12 Day Upper Mustang Odyssey: Guided Motorcycle Tour in Nepal

Overview

Blending thrilling off-road riding with rich Tibetan culture, monasteries, and remote mountain scenery, this tour offers a true taste of adventure and heritage at the edge of the Himalayas. Explore Nepal in 12 days, on an epic off-roading adventure through ancient kingdoms, rugged trails, sacred temples, high-altitude mountain passes, and some of the most breathtaking Himalayan landscapes on Earth. Visit Kathmandu, an ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site, a city where sacred temples meet street chaos, all packed into a valley surrounded by hills. Explore Gorkha, a historic hill town offering royal heritage, dramatic landscapes, and panoramic Himalayan views. Discover Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital of the Forbidden Kingdom, rich in Tibetan culture and timeless desert beauty. Visit Muktinath Temple, one of the world’s highest sacred shrines, where spiritual devotion meets stunning H

Highlights

• Explore Nepal in 12 days, an epic off-roading adventure
• Go through ancient kingdoms, rugged trails, sacred temples, and high-altitude mountain passes
• See some of the most breathtaking Himalayan landscapes on Earth
• Visit Kathmandu, an ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Explore Gorkha, a historic hill town offering royal heritage and more
• Discover Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital of the Forbidden Kingdom
• Starts and ends in Kathamandu
• 11 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

   Your Nepal adventure bike tour will start the moment you land at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. The Dream Riders Group's team will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in the heart of the city. Once you check in, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing welcome drink as you settle in and take your first moments to absorb the views of the Kathmandu Valley and the distant Himalayan skyline, setting the tone for the journey ahead. In the afternoon, the group will gather for a detailed tour briefing - an essential part of adventure motorcycle touring in Nepal. You

2. Day 2: Kathmandu - Nuwakot - Gorkha (180 km / 112 mi \| six to seven hours)

   After breakfast, gear up and begin an exciting day of riding as part of your Kathmandu adventure trip. The morning will start with saying goodbye to the city, gradually climbing towards the historic town of Nuwakot. This region is known for its hilltop views, traditional Newari architecture, and centuries-old forts. From Nuwakot, the ride will become more adventurous as the road starts to change in character. Smooth tarmac will slowly give way to patchy mountain roads and dusty off-road stretches as you move towards Bidur. This section will introduce you to light gravel, winding downhill curve

3. Day 3: Gorkha - Sundar Bazar - Pokhara (125 km / 78 mi \| four to five hours)

   After breakfast, gear up, continuing the excitement of your Gorkha bike adventure. This day’s ride will take you through peaceful village roads, offering a true off-beat riding experience. Ride a thrilling 12 km downhill stretch, enjoying cool mountain air before heading towards Palungtar. After about an hour of riding, reach the small town of Palungtar, where the surroundings are dominated by fields, greenery, and simple village life. From there, the ride will become more engaging as you head towards Sundar Bazar, a charming hill town where you might stop for a refreshing tea break. Post Sund

4. Day 4: Pokhora - Kalopani (105 km / 65 mi \| four to five hours)

   After breakfast, begin this day’s thrilling Pokhara motorcycle journey, leaving the calm lakeside of Pokhara. The morning ride will follow scenic mountain highways, offering spectacular views of snow-capped peaks. These smooth initial stretches are perfect for warming up before the adventure intensifies. As you ride towards Beni, the landscape will become more dramatic. There, take a short break and experience the thrill of walking across one of Nepal’s iconic suspension bridges (Mangala Ghat Bridge), hanging high above the rushing river below. This will be one of the most memorable highlights

5. Day 5: Kalopani - Samar (125 km / 78 mi \| five to six hours)

   After breakfast, start another adventurous day of riding as part of your Kalopani adventure trip. This day’s Kalopani mountain ride will follow the mighty Kali Gandaki River, taking you deeper into Nepal’s trans-Himalayan landscape. The ride will begin by passing beautiful mountain villages like Dana, Ghasa, and Tukuche, where traditional stone houses, prayer flags, and quiet village life line the trail. Along the way, you will be treated to breathtaking views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Tukuche Peak (6,920m), and Nilgiri (7,061m), towering dramatically above the valley. As you pass through Dh

6. Day 6: Samar - Lo Manthang (125 km / 78 mi \| three to four hours)

   After breakfast, begin this day’s ride as part of your Samar adventure ride, following rugged high-altitude trails deeper into the heart of Upper Mustang. The Samar bike trail on this day will deliver the perfect mix of dusty off-road tracks, rocky climbs, and wide open plateaus, surrounded by dramatic desert-like Himalayan landscapes. After lunch, continue your ride toward one of the most legendary destinations in Nepal - Lo Manthang, which served as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Mustang, also known as the Kingdom of Lo or “Upper Mustang.” Founded in 1380 by Ame Pal, the city is famou

