Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour

Duration: 17 Days
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About Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour

The Upper Mustang is the last forbidden kingdom located in the Trans-Himalayan region of Western Nepal. It was opened for tourists only in 1992. Since then it has been a popular destination in Nepal for trekking. Recently, it has been growing as a popular destination for mountain biking enthusiasts.

The Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour covers a diverse range of areas from the arid region to the lowlands of Tatopani. The trail follows the ancient salt trading route where one can have the opportunity to explore and experience the unique culture and tradition of the local people which have been preserved for a long time. The people living around Jomsom and Marpha are the Thakali people, while those living in the upper regions have a culture that heavily resembles the Tibetan culture. Both of these communities practice Tibetan Buddhism. Another unique feature of this tour is the Lubra village. It is the only village in the Mustang region where you can observe the people practicing the pre-Buddhist religion called,' Bon'.

The majority of this tour lies within the border of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project known for its rich bio-diversity. Stunning views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 M), Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Tukuche Peak, and many more snowcapped mountains can be seen while riding along Buddhist monasteries, chortens, stupas, wall caves, and peaceful villages. On the tour, you will ride along the world's deepest gorge, the Kaligandaki River Gorge.

Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour Itinerary

Our Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour Itinerary is 17 days. It starts from Jomsom and ends at Beni. And the best thing is that it can be customized according to your desire, physical fitness level, time frame, budget, etc. Please leave us a message; our experts will help you craft a perfect itinerary that ensures a top-notch experience with safety.

Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour Cost

The Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour Cost depends on factors like the group size, type of transport used, hotels, duration, inclusive or non-inclusive package tours, etc. Our Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour Package costs 2350 USD per person based on a group of 4 to 7 people. It is a 17-day all-inclusive package. 

Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour Difficulty

The Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour Difficulty is of a moderate one. You do not need to be a professional mountain biker for this tour but still, you will need to be in good shape as we will be riding above 3000 meters of altitude on many occasions including above 4000 meters. Sometimes, we will need to push our bikes in difficult terrain. The riding distance is not long but the altitude will be high above 3000 meters most of the time. 

Highlights

  • Last forbidden kingdom with people that have rich culture and tradition that resembles the Tibetan people
  • Lo-Manthang, a walled capital city of Upper Mustang, built-in 1380 AD by the first King of Lho, ‘Ame Pal’
  • Breathtaking views of mountains like Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna ranges
  • Centuries-old monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism and the rare Bon religion
  • 25-minute of a scenic flight over the Himalayas from Pokhara to Jomsom
  • Mountain biking through the world’s deepest gorge,' Kali Gandaki Gorge'
  • Almost treeless barren landscape like the Plateau Tibetan
  • Natural hot spring in Tatopani

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350 M)

One of the members of our company will welcome you at the international airport terminal gate and take you to the hotel. You will have a few hours to rest. Later, in the evening, you will meet with the tour guide in your hotel lobby. He will brief you on the day 2 program. 

  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

After having breakfast, you will go on a sightseeing tour. You will visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, etc. All of these places are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the evening, you will arrange the required gear. And you will meet your MTB guide as well who will brief you about the biking tour program. 

  • B&B
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M

Today, you will drive to Pokhara. The drive will be long and scenic. Upon reaching Pokhara, you will rest for a few hours. Later in the evening, you will explore the Lakeside market and do boating on Fewa Lake. 

  • B&L
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Pokhara
  • 825 M
  • 7 hours

Taking an early morning flight, you will fly to Jomsom. The rest of the crew members will be waiting for you there. The flight presents gorgeous landscapes and mountain views. From Jomsom, you will begin biking towards Kagbeni. The route will be fairly easy and rideable. On the way, you will see a beautiful view of nature. 

Distance: 11km
Rideable: 100% 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Kagbeni
  • 2810 M
  • 2 hours

Today you will be ascending a rugged trail. The path will have tiny boulders, however, you can easily ride your bike on that. Upon reaching Muktinath, you will get freshened up and visit one of the holiest pilgrimage sites of Hindus, Muktinath Temple. 

Distance: 13 km
Rideable: 100%

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Muktinath
  • 3760 M
  • 3 hours

From today onwards, you will ride into the forbidden land of Upper Mustang. The trail takes you to the Gyu La Pass from where you will ride downhill and reach Chhuksang. After having lunch here, you will bike along the bank of the Kali Gandaki River and cross a bridge. The path from here will take you to Chele where you will get to see superb views of Mt. Nilgiri and Kali Gandaki River.  

Distance: 20 km
Rideable: 90% 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chele
  • 3050 M
  • 5 hours

After having breakfast, you will begin ascending towards Ghiling enjoying captivating views of Mt. Nilgiri and Mt. Annapurna, you will ascend on a ridge. From here, you will ride through a few small villages and reach Ghiling. 

