Upper Mustang Biking Trip
Trip Overview
Embark on a supported mountain biking tour, a journey that stands in a league of its own. This exclusive adventure leads you into the rarefied environment of the Upper Mustang frontier, offering a unique perspective of Tibet’s central heartlands on the fringes of the Annapurna Mountain Region via Jomsom. With only a handful having ventured into this territory, these nine days of biking and a 13-days round trip are reserved for the select few, making you part of an elite group of adventurers.
Upper Mustang, nestled along the Tibetan border, was closed to outsiders until 1992 when the Government of Nepal initiated a limited access policy. This relative seclusion has safeguarded the distinct culture of this region, where the traditional way of life has endured for centuries. Inhabited predominantly by people of Tibetan descent, the culture, religion, and geography here bear a stronger resemblance to Tibet than Nepal. We deeply respect and strive to preserve this unique culture in every aspect of our journey, and we invite you to join us in this appreciation and respect.
This has to be one of the most unique mountain biking trips. It is undoubtedly a rare glimpse within a Kingdom with an enforced border requiring a permit and limiting terrain locked between Himalayan peaks and the Tibetan plateau. We are dropped by plane amidst 7000 meter peaks in the historic Annapurna’s (the 1st peak ever climbed in Nepal) with Tibet just to the north and some 5000 meters descent into Pokhara Valley, which will require two weeks(15 days) round trip.
Our team ensures your safety and comfort throughout the trip. We provide professional guides, support vehicles, and medical kits to handle any emergencies. We fly you from Pokhara directly to Jomsom at 2720m alt. and ride to the edge of the Mustang frontier at Kagbeni below the Thorung La pass. Over the next 09 days, we will take you inside a region that is rugged enough to form the backdrop for any ‘Marlboro’ commercial, where the locals are just as talented as a horse. This exceptional trip offers intermediate and above bikers a rare opportunity to hone their skills and test their talents with climbs and downhills that let it all hang out and monasteries that few would ever chance to pass. The trails are remote and need to be better maintained. There are few villages and no hospitals. However, with our comprehensive safety measures, you can rest assured that you are in good hands, allowing you to fully enjoy the rewards of this challenging adventure.
Every effort is made to preserve the local culture and minimize the impact of Western influence, making our trips culturally sensitive. These trips are highly exclusive, requiring special Government permits and, in most cases, a Government liaison officer to accompany each group. This exclusivity adds a layer of prestige to your adventure.
This 750-square-mile kingdom was established in the 14th century by Ame Pal, a Tibetan warlord. The current king can trace his ancestry back 25 generations to Ame Pal. Although a 160-year-old treaty requires the king of Mustang to pay an annual tribute to the Now Ex-King of Nepal, and Mustang is a vassal state of Nepal, the “kingdom” retains a sense of independence. As we enter Mustang, the terrain becomes arid and barren, reaching the Plain of Aspirations and Lo Manthang, the capital. The walled city/fort has buildings dating to the early 1400s and some of the largest Tibetan gompas in Nepal.
Transportation
Flight/Jeep-Bus
Biking per day
5 to 9 hours
Best Season
Oct-Dec / Mar-May
Group Size
2 Min - 16 Max
Accomodation
Hotel/Tea House
Trip Grade
Strenuous
Max Height
4210M
Start/End
Kathmandu
Trip Highlight
- Immerse in the medieval Kagbeni village.
- Indulge in the unique experience of relishing Yak Donalds, the local version of McDonald’s, at Kagbeni.
- Seize the excellent opportunity to engage with the warm and welcoming locals, who will make you feel like a part of their community.
- Embark on a profound spiritual journey to understand Tibetan Buddhism, an experience that will enrich your soul and deepen your spiritual connection.
- Appreciate the magnificent Mt. Fishtail, Annapurna South, Annapurna II, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri, Damodhar Peak, and many other Himalayan Peaks.
- Ride on the suspension bridges.
- Swing through several passes like Beg La, Yamda La, Syangboche La, Nyi La, Ghemi La, and Chogo La.
- Shred the natural off-camber single tracks of the Himalayas, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience for adventure enthusiasts.
- Explore the ancient Forbidden Kingdom- Lo Manthang.
- Explore the exclusive ancient caves and red cliffs.
- Opportunities to visit and stay overnight in untouched, hidden villages of Upper Mustang.
- Ride in the old salt trade routes.
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Detail Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), a company representative or a guide will welcome you and ensure a seamless transfer to the hotel. Rest assured, our hotels in Kathmandu are hand-picked with great care, focusing on top-notch hygiene and cleanliness to provide you with a comfortable and pleasant stay. A guide and a driver will be assigned according to the day's plan for shopping, side strolls, and welcome dinner, ensuring your needs are met.
