Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour

Best Season for the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour

The Upper Mustang, protected from rainfall by the majestic Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountains, has a climate and terrain that is very similar to Tibet. Here, the land is dry and desolate with yellow and red cliffs along with high plateaus.

The air is also dry, with daytime heat reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius, which can suddenly drop to minus degrees at night. But it doesn’t mean the area receives no rain at all, it experienced a heavy flood in 2021 that displaced thousands of people.

And, we must also remember that for a successful mountain bike tour in Nepal, the driest roads and trails are most essential. Therefore, autumn from September through November is the prime time for the Upper Mustang motorbike tour as these months typically offer dry paths and splendid views of the surroundings and the high mountains.

Spring from March through May is also a good choice for the Upper Mustang motorbike tour, as it adds a refreshing green to the once-barren landscape. However, the summer rains from July to August can obstruct the lower trails of Upper Mustang that traverse Annapurna.

On the other hand, winter, which lasts from December to February, brings snow and harsh winds to Upper Mustang, making it nearly impossible to travel through.

Difficulty Level of Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour

The Upper Mustang motorbiek tour is a journey that can be physically demanding, adventurous, enjoyable, and filled with the beauty of Nepal. This tour can be a complete package for experienced bikers who have already taken some off-road and mountain-riding adventures in high-altitude areas.

However, for those who are new and are not accustomed to off-road biking tours, this tour can be very tough. It is because, after you leave Beni, the smooth graveled city Highways will disappear and the terrain becomes a true test of your riding capabilities.

You will find yourself riding mostly standing on your bike seat rather than sitting comfortably. In addition, you will not have some comfortable easy-to-ride bikes but dirt and mountaineering bikes that are specifically built for challenging landscapes like this. As a result, your driving approach will be entirely different.

Also, the tracks in Mustang are not easy to go roads rather they are the trails forged by the locals for them and their livestock. Thus, these routes are filled with rocks and gorges that sometimes rise to the Passes which height reach above many mountains in the world.

Thus our Upper Mustang motorbike tour can be an incredibly beautiful and thrilling experience, but it requires a bit of preparation. A beginner rider should first start with simpler off-road motorcycle trails before going on this adventure.

Safety and Support during the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour

Our Upper Mustang bike tour is certainly a thrilling challenge yet it is also a completely safe journey through one of the best landscapes of Nepal. As your travel partner, we will not only take care of your logistics but will also ensure the safety and comfort of each of our riders.

A classic Royal Enfield 350cc bike, carefully maintained by our expert mechanic will be handed to you for the tour. Our accompanying jeep will also follow you throughout the tour carrying your luggage, and bike spare parts, and repairing tools, fuels, and the rest of our team.

If you feel fatigued from continuous riding, you can just get in the jeep and rest yourself as well. In addition, our mechanic will also follow us ready to tackle any bike repairs on the spot. Our skilled motorbike guide, certified by the Nepali Government will also be with you to guide you en route.

On the other hand, the Upper Mustang region has now turned into a complete lodge trekking and tour destination offering a comfortable night for each of its guests with a full belly.

Why should you go on our Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour?

Any mountain bike tour in Nepal offers you varied experiences, excitement, and a sense of freedom. But particularly for many, the Upper Mustang motorbike tour is a bucket-list adventure.

Each day of this tour brings new challenges, thrilling encounters, and some invigorating moments. Unmoved by heat, wind, or rain, you will embrace your day early in the morning with newfound strength and ride through some of the most splendid mountain vistas and surroundings.

With this newfound freedom in travel, you will get to explore those remote corners of Upper Mustang where buses and jeeps cannot go, and where even the bravest trekkers have not set foot.

On the other hand, the remarkable terrain of Upper Mustang will keep you twisting, turning, climbing, and descending which will enhance the exhilaration of your bike ride during the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour.

Far from the bustling crowds, these alone paths of Upper Mustang amidst nature promise a connection and an experience that stands apart from any other trek or drive in Nepal.

Transportation during the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour

On our Upper Mustang motorbike tour, you can either bring your own bike or take advantage of the one we offer. Without a doubt, the rugged mountain roads of Upper Mustang are challenging so it is essential to know how to handle your bike.

You should know when to engage the clutches, make the turns, and decide when to ride or dismount. When you decide to ride your own bike, you will obviously have the freedom to travel in a way that suits you, as you are familiar with its mechanics and you can easily manage any repairs.

However, bringing your own bike from abroad means lengthy, stressful, and expensive custom procedures. In such case, you can use the bikes we provide for the mountain bike tour in Nepal- the grand classic Royal Enfield 350 cc– perfect for tackling the challenging terrain of Nepal.

It is the most budget-friendly, reliable, easily repairable, practical, comfortable, and passable motorcycle for traveling around Upper Mustang with backpacks and with or without a passenger.

On your second day in Kathmandu, our expert mechanics will thoroughly inspect our bikes right before your eyes. After that, you will take the test ride around so you can ride to Pokhara the next morning.

Additionally, for our Upper Mustang Motorbike tour, we will arrange private vehicles for airport transfers and a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu.

