• Duration

      16 days

    • Group

      16 Pax

    • Difficulty

      Moderate

    • Accommodation

      Hotel / Lodge

    • Season

      All Season

Dominated by an endless expanse of otherworldly landscape on the southern tip of the Tibetan plateau, Upper Mustang carries isolated and mystical vibes. Complementing the wild and erratic landscape is this Forbidden Kingdom’s rich and pristine native tradition that dates back centuries. Biking here instantly makes you a local celebrity as children with scary wind-blown hair and apple red cheeks surround to greet you. We bike mostly along jeep tracks to reach the walled city of Lo Manthan, the crown jewel of Upper Mustang. Ride on arid landscape through immaculate Sherpa villages, meet friendly locals, admire giant Himalayan mountains in the horizon and get on a horse when you feel like taking a break. Upper Mustang biking trip will indeed make for quite a humbling experience and a holiday of a lifetime.

Itinerary

  • Day 1
    Arrival in Kathmandu. Some sightseeing and trip briefing

    Our staff will welcome you at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu upon your arrival and transfer you to the hotel on a private vehicle. The evening can be spent exploring Thamel, a tourist hub offering numerous bars, shops and restaurants, followed by the old palace complex at Basantapur Durbar Square, which gives you an instant taste of Nepali life. Later at the hotel, we will brief you on trip details, safety, preparation and essentials for the adventure.

  • Day 2
    Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Sightseeing in Pokhara

    Early in the morning you will be transferred to the bus station for a 5-hour scenic drive to Pokhara on a tourist bus. Once you reach Pokhara, get awestruck by the lakeside city’s natural beauty. The city lies along the banks of the gorgeous Phewa Lake and sports panoramic views of Machapuchure, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. Pokhara is much more laid back and less hectic than Kathmandu, which makes it perfect for relaxation and adventure activities alike.

    We’ll spend the rest of the day exploring the picturesque Pokhara Valley which offers wonderful natural and cultural points of interest for sightseeing. These include boating on Phewa Lake, exploring Seti River gorges and Gupteshwar Cave, visiting Tibetan Refugee Camps and Barahi temple. The Peace Pagoda is also quite a spectacular hike with an amazing view of the valley below and the Annapurnas at a distance.

  • Day 3
    Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom. Bike from Jomsom to Kagbeni

    We pack up and head to the airport for our flight to Jomsom. There are several flights from Pokhara to Jomsom in the morning before the high winds in Jomsom pick up late morning. Upon landing, we assemble our bikes and spend some time riding through the cobbled streets of the bustling town. We then head off to Kagbeni, riding the relatively flat section along the river trail. In Kagbeni, you can enjoy a fantastic mix of scenery and native lifestyle. The lively Tibetan culture in the village is sure to give you a warm welcome.

  • Day 4
    Bike from Kagbeni to Chele

    From Kagbeni we enter the region of Upper Mustang, which until very recently was restricted to travelers. The trail climbs for a short stretch from Kagbeni and then on a dusty path we ride on a short downhill section. There are fantastic views of snowcapped mountains that you can enjoy. Chusang and Tetang villages, around 3,000m in altitude, have rich fields of barley, potatoes and apple orchids. After a short steep climb, we reach the beautiful village of Chele, our destination for the day. Caves believed to be created thousands of years ago can be seen shortly before we reach Chele.

  • Day 5
    Bike from Chele to Ghami

    Chele La Pass at 3,630m is our first checkpoint, as we pass the Samar valley, and along the way other passes like Taklam La (3,820m) and Yamda La (3,900m). The ride takes us through the tiny settlement of Syangboche village, from where the Ramchung cave and chorten-like stalagmites are just nearby. Indeed, this section makes for one of the most sacred places in Mustang. From Syangboche we descend to the picturesque valley of Geling, where you can see mostly mud houses. Crossing Nyi La Pass (4,027m) today will be demanding but well rewarding once we reach Ghami.

