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MOTORCYCLE:
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycles are included in the tour price.
The 2025 Himalayan 450 is comfortable for long riding days. It has the ground clearance, suspension travel and riding position needed for Nepal’s mountain roads.
Motorcycle fuel for the planned riding route is included. Basic mechanical support is also provided during the tour, with an experienced mechanic and support vehicle travelling with the group. Minor repairs such as brake shoes, spark plug, clutch plate, tubes, one set of cables and engine oil are included. Damage caused by rough handling, accidents, theft or misuse remains the rider’s responsibility. Refundable security deposit US$200 in cash only.
TOUR PRICES
- Himalayan 450 rider: €3,800
- Himalayan 450 rider + 4×4 passenger: €6,600 total for two people
- Participant travelling in a 4×4 with a local driver: €2,800
Your Himalayan 450, motorcycle fuel, Upper Mustang and Annapurna permits, accommodation, most meals, MotoBirds tour leader, local road captain, mechanic, 4×4 support vehicle, luggage transport, basic travel insurance and the domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu are included. You concentrate on the riding; we handle the restricted-area logistics.
TOUR DESCRIPTION:
ROYAL ENFIELD EXPEDITION TO THE FORMER KINGDOM OF LO
This is Nepal beyond the postcard version: an 11-day Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycle expedition from Kathmandu into Upper Mustang, riding through river valleys, suspension bridges, rough Himalayan roads, ancient villages and the wind-carved high-desert landscapes of the former Kingdom of Lo.
Over 11 days and 9 riding days, this supported Nepal motorcycle tour brings together Kathmandu, Bandipur, Kushma, Kalopani, Samar, Lo-Manthang, Muktinath, Marpha, Tatopani and Pokhara in one compact but demanding Himalayan expedition. Accommodation is provided every night in hotels, guesthouses and local lodges—there are no camping nights.
The route reaches deep into Mustang, a restricted Himalayan region shaped by Tibetan culture, ancient monasteries, cliffside settlements, high passes and the Kali Gandaki Valley. The riding distance is not huge, but the terrain is serious: gravel, dust, stones, broken mountain roads, river crossings, altitude and rapidly changing Himalayan conditions.
A JOURNEY FROM GREEN NEPAL TO THE TRANS-HIMALAYAN DESERT
We begin in Kathmandu and ride west towards Bandipur, leaving the capital behind and entering the hills, villages and winding roads of central Nepal. The first riding days take us through river valleys, terraced slopes and mountain towns before the road becomes narrower, rougher and more remote.
From Kushma and Kalopani, we move into the Kali Gandaki Valley, one of the great natural corridors of the Himalayas. The landscape changes quickly: green hills give way to dry cliffs, wide riverbeds, dust, rock and the first signs of Mustang’s high-desert world.
The heart of the expedition lies in Upper Mustang. We ride through Samar and onwards to Lo-Manthang, the old walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo. Here the Himalayas feel different: more Tibetan, more remote, more wind-shaped and far removed from the usual image of Nepal. After time in Lo-Manthang, the route turns south through Muktinath, Marpha, Tatopani and Pokhara, closing the ride with hot springs, mountain roads and the return to lower Nepal.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
- 11 days across Nepal and Upper Mustang
- 9 riding days on Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycles
- Kathmandu start and riding finish in Pokhara
- Bandipur, Kushma, Kalopani, Samar and Lo-Manthang
- The Kali Gandaki Valley and Mustang’s high-desert landscapes
- Lo-Manthang, the old walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo
- Muktinath, one of Nepal’s most important pilgrimage sites
- Marpha, Tatopani and the return towards Pokhara
- Ancient monasteries, cliff villages and Tibetan-influenced culture
- Rough Himalayan tracks, gravel, dust, stones and mountain roads
- Ride on the longest suspension bridge!
- Motorcycle, fuel, permits, guide, mechanic, support vehicle and logistics included
WHO IS THIS EXPEDITION FOR?
This tour is intended for adventure riders who are comfortable handling a motorcycle on gravel, broken tracks, stones, dust and narrow mountain roads.
The route is not an enduro tour, but Upper Mustang is not easy riding. Riders must be prepared for altitude, rough surfaces, more basic, but always clean, accommodation in remote areas, changing weather and long days where the distance on paper does not tell the full story. The difficulty level is rated 8/10.
GUIDANCE, MOTORCYCLE AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT
The group is led by a MotoBirds tour leader and an experienced local road captain. A mechanic and 4×4 support vehicle assist with luggage, spare parts and tour logistics throughout the expedition. MotoBirds coordinates the route, accommodation, permits and local support arrangements.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycles are included in the tour price, together with motorcycle fuel for the riding route. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the Upper Mustang restricted-area permit are included.
The itinerary may be adjusted when required because of weather, road conditions, landslides, local access restrictions, political conditions, permit rules or other circumstances beyond MotoBirds’ control.
