Ultimate Nepal

22 Days

Annapurna Circuit with Upper Mustang Biking Tour. 2 of Nepal’s High Altitude XC Adventures in One Epic Journey .This unique tour takes in the very best of both tours and perhaps offers the ultimate mountain bike tour in the Himalayas.

Overview

Two of Nepal’s High Altitude XC Adventures in One Epic Journey 

This unique tour takes in the very best of both tours and perhaps offers the ultimate mountain bike tour in the Himalayas. It’s a journey to lose yourself in the rich and diverse culture of mountains, discover the different ethnic groups and lifestyles, changing landscapes and panoramic mountain views from your mountain bikes.

The trail also links up some of the best single tracks, flowing ride sections, and some of the most epic climbs in the Himalayas, including crossing the mighty Thorong La Pass at 5416m.

If you are looking to hide away from the modern world and spend some quality time with your mountain bike, then this is the tour for you.

if you are short on time than we have jomsom/muktinath – apple brandy trail for you . 

and heli biking Gya La

Trips Highlights

  • Crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5416m
  • Mountain Biking one Of the Worlds Longest Downhills
  • Exploring the hidden wonders of Lo Manthang
  • Journeying through the Deepest Gorge in the World

Itinerary

Upon your arrival in Nepal, a member of our team will meet you at the Airport and transfer you to the Hotel. We have a meet and greet with the Guide for a trip briefing and gear check. We also treat you to a welcome dinner of Nepal’s Traditional dish Dal Bhart (Rice, Lentil Soup and lots of Yummy side dishes).

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel (BB)
Meal Inclusions: Dinner

Join us on a warm up ride exploring some of the best trails in the Kathmandu Valley; test your bikes and your gear to make sure everything is ready for the journey ahead. In 3 to 4 hours of riding we will cover around 40 km at a steady pace exploring the rural parts of the valley, single tracks and sightseeing at some temples and return to Thamel for lunch, last minute bike adjustments and final packing for the trip.

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel (BB)
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Starting the day at 8am we meet at our workshop for freshly brewed Himalayan Beans coffee and then load up the bikes for the 6 hour drive to Besisahar. We stop along the way to enjoy the views and take some lunch. On arrival in Besisahar we take some time to explore the town and we also meet our porters and finalize our trip preparations.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Included meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today we ride, a little more than a 1000 meters of uphill. The trail takes us along the Marsyangdi River, it’s a beautiful section of the ride and 100% rideable. In Tal there is some nice scenery with steep sided valleys terraced with farms and small villages. Tal is situated in a deep gorge and you can see cascading waterfalls along the way.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Included meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

A challenging climb makes this one of the longest and hardest sections along the biking trail. The terrain is rugged but fun. There is great jungle and river scenery so take this stage steadily and enjoy the ride.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Included meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

The trail still climbs but becomes more rideable today as it widens back into a jeep track. The jungle opens up into the arid mountain region and you can get great views of the Himalaya as you ride. It’s a good idea to take it steady to allow your body to acclimatize.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Included meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Take a day to acclimatize and prepare for the hard days to come. Short hikes can be taken to explore the nearby area, visit high altitude lakes, rest, relax and chill out in Manang, maybe you will not want to leave! From here you will be heading into the true mountain wilderness. Manang is home to the Manangi people and here you can sometimes see the ancient sports of archery and pony racing.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Included meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

A short and gentle climb today from Manang to Yak Kharka and then on to Thorong Phedi, take some time to admire the mountain views along the way. There are a couple of sections to carry your bike but for the most part, the trail is rideable.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Included meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Beginning from around 5am in the morning, you have to make the long haul carrying and pushing your bike up more than 1300 meters to Throng La, this is one of the most challenging parts of the ride that will define the true spirit and passion of any mountain biker as you battle the altitude and the cold. But you will not just be gasping from the altitude, but also gasping in awe as this section of the journey proffers excellent rewards with magnificent views from Throng La of the snow capped mountains and superb technical downhill on the other side that will have you grinning from ear to ear, or if you’re a bit nervous perhaps browning your trousers! Alas you will arrive to a warm welcome and rest at Muktinath. 50% carrying, 50% rideable.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today we enter the restricted region of Upper Mustang. It’s an uphill stretch from Muktinath through Chhyonggur and up to the GyuLa Pass at 4077 meters and is 80% rideable. Here there are panoramic views of the snow capped mountains. After a short section of steep downhill we follow an undulating ridge trail down to Tetang at 3040 meters, more than a 1000 meter descent on superb single track. Pass an ancient Mani Wall and cycle on down to Chhusang. From here there is a slight climb and river crossing to reach Chele on the opposite river bank where the river passes through a rock tunnel and then a steady climb up to Samar.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

A hard day of riding, leaving behind the river bed we climb into the hills. Four passes lay between us and Ghami, so yeah there will be a few ups and downs today as we cross Nyila La at 4010 meters, Dajori La 3735 meters, Bhena La 3860 meters and finally Yamda La at 3860 meters. Nyila is one of the most scenic passes on the trip with stunning views of the entire Mustang Region and the Annapurna and Nilgiri Mountain Ranges. After the pass we head down a secret trail, known only to our guides that takes us to Gami where we will stop for the night. Gami is one of the most beautiful villages, situated on the river side with fertile land ripe for growing Phapar (A local Wheat). Nearby the village is an old Monastery that you can visit as well as the local hospital which is supported with aid from Japan.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

