Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour 11 Days

Difficulty Level and Riding Conditions

The Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour is designed for riders with prior riding experience, especially those who are comfortable with a long days in the saddle and mixed road conditions. While this is not an extreme expedition it does demand confidence, focus and physical endurance

Riding Conditions You’ll Encounter

Paved Roads:

The journey begins with well-paved blacktop roads from kathmandu to Pokhara and onward to beni. These sections allow riders to settle into the rhythm of the tour and get familiar with the motorcycle. While generally smooth you may also encounter

• Narrow mountain roads
• Occasonal potholes and broken sections
• Local traffic, buses and livestock near towns and villages.

These types of roads are ideal for warming up before entering more remote and technical terrain

Off-Road and Gravel Tracks

From Beni onwards the landscape and riding conditions changes dramatically . Asphalt gives you a way to gravel roads, rocky tracks , dusty trails and uneven surfaces. This is where the real adventure begins.

The most rugged sections are between Tatopani-Jomsom-Kagbeni-Lo Manthan where the riders will experiences

• Loose gravel and stones
• Corrugated dirt roads
• Steep ascents and descents
• Narrow cliff-side tracks with breathtaking views

These sections demands good throttle control, balance and confidence especially when riding the fully loaded adventure bikes.

River Crossing and Rough Sections

Depending on the season riders will cross the several shallow rivers and streams particularly in the lower Mustang regions. These crossing can vary daily due to the snowmelt and rainfall.

You may also encounter : 

• Washed-out tracks
• Muddy patches after rains
• Section damaged by landslides or erosion.

These parts add excitement and require patience, teamwork and careful line selections

High-Altitude Riding

The tour reaches a maximum altitude of 3,760m at Muktinath with much of the riding taking place above 3000m . At this elevations:

• Oxygen levels are lower
• Morning and evening can be cold
• Fatigue sets in more quickly

Riders are advised to maintain a relaxed pace, stay hydrated and listen to their bodies. Proper acclimatization is built into the itinerary but physical awareness is essential.

Wind and Weather Conditions

Weather in the Mustang region is one of the defining elements of this ride. Conditions can change quickly and riders should be prepared for wind, tempetayre variation and sudden shifts, especially at the higher altitudes

Wind Conditions

Upper Mustang is well known for its strong valleys winds particularly from late morning onwards

• Winds usually begion to pick up after 10-11 am
• Strongest winds are common in the afternoon
• Open valleys and the exposed section can experience powerful crosswinds
• Wind often carries dust and samd which reduces the visibility at a times

For this reason riding days typically start early which allows us to cover most of the distance before the peak wind hours. Riders should maintain a relaxed grip , steady throttle control and keep safe spacing between bikes.

Temperature Variation

Temperature may vary significantly depending on the altitude , time od a day and a season

• Mornings and evening can be cold especially above 3000m
• Midday Temperatures may feel warm in direct sunlight
• Night temperature in Upper Mustang can drop sharply even in spring and autumn

This is why layered clothing is essential as riders may experience cold conditions in the morning and warmer weather during the ride

Seasonal Weather Overview

Spring (March-May):

• Clear skies and stable weather
• Mild daytime temperatures
• Cold morning at higher elevations
• Excellent visibility and mountain views

Autumn (September-November)

• Best overall riding conditions
• Dry weather and crisp air
• Stronger winds than spring but very stable
• Ideal for photography and long-distance riding

Monsoon (June-August):

• Mustang receives less rain than other regions but
• Lower section can be muddy and prone to landslides
• River crossing may be deeper
• Riding is more technical and unpredictable

Winter (December-february)

• Very cold temperatures
• Possible for the snow and ice at the higher elevations
• Limited facilities in Upper Mustang
• Only recommended for highly expeeruneced riders

Permits and Entry Requirements

The Upper Mustang region is restricted area and special permits are required to enter and ride in this region. These regulations are strictly enforced so all permits must be arranged before the trip begins.

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit

• Cost : USD 500 per person for 10 days
• Additonal days: USD 50 per person per extra days
• Permits validity are counted in days not nights
• The permit period officially start and ends at kagbeni
• Entry into the Upper Mustang without this permit is not allowed

Upper Mustang remained closed to foreigners until 1992 and the access is still controlled to protect its unique culture and environment.

Minimum Group Requirement

• A minimum of two travelers is required to obtain the restricted area permit
• Solo travelers cannot obtain the permit individually

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

• Required for sections of the route in Lower Mustang
• Must be carried at all times during the ride
• Heps to support the conservation and sustainable tourism in the Annapurna Region
• Documents Required

To process the permits we require:

• A clear copy of your original passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Passport details must match your travel documents exactly

All permit arrangements are handled by us in advance so you can focus entirely on enjoying the ride.