Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour from Pokhara - 9 Days
Travel Styles
Active Adventures
Country
Nepal
Best Season
March–May & September–November
Group
Private
Max. Altitude
4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Grade
Adventurous
Hotel
Hotel/ Lodge
Transportation
Royal Enfield Bikes
This 9-day ride is for people who are already in Pokhara, or who would rather not spend two days on the Kathmandu highway. You collect your bike at the lakeside, ride up the Kali Gandaki to Kagbeni, cross the checkpoint into Upper Mustang, and spend two nights in Lo Manthang before riding back out via Muktinath.
Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour from Pokhara Overview
Most Upper Mustang rides start in Kathmandu and spend a day or two on the Prithvi Highway before the mountains begin. This one starts in Pokhara, so every day on the itinerary is spent on the Kali Gandaki road and the desert track beyond it. It suits riders who have just finished a trek or another tour in Pokhara, travellers who fly in and out of Pokhara, and anyone with a tight schedule.
The route follows the river north through Beni and Tatopani to Kagbeni, where the restricted area begins. North of Kagbeni, the road becomes a gravel and sand track across high desert, over passes just above 4,000 metres, to Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the old Kingdom of Lo. You stay two nights there so you can see the city and the cave complex at Chhoser without rushing, then return via Muktinath. A licensed guide, a mechanic and a support vehicle with driver travel with every group. We run private departures on your dates. If you want the longer version that includes the ride from Kathmandu, see our Upper Mustang motorbike tour from Kathmandu (11 days).
Pokhara Start or Kathmandu Start?
|
Pokhara start (this tour) |
Kathmandu start |
|
|
Length |
9 days |
11 days |
|
First riding day |
Day 2, on the Kali Gandaki |
Day 3, after the Prithvi Highway |
|
Time in Lo Manthang |
2 nights |
2 nights |
|
Best for |
Riders already in Pokhara, or short on time |
Riders flying into Kathmandu who want the full route |
|
Extra days needed |
Getting to Pokhara by road or air |
None, we ride you there |
|
Page |
This page |
Upper Mustang tour from Kathmandu |
If you want a dated, expedition-style departure, see the Upper Mustang Motorcycle Expedition. If you would rather stay out of the restricted area, the Lower Mustang Motorcycle Tour covers Jomsom, Kagbeni and Muktinath without the Upper Mustang permit.
Getting to Pokhara Before the Tour
- Fly: Kathmandu to Pokhara takes about 25 minutes and is the fastest option.
- Tourist bus: about 6 to 7 hours on the Prithvi Highway, scenic but busy.
- Private car: the same road, with more flexibility on timing.
- Ride there: we can add the Kathmandu to Pokhara ride as an extra, which turns this into the longer route.
- If you are coming from a trek around Annapurna or a stay at Phewa Lake, you are already in the right place. Our team meets you at your hotel.
Highlights of the Pokhara to Lo Manthang Ride
-
Kali Gandaki from Beni to Kagbeni
The road follows the river between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna massif, climbing from green subtropical valley to dry rain-shadow desert in a day and a half of riding.
Lo Manthang
A walled city of whitewashed houses, narrow lanes and a royal palace, still lived in today. With two nights here you can see its main temples at a steady pace.
Chhoser Caves
A cliff complex of man-made caves near Lo Manthang, reached by a short ride and a short climb.
The Desert Passes
Past Kagbeni, the road crosses several high passes, including Nyi La and Tsarang La, through red and ochre canyon country.
Ghami and Tsarang
Ghami has one of the longest mani walls in Nepal, and Tsarang has a large monastery and the ruins of an old fort. An optional side trip reaches Ghar Gompa, reputed to be one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal.
Muktinath
Visited on the way back with time to go slowly, rather than as a stop on the way up.
Tatopani Hot Springs
Natural pools beside the river, with a night at each end of the mountain section.
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Pokhara, Bike Test Ride and Briefing (Elevation 820 m)
Start your journey with an early breakfast before riding through the main highway from Kathmandu to Besisahar. The ride provides an urban and rural panorama, with sequences that trace the course of the Marsyangdi River. Besisahar, the district capital of Lamjung, is a lively town and a good base for your Manang trek.
Overnight stay in Besisahar.
Day 2
Day 2: Pokhara to Tatopani (Elevation 1,190 m)
115 km
The ride starts on pavement, heading north-west through Naya Pul to Beni, where the Myagdi Khola meets the Kali Gandaki. Beyond Beni, the surface turns to gravel, potholes and rough track, with suspension bridges, waterfalls and forested slopes on both sides. The pace is slow, and the road captain keeps the group together.
