Lo Manthang Landscape

Upper Mustang

Ride the Silk Road to Lo Manthang

18 Days · April / May - September / October · Rider Price: £3,500 · Pillion Price: To be confirmed

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From the vibrant streets of Kathmandu, the journey heads west to the beautiful Newari hill town of Bandipur before continuing north towards the towering Himalayan frontier. The ride follows deep river gorges, remote mountain valleys, and dramatic high-altitude roads as the landscape gradually transforms from lush hillsides into the stark, windswept terrain of Upper Mustang.

Over the following days, the expedition climbs high into the mountains above Jomsom and the ancient Mustang District, eventually reaching the sacred Muktinath Temple at 3,710 metres — one of the Himalayas’ most revered pilgrimage sites. Beyond lies the hidden kingdom of Upper Mustang, a forbidden land of ancient monasteries, medieval walled settlements, sacred caves, and Tibetan Buddhist culture preserved for centuries beyond the Himalayas.

This is far more than a motorcycle tour. It is an unforgettable ride through some of the world’s most dramatic and spiritually rich landscapes, combining the energy of Kathmandu, the mountain beauty of Pokhara, the remote deserts of Mustang, and the wildlife jungles of Chitwan into one extraordinary Himalayan adventure.

Scenery: Snow-capped Himalayan peaks | Deep river gorges and Canyon roads | Windswept desert plateaus of Upper Mustang | Hidden valleys | Remote mountain villages | Subtropical jungles | Terai lowlands
Night Stays: Boutique hotels | Traditional Newari guesthouses | Remote Mustang lodges | Homestays in Mountain villages | Jungle resorts
Culture & Custom: Ancient monasteries | Buddhist gompas | Sacred Hindu temples | Medieval walled city of Lo-Manthang | Tibetan-Buddhist culture | Traditional Tharu and Newari communities
Riding Conditions: High-altitude mountain roads | Rugged off-road | Gravel sections | Narrow canyon tracks | Steep climbs | River valleys | Wire suspension bridges | landslide zones | Chaotic city traffic | Remote Himalayan terrain
Location: Central and Northern Nepal
Riding Days: 13
Tour Duration: 18 Days
Distance: ~1000 km
Rider Price: £3,500
Pillion Price: TBA
Min Group Size: 5
Single Supplement: £200
Tour Months: Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct
Included: Motorcycle, Fuel, Hotels, Main Meals, Domestic Transfers, Guide, Breakfast, Some Dinners
(*See Itinerary)
Excluded: Visas, Travel Insurance, Excess Luggage Fees, Catch-Up Costs, Lunches (*See Itinerary)
Note: Tours start and finish at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
Toughness Rating: 9.
Description: Some long days. Broken roads. Heat and dust. River crossings. Cold wind.
Key: 1 - Relaxed Ride. 10 - Tough Technical Ride.

Day 01 - Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Arrive in Nepal’s vibrant and somewhat chaotic capital, Kathmandu, where prayer flags flutter above ancient temples and the scent of incense fills the air. Transfer to your hotel and unwind after your journey before meeting your expedition team. In the evening, enjoy a traditional welcome dinner in the bustling traveller district of Thamel, alive with music, colour, and anticipation for the adventure ahead.

Day 02 - Kathmandu – Sightseeing Discover the spiritual heart of Nepal as you explore Kathmandu’s legendary cultural treasures. Visit the hilltop stupa of Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), the sacred Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath, and the colossal Boudhanath Stupa — one of the most important Buddhist sites in the Himalayas. Later, wander through the ancient courtyards and carved temples of Patan Durbar Square, where centuries of Newari craftsmanship still endure.

Day 03 - Kathmandu – Trial Ride – (100 Kms / 3–4 Hrs) After a full expedition briefing and motorcycle orientation, it’s time to start engines for the first ride. Today’s trial run around the Kathmandu Valley allows riders to familiarise themselves with the motorcycles, local roads, and the rhythm of riding in Nepal before heading into the mountains.

Day 04 - Kathmandu – Bandipur (150 km / 5 hrs / 1,030 m) Leave the city behind and ride west along the scenic Prithvi Highway, winding through terraced hillsides, deep river valleys, and traditional mountain villages. Arrive at the beautifully preserved hill town of Bandipur, perched high above the valleys below. Wander its cobbled streets and watch the sun set behind the mighty Annapurna Range.

