It was hard to keep our eyes on the road. John Coleman trying not to get distracted by Annapurna, Tilitso and Nilgiri North in the background. Photos by the author.
Our journey into the remote Upper Mustang area of Nepal began in the paradox that is Kathmandu, with the rattle of traffic, constant blare of horns and air choked with dust and exhaust?chaos at its finest. But Kathmandu is also filled with the incredible warmth of the Nepali people, hassle-free wanders through winding alleys, vibrant shrines and delicious food of all types.
I was here to run a small reconnaissance tour into the Upper Mustang Valley on Royal Enfield?s latest model, the Himalayan, a 411cc single-cylinder enduro style motorcycle that is as close to perfect for the region as one can get. New models feature electronic fuel injection (read the road test here), but this first iteration was carbureted. Royal Enfield’s mighty Himalayan at rest in its natural habitat.
The four of us on the ride have easygoing natures and a love of adventure just right for a trip into the unknown. Alam and I have run Himalayan Moto Tours since my father passed away about seven years ago. Chris Poland is a longtime friend and client who has ridden almost everywhere there is to ride, and John Coleman is a new friend and client who is no slouch in the saddle.
John Coleman looking refreshed at a chai stop outside of Pokhara. We tried to stop every hour and a half or so, just to keep alert and sane.
The Upper Mustang is a...