Adventure Across Two Lands: Rajasthan and Mustang by Motorcycle
Embark on a 22-day odyssey through the captivating lands of Rajasthan in India and the mystical Mustang region in Nepal, where ancient culture intertwines with majestic landscapes. This 2500-kilometer motorcycle journey takes you across golden deserts, ancient cities, and towering mountains, offering a unique experience that fuses Rajasthan's rich heritage with Mustang's serene Himalayan beauty.
Rajasthan, India
Your epic adventure begins in Delhi, India's vibrant capital. After exploring the city's urban contrasts, hit the road towards Jaipur, the Pink City, where historic architecture immerses you in Rajasthan's cultural wealth. Continue to Jodhpur, the Blue City, and marvel at the grandeur of Mehrangarh Fort. From there, the road leads you through desert landscapes to Jaisalmer, the Golden City at the heart of the Thar Desert.
Conclude the first leg of your motorcycle journey in Jaisalmer, a desert gem. Relish a sunset over the Sam dunes before boarding a flight back to Delhi and onward to Kathmandu, where the next phase of your adventure awaits.
Mustang, Nepal
Upon landing in Kathmandu, feel the Himalayan spirit as you prepare to explore Nepal by motorcycle. Ride past rice terraces and picturesque villages en route to Pokhara. Gaze at the Annapurna range reflected in Phewa Lake before venturing into the Mustang region. Embark on an unforgettable journey through Mustang's breathtaking lands. Navigate spectacular gorges and walled villages, experiencing the authenticity of this Tibetan-influenced region where culture and history merge against a stunning backdrop.
After discovering Mustang's rugged beauty, celebrate your achievement in Kathmandu, surrounded by Nepalese hospitality and the towering peaks of the Himalayas.
This unique expedition combines Rajasthan's cultural grandeur with Mustang's majestic landscapes, offering a motorcycle experience that spans two enchanting nations and an unparalleled variety of scenery.
Day 1. Arrival of various flights in Delhi. Your flight must arrive in Delhi. Afternoon meeting with the group at the hotel and an introductory talk about driving in India, an introduction to the country, and the travel program. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2. Delhi – Alwar. Departure in a private vehicle from Delhi airport to the magnificent Alwar Palace Fort, 120 km from Delhi (2h30 journey). In the afternoon, we will meet the team that will assist us during the trip and have our first contact with the motorbikes. Overnight in Alwar.
Day 3. Alwar - Jaipur. 5 hours. Departure towards Jaipur, crossing the Sariska tiger reserve on motorbike. Upon arrival in Jaipur, we will visit the impressive Amber Palace. Afterwards, we will explore the most significant sites of the city by motorbike. Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 4. Jaipur - Pushkar. 5 hours. One of the most interesting stages as we enter a vast salt flat. In the afternoon, we arrive in Pushkar, a sacred town in Hindu culture. Overnight in Pushkar.
Day 5. Free day in Pushkar, famous for its camel market held in November and its sacred lake. A spectacular city for photography enthusiasts, where pilgrims mix with typical turbans and saris of various colors. Pushkar is also well known for its local crafts. Overnight in Pushkar.
Day 6. Pushkar - Ghanerao. 5 hours. From the sacred Hindu town of Pushkar, we head to Ghanerao. The day takes us along a picturesque road, diverting from the main road and passing through typical Rajasthani villages. Our hotel is one of the most unique in the region — an old Rajput noble house, full of both character and decrepitude. Overnight at the Ghanerao castle.
Day 7. Ghanerao - Udaipur. 5 hours. We leave Ghanerao behind to visit the Khumbalgarh Fort, the only one never conquered by the Mongols. From the heights, we admire the Aravali mountains. We pass fields and small, lively Rajasthani villages. Afternoon arrival in Udaipur. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 8. Free day in Udaipur to discover its lakes, palaces, or simply wander through its streets, where you might spot an elephant and countless shops selling Rajasthani miniatures. Overnight in Udaipur.
Day 9. Udaipur – Jodhpur. Departure towards the Ranakpur temples, one of the most important jewels of Jain architecture. The road to Ranakpur, located at the foot of the Aravali mountains, is possibly the most pleasant road of the trip. After lunch, we head to Jodhpur, the blue city. The houses in the old district are painted blue, a color that once indicated the homes of Brahmins, the highest caste in Hindu society. Upon arrival in the afternoon, we visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a hill with magnificent views of the city. Overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 10. Jodhpur - Thar Desert. 5 hours. We cross desert landscapes along a flat road where we’ll see typical Thar Desert camels. We arrive at our campsite in the middle of the desert, where we take a camel ride ending on the dunes, watching the sunset with a cold beer. Overnight on the dunes, enjoying the magical desert night sky.
Day 11. Thar Desert - Jaisalmer. 3 hours. Jaisalmer is the jewel of the Rajasthan desert, known as the Golden City. Free afternoon to explore Jaisalmer and its incredible palaces and "havelis," old houses built during the city's commercial peak. The stonework on the facades gives the impression of delicate filigree. Overnight in Jaisalmer.
Option B: Night train in case the Jaisalmer – Delhi flight is canceled. Departure on the night train at 7:00 pm from Jaisalmer, arriving the next day at 10:30 am in Delhi to catch the final flight to Kathmandu at 6:35 pm. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 12. Jaisalmer - Delhi – Kathmandu. Return to Delhi by local flight. Arrival in Delhi around 2:00 pm. Departure to Kathmandu at 2:00 pm, arriving at 6:00 pm. Transfer from Kathmandu to the magical medieval city of Bhaktapur, arriving for dinner. Overnight in Bhaktapur.
