If you are interested in experiencing the beauty and culture of Upper Mustang in Nepal, one of the best ways to do so is by embarking on a thrilling motorcycle tour. This arid valley is the perfect destination for adventurous riders who want to explore a region that was once forbidden to foreigners.
As you ride through Mustang's rugged terrain, you will be surrounded by brown sandstone hills and mountains that create an otherworldly landscape. The lack of green trees and cultivated lands only adds to the sense of isolation and wonder. However, despite its remote location, Mustang is home to several ancient villages that are full of history and culture. Lo-Manthang, Tsarang, and Ghami are just a few of the main villages that you will encounter on your journey.
These villages are known for their mud houses with white-washed walls and flat roofs, which is a unique architectural feature of Mustang. They were founded before the 15th century and are perfect for side trips. You will also discover many monasteries built here before the 12th century, such as Logheghar or Ghara Gompa, and a line of colorful mani walls.
But the real highlight of your motorcycle tour through Mustang is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the distinctive culture of the Buddhist people who call this region home. You will witness the whitewashed walls and flat-roofed city, experience the Tiji festival that takes place in the spring, and admire the breathtaking natural beauty of this valley. From late May to late September, the cultivated farmlands bloom with colorful flowers and crops, adding a splash of color to the rugged landscape.
As you ride through Mustang, you will also have the chance to interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. Business, agriculture, and animal husbandry are the main sources of income for the people living here, and you will see firsthand how they have adapted to the harsh conditions of this arid valley.
In summary, a motor biking trip through Upper Mustang in Nepal is an unforgettable adventure that will take you off the beaten path and into a hidden paradise full of ancient culture, stunning scenery, and friendly locals.
Aerial viewing flight: The journey concludes with an enchanting aerial viewing flight over the beautiful villages of Marpha and Kalapani, as well as the high pass of Ghorepani Poon Hill (3,110 meters), providing breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna - towering mountains.
Adventure of Motor Biking: Motor biking in Upper Mustang is an adventurous way to explore the region. Riding through the arid valley, surrounded by stunning landscapes, is
Exploring the Hidden Paradise: Upper Mustang is a restricted region of Nepal and was forbidden for foreigners to visit until 1992. As a result, the region has been able to preserve its unique ancient Buddhist culture and religion, making it a hidden paradise for travelers.
Unique Landscape: The landscape of Upper Mustang is unique and breathtaking. The region is surrounded by brown sandstone hills and mountains, which is why it is known as the "rain shadow valley". The land structure makes Mustang look like an oasis in the middle of a desert.
Visit Ancient Villages: The main villages in this valley, including Lo-Manthang, Tsarang, and Ghami, were founded before the 15th century and offer a glimpse into ancient Tibetan culture.
Beautiful Monasteries: There are many monasteries built in the region before the 12th century, such as Logheghar or Ghara Gompa, and a line of colorful mani walls. These monasteries are not only beautiful but also offer a chance to learn about the rich history and culture of the region.
Tiji Festival: The Tiji festival is one of the major highlights of Upper Mustang. It takes place in the spring and celebrates the victory of good over evil. During the festival, locals dress up in traditional costumes and perform dance rituals that are unique to the region.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu [1,315 meters/4,314ft], overnight in Hotel.
Day 02: City sightseeing in Kathmandu by motorbike.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Pokhara [820m/2,690ft];2,00km, 6-7 hours by bus.
Day 04: Pokhara to Kalopani [2,530 meters/7,841ft],125km; 6-7 hours.
Day 05: Kalopani to Muktinath and back to Kagbeni [2,890m/9,480ft]; 65km, 6hrs.
Day 06: Kagbeni to Ghami [3,510 meters/11,515ft], 6-7 hours.
Day 07: Ghami to Lo Manthang [3,840 metrs/12,598], 5-6 hours.
Day 08: Explore at Lo Manthang by trekking.
Day 09: Lo Manthang to Kora la (Tibetan border) back to Lomanthang.
Day 10: Lo Manthang to Syangbuche 4-5 hours.
Day 11: Syangbuche to Jomsom 5-6 hours.
Day 12: Jomsom to Tatopani (Natural hot spring) 5-6 hours.
Day 13: Tatopani to Pokhara 6-7 hours.
Day 14: Pokhara to Kathmandu 6-7 hours.
Day 15: Departure to Home.
