Road to Mustang2022-07-07T19:22:30+00:00

Mustang Nepal Motorbike Tours – On the Road to Mustang Tour

North of the Annapurna Massif, tucked away between Tibet and Nepal, lies Mustang Valley – a remote, mystical region with wild mountain roads. It offers you the ride of your life: the road to Mustang motorcycle tour will get your adrenaline flowing with its rough tracks, dizzying passes and rugged gorges! The former kingdom was closed to outsiders until 1992, but now you can look forward to a Mustang motorcycle tour in Nepal that you’ll never forget. Explore a hidden kingdom, get to know the Nepali cuisine, experience beautiful sunsets, craggy mountains and a ride through the deepest gorge in the world.

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On our 15-day motorcycle tour in Nepal on “The Road to Mustang”, we kick things off in the capital city Kathmandu, which lies in the middle of a broad valley in the Himalayas. We then continue to the picturesque village of Bandipur and to Pokhara, the most beautiful city of Nepal. From there, we’ll head into the rugged wilderness of the Himalayas, reaching the remote region of Mustang, the highlight of our tour.

Challenges await! Our journey along the road to Mustang from Kathmandu will take us through Thak Khola Gorge – the world’s deepest, which separates the majestic Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters) and Annapurna (8,091 meters) mountains. From the Vishnu temple in Muktinath, we’ll descend through the jungle to our authentic farm stay, where we’ll experience rural Nepal, learn about farming practices, animal husbandry and enjoy locally made grappa.

Before returning to Kathmandu, we’ll take a break in Chitwan National Park to do a bit of wildlife spotting, ride majestic elephants and visit an elephant breeding station. From steamy jungles to the soaring peaks of the Himalayas, this ride has it all.

We’ll take you on an unforgettable motorcycle tour to a remote, former kingdom, hidden behind the forbidding walls of the Himalayas. Don’t miss it!

AT A GLANCE

AT A GLANCE

08.10 – 22.10.2022
22.10. – 05.112022
05.11. – 19.11.2022
19.11. – 03.12.2022
Enfield Bullet 500: 3.190€
Enfield Himalayan 411: 3.190€
Pillion 2.690€
Single Room +490€

RE Himalayan only on request, please specify.

15 days / 14 nights / 11 riding days
All overnight stays in mid range hotels, often with a boutique atmosphere. Rooms always with attached bath/toilet. 4* hotel in Kathmandu.
Dates in 2023
Enfield Bullet 500: 3.190€
Enfield Himalayan 411: 3.190€
Pillion 2.690€
Single Room +490€

RE Himalayan only on request, please specify.

15 days / 14 nights / 11 riding days
All overnight stays in mid range hotels, often with a boutique atmosphere. Rooms always with attached bath/toilet. 4* hotel in Kathmandu.

Nepal Mustang Motorcycle Tour Package – Highlights

  • Mustang, the hidden kingdom of the Himalayas
  • 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
  • Farmstay deep in the mountains where we learn about traditional farming and animal husbandry
Contact us
Nepal Mustang Motorcycle Tour – Media Library

Road to Mustang Motorcycle Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Our driver at the airport in Kathmandu will be waiting for you at the gate with a Classic Bike Adventures sign. A comfortable car will take us to to our 4* hotel which is located in the city center. We’ll have a bit of time to relax while our guide changes money for us, unless you want to take care of that yourself. Afterwards we’ll meet for a short briefing. The first day of our Mustang Nepal Motorbike tour will finish with a welcome dinner – our first taste of the local specialties. Depending on the time of arrival, there is enough time to stroll through the Thamel district, the heart of the city with many shops and cafes.

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 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, 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: Pokhara, the most beautiful city in Nepal

A small and hidden mountain road lead to the shore of beautiful Begnas Lake. Begnas Lake is the third largest lake in Nepal and is located in the southeast of Pokhara Valley. At the lake shore we enjoy the view and lunch. From the lake we head to Pokhara on our Road to Mustang motorcycle tour. Our destination for the day Pokhara is widely known as the most beautiful town in Nepal, beautifully situated at the foot of the Annapurna mountain range directly on Lake Phewa. Our hotel is on Lake Road and therefore very close to the lake. In the afternoon we can relax at the lake or take a trip with a rented rowing boat with breathtaking views of the Annapurna massif.

Distance covered: approx. 130km

Bandipur to Sauraha road
Chitwan National Park

Day 4: A day around Pokhara

Today we take a drive to a Tibetan refugee camp and visit the World Peace Pagoda. Even today, dreamlike views of the surrounding snow mountains of the Annapurna massif await us on small mountain roads. In Pokhara you can also buy souvenirs for home in the small handicraft shops. The evening is ideal for “bar hopping”, because many bars inspire with live music – perfect for enjoying the local beer.

Distance covered: approx. 50 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: Spectacular views of the ice giants Annapurna and Dhaulagiri

Our first stage – from Tukuche to Jomsom – should be relatively easy-going, without any steep or challenging passages. From time to time, we’ll ford small streams. Jomsom, the biggest town in Mustang, has a small airport: the light aircraft plunging past the hazardous rock faces on their landing approach are quite a sight. On our second leg of the day, we leave Jomsom behind and find our way through a maze of waterways. Our surroundings are becoming harsher and increasingly inhospitable. We’re no longer in the deepest gorge in the world, Thak Kola – also known as Kali Gandaki Gorge – but are now riding along the highest mountain range in the world. Here we’re very close to Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, both mighty massifs soaring to beyond eight thousand meters.

