Road to Mustang2024-09-30T18:45:37+00:00

Nepal Motorcycle Tours – On the Road to Mustang Tour

Tucked away north of the Annapurna Massif, lies the mystical Mustang Valley, a secluded realm of wild passes nestled between Tibet and Nepal. It beckons you with the promise of the motorbike journey of a lifetime! Winding mountain roads, dirt tracks, steep gorges and exhilarating routes leading to Mustang are calling your name! Once a forbidden kingdom until 1992, it now welcomes you to a riveting Nepal motorcycle expedition that will surpass all expectations. Experience stunning sunsets, rugged mountain landscapes and navigate the deepest gorge in the world. Marvel at the majestic elephants, embrace the highlights of Nepal and savor the local cuisine.

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On this 14-day on Royal Enfield motorbike tour through Nepal to Mustang, we kick off in Kathmandu, the capital city nestled within a valley at the foothills of the Himalayas. Our first day of the ride takes us up to the museum village of Bandipur, from where we feast our eyes on the first of many spectacular views across Nepal. Our journey then leads us to Bengas Lake, where we relax and rejuvenate at a resort before finally immersing ourselves in the enchanting city of Pokhara, the jewel of Nepal, as we take in the lakeside ambience, bars, and live music.

We bid farewell to civilization and embark on our ultimate journey into the deep mountains of the Himalayas. Mustang, the pinnacle of our tour and a challenging terrain, awaits us with its trials and unforgettable vistas. We traverse the Thak Khola Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, separating the majestic mountain giants Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, and pay a visit to the famous Vishnu Temple in Muktinath and eventually Kagbeni. Some of the tallest peaks of the Himalayas are here to greet us, as well as soothing hot springs after challenging dirt track adventures. From Kagbeni, we move through jungle forests to the Chitwan National Park, where we pause to admire the wild animals and the biodiversity. Finally, we circle back to Kathmandu, to explore the highlights of this historically rich capital city. We invite you to embark on this epic Kathmandu to Mustang Nepal motorcycle tour to a hidden, former kingdom, concealed behind the towering walls of the Himalayas. Join us!
We also organise Leh Ladakh Motorcycle Tours , Spiti Valley Motorcycle Tour and the Golden Himalaya Tour all along the Himalaya route.

But have a look for yourself and watch a short recommendation: Interview with a motorcycle enthusiast: Experiences from a Classic Bike India Tour

AT A GLANCE

Nepal Motorcycle Tour Package – Highlights

  • Mustang, the hidden kingdom of the Himalayas – We cover the route from Kathmandu to Mustang
  • The ride between the Himalayan giants Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters) and Annapurna (8,091 meters)
  • Journey through the world’s deepest gorge (Thak Khola, Kali Gandaki Gorge)
  • The Tibetan town of Marpha, the most beautiful village in Mustang
  • The longest suspension bridge in Nepal at Baglung
  • Breathtaking mountain roads and tracks, guaranteed to thrill
  • Relaxing in the hot springs at Tatopani
  • Chitwan National Park, with elephant riding and a canoe tour
  • The picturesque historical village of Bandipur
  • Magnificent views of the Annapurna mountain range
  • The lakeside town of Pokhara, the most beautiful in Nepal
  • The renowned Vishnu temple in Muktinath
  • Highlights of Kathmandu: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Tibetan Buddhist Pagoda, Bhaktapur Old City, Thamel District
  • Optional: Highlights of Kathmandu: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Tibetan Buddhist Pagoda, Bhaktapur Old City, Thamel District
Nepal Mustang Motorcycle Tour – Media Library

Nepal Motorcycle Tour – Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon landing at the airport, our local representative, identifiable by his “Classic Bike Adventure” sign, will be there to welcome you. A taxi will then whisk you away to your hotel, nestled in the heart of Kathmandu. Once settled in, we’ll gather for a tour briefing at the hotel. This initial meet and greet culminates with a communal “Welcome Dinner” on the hotel terrace, where local specialties will be served. From this vantage point, we have a magnificent view of the historical Boudinath Pagoda, a Kathmandu landmark. Depending on your arrival time, there should be ample opportunity to explore Thamel, the city’s vibrant hub, at leisure.

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Thamel is a bustling, tourist-friendly district that serves as the city’s primary entertainment quarter. Bars featuring live cover bands and lively restaurants serving both Nepalese and international cuisines line the streets. The stunning “Garden of Dreams,” designed in 1920, is dotted with pavilions, fountains, and urns. Markets and shops offer metal handicrafts, vibrant jewelry, and 70s-style cafes beckon with slices of cake. The pedestrian “Mandala Street” also boasts upscale boutiques and spas. Thamel is an attraction in its own right, offering something for everyone.

