The Road to Mustang
An Unforgettable Adventure
Embarking on the Road to Mustang motorcycle tour last November, as expressed by our participants, was nothing short of cinematic. With breathtaking landscapes, off-road challenges, and cultural encounters, the experience was an adventurer’s dream and will be remembered for a lifetime. Our group consisted of 16 participants, including both experienced repeat adventurers and newcomers who appreciated the variety and intensity of the tour.
Our start in Kathmandu: A city full of life
Our journey began in Nepal’s lively capital, Kathmandu, where ancient temples meet bustling streets. We caught a glimpse of the well-known Stupe and after a warm welcome and a short briefing we ended the evening with a “Welcome Dinner”. Those interested took the opportunity to explore the Thamel district, known for its narrow streets and lively markets.
Bandipur: A charming mountain town
After breakfast on the second day, we left the hectic traffic of Kathmandu and took a comfortable bus to the starting point of our motorcycle tour, about 100 km outside of the city. Our Enfields were waiting for us here and after a short briefing we made our way to Bandipur. The tranquil “museum village”, located on a hill, offered fantastic views of the Ganesh Himal mountain range and invited us to take an evening stroll. The village’s timeless charm made it the perfect stop to acclimate to the journey ahead. The day’s stage was around 100 km in the bus and 100 km of riding on our newly acquired Enfields.
Begnas Lake: First contact with dirt roads
Day three took us along hidden mountain roads to Begnas Lake, Nepal’s third-largest lake. Narrow, unpaved roads proved to be our first challenge, but the serene waters of the lake made it all worthwhile. “The Asian traffic was a challenge at the beginning, but after a short time you get used to it and it was fun to overtake left and right – just honk your horn and you can do anything,” reflected one of the younger participants of the tour. After about 100 km we spent the night at the Begnas Lake Resort and refreshed ourselves in the lake.
Pokhara: City at the foot of Annapurna
Our fourth stage took us on a journey to Pokhara, one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal. Riding into Pokhara was like entering a postcard. Nestled by Lake Phewa, the city welcomed us with breathtaking landscapes and a visit to the World Peace Pagoda. The day ended with relaxation by the lake or exploration of this gorgeous city.
Kalopani: Pure adventure in the Himalayas
The fifth day brought us deep into the mountains to Kalopani at 2,505 meters above sea level. The road became increasingly wilder and more winding, and we drove through landslide prone areas and over steep approaches. The view of Annapurna, one of the most challenging eight-thousanders in the world, was one of the highlights for the participants.
Muktinath: Off-Road Adventure and Yak Burger
On our sixth stage we traversed through the deepest gorge in the world, the Thak Kola Gorge, to Muktinath at 3,710 meters above sea level. The landscape transformed into a more barren and dramatic terrain, and we enjoyed magnificent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. In the afternoon we reached Muktinath, where we spent the night at the hotel. Today’s 100 km were tough: “That was pure off-road and we also encountered yaks on the road! I didn’t expect it, I thought it was particularly great,” said one of the participants at the end of the tour. Another reflected: “There were a few places that went to the limits, but we did a great job.” Today we rewarded ourselves with a culinary specialty of the region… yak burgers!
Exploring Mustang: Culture and History
On the seventh day, we visited a school in Muktinath and a center for exiled Tibetans. The surrounding area offered fantastic views of the ice giants and gave us a deep insight into the culture and history of the region. Participants appreciated that our local guides brought a wealth of background knowledge, insider tips and special features to the experience. In the afternoon, we continued to Marpha, a charming village with ancient stone houses and a small monastery.
Tatopani: Relaxation in hot springs
On the eighth day, after a day of riding, we reached Tatopani. Here, we were welcomed by Tatopani‘s famed hot springs, offering a perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate amid the stunning Himalayan backdrop.
Kuzma: Adventure on Nepal’s longest suspension bridge
On the ninth day we rode to Kuzma, where the longest suspension bridge in Nepal spans the Kali Gandaki River. The crossing took some effort and courage at first, but then quickly turned into an adrenaline-charged, breathtaking adventure. This is where the only incident of the tour occurred – but this happened not on the road, but due to a fall in the shower! No worries though as the dislocated shoulder was quickly corrected by a local doctor.
Siddharta Highway: Curves, Curves and More Curves
On the tenth day we enjoyed 130 km of lonely mountain roads on the Siddharta Highway. This winding route brought us a little closer to enlightenment and led us to the quaint town of Tansen, where we spent the night.
Chitwan National Park: Safari Adventure
Our eleventh stage took us along about 200 km over a little-used mountain road, where we encountered a ceremonial march. In the evening, we reached the Chitwan National Park, which is known for its biodiversity. The next day we traded our bikes for a jeep safari and visited the elephant breeding station. And so it was that the tour was complemented by another unforgettable chapter in quick succession! “I don’t think I’ve ever experienced so much in two weeks,” said one of our participants.
Return to Kathmandu: One Last Adventure
On the thirteenth day, half of the group took the bus to Kathmandu, while the other half took a seat on the saddles of the Enfields for one last time. Unfortunately, we didn’t have much time left in Kathmandu to explore the city, because the day was long and we wanted to get to our beds early to experience a breathtaking conclusion to the tour the next day with what is literally the biggest highlight in the world: We took an exhilarating flight around Mount Everest and experienced a one-of-a-kind view of the world’s highest peak!
“This was my second trip with Classic Bike Adventure and I hope I can ride another one next year if my age allows me,” said Hans, our oldest participant, at the end of the tour. Even the newcomers among the participants were enthusiastic about this impressive journey in the heart of the Himalayan mountains – there was something for everyone or as one person stated: “The highlight was basically everything!” We are already reminiscing and looking forward to sharing this unique tour with more adventurers in the coming year!