By late afternoon you reach Tatopani, whose name means hot water. The natural springs beside the river are the best way to ease out the day. Lunch and dinner are at the lodge or nearby restaurants at your own cost.
Day 3
Day 3: Tatopani to Kagbeni (Elevation 2,810 m)
70 km
The valley climbs through Ghasa and Kalopani, with Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri filling the view. The forest gives way to pine, then to open dry slopes. You pass through Tukuche and Marpha, a tidy Thakali village known for its apples, and continue through Jomsom to Kagbeni.
The afternoon wind in this valley is strong, so we aim to clear Jomsom before it builds. Kagbeni is a walled village of mud-brick houses at the edge of Upper Mustang. In the late afternoon you can walk its lanes and visit the monastery. The night here at 2,810 metres is the first step in the acclimatisation plan.
Day 4
Day 4: Kagbeni to Ghami (Elevation 3,520 m)
55 km
The guide presents your restricted area permit at the Kagbeni checkpoint, and the surface changes to a rough track. The route runs through Chele and Samar, along red cliffs and wind-cut canyons, and passes close to 4,000 metres, including Nyi La. Expect loose gravel, sand and river crossings, and a steady wind.
Ghami is a farming village in the high desert, with a long mani wall you can walk in the evening. The lodge is simple and the night is cold.
Day 5
Day 5: Ghami to Lo Manthang (Elevation 3,840 m)
40 km
A shorter day with time to stop. The track crosses Tsarang La (3,870 m) and passes Tsarang, where you can visit the monastery and the fort ruins. If the group has energy, an optional side trip leads to Ghar Gompa in a quiet valley.
From Tsarang, the track crosses an open plateau, and the walls of Lo Manthang come into view. After checking in at the lodge, you can take a first walk through the walled city in the late afternoon light.
Day 6
Day 6: Explore Lo Manthang and Chhoser (Elevation 3,840 m)
30 km
A full day with no luggage on the bikes. In the morning, a local guide walks you through Lo Manthang, including the main temples, the old lanes and the outside of the royal palace. In the afternoon, a short ride takes you to the Chhoser cave complex, including Sija Jong Cave. Back in town for the evening, you have a second night at the same altitude, which helps your body adjust.
Day 7
Day 7: Lo Manthang to Muktinath (Elevation 3,800 m)
100 km
The longest day of the tour. We leave early and retrace the desert route, through Ghami, Syangboche, Samar and Chele. The light and wind direction make the canyons look different from the ride in. At Kagbeni, the permit is checked on the way out, and the road climbs through Jharkot to Muktinath.
You arrive in the late afternoon at roughly the same altitude as Lo Manthang, so you are already adjusted. The temple visit is saved for the morning.
Day 8
Day 8: Muktinath to Tatopani (Elevation 1,190 m)
85 km
In the morning, you walk up to Muktinath Temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, to see the 108 water spouts and the Jwala Mai flame beside the spring. The guide explains what you are seeing and how to take part respectfully.
After the visit, the ride descends the Kali Gandaki through Jomsom and Marpha, with the air getting warmer and thicker. Most riders find this stretch easier and faster than the ride up. You finish with a second soak in the Tatopani springs.
Day 9
Day 9: Tatopani to Pokhara (Elevation 820 m)
115 km
The river road leads back to Beni, and the pavement carries you to Pokhara by early afternoon. You return your bike and say goodbye to the team. The rest of the day is yours, and many riders go straight to the lake.
More Information
Pokhara to Upper Mustang Route at a Glance
|
Day |
Route |
Distance |
Riding time |
Night altitude |
|
1 |
Pokhara, bike test ride and briefing |
Local |
Local |
820 m |
|
2 |
Pokhara to Tatopani |
115 km |
6 to 7 hours |
1,190 m |
|
3 |
Tatopani to Kagbeni |
70 km |
5 to 6 hours |
2,810 m |
|
4 |
Kagbeni to Ghami |
55 km |
5 to 6 hours |
3,520 m |
|
5 |
Ghami to Lo Manthang |
40 km |
4 to 5 hours |
3,840 m |
|
6 |
Lo Manthang and Chhoser |
30 km |
3 to 4 hours |
3,840 m |
|
7 |
Lo Manthang to Muktinath |
100 km |
7 to 8 hours |
3,800 m |
|
8 |
Muktinath to Tatopani |
85 km |
5 to 6 hours |
1,190 m |
|
9 |
Tatopani to Pokhara |
115 km |
5 to 6 hours |
820 m |
Total riding distance is approximately 610 km. Distances and times are approximate and depend on road, wind and weather.