  • Day 6
    Bike from Ghami to Lo Manthan

    Today we cross the Ghami River and ride along the Longest Mani Wall to reach the village of Charang with panoramic scenery of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peaks. We’ll make a quick visit to the Red Monastery at Charang. The walled city of Lo Manthan, the district capital of Mustang, will be visible as we cross Lo La Pass at 3,930m, popularly called Windy Pass. The sight of the old kingdom will make you feel lost in another era. The mystical and isolated city certainly is a major destination of our trip. More than 600 years old, the walls of Lo Manthan are believed to ward off the evil spirits. We’ll spend the evening strolling in the streets of this surreal town.

  • Day 7
    Rest day at Lo Manthan

    There couldn’t be a better place than Lo Manthan for a rest day, where we will visit three major monasteries (with ancient paintings and art) and a four-storey palace of an old Mustangi king. We’ll mix in with the locals and observe their lifestyle and how they go about their daily chores. To get around Lo Manthan, we’ll hire a horse to visit nearby villages like Choser and other great attractions like the Jong cave tunneling intricately on the mountainside. The experience you get in this old kingdom – of the culture, nature, architecture, people views and the feeling of being in an ancient rustic town – will make special memories.

  • Day 8
    Bike from Lo Manthan to Ghami, via Dhakmar

    The day starts with a hearty breakfast, riding back to Ghami through challenging but exciting alternative routes that take us over the Pang La Pass situated 4,132m in altitude. From here a thrilling downhill takes us to Ghar Gompa, a beautiful 1200-year-old monastery, and amazing red landscapes of Dhakmar village. The vegetation at Dhakmar is greener that in other places of Upper Mustang. After an hour’s ride on mostly undulating singletracks, we reach Ghami in the late afternoon.

  • Day 9
    Bike from Ghami to Samar

    The route to Samar is the same way back to Kagbeni, but since we’re taking a detour, the sceneries are much different and you’ll see more of the Annapurna range on a clear day. We ride through a couple of passes on jeep tracks with little to no traffic. The quaint Buddhist village of Samar is one of the larger ones in Mustang and the people here are engaged mostly in agriculture. We’ll see many horses here as they are used for transportation and for agriculture as well.

  • Day 10
    Bike from Samar to Kagbeni

    Following the newly built dusty downhill jeeptracks along the Kali Gandaki River, we head to Kagbeni. At this point, we will be exiting Upper Mustang and entering Lower Mustang. On this day, we will descend more than 800m in altitude, cover about 30 kms. Once we reach Kagbeni in the afternoon, we will have enough time to explore the village and interact with the local people, a majority of whom are of Tibetan descent.

  • Day 11
    Bike from Kagbeni to Muktinath

    After an early morning breakfast, we start riding uphill and gain almost 1,000m in elevation. The region is dry and arid, almost desert-like, with awe-inspiring sceneries of the mountains at the horizon. We will come across trekkers and pilgrims, flocking from as far as India, on their way to Muktinath, one of the most revered Hindu temples in the world. Once at Muktinath, we’ll explore the religious site and see the eternal flame that burns on natural gas source. “Mukti” means liberation and “nath” means a holy temple, so Muktinath is considered to be a temple of soul liberation. Besides Hindu hermits and pilgrims, we’ll see some Tibetan traders as well.

  • Day 12
    Bike from Muktinath to Tukuche

    From Muktinath we ride along a very enjoyable downhill track descending to the Kaligandaki River valley floor. We’ll make a quick pit stop at Marpha, a village with legendary apple orchids. Make sure to taste some Marpha Brandy and a range of apple products like apple pie and dried apple skin. We call it a day at Tukuche village, an ancient Thakali tribe settlement, and spend some time exploring the region and learning about the culture and history of the village. Tukuche lies right beneath the Tukuche peak and Dhaulagiri, with amazing views of Mt. Nilgiri and icefalls of Dhaulagiri’s east face.

  • Day 13
    Bike from Tukuche to Tatopani

    We begin riding from Tukuche to Tatopani through some fantastic downhill sections. Tatopani translates to “hot water” and rightly so, the hot springs at Tatopani are quite a treat. This is a fabled place to relax your mind and body, so pamper yourself after a great day of biking in this fantastic region. Located besides the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, the hot dip amidst the surrounding natural beauty in Tatopani will definitely unwind your muscles.