Welcome to the land of white glowing mountains. Before your landing in Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, the representative from Himalaya Diamond Adventure will have reached there to welcome you. After landing your aircraft, we come to pick you up with our welcome greetings. Collecting your luggage, we drop you off to Hotel. You will have welcome dinner in the Nepali cultural dance restaurant with your guide’s briefing about the day program tomorrow. The hotel service includes beds and breakfast.
After breakfast, Your motorbike tour guide will pick up from the hotel for 3 major UNESCO heritage sites of Kathmandu valley Pashupatinath temple, Bauddhanath stupa and Kathmandu durbar squire then back to the hotel for final tour preparation of upper mustang motorbike tour as well as double-check the equipment you may have or require to rental.
After breakfast, we ride to Pokhara. It takes 6-7 hours on the motorbike. The road is completely a busy highway and offers beautiful countryside views, rivers, and waterfalls. Pokhara is a natural city of Nepal and laps of Annapurna range can be seen from your hotel Overnight in the hotel.
After breakfast, our motorbiking tour starts from Pokhara to Kalopani, first road level is paved road till Beni 104 kilometre and takes about 3 hours. The rough road begins after Beni. Riding road near the bank of Kali Gandaki River and huge waterfalls. Reach at Tatopani for lunch break then continue ride to Kalopani. From Kalopani, we can see one of the excellent views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Tukuche peak and Annapurna Himalayan range.
After breakfast then bike ride through rough road through Kali Gandaki River is with a scenic Himalayan range of Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri. Reach Muktinath [3,800 meters/12,467ft], where you can visit holy site Muktinath temple and Buddhist monastery. Ride back down to Kagbeni overnight. Kagbeni has an interesting place to visit that may suit your evening walking overnight in the guesthouse.
After a usual breakfast, we set out a ride to Upper Mustang area after crossing the permit checking point at the end of Kagbeni village. The almost riding road is via the bank of Kali Gandaki River, and a typical settlement of local peoples. Pass [3,800 meters/12,467ft], altitude village and Nya La pass of [4,010 meters/13,156]. Reach Ghami and overnight in a local tea house.
Today we are quite excited to reach the ultimate destination of this tour, Lo-Manthang. We cross several Mani walls and beautiful Tibetan people inhabited Charang village. Panoramic Mountain view is always seen as a different angel. You will then view wall covered villages from far. It is better to take rest once you reach a tea house, which helps your body to acclimatize.
Today explore around Lo Manthang on foot, such Namgyal Gompa, which is situated at the top of the hill. Our tour continues to Tingkhar village. Tingkhar village is the last village and main village of Lo Manthang. If time permits visit another attraction of four stories of King Palace with panoramic Himalayan view surroundings.
Ride to China border Kora La. It is about 20 kilometres one way from Lomanthang. Get the stunning view of Himalayas and valley return back again to Lo-mantang for overnight.
Ride back the same way to Syangbuche. The same view of plateau land and the panoramic Himalayas during the whole day overnight in lodge.
Continue ride to Jomsom. If you still get time, you can have a walking tour around the village, monasteries overnight in lodge.
Ride back to Tatopani visa Jomsom, Marpha and other typical villages. Enjoy bathing at natural Hot Spring overnight in guesthouse.
It is the same way wonderful views, ride back to Pokhara. Enough time to walking around Lakeside after the check-in Hotel.
Today is our last day of upper mustang motorbike trip about 6 to7 hours ride back to Kathmandu overnight in the hotel.
After a wonderful mountain biking tour, we drop you in Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport at the terminal room by private vehicle in your flight departure time and say goodbye.
When going on a tour, it's important to bring essential documents to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip. Here are some documents that we highly recommend you bring with you.
Passport: When traveling to a foreign country, it is important to ensure that you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining before its expiration date and at least 2 blank visa pages. This is because many countries require that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your expected departure date and has sufficient blank pages for visa stamps and entry/exit stamps.
Visa: Depending on your destination, you may need a visa to enter the country. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting to see if you need a visa. Visit the official website of the Department of Immigration of Nepal at https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa
Travel itinerary: It's always a good idea to have a printed copy of your travel itinerary, including flight and hotel reservations, tour bookings, and any other important travel plans.
