Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour
Trek at a Glance
Price From
Contact for pricing
Duration
5–7 days
Trip Grade
Moderate
Max. Altitude
3,800m
Best Season
Mar–Nov
Group Size
1–6 riders
Region
Mustang
Accommodation
Lodge / Tea House
Meals
B / L / D
Start / End Point
Pokhara
Permits
ACAP, Restricted Area Permit, TIMS card
Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour Overview
Itinerary designed by Rohit Timilsina, Co-Founder & Lead Guide Verified local guide
Ride motorbikes from Pokhara through the Kali Gandaki gorge into the restricted Upper Mustang region, desert canyons, medieval walled cities, and the sacred temple of Muktinath.
Upper Mustang is unique in Nepal, and exploring it by motorbike offers an unmatched experience. The route from Jomsom to Lo Manthang traverses the Kali Gandaki gorge, showcasing a landscape of wind-sculpted red cliffs, ancient cave villages, and fortress towns resembling Tibet more than typical Nepal. Riding a Royal Enfield, our team navigates varied terrain, from graded dirt roads to rocky switchbacks, requiring off-road experience.
The journey culminates in Lo Manthang, the walled capital at 3,810m, with a day ride toward the Tibet border at Kora La, altitude 4,600m. The area's Tibetan Buddhist culture and isolation provide a profound context that deepens our understanding during the trek.
Who this trek is for: The trek is intended for experienced off-road riders, requiring comfort with gravel and technical segments. A motorcycle licence is mandatory, while previous riding in Nepal is not necessary, though off-road experience is preferable. Riders should also be prepared for altitude, with prior experience above 3,500m being helpful, although riding commitment is crucial.
Lo Manthang
3,840 m / 12,598 ftThe walled medieval capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, perched on the arid Tibetan plateau. Ride your motorbike through the four-metre-high mud-brick gates into a living fragment of pre-modern Tibet, with ancient cave monasteries lining the canyon walls around it.
Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour Highlights
- 5-7 day motorbike adventure
- Enter the restricted Upper Mustang region
- Visit sacred Muktinath Temple
- Desert canyons and medieval walled cities
- Led by experienced 6K adventure riders
Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour Itinerary
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m) |
| Day 2 | Jomsom to Kagbeni, through checkpoint to Chele (3,560m) |
| Day 3 | Ghami to Lo Manthang (3,810m) |
| Day 4 | Lo Manthang Kora La ride and cultural day (3,810m) |
| Day 5 | Lo Manthang to Kagbeni via Muktinath (2,720m) |
| Day 6 | Return to Pokhara (820m) |
Day 01: Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m)
Day 02: Jomsom to Kagbeni, through checkpoint to Chele (3,560m)
Day 03: Ghami to Lo Manthang (3,810m)
Day 04: Lo Manthang Kora La ride and cultural day (3,810m)
Day 05: Lo Manthang to Kagbeni via Muktinath (2,720m)
Day 06: Return to Pokhara (820m)
Elevation Profile
Your Trek Is Prepared & Led by a Local Guide
Govt. License #1497Rohit Timilsina
Co-Founder & Lead Guide · 6K Nepal Treks
Hi, I'm Rohit Timilsina
I started 6K Nepal Treks to give travellers the trek I would want myself: small groups, honest prices and a guide who actually knows the trail. I have guided across the Annapurna, Manaslu and Everest regions for over five years, and I design every itinerary on this site personally.
“Whether it is your first teahouse trek or your tenth Himalayan expedition, I want you back home telling everyone it was the best trip of your life.”
Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour Cost & What's Included
Here is exactly what this guided package covers. We price it per departure, so ask us for a quote for your group size and dates.
What is included in this trek package?
Accommodation
- Twin-sharing accommodation in tea houses or local lodges throughout the trek
- Hotel accommodation on nights before and after the trek where applicable (breakfast included)
Meals & Drinking Water
- All standard meals on the trail (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with one hot drink per meal
- Purified drinking water throughout the trek (filter or purification tablets)
- Seasonal fruits when available
Transportation
- All ground transfers by private or shared tourist vehicle as per the itinerary
- Domestic flights where explicitly noted in the itinerary
Guide and Staff
- Experienced, first-aid trained, government-licensed, English-speaking lead guide
- Assistant guide for groups of 7 or more
- One porter per two trekkers for carrying main luggage (up to 10 kg per person)
- Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, and insurance for all trek staff
Permits
- All required trekking permits and conservation-area fees for the route
- TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card where applicable
- All permit paperwork arranged before the trek starts
Safety and Support
- Comprehensive first aid kit including pulse oximeter for daily altitude checks
- Emergency oxygen on treks above 4,000m
- 24/7 operational support from our Pokhara office
- Trip completion certificate
What is excluded in this trek package?
