Upper Mustang Mountain Bike Tour - 15 days

Trip Overview
Itinerary
Photo/Videos
Cost Includes
Cost Excludes
Map
Equipments
Cost & Dates
Review

Upper Mustang Mountain Bike Tour Overview

Duration: 15 days	Country: Nepal
Max. Altitude: 3,840m/12,600ft.	Walking Per Day: 4-5
Accommodation: Hotel and Tea-house	Grade: Strenuous
Best Season: Evergreen	Group Size: 2-10
Mode: Hiking and Biking	Culture: N/A

Mountain Biking tour is highly recommended by our past travelers. Upper Mustang is the ultimate destination for both hiking and Mountain biking in Nepal.

Mountain Biking/Cycling to Upper Mustang

Mountain biking to Upper Mustang is a memorable holiday package for explorers, offering a perfect blend of adventure and beauty. Along with the tempting and eye-catching landscape, Mountain biking to Upper Mustang helps to maintain your physical fitness. Hence, it is a kind of sport that allows you to explore the beauty of the Himalayas, the lifestyle of local people, and support both your physical and mental health.

Recently, Mountain biking has been widespread among explorers around the globe owing to their remarkable experience in Nepal. The Upper Mustang is incomparable when it comes to riding along the narrow alleys surrounded by prayer flags, monasteries, and a backdrop with stunning views of mountains. No other trekking trails in Nepal can offer the magnificence of Mountain Biking in Upper Mustang.

The Mountain Biking tour is highly recommended by our past travelers. Upper Mustang is the ultimate destination for both hiking and Mountain biking in Nepal. It offers stunning views, marvelous landscapes, breathtaking panoramas, and adventure that comes along the way when you ride your bike. The snow-capped mountain backdrop adds a movie-like feel to your trek.

About Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang, with average elevation of (4,000m/13,123ft) is rested beyond the mountains which was once a forbidden palace of Nepal. The home to different ancient monasteries and white towering peaks defines Mustang and its uniqueness. When you roll your tire, biking through the Upper Mustang feels like stepping back into a medieval kingdom frozen in time.

Exploring the ancient cave, and colorful monasteries with prayer flags make this journey something never done before. Upper Mustang is a picture-perfect instance for those who seek adventure and thrill in their trek. A venture with mountain bikes can help you excavate your tour to the upper Mustang even more.

Overview of our Upper Mustang Mountain Bike Tour

Our Mountain Biking tour to Upper Mustang commences with a flight or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Along Pokhara, we will have a flight towards Jomsom where we shall meet and get introduced to our cycling team. Our team will inform you about the landscape, terrains, and safety instructions to make sure our journey ends on a happy note. As for the weather around Mustang, we highly recommend the trekkers reach Jomsom before noon, since afternoon it gets extremely windy and dusty as Upper Mustang is at the leeward side of Nepal. Some places can be very tough to ride your bikes, so in order we hike through those places. The mouthwatering organic apple orchards of Mustang can help you boost energy while riding through high terrains and rocky roads.

Best time for the Upper Mustang Mountain Biking

As this place faces the leeward side, even during the monsoon season, Upper Mustang receives less rainfall compared to other places. For this reason, Mountain biking can be enjoyed at any time during the year. If you want your tour to have fewer tourists around you, then the monsoon season can be an ideal season for you. However, Spring and Autumn are the peak visiting seasons for the trekkers.

The months from August to late October are highly demanded by tourists in the Mustang region. Tiji festival, also known as the most colorful and important festival in Upper Mustang, takes place in the same month. Meditation and dancing can be observed in the festival, which you can be a part of if you visit during this month. So, if you want your tour to have a sight of culture and beauty, this season can be best for those of you.

Why Mountain Biking to Upper Mustang?

Ride Through a Forbidden Kingdom: Explore one of Nepal’s last restricted and preserved regions.
Blend of Nature and Culture: Experience raw Himalayan beauty with ancient Tibetan culture.
Less-Crowded Trails: Escape the crowds found on other trekking routes.
Any season for Biking: Lies in a rain shadow, making it ideal even during monsoon.
Off-Road Adventure: Challenging jeep tracks and rugged paths perfect for mountain bikers.
Rich Spiritual Atmosphere: Discover prayer flags, mani walls, and centuries-old gompas.
Feel the High-Altitude Freedom: Ride above 3,000 meters with unmatched views and quietness.

