Mustang: The Secluded Kingdom (16 Days)

Mustang: The Secluded Kingdom (16 Days)
16 days
Kathmandu
Mustang
Kathmandu
Nepal
1700 kilometers

Overview

Motorcycle Adventure in Nepal – From Kathmandu to the Hidden Kingdom of Mustang

This extraordinary motorcycle journey through Nepal leads from the vibrant capital of Kathmandu into the remote high-mountain region of Mustang. The tour combines spectacular landscapes, challenging mountain roads, and rich cultural depth, appealing to travelers seeking a genuine motorcycle adventure in the Himalayas.

Our 16-day motorcycle tour begins in Kathmandu, Nepal’s lively capital at the foothills of the Himalayas. An airport pick-up takes us to our hotel in the Thamel district. To ease into the culture, we visit Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic palace complex that offers a powerful first impression of Nepal’s history and spiritual traditions.

The following day, we leave Kathmandu in a comfortable vehicle and travel about three hours to Nuwakot, where our motorcycles are waiting. The rest of the day serves as a relaxed introduction to the upcoming ride to Mustang: a short familiarization ride, including getting used to riding on the left, as well as time for individual bike adjustments. Overnight at a cozy resort surrounded by nature.

The central destination of our journey is the region of Mustang, locally known as the Kingdom of Lo. Strategically located along the historic trade route between Tibet and India, Mustang developed over centuries into an important center of commerce, culture, and spirituality. It remained an independent kingdom until the 18th century, before being incorporated into the Nepali state.

A strong Tibetan influence still shapes the region today, visible in its language, religion, architecture, and everyday life. The last King of Mustang, Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista, was a highly respected figure until the monarchy was officially abolished in 2008. Despite this political change, Mustang’s cultural identity has remained remarkably intact. For many travelers, Mustang ranks among the most impressive destinations of a motorcycle journey in the Himalayas — remote, untouched, and imbued with exceptional spiritual depth.

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At A Glance

Category Details
Best travel time March to May & October to November – dry weather, clear skies, ideal riding conditions
Tour start/end Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Duration 16 travel days / 13 riding days
Total distance Approx. 1,300 km / 812 miles
Daily stages Average 110 km per day, depending on terrain and route
Road conditions Mix of asphalt, gravel roads, unpaved tracks and alpine terrain – ideal for adventure bikes
Motorcycles Royal Enfield Himalayan 450. Upon request, Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 or Royal Enfield Bullet 500 (left-side gear shift, electric starter, front disc brake) are also available.
Riding skills Rides over high mountain passes (e.g. Muktinath at 3,800 m) and on unpaved roads. Due to the sometimes rough road conditions, this tour is not well suited for riding with a pillion passenger.
Group size 4–10 bikes
Accommodation Comfortable local hotels, guesthouses and lodges – some in spectacular locations with views of the Himalayas
Included services Motorcycle rental, fuel, support vehicle, mechanic, all accommodations, breakfast, lunch snack, dinner, drinking water with meals and on the road, entrance fees, all permits (including Mustang), domestic transfers, full-time tour guide
Highlights Kathmandu, Durbar Square, Bandipur, Pokhara, Kali Gandaki Gorge, Muktinath Temple, Lo Manthang (Mustang), Chitwan National Park
Tour guidance From arrival to departure, the entire tour is accompanied and supported by an experienced local, English-speaking guide. Our tour guides ride their own motorcycles and are much more than just road captains — they ensure smooth logistics, share local knowledge, and take care of the group throughout the journey.
Important The Nepal visa must be applied for online in advance

ITinerary

Day Description
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu – Patan: Transfer from the airport to our hotel in the historic Thamel district. To ease into the culture, we visit the medieval city of Patan near Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site), an architectural jewel offering a first glimpse into Nepal’s rich history and traditions.
Day 2 Kathmandu – Nuwakot: We leave the bustle of Kathmandu by bus and enjoy a relaxed lunch by the Trisuli River. In Nuwakot, our Royal Enfields are ready for us, and we take a few easy rides to get familiar with the bikes. Overnight at a comfortable resort to rest and prepare for the journey ahead.
Day 3 Nuwakot – Bandipur (150 km): Winding mountain roads lead through villages and terraced hillsides, with wide views across the Himalayan foothills. Via Gorkha we reach Bandipur, a beautifully preserved, car-free Newari village on a ridge. In the evening, we stroll along the historic main street as the village grows quiet.
Day 4 Bandipur – Pokhara (80 km): Ride to Pokhara, idyllically set by Begnas Lake. A hike to the World Peace Pagoda rewards us with sweeping views over the lake and surrounding mountains. In the evening, we enjoy the laid-back lakeside atmosphere with bars and live music.
Day 5 Pokhara – Kalopani (120 km): A long and memorable riding day following the Kali Gandaki River north. In Beni, the asphalt ends and the route becomes rougher and more challenging – this is where the real adventure begins.
Day 6 Kalopani – Kagbeni (90 km): We ride through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest valley in the world. Arrival in Kagbeni, a timeless village and the gateway to Upper Mustang. Optional visit to the sacred Muktinath Temple.
Day 7 Kagbeni – Samar (65 km): Today we truly enter Upper Mustang. The route passes through striking, wind-carved rock formations, vast high-desert landscapes and Tibetan-influenced villages marked by monasteries, chortens and fluttering prayer flags.
Day 8–9 Lo Manthang: Two nights in the mystical capital of the former Kingdom of Lo. We explore the walled city, its palace, monasteries and narrow alleyways, with plenty of time to settle in, relax and absorb the unique atmosphere of Mustang.
Day 10 Lo Manthang – Marpha (130 km): We leave Lo Manthang and ride back through Upper Mustang, crossing wide high valleys, traditional villages and impressive landscapes. In Marpha, we are greeted by stone-paved streets, apple orchards and the famous local apple brandy.
Day 11 Marpha – Kusma (150 km): A steady descent from the highlands into warmer, greener regions. We ride along smaller roads through rural Nepal before reaching Kusma. Overnight at the spectacularly located Cliff Resort.
Day 12 Kusma – Tansen (120 km): Continuing on quiet village roads toward Tansen, the scenery changes once more – from dry mountain terrain to fertile hills with rice fields and lush greenery.
Day 13 Tansen – Chitwan (110 km): A long riding day across the Terai plains, passing fields of rice, mustard and sugarcane. Arrival at Chitwan National Park, one of Nepal’s most important wildlife reserves.
Day 14 Chitwan – Relax Day: A relaxed day to enjoy the subtropical surroundings and rich wildlife. Optional activities include jungle safaris, guided nature walks or elephant rides, as well as insights into the culture of the Tharu people.
Day 15 Chitwan – Kathmandu via Daman (180 km): Our final ride takes us from the subtropical lowlands up into Nepal’s cooler hill regions. Via Daman, known for one of the best panoramic views of the Himalayan range, we wind through forests, terraced fields and small mountain villages before reaching Kathmandu.
Day 16 Departure from Kathmandu: Return flight home or optional extension of your stay.

