Himalayan Legends: The Great Nepal Mustang Ride

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Nepal Himalayas on this 12-night, 13-day Royal Enfield motorbike tour that takes you deep into the heart of the Mustang region. Best enjoyed between March and November, this ride will challenge and exhilarate riders as they traverse one of the most unique and remote landscapes in the world. With elevations reaching 3,710 meters and passing through multiple rivers such as Trishuli, Kali Gandaki, Marshyangdi, and Seti, this journey offers a rare opportunity to witness a pristine wilderness, deep canyons, towering snow-capped peaks, and ancient Tibetan monasteries. As you explore the incredible terrain of Lo-Manthang, you’ll be captivated by the sheer beauty of this region, with stunning views of the Fish Tail, Annapurna Ranges, Nilgiri, Tukuche, and Dhaulagiri mountains.

The tour takes you through the rain-shadow area of the Himalayas, offering an incredible mix of barren ridges, eroded cliffs, moraine valleys, and the high desert terrain that stretches to the Tibetan plateau. The journey to Lo-Manthang, a hidden gem of Tibetan culture, is not just a ride—it’s an immersion in history. This region, historically isolated from the modern world due to political restrictions, has preserved its authentic Tibetan way of life. Travelers will pass through authentic Tibetan villages where the influence of Buddhism and centuries-old traditions can be seen in the architecture, lifestyle, and culture. The region has an impressive and spiritual history, dating back to the 7th century, with the legendary figure Padmasambhava having visited centuries ago to defend Buddhism against invaders. To commemorate this victory, Padmasambhava built the Lo Gekhar Temple, which still stands proudly today.

The Kingdom of Lo-Manthang, situated at an altitude of 3,770 meters, remains one of the last remaining bastions of traditional Tibetan culture. Until 1992, the area was closed to outsiders, which has helped maintain its cultural heritage and way of life, relatively untouched by modern influences. During the ride, you will explore Lo-Manthang’s imposing 16th-century monasteries, its King’s Palace, and the fascinating caves and cliffside monasteries that dot the region. The Kingdom of Lo-Manthang is still home to a monarchy, with the current king, Jigme ParbalBista, residing in a four-story palace in the heart of the walled city. Though the king’s role is largely ceremonial, he is highly respected by the local people, who continue to rely on his guidance for various community matters.

On this thrilling ride, you will navigate through diverse and rugged terrain, passing over high passes and alongside deep canyons while taking in the strikingly beautiful wilderness around you. The journey to Lo-Manthang is not just about the destination, but the entire experience of riding through one of the world’s most remote regions, surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes and ancient history. The ride will be powered by reliable Royal Enfield 350cc, Royal Himalayan 450, or Classic 411 motorbikes, allowing you to experience the thrills of this iconic Himalayan terrain comfortably and safely.

As you ride through this incredible region, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Mustang people, known as the Lobas, who maintain a way of life strongly rooted in Tibetan culture. Despite the region’s apparent squalor, Lo-Manthang thrives with a tight-knit community that continues to preserve its ancient traditions, offering a rare glimpse into a world that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. This journey is more than just a motorbike ride; it’s an immersion into the heart of the Himalayas, where ancient cultures, sacred landscapes, and history come together in an adventure of a lifetime.

Best season: March, April, May—Sep, Oct, Nov.

Highest elevation: 3710 meters.

Rivers: Trishuli, Kali, Marshyangdi, Seti, Kali Ghandaki, Rapti and Narayani.

Mountains: Fish Tail, Annapurna Ranges, Nilgiri, Tukuche and Dhaulagiri.

Bike: Royal Enfield 350cc or Royal Himalayan 450 or Classic 411.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Your journey begins with a thrilling panoramic flight into Kathmandu, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks below. Upon arrival, a representative from Tour Real will greet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel. After assisting with check-in, they will provide a detailed briefing about the planned activities.