Flights & Visa
- International flights and airport departure tax
- Nepal entry visa (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days, on arrival at Kathmandu airport)
Insurance & Personal Gear
- Travel insurance with high-altitude and emergency helicopter evacuation coverage (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear, clothing and footwear
Meals Outside the Trail
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu or Pokhara before and after the trek
- Any beverages including alcoholic drinks, bottled and boiled water
Other
- Tips for trekking staff and drivers (recommended but not included)
- Hot showers, WiFi, and charging fees at tea houses
- Any personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, or souvenirs
- Any additional costs caused by natural disasters, political disturbances, or flight delays
- Any items not explicitly listed in the Price Includes section
Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour Reviews
4.9★ from 90+ Google Reviews
Trekkers guided from 30+ countries.
“Riding from Pokhara to Upper Mustang over five unforgettable days with Rohit was a true adventure in every sense of the word. As an experienced adventure motorbike rider, including demanding desert expeditions, I can say with absolute confidence that Rohit is a phenomenal rider and an exceptional tour guide. He masters the terrain, understands the mountains, and rides with calm authority and precision. I highly recommend Rohit and his company.”
Jacob Mato ★
Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour · Mar 2026
Why Book With 6K Nepal Treks
Licensed & Insured
Registered with Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN and NMA. Fully insured for trekking, climbing, and high-altitude emergencies.
Expert Local Guides
Every trek is led by a licensed, first-aid trained Sherpa or Gurung guide, born and raised in these mountains.
Safety First
Pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen carried on all high-altitude treks. Helicopter evacuation protocol on standby.
Small Groups
Maximum 12 trekkers per group, and one porter per two guests whenever porters are part of your package. You are a person, not a tour number.
Fair & Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. Every quote itemises exactly what your package covers and what it does not, so nothing lands on you at the trailhead.
Responsible Travel
Fair wages for all staff, eco-friendly practices on the trail, and direct support for the mountain communities we work with.
Know Before You Go
Upper Mustang motorbike tour is rated moderate, being easier for experienced off-road riders and challenging for those lacking an off-road background. This assessment predominantly focuses on riding experience rather than physical fitness. The tracks above Jomsom combine compacted dirt roads with more demanding surfaces, requiring active weight management and good throttle control. Altitude presents a secondary challenge. The highest sleeping altitude, Lo Manthang at 3,810m, is reached in two days from Jomsom, imposing significant riding exertion. Weather risks for motorbiking differ from trekking, particularly with afternoon winds in the Kali Gandaki gorge, which can be dangerously strong.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for USD 50 per person per day, essential for Upper Mustang, arranged through a registered agency. A minimum group of two is required. Logistics managed through Kathmandu's immigration. For a 5-day component, budget USD 250 per person.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 22) when passing through ACAP territory, obtainable in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
TIMS Card for NPR 1,000 (approximately USD 7), required for Mustang district, arranged through a registered agency. Our team takes care of all permit paperwork.
Upper Mustang entails a high-altitude environment; rapid altitude gain occurs over two days of riding, requiring acclimatisation. The Kora La day excursion poses additional risk at 4,600m, achieved within 2-3 hours from Lo Manthang, which can lead to altitude-related symptoms. Spending a full day at Lo Manthang before attempting Kora La is essential, and symptoms are carefully monitored. Proper acclimatisation, including understanding oxygen loss at high altitude, becomes critical for rider safety.
Accommodation throughout the Upper Mustang motorbike route consists of tea houses and basic guesthouses. Jomsom offers the best options, featuring hotels with quality food. Above Kagbeni, guesthouses become simpler. In Lo Manthang, accommodations are clean and a strong evening meal culture exists, centered around shared experiences among riders or trekkers. Practicalities for motorbike journeys include fuel availability at Jomsom and certain villages with a support jeep carrying additional fuel.
