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4 nights / 5 days · Pokhara to Pokhara

Mustang Wild Trails Expedition

Five days into Lower Mustang along the deepest gorge in the world. Ride between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, through the windy Kali Gandaki valley to Jomsom and Kagbeni, and up to the Muktinath temple at 3,710 m.

Two rental motorbikes parked in Lower Mustang with the snowy Nilgiri peaks behind

Duration: 5 days; 4 nights
Riding: 400 km; approximate
Max altitude: 3,710 m; Muktinath

Best season: September to November and March to MayStart and end: Pokhara

Overview

The road from Beni to Jomsom is one of Nepal's classic adventure rides: dirt, rock, water crossings and dust, with 8,000 m peaks on both sides. Above Ghasa the green hills give way to the dry, Tibetan-style landscape of Mustang. This trip stays in Lower Mustang, so only the ACAP permit is needed.

The Kali Gandaki gorge between Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Annapurna I (8,091 m)
Muktinath temple (3,710 m), sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, with its 108 water spouts
Old mud-brick village of Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang
Apple orchards and apple brandy in Marpha
Hot spring soak at Tatopani

Itinerary

Your route, night by nightWhere you sleep each night and how high it is

Tap a stop

1
Day 1
Pokhara to Tatopani via Beni
- ~110 km
- 5 to 6 hrs
- 1,190 m
- Stay: Tatopani
Paved road to Beni, then dirt along the Kali Gandaki. Evening soak in the Tatopani hot springs.
2
Day 2
Tatopani to Jomsom via Ghasa, Kalopani and Marpha
- ~65 km
- 4 to 5 hrs
- 2,720 m
- Stay: Jomsom
Through the narrow gorge past Rupse waterfall, then Kalopani with views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. Stop in Marpha for apple pie, then on to Jomsom. Ride before noon when the valley wind is light.
3
Day 3
Jomsom to Kagbeni and Muktinath
- ~25 km
- 2 hrs plus sightseeing
- 3,710 m
- Stay: Muktinath (Ranipauwa)
Short ride to Kagbeni to walk the old village and see the Upper Mustang gate, then climb to Muktinath. Visit the temple, the eternal flame at Jwala Mai and the 108 spouts.
4
Day 4
Muktinath to Tatopani
- ~90 km
- 5 to 6 hrs
- 1,190 m
- Stay: Tatopani
Back down through Jhong or Kagbeni and the river bed to Jomsom, then down the gorge to the hot springs.
5
Day 5
Tatopani to Pokhara
- ~110 km
- 5 to 6 hrs
- 822 m
- Stay: Pokhara
Down to Beni and back on the paved highway to Lakeside.

Distances and riding times are approximate. They change with road works, weather and photo stops.

What's included

Included

Motorbike and fuel for the route
Experienced riding guide, with backup vehicle for groups
ACAP permit
Four nights in lodges or teahouses (twin sharing)
Breakfast and dinner on the road

Not included

Travel and medical insurance (must cover motorbike riding at altitude)
Lunch, drinks and snacks unless your quote says otherwise
Damage to the bike, fines and personal expenses
Extra nights caused by weather, landslides or road closures
Tips for the guide and support crew

Your quote confirms exactly what is included. Self-ride without a guide is possible on routes that do not need one.

Permits and good to know

Permits

Lower Mustang (up to Kagbeni and Muktinath) is in the Annapurna Conservation Area and needs only an ACAP permit. No restricted area permit is needed. We arrange it with a copy of your passport.

Strong wind blows up the Kali Gandaki from around midday. We ride early each day.
Muktinath is at 3,710 m. Drink plenty of water and tell your guide about headaches.
Roads can close after rain in the monsoon. Autumn and spring are the best times.

4 nights / 5 days