At 6:00 PM, a short introductory session will be held in the hotel lobby, where you will meet the road captain and mechanic, who will guide and support you during the journey.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2: Ride Around Kathmandu (Nagarkot via Bhaktapur Durbar Square)

After breakfast, meet your road captain, who will provide a safety briefing on riding in Nepal’s unique road conditions. Mount your motorbike and embark on an exciting day trip to Nagarkot, a scenic hill station about 32 km from Kathmandu, via the historic Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Your first stop is Bhaktapur Durbar Square, 12 km from Kathmandu. Here, park your bikes and explore its rich architectural heritage, including:

Lion Gate and Golden Gate, adorned with intricate carvings.
The Palace of 55 Windows, a masterpiece of woodcraft from the 17th century.
Natyapola Temple, a five-story pagoda known for its massive structure and artistic finesse.
National Art Gallery, showcasing Hindu and Buddhist art and tantric depictions.
After sightseeing, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before continuing your ride to Nagarkot. Situated at 2,195 meters, Nagarkot offers stunning vistas of the Himalayas, including five of the world’s tallest peaks, such as Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, and Makalu. As the day winds down, take a short walk to a vantage point to witness a magnificent sunset over the Himalayas.

Return to Kathmandu via the same route. On arrival, you can work with the mechanic to adjust your bike, if needed, and spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 3: Ride to Pokhara (827m, Approx. 210 km)

After a leisurely breakfast, begin your journey westward to Pokhara, a picturesque city nestled amidst mountains. The route follows the Marshyangdi River, crossing terraced farmlands and vibrant roadside villages. At Dumre, continue toward Pokhara, where the stunning Annapurna Mountain Range, including the iconic Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain), greets you.

Pokhara, located at 827 meters, is a haven for travelers with its serene lakes, vibrant lakeside bazaar, and views of the towering Himalayan peaks. The Annapurna Range, flanked by Annapurna I (8091m) and Dhaulagiri (8161m), offers awe-inspiring scenery.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the lively lakeside area.

Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara

Day 4: Ride to Tatopani (1,190m, Approx. 105 km)

Depart early from Pokhara and ride toward Beni, the headquarters of the Myagdi District, following the Baglung Highway. This stretch features spectacular mountain views, terraced fields, and an iconic suspension bridge. From Mal Dhunga, veer onto a gravel path that leads to Beni, situated at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Myagdi Rivers.

From Beni, the road becomes unpaved and rugged, posing an exciting challenge for riders. Ride along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, and gradually ascend to Tatopani. Named for its natural hot springs (“Tato” means hot, and “Pani” means water), Tatopani is a popular spot for trekkers to rejuvenate.

Check into your lodge and spend the evening relaxing or soaking in the hot springs.

Overnight: Lodge in Tatopani

Day 5: Ride to Muktinath (3,710m, Approx. 71 km)

Begin the day early, riding along the Kali Gandaki River past charming villages like Dana, known for its cascading waterfall, and Ghasa, a picturesque Thakali settlement. The route transitions into a dusty off-road trail, passing apple orchards, monasteries, and stunning mountain vistas, including DhaulagiriTukuche, and Nilgiri.

Reach Jomsom, the administrative center of Mustang, where the Kali Gandaki flows dramatically between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After lunch, continue to Muktinath, ascending through dry, arid terrain dotted with ancient Buddhist chortens and monasteries.

Upon arrival, check into your guesthouse. If time permits, visit the Muktinath Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. For Hindus, this is Mukti Kshetra, or the “Place of Liberation,” while Buddhists revere it as one of the 24 tantric places. The temple, located at 3,710 meters, is surrounded by natural fire spouts and holy waters.