Distance: 23km
Rideable: 90%

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Ghiling
  • 3570 M
  • 5 hours

The trail today will take you to the Nya La Pass. After having a warm breakfast, you will ascend a rugged path and lead to the top of the pass. From here, you will descend and cross Ghami La Pass to reach Ghami. Here you can see many mani walls and ancient monasteries including the longest mani wall of Upper Mustang which is believed to be an intestine of a demon. You will have lunch here then bike through Ghami Khola and the long Mani wall,  pass by Tsarang La pass (3870M), and descend down a dirt road to Tsarang. 

Distance: 22 km
Rideable: 90%

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Tsarang
  • 3560 M
  • 5 hours

Today, the trail will take you to Lo-Manthang, the Kingdom of Lo. After having a warm breakfast, you will begin ascending toward Lo La Pass. From the top of the pass, amazing views of the surrounding can be seen. From here, you will ride for half an hour and reach Lo-Manthang. You will visit the Monasteries and the museum there.

Distance: 18 km
Rideable: 100%

 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Lo-Manthang
  • 3810 M
  • 2 hours

It is your rest day in Lo-Manthang. You will spend the day traversing Lo-Manthang and its nearby areas. You will visit ancient gumba, royal palace, inhabited caves, and museums where you will get to learn and experience the lifestyle of the locals people.

Rideable:100% 

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Lo-Manthang
  • 3810 M
  • 4-5 hours

Leaving Lo-Manthang behind, you will cross two passes. On the way, you will stop at Ghar Gompa and also get to see beautiful views. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the Upper Mustang. You will have lunch at Ghar Gompa and then ride to Ghami for the night's stay. 

Distance: 22 km
Rideable: 90%

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Ghami
  • 3520 M
  • 5 hours

Riding on an easy trail, you will reach Samar. From here, you will ascend towards Dajori La Pass (3735 M) and descend down to Chele for a night's stay. 

Distance: 32 km
Rideable: 95%

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Chele
  • 3050 M
  • 5-6 hours

Riding along the Kali Gandaki riverbank, you will move towards Marpha. After reaching Kagbeni, you will take a small lunch break and continue riding towards Jomsom. Further, the trail will take you to the village of Apple orchards, Marpha for a night's stay. It is a beautiful village of the Thakali people with a unique culture and tradition. You will get to taste one of the most delicious apples here and other apple products. 

Distance: 36km
Rideable: 100%

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Marpha
  • 2670 M
  • 5 hours

After a good night's sleep, you will begin riding along the Kali Gandaki River. The trail goes downhill presenting lush and green scenery. You will pass by several beautiful villages and cross bridges eventually reaching Tatopani.   

Distance: 43 km
Rideable: 100%

  • B,L&D
  • Lodge
  • Tatopani
  • 1190 M
  • 5 hours

From Tatopani, you will ride along the river bed and reach Beni. From here, you will hop on the bus and drive towards Pokhara. 

Distance: 23km  
Rideable: 100% 

  • B&L
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Pokhara
  • 825 M
  • 6 hours

After having breakfast, you will drive to Kathmandu. The drive will present beautiful views of green hills, rivers, terraced fields, and small settlements. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will move to the hotel and rest for the day. In the evening, you will be joining a farewell dinner organized by the company.

  • B,L&D
  • 3 star category hotel
  • Kathmandu
  • 1350 M
  • 7 hours

As per your flight departure time, one of the representatives of our company will take you to the airport for your flight back to your home. 

  • B&B

What’s Included

  • One porter for two people (maximum weight:12 kg per client) and an assistant guide for group sizes above 4 people.
  • 3 nights’ accommodation in a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara on a BB basis.
  • All the necessary permits including a special permit for the restricted area and paperwork.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, hot drinks) during the tour.
  • Lodge/Tea House accommodations with twin sharing basis during the tour.
  • Rescue and evacuation arrangements in case of emergency. 
  • All the staff’s salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance.
  • Kathmandu valley tour with a tour guide in a private vehicle.
  • Government taxes, service charges, and official expenses.
  • Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu by private vehicle.
  • Professional English-speaking MTB guide.
  • Round flight Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara.
  • All airport and hotel transfers.
  • Tips for the guide, assistant guide, porter, and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Excess baggage charges during domestic flights (only 15kg altogether).
  • Meal while you are in Kathmandu and Pokhara, i.e. Lunch and Dinner.
  • Personal bicycle (to bring your own or rent at Kathmandu).
  • Medical evacuation cost (In case of emergency).
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • Your personal expenses.
  • International airfare.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.

Useful Information

Upper Mustang Special Permit
To limit the number of visitors to reduce the impact on the environment on local culture and environment, the Nepal government has made it mandatory for visitors to have a special permit to enter the Limi Valley. And to obtain special permits, visitors should be at least two going through a government-registered agency.