Kathmandu, with its rich culture and vibrant lifestyle, can be a fascinating experience, especially for a first-time visitor to Nepal. As you explore the city, you will be captivated by the diversity and unique customs of the Nepalese people. However, it's important to be cautious while navigating the streets and alleys, and to avoid unsolicited interactions. To fully appreciate your visit, we recommend learning about Kathmandu's culture and customs in advance, which will enhance your experience and prevent any culture shock or inconvenience.
 
 Welcome Dinner
 Hotel
Our journey begins with a morning or afternoon flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival, you can take a leisurely walk around Phewa Lake, soaking in the serenity with the majestic Mt. Fishtail (6,993 meters) as your backdrop. If you require any gear for the trip, rest assured that Pokhara offers a range of stores where you can easily find what you need, ensuring you're fully prepared for the adventure ahead.
  Breakfast
 Hotel
We will take an early morning flight to Jomsom. Upon landing at Jomsom, you will see the stunning views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Mt. Nilgiri (7060m) on a clear day. From Jomsom, we will take a jeep track ride towards Kagbeni, riding alongside the Kali Gandaki River on the left side of the trail. It will be a gradual climb, indeed an easy ride for the first day; however, the trail can be dusty as the jeep track follows to various places in the Annapurna region. As we reach this gorgeous medieval village, you will be captivated by its beauty- a lively main square with prayer flags and herds of goats, narrow alleyways, ancient mud-pack houses, and monasteries. If you succeed in interacting with locals, you will hear some incredible local stories.
  Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
 Tea House
Our day will begin with a gradual climb towards Chhumpa village, leading us to Samar via Kyuten. This part of the journey, which takes us above 3000 meters from sea level, will be a challenging yet rewarding experience. As we cross Chilungpa Khola and some small streams, the breathtaking and ever-changing landscape of the Upper Mustang region will captivate your senses. If you're a fan of cross-country riding, you're in for a memorable day.
  Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
 Tea House
Today's journey is a collective effort to conquer the steep bits. We ride through many high passes like Bhena La(3830m), Beg La(3840m), Yamda La(4010m), Syangboche La(3850m), Nyi La(4020m), and Ghemi La(3765m)before arriving at Ghami. It's a strenuous day, but we're all in this together. The day begins with a climb, but the downhill sections, with their breathtaking views, are like a reward for our hard work, fuelling our excitement to continue our journey. We pause for a lunch break at Ghiling, then ride uphill for about 2 hrs, followed by a long downhill before reaching Ghami. Ghami is a picturesque village with extensive farmlands where the locals grow wheat. Don't forget to visit a local monastery there if you arrive early.
  Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
 Tea House
Our journey will take us to Dhakmar, where you can spot blue sheep if you are lucky. We'll then navigate a steep climb through Muila Bhanjyang(4170m), followed by a descent to Ghar Gumba.From Muila Bhanjyang(Which means Muila Pass in Nepali) we have great view of Ghar Gumba monastery and Charang village. From Ghar Gumba, we'll tackle the challenging Chogo La(4280m)Pass. After this demanding day, we'll gradually descend towards the vibrant village of Lo Manthang. This ancient salt trade land is a living museum with a rich history dating back to the 15th and 18th centuries. The area is surrounded by rugged landscapes and towering mountains like Tilicho, Nilgiri, and Annapurna. You'll have the opportunity to visit several monasteries and the King's palace, a privilege that will immerse you in the rich culture and history of Lo Manthang.
  Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
 Tea House
Considering your health condition, we offer an optional ride. We will take you to a village just above Lo Manthang, near the Chinese border, Kamaling, which provides a unique opportunity to capture some breathtaking landscape pictures. We will also be riding to Chusar village, where we can visit the ancient cave and Tibetan monasteries. On a clear weather day, you can experience the stunning views of the Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges. As you ride through the ancient villages in the Upper Mustang, you will have the chance to delve into the ancient Tibetan culture and serenity of the Upper Mustang region.
  Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
 Tea House
Today, the trail will have a sweet single track, but it can be rocky and loose in some downhill section. This will require good technical skills and experience, challenging you to push your limits and improve your riding abilities. However, you can always take it slow and carefully. Today, the trail will have an equal amount of ascent and descent. However, it is still challenging since we had a lot of difficulty riding the previous day, so even small climbs can feel very strenuous. Luri Gumba is also worth exploring while we are around the area. The caves in Luri Gumba are filled with murals that showcase the life of Buddha and his teaching. Prayer flags and mantras carved around surround the caves. The trip to Luri Gumba can help you enhance your spiritual group. It is a must-visit place if you are highly interested in Tibetan Buddhism and have some spare time after the ride.
  Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
 Tea House
The trail today is again equally full of fun specially once you start in the morning and at the end.From the guest house you will be riding in a single trail switchbacks until you get to Dhe river suspenssion bridge. After bridge crossing we stop for food break and start climbing to the pass called Sertang La(4210m).From the pass it is mostly downhill till the Tangge village. On the way to Tangge, you can still enjoy some single tracks if you choose to ride on hiking trail. Enjoy the serene landscape around Tangge.
  Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
 Tea House
The trail today can feel longer since we will have to ascend a long climb to Pa pass(4210m) which is the highest point in this trip. It will take about 4.5 hours to walk up to the top of the pass.We arrange local horse to carry our bikes today as it is difficult to push bikes up to the top of the pass.Upon crossing that, we will be rewarded with a ridge-line flat and single-track descent all the way to Chhuksang. Chhuksang is surrounded by high red cliffs, and ancient caves. The village is not only visually stunning but also offers unique cultural experiences. You can engage in meaningful conversations with the friendly locals, which will make you feel more connected to the place and intrigued by its culture.
  Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
 Tea House
From Chhuksang, follow the trail to Tangbe and through a narrow, windy trail towards Kalobhir alongside the Kali Gandaki on the right side of the trail. Today, the last day of the Upper Mustang mountain biking trip is filled with excitement and enjoyment. Upon arriving at Kagbeni, we retrace our ride to Jomsom following the jeep track.
  Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
 Tea House
After breakfast, we will take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. A quick break at Pokhara to enjoy a glimpse of the lake and a flight back to Kathmandu from the Pokhara International Airport (PIA). Upon arriving at Kathmandu, you can take your refreshment time.Â
  Breakfast
 Hotel
After breakfast, if you have time according to your flight time, you can enjoy your spare time going around Thamel once again, then transfer to Kathmandu Airport and return to the departure point from Nepal.
 Breakfast
Pick A Month You Prefer To Explore Annapurna Base Camp
What's Included In The Package
- All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist /Private vehicle.
- Twin-sharing/double accommodation at the hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara including breakfast.
- Daily luggage drop-off service at the hotel/Tea house.
- Kathmandu-Pokhara-Jomsom-Kathmandu domestic flight.
- Twin-sharing guesthouse accommodation during the trek for 11 nights in the mountain region.
- All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner), with a cup of tea.
- Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English-speaking MTB guide.
- All the necessary permits (Special permit for Upper Mustang/Trekking permit/Local authority permits)
- Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance for all staff.
- All administrative expenses and government taxes.
- Evacuation assistance in case of emergency.
- Trip completion certificate from Avventura Himalaya.
What's Excluded In The Package
- International air fare.
- Mountain bike/Biking Gears/Extra components.
- Nepal Visa.
- Emergency Evacuation/s and medical treatments.
- Upgrade of accommodations.
- Travel Insurances.
- Emergency evacuation(s), Accidents, recovery & additional transport.
- Change in Itinerary due to cancelled helicopter flight or unavoidable delays on route i.e. landslides etc, extra or cancelled accommodation etc.
- Personal Expenses.
- Excess luggage above recommended levels.
- Some meals, all kind of bottled drinks, Internet services, hot showers etc.
- Tips for the guides, porters and drivers.
Fixed Departure Dates For 2025
Essential Information
Before booking
- Choose the right trip, considering your health, physical ability, and experiences.
- Read the terms and conditions properly.
- Make sure the payment is delivered to ensure the final confirmation.
After Booking
High-altitude activities in Nepal are not just physically demanding, they are a test of your fitness. It’s not a suggestion, it’s a necessity to ensure you’re physically ready for these adventures. By committing to physical training, you’ll not only be prepared, but you’ll also be confident and ready to take on the challenge.
Mountain Biking in Upper Mustang:
A good quality bike hire would cost for hardtail US$50-for full suspension $70 per day.
- For multiple days of biking tour at high altitudes of over 4000m, ensure you have trained yourself well. Box jump, circuit and resistance training, and Endurance training, such as mountain biking on uphill trails for many hours (60 km – 70 km per ride), can be beneficial.
- Feed on the right nutritious food rich in protein, healthy fat, and carbohydrates.
- Keep yourself focused and determined, which helps to strengthen your willpower for the next challenge ahead.
International Flights arrangements:You are responsible for arranging the international flight ticket and travel insurance, which can cover emergency evacuation and medical treatment. Our package doesn’t include this service.
Route Map