THE FREEDOM TO EXPERIENCE MUSTANG PROPERLY
This is a supported motorcycle expedition through one of Nepal’s most distinctive regions. It is not a race and not a sightseeing bus route with motorcycles attached.
Some days are about technical riding and concentration. Others are about stopping, looking around and understanding where you are: a remote Himalayan borderland where villages, monasteries, cliffs and desert roads still carry the atmosphere of the old Kingdom of Lo.
The support vehicle carries the participants’ main luggage and provides backup along the route, giving riders the freedom to enjoy the ride without turning the motorcycle into a pack mule.
ROUTE:
Kathmandu → Bandipur → Kushma → Kalopani → Marpha → Samar → Lo Manthang → Muktinath → Tatopani → Pokhara → domestic flight to Kathmandu.
TOUR DETAILS
HIGHLIGHTS:
PLACES AND EXPERIENCES ALONG THE ROUTE
- Upper Mustang — ride into the restricted former Kingdom of Lo, a remote world of wind-carved cliffs, high-desert plateaus and Tibetan-influenced culture.
- Lo Manthang — explore the medieval walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo.
- Chhoser and the Zhong Cave complex — ancient multi-level cave dwellings and Buddhist monasteries north of Lo Manthang.
- Kora La and the Tibetan border — a conditional ride towards one of Nepal’s most remote border crossings, subject to permits, local-authority approval, border access, road conditions and weather.
- The Kali Gandaki Valley — rough Himalayan roads beneath the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs, with views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri when the weather allows.
- Muktinath — one of the Himalayas’ most important pilgrimage sites, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Marpha — whitewashed houses, stone-paved lanes, apple orchards and the traditions of the Thakali people.
- Bandipur — a beautifully preserved Newari hill town and former trading settlement.
- Kushma — the 567-metre Baglung–Parbat suspension bridge, with optional bungee jumping and zip-line activities nearby.
- Tatopani — natural hot springs and a welcome return to warmer, greener lower Nepal.
- Pokhara — a lakeside finish to the riding stage, with views towards Machapuchare and the Annapurna range when the skies are clear.
Access to Kora La cannot be guaranteed. Entrance fees to caves, monasteries and tourist attractions, as well as optional bungee and zip-line activities, are not included unless specifically stated otherwise.
WEATHER:
Late October is one of the best periods for riding in Nepal and Upper Mustang. Around Kathmandu, Bandipur, Kushma and Pokhara, conditions are usually milder. Once we enter the Kali Gandaki Valley and continue towards Upper Mustang, the climate becomes drier, colder and more exposed. Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, so the landscape is often dusty, windy and desert-like rather than green and tropical.
Riders should be prepared for strong sun during the day and cold mornings and evenings at altitude. In Upper Mustang, wind can be sharp, temperatures can drop quickly after sunset, and weather can change fast in the mountains. Rain is less likely than during the monsoon, but it is still possible, and road conditions can be affected by landslides, dust, river crossings, stones or damaged mountain tracks.
This is not extreme winter riding, but it is real Himalayan riding. Bring proper layers, wind protection, warm gloves and waterproof gear.
MOTORCYCLE GEAR:
Each rider must bring their own riding gear.
We strongly recommend proper adventure gear for this route:
- full-face or adventure helmet;
- adventure or off-road motorcycle boots;
- summer gloves and warmer waterproof gloves;
- rain gear if your riding suit is not waterproof;
- thermal base layers for cold mornings and higher-altitude sections;
- clear visor or goggles for dust, low light and changing weather.
Upper Mustang is not a place for city motorcycle shoes or lightweight casual riding clothes. The route can include gravel, stones, dust, broken mountain roads, river crossings, cold mornings, wind and strong sun.
There is no single perfect outfit for this expedition. The best solution is a flexible layering system: protective motorcycle gear, warm layers for altitude, and waterproof protection that can be added quickly when conditions change.
LUGGAGE:
TRAVEL LIGHT, RIDE FREE
Please bring one soft travel bag: 40 L, max 20 kg. Preferably a waterproof roll bag. Do not bring hard-shell suitcases. They are difficult to load, take too much space and do not work well on rough Himalayan roads.
Your riding gear is not included in the luggage limit, because you will be wearing it during the riding days.
For items you may need during the day, bring a small backpack, hydration pack or small bag that can be carried on the motorcycle.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION:
To enter Nepal you need a visa. It can be done online for most nationalities: https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/online
The domestic flight between Pokhara to Kathmandu is included in the price.
On the higher-altitude sections of the route, you may feel symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Drink water regularly and stay well hydrated, but remember that hydration alone does not prevent AMS.
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE:
Up to 4,660 m — Kora La, subject to permits and access conditions
metres above sea levelDAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1 (22.10) ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU, TRANSFER TO HOTEL.
Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport and group transfer to the hotel. Meet the MotoBirds tour leader and local team, review the expedition plan and enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.