Altitude Plan and Acclimatisation on Upper Mustang Trip
You climb in steps: 820 m, 1,190 m, 2,810 m, 3,520 m, then 3,840 m for two nights, followed by Muktinath at 3,800 m before dropping back to 1,190 m. Talk to your doctor before you travel about altitude medication, drink plenty of water, and tell the guide early if you have a headache, nausea or unusual tiredness. If symptoms worsen, the right response is to descend, and the team will arrange it.
Difficulty of the Pokhara to Lo Manthang Ride
This is a moderate to challenging ride. The day from Pokhara to Beni is on pavement, the Kali Gandaki road beyond is rough, and the track north of Kagbeni is unpaved desert with gravel, sand and river crossings. Wind and altitude add fatigue.
You should be comfortable on loose surfaces and at low speed, and used to riding five to eight hours a day. Previous off-road experience helps a lot. If you are less experienced, tell us when you book, since lighter bikes from our fleet are available. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is our standard choice for this route.
Permits for a Pokhara-Start Upper Mustang Ride
Upper Mustang is a restricted area, so you need the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, issued through a registered agency. A licensed guide is compulsory, and permits need a minimum of two travellers. We arrange everything, and we need your passport details and photos before departure, not on arrival in Pokhara. We tell you the deadline when you book.
You also need a valid passport, a Nepal tourist visa, a motorcycle licence from your home country with an International Driving Permit, and travel insurance that covers motorcycling and high-altitude evacuation. Check current rules with the Department of Immigration of Nepal and the Nepal Tourism Board. For the full permit breakdown, see the Kathmandu-start tour page.
Best Time to Ride Upper Mustang From Pokhara
This tour runs best in two seasons: March to May and September to November. Skies are clearer, temperatures are workable at altitude, and the track is in its best condition. We plan our departures around these windows.
March to May
Spring brings warming days and clear mountain views. March is the coldest of the three months, with cold nights in the high villages, while April and May are warmer. The afternoon wind in the Kali Gandaki valley is strong in all three, so we start early every day.
May is also when the Tiji Festival is usually held in Lo Manthang. This three-day festival features masked dances by the monks of Choede Monastery, held in the courtyard in front of the royal palace, and it is the main cultural event of Upper Mustang. The dates follow the Tibetan lunar calendar and change every year. If you want to see it, tell us when you book, and we will plan your ride so that you reach Lo Manthang before it starts. Lodging in Lo Manthang is limited and fills early during the festival, so book well ahead.
September to November
Autumn is the other peak season, with settled weather and the sharpest mountain views after the monsoon. The lower Kali Gandaki road between Pokhara and Beni can still be wet in early September, while October and November are the most stable months. Nights get colder through November.
Other Months
Upper Mustang sits in the rain shadow, so rain matters less here than elsewhere in Nepal. But we do not recommend the rest of the year. The lower road between Pokhara and Beni can see landslides in midsummer, and winter brings snow at the passes and cold that makes the ride harder.
Cost of the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour from Pokhara
The price depends on group size, motorcycle and room type. Permits, fuel, the guide, mechanic and support vehicle are included. The package generally starts from USD 1499. Contact us for current pricing and departure dates.
What's Included
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450/411 motorcycle with fuel
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- Accommodation in a Pokhara hotel and mountain lodges, twin share
- Daily breakfast
- Licensed guide and road captain
- Mechanic and spare parts
- Support vehicle with driver carrying luggage
- Entrance fees listed in the itinerary
- First aid support
What's Not Included
- Lunch and dinner
- International and domestic flights
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel and medical insurance, including evacuation cover
- Personal riding gear
- Personal expenses, drinks and souvenirs
- Tips for the guide, mechanic and driver
- Costs from major damage caused by rider error
Accommodation and Food
You stay in a hotel in Pokhara and in simple mountain lodges on the trail, usually twin share, with attached bathrooms where available. Hot water can be limited above Jomsom, and nights in Ghami and Lo Manthang are cold. Lunch and dinner are your own choice and cost, with dal bhat, momos, thukpa, noodles and Tibetan bread on most menus. Marpha is known for apple pie and apple brandy.
Safety and Rider Support
A guide, road captain and mechanic ride with the group, and a support vehicle follows with luggage and spares. Fuel is limited beyond Jomsom, so the team plans fuel stops in advance. Mobile signal is patchy to none past Kagbeni. Ride in daylight, wear full protective gear, and follow the road captain on the desert track. For serious emergencies, evacuation is by helicopter, which is why insurance matters.