The following is a solid starting point for most multi-day treks we run. Adjust for the season and the maximum altitude of your specific route. Shorter, lower-altitude hikes need far less than this full list. For the key insulation items (down jacket and four-season sleeping bag) we offer rental in Kathmandu or Pokhara for USD 35 each.
General
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (rental available: USD 35)
- Insulated down jacket (rental available: USD 35)
- Daypack, 30 to 45 litres, with rain cover
- Sleeping bag liner
Head & Face
- Sun hat or cap
- Beanie or knitted hat for colder mornings and evenings
- Buff or neck gaiter
- Sunglasses with full UV protection
- Headlamp with spare batteries
Upper Body
- Technical base layer shirts, two
- Technical long-sleeve shirts, two
- Fleece or synthetic mid-layer
- Waterproof and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Hiking pants, two pairs
- Technical base-layer leggings for cold mornings
- Waterproof or windproof outer shell pants
- Comfortable pants for evenings in the teahouse
Hands
- Lightweight liner gloves
- Insulated outer gloves for high altitude or winter conditions
Feet
- Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support, broken in before the trip
- Hiking socks, three to five pairs
- Liner socks if prone to blisters
- Comfortable shoes or sandals for evenings
- Microspikes recommended November to March on routes above 4,000m
First Aid & Medications
- Personal prescription medications
- SPF 50+ sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Blister care, plasters, and antiseptic cream
- Electrolyte sachets or tablets
- Note: our guides carry a comprehensive group first aid kit with pulse oximeter
Other Essentials
- Passport, two passport-sized photos, and photocopies of travel documents
- One-litre reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
- Trekking poles (strongly recommended)
- Small toiletry kit, quick-dry towel, and toilet paper
- High-protein snacks for the trail (bars, nuts)
- Waterproof dry bag for documents and electronics
- We provide a free duffel bag at your pre-trip meeting, used for luggage carried by the porter. The duffel stays yours afterwards.
- One porter is assigned per two trekkers. The duffel bag should weigh no more than 10 kg / 22 lbs per person.
- Always carry your own daypack with essentials: cash, documents, water, camera, rain gear.
- Non-trekking luggage can be stored securely at your hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Down jacket and four-season sleeping bag are available for rent at USD 35 each. Loss or damage reimbursement is USD 100 per item.
Guide & Porter Services
Every trek is led by a government-licensed, English-speaking lead guide who is also trained in first aid and high-altitude emergency response. For groups of seven or more we add an assistant guide. Porters are assigned one per two trekkers, each carrying up to 10 kg of your main luggage so you only carry a daypack. All staff wages, accommodation, meals, gear, and insurance are fully covered in the package price.
Accommodation Bookings
We pre-book every night's accommodation before you start, so you never arrive at a full teahouse during peak season. Nights before and after the trek are in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu or Pokhara with breakfast included. On the trail you stay in tea houses or local lodges on a twin-sharing basis, with the best available rooms in each village. Private rooms and en-suite bathrooms are available where offered, usually at lower altitudes.
Transportation Arrangements
All ground transfers are arranged by private or shared tourist vehicles as specified in the itinerary. Airport pick-up and drop-off are included. Where a domestic flight is required (for example, Kathmandu to Lukla for Everest, or Jomsom to Pokhara for Mustang routes), the round-trip fare is covered in the package. We monitor flight and road conditions daily and adjust logistics proactively when weather or landslides affect the schedule.
Equipment Rental
A four-season sleeping bag and an insulated down jacket can be rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara at USD 35 per item for the duration of the trek. Trekking poles, microspikes, and additional layers are also available on request. We supply a 75-litre duffel bag for you to keep at your pre-trip briefing. A full packing checklist is sent after you book so you can pack with confidence.
Insurance Requirements
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for every trek we operate. Your policy must explicitly cover trekking at the maximum altitude of your route and include emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, and trip cancellation. Please send us a copy of your policy at least two weeks before departure. We cannot start the trek without confirmation of valid coverage. This is for your safety and ours.
Good to know. Arrive in Pokhara at least one day before departure so there is time for your pre-trip briefing and any last-minute gear hire. We can store spare luggage while you trek.
FAQs for Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour
Private guided departure
Free cancellation up to 30 days
No booking fees, 30% deposit
Licensed operator (#1497)
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