Upper Mustang Motorbike tour with the specially crafted Upper Mustang bike tour itinerary is just for you if you are a real adventure seeker.
Nepal was a kingdom run by a monarchy government until 28th May 2008. Now, the country is a secular federal state abolishing the 240-year-old monarchy. Surprisingly, the monarchy effect can be seen in the upper Mustang region, especially the Lo Manthang surroundings.
The King of Lo-Mangtang, "Jigme Palbar Bista," was told to step down as a king after the termination of the monarchy in Nepal. The late King accepted the order and pledged to preserve Tibetan culture and tradition. During our Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour, we can experience this unique and cultural perspective from ancient times until now.
This 14-day upper Mustang bike tour takes wanderers to Nepal's forbidden kingdom. Bikers who take this journey can see different landscapes, nature, and unusual Tibetan culture. Similarly, you take in the amazing insights of the sky caves with their history, desert, and the last village of Nepal that borders China in the Himalayas.
Riding a Motorcycle in the Upper Mustang will test your skill and strength because it's unlike other Himalayan trips. You will feel like you're on another planet in this strange place that almost resembles the small parts of Tibet.
This excursion has a tough bike route that is very important to explore in the area. As motorcyclists around the upper Mustang periphery, you can catch beautiful and large sceneries of alpines, open areas, and borders. This is something you can do together with your pals and make you remember something special forever.
This upper Mustang escapade provides a close family of the mythically and naturally rich location. It is a restricted place now, and walking or touring requires a special permit from the Department of Immigration operating from Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.
You will ride at more than 3000 meters above the ground. There are 16 passes higher than 3500 meters, and the spots to sleep have everything we need, but they are basic with the Tibetan cultural touch.
Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour Key Highlights
- Adventurous Off Road Experience to the restricted area of Upper Mustang
- Explore the historical and cultural places in Kathmandu Via Bike
- Observe the local culture, people & village.
- Discover the significance of medieval temples, ancient chortens, and a cave village
- Breathtaking Himalayas – Tibetan plateau – Annapurna mountains
- Ride through the world’s deepest gorge: Kali Gandaki Gorge
- Pay a visit to one of the famous Hindu Pilgrimages of the world, Muktinath temple at 4000 m.
- 2000 years old caves of Chosar
- Kora La, the Tibet/Chinese border at 4600 m.
Is the Upper Mustang a Restricted Area?
Yes, the upper Mustang is a restricted zone. Thus, it's not as easy to cross the border of the zone as in other regular trekking destinations in Nepal. Foreign tourists must fulfill certain governmental permissions to do the upper Mustang motorbike tour. Similarly, solo travel via foot, jeep, bikes are prohibited in Nepal.
Interested journeyers designed to do this 14-day Motorcycle ride must be in a group of two, acquire a restricted area, and an ACAP permit has to be operated by the trekking agency. Along with this prerequisite, only the Nepal Government licensed trekking guide can take the trekkers to the region.
Why is the Upper Mustang a restricted Zone?
The main reason why Upper Mustang is a restricted area might be because it has an open border with China's Tibet. This policy protects the area's culture, saves its fragile environment, and keeps the land safe. The limit stops many sightseers from reaching, which helps protect the environment and makes sure special old Tibetan Buddhist traditions along with old buildings stay safe. Thus, to enter into its premises you are required to have an extra authorization along with the (ACAP) permit for Upper Mustang.
Mountains Views on the North and South
Mustang has 85 named and many unnamed cliffs, both north and south. Among the named peaks, Nilgiri North is the highest one. The most well-known is Jakrijang Lek.
You are in the middle of amazing alpine views as you touch down the Upper Mustang territory, i.e., Jomson. Some 7000-meter high peaks and many 6000-meter peaks like Chhiv Himal and Nilgiri South will be visible. Others, including Khatung Kang, Khumjunagar, and Purpong hills, are seen in these snowscapes.
The scenery gets more beautiful and bright as you get closer. The whole bike ride in the mountainscape will be amazing. You will witness the great size of the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Damodar Himal, as you arrive at Lo Manthang. Other unknown high peaks may also become visible. You’ll discover strange terrain structures.
Experience Unique Tiji Festival
Tiji is short for "TempaChirim," which means asking everyone for peace. The celebration lasts three days every year, starting in May. The Tji festival includes religious events, bright clothes, and old dance moves that show stories from myths and legends.
You can see this amazing and impressive devout performance while bike touring around the Mustang in May month. The locals of Lo celebrate to keep poverty away from their area. It represents hope and peace in that dwelling. And it is celebrated with the energy of colorful clothes, non-stop beating drums, and a tasty smell of camphor filling up all around. It is said that a demon who gave diseases caused trouble in the Mustang area. A hero, Dorje Jono, defeated a big bad monster. So, this festival rejoices the good deed over the evil.
Lo Manthang Yartung Festival
Yartung Festival in Upper Mustang is another main repulsion for tourists. Yartung signifies the start of summer. This time, you see the old-fashioned beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism. Like Tibetan residents there, you need to get there in August when the moon is full. This is for their festival celebration. The people in the area put on horse races as part of a big party. This is the most exciting competition where many people try to win. You can take part in this festival duing your upper Mustang trekking Journey too.
Upper Mustang and Mysterious Sky Caves
Many sky caves are made on different cliffs of Upper Mustang. They are big in the sky and offer new places to check out. These caves are called "sky caves'' because they're often in hard places to get to. It was made by the ancient village dwellers who lived there. It is believed that unusual caves were made to protect from enemies in fights and as a site to put dead bodies.
But, the caves' true reason and hidden secret are still a mystery today. In the caves, scientists have found many things like paintings and statues made by primeval who lived there. These present us with information about their life. The paintings in Mustang’s sky caves show important events from religion and history. They mix Buddhism and Hinduism influences.
Red Cliffs, Ancient Monasteries And Monuments
Nepal has an ancient mountain called Upper Mustang that dates back around 2,000 to 300 years ago. Many Buddhist monasteries were made long ago and are still really important today. Many buildings and landmarks, which have great holy significance for those around them, are protected. Many ancient stories related to Tibetan heritage and stories are linked to every monument, stumps, and monasteries you find there.
Upper Mustang is the only dry area in Nepal. It's discovered in areas where large mountains, like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, stop rain from reaching there. On your journey to Lo Manthang, you will encounter many Tibetan highlands and red cliffs. They are a bit like the Grand Canyon but not as big. The sudden change in the land and scenery might startle you.
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