A MUST-RIDE TO MUSTANG

A MOTORCYCLE JOURNEY TO NEPAL'S UPPER MUSTANG VALLEY ON THE ROYAL ENFIELD'S WORKHORSE THE HIMALAYAN

- Bhanu Prakash Chandra

ROUTE AND GETTING THERE

Kathmandu Siddarthanagar (by coach)

Pokhara-Kalopani - Lo ManthangChchosser Lo Manthang

Samar

Marpha

Tatopani

Pokhara (by coach) Kathmandu

IN YOUR TWENTIES, you are supercharged to go on any adventure trip. Your thirties is when you want to go on an adventure, yet, you give it a second thought. But in your forties begins self-doubt-about your physical ability to go on an adventure, especially when it is a motorcycle ride on rugged and inclement Himalayan terrain that requires lasting physical endurance. I have lived my twenties and thirties with numerous adventure trips without a second thought and recovered from many injuries sustained during those rides. But, now, in my early forties, my mind is a bit cautious, yet it craves adventure, to prove t that age is just a number.

I was invited by Royal Enfield to ride in Nepal with 33 adventure-hungry riders from Kathmandu to Lo Manthang from May 21 to June 1. A walled town of less than 200 houses, Lo Manthang is situated in Upper Mustang Valley, at the altitude of 13,840 metres above sea level. The geography falls in the Annapurna conservation area in the north of Nepal, bordering the Tibetan Autonomous Region. The place was once the capital of the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo. Entry for foreign visitors was forbidden until recently. Even today entry is restricted-a $500 travel permit is needed by all foreigners to visit Lo Manthang. It is still one of the most isolated and pristine locations on Earth.

HOW TO PREPARE

Protective gloves

Protectives are a must

Full-face helmet

Armoured jacket