A Journey into the Himalayan Wilderness to the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo Mantang.
Trip Facts
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Jeep, Airplanes,Mountain Bikes
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3 Star Hotels and Teahouses
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4840 meters
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Kathmandu
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Mar, Apr, May, Sept, Oct, Nov
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Mountain Biking
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Moderate
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2-12
Overview
Upper Mustang is fast becoming one of the most popular cycling destinations in Nepal. It’s not just about the challenging ascents and endless single track descents, it’s about a journey of discovery of the nomadic horse culture, breathtaking scenery and friendly heart-warming people that inhabit the region. If you love both culture and mountain biking, a particularly good time to go is in May to coincide with the Tiji Festival.
Venture into a land where Nomads herd yaks in the high pastures, ponies carry your luggage, rosy cheeked locals toil the arid soil to earn a living, where Tibetan culture is almost untouched by civilization and add to this some of the BEST and most Challenging mountain biking terrain in the world and you have an unforgettable journey.
Each Upper Mustang Trip is guided by one of our experienced guides and supported by local Porters, Drivers and Horsemen which means some of the income goes directly into the local communities. Relying on our local support team means we also get up to date trail and weather condition information. Our intimate local knowledge means we can take you to trails others do not travel and you can immerse yourself in local cultural and hospitality. We pride ourselves on our local connections which means we can deliver to you a safe and unforgeable trip into the heart and soul of the Mustang Region.
For most of our guides, this is thier favorite ride in Nepal, especially now we have added in new single tracks out in the remote regions of Yara, Luri Ghumpa and Tangye. Put simply this trip showcases the very best Mountain Biking that the Himalaya has to offer!
Himalayan Single Track also offers amazing mountain biking experiences in the annapurna circuit.
if you are hardcore enduro rider then we have Nepal extreme enduro and upper mustang enduro biking tours.
Trips Highlights
- The Stunning Panoramas along the way
- Mountain Biking one Of the Worlds Longest Downhills
- Exploring the Lost Kingdom of Lo
- 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/Trekking team 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 side dishes).
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Included meals: Dinner
Head to Nagarkot, without a doubt, Nagarkot is the best place to ride Enduro inside the Kathmandu Valley. The trails vary in difficulty and distance, but they are all fun. The tour includes a full-day shuttle, for as much single-track fun as you can handle. The trails run through the jungle and rural rice fields and villages and boast stunning views of the Himalayas. Trail rating would be blue and black, the rider needs some decent skills to enjoy these trails.
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
After Breakfast we leave the hotel and drive to the airport, where we catch a 25 min flight to Pokhara. Pokhara is a chilled out lakeside town at the base of the Annapurna Himalaya. If time is sufficient, we ride to the Peace Pogoda, a 2 to 3 hour round trip with a short yet steep climb and a super nice single-track descent to the Lake. Stay overnight in Lakeside.
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Wake up for sunrise and hopefully catch a glimpse of the mountains before we head to the airport. It’s about a 22 min flight to Jomsom, above the Pokhara valley and deep into the heart of the Himalaya, take a peek out of the window for fantastic views of Dhaulagiri and beyond. The flight is simply breathtaking as the plane’s wing tips almost touch the snow capped peaks, fly right between the Himalayan giants and you feel your adventure has really begun as the small plane banks left and touches down in Jomsom. In Jomsom, we have breakfast and spend some time getting the bikes ready for the journey. Enjoy an easy acclimatization ride of 14 km to the beautiful Tibetan village of Kagbeni. The road is mostly flat and traces the Kaligandaki River right up to the boundary of Upper Mustang.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Included meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Get up early to see the sunrise and have breakfast. Today we cycle uphill for the most part. Leaving behind the beautiful village of Kagbeni, warm up your legs and start to climb. We follow the trail on the north side of the gorge and climbs up on a dusty jeep track towards the foreboding Throng La Pass. We stop and explore the ancient monastery at Jhong and have some lunch basking in the sunshine and enjoying the mountain Views. The final push after lunch is short and we should arrive in Muktinath around mid afternoon. Spend some time here exploring the Monastery and Temples, two of the holiest in Nepal. Stay overnight and enjoy the local culture of this bustling town.
Accommodation: Teahouse
Included meals: 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 the 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 yellow 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. Follow 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 tracks. The ride takes us uphill through a canyon to Yara where we will have lunch. After lunch we ride 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 hours 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 riding on to Tatopani.
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. 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
- Porters/Pony for Luggage Transfer
- Accommodation as per Itinerary
- Meals as per Itinerary
- Restricted Area Permits and Entry Fees
- Domestic Flights
- All the transportation
- Safe drinking water
- Food, accommodations, salary, insurance and transportation for supporting staff
Cost Excludes
- Visa fee to Nepal
- Flight to and from Nepal
- Alcoholic drinks
- Mountain Bike Rental
- Beverage/soft drinks and mineral water in mountains
- Travel,medical and emergency evacuation insurance
- Tipping for guides, porters and supporting staff
Frequently Asked Question
Our itinerary is set up to allow for acclimatization. As long as the riders take it steady, most people only suffer mild symptoms which are manageable.
Bikes are transported in our Twin Cab Bolero with a padded tail gate. Our drivers are all professional and caring when it comes to looking after bikes. When the bikes go on the mountain flights to places like Jomsom, the wheels are removed and the bikes padded and placed in the cargo hold.
If you get sick, you have options that include, returning to either Pokhara or Kathmandu with a member of our support team, staying and resting in place for a day or using a support vehicle to travel to next destination. It depends on severity of sickness and options available to the group at the time. For serious illness or accident, immediate Helicopter evacuation will be undertaken.
All our guides hold the Government regulation trekking guide license as per the Law of Nepal. On top of this, as per our own company policy, Himalayan Single Track is the ONLY mountain bike company in Nepal to have international licensed mountain bike guides either through the MBLA Scheme or the MIAS Schemes. This is because to date Nepal Tourism sector does not have a safety regulation standard for mountain bike guides. On top of this all our guides have Valid wilderness first aid certification.
Tipping is not compulsory but it is expected and very much appreciated.
Teahouses have a wide variety of simple and hearty foods like Momos, Chow Mein, Rice dishes, pasta, eggs, vegetables and curries as well as breakfast items, porridge, cereal, omelets and local breads.
Yes we do. Options are many in Nepal. Please inform us prior to the trip so we can make sure your dietary needs are properly looked after.
Taking Diamox (medication for altitude) is a personal choice, though it is a good if idea you are worried about the affects of altitude. It should be taken in advance of the trip. Please consult your Doctor before taking any medications.
Our guides will try their best to fix the bike. Where possible a replacement bike will be brought to you, though given the remote terrine of Nepal, this make take an extra day or so.
Most of our guides will take photos of the trip for you. We also have specialized photographers/Videographers you can book for the trip if you need to. (Extra Charges Apply)
All mountain flights are weather dependent. If the flight does not go, you will get the option to drive on the same day or fly on the following day.
In most cases a sleeping bag liner is sufficient. In the colder months its a good idea to bring one. Blankets will also be available at the teahouses. We will send you a packing list relevant to the trip with full details once you have booked.
