Lower Mustang Motorbike Tour

Essential Trip Information

Best Time for the Lower Mustang Motorbike Tour

The climate of lower Mustang is quite dry as the rain rarely reaches here, as the high mountains of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna almost do not let rain clouds through. Strong winds often blow, and sandstorms sometimes occur.

However, this does not mean that rain will be entirely absent, nor does it guarantee that traveling during the monsoon season (June through early September) will be completely safe. In fact, in 2021, the region experienced heavy landslides and flooding.

For any motorcycle journey in any part of the world, dry climatic conditions are essential. Therefore, we advise you to join our lower Mustang motorbike tour package for the autumn, spring, or winter periods.

These moderate seasons help to avoid the extreme temperatures of summer and winter, while you can also enjoy the flora and fauna in their maximum splendor, which adds special value to the experience.

In spring, which runs from March to May, the days will be longer, the heat will be mild, and nature around Kagbeni, Jomsom, Tatopani, and Muktinath will be in full bloom, offering colorful and lush landscapes.

On the other hand, in autumn, from late September to November, the absence of rain can be promised while the surroundings will be completely dyed in a yellow and orange hue. The magical setting will be enriched by the top-notch Himalayan splendor.

In winter, from December to February, temperatures around lower Mustang can drop, especially at night. However, the day will see the sun shining brightly over creating a wonderful, clear atmosphere for the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 ride.

How challenging is the Lower Mustang Motorbike Tour?

Our Lower Mustang motorbike tour falls under the category of a moderate-level journey best suited for those who have some experience riding on off-beaten and mountainous tracks with steep slopes, inclines, and descents.

Compared to the Upper Mustang motorbike tour, the Lower Mustang motorbike tour itinerary does not contain demanding days. However, it can be physically arduous at times, especially for those who are new and unfamiliar with the off-road, remote, and mountainous terrains.

The roads to lower Mustang are approximately 50 percent unpaved, and most of them are pathways or tracks rather than roads, but almost all segments are manageable on bikes.

You also need to keep in mind that you will be riding the cult Royal Enfield, specially designed for the challenging landscape of Nepal, so you must be particularly confident in the saddle.

As for the altitude of our lower Mustang motorbike tour, it is not excessively high with the greatest altitude at Muktinath just below 4000 m. In addition, this is a short journey of only eight days, so the daily distances to be covered are also not very great.

Overall, the tour is less strenuous, though some off-road experience or participation in similar tours is essential.

Safety and Support

Our lower Mustang motorbike tour is a perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and exploration. It is not the most demanding adventure, which involves pleasant rides most of the time, except for a few off-road stretches.

Trust us, for we manage all the aspects of this tour. You will have the option to choose from the Honda CRF 250, Royal Enfield Himalaya 411-450, or Royal Enfield Classic 350, all of which are reliable machines that can endure any terrain, from dusty, bumpy roads or a slick, wet path.

And, when it comes to safety, it is our priority during your Lower Mustang motorbike tour. You will be accompanied by an English-speaking certified Nepali guide and a mechanic specializing in Royal Enfield or other machines you choose.

They are perfectly familiar with the routes taken and the behavior to adopt on the road. This ensures you a motorcycle trip with complete peace of mind.

In addition, a support 4 by 4 vehicle will follow you that will carry your luggage and the useful spare parts in the event of a mechanical problem (optional). Our motorcycle travel experts are also available at any time for any questions about your lower Mustang motorbike tour itinerary.

Why should you select our lower Mustang tour package?

Our Lower Mustang motorbike tour is known to give a new definition to the term off-road adventure. At times, the stony trails of the region become so narrow that only a single line of hikers or mules can pass.

And, at times, they widen enough for enormous trucks to rumble by, providing an electrifying experience that genuinely tests your skill in the saddle. Every day brings a new adventure, a liberating journey to destinations where no jeeps, buses, or crowds have ever set foot.

The diversity of the terrain during your travel to Lower Mustang will also captivate you. First, the deep green jungle through which the Kali Gandaki rushes down will guide your path, and later, towards Muktinath, a rough mountain world will open up, which is anything but inhospitable.

Every evening, with an after-work beer on hand, you will enjoy the last rays of sun bathing the Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri, thus captivating you with solitude. And from Muktinath, you will have a 360-degree panorama of the Annapurna Conservation Area that will simply take your breath away.

On the other hand, the cult Royal Enfield will be your steed that gives you a smoother ride than many others. Changing the gear to first, then second, playing a little with gas, easing off the clutches, you can master even seemingly difficult sections of the route effortlessly.

There will be moments when the constant honking will buzz your ears, and there will also be moments when the deafening silence will envelop you. Our Mustang motorbike tour will truly be a standout experience that will give you a bittersweet nostalgia.

Transportation for our Lower Mustang Motorbike Tour

Our lower Mustang tour package consists of a provision of Royal Enfield 350 cc bikes, ready to take on any passionate travelers on the great adventure. This machine combines the pleasure of driving with neo-retro style and takes the back roads on the off-beaten track.

In addition to being a fashion accessory, this bike is a real motorcycle that knows how to move itself. The experience it provides, both in terms of driving dynamics and the emotions it evokes, is truly distinctive.

It creates a unique environment where the thrill of driving is felt even at speeds above 30 km/h. This Classic ride challenges stereotypes and allows you to navigate your journey on your own terms, provided you take the time to enjoy it.

On the evening of your arrival day in Kathmandu, we will introduce you to your steed. Our experienced mechanic will perform a detailed inspection of the bike, and you will then take a test ride nearby. The next morning, you will be all set to ride along the beautiful roads to Pokhara.

