Riding a motorbike comes with its bliss, but if you add discovering places, Lo Manthang of the Upper Mustang in Nepal will bring the adventurous side in you. Its surreal scenarios, severe climate, mountains, and endless desert are best suited for someone who loves motorcycles, as well as adventurous places.
This trip is intertwined with various activities that make it a unique experience. Traveling alongside ancient domains, your inner spirit will evolve. You can also indulge in spiritual serenity as you enjoy amazing natural beauty, cross rivers, and climb steep ridges, all while trying to stick to the rough paths.
Let’s discuss every part of this trip in detail while being extremely clear-cut.
Where Is Lo Manthang?
Lo Manthang is a small town walled in the Upper Mustang in northern Nepal. It is very close to the Tibetan border and is behind the Himalayas, in a dry area called the shadow of rain (where the rain does not fall much). This area looks and looks very different from the rest of Nepal.
Sometimes Lo Manthang is called “last forbidden kingdom” because tourists were not allowed to visit until 1992. Even now, you need a special permission to go there.
Why Ride a Motorbike to Upper Mustang?
Traversing the route to Upper Mustang is more than exciting. It is filled with Guinness World Record adventures. Although the rough coastal roads pose difficulties, the experience is singular. You’ll ride through:
- Tall snowy mountains
- Deep gorges
- Colorful cliffs
- Old Buddhist monasteries
- Quiet stone villages
Upper Mustang is like reliving the history, baring all routes and pathways you wish to cross, mercilessly and the folks dwelling areas are all set to welcome you.
Explore the Key Highlights of the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour!
Let’s look at the best parts of the Upper Mustang bike riding tours, step by step.
1. Pokhara – The Starting Point
The journey begins from the beautiful city of Pokhara, which is peaceful compared to other metropolitan cities in Nepal. The sights of large mountains like Annapurna and Machhapuchhre, and the lakes and caves bring natural beauty to this city. Before you start the ride, you will:
- Meet your tour group and guide
- Inspect your vehicle (normally a Classic 500 or Royal Enfield Himalayan)
- Acquire your (two required) permits – Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Before the real adventure starts, rest in Pokhara, another location to explore. Get ready for the trip by experimenting with the local kitchen or relaxing and watching the sunset on Phewa Lake.
2. Kaligandaki Gorge – The World’s Deepest Gorge
The road heads toward the north, where Pokhara is located, entering the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge. This gorge lies between two majestic mountains, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The road here is full of:
- Waterfalls
- Dusty gravel tracks
- Steep turns
- Mountain views
It’s one of the most thrilling parts of the ride. The scenery changes quickly from green forest to dry hills.
3. Kagbeni – Gateway to Upper Mustang
Shortly afterwards, the ride brings you to Kagbeni, a wonderful small village where you will display your permits that act as an entry ticket to Upper Mustang. You’ll show your permits here. Kagbeni is a special place with:
- Old stone houses
- A red Buddhist monastery
- Views of the Kali Gandaki River
- Friendly local people
It feels like you’re stepping into a history book. Take time to walk around the village before heading deeper into Mustang.
4. Muktinath – A Sacred Side Trip
Just a little off the main route is Muktinath, a very holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists. Many riders make this short detour, and it’s worth it. Muktinath has:
- A temple with an eternal flame that never stops burning
- 108 water taps that people use for ritual bathing
- Peaceful surroundings and strong spiritual energy
The ride from Kagbeni to Muktinath is breathtaking. Despite being at high altitude, you are offered stunning views as well as amazing spots to take a rest before continuing on your journey.
5. Dhakmar – Red Cliffs and Strange Rocks
Taking the ride deeper into Upper Mustang allows you to experience an increase in elevation and a shift in landscape to a much drier and rougher texture. In addition, riding into this region will give you a special feeling of being on Mars. One other special region includes Dhakmar, which is well known for possessing glowing, bright red cliffs that transform with the sunlight. It holds one of the most wondrous and astonishing areas of the trip, filled with:
- Canyons and caves
- Wind-carved rock formations
- Monasteries built into the cliffs
It’s one of the most unique and beautiful parts of the journey.
6. Lo Manthang – The Forbidden Kingdom
The last destination of the trip brings you to the peaceful and quiet walled city of Lo Manthang, where you can spend time appreciating the amazing structures without the disturbance of people. The city is filled with old artifacts waiting to be discovered. Inside the city, you can explore:
- Thubchen and Jampa Monasteries – filled with old paintings and peaceful prayer rooms
- The Royal Palace – where the king of Mustang used to live
- The Caves of Chhoser – ancient caves carved into cliffs
- Tiji Festival (if you visit in May) – with masked dances, music, and celebrations
Spend a few days here to enjoy the culture, explore the city, and rest.
7. The Ride Back – Still an Adventure
The return trip is along the same route, but it feels very different. The weather might change, the views look new from the opposite direction, and you’ll notice things you missed before. This part of the ride brings a deep sense of pride and joy. You’ve done something many people never even dream of doing.
Things to Know Before You Go
To enjoy the Upper Mustang ride, here are a few things to remember:
1. Permits Needed:
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Most tour companies will help you get them.
2. Best Time to Go:
- Late March to early November is the best time.
- Even in the rainy season (June–August), Mustang stays dry.
3. Bike Choice:
- Most people ride the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc or Classic 500cc.
- These bikes are strong and good for rocky, high roads.
4. Altitude Awareness:
- You’ll be riding above 4,000 meters.
- Ride slowly, drink lots of water, and take rest days to prevent altitude sickness.
5. Accommodation:
- You’ll stay in tea houses – small guesthouses with simple rooms, basic meals, and friendly hosts.
- Don’t expect luxury, but they are cozy and warm.
6. Connectivity:
- Mobile signal is weak or not available in many places.
- Wi-Fi is slow. It’s a great chance for a digital detox.
Final Thoughts: A Ride That Stays With You
The Upper Mustang motorbike tour promises something different from just riding. This is an experience of a powerful journey through one of the most remote and enchanting places the Earth has to offer.
You’ll ride through mountains, meet people of diverse cultures, and visit sacred places. There are bound to be tough roads, merciless high-altitude cold winds, along with peace, pride, and supernatural beauty waiting.
Each turn and stretch met in the serene mountain air becomes a resounding engine roar and a priceless moment that you will carry for life. So, how keen are you to step into this marvelous beauty?
No matter if you are an elite rider or a novice hoping across the borders chasing a fantasy hug around Lo Manthang, the road wrap blends perfectly into one outlandish beauty.