Day 05 - Bandipur – Pokhara (110 km / 4 hrs / 827 m) Ride through twisting mountain roads towards Pokhara, Nepal’s famous adventure capital. Along the way, breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak) and the Annapurna massif dominate the horizon. In the evening, relax beside the tranquil waters of Phewa Lake beneath snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Day 06 - Pokhara – Tatopani (110 km / 5 hrs / 1,190 m) The real Himalayan adventure begins as the route follows the mighty Kali Gandaki River Valley northwards into increasingly dramatic terrain. Ride through forests, waterfalls, and remote mountain settlements before reaching Tatopani, renowned for its natural hot springs — the perfect place to recover beneath the stars after an exhilarating day in the saddle.

Day 07 - Tatopani – Chuksang (80 km / 6 hrs / 2,980 m) Today you enter the legendary and restricted region of Upper Mustang — a remote Himalayan kingdom once closed to outsiders. The lush green hills suddenly give way to barren cliffs, deep canyons, and vast windswept valleys resembling the Tibetan Plateau. Cross the gateway village of Kagbeni before arriving in Chuksang, surrounded by towering red rock formations and ancient cave dwellings carved high into the cliffs.

Day 08 - Chuksang – Lo-Manthang (55 km / 4–5 hrs / 3,840 m) Ride deeper into the forbidden kingdom across haunting desert landscapes and high mountain passes, including Syangboche La (3,850 m). Prayer flags whip in the mountain winds as the route climbs towards Lo-Manthang — the ancient walled capital of Mustang. Hidden behind medieval walls for centuries, this extraordinary city feels frozen in time, with royal palaces, labyrinthine alleyways, and centuries-old monasteries.

Day 09 - At Lo-Manthang – Explore the Walled City Spend the day exploring one of the Himalayas’ most fascinating and isolated settlements. Visit ancient monasteries including Namgyal Gompa and Thubchen Monastery, and discover the mysterious Chhoser Cave dwellings carved into towering cliff faces. Optional off-road rides venture towards the Tibetan frontier through landscapes unlike anywhere else on Earth. Here, Tibetan Buddhist traditions continue almost unchanged from centuries past.

Day 10 - Lo-Manthang – Samar (65 km / 5 hrs / 3,600 m) Begin the return journey through Mustang’s spectacular canyon landscapes. Ride along dramatic cliff-edge tracks, passing isolated hamlets, whitewashed chortens, and surreal wind-eroded rock formations sculpted by centuries of Himalayan weather. Arrive in the peaceful village of Samar, rich in traditional Mustang culture and mountain atmosphere.

Day 11 - Samar – Marpha (80 km / 6 hrs / 2,670 m) Descend through the high valleys of Mustang via Kagbeni and Jomsom before stopping at the sacred Muktinath Temple (3,800 m), one of the Himalayas’ most important pilgrimage destinations for both Hindus and Buddhists. Continue south to Marpha, Nepal’s famous “Apple Village,” known for its stone streets, orchards, and locally produced apple brandy.

Day 12 - Marpha – Kusma (110 km / 5 hrs / 1,200 m) Ride south through the Kali Gandaki Gorge — one of the deepest river valleys in the world — surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks. Cross suspension bridges high above raging rivers and pass through fertile valleys and traditional farming communities on the journey to Kusma.

Day 13 - Kusma – Tansen (100 km / 4 hrs / 1,350 m) Enjoy a spectacular ride through twisting mountain roads and remote hill country en route to the historic town of Tansen. Rich in Newari culture and old-world charm, Tansen offers panoramic Himalayan sunset views from nearby Srinagar Hill.

Day 14 - Tansen – Chitwan (140 km / 5 hrs / 415 m) Leave the mountains behind as the road descends into the subtropical plains of the Terai. Arrive at Chitwan National Park, home to rhinos, elephants, crocodiles, and the elusive Bengal tiger. In the evening, experience traditional Tharu cultural performances beside the jungle frontier.

Day 15 - At Chitwan – Jungle Safari Trade motorcycles for jungle exploration with a full day of wildlife adventure. Explore the Rapti River by canoe or venture deep into the jungle on a jeep safari in search of rhinos, crocodiles, exotic birdlife, and perhaps even a Bengal tiger. Relax in your lodge surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Day 16 - Chitwan – Kathmandu (180 km / 6 hrs / 1,400 m) Ride back towards Kathmandu through dramatic river valleys and rolling countryside. Arrive in the capital for a final evening with the group and time to reflect on an unforgettable Himalayan expedition.

Day 17 - At Kathmandu – Free Day A free day to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. Wander ancient alleyways, shop for souvenirs in Thamel, visit hidden temples, or simply relax and absorb the final atmosphere of Nepal before departure.

Day 18 - Departure Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home, carrying memories of high mountain passes, remote Himalayan kingdoms, ancient cultures, and one of the world’s greatest motorcycle adventures.

* Lunches are taken en-route at local eateries. Some Dinners are for guests to choose where to eat and share the bill.

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