Mustang: The Secluded Kingdom (14 days)

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14 days

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Kathmandu

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Mustang

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Kathmandu

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Nepal

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1700 kilometers

Overview

This extraordinary 14-day motorcycle journey through Nepal begins in Kathmandu, where we arrive in the lively district of Thameland dive straight in. A visit to Durbar Square (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) brings us face to face with Nepal’s history, temple culture, and the unique, fascinating chaos of the old city. Soon it is time to leave the metropolis behind and head up into the Nepali hills.

In Nuwakot, our Royal Enfields are already waiting. We take our time to settle in on two wheels – a short warm-up ride, adjusting the bikes, getting used to riding on the left – and then we enjoy a relaxed evening at the resort. From here, the route leads us through charming places like Bandipur to the laid-back lakeside town of Pokhara, with unforgettable views from the Peace Pagoda and an easygoing lakeside atmosphere, before the terrain slowly becomes wilder.

Beyond Beni, the asphalt ends and Nepal shows its rougher side. We follow the Kali Gandaki River north, ride through the legendary Kali Gandaki Gorge, and reach places like Kagbeni, where it feels as if time itself begins to slow down. An optional visit to the sacred Muktinath Temple follows, before we really enter Upper Mustang: dusty tracks, wide high-altitude valleys, eroded rock formations, and a unique atmosphere shaped by Tibetan culture.

The highlight of our journey is Lo Manthang, the former capital of the legendary Kingdom of Lo. Two nights here allow us the space to truly experience its narrow lanes, monasteries, and ancient walls – not just passing through, but really arriving in the here and now. For centuries, Mustang was a key point on the old trade route between Tibet and India, maintaining its cultural independence well into modern times. That history is still felt today, in the architecture, language, spirituality, and everyday life of the people.

On the way back, we gradually leave the high plateau behind, riding through Marpha with its apple orchards and on to Kusma, where the spectacularly located Cliff Resort awaits. At Begnas Lake, we pause once more to breathe and slow down. The journey ends with a perfect final note: one last scenic ride back to Nuwakot – returning the bikes, sharing stories, and enjoying a farewell dinner together.

This trip is more than a motorcycle tour. It is a deep journey into one of the most remote regions of the Himalayas – raw, spiritual, and striking – combined with culture, history, and true adventure riding.

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At A Glance

Category	Details
Best travel time	March to May & October to November – dry weather, clear skies, ideal conditions for off-road and high-altitude riding.
Tour start/end	Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Duration	14 travel days / approx. 12 riding days (plus 2 nights in Lo Manthang for exploration & culture)
Total distance	Approx. 1,300 km / 812 miles
Daily stages	Average 110 km per day – depending on terrain, weather, and route
Road conditions	Mix of asphalt, gravel, dusty tracks, and highland terrain – perfect for adventure bikes and explorers.
Motorcycles	Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Optional: Royal Enfield Bullet 500 (electric start, disc brakes, left-shift)
Riding skills	Rides over high mountain passes (e.g., Muktinath), altitudes up to approx. 3,800 m, fitness for optional short hikes/exploration
Group size	4–10 bikes
Accommodation	Selected local hotels, guesthouses & lodges – from cozy to spectacular locations (Upper Mustang: simple, authentic, with character).
Included services	Motorcycle rental, fuel, all accommodations, all meals, drinking water, entrance fees, permits (including Upper Mustang), in-country transfers, support vehicle, mechanic, continuous tour guidance
Highlights	Kathmandu (UNESCO), Durbar Square, Nuwakot, Bandipur, Pokhara & Peace Pagoda, Kali Gandaki Gorge, Kagbeni, (optional) Muktinath, Upper Mustang (Samar), Lo Manthang (Kingdom of Lo), Marpha, Kusma Cliff Resort, Begnas Lake
Tour guidance	From arrival to departure, the tour is accompanied and supported by experienced local English-speaking guides; with 6 or more participants, an additional competent and knowledgeable German-speaking tour leader is present.
Important	The Nepal visa must be applied for online in advance

ITinerary

Day	Description
Day 1	Arrival in Kathmandu – Arrive, take a deep breath, and experience your first cultural shock (in the best possible way). In the afternoon, we stroll together to Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and dive straight into Nepal’s rich history.
Day 2	Kathmandu – Nuwakot: Leaving the hustle of the capital behind, we ride into Nepal’s green hills. In Nuwakot, our motorcycles are ready. We take an easy familiarization ride, get comfortable with the bikes (left-side traffic included), and end the day at a cozy resort.
Day 3	Nuwakot – Bandipur (150 km): Winding mountain roads, sweeping views, and small villages along the way. Via Gorkha, we reach Bandipur. In the evening, we walk along the historic main street as the village slowly settles into the night.
Day 4	Bandipur – Pokhara (80 km): A short and beautiful ride to Pokhara. Afterwards, we head up to the Peace Pagoda, overlooking the lake and, on clear days, the Annapurna range. Evening time is for the lakeside promenade, relaxed vibes, and live music.
Day 5	Pokhara – Kalopani (120 km): We follow the powerful Kali Gandaki River northwards. Beyond Beni, the asphalt ends – from here on it gets dustier and rougher, and we get exactly the kind of riding we love.
Day 6	Kalopani – Kagbeni (90 km): Riding through the legendary Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the most impressive landscapes in the Himalayas. Kagbeni feels like stepping back in time. Optional visit to the sacred Muktinath Temple.
Day 7	Kagbeni – Samar (65 km): Today, Upper Mustang truly begins. More demanding tracks, dramatic rock formations, wide valleys, and the feeling of riding farther and farther away from the “normal world.”
Days 8–9	Lo Manthang: Two nights in the mystical capital of the former Kingdom of Lo. We explore the ancient alleys around the royal palace, take time for monasteries, walls, and stories – and simply absorb the unique spirit of Mustang.
Day 10	Lo Manthang – Marpha (130 km): Riding back through Upper Mustang, passing villages, prayer walls, and open highland valleys. Marpha welcomes us with apple orchards, stone lanes, and yes – its famous apple brandy.
Day 11	Marpha – Kusma (150 km): We slowly leave the high plateau behind and roll back into warmer, greener regions. In Kusma, the spectacularly located Cliff Resort awaits – the perfect place to unwind.
Day 12	Kusma – Begnas Lake (approx. 70 km): A relaxed ride through the Middle Hills on small roads, past terraced fields and village life. At Begnas Lake, everything slows down – water, hills, sunset – a perfect contrast after Mustang.
Day 13	Begnas Lake – Nuwakot (approx. 170 km): Our final long riding day takes us along flowing curves, past rivers, rice fields, and lively market towns. Back in Nuwakot, we return the bikes, enjoy a farewell dinner, and look back on an unforgettable journey.
Day 14	Departure: Transfer to Kathmandu airport for your flight home – or an optional extension for those who are not quite ready to leave.