FAQ Review

Upper Mustang Mountain Bike Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
- Transportation :Private Vehicle
- Meals :Welcome Dinner
- Accommodation :Hotel
- Location :
  
  » Kathmandu
  
  » Tribhuvan International Airport
  
  » Thamel
- Highlights :
  
  » Tribhuvan International Airport
  
  » Welcoming with Marigold Flower Garland
  
  » Group Photo
  
  » Introduction with group members and trekking crew
  
  » Evening Walk at Thamel
  
  » Welcome Dinner
Day 2 Trek Preparation and Kathmandu Sightseeing
- Duration :Whole day
- Meals :Breakfast
- Transportation :Private Vehicle
- Accommodation :Hotel
- Location :
  
  » Kathmandu Durbar Square
  
  » Boudhanath Stupa
  
  » Pashupatinath Temple
  
  » Thamel
- Highlights :
  
  » Kathmandu Sightseeing
  
  » Equipment Checking
  
  » Briefing about the trek
  
  » Introduction with Guide
Day 3 Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara(823m/2,700ft)
- Duration :30 mins flight
- Meals :Breakfast
- Transportation :Private Vehicle and Domestic Flight
- Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
- Location :
  
  » Kathmandu Domestic Airport
  
  » Pokhara Domestic Airport
  
  » Pokhara
- Highlights :
  
  » Scenic flight
  
  » Small Settlements
  
  » Unique Lifestyle
  
  » Hills
  
  » Fishtail Mountain
Day 4 Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m/8,925ft) | Ride and trek to Kagbeni (2,800m/9,186ft)
- Duration :25mins flight and 3-4hrs riding(7-8Km)
- Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation :Domestic Flight and Mountain Bike
- Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
- Ascend :80m/262ft
- Note :It is highly recommended to reach Jomsom Before 12 because after 12 the route gets very windy
- Location :
  
  » Pokhara Domestic Airport
  
  » Jomsom Airport
  
  » Jomosm Village
  
  » Ekle Bhatti
  
  » Kagbeni
- Highlights :
  
  » Scenic Flight
  
  » Meet the riding team
  
  » Brief introduction plus instruction of riding
  
  » After breakfast start the ride
  
  » Snow-Capped Mountain
  
  » Lofty Massif of above 8,000m
  
  » Kali Gandaki River
  
  » Clustered Village
  
  » Ancient Monasteries
  
  » Thakali Culture
  
  » Salt Trade Route
Day 5 Ride and Trek from Kagbeni to Tsaile (3,100m/10,170ft)
- Duration :5-6hrs ride(12-13Km)
- Accommodation :Hotel
- Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Ascend :300m/984ft
- Location :
  
  » Kagbeni
  
  » Tangbe
  
  » Chusang
  
  » Tsaile
- Highlights :
  
  » Tibetan Culture
  
  » Complex Trails
  
  » Whitewashed Settlements
  
  » Cultivations
  
  » Apple Orchards
  
  » Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri Mountain View
  
  » Ride along Kali Gandaki River Bank
  
  » Fossils
Day 6 Ride and Trek from Tsaile to Syanboche (3,800m/12,464ft) via Rachung Cave (3,842m)
- Duration :6-7hrs ride(15-16Km)
- Accommodation :Hotel
- Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Ascend :910m/ 2,985ft
- Descend :400m/ 1,312ft
- Location :
  
  » Chele
  
  » Taklam la Pass(3,624m/11,888ft)
  
  » Dajong La Pass(3,660m/12,005ft)
  
  » Samar
  
  » Rachung Cave
  
  » Yamda La Pass (4,010m/13,156ft)
  
  » Syanboche
- Highlights :
  
  » Steep Ascend Westwards
  
  » Deep Crayon
  
  » Gorge
  
  » Rocky Trail
  
  » Steep Descend on some section
  
  » Red Painted Cave Monastery or the Rangchyung Chorten
  
  » Believed to have hosted the famed Buddhist saints Padmasambhava and Atisha centuries ago
  
  » Forests and gouges with high vertical wall
Day 7 Ride and Trek from Syanbochen to Drakmar (3,820m/12,532ft)
- Duration :6-7hrs(15-16Km)
- Accommodation :Hotel
- Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Ascend :240m/787ft
- Descend :200m/656ft
- Location :
  
  » Syanbochen
  
  » Ghiling
  
  » Jhaite
  
  » Nyi La Pass(4,020m/13,190ft)
  
  » Ghami La Pass(3,765m/12,350ft)
  
  » Ghyami
  
  » Drakmar
- Highlights :
  
  » Distinctive Chortens painted with Buddhism’s auspicious symbols
  
  » Downhill to the Settlement of Drakmar
  
  » Villages
  
  » Impressive Old and Ancient Chortens and Monasteries
  
  » Gorgeous Landscapes
  
  » Ghaymi village – the third largest settlement in the Mustang valley
  
  » Visit Mustang’s longest Mani wall
  
  » Adorned with the carvings
  
  » View and Annapurna and Mustang Valley
Day 8 Ride and Trek from Drakmar to Lo-Mangthang (3,840m/12,600ft ) via Ghar Gompa (3,920m)
- Duration :5-6hrs ride(16-17Km)
- Accommodation :Hotel
- Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Ascend :420m/ 1,377ft
- Descend :390m/1,280ft
- Location :
  
  » Drakmar
  
  » Muila Bhanjyang(4,170m)
  
  » Ghar Gompa
  
  » Marang Chongo La Pass(4,230m/13,875ft)
  
  » Pangga
  
  » Lo Manthang
- Highlights :
  
  » Pure virtue of Lo Nyingma Sect Scriptures of Padmasambhava
  
  » Marang Chongo La Pass(4,230m/13,875ft)
  