Travel insurance: As a traveler, it is advisable to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance package that covers potential medical issues, personal accidents, emergency helicopter evacuation, loss or damage of personal belongings, and trip cancellations, especially if you are planning to trek to high altitudes up to 4,500 meters, such as Everest Base Camp. It is also important to ensure that the insurance covers the cost of cancellation for both your international flight and the trek. The minimum recommended coverage amount is USD 100,000. Many insurance companies offer travel insurance services online, so you can easily find a plan that meets your needs.
COVID-19 vaccination certification: To obtain a Nepal tourist visa during the ongoing pandemic, travelers need to show either a completed COVID-19 vaccination certificate with a QR code or a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of boarding.
Health documents: If you're traveling to a country with specific health requirements, such as a yellow fever vaccination, make sure to bring the necessary health documents.
Driver's license: If you plan on driving while on tour, make sure to bring your driver's license.
Credit cards and cash: Bring enough cash and credit cards to cover your expenses while on tour.
Emergency contact information: Write down the contact information for someone you trust in case of an emergency. This could include a family member, friend, or employer.
It's always a good idea to make copies of all your important documents and keep them in a safe place in case the originals get lost or stolen. Additionally, you may want to consider using a travel document organizer to keep all your important documents organized and easily accessible.
If you are traveling to Nepal, then here are some essential documents you will need to have with you in order to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.
❖ Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and at least 2 blank visa pages
❖ Travel insurance policy document
❖ Photocopies of your passport's personal information page
❖ One or more recent passport-sized photos with a white background (1.5 inch x 1.5 inch)
❖ Completed and signed Nepal visa application form
❖ Proof of accommodation in Nepal (such as a hotel reservation or address)
❖ Valid return flight or travel ticket
❖ Proof of sufficient financial means, such as recent bank statements
❖ Mastercard, Visa, and some cash in USD
❖ Proof of payment of the Nepal visa fee
❖ To obtain a visa for Nepal, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the travel date and you must present either a completed COVID-19 vaccination certificate with QR code or a valid PCR test negative result taken within 72 hours prior to boarding.
Visit the official website of the Department of Immigration of Nepal at https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa
1. Fill out the online application form with your personal information, including your name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and intended travel dates.
2. Upload a recent passport-size photograph in JPEG or PNG format.
3. Pay the visa fee online using a credit card or debit card. The cost of the visa depends on the length of your stay in Nepal, but it typically ranges from $30 to $125.
4. Once you have submitted your application and payment, you will receive a confirmation email with a receipt and an application ID.
5. After your application has been processed, you will receive another email with a link to download your visa. You should print out the visa and carry it with you when you travel to Nepal. It's important to note that the online tourist visa is valid for multiple entries and is valid for 15, 30, or 90 days, depending on your length of stay. Also, be sure to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel date to allow time for processing.
It is essential for foreign travelers to secure insurance coverage while trekking or climbing in Nepal. Although trekking in Nepal is generally safe, travel insurance is compulsory for mountaineering activities in Nepal. The trip can pose physical challenges and hazards, particularly at high altitudes where altitude sickness is prevalent among trekkers and climbers, especially those who have not acclimatized properly. Physical injuries can also occur on mountain trails or during climbing activities, and in emergency situations, foreign trekkers or climbers may need to be rescued by helicopter and transported to hospitals in Kathmandu, which can be costly if the traveler does not have insurance coverage.
We strongly recommend purchasing a travel insurance package that covers high altitudes up to 4,500 meters, potential medical issues, natural disasters, personal accidents, emergency helicopter evacuation, hospitalization, loss or damage of personal belongings, and trip cancellations. The minimum recommended coverage amount is USD 100,000. There are many insurance companies that offer travel insurance services online. You should compare plans to find the one that best meets your needs.
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As Nepal's topography is divided into three geographical regions - Terai, Hills, and Mountains - each region experiences different temperatures during different seasons. Below is a tabular illustration of temperature changes throughout the different seasons in Nepal, which will allow you to better understand the changing weather conditions.
Seasons Minimum temperature (approx) Maximum temperature (approx) Weather Condition
Spring 4°C/ 39°F (Mountain) 20°C/ 68°F (Mountain) Moderate with occasional rain
Summer 12°C/ 53°F (Mountain) 25°C/ 77°F (Mountain) Extreme high with heavy rain
Autumn 3°C/ 37°F (Mountain) 18°C/ 64°F (Mountain) Moderate
Winter 10°C/ 50°F (Terai) -4°C/ 24°F (Mt.) 20°C/ 68°F (Terai) to 12°C/ 53°F (Mountain) Extreme low
After a thorough analysis of all the seasons, it has been suggested that autumn is the best time of the year to trek in Nepal. The mild temperatures from September to November make the trekking experience more enjoyable. During this time of the year, trekking routes throughout the country are jam-packed with travelers from all around the world.