Spend the rest of the evening relaxing or exploring the nearby village of Ranipauwa.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Muktinath

Day 06: RIDE MUKTINATH TO GELING (3510M/APPROX. 44KM)

After breakfast, meet the rest of the team in the hotel lobby for a quick briefing on the day’s ride. We will then board the motorcycles and start our journey, backtracking all the way to the outskirts of Kagbeni before turning northeast. The route takes us to Chhuksang Village, the entry point for the restricted Upper Mustang region, where we will stop to have our restricted area permits checked at the Police Check Post. After completing the permit checks, we continue our ride along the bank of the Kali Gandaki River, which has striking black waters, giving the river its name, Kali (Black). As we pass Kagbeni village, the ride continues along the river’s edge, eventually reaching Tangbe village, known for its few houses and tea houses catering to trekkers and travelers. A short ride further brings us to Chele, where we encounter a small steel footbridge. Here, we have two options: either we can ride over the bridge or ride under it through the running river to cross. After crossing, we ride towards Samar, passing through scenic villages and enjoying views of the Gompa Kang and nearby caves on the west bank of the river. The road climbs over many ridges and offers beautiful vistas as we head north, using a combination of high trails and riverbank routes due to ongoing road construction in the region. After arriving in Samar, we take a rest and enjoy lunch. Afterward, we continue our ride to Geling, where we check in to the lodge and enjoy the evening at leisure, exploring the village.

Overnight at Guest House.

Day 07: RIDE GELING TO LO-MANTHANG (3730M/APPROX. 31KM)

After breakfast, meet the rest of the team and prepare for the ride to Lo-Manthang. We start by crossing Geling, heading towards Ghami. As we leave Ghami, we take a right turn towards Tsarang, and from there, we continue the ride to Lo-Manthang, passing the Big Chorten and the Lo Dry La River along the way. Lo-Manthang, a medieval walled city located on the Tibetan Plateau, served as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Mustang. Founded in 1380, the city remains a cultural and historical center, home to the last king of Mustang, Jigme DorjePalbarBista, whose family lineage dates back 25 generations. Upon arrival in Lo-Manthang, we check in to the lodge. The rest of the evening is free for relaxation and exploration around the Kingdom of Lo-Manthang.

Overnight at Guest House.

Day 08: RIDE AROUND LO-MANTHANG


After breakfast, get ready for a sightseeing adventure around Lo-Manthang. The city is known for its historical temples and monasteries, such as ChampaLakhang, which houses a 45-foot statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha. We will also visit the red Thugchen Gompa and the Chyodi Gompa, which belongs to the Sakya sect and hosts several monks. These gompas were built around 1420 and offer a deep insight into the spiritual culture of the region. Lo-Manthang, though seemingly rustic, is prosperous, and the local Lobas (people of Lo) maintain a strong sense of community and Tibetan culture. We will also visit the King’s palace, an imposing four-story structure that remains the residence of the current king. After exploring the city, we ride to the neighboring village to continue our sightseeing tour, where we dismount outside the city walls as only the king may ride a horse within them.

After visiting the village, we embark on an exciting ride to Chhoser village to see the famous Caves of Chhoser. These caves were once inhabited by the prehistoric Lobas and monks. The journey to Chhoser takes us through beautiful, high-altitude desert landscapes, scattered settlements, and agricultural land. Upon arrival, we visit the caves and the Nymphu Monastery, perched on the cliffs. Afterward, we head to the Namgyal village and monastery before returning to Lo-Manthang for lunch. The rest of the day is free to explore the walled city further.

Overnight at Guest House.

Day 09: RIDE LO-MANTHANG TO KAGBENI (2840M/APPROX. 75KM)

After breakfast, we prepare for the return journey, retracing our route back to Kagbeni. This ride takes us along the same trail, offering a fresh perspective of the rugged terrain. We stop for lunch at a convenient spot on the way. Kagbeni, located at 2840 meters, is a fascinating medieval village that serves as the gateway to Upper Mustang and a popular stop on the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The village is known for its mud-brick houses, narrow alleys, and a red monastery. Though medieval in appearance, Kagbeni is equipped with modern amenities, including internet access. After arriving in Kagbeni, we check in to the lodge and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure, exploring the village.

Overnight at Guest House.

