Mustang: The Secluded Kingdom (16 Days)

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16 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

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. 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
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, all accommodations, all meals, drinking water, entrance fees, permits (including Mustang), in-country transfers, support vehicle, mechanic, continuous tour guidance
Highlights	Kathmandu, Durbar Square, Bandipur, Pokhara, Kali Gandaki Gorge, Muktinath Temple, Lo Manthang (Mustang), Chitwan National Park
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 – 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.