Important Information: If you decide to transport your motorcycle for the Upper Mustang motorbike tour in Nepal, please share its specifications with us so we can check for suitable technical assistance in Nepal.

Altitude Sickness on Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour

It is a common misunderstanding that altitude sickness only affects trekkers. In fact, drivers and bike riders often experience altitude sickness more quickly as they ascend the altitude rapidly than gradually like those on trekking journeys.

Although the entire Upper Mustang motorcycle tour remains below 4000 m, the high-altitude dry air in this region is known to have lower oxygen levels than the other parts of Nepal.

Therefore, acclimatization is very important in this tour, more so than on other adventures in Nepal. We have therefore arranged a rest day in Kathmandu right after your arrival, giving your body the chance to adjust to the Nepalese air.

Since Lo Manthang is our highest point at 3,860 m, we want to ensure that every biker is well-acclimatized before we make that ascent. To achieve this, we have designed most of the ride to be short, just 4 to 6 hours so you will have plenty of time to relax.

We have also included a rest day in Lo Manthang for exploration and further acclimatization. Still, even with these measures in place, some of our riders may show physical manifestations such as trouble sleeping, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, stomachache, rapid breathing and pulse rates, headaches, and fatigue.

If you also have any of these symptoms, please communicate with our guide immediately. The best way to tackle the condition is to go down to the lower elevated zone not on the bike but on the jeep with our guide.

You may also take Diamox (Acetazolamide) which can ease your breathing and relieve you from mild symptoms. You can also consider taking these pills before the start of your Upper Mustang motorbike tour journey to stimulate acclimatization.

In order to avoid altitude sickness, you should make sure to carry water with you on your bike and take sips throughout your ride. Also, adding garlic ginger lemon soup to your diet can be quite beneficial as well.

Preparation for the Upper Mustang motorbike tour

You cannot excuse yourself from the necessary preparation for our Upper Mustang motorbike tour; remember it’s vital. For nine days straight, you will be riding for 4 to 7 hours daily, covering distances of 60 to 70 kilometers.

Therefore, you must be sure that you are ready to take on this challenge for which you should establish a daily workout regimen focused on building muscular endurance for at least a month. Aim for lighter weights and more repetitions to help reduce muscle fatigue.

Then, you can take shorter journeys on your motorbikes on the city roads slowly transitioning it on the off roads and then eventually taking it to the mountain roads.

Be very attentive to your body’s reaction and identify the right posture for yourself. Also, practice twists and turns in every curve and try to control the grip on your clutches.

And remember, precaution is also needed when you are actually hitting the Mustang road. Each morning, make it a habit to check your bike’s tires for air, inspect the brakes and clutches, and verify the oil and fuel levels.

Don’t forget to carry a spare key in your pocket and avoid speeding. Take regular breaks to stay alert, and stop every few kilometers to stretch, relax, eat, and hydrate.

Accommodation and Meals during Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour

On our Upper Mustang motorbike tour, you will have restful nights in double rooms at carefully chosen three-star hotels (local standard) in the city centers of Kathmandu and Pokhara.

As you ride towards Mustang, your accommodations will be in local lodges. These lodgings may lack luxury but they are perfectly suitable given their remote settings.

Each room in the lodge will have two single beds, a mattress, pillows, and blankets. Toilets however will be either outdoor or indoor which has to be shared among riders. Also, keep in mind that hot water for the shower will come at an extra cost.

Regarding meals, breakfast will be served every morning in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and you will have the freedom to choose your lunches and dinners. A special farewell dinner awaits you on your last night in Kathmandu.

Throughout the Upper Mustang motorbike tour, you will be responsible for your meals so you can fully enjoy your journey without any restrictions. Traditional Nepali dishes like Dal Bhat Tarkari, Thakali specialties, Syabhale, Chowmen, momos, and minced meat noodles along with pasta are some of the common dishes you must try.

Typically, meal costs range from USD 25 to 30 per person per day, depending on your choices.

Travel Insurance for Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour

Travel insurance is a must-have component for our Upper Mustang motorbike tour. Without the proper policy papers, you won’t receive the restricted area permit needed for the tour.

Additionally, the insurance will also safeguard you and your bike financially in case of any medical needs, damages, breakdowns, or accidents. It will also help you to cover costs related to damages to your motorcycle or third parties caused due to your ignorance or theft.

When you secure insurance for your tour, choose a policy that includes special provisions for bikers, particularly for protective equipment. It is also essential that the policy covers air rescue expenses at elevations reaching 4,000 m.

Be careful and attentive when reviewing the insurance terms to understand any limitations or exclusions that may apply.

Permits and Papers for the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour

For our Upper Mustang motorbike tour, we must secure two important permits: the RAP (Restricted Area Permit) and the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project).

The RAP permit will allow us to access the distinct areas beyond the Kagbeni Village including the Lo Manthang. Only a registered Nepalese trek and tour company, like ours, can apply for this permit after they organize a group tour consisting of at least two participants with an authorized local tour guide. Likewise, the ACAP permit will allow us access to areas below Kagbeni.

The registration and permit acquisition process will be managed by our guide, and the expenses are already covered in our Upper Mustang Motorbike tour package.