View of Mountains in Upper Mustang Region
Upper Mustang Motorbike Trip: Ride to the Walled Kingdom
Max Elevation
4,200 m
Trip Duration
7 days
Riding Distance
300 to 350 km
Motorbike Difficulty
Moderate
Best Seasons
Spring (Mar to May) and Autumn (Sep to Nov)
Permits Required
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, ACAP, TIMS
Guide
Licensed Guide
Overview
Upper Mustang is a restricted trans Himalayan region where dry plateaus, steep canyons and Tibetan influenced settlements exist in the rain shadow of the Annapurna range.
Lo Manthang sits at 3,840 m, a high desert capital with whitewashed walls, monasteries and narrow lanes.
The terrain is dry with gravel tracks, loose stones and short technical climbs between cliffs and flat mesas. The culture is closely linked to Tibetan Buddhism. Mani walls, prayer flags and gompas appear throughout the route.
Highlights of the Upper Mustang Motorbike Trip
Lo Manthang (3,840 m): Walled settlement with monasteries, small alleys and the old royal residence.
Kagbeni (2,810 m) and Jomsom: Entry checkpoint for permits. Transition point from lower Mustang to the restricted region
Charang & Ghami: Villages with long mani walls, cave sites and monasteries
Chhoser Cave Complex: Ancient cave system and monastery reached by short ride and short walk
Wind shaped Canyons & Cliffs: Layered red and brown formations formed by erosion
Tibetan influenced Culture: Prayer wheels, mani walls, yak herding and trade heritage
Itinerary
Day 1: Pokhara to Jomsom to Kagbeni
2,810 mFirst day of Upper Mustang Motorbike Trip. Ride beside the Kali Gandaki river. Reach Kagbeni for a permit check the next morning. Riding: 6 to 7 hr, Distance: 160 km
Day 2: Kagbeni to Chele
3,050 mEnter a restricted area after permit verification. Tracks shift to gravel and loose rock. Riding: 3 to 4 hr, Distance: 20 to 30 km
Day 4: Chele to Ghami
3,520 mClimb short passes and ride through small settlements. Riding: 4 to 5 hr, Distance: 35 to 40 km
Day 4: Ghami to Lo Manthang
3,840mWide open plateau roads. Reach Lo Manthang. Riding: 3 hr, Distance: 25 to 30 km
Day 5: Explore Lo Manthang & Chhoser Caves
3,840mRide to Chhoser cave area or Namgyal Monastery. Return to Lo Manthang.
Day 6: Lo Manthang to Kagbeni
2,810 mReturn the same route. Riding: 6 to 7 hr, Distance: 60 to 70 km
Day 7: Kagbeni to Jomsom to Pokhara
822mRide back to Pokhara. It's the end of the Upper Mustang Motorbike Trip. Riding: 6 to 7 hr, Distance: 160 km
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Budget Price | Mid Range Price | Luxury Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted Permit (Upper Mustang) | $500 for first 10 days + $50 per day after | Same | Same |
| Motorbike Rental (per day) | $25 to $40 | $50 to $70 | $80 to $120 |
| Accommodation (per night) | $10 to $20 | $25 to $50 | $70 to $120+ |
| Meals (per day) | $15 to $25 | $30 to $40 | $50 to $80+ |
| Guide (per day) | $35 to $50 | $60 to $80 | $100 to $150+ |
| Travel Insurance | $60 to $120 | $120 to $180 | $200+ |
Note: ------
Trip Map
Compliance
Restricted Area Permit (Upper Mustang)
Mandatory for all foreigners. Cost: US $500 for 10 days. Entry into Upper Mustang without a licensed guide and agency processing is not allowed.
ACAP & TIMS
ACAP required for entering the Annapurna Conservation Area. TIMS may be required.
Guide Regulation
RAP requires a licensed guide and a registered agency.
Altitude & Weather
Cold wind exposure. Nights can be below freezing early spring and late autumn.
Medical Assistance
Health posts exist only in Jomsom and villages near it. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Packing
Rider Gear: Motorbike jacket, riding pants, helmet, gloves, knee and elbow protection.
Clothing: Base layers, warm mid layers, down jacket, windproof shell, warm hat, gloves.
Motorbike Kit: Spare tubes, tire repair kit, basic tools, chain lube, spare plug, fuel bottle.
Essentials: UV sunglasses, sunscreen, power bank, headlamp, water purification.
Documents: Passport, permit printouts, insurance, driving license.
Connectivity, Money & Practicalities
Cash & ATMs: ATMs do not operate in Upper Mustang. Bring Nepali rupees from Pokhara.
Wi-Fi & Power: Paid Wi-Fi in some tea houses. Charging may have small cost.
Road Access: Road quality changes from paved to gravel to stone tracks. Seasonal maintenance.
SIM Coverage: Spotty mobile service. Buy NTC or Ncell in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Environmental Note: Upper Mustang is culturally and archaeologically sensitive. Follow local rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our trips
Related Trekking
Upper Mustang Trek: The Kingdom Beyond the Mountains
Experience the stunning landscapes of Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal, featuring the ancient town of Lo Manthang and the scenic village of Kagbeni.
Explore →