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16 Days

Upper Mustang Biking

  • OVERVIEW
  • HIGHLIGHTS
  • ITINERARY

Trip Overview

The Upper Mustang Biking adventure is one of Nepal’s most exciting mountain biking journeys. This thrilling ride takes you deep into the remote Himalayan region of Upper Mustang, located in northwestern Nepal near the Tibetan border.

Known for its unique desert-like landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, dramatic cliffs, caves, monasteries, and traditional villages, Upper Mustang offers a completely different experience from other regions of Nepal.

The journey begins in Kathmandu and continues to Pokhara before flying to Jomsom, where the biking adventure officially starts. The trail passes through beautiful villages such as Kagbeni, Chele, Tsarang, Lo-Manthang, Dhi, Tangge, Chhusang, and Marpha.

This biking expedition combines adventure, culture, spirituality, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Riders will explore ancient Himalayan settlements, visit sacred temples and monasteries, ride through challenging off-road trails, and witness stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

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Upper Mustang Biking Highlights

REGION
Mustang
MAX ALTITUDE
4,660 m / 15,288 ft
ACTIVITY
Mountain Biking & Trekking
DIFFICULTY
Moderate to Strenous
  •     
    Ride through the ancient Kingdom of Mustang

        
    Experience the dramatic desert-like landscapes of Upper Mustang

        
    Visit the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath

        
    Ride to Kora La, the Nepal–Tibet border

        
    Explore the walled city of Lo-Manthang

        
    Enjoy breathtaking Himalayan scenery and remote mountain trails

        
    Taste the famous apples, apple pie, and apple brandy in Marpha and Jomsom

        
    Relax in the natural hot springs at Tatopani

        
    Experience thrilling single-track and off-road biking trails

Itinerary

Day 1Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Not Included
Day 2Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (900 m)

After breakfast, we drive to Pokhara via the scenic Prithvi Highway. The journey takes around 7–9 hours and offers beautiful views of rivers, hills, and countryside landscapes.

Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3Flight to Jomsom & Ride to Kagbeni

Today we take an early morning scenic flight to Jomsom. After assembling the bikes and final preparations, we begin our first ride toward Kagbeni.

Kagbeni is a beautiful Tibetan-style village located on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River.

Overnight: Guesthouse
Max Altitude: Jomsom (2,720 m) & Kagbeni (2,810 m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4Ride from Kagbeni to Chele (3,050 m)

Today’s ride enters the dry and rugged landscapes of Upper Mustang. The route passes through barren hills, dramatic cliffs, and traditional villages with incredible mountain views.

Overnight: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5Ride from Chele to Tsarang (3,620 m)

We continue riding through scenic mountain trails toward Syangboche and finally reach the ancient village of Tsarang. The route offers stunning desert landscapes, monasteries, and beautiful Himalayan scenery.

Overnight: Hotel/Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6Ride from Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3,810 m)

Today we ride to Lo-Manthang, the ancient walled capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang. Lo-Manthang is culturally rich and known for its monasteries, royal palace, and traditional Tibetan lifestyle.

Overnight: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7Ride to Kora La (4,660 m) & Return to Lo-Manthang

Today’s adventure takes us to Kora La, the Nepal–Tibet border.

After spending some time at the border area, we ride via Choser village and explore ancient cave monasteries before returning to Lo-Manthang.

Overnight: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8Rest & Exploration Day in Lo-Manthang

Today is reserved for acclimatization and exploring the fascinating culture, monasteries, and traditional lifestyle of Lo-Manthang.

Overnight: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9Ride from Lo-Manthang to Dhi Gaon (3,400 m)

Today we ride through Lo-La Pass (3,950 m) and descend along one of the most exciting and adventurous biking trails of the trip. The route passes through yak pastures, canyons, and remote Himalayan landscapes before reaching Dhi Gaon.

Overnight: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10Ride from Dhi Gaon to Tangge (3,240 m)

Today’s route follows remote wilderness trails with thrilling downhill sections and scenic mountain views. The ride continues through rugged landscapes before arriving at the peaceful village of Tangge.

