider. Contact us for custom pricing and private departures.

What’s Included in the Upper Mustang Guided Tour Package?

• High-quality motorbike rental and fuel.
• Professional guide and mechanic support.
• Accommodation in mountain lodge, tea house, guesthouse, and hotels.
• Daily breakfast.
• Entrance fees to national parks and heritage sites.
• Permits

What’s Not Included In the Package?

• International airfare and travel insurance.
• Lunch and dinner.
• Personal expenses and souvenirs.
• Tips for guides and support staff.
• Any other expenses not included in the package

Accommodation & Food in Upper Mustang Tour

Accommodation during the ride includes local tea houses and mountain lodges offering simple yet comfortable stays.

Food options commonly include:

• Dal Bhat
• Noodles
• Fried rice
• Tibetan bread
• Momos
• Soups and hot drinks

Despite the remote terrain, riders can expect warm meals and welcoming hospitality throughout the journey.

Safety & rider support on the Upper Mustang Motorbike Adventure

Your safety is our priority throughout the expedition.

Our Upper Mustang motorcycle tours include:

• Experienced road captain
• Support crew
• Mechanic assistance
• First aid support
• Route planning and logistics management

Due to the remote Himalayan terrain, riders must carry valid travel insurance covering motorcycle riding and high-altitude travel.

Travel Tips for Upper Mustang Tour Riders

• Stay hydrated during the ride
• Ride at your own comfortable pace
• Carry cash for remote areas
• Wear proper riding gear
• Start early to avoid afternoon winds
• Respect altitude acclimatization
• Follow the guide instructions at all times

Upper Mustang is an adventure ride best enjoyed steadily and responsibly.

Packing List for an Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour

Recommended items for the ride:

• Riding jacket and pants
• Riding gloves and boots
• Thermal layers
• Rain gear
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Personal medication
• Power bank
• Hydration bottle
• Passport copies

Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change quickly, so layered clothing is highly recommended.

Dos & Don’ts for Riding in Upper Mustang

Do:

• Respect local culture and monasteries
• Ride responsibly on mountain roads
• Follow your road captain’s guidance
• Support local tea houses and communities

Don’t:

• Litter on trails or villages
• Ride recklessly on off-road sections
• Disturb religious sites
• Push beyond your riding ability

Responsible riding helps preserve the beauty of Upper Mustang.

What Makes This Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour Different?

• Experienced local motorcycle expedition team
• Carefully designed Himalayan riding route
• Authentic cultural experiences
• Well-maintained adventure motorcycles
• Balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and exploration
• Support crew and mechanic assistance throughout the ride

This is not just a road trip — it’s a true Himalayan motorcycle adventure into one of Nepal’s most remote regions.

Why Book Your Upper Mustang Motorcycle Adventure with Us?

There is no shortage of tour operators offering trips to Upper Mustang. Here is why riders choose Nepal Moto Tours and why they come back.

• We are local, and it shows Nepal Moto Tours is based in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Our road captains, guides, and support crew are Nepali riders who have ridden these routes hundreds of times. 
• A well-maintained fleet built for this terrain. Every bike in our fleet is selected specifically for Himalayan riding conditions. Our Royal Enfield Himalayan 410 and 450 CC models are the benchmark adventure motorcycle for this region — torquey, reliable, and tall enough to handle river crossings. We also offer the BMW G 310 GS, Honda CRF 250L, and Hero Xpulse 200cc. 
• Full permit and logistics management for Upper Mustang is a restricted area. The permit process involves two separate documents — the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit — and a licensed guide is legally required. We manage all of this before your arrival. 
• Small groups, private experience. We run private departures. You are not sharing your Upper Mustang motorcycle adventure with 20 strangers on a fixed group tour. Your itinerary, your pace, your experience.
• A support vehicle the whole way. A 4WD support vehicle follows every group from Kathmandu to Lo Manthang and back. It carries spare parts, a mechanic, first aid supplies, and any rider luggage you do not want strapped to a pannier rack
• Transparent pricing, no hidden costs. What we quote is what you pay. Accommodation, fuel, permits, guide fees, and mechanic support are all included. We will tell you upfront what is not included, so there are no surprises at the end of the trip.
• Your safety is built into every day. High-altitude riding carries real risks — altitude sickness, rapidly changing weather, and remote terrain. Our road captains are trained in first aid and high-altitude health management. We plan acclimatisation into the itinerary, set a pace that respects the altitude, and monitor the group throughout.

Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour Reviews

Do not take our word for it. Here is what riders who have completed the Upper Mustang motorbike tour with Nepal Moto Tours have to say.

Dan Lawson — 5/5 April 2026

"Nowhere beats the Nepalese hospitality — and with these guys you get to enjoy it the entire week. They are so kind, patient, and thoughtful. It really does feel like they will go out of their way to make sure everything is taken care of. And as a result all you have to do is enjoy the ride and the epic scenery."

Luiza Samarova — 5/5 April 2026

"We had the best time with the crew from Nepal Moto Tours. Spending 10 days exploring the stunning landscapes of Upper Mustang was truly unforgettable. Every day brought a new mix of adventure, scenery, and great company. From the rugged trails to the peaceful mountain views, it easily ranks as one of my favourite experiences of all time. Can't recommend these guys enough."

Rated 5.0 out of 5 — based on verified rider reviews

We actively collect feedback from every group we ride with. If you have completed the Upper Mustang motorcycle tour with us, we would love to hear about your experience. Leave your review directly on this page or on our Google profile.

Useful Information for Riders (Quick Facts)

• Maximum Altitude: Approx. 4,200m
• Ride Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Best Season: Spring & Autumn
• Terrain: Gravel, off-road & mountain roads
• Permit Required: Yes
• Guide Required: Yes
• Fuel Availability: Limited in remote areas
• Accommodation: Tea houses & lodges
• Daily Riding Hours: Approx. 5–8 hours
• Recommended Bikes: Royal Enfield Himalayan & ADV motorcycles