--- title: "Mustang Motorcycle Tour: Lower and Upper Mustang Route Guide" description: "Detailed motorcycle tour guide to Lower and Upper Mustang: Beni to Muktinath off-road, Lo Manthang walled city, USD 500 restricted permits, and river crossings." canonical: "https://www.nepaltibetbhutan.com/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal/mustang-motorcycle-tour" last-updated: "2026-08-21T00:00:00+05:45" --- High-road riding # Mustang Motorcycle Tour: Lower and Upper Mustang Route Guide The Mustang motorcycle expedition is one of the world's most legendary dual-sport road trips. The route climbs from Pokhara through the Kali Gandaki gorge to Lower Mustang (Jomsom, Marpha, Muktinath at 3,710m) and pushes north into the restricted trans-Himalayan desert of Upper Mustang to the ancient walled capital of Lo Manthang (3,840m). Upper Mustang requires a USD 500 permit and guided backup. **Route**Kathmandu → Muktinath **Altitude**Up to about 3,710 m **Surface**Variable mountain roads **Upper Mustang**Restricted access DB **By [Dinesh Bhusal](/author-dinesh-bhusal)**5 min read **✓ Reviewed 21 Aug 2026** Information checked against current official and local sources. Fees, access, permits and transport can change. [Sources & methodology →](/data-methodology) Also available in: [Deutsch](/de/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal/mustang-motorcycle-tour) · [Français](/fr/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal/mustang-motorcycle-tour) · [Español](/es/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal/mustang-motorcycle-tour) · [Italiano](/it/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal/mustang-motorcycle-tour) · [Português](/pt/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal/mustang-motorcycle-tour) · [日本語](/ja/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal/mustang-motorcycle-tour) · [简体中文](/zh-hans/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal/mustang-motorcycle-tour) Current information ✓ Last checked: 21 Aug 2026 Permits, fees, flights, border rules and operating conditions can change. We use official and current sources whenever possible and recommend reconfirming time-sensitive details before travel. [Official sources ↗](https://immigration.gov.np/trekking-route-and-permit-fee)[What to recheck →](/data-methodology) Details and source context Status Planning guidance reviewed Applies to Motorcycle Tours in Nepal Last checked 21 Aug 2026 On this page ## Lower Mustang 7-day motorcycle itinerary The classic Lower Mustang ride runs through the Kali Gandaki canyon up to the sacred shrine of Muktinath (3,710 m). It is paved to Beni, transitioning to rough gravel, water crossings, and windy high-altitude mountain tracks. - Acclimatise at Jomsom (2,720 m) before ascending to Muktinath (3,710 m). - Afternoon winds in the Kali Gandaki gorge exceed 40 km/h; plan morning riding windows. - Check ACAP permit at Birethanti and Jomsom checkpoints. Swipe to view table → | Day | Sector / Route | Distance | Elevation | Road Surface & Milestones | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Day 01 | Pokhara to Tatopani via Beni | 100 km | 1,190 m | Paved highway to Beni; gravel riverbed track into gorge; natural hot springs | | Day 02 | Tatopani to Marpha & Jomsom | 65 km | 2,720 m | Rupse Chhahara waterfall; unpaved rocky gorge; apple orchards and Thakali heritage | | Day 03 | Jomsom to Kagbeni & Muktinath | 40 km | 3,710 m | Historic walled Kagbeni; scenic paved climb to Muktinath Temple & Thorong La views | | Day 04 | Kagbeni to Dhumba Lake & Marpha | 35 km | 2,670 m | Scenic off-road loop around sacred Dhumba Lake, Tiri village, and monastery | | Day 05 | Marpha to Kalopani / Ghasa | 45 km | 2,010 m | Deepest gorge descent with views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Annapurna I (8,091 m) | | Day 06 | Ghasa to Pokhara via Kusma | 120 km | 820 m | Gravel transition to smooth Baglung highway; return to Phewa Lake lakeside | | Day 07 | Pokhara bike service & buffer | 0 km | 820 m | Maintenance check, fluid top-up, and weather/landslide contingency buffer | ## Upper Mustang 10-day restricted overland expedition Upper Mustang extends north of Kagbeni into the ancient Kingdom of Lo. It requires a licensed guide, minimum two riders, an ACAP permit, and a $500 Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Swipe to view table → | Day | Expedition Stage | Distance | Elevation | Passes & Restricted Highlights | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Day 01 | Pokhara to Jomsom via Beni | 165 km | 2,720 m | Gateway transit through Kali Gandaki; ACAP permit check at Tatopani | | Day 02 | Jomsom to Kagbeni & Chhusang | 35 km | 2,980 m | RAP permit checkpoint at Kagbeni; ride through towering red clay cliffs | | Day 03 | Chhusang to Syangboche | 42 km | 3,800 m | Climb over Chele La (3,630 m) and Taklam La (3,624 m); deep canyon switchbacks | | Day 04 | Syangboche to Charang | 45 km | 3,560 m | Cross Nyi La Pass (4,010 m); ride past longest Mani wall and ancient Tsarang Dzong | | Day 05 | Charang to Lo Manthang | 25 km | 3,840 m | Ride over Lo La Pass (3,950 m); enter the walled ancient capital of Lo Manthang | | Day 06 | Lo Manthang & Kora La Border | 60 km | 4,660 m | Plateau excursion to Tibet border at Kora La or 2,500-yr Jhong sky caves | | Day 07 | Lo Manthang to Ghami via Ghar Gompa | 48 km | 3,510 m | Rugged dirt track visiting 8th-century Guru Rinpoche Gompa | | Day 08 | Ghami to Chhusang | 45 km | 2,980 m | High desert canyon descent against prevailing valley headwind | | Day 09 | Chhusang to Jomsom & Tatopani | 100 km | 1,190 m | Exit restricted zone at Kagbeni; descend to lower hot springs | | Day 10 | Tatopani to Pokhara | 100 km | 820 m | Return to Pokhara for mechanical inspection, equipment return, and debrief | ## Fuel, repairs and mechanical support Fuel is available in Pokhara, Beni, and Jomsom; northern stages require carrying spare fuel containers or utilizing the 4WD support truck. Carry extra inner tubes, clutch cables, chain lube, and brake pads suited for fine silt and rocky terrain. ## Altitude, high winds and emergency contingency Crossing passes over 4,000 m like Nyi La and visiting Kora La at 4,660 m require gradual acclimatisation. Schedule the itinerary with overnight stops below 3,900 m and maintain oxygen on the support vehicle for acute mountain sickness (AMS) mitigation. Continue planning ## Related planning guides [Related guide ### Motorcycle routes Compare Mustang with other route families.](/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal/nepal-motorcycle-tour-routes)[Related guide ### Kathmandu to Pokhara guide Plan the highway approach.](/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal/kathmandu-to-pokhara-motorcycle-tour)[Related guide ### Motorcycle cost and safety Review permits and support.](/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal/motorcycle-tour-cost-and-safety-nepal) Useful answers ## Frequently asked questions What is the route for a Mustang motorcycle tour?+ A standard Lower Mustang itinerary is Pokhara → Tatopani → Jomsom → Kagbeni → Muktinath → Pokhara (7 days). Upper Mustang continues north from Kagbeni to Lo Manthang and Kora La (10–12 days). What is the difference between Lower and Upper Mustang?+ Lower Mustang is accessible with standard ACAP/TIMS permits up to Muktinath (3,710 m). Upper Mustang is a restricted cultural zone requiring a $500 per person RAP permit, a government-licensed guide, and agency escort. Can beginners ride to Mustang?+ Lower Mustang is suitable for intermediate riders with off-road gravel experience. Upper Mustang involves remote dirt, water crossings, and high-altitude passes over 4,000 m, requiring experienced off-road handling. What motorcycle is best for Mustang?+ Royal Enfield Himalayan 411/450, Honda CRF250/300 Rally, or dual-sport dirt bikes offer the necessary ground clearance, torque, and local parts availability. ## Sources & methodology Use the dated sources below for the claims they support. Recheck time-sensitive permits, fees, transport and border procedures before booking. [**Department of Immigration — restricted-area routes and fees** ↗](https://immigration.gov.np/trekking-route-and-permit-fee) [**Nepal Tourism Board motor biking** ↗](https://ntb.gov.np/en/things-to-do/motor-biking) Continue planning ## Related Motorcycle Tours guides [Route planning ### Motorcycle routes Read the Motorcycle routes guide →](/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal/nepal-motorcycle-tour-routes)[Road itinerary ### Kathmandu to Pokhara Read the Kathmandu to Pokhara guide →](/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal/kathmandu-to-pokhara-motorcycle-tour)[Seasonal planning ### Motorcycle seasons Read the Motorcycle seasons guide →](/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal/best-time-for-nepal-motorcycle-tours)[Budget and safety ### Motorcycle cost and safety Read the Motorcycle cost and safety guide →](/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal/motorcycle-tour-cost-and-safety-nepal) Personalised planning ## Plan Your Motorcycle Tours Journey Tell our Kathmandu-based planning team your travel dates, group size and preferred pace. We will help you shape a realistic Motorcycle Tours itinerary with clear inclusions and proper acclimatization buffers. [Plan with Amigo Treks →](/contact#planning-enquiry)[Ask on WhatsApp ↗](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20a%20Motorcycle%20Tours%20journey.)[Back to Motorcycle Tours](/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal) Plan with context ## Custom Himalayan Route Planning Our Kathmandu operations team arranges itemised itineraries, verified permits, and private transport matched to your travel dates and pacing. [Request custom itinerary →](/contact#planning-enquiry)[WhatsApp a trip planner ↗](https://wa.me/9779851136878?text=Hello%20Amigo%20Treks%2C%20I%20need%20help%20planning%20Mustang%20motorcycle%20tour.)[← All Motorcycle Tours guides](/motorcycle-tour-in-nepal) Talk through the next decision ## Ask a trip planner about Mustang motorcycle tour. Share your name, contact details and one short question. 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