Road to Mustang – Motorcycle tour to the Tibetan Border

On clear days, the first snow-covered Himalayan peaks appear on the horizon. Often only a brief glimpse between drifting clouds, but enough to give a sense of the scale and beauty that await us on this journey. Our destination for the day is Gorkha, a historically significant town set on a mountain ridge. Gorkha is considered the cradle of modern Nepal. Soldiers from this region were known for their loyalty, discipline and combat skills. The Gurkhas later gained worldwide fame, particularly through their service in the British and Indian armies.

High above the town stands the former royal palace, the Gorkha Durbar, with its temple complex and sweeping views across the surrounding valleys. Gorkha is a quiet provincial town with strong regional character, simple markets and a long military tradition — the name “Gurkha” originates from this very region. In the evening, we enjoy the elevated setting of our stopover and — with a bit of luck — another distant view of the Himalayan peaks, which now are no longer just imagination, but a visible reality.

Distance covered: 160 km

By the afternoon, we pass steep rock faces and waterfalls plunging directly into the valley beside the road. The route continues winding northward, the valley widening and the views opening up. We now find ourselves in the deepest gorge in the world — the Thak Khola Gorge, also known as the Kali Gandaki Gorge. The Kali Gandaki River flows through this dramatic landscape, separating two of the world’s ten highest mountains. Measured from the summit of Dhaulagiri down to the riverbed — a vertical distance of around 5.5 kilometres — it is considered the deepest gorge on Earth.

Here we ride between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs — two immense mountain ranges rising beyond 8,000 metres and part of the highest mountain region on the planet. With every kilometre, the scenery becomes more impressive.
Beyond Kobang, the first close views of the Annapurna range appear in clear weather. Particularly striking is Annapurna I (8,091 m), one of the most technically demanding eight-thousanders in the world. Shortly afterwards, we reach Kalopani at around 2,500 metres above sea level. Kalopani lies quietly between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna and marks the transition into the high alpine zone. The day ends in a relaxed atmosphere — with views of the ice giants that now feel significantly closer. We wind down the evening on the terrace of our guesthouse, enjoying an uninterrupted panorama of the surrounding peaks. What could be better?

Distance covered: approx. 130 km

Prayer scriptures carved into stone accompany us along a quiet stretch of road. A small monastery above the village reinforces the strong Tibetan-Buddhist character of this region.
The route climbs steadily, winding through a fascinating sandstone landscape shaped by erosion, caves and ochre-coloured rock formations. Clay-built chörtens appear recurrently along the roadside — almost merging with their surroundings, as if they had grown directly from the rock itself. The scenery feels closer to Tibet than to what many imagine as classic Nepal. A special stop is Lho Gekar Gompa, considered one of the oldest Tibetan-Buddhist monasteries in the region and, according to tradition, founded as early as the 8th century. Located slightly off the main route, it offers a quiet impression of Mustang’s long spiritual history.
Before reaching Lo Manthang, we cross a narrow, winding pass at around 3,950 metres. From the top, the view opens across a vast plateau — and in the distance, the walls of the ancient royal city come into sight. With our arrival in Lo Manthang, we reach the cultural heart of Upper Mustang. The walled city, defined by clay architecture, monasteries and the former royal palace, feels like a relic from another time. Here, the influence of Tibet is not only visible but deeply tangible — in the buildings, in the prayer flags and in the daily life of its people.

Distance covered: approx. 100 km

Continuing south, we pass familiar landscapes until we once again reach the wider Kali Gandaki Valley. As the altitude decreases, the climate becomes noticeably milder, and the first orchards begin to appear.
By afternoon, we arrive in Marpha, the best-known village in Lower Mustang. Marpha is considered a traditional Thakali village and is famous for its apple cultivation — especially apple brandy and dried apple products that have been produced here for generations. The natural stone houses with flat roofs and narrow, paved alleyways are characteristic of the region. Above the village lies the small Marpha Monastery, where monks live and support, among other things, a school for local children. High above the settlement stands the large statue of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), one of the most important teachers of Tibetan Buddhism. A walk through Marpha leaves a calm, almost timeless impression. After the wide-open plains of Upper Mustang, the village feels compact and sheltered — a place where culture, agriculture and the Himalayan landscape come together in a unique way.

Distance covered: approx.90 km

We then ride up to the World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa). From here, wide views open over Phewa Lake, the city of Pokhara and — in clear weather — the Annapurna range with the striking Machapuchare (Fishtail). Not far away stands the large Shiva statue of Pumdikot, towering high above the valley and offering another impressive panoramic viewpoint. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Along Lake Road, cafés, small handicraft shops and restaurants invite you to stroll and relax. Those who wish can head out once more onto the lake in a rowing boat or simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Distance covered: approx. 70 km

A special highlight is the boat ride on the Rapti River. Silently gliding across the water, we pass crocodile banks and observe birds gathering along the shoreline. From this calm perspective on the river, the jungle reveals itself in a completely different way. In the evening, we enjoy the sunset over the river or relax in the hotel garden — a deliberate contrast to the barren high-altitude landscapes of the past days.

The temple complex lies along the Bagmati River and is one of Nepal’s key spiritual centres. We then continue to Boudhanath Stupa. Standing 36 metres high, it is one of the largest Buddhist stupas of its kind in the world. Surrounding the stupa are numerous Tibetan Buddhist monasteries founded by Tibetan refugees after 1959.

Finally, we visit the historic royal city of Bhaktapur, whose temple squares, pagodas and intricately carved wooden buildings are among the finest examples of traditional Newari architecture. All of these sites are UNESCO World Heritage locations. In the evening, we gather for a Nepalese farewell dinner at the hotel. The city tour can be booked optionally through us. In this case, an additional overnight stay at the tour hotel is included, and departure takes place on Day 15.