THE JOURNEY ARCHIVE
Embark on an unforgettable Motorbike Tour to Upper Mustang & Tiji Festival with Himalayan Motobikes. This 12‑day high‐adrenaline journey takes you deep into the remote “Kingdom of Lo”, the heart of the Upper Mustang region in Nepal, combining rugged motorbike terrain with rich culture. You will ride on iconic adventure bikes through dramatic Himalayan landscapes, traverse barren high‑plateaus, ancient villages and wind‐swept valleys, and culminate the journey at the vibrant Tiji Festival in the walled town of Lo Manthang.
Starting in Kathmandu and travelling via Pokhara, Muktinath and key Mustang villages, this immersive experience delivers both the thrill of off‑road motorbike riding and the profound spiritual and cultural experience of one of Nepal’s most fascinating festivals. The tour is designed for riders aged 18 + and accommodates up to 30 people. Rates start from US $3,500 for the full package.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventure rider or simply someone ready to explore the Himalayan frontier on two‑wheels, this Motorbike Tour to Upper Mustang & Tiji Festival is your chance to truly ride off the beaten path.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
- Ride premium 500 cc classic adventure motorcycles (Royal Enfield style) through some of Nepal’s most remote terrain, including the desert‑like high plateaus of Upper Mustang.
- Cross from lush foothills into the “Mini‑Tibet” environment: barren landscapes, dramatic mountain vistas, deep river gorges, prayer‑flag adorned villages and ancient Tibetan‑Buddhist culture.
- Stay overnight in local guesthouses and traditional lodges, full board during the motorbike phase, letting you absorb local hospitality and lifestyle.
- Attend and fully experience the three‑day Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang: witness masked dances, ancient rituals and sacred ceremonies that commemorate the mythical battle of Dorje Sonnu defeating a demon that brought famine, disease and drought.
- Visit pilgrimage sites such as Muktinath, ride through stunning gorges such as the Kali Gandaki river valley, and venture close to the sealed Nepal‑China border for an extra layer of intrigue.
- Limited permits and controlled numbers help preserve the region’s fragile environment and unique cultural heritage; your ride contributes positively to sustainable adventure tourism.
- Experience the changing terrain: from green Himalayan foothills to windswept desert plains; from paved stretches to challenging off‑road tracks.
DAY-BY-DAY ROAD MAP
DAY 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Arrive at Kathmandu, meet your Himalayan Motobikes representative, transfer to hotel. Evening briefing on your Motorbike Tour to Upper Mustang & Tiji Festival: safety, route, bikes, packing list.
DAY 2: Ride Kathmandu → Pokhara (≈210 km)
After breakfast, depart Kathmandu valley and ride toward Pokhara, riding through scenic valleys and foothills. On clear days, glimpse the Annapurna range.
DAY 3: Ride Pokhara → Kalopani (≈130 km)
Leave Pokhara heading into the Mustang region. This section includes off‑road tracks and gravel roads, arriving at Kalopani with panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri massif.
DAY 4: Ride Kalopani → Muktinath (≈46 km)
Today you ride toward Muktinath via Jomsom area. Enjoy views of Mt Nilgiri and the Kali Gandaki River. Arrive in Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
DAY 5: Ride Muktinath → Ghami via Jhong (≈74 km)
Depart Muktinath after breakfast; ride through new roads toward Chhuksang via Jhong and arrive in the traditional Tibetan‑style village of Ghami. Enjoy local architecture, prayer flags and mountain views.
DAY 6: Ride Ghami → Lo Manthang (≈26 km)
Ride from Ghami to Lo Manthang via Tsarang. Arrive at the walled town (approx. 3,840 m altitude) and attend Day 1 of the Tiji Festival celebrations.
DAY 7: Excursion day in Lo Manthang (Tiji Day 2)
Full day in Lo Manthang: absorb festival atmosphere, attend the masked dances (‘chhewar’), witness the monks’ performances aimed at banishing hunger and evil spirits. Interact with locals and explore the ancient town.
DAY 8: Final day Tiji Festival + sightseeing
Observe Day 3 of Tiji Festival. After lunch ride to Karola Border (Nepal‑Tibet) and back. Visit Chosar Ghumba & Shinja Cave in the afternoon, ride towards Kagbeni for overnight.
DAY 9: Ride Kagbeni → Tatopani via Marpha (≈75 km)
From Kagbeni ride via Marpha Village to Tatopani, famed for its natural hot springs. Celebrate with your crew for the successful journey.
DAY 10: Ride Tatopani → Pokhara (≈105 km)
Continue your return ride to Pokhara, riding through scenic mountain vistas and valley roads.
DAY 11: Ride Pokhara → Kathmandu
Final ride along the Trishuli and Gandaki rivers back to Kathmandu. Reflect on your journey and enjoy a farewell dinner.
DAY 12: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kathmandu airport for your onward flight. Your Motorbike Tour to Upper Mustang & Tiji Festival with Himalayan Motobikes ends here.
PRICING & MISSION SPECS
ESTABLISHED INCLUSIONS
- Arrival and departure airport transfers in a private car, accompanied by English‑speaking representative.
- 4 nights’ accommodation (twin/triple sharing) at 3★ (or similar) hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara on B & B basis, inclusive of taxes.
- Motorcycle rental: 500 cc Classic Royal Enfield (or equivalent) for the entire trip.
- Normal maintenance charges, spare parts, fuel & engine oil top‑up for the bikes.
- Services of one experienced mechanic (meals, accommodation, daily allowances, insurance included).
- A backup support vehicle throughout the trip (fuel, driver, daily allowance/accommodation, all meals included).
- Guesthouse accommodation throughout the ride (twin/triple sharing rooms) on full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) basis in Mustang.
- Insurance for all Nepalese staff.
- Permits: TIMS permit, ACAP permit, Restricted Area Permit (value approx. US $500+ per person).
- Comprehensive medical kit.
- All toll taxes for the bikes and the backup vehicle, and applicable government taxes.
MISSION EXCLUSIONS
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- International and domestic air tickets.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary (approx US $10‑18 per meal if outside of full board).
- Emergency evacuation/travel/medical insurance and personal insurance of riders (accident, loss of life, loss of goods, riding motorbike etc.).
- Personal nature expenses: bar bills, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks, extra mileage beyond the outlined route.
- Any extra costs arising from landslides, strikes, bike breakdowns beyond normal maintenance, or activities beyond control.
- Personal biking clothing including helmets (riders are encouraged to bring their own gear).
- Coverage of any damage incurred to bikes due to accident (motorcycle insurance available at approx US $400 per bike).
- Tipping for mechanic and driver (customary and expected).
EXPEDITION INTEL (FAQ)
Upcoming Departures
No fixed departures found. Contact us for a custom date.
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