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The views are becoming ever more breathtaking. One of the four longest rivers in Nepal, the Kali Gandaki, runs through the gorge and will accompany us on our tour. The river, which separates two of the 10 highest mountains in the world, runs through the gorge and is considered the deepest gorge in the world, measured from the top of Dhaulagiri to the river bed with a vertical distance of about 5.5 kilometers. We are very close to the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, both mighty massifs over eight thousand meters and one of the highest mountain ranges in the world. The views are getting more and more breathtaking!

In the afternoon we reach Kagbeni, where we stay in the most beautiful guest house in the village, which is also run by a Tibetan family , and spend the night at 2,804 meters altitude.

Optional: If time permits, we drive to a hidden lake in a small side valley, to which only a very challenging track leads.

Distance covered: approx. 60 km

Day 7: Ride Mustang

Today we explore Mustang. We start with a ride on a hidden track to Muktinath, which is over 3,000 meters above sea level and experience the most magnificent views of the tour. In Muktinath we visit one of the most important temples of Hinduism, dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu. Hindu pilgrims from Nepal and India travel thousands of kilometers to make an offering there. Babas (holy men) in bright yellow robes sit scattered around the temple and pray for small alms for good biker luck on the onward journey. The area around Muktinath offers a wonderful view of Dhaulagiri and the other ice giants. On the way back we visit a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, which towers above a sleepy village. After a break, a comfortable ride brings us back to Kagbeni.

Road from Pokhara to Tatopani
 Ghasa to Kalapani road

Day 8: Marpha – Mustang’s most beautiful village

On the way back south we visit a settlement of Tibetan exiles, who live here in the third generation in a small town and mostly support themselves with fruit and vegetables they have grown themselves.

An optional drive down a challenging track takes us to a vantage point overlooking the river and the endless valley below. Here, in this remote area, a new Tibetan monastery was built in seclusion, for where could one be closer to enlightenment?

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We stay overnight in the beautiful village of Marpha, which is a highlight of the trip. The ancient houses, built entirely of stone, are lined up along a rock face over the slope, above which lies the small monastery of Marpha, which, in addition to 13 monks, also runs a school for orphans. The huge golden statue of Guru Rimpoche, one of the most important teachers of Tibetan Buddhism, towers far above the village. Today we have the unique opportunity to delve deep into the world of the Tibetans and their culture.

Distance covered: approx. 60 km

Day 9: To the suspension Bridge of Baglung

Today we return the same way and take our time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Shorter tea and coffee breaks with fantastic views are waiting for us. In the afternoon we can rest and relax in the hot springs of Tatopani at 2,740 meters. Tonight we stay in Baglung, a lively place that has the longest suspension bridge in Nepal. The suspension bridge spans the Kali Gandaki River. In addition to a lively market, Baglung also has a Hindu temple that can be explored.

Distance covered: approx. 90 km

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

Day 10: Siddharta Highway & Farmstay

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 also get a little closer to enlightenment here!

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Today is a special night on the program. We stay in bungalows with a wonderful view on an authentic farm, where we can learn about local crops and livestock. In addition to organs, bananas and avocados, coffee is also grown here, butter and schnapps are made and water buffalo are bred. For dinner, the BBQ is fired up and we enjoy the farm-grown meat and vegetables with a glass of homemade grappa.

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 here and drive the route to Kathmandu in a private minibus in comfort and without traffic stress. The small streets in front of our hotel in the Thamel district invite you to stroll again. With dinner and a 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”

Today we first visit the old town bazaar in Kathmandu. Here we are greeted by an exotic flair of Asian bazaars, pretty temples and narrow old town streets. Then it goes to the Pashupatinath Temple, probably the most beautiful and well-known Hindu temple complex in Nepal. Then proceed to 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.

Day 15: Goodbye Nepal

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 the organization.

Don’t Miss Out On a Wonderful Experience

Book your Tour Now – Road to Mustang Motorcycle Tour

We can accommodate only 14 motorbikes on this tour.

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

Our Next available tours are as follows:

2022
08.10 – 22.10.
22.10. – 05.11
05.11. – 19.11.
19.11. – 03.12.
Book Now

Included Services

  • All bus transfers to the motorcycle starting point in a AC Deluxe Bus
  • All airport transfers
  • All overnight stays in mid-range hotels, often with a boutique atmosphere or “the best hotel in town”. Rooms always with bath/toilet. 4* hotel in Kathmandu
  • Breakfast and dinner (excluding drinks)
  • All road tolls, bridge tolls, entrance fees during the joint program
  • Rental motorcycle Enfield Bullet 500cc or Enfield Himalayan 410cc (on request) with fully comprehensive insurance (EUR 500 deductible)
  • Tour equipment of the motorcycles with luggage bags
  • Gasoline/oil and all spare and wear parts
  • Experienced English speaking motorcycle tour guide during the tour
  • Comfortable support vehicle for luggage transport and pillions (guaranteed seat in the support vehicle for all pillions)
  • Experienced motorcycle mechanics (and backup riders if necessary)

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
  • Lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

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

About RC Peter