Day 13. Kathmandu. Free day to visit Kathmandu and its wonders: Durbar Square and the surrounding palaces. The Thamel district is full of shops, restaurants, cafes, and trekking gear stores. Others might prefer to visit the Pashupatinath temple and nearby ghats, where Hindu cremation ceremonies take place. Other interesting sites include Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, and Swayambhu, also known as the Monkey Temple. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 14. Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara - Dhampus. 4 hours. 40% off-road. Early departure to catch the flight to Pokhara, where our motorbikes and support team await. Arrival at noon and the start of our off-road adventure. We ride through the Pokhara valley, passing through typical villages with stunning views. Arrival in Dhampus after climbing a track offering one of the most beautiful views of the trip, overlooking Machapuchare and Annapurna. Overnight in Dhampus.
Day 15. Dhampus – Kusma – Beni. 6 hours. 50% off-road. We head to Kusma, crossing several suspension bridges over the Kusma River. Lunch across the longest suspension bridge in Nepal, over 200m long and 150m high. Arrival in Beni around 4:00 pm, where we enjoy cold beers at our hilltop hotel. Overnight in Beni.
Day 16. Beni – Kalopani. 5h30. 90% off-road. The main trail becomes an adventure as we navigate obstacles to enter the Mustang Valley. Expect delays due to landslides. Stop for chai after the permit checkpoint in Ghasa. We visit Titi on a circular route through a dense forest, crossing two suspension bridges. Overnight in Kalopani.
Day 17. Kalopani – Kagbeni. 6h. 90% off-road. The route depends on the river level, as we follow a path alongside it, crossing small wooden bridges. Another suspension bridge leads us to a village for lunch. Arrival in Kagbeni, with its Tibetan-style architecture and an ancient Buddhist monastery. Free afternoon to explore the town. Overnight in Kagbeni.
Day 18. Kagbeni – Muktinath – Marpha. 6h. 90% off-road. We visit the lunar-like landscapes of Muktinath at 3800m, enjoying a chai at the highest point of our tour. After visiting its temples, we return along a small trail to Kagbeni and continue to a viewpoint with close views of the 7000m Nilgiri peak. Free afternoon in Marpha, a charming village surrounded by Himalayan views and a Buddhist monastery. Overnight in Marpha.
Day 19. Marpha - Pokhara. 5h30. 70% off-road. We return along the main trail, ending the trip at Sarangkot, a mountain overlooking Pokhara and its lake — perfect for paragliding the next day. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 20. Pokhara. Free day. Options include paragliding, lakeside relaxation, hiking, or wandering through the city streets. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 21. Pokhara - Kathmandu - Bhaktapur. Internal flight to Kathmandu, followed by a transfer to Bhaktapur, a medieval city in the valley. Afternoon free to explore its UNESCO-listed temples and wooden, metal, and stone artworks. Overnight in Bhaktapur.
Day 22. International flight. Final hours before transfers to the airport for your international flights home. End of services.
Trip Duration:
22 days, 21 nights in hotels (from day 1 to day 21 included).
Trip not recommended for motorcycle passengers. Journey with a Himalayan model motorcycle.
Price includes:
Price does not include:
Weather and clothing during the trip:
The average temperature in India and Nepal during the tour period is 26°/28°C. The weather is generally dry and sunny but can change, and temperatures may drop in the mountains, especially in the mornings and evenings. Expect sunny and mild days, colder nights as we gain altitude, and possibly some hours of rain. It is advisable to bring high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and gloves.
Motorcycle gear: Helmet (we recommend an off-road one), jacket, gloves, motorcycle boots, and rain gear (two-piece sets are the best option). If it's a bit windy, a waterproof jacket is enough to keep warm in the morning rides. During the day, it will be warm while riding, so the ideal motorcycle gear should have a removable lining. Bring a pair of warmer gloves if you tend to feel cold during early morning starts. A magnetic tank bag is practical for carrying your camera, gloves, and other essentials.
Road conditions and driving in India and Nepal:
Driving in these two countries can be chaotic near urban areas, with rules completely different from what we are used to in Europe, although one quickly adapts.
Route type:
The first section of both trips, in Rajasthan, is 100% asphalt.
The final section in Nepal is 70% off-road and 30% asphalt.
This circuit is only suitable for experienced riders with off-road and trail experience due to the difficulty of the route.
Nepal is an incredible and magical country, but it is not an easy destination for those lacking patience or unfamiliar with unexpected situations and delays. If you decide to join the group, please keep in mind that you will need to be flexible with unforeseen events and possible delays due to the special conditions of the country, especially in this region of Nepal. This type of motorcycle adventure involves certain risks that we assume you are aware of and accept.
Having a positive attitude and a good sense of humor is essential to fully enjoy this trip.
Royal Enfield Himalayan Motorcycles:
Himalayan 452cc: The latest addition to the Royal Enfield family. 6-speed gearbox, disc brakes, and electric start. With long-travel suspension and a 21" front wheel and 17" rear wheel, it is a true off-road motorcycle.
1- Registrations will be made strictly in order of reservation date. This means that if you book at the last minute, you may have to opt for a single room if there is no one else to share a double room with. The sooner you book, the more chances you have of getting a double room.
2- It is mandatory to take out travel insurance that covers motorcycle use. If you don't have one through your credit card or car/motorcycle insurance, this type of insurance covers medical expenses abroad and repatriation by plane in case of illness or accident.
In the following videos, you can better see and understand the terrain on the different stages.