  • Day 14
    Bike from Tatopani to Beni, and drive to Pokhara

    After a relaxing time at Tatopani, we ride for about 1.5 hours on jeep tracks to reach Beni, a small but vibrant market town. We’ll spend some time exploring the town and then drive back to Pokhara on a 4-hour drive. It’s a bumpy drive and you can enjoy the scenic views you get along the away. Once we reach Pokhara, we can do some boating on the Phewa Lake and have a pleasant time reflecting on our thrilling adventure in Upper Mustang.

  • Day 15
    Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner in the evening

    Our staff will take you to the bus station for an early morning drive to Kathmandu, and transfer you to the hotel. We’ll have some time for some shopping in late afternoon. In the evening, you’re invited for a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant which hosts cultural performances, and you’re more than welcome to join the merry. We toast a round or two of locally brewed drinks to celebrate our trip achievement and to good health! Holidays should never have an ending date. So extend your trip and opt for adventure activities including trekking, bungy jumping, mountain flight, rafting, hiking, Chitwan jungle adventure and Lumbini heritage trip. These can be arranged before or after the biking adventure.

  • Day 16
    Flight departure from Nepal

    The trip concludes today. Our staff will drop you off at the Tribhuwan International Airport and wish you bon voyage for onward journey.

Map

What's included

Price Details

Please enquire with us for prices

Price Includes

  • - All ground transportation by private vehicle for airport and hotel pick up/drop off, sightseeing and transfers
  • - All domestic flights (if any)
  • - Accommodation in teahouses and hotels
  • - All meals during trek
  • - Entry permit to parks, monuments and cultural landmarks
  • - Trekking guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s) their daily wages, food, accommodation and other expenses
  • - Comprehensive medical kit
  • - In case of emergency, we can send helicopters for evacuation, manage all paperwork, and deal with related insurance companies (provided the client has valid insurance)
Not included

Price Excludes

  • - International airfare and airport departure tax
  • - Travel insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation by ground and air
  • - Nepal entry visa, obtained upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu
  • - Rescue and evacuation
  • - Extra road transport/flight cost in case member returns earlier
  • - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and if applicable, in Pokhara
  • - Items of personal nature like laundry, communication and bar bill
  • - Tips for trip staff and driver. (Tipping is appreciated)
  • - Other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section

Life on Trek

Trekking staff

Whilst on the trek, the Nepali guides and porters will ensure that you are well looked after. Every trek has an English speaking guide, known as the Sirdar, who is in overall charge. It is his responsibility to organize the trek en route and manage the guides and porters and deal with the local peoples and they are experts in trek organization, as well as being able to discuss the local culture, religion, and landscape. In addition there will be other guides, sometimes referred to by the generic term Sherpa, who will be your walking companions on the trek and will assist the Sirdar in organizing the logistic of the trek. On camping treks there will be full kitchen crew who are responsible for all aspects of catering. And finally there will be porters who are the transportation system of the Nepali mountains. They will carry the duffle bags and other equipment as necessary.

Accommodation

  • Fully equipped Camping treks - accommodation is provided in spacious 2 person tents. We use this method for our climbing trips and some treks where lodges are less frequent.
  • Lodge trek - accommodation is provided in the local Nepali lodges, some times known as tea- houses. It is usually necessary to share a double room. We use this method for our treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions.

Food

On camping treks, all food is prepared by the trek cook - an expert in preparing delicious camp food. And most importantly, special care is taken to provide well - boiled, purified drinking water. On lodge treks, food is provided in the lodge and this ranges from delicious local specialties to common western dishes. If necessary, bottled water can be purchased from the lodges for a small fee, although many trekkers prefer to use fresh water with the added precaution of a purifying agent. You could bring some Chocolate or special energy drinks for yourself as these are hard to get in the Himalayas.