7. Day 7: Lo Manthang local exploration (50 km / 31 \| four to five hours)

   After an early breakfast, prepare for a full day of exploration as part of your Lo Manthang adventure ride. This day will be dedicated to discovering the hidden wonders surrounding this ancient Himalayan kingdom, riding along the fascinating Lo Manthang trail. Begin with a ride towards Chhoser, where permits are checked at the local post. If permission is granted, you will continue riding towards the Tibetan border region. If not, you can stop for tea and continue the adventure by visiting one of the most mysterious sites in Upper Mustang - the legendary Jhong Caves at Chhoser. After this, rid

8. Day 8: Lo Manthang - Muktinath (100 km / 62 mi \| five to six hours)

   After breakfast, begin the return leg of the adventure. This day’s ride will be a rewarding mix of challenge and scenery as you backtrack towards Kagbeni, following the same rugged paths that brought you into the forbidden kingdom. A scenic lunch stop will be planned along the way, giving you time to rest and refuel before the climb continues. By midday, you will reach Kagbeni (2,840 m), the ancient gateway to Upper Mustang. Kagbeni is dominated by its striking red monastery. Despite its rustic charm, the village offers modern amenities and holds deep spiritual importance. The monastery there

9. Day 9: Muktinath - Tatopani (175 km / 109 mi \| six to seven hours)

   Before breakfast, begin the day with a spiritual start by visiting the sacred Muktinath Temple. This ancient Vishnu shrine holds deep importance for both Hindus and Buddhists and is located in the Muktinath Valley. At an altitude of around 3,800 meters, it is one of the highest temples in the world. Known as Mukti Kshetra in Hindu tradition, it symbolizes salvation and liberation, while Buddhists revere it as Chumig Gyatsa - the “Hundred Sacred Waters.” After returning from the temple, enjoy breakfast and then begin today’s thrilling Muktinath bike journey as you ride downhill through breathta

10. Day 10: Tatopani - Bandipur (180 km / 112 mi \| five to six hours)

    After breakfast, begin your Tatopani adventure ride, leaving behind the hot springs and mountain silence. This day’s Tatopani bike trail will be a rewarding transition from rough mountain terrain to smoother, scenic highways. Start by descending towards Beni, enjoying the relief of smoother stretches after some of the toughest off-road sections of the journey. As you pass through Jaleswor, take a quick refreshment stop, then continue following the river trail until you reach the main highway at Maldhunga. The ride will become faster and more relaxed towards Pokhara, covering this stretch in a

11. Day 11: Bandipur - Kathmandu (145 km / 90 mi \| five to six hours)

    After breakfast, begin the last riding day of the expedition with a smooth and memorable Bandipur adventure ride. This day’s Bandipur touring route will take you from peaceful hilltop landscapes back towards the vibrant heart of Nepal. Leaving Bandipur, descend towards the main highway and pass through the outskirts of Pokhara. The road there is a mix of winding curves, riverside stretches, and open straight sections. Soon, you'll reach Mugling, a busy highway town located at the junction of major trade routes. From there, instead of turning south, continue riding along the main highway that l

12. Day 12: Departure From Kathmandu

    Your incredible Upper Mustang bike tour will come to an end on this day. After days of exploring rugged trails, ancient kingdoms, and the raw beauty of the Himalayas, it’ll be time to say goodbye to Nepal. After breakfast, The Dream Riders Group's team will assist you with a smooth and timely airport drop at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). As you drive through Kathmandu one last time, the memories of your Mustang off-road ride - wind-carved cliffs, wide desert valleys, high-altitude passes, and the thrill of riding through the forbidden kingdom - will stay with you long after the journe

Ride Details

Terrain

Off-road and gravel tracks

Bike

Rental bike (Royal Enfield Himalayan (450cc) motorcycle with fuel)

Mileage

1,300 kilometers / 808 miles

Daily rides

50 - 180 kilometers / 31 - 112 miles

Riding gear

Not included

Meals

Half-board (breakfast and dinner)

Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided in carefully selected and comfortable four-star, three-star, and standard hotels and homestays, blending modern amenities with Nepalese hospitality. After long riding days, you can relax in cozy rooms, enjoy hot meals, and prepare for the next leg of your adventure.

Food

Nepali cuisine is simple, wholesome, and deeply connected to the country’s culture and geography. During this tour, you will enjoy a variety of traditional Nepali meals along with some familiar international options, depending on the location and accommodation. The staple meal in Nepal is dal bhat, a nourishing combination of steamed rice, lentil soup, seasonal vegetables, pickles, and sometimes, meat. Throughout the motorcycle tour, breakfast and dinner will be included each day - with the exception of Day 1, when only dinner will be served, and Day 12, when only breakfast will be provided. Lunch will not be pre-arranged; instead, convenient halts along the route will allow riders to savor

Getting There

This motorcycle tour covers the Upper Mustang region of Nepal, starting from Kathmandu.