A great day of riding, with just one big climb up to Chinggel Tharsang Choyla Pass. From the pass at 3870 meters, there is some really nice single-track downhill riding along a little-known trail used by local people and their livestock. . The ride is a welcome change from the days of climbing and crossing passes. The scenery opens up and there are fields of mustard and barley in the right season which makes for lush pockets of greenery and grazing Yaks. It is also one of the most scenic days with the ever-changing colors of the landscape from yellows and browns to reds, grays and blues as the sun moves across the Himalayan sky. Charang is a nice village with a really beautiful 400 year old Gulpa Sect Monastery filled with friendly Monks who like to play football. The Monastery is also home to the oldest library in the region of Lo. Charang is a great village to hang out in and snap some photos.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

From Charang we have to cross Lo La Pass at 3810 meters, just before Lo- Manthang. This pass is also known as “Windy Pass” and from here you can view the walled city of Lo-Manthang, your first tantalizing view of this kingdom lost in time and your penultimate destination. In June and July, the time when the crops are almost ready to harvest makes for the most dramatic scenery. The barren brown landscape is scattered with fields of vibrant green and gold rolling with the wind under the vivid blue sky of the Himalayas, a truly memorable scene. The ride is easy, if a bit of a long climb, about 25 km total riding distance. You will enjoy the open jeep track trail and should arrive in Lo-Manthang by lunchtime. Lo-Manthang is perhaps one of the most interesting places in the Himalayas and a couple of days spent here sightseeing is well worth it. Visit the Royal Palace where you have the privilege of having tea or perhaps dinner with the King of Lo himself, what an experience! In the afternoon there are three interesting Monasteries to visit, one of them is over 900 years old and displays some of the most beautiful Thangka paintings found in Nepal. The intricate details and vivid colors of these paintings is a stark contrast to the wide-open spaces of the region.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today we ride up to Garphu. Following the upper reaches of the Kali Gandaki River, crossing over several of its tributaries. Here you will find Ghom, a cave tunneling into the mountainside which is the historical site of a Monastery and the cave of one thousand windows. The beautiful scenery and isolated Tibetan culture make this day trip a worthy experience. The way back from Ghom is a beautiful single track through traditional villages. This truly is a place to lose yourself in history, rustic architecture and mind-blowing landscapes, one could easily roll back in time 100 years or more here.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today there is a super nice single track with mountain views and really steep and sandy single track. The ride takes us uphill through a canyon to Yara where we will have lunch. After lunch we ride a loop out to Luri Ghumba and then return to Yara. The round trip is 50% uphill and 50% down, around 2 hours return, but Luri Ghumba is worth a visit, this tiny Monastery is nestled high into the cliff face. This is a challenging route for good riders with skill in loose trails with some exposure.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

The day starts with some really nice single track and beautiful landscape. There is a long climb of about an hour and a half after crossing the river where you might have to push some. We finish our day as we roll into Tangbe, which is a simple and remote village. Tangbe is a tiny village with very simple accommodation. You can enjoy the feeling of being really remote and isolated.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

To start the day we have to push and carry for about 2 to 3 hours 1000m uphill to Pha totally pushing or carrying, followed by 2 to 3 hours of single track which undulates along the ridge line, before an EPIC descent down to Chhuksang. The scenery on this day is also Epic. It’s a ridgeline descent, with some short climbs, and amazing views. Some of the best views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri can be had on this day.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Leaving Chhuksang we have two small passes, Dajori La (3735m) and Taklam La (3624m). Along the way the route passes the sacred place where the ancient art of Sky Burial is carried out. Here you may see the rare Himalayan Vultures soaring in the sky. Continue cycling down to Kagbeni where we can enjoy a nice Illy Coffee and get our permits checked for the last time. Ride on the last 11km to Jomsom.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Our day kicks off with some brilliant downhill and after yesterday’s challenge, you will welcome fun jeep tracks and trails with a mostly downhill gradient! We have to start early as the wind gets up after 11 am making riding a bit more challenging. Chill out on this section and enjoy the views. For experienced riders there are single track options. Savor the moment as you whizz past trekkers, the Himalayan wind in your face and miles of downhill before your wheels. The trail rolls into Tukuche, a lovely old village on the river side. Take some time to explore the cobbled lanes and explore the Thakali culture before heading on down to Tatopani where you can soak in the hotsprings.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

From Tatopani we continue on to Beni where we meet the transport and return to Pokhara for some civilization.

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today we transfer you to the Pokhara airport for the short 23min flight to Kathmandu. A member of our team will collect you from the airport and transfer you to the Hotel. Take some time for last-minute shopping or exploring this vibrant city.

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Today we say farewell and transfer from the hotel to the airport for your outbound flight

Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

  • Airport Transfers
  • Mountain Bike Guide
  • Porter Service
  • Food and Accommodations as per itinerary
  • All Permits
  • All the transportation
  • Treated Drinking Water
  • Domestic Flights

Cost Excludes

  • Cost Excludes
  • Visa fee to Nepal
  • Flight to and from Nepal
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Mountain Bike
  • Beverages/soft drinks/Machine Coffee and mineral water
  • Travel, medical and emergency evacuation insurance
  • Tipping for guides, porters and supporting staff

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Ultimate Nepal