A typical trekking day

A typical day revolves around the Nepal sunrise and sunset. The day starts with an early wake up call. You then pack up your gear and enjoy a rousing breakfast before starting your morning's walk. The Sirdar will already be organized loads to porters and or animals, and your group will then set off on the trail at a leisurely pace, enjoying the view and stopping to take photographs. After 2-3 hours walk you stop for lunch. This lasts for about 90 minutes which gives you time to relax, or explore the local village. The afternoon's walk is usually shorter and we arrive at the campsite or tea-house in plenty of time to relax and savour the surroundings. Later in the evening dinner is served, giving you an opportunity to sample the delicious food, talk over the day's events, and look forward to another special day on the trails of Nepal.

Health and safety on the trek General

  • A comprehensive first aid kit is carried on the trek. However we advise that you also carry your personal first aid kit which includes specific items of preference.
  • We will, in an emergency, arrange for helicopter evacuation. (Note that you are required to hold insurance for this unlikely eventuality).
  • All meals on our camping trips are prepared to strict hygiene standards specifically for our groups, under the supervision of the trekking staff.
  • We use tea-houses that we now have strict hygiene standards and provide a broad menu.

High Altitude

Anyone can be affected by Altitude Sickness. However, our itineraries are specifically designed to minimize the risks associated with trekking to high altitudes by building in acclimatization and rest days. In the event of any symptoms we will ensure that the individual descends to a lower altitude to gain a quick recovery.

And finally……….. It must be stressed that whilst trekking in the Nepal Himalaya is challenging and rewarding, you must be prepared for he occasional inconvenience or discomfort. The correct mental attitude to trekking is as important as being physically prepared.

Equipments

All equipment and food, and your own personal backpacks are carried by the porters or pack animals. It is only necessary to carry a camera or small daypack ! On camping treks all necessary camp equipment is provided - this includes dining tent, dining table and chairs, toilet tent, foam mattresses, and all cooking equipment. The only kit that you will need to bring is your own personal equipment and clothing.

Recommended Trekking Kit

The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we recommend that you take with you. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list, rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However we recognize that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable.

Footwear

  • Walking boots with suitable ankle support that have been worn - in prior to the trek, and which are waterproof.
  • Trainer or casual shoes, for trekking andor for traveling
  • Warm socks for colder areas.
  • Gaiters ,,in case of rain or snow.

Leg wear

  • Loose, casual trousers for trekking.
  • Thermal leggings for colder areas.
  • Long skirt for women as an alternative to trousers
  • Waterproof trousers

Body

  • Selection of T-shirts, and long sleeved shirts, preferably not cotton.
  • Thermal shirt for colder areas.
  • Warm shirt, possibly fleece, for colder areas.
  • Fleece jacket or warm wool jumper.
  • Windproof, waterproof outer shell garment for higher altitudes.
  • Down jacket (optional for cold nights & mornings: can be hired in Kathmandu cheaply)

Head Hands

  • Wool or fleece hat, or balaclava.
  • Hat or cap for sun protection while trekking.
  • Sunglasses or goggles.
  • Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
  • Warm gloves.

Other Items

  • Strong rucksack, or large holdall to be carried by porters
  • Day sack to be carried personally.
  • Plastic bags or stuff sacks to storeseparate trekking gear inside your main bag.
  • One liter water bottle.
  • Personal first aid kit to include essential items.
  • Sleeping bag 4 season.
  • Torch, ideally head torch.
  • Camera and film! - for those not to be forgotten shots of the Himalaya.
  • Toilet items and towel.
  • Large handkerchief bandana for neck.

Recommended Mountaineering Kit

In additional to the items mentioned above for trekking the following is a list of the additional specialist items which are required for the trekking peaks.

  • Plastic or Leather mountaineering boots, with gaitors & crampons that have been tested for a good fit.
  • Fleece trousers or salopettes.
  • Additional mitts and gloves suitable for climbing.
  • Ice ace, and ski poles (Note: ice axe can hired in Kathmandu)
  • Climbing harness
  • 2 X tape slings
  • 2 X screw gate karabiners.
  • Descended abseil device Ascender