We understand that some riders may like to bring their own motorcycles, as they offer a sense of comfort and familiarity. If you choose to transport your own ride, please let us know in advance and share the relevant details so we can ensure that suitable accessories, spare parts, and technical assistance can be provided en route.

We have also arranged for your airport transfers (pick up and drop off) from TIA on 4 by 4 vehicles (size and type depend on the number of arrivals).

Acute Mountain Sickness in Lower Mustang Motorbike Tour

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness can affect any rider: young or old, athlete or sportsman, smoker or non-smoker, beginner to most experienced. After all, it’s just the normal reaction of the body to the altitude that increases more rapidly on the motorcycle tour than on the hiking trips.

Nausea, fatigue, headaches, or even dizziness can appear around 3000 m altitude, sometimes from 2000 m for certain bikers. With Muktinath at almost 4000 m, you will likely be confronted with these symptoms during your lower Mustang motorbike tour itinerary.

Therefore, we will start our trip gently, combined with rest and hydration. This prevents the AMS and makes the symptoms disappear after two or three days.

You can also seek the doctor’s advice before you set off on your two wheels to Lower Mustang. And on his suggestion, you can also take Diamox, a special medication for the prevention and treatment of AMS and the acceleration of your adaptation to the highland air pressure.

We just request you to get on your bike with ease and peace of mind, as our motorcycle guide (who will travel with you for the entire tour duration) is a great expert in the Lower Mustang region and they are trained and used to managing altitude.

Every day, you will gradually progress through stages to familiarize yourself with the road and this new environment.

Preparation for the Lower Mustang Motorbike Tour

Certainly, our lower Mustang tour package is full of discoveries and wonder, but only the right preparation can make any long motorbike trip successful.

Let’s face it, the motorbike tour is not like other journeys. The long riding can pain your back, hands, legs, and gluteus (buttocks) muscles a lot. Therefore, we suggest you take the long ride on your bikes at least a month or two before this tour. This allows you to use the muscles mainly used when driving in a progressive and controlled manner.

You should also carry out specific physical exercises that will strengthen the muscles in your shoulders, back, and arms, such as push-ups, chest presses, doorway stretch, cross-body stretch, etc.

And, before you head on to Nepal, find out about its traffic rules, and the accessories and tools you may need to have.

Preparation is essential not only before the trip but also throughout the duration of the journey. Every morning before you get on with your travel, ensure the condition of your ride. Make sure the tires are in good condition, check their pressure, and adjust them before leaving.

Then, take a look at your oil level, the condition of your brakes, your chain kit, its tension, adjustment, and lubrication. Also pay attention to suspensions and safety devices: horns, indicators, and headlights.

When you are on the trip, stop regularly to stretch your legs, hydrate, and rest. Pay attention to your body’s signals when you feel fatigued, and adjust your travel plans as needed. Keep in mind that a motorcycle journey should be an enjoyable experience, not a competition to cover the most distance.

Accommodation and Meal

When you choose our lower Mustang tour package, we will manage every aspect of the tour from your accommodation to transportation.

During our adventure, you will experience everything from the comfort of a three-star hotel to the rustic charm of mountain tea houses. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will settle in a comfortable twin-sharing room at a lovely three-star hotel.

As you make your way along the Mustang trails, the lodges will become your cozy night shelter from the cold mountain nights. Of course, you cannot expect conditions like at home, but these remote shelters will certainly be a true sanctuary after a long day of bike riding.

Each accommodation in the lodge will have two single beds, along with a mattress, blanket, and pillows. Please note that the toilets will be either outdoor or indoor facilities that must be shared among guests. There will be an additional cost if you use the hot water in the showers.

In terms of meals, you will have a wide array of options in Kathmandu and Pokhara; therefore, we have arranged the breakfast for you with the freedom of choosing your own lunch and dinner menu.

When you are riding, you will have to take care of your meals. It will allow you to have the liberty to explore and enjoy your journey without being tied to specific meal times.

US$25 to US$30 will suffice for your food costs each day. The foods along the track will, however, be simple but definitely good. From rice to meat, from Tibetan bread to local pizza, you will certainly have some delicious choices.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for our lower Mustang motorbike tour. Without the correct insurance papers, you will not receive the permit needed for the tour. Therefore, you must send us a copy of your insurance policy at the time of booking or when you reach Kathmandu.

In addition, the motorcycle tour is often associated with specific risks of accidents that can cause severe injuries and high medical costs. It is also the cause for the extra cost if, by any chance, you cause damage to the bikes or third parties, say a pedestrian or their property, due to your negligence.

So in addition to the regular coverage of theft, tour and flight cancellation, evacuation, and rescue, make sure you also take out the additional liability insurance that will cover you in case of any damage or bodily injury and damage to any other third-party property.

You should also include the optional coverage for damage to the motorbike you are using provided by the company. This can save you from high repair costs in the event of an accident.

It will also not hurt if you check your policy covers medical expenses in the event of a motorcycle accident. This includes doctor visits, hospitalizations, and emergency treatment.

Required Permits for the Lower Mustang Motorbike Tour

The ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) or the Annapurna Park permit and the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) are mandatory permits for the lower Mustang motorbike tour.

The ACAP permit is an entrance fee to contribute to the protection of this area of Annapurna and costs NPR 3000 per person.

The TIMS permit is the basic permit that allows recording the route of each traveler so rescue can be provided promptly in case of a natural disaster. It costs NPR 2000 per traveler.

It will be our guide’s responsibility to obtain all required permits, and the fees for these permits are incorporated into the total cost of our lower Mustang tour package.