Mustang: The Secluded Kingdom

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16 Days

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Kathmandu

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The North

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Kathmandu

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Nepal

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1700 kilometers

Overview

Motorcycle Adventure in Nepal – From Kathmandu to the Hidden Kingdom of Mustang

This extraordinary motorcycle tour through Nepal begins in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital nestled in a valley at the foot of the Himalayas. After your arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the lively district of Thamel. To kick things off culturally, we visit the medieval Durbar Square – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and architectural gem deeply rooted in Nepal’s history.

Next, we travel by comfortable vehicle for about three hours to Nuwakot, where our motorcycles are already waiting. We ease into the journey with a short warm-up ride (yes, left-hand traffic!) and take time for individual adjustments. The night is spent in a cozy nature resort – the perfect setting to settle in.

Our main destination is Mustang, also known as the Kingdom of Lo – a region steeped in myth, spirituality, and strong Tibetan influence. Strategically located along the ancient trade route between Tibet and India, Mustang was for centuries a cultural and commercial hub.

Until the 18th century, it remained an independent kingdom before being incorporated into Nepal. And yet, the Tibetan-Buddhist heritage is still very much alive – in the language, the architecture, and the spiritual atmosphere. The last king of Mustang, Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista, was a revered figure until the monarchy was officially abolished in 2008.

Despite political change, Mustang’s cultural identity remains intact to this day. Riding through this remote and dramatic region is more than a scenic adventure – it’s a journey into a living piece of Himalayan history: raw, spiritual, and deeply immersive.

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At A Glance

Category	Details
Best Travel Time	March to May and October to November – dry weather, clear skies, ideal riding conditions
Start/Finish	Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Duration	16 travel days / 13 riding days
Total Distance	Approx. 1,300 km / 812 mi
Daily Stages	Avg. 110 km per day, depending on terrain and route
Road Conditions	Mix of tarmac, gravel tracks, dirt roads, and alpine terrain – ideal for adventure bikes
Motorcycles	Royal Enfield Himalayan 410/450cc; optional: Royal Enfield Bullet 500cc (electric start, disc brakes, left-side gear shift)
Highlights	Kathmandu (UNESCO), Durbar Square, Bandipur, Pokhara, Kali Gandaki Gorge, Muktinath Temple, Lo Manthang (Mustang), Chitwan National Park
Accommodation	Comfortable local hotels, guesthouses, and lodges – some in spectacular locations with Himalayan views
Included in the Price	Motorcycle incl. fuel, all accommodations, all meals, drinking water, entrance fees, permits (including Mustang), domestic transfers, support vehicle, mechanic, local English-speaking guide, German-speaking tour leader
Cultural Experiences	Traditional villages, Buddhist monasteries, interactions with locals, vibrant markets, UNESCO heritage sites
Physical Challenges	Riding over high mountain passes (e.g. Muktinath), altitudes up to approx. 3,800 m, optional short treks
Important	Visa for Nepal available on arrival at the airport or online (eVisa)

ITinerary

Day	Description
Day 1	Arrival in Kathmandu - Visit to Durbar Square.
Day 2	Kathmandu – Nuwakot: Visit to Durbar Square, drive to Nuwakot where the motorcycles await. Warm-up ride and adjustments. Overnight in a cozy resort.
Day 3	Nuwakot - Bandipur (150 km): Drive to Gorkha and Bandipur. Evening walk along the Mall.
Day 4	Bandipur - Pokhara (80 km): Drive to Pokhara, hike to Peace Pagoda, evening at the lakeside with live music.
Day 5	Pokhara – Kalopani (120 km): Drive along the Kali Gandaki River to Kalopani. The paved road ends in Beni.
Day 6	Kalopani – Kagbeni (90 km): Drive through the world's deepest valley to Kagbeni, visit the Muktinath Temple.
Day 7	Kagbeni – Samar (65 km): Drive through Upper Mustang, with more challenging roads and fascinating rock formations.
Days 8-9	Lo Manthang: Two nights in the historic capital of Mustang. Exploration of the ancient labyrinth around the palace.
Day 10	Lo Manthang – Marpha (130 km): Drive through diverse landscapes, traditional villages, and wide valleys.
Day 11	Marpha - Kusma (150 km): Drive to Kusma, overnight at the Cliff Resort.
Day 12	Kusma - Tansen (120 km): Drive through hilly landscapes and traditional villages.
Day 13	Tansen - Chitwan (110 km): Drive through the Terrai plains to Chitwan, a nature paradise with diverse wildlife.
Day 14	Chitwan: Rest day, optionally with activities such as jungle safaris or elephant rides.
Day 15	Chitwan - Daman - Naubise - Kathmandu (230 km): Drive through the Terrai plains to Daman, then steep climbs to Naubise and on to Kathmandu.
Day 16	Departure: Transfer to the airport and return flight or optional extension.