Go on a Mustang Valley and Muktinath bike trip and give another dimension to your holidays in South Asia. Mustang is a region in north-western Nepal with the altitude varying from 9000 feet to around 22000 feet. Arrive in Gorakhpur, a city located on the confluence of the Rapti and Rohini Rivers in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The city has numerous Hindu temples for you to visit and pay homage at. Run system checks on the vehicles at the hotel and attend a briefing about the programme. Following an overnight stay here, begin the road journey by crossing the international border to enter Nepal. The flat plains will transform into the rugged hills and deciduous forests of the Shivalik Hills on the way to Pokhara.

After staying at the hotel, which overlooks the Phewa Lake, recommence the Mustang motor bike tour and head towards Tatopani. The village is known for its natural sulphur hot springs that attract tourists from around the globe. Upon beginning the drive from Pokhara several peaks of the Annapurna massif, including Machhapuchhre will be visible. Follow the Kali Gandaki River upstream and upon reaching Tatopani, bathe in the hot springs. Get rest at a hotel in the village at night, and thereafter begin yet another leg of this Muktinath motor bike tour that will take you to Jomsom.

Before going any further, enjoy a leisurely day in Jomsom to admire the nature and also to acclimatise to the high-altitude climate. Travel to the ultimate destination of this expedition after resting and getting used to tough weather conditions in Jomsom. Once you reach Muktinath, pay homage at the famous temple, which is revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike. Following an overnight stay at a nearby hotel, restart the Mustang Valley motorcycle tour to arrive in the tranquil village of Beni. At dawn drive out of Beni and move further southwards, crossing the Himalayas and reaching the city of Gorakhpur to end the expedition.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Gorakhpur
On arrival in the city of Gorakhpur, check-in at the hotel. Get your hands on the motorcycles and run a round of systems check before starting the on-road venture. Later, attend a briefing about the Mustang Valley and Muktinath bike trip that will begin tomorrow. After the briefing, relish a scrumptious dinner and then retire for the night.

Day 02: Gorakhpur to Pokhara (286 km approx.)
Begin this Mustang motor bike tour by driving up to the city of Pokhara in Nepal. Upon crossing the international border, say goodbye to the plains and then begin driving on winding mountain roads. Descend through the mountains to reach the city of Pokhara, which is located in a valley. On arriving here, travel to the locality of Baidam or Lake Side, named so as it is situated on the eastern shore of Phewa Lake. Check-in at the hotel in Lake Side for an overnight stay.

Day 03: Pokhara to Tatopani (101 km approx.)
Begin the scenic leg of this Muktinath motor bike tour by travelling towards Tatopani. The road up to the town of Beni is in a good condition, and the views that it offers are equally spectacular. As you drive along the Kali Gandaki River, click photos of Mount Machhapuchhre and other summits of the Annapurna massif. Beyond Beni, the condition of the road deteriorates and a muddy and rocky track comes up.

Riding on this track till Tatopani will give you the real essence of a mountain biking expedition. On reaching Tatopani, take a dip in its famous hot sulphur springs and then transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay

Day 04: Tatopani to Jomsom (50 km approx.)
This leg of the Mustang Valley motorcycle tour will take you through changing landscape within the Himalayas. Subtropical forests will turn into those of pines as you ride to moderate elevations. At higher altitudes deodar, fir and spruces will start dominating the mountain slopes. In and around Jomsom, the landscape will be almost bereft of vegetation and only few shrubs and grasses will be seen. The highway, leading to Jomsom, will again bequeath you views of the Annapurna Range of the Himalayas. On reaching Jomsom, transfer to your lodging and rest.

Day 05: Jomsom
Lay off biking for a day, and spend the time exploring the serene surroundings and acclimatising.

Day 06: Jomsom to Muktinath (24 km approx.)
Restart the Mustang Valley and Muktinath bike trip by heading upstream along the Kali Gandaki River. Keep capturing and admiring barren mountains along the way that are unparalleled in beauty. On reaching here, avail an optional visit to the famous and revered Muktinath Temple. It is unique in the fact that it is sacred to both Buddhists as well as Hindu. Its three-tier pagoda structure speaks of the strong Buddhist influence on the regional culture. Later, transfer to the hotel near the shrine for an overnight stay.

Day 07: Muktinath to Beni (94 km approx.)
Begin the downhill phase of this Mustang motor bike tour by following the Kali Gandaki River downstream. As you lose altitude, notice the barren landscape become lush once again. On arrival in Beni, transfer to your lodging and stay overnight.

Day 08: Beni to Gorakhpur (360 km approx.)
On this leg of the Muktinath motor bike tour, head towards Gorakhpur, leaving the Himalayas behind and entering the northern plains. On arrival in Gorakhpur, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Departure from Gorakhpur
End this Mustang Valley motorcycle tour by departing from Gorakhpur for your onward journey.