Day 10: RIDE TO TATOPANI (APPROX. 61KM)

After a late breakfast, we explore the Kagbeni village before continuing our ride to Jomsom, which is about 11 kilometers away. Upon reaching Jomsom, we complete the necessary paperwork before continuing further to Kalopani via Marpha, a 25-kilometer journey that takes around 1.5 hours. Marpha, located at an elevation of 2670 meters, is renowned for its apple orchards and apple-based products. The village showcases typical Thakali architecture with narrow alleys, paved paths, and stone-lined houses. We will visit the monastery and enjoy the views of the Gandaki River valley. According to local legend, a monk’s ritual at the monastery helped end a leprosy outbreak in the village. After sightseeing in Marpha, we stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant or lodge before continuing the ride to Tatopani, a further 25 kilometers. Upon arrival at Tatopani, we check in to the guest house and enjoy the evening at leisure, exploring the village or relaxing.

Overnight at Guest House.

Day 11: RIDE TATOPANI TO POKHARA (APPROX. 126KM)

This morning, we begin our ride early to tackle the roughest section of the journey. The first stop is Beni, about 25 kilometers away. After a brief break, we continue along the river trail until we reach the main highway at Maldhunga. From here, we take the metalled road to Pokhara, which is reached in approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we check in to the hotel, where the rest of the day is free for relaxation or exploration. Pokhara, known for its serene lakes and adventure activities, offers plenty to see and do, from visiting the Lakeside Bazaar to enjoying various outdoor adventures.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 12: Ride from Pokhara to Kathmandu (Approx. 210 km)

After breakfast, we set off from Pokhara, passing through the ceremonial gate and riding through breathtaking landscapes. The route takes us past villages, lush crop fields, local communities, dense forests, rolling hills, and winding rivers.

After approximately 90 kilometers, we reach Mugling via Damauli. Mugling serves as a major junction where the highway splits—one route leading south to Chitwan and the other west to Pokhara. Since we are traveling from Pokhara, we continue straight on the highway towards Kathmandu. Beyond Mugling, we pass through key towns such as Kurintar, Malekhu, Baireni, and Naubise. At Naubise, we take a brief stop before continuing the final stretch to Kathmandu, which is about 25 kilometers away. Being the main highway into the capital, this section is often busy with traffic. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxation or exploring the city at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Final Departure

 

At the designated time, transfer to Kathmandu airport for departure, carrying unforgettable memories and incredible stories from the journey. For those wishing to extend their stay, Kathmandu has more adventures waiting to be explored.

Tour Info

Dates

Himalayan Legends: The Great Nepal Mustang Ride

Level 2 RIDERS

2025
  • September 7 – 19
2026
  • March 6-18
  • September 7 – 19

PRIVATE TOUR DATES: Inquire for details.

Inclusions

Included:

  • Motorcycle rental w/ limited damage insurance
  • Meals as mentioned: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Fuel
  • Accommodation: 12 nights
  • Lead Motorcycle Tour Guide
  • Support Vehicle with Driver/Mechanic
  • Airport Pick up and Drop off

Not Included:

  • Flights
  • Nepal Visa
  • International Driving License
  • Personal Items, gifts, snacks, etc.
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Personal, Medical, Trip Cancellation, or Travel Insurance
  • Optional Activities

Pricing

*Book 6+ months in advance, save 5% off your base package price!

Base Pricing with 2-Bed Shared Room:

Tour Bike

Royal Enfield 500 CC

Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 CC

Please email us for the prices.

Single Room Upgrade: $ Please email us for the prices

*Please keep in mind, spots on these tours can be sold out 6-8 months in advance! Reservations are only confirmed after receipt of the deposit as indicated in our Terms & Conditions.

Tour Info

Highlights:

  • Bhaktapur & Nagarkot – Explore ancient temples and enjoy Himalayan sunset views.
  • Pokhara – Ride to lakes and stunning Annapurna mountain views.
  • Tatopani – Cross deep gorges and relax in natural hot springs.
  • Muktinath – Visit a sacred temple in breathtaking high-altitude terrain.
  • Explore the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang.
  • Visit Chhoser caves and historic monasteries.
  • Ride through scenic Mustang villages like Kagbeni and Marpha.
  • Relax in Tatopani hot springs before returning to Kathmandu.

Tour Map

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