DAY 2 (23.10 / 250 KM) KATHMANDU – BANDIPUR
We leave Kathmandu and follow Nepal’s winding roads west through river valleys, terraced hillsides and mountain towns. This is a long introductory stage to historic Bandipur and the first opportunity to become familiar with the Himalayan 450 before the rougher mountain roads begin.
DAY 3 (24.10 / 230 KM) BANDIPUR – KUSHMA
We descend from Bandipur and continue through central Nepal towards Kushma, surrounded by steep hills and deep river valleys. The area is known for the 567-metre Baglung–Parbat suspension bridge. Bungee jumping and zip-line activities are optional and are not included in the tour price.
DAY 4 (25.10 / 125 KM) KUSHMA – MARPHA
We enter the Kali Gandaki Valley and begin the more demanding mountain section of the expedition. Paved stretches gradually give way to gravel, broken roads and rocky river-valley tracks as we climb through Kalopani towards the traditional village of Marpha. Himalayan views depend on the weather.
DAY 5 (26.10 / 100 KM) MARPHA – SAMAR
From Marpha, we ride north through Jomsom and Kagbeni. After the required permit formalities, we enter restricted Upper Mustang, where green valleys give way to wind-carved cliffs, dry riverbeds and high-desert landscapes. We spend the night in the small village of Samar.
DAY 6 (27.10 / 90 KM) SAMAR – LO MANTHANG
From Marpha, we ride north through Jomsom and Kagbeni. After the required permit formalities, we enter restricted Upper Mustang, where green valleys give way to wind-carved cliffs, dry riverbeds and high-desert landscapes. We spend the night in the small village of Samar.
DAY 7 (28.10 / APPROX. 100 KM): LO MANTHANG – CHHOSER – KORA LA – LO MANTHANG
We explore the Chhoser area north of Lo Manthang, known for its caves, monasteries and traditional villages. If permits, local authorities, border access, road conditions and weather allow, we continue towards Kora La near the Tibetan border. If access is unavailable, an alternative programme around Lo Manthang and Chhoser will be provided.
DAY 8 (29.10 / 170 KM) LOMANTHANG – MUKTINATH
One of the longest and most varied riding days of the expedition. We leave the former Kingdom of Lo, descend through Mustang’s high-desert landscapes and return towards Kagbeni before continuing to Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
DAY 9 (30.10 / 110 KM) MUKTINATH – TATOPANI AREA
We descend through the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing the Jomsom and Marpha areas and returning towards lower Mustang. As the altitude decreases, the landscape becomes greener and the temperature usually rises. The day ends in the Tatopani area, known for its natural hot springs.
DAY 10 (31.10 / 160 KM) TATOPANI – POKHARA
Our final riding day takes us from rugged mountain roads into the greener and more populated regions of lower Nepal. We complete the motorcycle section of the expedition in Pokhara, return the motorcycles and meet for a farewell dinner.
DAY 11 (1.11) POKHARA – KATHMANDU BY DOMESTIC FLIGHT – TOUR END
The riding is complete. We take the included domestic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, where the expedition ends. The final timing will depend on the confirmed domestic flight schedule.
Distances are approximate. The itinerary may be adjusted when required by permits, decisions of local authorities, border access, road conditions, weather, domestic flight schedules or safety considerations.
WHAT OUR RIDERS SAY
GOOGLE REVIEWS
Google rating score: 5.0 of 5,based on 47 reviews
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
MOTORCYCLE
4X4 OPTION
GUIDE
SUPPORT VEHICLE
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE TRANSFERS
PERMITS
INSURANCE
- Basic travel insurance.
- Tourist Guarantee Fund fee.
- Tourist Support Fund fee.
IMPORTANT: For an additional fee, there is an option to independently extend the insurance within the Signal Iduna Safe Travels and/or Global Rescue partner offer. The price of the tour includes basic travel insurance.
WELCOME PACK
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
PERSONAL CHOICES AND EXPENSES
To keep the tour price clear and transparent, the following services and expenses are paid separately:
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa: currently approx. US$30 for a 15-day tourist visa, available online or on arrival
- Personal riding gear
- Personal insurance upgrades, evacuation insurance or additional medical coverage
- Medical, evacuation or rescue costs not covered by the standard MotoBirds insurance
- Drinks and bar bills — water is provided, but other drinks, including alcohol, are not included
- Lunch in Kathmandu, giving you the chance to explore local cuisine independently
- Laundry, telephone calls and other personal expenses
- Tips
- Motorcycle damage caused by rough handling, accident, theft, misuse or rider fault
- Entry to tourist attractions, monasteries and any extra activities, such as guided Kathmandu sightseeing, bungee or zip-lining, unless specifically listed as included
- Refundable motorcycle security deposit: US$200
- Any item or service not specifically mentioned as included in the tour price
MOTORCYCLE SECURITY DEPOSIT:
Motorcycle refundable security deposit of US$200 in cash only.
