Upper Mustang mountain biking tour

Description

The Upper Mustang, the last forbidden kingdom located in the Western Nepal, was opened for tourists in 1992. Since then it has been a popular destination in Nepal for trekking. And in recent years, it has become popular among mountain biking enthusiasts as well thanks to its amazing landscapes and intact cultural heritages.

The Upper Mustang mountain biking tour covers a diverse range of areas from the arid region of Mustang 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 the people 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 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 route lies within the border of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project which is known for its rich bio-diversity. Stunning views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Mt. Annapurna (8091m), Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Tukuche Peak & many more snowcapped mountains can be seen during the tour. Not forgetting the Buddhist monasteries, chortens, stupas, wall caves, peaceful villages and the warm hospitality of the local people. During the tour, you will also ride along the world's deepest gorge of the Kali Gandaki river.

This 17-day Upper Mustang mountain biking tour starts in Jomsom and ends at Beni. Our flexible itineraries can be customized according to your desire, physical fitness level, time frame, etc. Please send a request and I will help you craft a perfect route that ensures a top-notch experience with safety.

Highlights:

• Last forbidden kingdom with people that have a rich culture and tradition that resemble 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 scenic flight over the Himalayas from Pokhara to Jomsom.
• Mountain biking through the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki gorge.
• Treeless barren landscape like the Tibetan plateau.
• Natural hot spring in Tatopani.

If you're in the mood for more cycling adventures on Nepalese trails, you can follow me on this magnificent Annapurna mountain bike tour, with a stopover at Lake Tilicho.

Program

D1: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Warm welcome at the international airport by one of our representatives and then head to the hotel.

D2: Preparation of the bike tour.
Free day to prepare for the tour. We meet to check that everything is ready. If necessary, you can go to Thamel district to buy material and equipment for the trek. Finally we have a briefing on the trek.

D3: Kathmandu - Pokhara (825m).
Today, we drive to  Pokhara. The route is very picturesque. Later in the evening, you can explore the lakeside market and go boating on Fewa Lake.
Duration: 8 hours.

D4: Pokhara - Jomsom (2600m) - Kagbeni (2810m).
Taking an early morning flight, you reach Jomsom. The rest of the crew members will be waiting for you there. The flight presents gorgeous landscapes and mountain views. From Jomsom, you start biking towards Kagbeni. The route is fairly easy and rideable. On the way, you can see a beautiful view of nature.
Distance: 11 km, 100% rideable, duration: 25 minutes of flight and 1 to 2 hours of biking.

D5: Kagbeni - Muktinath (3760m).
Today you are ascending a rugged trail. The path have tiny boulders, however, you can easily ride your bike on them. Upon reaching Muktinath, you get freshened up and visit one of the holiest pilgrimage sites of Hindus, Muktinath temple.
Distance: 13 km, 100% rideable, duration: 3 hours.

D6: Muktinath - Gyu La (4077m) - Chele (3050m) .
From today onwards, you are entering into the forbidden land of the Upper Mustang. The trail takes you to the Gyu La Pass from where you ride downhill and reach Chhuksang. After having lunch here, you bike along the bank of the Kali Gandaki river and cross a bridge. The path from here takes you to Chele where you get to see superb views of Mt. Nilgiri and Kali Gandaki river. 
Distance: 20 km, 90% rideable, duration: 5 hours.

D7: Biking to Ghiling (3570m).
After having breakfast, you begin ascending towards Ghiling enjoying captivating views of Mt. Nilgiri and Mt. Annapurna, then you ascend on a ridge. From here, you ride through a few small villages and reach Ghiling.
Distance: 23 km, 90% rideable, duration: 5 hours.

D8: Ghiling - Tsarang (3560m).
Today's trail takes you to the Nya La Pass. After having a warm breakfast, you 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 have lunch here then bike through Ghami Khola and the long mani walls, pass by Tsarang La (3870m) and descend a dirt road to Tsarang.
Distance: 22 km, 90% rideable, duration: 5 hours.

D9: Tsarang - Lo Manthang (3810m).
Today, the trail takes you to Lo Manthang, the Kingdom of Lo. After having a warm breakfast, you begin ascending toward Lo La Pass. From the top of the pass, amazing views of the surroundings can be seen. From here, you ride for half an hour and reach Lo Manthang. You can visit the Monasteries and the museum there.
Distance: 18 km, 100% rideable, duration: 2 hours.

D10: Free day.
Today is a rest day in Lo Manthang. You spend the day traversing Lo Manthang and its nearby areas like Chhosar village. You visit ancient gumba, royal palace, inhabited caves and museums where you get to learn and experience the lifestyle of the local people.

D11: Lo Manthang - Ghar Gompa (3930m) - Ghami (3520m).
Leaving Lo Manthang behind, you cross two passes. On the way, you stop in Ghar Gompa and also get to see beautiful views. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the Upper Mustang. You have lunch in Ghar Gompa and then ride to Ghami for the night's stay.
Distance: 22 km, 90% rideable, duration: 5 hours.

D12: Ghami - Chele (3050m).
Riding on an easy trail, you reach Samar. From here, you ascend towards Dajori La Pass (3735m) and descend to Chele for a night's stay.
Distance: 32 km, 95% rideable, duration: 5 to 6 hours.

D13: Chele - Marpha (2670m).
Riding along the Kali Gandaki riverbank, you move towards Marpha. After reaching Kagbeni, you take a small lunch break and continue riding towards Jomsom. Further, the trail takes 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 get to taste one of the most delicious apples here and other apple products.
Distance: 36 km, 100% rideable, duration: 5 hours.

D14: Marpha - Tatopani (1190m).
After a good night's sleep, you begin riding along the Kali Gandaki river. The trail goes downhill presenting lush and green scenery. You pass by several beautiful villages and cross bridges eventually reaching Tatopani.  
Distance: 43 km, 100% rideable, duration: 5 hours.

D15: Tatopani - Beni (830m) - Pokhara (825m).
From Tatopani, you ride along the river bed and reach Beni. From here, you hop on the bus and drive towards Pokhara.
Distance: 23 km, 100% rideable, duration: 2 hours of biking and 4 hours of vehicle transfer.

D16: Pokhara - Kathmandu.
After having breakfast, you drive to Kathmandu. The drive presents beautiful views of green hills, rivers, terraced fields and small settlements. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you move to the hotel and rest for the day. In the evening, you will be joining a farewell dinner organized by the company.
Duration: 8 hours.

D17: Final departure.
As per your flight departure time, one of the representatives of our company takes you to the airport for your flight back to your home. 

The price includes

• Supervision by the English-speaking mountain bike instructor equipped with a satellite phone and an oximeter.
• One porter for two people (maximum weight: 11 kg per client) and an assistant guide for group sizes above 4 people.
• Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with tea/coffee and fresh seasonal fruits during the tour.
• 3 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara on a sharing and BB basis.
• All the necessary permits including a special permit for the restricted area and paperwork.
• Lodge/tea house accommodations with twin sharing basis during the tour.
• All the staff’s salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance.
• Rescue and evacuation arrangements in case of emergency.
• Government taxes, service charges, and official expenses.
• Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu by private vehicle.
• Round flight Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara.
• All airport and hotel transfers.

The price does not include

• Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (lunch and dinner).
• Medical evacuation costs (in case of emergency).
• Travel insurance (mandatory).
• Tips for all the staff.
• Personal expenses.
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

Accommodation

• Hotel Moonlight or Apsara Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu.
• Lake View Resort in Pokhara.
• Lodges and guesthouses during the mountain biking tour.

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