Packing and Preparation
Bring your own riding gear: jacket, trousers, gloves, boots and a full-face helmet. Add warm layers, a windproof outer layer, a buff and goggles for dust, sunscreen and lip balm, a sleeping bag liner, a power bank and your documents. If you are missing gear, Pokhara has shops and rental options, and our bike rent in Pokhara page covers what is available. Carry cash in Nepali rupees, since ATMs are reliable only in Pokhara and Jomsom.
What Makes the Pokhara Start Different
- Every day on the itinerary is spent in the mountains
- A night in Ghami splits the ride to Lo Manthang into two shorter days
- Two nights in Lo Manthang for a full day of exploring
- Muktinath on the return, with time for a proper visit
- Hot springs at Tatopani at both ends of the mountain section
Why Book With Nepal Moto Tours
Nepal Moto Tours is based in Bhaktapur, Nepal, registered with the Government of Nepal and recognised by the Nepal Tourism Board. Our road captains and mechanics ride these roads regularly, and we run private departures at a pace that suits the group. Permits, accommodation and support are arranged before you arrive, and pricing is clear about what is and is not included.
Extend Your Trip in Pokhara
After the ride, many riders stay on for a few days. Popular options are paragliding, a boat on Phewa Lake, a sunrise drive to Sarangkot, a day at the World Peace Pagoda, an Annapurna helicopter flight, or a trip to Chitwan and Lumbini. See our Chitwan Lumbini Pokhara Motorbike Tour if you want to keep riding.
Quick Facts
- Duration: 9 days, 8 nights
- Start and End: Pokhara
- Highest Night: 3,840 m (Lo Manthang)
- Ride Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Best Season: March to May, September to November
- Terrain: Pavement, gravel river road, desert track
- Total Riding Distance: Approx. 610 km
- Permits: Upper Mustang RAP and ACAP, arranged by us
- Guide: Compulsory, included
- Group: Private, minimum of two for permits
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Recommended Bike: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
Available Fleets
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Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram 411 CC
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Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 CC
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1
Can I start the Upper Mustang ride in Pokhara and skip Kathmandu?
Yes. This tour starts and ends in Pokhara, and you only need to get yourself there. If you want the Kathmandu to Pokhara ride included, see the 11-day tour.
Q2
Is 9 days enough for Upper Mustang from Pokhara?
Yes. You get two nights in Lo Manthang and enough time at Ghami, Tsarang and Muktinath without rushing. Shorter trips usually cut time in Lo Manthang.
Q3
What is the difference between this tour and the 11-day tour from Kathmandu?
The route in the mountains is the same, but this one starts in Pokhara and has two fewer days of highway riding. The itinerary is also set up differently, with a night in Ghami and Muktinath visited on the way back.
Q4
How do I get to Pokhara from Kathmandu?
By air in about 25 minutes, by tourist bus in 6 to 7 hours, or by private car. We can also add the ride from Kathmandu as an extension.
Q5
Where do I collect my motorcycle?
In Pokhara, on Day 1, with a fitting session before the tour starts.
Q6
Can I leave extra luggage in Pokhara?
Yes. We arrange storage for bags you do not need on the trail, which we confirm at booking.
Q7
When do you need my documents?
Before departure. The restricted area permit is processed through our office, so we ask for your passport details and photos well ahead of the start date.
Q8
Can I fly from Jomsom back to Pokhara?
When flights run, yes, in about 20 minutes. It depends on weather, so it works better as a flexible option than a fixed plan.
Q9
Is this suitable for a first-time Himalayan rider?
It can be, if you are comfortable on gravel and rough roads. Tell us your experience when you book, and we will suggest a suitable bike. A lighter bike from our fleet may help.
Q10
What is the best time of year for this tour?
March to May and September to November. These months give the clearest views and the most settled conditions for the desert track.
Q11
What happens if bad weather or a landslide closes a road?
The guide and road captain adjust the plan using rest time and alternative stops. We build some flexibility into every departure for this reason.
Q12
Can I extend the trip in Pokhara afterwards?
Yes. We can book extra hotel nights and activities, including paragliding, an Annapurna helicopter flight or a ride to Chitwan.
Q13
Is there a mobile signal on the route?
It is good in Pokhara, patchy in the Kali Gandaki valley and limited to none past Kagbeni.
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Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour from Pokhara - 9 Days
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