Distance covered: Airport transfer

On the road from Mugling to Bandipur

Day 2: From Kathmandu to Bandipur

In the morning, after an early breakfast, a comfortable bus will take us to Mugling, where our Royal Enfield motorbikes are waiting for us. Mugling is about 100 km away from Kathmandu, this way we avoid the terrible city traffic. We’ll take some time to get comfortable with the bikes and practice riding on the “wrong” side of the road. As a test run for our Kathmandu to Mustang motorcycle tour, we’ll take a quiet, winding road to Bandipur, a small town in the mountains of central Nepal. Clouds permitting, we’ll have a great view of the majestic peaks. In the evening, we’ll go for a stroll through the historical village and spend the night in the best place Bandipur has to offer.

Distance covered: 100 km (transfer) + 100 km motorcycle tour

Day 3: Riding on Small Roads to Begnas Lake

Through narrow and hidden mountain roads, we make our way to the stunning Begnas Lake. Today’s journey presents its first challenges as some of the tight mountain roads are not paved. Begnas Lake is the third largest lake in Nepal and is located in the southeastern part of the Pokhara Valley. At the lakeside, we’ll enjoy the view and have lunch. We’ll spend the night directly on the lakeshore at the enchanting Begnas Lake Resort. In the evening, we’ll gather around a campfire and have the opportunity to swim in the lake, which maintains a near-perfect temperature throughout most of the year.

Distance covered: approx. 100km

Bandipur to Sauraha road
Chitwan National Park

Day 4: A day around Pokhara

Leaving the lake behind, our Road to Mustang Nepal motorcycle tour continues to Pokhara. Our destination for the day, Pokhara, is widely known as Nepal’s most beautiful city, situated at the foot of the Annapurna mountain range and directly on the shores of Phewa Lake. Our hotel is located near “Lake Road,” offering close proximity to the lake. In the afternoon, we can relax by the lake or take a breathtaking ride on a rented rowboat, enjoying stunning views of the Annapurna Massif. Before we reach Pokhara, we’ll visit a Tibetan refugee camp and the World Peace Pagoda.

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Once again, we’ll be treated to magnificent views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna Massif as we ride along small mountain roads. In Pokhara, you can also find great souvenirs in the small craft shops to take back home. In the evening, you can indulge in some “bar hopping” as many bars feature live music, the perfect setting to enjoy local beer.

Distance covered: approx. 80 km

Day 5: The Himalayas await!

The first section of today’s ride leads over a newly build main road, then we follow a smaller mountain road deep into the mountains. The road narrows more and more and turns into a demanding slope. It’s getting more and more twisty and wild: Our adventure bike tour in the Nepalese Himalayas has begun! We drive through a landslide area and there are a few spots that cannot be mastered without some effort – especially in the area before the small town of Ghasa, where we pass an impressive waterfall. But as long as it doesn’t rain, which is unlikely during our tour time, luckily there won’t be any landslides. Steep approaches, partly large stones and sand characterize the following part of the stage. Nothing is given to us on this part of the motorcycle tour through Nepal!

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In the next stage – from Ghasa to Kalopani – the steepest stretches have to be negotiated. On the right side of the road it goes down a long way. Shortly before Kobang we have reached the high point of today and we find ourselves on safe ground. There are views of Annapurna, one of the most difficult eight-thousanders in the world to climb. The drive was already worth it for this view! The last stage is more relaxed: We ride between two eight-thousanders and enjoy the breathtaking views of the ice giants again and again – we like to take our time for that. Our destination for the day, Kalopani, is at an altitude of 2,505 meters. Here we will spend the night in a beautiful guest house with a view: relax, enjoy good food with a cold beer and look at two eight-thousanders. What more do you want?

Distance covered: approx. 130 km

Sauraha to Tansen
Thansen – Siddhartha Highway to Pokhara

Day 6: Stunning Views of the Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Giants

Our first leg of the day is relatively easy, with few steep or exposed sections. Occasionally, we’ll cross small streams. In Jomsom, the largest town in Mustang, there is a small airport where small planes navigate through dangerous, steep rock walls. For the second leg of today’s journey, we leave Jomsom behind and find our way through a maze of water channels. The landscape changes here, becoming more barren and dramatic! We are now in the deepest gorge in the world, known as the Thak Kola Gorge or Kali Gandaki Gorge.

