Annapurna | Mustang & Lo Manthang
- Nepal
Durations
11 Days
Difficulty
Challenging
Enjoy the Adventure
Starting from Kathmandu, ride through Pokhara and into the restricted Upper Mustang region, tracing the world’s deepest gorge along the Kali Gandaki River. Experience remote mountain trails, the desert beauty of Lo-Manthang, and centuries-old monasteries. Each curve offers breathtaking views, cultural immersion, and the pure joy of off-road exploration before returning to Kathmandu with memories of the ride of a lifetime.
Embark on an unforgettable ride through Nepal’s rugged Himalayan landscapes — from the chaos of Kathmandu to the mystical walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang. This expedition takes you through river valleys, high mountain passes, and ancient Tibetan villages, combining adventure with awe-inspiring scenery.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
Focus: Arrival, team introduction, and tour briefing.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). You will be met and transferred to your hotel. The evening is for meeting the tour leader and fellow riders for a comprehensive briefing and a welcome dinner.
Night Stay: Kathmandu.
Distance Covered: ~200 km
Time Taken: ~6–7 hours
Terrain: Primarily paved highways.
After breakfast, receive your assigned motorcycle and begin the ride out of the Kathmandu Valley. The journey follows the Trishuli River for a significant portion, offering scenic views as it winds its way to the lakeside city of Pokhara.
Night Stay: Pokhara.
Distance Covered: ~105 km
Time Taken: ~5–6 hours
Terrain: Paved roads transitioning to challenging off-road tracks.
The ride begins its ascent into the Annapurna region. The route follows the Kali Gandaki river, transitioning from paved roads to rough, unpaved sections. The day ends at Tatopani, a small village famous for its natural hot springs, ideal for relaxing after a demanding ride.
Night Stay: Tatopani.
Distance Covered: ~100 km
Time Taken: ~6–7 hours
Focus: Riding through the world’s deepest gorge.
Continue the journey north along the Kali Gandaki gorge. The ride is challenging, with multiple river crossings and rough tracks. The landscape becomes more arid as you pass through the town of Jomsom and reach the entrance of the Upper Mustang region at the ancient village of Kagbeni.
Night Stay: Kagbeni.
Distance Covered: ~75 km
Time Taken: ~6–7 hours
Terrain: High-altitude desert, unpaved tracks, and passes.
After completing permit formalities, ride into the restricted region of Upper Mustang. The journey takes you through a dramatic, wind-swept desert landscape of barren ridges, eroded cliffs, and authentic Tibetan villages, culminating in the historic walled city of Lo-Manthang.
Night Stay: Lo-Manthang.
Distance Covered: ~40–50 km (return trip)
Focus: Exploring the ancient capital and nearby cave systems.
A day dedicated to local exploration. Visit the ancient monasteries and royal palace within the walled city of Lo-Manthang. In the afternoon, ride to the nearby Chhoser area to see the remarkable sky caves, a complex of man-made caverns dug into the cliff faces.
Night Stay: Lo-Manthang.
Distance Covered: ~40–50 km
Time Taken: ~4–5 hours
Focus: New routes and spectacular vistas on the return journey.
Begin the ride back south from Lo-Manthang. The route taken is different from the ascent, providing new perspectives of the incredible high-altitude desert scenery, stupendous wilderness, and snow-capped peaks that define the Kingdom of Lo.
Night Stay: Ghami.
Distance Covered: ~70 km
Time Taken: ~5–6 hours
Terrain: Descending from the high plateau.
Continue the descent from the Upper Mustang region. The ride takes you back through familiar arid landscapes, exiting the restricted area at Kagbeni and continuing a short distance to the charming village of Marpha, known for its whitewashed stone houses and apple orchards.
Night Stay: Marpha.
Distance Covered: ~155 km
Time Taken: ~7–8 hours
Focus: Return to the lakeside city.
A long day of riding, retracing the challenging route south from Marpha back to Tatopani and then onto the paved highways leading back to Pokhara. This marks the final leg of the mountain journey.
Night Stay: Pokhara.
Distance Covered: ~200 km
Time Taken: ~6–7 hours
The final day of riding completes the circuit, taking you from the serene environment of Pokhara back to the bustling capital city of Kathmandu. A farewell dinner is arranged for the evening to celebrate the completion of the expedition.
Night Stay: Kathmandu.
Focus: Airport transfer.
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) for your final departure.
Inclusions
We plan for all stays and meals. We arrange, if required, for accommodation on a twin-sharing or single basis, Inner Line Permits and associated fees, a basic First Aid Kit for fixed departures, certified guides and instructors including NOLS-certified guides, mechanic support throughout the trip.
Exclusions
5% GST, personal expenses, insurance, fines or servicing costs, activities additional to what has been planned for, extra costs arising from delays or breakdowns, and anything not specifically included as per customized final plan.
