Upper Mustang Bike Ride: Complete Budget Guide from Kathmandu
A bike ride to Mustang is a dream for many Nepali riders. The rugged trails, ancient villages, and breathtaking mountain views offer an unforgettable adventure. Chasing this dream, six of us planned a 6-day, 5-night Upper Mustang bike ride tour during Tihar. This blog shares our real Mustang bike ride itinerary and costs, giving you a clear picture of the planning and budget needed. If you're wondering, "How much will it cost to go on a bike ride to Mustang from Kathmandu?"—this guide has the answers.
Upper Mustang Bike Ride Itinerary (6 Days / 5 Nights)
Day 1: Kathmandu → Beni (~300 km)
- Start: 5:00 AM from Kathmandu via Sitapaila-Dharke.
- Breakfast (Dharke): Rs. 100
- Lunch (Mugling): Rs. 380
- Pokhara Stop: Refreshments, Rs. 140
- Evening: Rode to Beni via scenic Baglung road.
- Fuel: Rs. 1150
- Stay (Hotel Gyan Gauri Palace): Rs. 1500/person (room, dinner, breakfast) + Rs. 260 for extra chicken.
Day 2: Beni → Muktinath (~100 km)
- Start: 10:00 AM after breakfast.
- Scenic Stops: Mahaveer Waterfall (Tatopani), Rupse Waterfall, Sekong Lake.
- Lunch (Jomsom): Chicken chowmein, Rs. 300.
- Stay (Hotel Shambhala, Muktinath): Rs. 1650/person (room + dinner).
- Misc: Snacks, Rs. 200.
Day 3: Muktinath → Lo Manthang (~100 km)
- Morning: Pilgrimage to 108 Dhara, holy ponds, Muktinath Temple, Buddha Park.
- Breakfast: Veg meal, Rs. 466.
- Ride: Dusty, off-road trail to Lo Manthang. Carry snacks.
- Stay (Hotel Mandala): Rs. 833/person (room + dinner).
- Night: Incredible stargazing.
Day 4: Lo Manthang → Korola Border → Marpha (~150 km)
- Morning Ride: To Korola Border (~2 hrs).
- Border: Coffee & biscuits, Rs. 250.
- Sightseeing: Zhong Cave entry, Rs. 100.
- Lunch (Lo Manthang): Rs. 1000.
- Evening: Ride down to Marpha.
- Stay (Marpha Appleland Hotel Suite): Rs. 1200/person (room, dinner, breakfast).
Day 5: Marpha → Pokhara (~150 km)
- Morning: Visit Dhumba Lake (Rs. 30 entry).
- Fuel (Jomsom): Rs. 400 for 2 litres.
- Lunch (Lete): Rs. 500.
- Stop (Beni): Fuel (Rs. 1015) + bike wash (Rs. 100).
- Evening: Reach Pokhara, tea (Rs. 40).
- Stay (Hotel Ezen, Lakeside): Rs. 833/person.
- Food at Pokhara: Rs. 600
Day 6: Pokhara → Kathmandu (~200 km)
- Morning: Lakeside walk, coffee.
- Lunch (Cheli Thakali): Rs. 495.
- Return: Ride back to Kathmandu, home by 7:00 PM.
Upper Mustang Ride Cost for Nepali Riders: Complete Budget Guide
Here is the real cost breakdown per person from our trip. This Upper Mustang ride cost for Nepali riders is based on actual expenses.
Food & Snacks (All Days) ===> Rs.4,401
Hotels (5 Nights) ===> Rs. 6,016
Petrol & Bike Maintenance ==> 5,765
Tickets & Misc. ==> Rs. 510
Total Major Cost => Rs. 12,182
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses:
Drinks (Water/ Juice), shopping, extra snacks, etc.: ≈ Rs. 3,000
Total Mustang Trip Cost from Kathmandu:
≈ Rs. 15,000 per person.
*This is a realistic Mustang trip cost from Kathmandu for a 6-day Mustang motorbike tour. *
Important Notes & Tips
- Budget Basis: Cost calculated for a Yamaha FZS V3 FI (≈50 km/l mileage).
- Variables: Your final Upper Mustang bike ride tour cost can change based on bike mileage, food choices (veg/non-veg), hotel preferences, and riding style.
- Permit: This cost does not include the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, which is required separately for foreign nationals. Nepali citizens need a local entry permit.
- Season: October is peak season; prices may be higher.
Planning an Upper Mustang bike ride tour is an investment in an epic adventure. With a budget of around Rs. 15,000 per person, you can experience the magic of Mustang—its landscapes, culture, and the sheer thrill of the ride. This complete budget guide and itinerary should help you plan your own legendary Mustang bike ride.
Ready to ride? Pack your bags, check your bike, and set off for the adventure of a lifetime!