Overnight: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11Ride from Tangge to Chhusang (2,980 m)

Today’s ride is challenging and adventurous, with some sections requiring pushing or carrying the bikes. The reward is an incredible downhill ride through dramatic Himalayan terrain leading to Chhusang village.

Overnight: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12Ride to Marpha via Muktinath & Lupra Valley

Today we ride through the sacred pilgrimage town of Muktinath before descending through scenic trails toward Lupra Valley.

After lunch in Jomsom, we continue to Marpha — a beautiful village famous for apples, apple pie, and local apple brandy.

Overnight: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13Ride from Marpha to Tatopani (1,190 m)

Today’s trail includes one of the most exciting downhill rides of the trip.

After passing waterfalls and rugged trails, we finally reach Tatopani, where you can relax in the natural hot springs.

Overnight: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14Ride to Beni & Drive to Pokhara

Today is the final day of biking. We ride toward Beni, marking the end of the Annapurna Circuit biking route. From Beni, we drive back to Pokhara and enjoy a relaxing evening by the lakeside.

Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15Drive Back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional Nepali cultural performances.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Day 16Final Departure

Your Upper Mustang biking adventure concludes today. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.You may also choose to extend your stay in Nepal.

Meals: Breakfast
Talk to an Expert
Rajani Kapali
Tour Manager
ENQUIRE NOW

GEAR AND EQUIPMENT GUIDE FOR YOUR BIKING TRIP

Important: The following equipment list provides a general guideline for your biking trip. Personal preferences may vary; however, it is important to pack appropriately for varying Himalayan weather conditions.

Support: A vehicle and guide will carry major repair tools and spares, but it’s good to bring some essentials like a puncture kit and Allen keys. Carry your daily personal items (money, water bottle, rain gear, camera, sunscreen, toilet paper) yourself. Pack in two bags.

Gear and Equipment Lists
Riding Kit
  • 3 pairs of bike gloves
  • Biking glasses
  • Padded cycling shorts (for at least 5 rides)
  • Long-sleeve base layers
  • Short and long-sleeve cycling tops
  • At least 5 pairs of biking socks
  • Hat and non-biking gloves
  • Head torch

Note: Get your bike serviced professionally before the trip and ask for dry lube on your chain.

General Gear
  • Four-season (zero-degree) sleeping bag (rentals available for $35)
  • Puffy down jacket (rentals available for $35)
  • Daypack (35–45 liters) with rain cover
  • Sleeping bag liner
Upper Body
  • Sun hat or cap (we provide a free baseball cap)
  • Knitted hat/beanie
  • Scarf or neck gaiter (recommended)
  • Headlamp
  • Sunglasses
Torso
  • Technical base layers (light for warm, heavy for cold)
  • 2 short-sleeve and 2 long-sleeve shirts
  • Waterproof, windproof jacket
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
Lower Body
  • Technical base layers (light or heavy)
  • 2 hiking pants
  • Comfortable pants for indoors
  • Waterproof, windproof shell
  • Hiking shorts
Hands
  • Wool or technical liner gloves
  • Hard-shell insulated gloves for cold
Feet
  • Warm wool or technical socks
  • Hiking socks
  • Optional liner socks (like silk)
  • Waterproof trekking boots
  • Casual shoes
  • Gaiters (light for dust, heavy for snow)
Undergarments
  • Quick-drying underwear (laundry possible during trip)
  • Sports bras (for women)
  • Pajamas or sleeping clothes

First Aid and Meds:

  • Guides have basic kits, but bring your own if possible
  • Sunscreen, lip balm, ointments

Other Essentials:

  • Passport and extra photo copies
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Toiletry kit
  • Water purification tablets or UV purifier (optional)
  • Hydration bladder
  • Towel and pillowcase
  • Toilet paper (2 rolls)
  • High-protein snacks (bars, nuts)
  • Waterproof/dry bags for documents and money
  • Airline tickets (leave a copy with our office)

Other Essentials:

  • Power bank or extra batteries
  • Camera and phone
  • Books or cards
  • Binoculars
  • Trekking poles
  • Whistle