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The Kali Gandaki River runs through the gorge, separating two of the world’s ten highest mountains. Measured from the peak of Dhaulagiri to the riverbed, with a vertical distance of approximately 5.5 kilometers, it is considered the deepest gorge in the world. We are now very close to the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, both towering beyond eight thousand meters and among the highest mountain ranges in the world. The views become increasingly breathtaking!

In the afternoon, we reach Kagbeni, where we’ll stay at the most beautiful guesthouse in town, run by a Tibetan family, at an elevation of 2,804 meters. Optional: If time permits, we’ll ride to a hidden lake in a small side valley accessible only via a challenging trail.

Distance covered: approx. 70 km

Day 7: Exploring Mustang

Today, we’ll explore Mustang and first ride along a hidden trail to Muktinath, situated at over 3,000 meters, offering the most magnificent views of the entire tour. In Muktinath, we visit one of the most important Hindu temples dedicated to the deity Vishnu. Hindu pilgrims from Nepal and India travel thousands of kilometers to offer their sacrifices at this temple. Babas (holy men) dressed in bright yellow robes sit scattered around the temple, praying for alms to ensure a successful journey and biking fortune. The surroundings of Muktinath provide stunning views of Dhaulagiri and other icy giants. Afterwards, we visit the Tibetan-Buddhist monastery of Jharkot, perched above a sleepy village. After a break, we’ll leisurely return to Kagbeni and continue to Marpha, where we’ll spend the night.

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The village of Marpha is a highlight of the trip. Ancient houses, entirely made of stone, line the hillside, while above them sits the small monastery of Marpha, which also houses an orphanage with 13 monks. Towering above the village is the enormous golden statue of Guru Rinpoche, one of the most important teachers of Tibetan Buddhism. Today, we have a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves deeply in the world of Tibetans and their culture.

Distance covered: approx. 60 km

Road from Pokhara to Tatopani
 Ghasa to Kalapani road

Day 8: The Hot Springs of Tatopani

We follow the familiar route back south and visit a settlement of Tibetan exiles who have been living in this small village for three generations, mostly sustaining themselves with self-grown fruits and vegetables. In the afternoon, we arrive in Tatopani, where we’ll spend the night.

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An optional ride on a demanding trail takes us to a viewpoint overlooking the river and the seemingly endless valley. Here, in this remote area, a new Tibetan monastery has been built in complete seclusion, as what better place to be closer to enlightenment? The hot springs of Tatopani attract not only tourists but also numerous pilgrims seeking the healing properties of the water, all amidst the idyllic setting at the foot of the Himalayan mountains. Take a dip and relax after a day of riding.

Distance covered: approx. 50 km

Day 9: Nepal’s Longest Suspension Bridge

Today, we first head to Baglung and take ample time to enjoy the breathtaking landscape. Small breaks for tea and coffee with dreamlike views await us. We will spend the night near Kusma, a lively place that boasts Nepal’s longest suspension bridge. The bridge spans across the Kali Gandaki River and naturally invites posing for photos. Here, other adventures can also be experienced, such as bungee jumping, or one can simply enjoy relaxing time near the gorge, which runs very close by.

Distance covered: approx. 60 km

Spectacular views of the ice giants Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains
Excursion to Muktinath

Day 10: Siddharta Highway

130 km of lonely mountain roads with never-ending curves on the “Siddharta – Highway”, named after the historical Buddha and Prince Siddharta Gautama, who saw the light of day just a few kilometers to the south. Bikers can get a little closer to enlightenment here! We stay overnight in Tansen, a small town in the mountains near the Indian border.

Distance covered: approx. 140 km

Day 11: Ride to Chitwan National Park

A ride of about 200 kilometers takes us via a newly built and little-used mountain road to the western edge of the Annapurna massif. This stage promises breathtaking views of the beautiful landscape, small villages and farms.

Distance covered: approx. 200 km

View of imposing mountains Kalopani
On the way to Begnas Lake

Day 12: A day in Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park was founded in 1973 as the first national park in Nepal. It’s known for its biodiversity – and as the habitat of Bengal tigers and rhinos. We’ll start the day with an elephant ride to the wild rhinos, followed by a visit to the national park’s elephant breeding station. If you’re interested, we can also take a canoe to the crocodile banks. In the evening, we’ll enjoy the sunset over the river and watch a short slide show about Nepal’s wildlife after dinner. A nightcap by the campfire will wind things down.

