Guided tour · 6 days from Pokhara
Pokhara to Muktinath motorbike tour
Six days up the Kali Gandaki — the deep gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna — to Jomsom, medieval Kagbeni and the sacred temple of Muktinath at 3,710 m. No restricted-area permit, no Kathmandu traffic.
- Duration6 days, 5 riding
- Start / endPokhara
- Max altitude~3,800 m
- LevelModerate
- Distance~380 km
- Best timeMar–May, Sep–Nov
About this ride
The road from Pokhara to Muktinath is the most famous motorbike ride in Nepal, and for good reason. Within two days you go from rice terraces and banana trees at Beni to the dry, wind-scoured trans-Himalaya at Jomsom, riding through the Kali Gandaki gorge with Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) on one side and Annapurna I (8,091 m) on the other.
This is the short version of our Lower Mustang and Muktinath tour for riders who are already in Pokhara or short on time. It needs only an ACAP permit, which we arrange. Prefer to self-ride? Hire a bike through our Pokhara motorbike rental partners and use the Pokhara to Muktinath road guide.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 Pokhara: bike fitting and briefing
Meet your guide and mechanic, set up the bikes and check permits. Short warm-up ride to Sarangkot for the evening view of Machhapuchhre.
Day 2 Pokhara – Beni – Tatopani (~110 km, 4–5 hours)
Paved road through Kusma to Beni, where the tarmac thins out. Follow the Kali Gandaki to Tatopani and soak in the riverside hot springs.
Day 3 Tatopani – Ghasa – Marpha (~70 km, 4–5 hours)
The gorge proper: Rupse waterfall, rocky sections above Ghasa and the first views of the Dhaulagiri icefall near Lete. Night in Marpha, a whitewashed Thakali village famous for apples and apple brandy.
Day 4 Marpha – Jomsom – Kagbeni – Muktinath (~40 km, 3 hours)
Ride the windswept valley past Jomsom to Kagbeni at the gateway to Upper Mustang, then climb to Ranipauwa and walk up to Muktinath temple and its 108 water spouts.
Day 5 Muktinath – Tatopani (~95 km, 5–6 hours)
Ride back down with the afternoon wind behind you, stop in Marpha for lunch, and return to the hot springs.
Day 6 Tatopani – Pokhara (~110 km, 4–5 hours)
Back to Beni and the tarmac, arriving at Lakeside mid-afternoon.
The Kali Gandaki road changes every monsoon. Your guide may swap overnight stops to suit conditions on the day.
Is this ride for you?
- You are comfortable on gravel, rock and loose surfaces for several hours, standing on the pegs.
- You have ridden a 400cc+ bike before. Off-road experience helps but is not essential.
- You are fit enough to walk uphill at 3,700 m — Muktinath is high, though the short stay limits altitude risk.
- You do not need luxury: lodges above Tatopani are simple, clean and warm, with shared bathrooms in places.
New to Nepal? Consider adding Kathmandu to Pokhara by motorbike first to settle in.
Cost and what is included
Guided, this six-day tour costs about USD 1,100–1,500 per rider, depending on bike, group size and lodge standard. Pillion passengers travel for less.
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 (450 or CRF250L on request) | Flights, Nepal visa |
| Fuel, licensed riding guide and mechanic | Travel insurance covering motorcycling |
| ACAP permit | Drinks, snacks and hot-spring entry |
| Five nights in lodges with dinner and breakfast | Tips and riding gear |
Compare against other routes on our Nepal motorcycle tour prices page.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Pokhara to Muktinath by motorbike?
About 180–190 km one way: roughly 155 km to Jomsom, then about 25 km via Kagbeni to Muktinath. It takes two days each way at a sensible pace.
Do I need a special permit for Muktinath?
Only the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) permit. The restricted-area permit applies north of Kagbeni, in Upper Mustang.
Is the road to Muktinath paved?
Pokhara to Beni is paved. Beyond Beni the road is a mix of new tarmac, concrete, gravel and rough rock, especially between Tatopani and Ghasa. Expect it to change every season.
Can I add Upper Mustang?
Yes — see the Upper Mustang motorbike tour, which continues north from Kagbeni to Lo Manthang with a restricted-area permit.
When is the best time to ride to Muktinath?
March to May and September to November. Winter is possible but cold, and snow can close the road above Jomsom for a few days at a time.
Ride the Kali Gandaki to Muktinath
Send your dates and riding experience for a day-by-day plan and itemised quote.