However, as mid-December is generally the holiday season in most countries, including the United States, there is a spike in the number of international tourists during early winter as well. Interestingly, to make the holiday season even more special, travel companies offer some of the best holiday destination packages during this time. So, be sure to take advantage of the best travel opportunities with the assistance of Himalayan Diamond Adventure.
Nonetheless, if you cannot make it in autumn, spring also allows for favorable conditions for trekking in Nepal. The warmer days and nights, lush plants and vegetation, and clear trekking trails during spring make the trek worthwhile. However, the downside is occasional rain and slightly higher temperatures in the lower elevations. All in all, after autumn, spring is the second-best time to trek in Nepal.
Thousands of tourists visit Nepal every year to enjoy the picturesque nature and trek through the adventurous and diverse terrain. However, the best times to trek in Nepal are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). During these seasons, travelers are blessed with moderate temperatures and enjoyable weather conditions throughout the country.
As calm as it may seem, the challenging terrains of the Himalayas in Nepal can present trekkers with gruesome scenarios during harsh weather conditions. To avoid any unforeseen situations and to enjoy nature at its best, most trekkers prefer autumn for backpacking. However, it may not be the best time of the year to trek in Nepal for everyone. Some may prefer off-season trekking to avoid the crowds. Therefore, exploring the various seasons can help you choose a favorable time for trekking in Nepal based on your preferences.
Throughout the year, the landscape of Nepal experiences four seasons, each with its own uniqueness that brings significant changes to the natural environment. Below are some detailed insights into the four seasons in Nepal.
Spring in Nepal lasts from March to May and is one of the preferred seasons for trekking throughout the country. During this time, the climate is moderate, with slightly higher temperatures reaching up to about 32°C (89°F) in the lower elevation regions and around 20°C (68°F) at higher altitudes. The sky is usually clear with mild days and occasional rain.
Spring brings a rejuvenation of nature. Flowers begin to blossom, trees become lusher with newly sprung leaves, and spring vegetation sprouts again. Likewise, the flora and fauna of the Himalayan terrain also resuscitate from the harsh winter. Overall, spring is considered a great time for trekking in Nepal due to the alluring freshness of nature.
With the end of May, summer starts in Nepal and lasts from June to August, which is also the monsoon season in the country. During these months, the weather can be harsh, with scorching heat and heavy rain throughout the nation. The rising humidity and extreme hot weather conditions may restrict travelers from fully enjoying their trip.
Although the lower elevation regions experience harsh summers, the Himalayan terrains are not as brutal. In the mountain regions, temperatures can range from approximately 25°C to 12°C (77°F to 53°F). However, heavy rains can make trekking through rocky mountain terrain challenging, and the cloudy sky may obscure mountain views.
With the arrival of autumn from September to November, Nepal becomes a popular destination for trekking. During this season, the weather is usually pleasant with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and gentle sunshine throughout the day. However, early autumn may bring occasional light rainfall. As the season progresses into October and November, the monsoon season completely ends, and cooler weather conditions prevail.
Many people choose to trek to popular destinations such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and Poon Hill during this season. Additionally, autumn is festival season in Nepal, and visitors can witness major celebrations such as Dashain and Tihar, which provide an opportunity to experience Nepali culture and traditions. Many travel packages are available for the best treks in Nepal during this season, and our travel experts can help you plan your trip to align with the festival season.
Winter, which lasts from December to February, is the harshest season for trekking in Nepal. As the temperature drops in December, nights become chilly, and temperatures can reach around 9°C (48°F) during the day and below 0°C (32°F) during the night in higher altitudes. During peak winter, many high passes and trekking routes in the mountains are covered with dense fog and snow, increasing the risk of unexpected accidents.
Because of the risks of unpleasant trekking conditions, most travelers avoid trekking in the Himalayan terrains during the winter season. Additionally, most expeditions and mountain climbing, including trekking in the Everest region, also come to a halt during the harsh winter. Overall, it may not be the best time to trek due to the challenges presented by the weather conditions.