Dates & RATES

March 20, 2027
April 4, 2027
16 days

Rider: € 4200

Pillion Rider: € not recommended

Single Room Supplement: € 490

The price also includes the tourism fee for Upper Mustang, which is USD 50 per day.

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Questions about this tour? Message us on WhatsApp
Deposit: €300 on booking (€400 if a domestic flight is included), balance due 6 weeks before the tour starts. Cancellation fees: up to 60 days before departure 30%, 60–30 days 50%, 30–15 days 80%, after that 100%. Full details in our Terms & Conditions.

Map

Gallery

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More questions? See our General FAQ
Do I need an international driving license?
Can I get a local prepaid SIM card in Nepal?
Can I freely take pictures in Nepal?
Can I fly my drone in Nepal?
What vaccinations are recommended for Nepal?
What are typical souvenirs from Nepal?
What cultural etiquette should be observed in Nepal?
How many kilometers do we cover per day?
What clothing and gear should I bring for the tour?
Can I smoke anywhere in Nepal, and what are the rules regarding e-cigarettes?
Do I need a visa? Passport, entry requirements and driving license Nepal
Cash, Cards & Payments — What You Should Know
Which motorcycles will we be riding on this tour?
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What people are saying

Cher Shankar.
J'ai le plaisir de te dire que mon voyage au Népal a été un vrai régal. C'est vrai que tout était fait pour avoir un beau voyage à moto enfield. La météo nous a été favorable, les lieux que tu as choisi pour nous héberger sont accueillants et propre et partout la nourriture est merveilleusement présentées et colorées, on y mange tellement bien.
Les routes sont comme je le recherchai terribles et caillouteuses. Les changements paysages et de climats sont grandioses, quel beau souvenir.
Ce voyage sans toi n'aurai pas eu la même saveur. Tu es joyeux et communicatif. Tu nous emmène dans des endroits encore authentiques vers une population accueillante. Chaque matin on pouvait t'entendre nous décrire le déroulement de la journée avec carte géographique. Aux arrêts tu as souvent une anecdote ou une histoire pour compléter ce qu'on regarde. Le soir aussi tu as de quoi nous en apprendre plus sur ce pays le Népal. Mon voyage prochain sera aussi avec toi en 2025. A bientôt

2025-02-06

Dear Heinrich.

A happy New year.
Last year I tried Edelweise Bike-Tour in NZ.
And Japanese one in Spain&Portugal.
I realized your tour is the best.
I hope everything is fine with you.

Kazuo Yamashita

2012-10-01

Dearest Heinrich:
Steve and I wanted to “THANK YOU” for such a wonderful trip through Shangri-La, China! We had such an incredible time – our heads are still spinning from all of the wonderful culture we experienced. As I mentioned to you many times, I only wish we would have had helmet cameras to capture all of the sights, sounds, animals and cultural dress we saw as we traveled through all of the different villages. It was a once in a lifetime experience and you and your crew made the trip so easy – we could have never experienced that on our own. All of the stories about your travels were so interesting and your knowledge of the area was very captivating. You are PERFECT at what you do. It’s very clear you love your job or can you even call it a job? We really enjoyed the fact you were right with us on the whole trip from breakfast to late evenings sharing a glass of wine.
We watched “Seven Years in Tibet” (as you recommended) and that kind of put it all together about the Tibetan culture and what happened to them. They are such a happy, warm group of people. I feel like we saw terrain from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to Baja Mexico. The bikes were perfect for the trip. Being on a dirt bike made it a lot easier navigating on some of the roads.
I only hope we can make it on another one of your trips in the near future – we would love to go to India. It says a lot for your business when you have repeat customers come back and do other trips as well. You are always welcome to come visit us in California – we could do our own little trip through Baja.
We wish you all the best in your travels! If ever you write a book – please put us on the list. I believe this was the best way to see the country – on the freedom of a motorcycle.
THANK YOU FOR AN ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME……..
Sincerely,

Shelly & Steve Morefield
shelly & steve, L.A

2011-08-26