This expedition goes into the secluded upper Mustang Region, nestled within the rain shadow of the highest mountain range in the world - the Himalaya. Only recently opened to foreigners with a Nepali guide, and protected by a restrictive access permit, this isolated region is the best-preserved remnant of Tibet.
Access to this region is not cheap, not easy and at times... not comfortable. However, the scenery at over 12000', the undisturbed culture and the feeling of total isolation are completely worth the effort and sacrifice. Visit Lo Manthang, the forbidden city and the last piece of authentic Tibetan life.
Join Bret Tkacs for a true motorcycle expedition to this remote region. The Upper Mustang is a raw frontier with small villages and ancient Buddhist temples. There are only a few months each year suitable for motorcycle travel in these mountains, and October is the ideal time to ride. You will explore everything from the largest city in Nepal (Kathmandu) to an incredibly remote location (Lo Manthang) and everything in between. Nothing will pull you into the local culture like traveling on a Royal Enfield as you work your way from the lowlands to the high mountain deserts well above the treeline.
This is NOT a trip focused on riding motorcycles, this is a trip focused on exploring Nepal via motorcycle. Egos must be left at home as we ride as a team, not as individuals. You must come with an expectation that we have an objective but we are also exploring a country where weather, road conditions and other events are likely to be out of our control. There is no promise or guarantee we will see all the things we have on the itinerary but we can guarantee it will be an experience you will never forget.
To decrease the inherent risk of travel by motorcycle, Bret Tkacs will be traveling with you to help you improve your strategies and skills related to riding (only if requested) and if you find yourself in a situation beyond your skill, either Bret or one of the support crew will porter you and the motorcycle to a safe location where you can resume riding.
We will eat restaurants and stay in hotels to ensure you are as rested as possible each day (safety management) and to allow you many opportunities to mix with the local population and learn about their culture.
Bret is a teacher, not a tour operator so we utilize local professionals to help guide and arrange our lodging, food and rider support. This will be Bret's 6th and final tour through Nepal.
Road conditions generally vary from level 1-3 (visit the ADV Skill Rating System) but there is a real possibly we could encounter level 4 terrain as well.
If you are not able to function safely when exposed to heights, this is not the trip for you. We will be riding along exposed cliff edges while entering the Mustang region and will likely cross one or more high bridges (you can ask for your bike to be portered across).
Temperatures may range from hot in Kathmandu to near freezing in Lo Manthang. We cannot control the weather so you will need to pack to ride for four seasons. Most likely we will have a nice balance of temperatures as we are choosing the ideal month to travel.
This is a live tour, which means that we are only as fast as the slowest rider, and emergency medical care is a very long distance away. We have traveled with many groups and have determined these two skills are essential:
1. You must be able to make a left u-turn within 16′ (5m) apart on a Royal Enfield (If you can do 20' or a full steering lock turn on your personal motorcycle you will be fine). The Nepal Rural Road Standards require 8′ (2.5m) lanes and failure to make a very tight left turn will result in you running wide and finding yourself head on with traffic.
2. You must be able to maintain a minimum speed of 30mph (48kph) on maintained gravel roads. We will be traveling through some very remote regions and failure to keep a minimum speed means we will not reach our hotel… or any hotel… by nightfall.
The rest we can work with. Please keep a humble attitude and recognize that Bret might make decisions for you, based solely on your riding ability, given his 26 years of training motorcyclists as a full time career.
This motorcycle expedition focuses on exploring culture and regions by motorcycle instead of speed and bravado. Our team has decades of experience providing support to climbing, trekking, and now motorcycle expeditions. Without their support, these expeditions would be risky - and in some cases - impossible to do as a foreigner.
The ever changing nature of the area (constant landslides, road closures, etc.) means that mental flexibility is essential and having the correct attitude in frustrating situations is critical. After all, "Attitude Matters".
This is a very challenging ride for most riders and passengers are not recommended. Prior approval from Bret is required for this add-on.
Single room
Double room
October 5: It's arrival day. You will be greeted outside the airport by your driver (holding a sign with your name) who will take you to Patan Durbar Square to your hotel. Here you can settle into your room, meet your travel buddies and recover from your long flight(s). This location is filled with opportunities to get out and stretch your legs as you begin to take in the local sites, smells and sounds.