Day 13: Arrival in Kathmandu

We leave our Royal Enfield bikes behind in the morning and drive the route to Kathmandu in a private minibus in comfort and without traffic stress. Free time in Kathmandu from noon: You can easily explore the sights of the city by taxi on your own. These include Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and the historic city of Bhaktapur. We are happy to help with the organization!

With the “Goodbye Nepal farewell dinner” and the subsequent visit to the pub, which awaits us with live music, we end our adventure motorcycle tour through Nepal.

Thamel district
View of temple at Kathmandu

Day 14: City Exploration “Best of Kathmandu”

After breakfast at the hotel, individual transfer to the airport, depending on your departure time. We wish you a good flight! If you want to extend your stay in Nepal or spend a few days in Kathmandu before the tour – no problem. We are happy to help with all arrangements.

Optional: City Tour “Best of Kathmandu”

Today we first visit the old town bazaar in Kathmandu. Here we are greeted by an exotic flair of Asian bazaars, colorful temples and narrow old town streets. We continue to the Pashupatinath Temple, probably the most beautiful and well-known Hindu temple complex in Nepal, followed by Boudhanath Stupa, a pagoda with a height of 36 meters. It is one of the most famous of its kind in the world and a symbol of Kathmandu. Around the pagoda there are more than 50 Tibetan monasteries founded by Tibetan refugees. Finally, the old town of Bhaktapur is on the program, where time seems to stand still. All three places are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. In the evening there will be a typical Nepalese farewell dinner. The city tour with a English-speaking local tour guide can optionally be booked with us. In this case, another overnight stay in the tour hotel follows and departure can take place on day 15.

Don’t Miss Out On a Wonderful Experience

Book your Tour Now – Road to Mustang Nepal Motorcycle Tour

We can accommodate only 14 motorbikes on the Kathmandu to Mustang tour.

Since our tours get filled up fast, please book our Nepal Motorcycle Tour package now to avoid disappointment.

Our Next available tours are as follows:

2025
16.03. – 29.03.
12.10. – 25.10.
26.10. – 08.11.
09.11. – 22.11.
23.11. – 06.12.
 

Nepal Motorcycle Tour – Included Services

  • 13 nights in mid-range hotels, often with a boutique atmosphere or “the best hotel in town”. Rooms always with bath/toilet. 4* hotel in Kathmandu
  • Experienced English-speaking motorcycle tour guide on own motorcycle during the tour
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Rental motorcycle Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc with comprehensive insurance (EUR 500 deductible)
  • Comfortable service vehicle for luggage transport and pillions (guaranteed seat in the support vehicle for all pillions)
  • Local assistance tour guide (in service vehicle)
  • Experienced motorcycle mechanic (and backup rider if needed)
  • Petrol, oil and all spare and wear parts
  • Touring equipment of the motorcycles with panniers
  • All road tolls, bridge tolls, entrance fees during the shared program
  • All bus transfers from/to the motorbike tour start in A/C Deluxe Bus
  • All airport transfers

Nepal Motorcycle Tour – Excluded Services

  • International flights to/from Nepal
  • Optional guide and mechanic tips, souvenirs, shopping
  • Tourist visa on-arrival for Nepal (about 50US$ for 15 days). The visa fee must be paid in cash upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport
  • Travel cancellation and health insurance
  • Alcoholic drinks

Royal Enfield Nepal Motorbike Tour – Questions & Answers

Why are the daily stages relatively short?2022-07-04T15:44:14+00:00

Although the daily stages are between 50 and 200 kilometers, they are by no means short or quick to master. Most of the stages are full riding days, due to the road conditions and the visiting program. Riding in Nepal is challenging and our daily distances are always based on the routes and the road surface. One thing is guaranteed: it won’t be boring.

What’s a typical day on the road like?2019-12-18T06:22:49+00:00

A travel day normally begins at 8 am with breakfast. Around 9 am, after a short briefing by the road captain, it’s time for the day’s riding, the mileage of which can vary quite a bit. Plenty of time will be available for lunch and coffee breaks, of course. Depending on the day’s mileage, we’ll reach the destination hotel between 3 and 4 pm.
Since our tours vary considerably, we may also hit the road at 8 am on high-mileage days – which is also nice, because then we have the whole day ahead of us.

What are the specs of the bikes?2019-12-18T06:23:59+00:00

Technical specifications: Single-cylinder four-stroke, 499 cc, 16 kW (28 bhp) at 4,600 rpm, 178 kg, 80 cm seat height, 123 kph max.

Our Enfields were manufactured from 2013 to 2017 and are well-maintained. Naturally, some of them bear the minor battle scars typical of touring motorcycles. Technically, they are all in top shape and perfectly suited to the planned tours. They’re tremendous fun to ride, and their handling is safe and predictable after a brief familiarization period. Our average speeds on the tour range from 40 to 60 kph, depending on the road conditions and traffic.

How much is the deposit for the bike?2019-12-18T06:24:00+00:00

Riders must make a deposit of USD/EUR 500.00 in cash for their bikes. The deposit will be refunded when the bike is returned in good condition. The deposit corresponds to the comprehensive insurance deductible for damage to the rented bike and damage or injuries to third parties caused by the rider.
(The deductible is payable in such cases!)

Important note: The deductible also applies to damage or injury to third parties. In practice, the rider is initially liable for the full damages. The costs are later refunded by the insurance company, minus the deductible.

Where can I stow my bags?2019-12-18T06:24:02+00:00

Your baggage will be carried by the support vehicle. Please don’t pack too much – remember: less is more. From time to time, we’ll have to carry our baggage over short distances to the hotel. Baggage is not insured, so please be sure to purchase your own baggage insurance for the trip if necessary. Your personal items for the day are best kept in the saddlebags or your daypack. Tank bags – including magnetic ones – can be used on the Enfields, but we don’t provide them.

Will I need maps?2019-12-18T06:31:37+00:00

Simple street maps are often available locally. The best road maps are available from the German publishers Reise Know How and Nelles. These are only available in specialized bookstores or online.

Do I need a driving license?2019-12-18T06:24:05+00:00

All riders must have a valid motorcycle driving license issued in their home country. An international driving license is also required. Be sure to contact the relevant authorities in your home country well in advance for more information on obtaining an international driving license.

What do I need in the way of documents?2019-12-18T06:24:09+00:00

You will need your passport, national driving license, international driving license and flight ticket. Please be sure to make photocopies of all of your important travel documents and carry them separately. They can be invaluable in an emergency.

What kind of bikes will we ride?2019-12-18T06:24:12+00:00

We ride 500cc Royal Enfield Bullets manufactured from 2014 to 2017 that feature electric starters, 5-speed gearboxes with the gearshift on the left, front disk brakes, roomy and rugged leather saddlebags, crashbars, 19” tires and twin horns.

What’s the Classic Bike Adventure travel team like?2022-04-14T10:41:11+00:00

Our European tour guides are skilled motorcyclists and inveterate travelers who love India. They’re resilient in the face of stress and know the history and culture of the regions they cover. Our Indian mechanics are experienced Enfield specialists who all speak English and are happy to help with any technical problem, great or small.
A stand-in rider is always available. More information on our travel concept is available here.

How big are the groups? What’s the minimum number of participants?2019-12-18T06:24:15+00:00

Groups generally consist of 8 to 14 riders and 2 to 6 passengers. The minimum number of participants is 6 riders.

Do pillion passengers have a guaranteed seat in the support vehicle?2019-12-18T06:24:16+00:00

Yes, all passengers have a guaranteed seat. In bad weather or challenging riding conditions, they can switch to the support vehicle at any time – and back to the bike when conditions improve.

What should I keep in mind when riding with a passenger?2019-12-18T06:24:20+00:00

Riding two-up is almost always possible. In difficult terrain or on rough tracks, every passenger has a guaranteed seat in the support vehicle to keep things relaxed for both rider and pillion.

Do I need travel insurance and travel health insurance?2019-12-18T06:24:21+00:00

We always recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover costs incurred if you need to cancel the trip due to illness or other reasons. When shopping for travel health insurance, make sure the policy covers the potentially high cost of medical evacuation to your home country. Both forms of insurance can save you a lot of money in an emergency and we recommend them unreservedly. In many countries, your national motoring organization can provide the coverage you need.

What do I need to bring along for a motorcycle tour?2020-01-06T11:30:46+00:00

You will definitely want to bring your riding suit with protectors and a helmet. You will also need motorcycle boots or lighter riding shoes and gloves. While your gear should be breathable in hot climates, you need to be ready for anything at high altitudes and in the Himalayas. We recommend winter gloves, warm socks, liners for jackets and trousers, a scarf and face protection. Rain gear is a good idea if your riding suit is not waterproof.
Please note that we do not hire out clothing. We believe that your own riding gear will fit best and thus give you the best protection. If you forget anything, we’ll find a solution, however. We often have spare gear with us, or we can point you in the direction of a shop.

Tour Concept by RC Peter