  » Colorful Caves
  
  » Wonderful Landscapes
  
  » Windy trail
  
  » Spectacular view of Annapurna ranges and Mustang valley
  
  » Forbidden City
  
  » Beautiful Rock Paintings
  
  » Kingdom of LoManthang
Day 9 Exploration Day to Tibet Border Area (Chosar village and caves)
- Duration :6-7 hours riding (17-18Km)
- Accommodation :Hotel
- Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Ascend :330m/1,082ft
- Descend :330m/1,082ft
- Location :
  
  » Lo-Manthang
  
  » Dhuk
  
  » Ghom
  
  » Garpho
  
  » Kimaling
  
  » Lo-Manthang
- Highlights :
  
  » Rich Culture
  
  » Sound Architecture Settlement
  
  » Well Preserved Legacy since the 14^th Century
  
  » Walled City
  
  » Four Major Ancient Shrines
  
  » Brick-Red Jampa Lhakhang – the oldest Gompas
  
  » 50 Foot Large Clay Statue of Lord Buddha
  
  » 15^th Century Old Thubchen Gompa and Choprang Gompa
  
  » Royal Palace of the Mustangi King
  
  » The Tall Champa Lakhang
  
  » Red Thugchen Gompa and Entrance Hall
  
  » Cave Village of Chosar
  
  » Deep Red Nyhu Gompa
  
  » Ancient Cave-Dwelling Sire of Jhong Cave
  
  » White-washed Villages
  
  » Old Fortress
  
  » Ruins of Ancient Palaces and Monuments
Day 10 Ride and Trek from Lo-Mangthang to Tsarang (3,560m/11,680ft)
- Duration :5hrs ride(9-10Km)
- Accommodation :Hotel
- Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Ascend :130m/426ft
- Descend :390m/1,280ft
- Location :
  
  » Lo-Manthang
  
  » Lo(Day) La Pass(3,950m/12,957ft)
  
  » Sungda La Chorten
  
  » Tsarang
- Highlights :
  
  » Famous Settlement of LoMangthang
  
  » Ancient Palace
  
  » Chorten Gate
  
  » Caharang Chu Canyon
  
  » Descend Steeply after Crossing River
  
  » Palace and Gompas
  
  » Barren Land
  
  » Ancient Fortress and Monasteries
  
  » Windy Pass
  
  » Small Bridge
Day 11 Ride and Trek from Tsarang to Syangboche (3,800m/12,464ft)
- Duration :5-6hrs ride(13-14Km)
- Accommodation :Hotel
- Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Ascend :460m/1,509ft
- Descend :220m/721ft
- Location :
  
  » Tsarang
  
  » Tsarang La Pass
  
  » Ghami
  
  » Ghami(Ghemi) La Pass(3,765m/12,350)
  
  » Nyi La Pass(4,020m/13,190ft)
  
  » Jhaite
  
  » Chhungar
  
  » Tamagaon
  
  » Syangboche
- Highlights :
  
  » Cultivation Fields
  
  » Apple Orchards
  
  » Impressive Old and Ancient Chortens and Monasteries
  
  » Gorgeous Landscapes
  
  » Tsarang La Pass (3,870m/12,695ft)
  
  » Panoramic view of Annapurna Ranges
  
  » Meet the same trail we started and observe the same view from another angle
  
  » Sparsely Settled Village
Day 12 Ride and Trek from Syangboche to Chhusang (2,980m/9,776ft)
- Duration :6-7hrs ride(13-14Km)
- Accommodation :Hotel
- Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Ascend :50m/164ft
- Descend :860m/2,821ft
- Location :
  
  » Syangboche
  
  » Beg La Pass (3,840m)
  
  » Bheng
  
  » Bhena La Pass(3,830m/12,563ft)
  
  » Samar
  
  » Dajong La Pass(3,660m/12,005ft)
  
  » Taklam la Pass(3,624m/11,888ft)
  
  » Chele
  
  » Chhusang
- Highlights :
  
  » Unique and Desert-Like Landscapes Decorated by Cultural Legacies and Glorious Mountain
  
  » Breathtaking Views of the Himalayas
  
  » Scenic Diversity and Interaction with the locals
Day 13 Ride and Trek from Chhusang to Jomsom (2,720m/8,924ft) via Kagbeni
- Duration :5hrs ride(13-14Km)
- Accommodation :Hotel
- Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Descend :260m/1,315ft
- Location :
  
  » Chhusang
  
  » Tangbe
  
  » Kagbeni
  
  » Ekle Bhatti
  
  » Jomsom
- Highlights :
  
  » Strenuous Physical Walking
  
  » Reach the Settlement in Kagbeni(Special Permit Exit Point)
  
  » Mark the end of the Upper Mustang Trail and Join Annapurna Circuit Trekking Trail
  
  » Historical Essence
  
  » Exotic Arts and Sculpture which is renowned as Bamfu Culture
  
  » Pony Ride
  
  » Farewell with Local Staffs
Day 14 Fly back to Pokhara and Explore
- Duration :25mins Flight
- Transportation :Domestic Flight
- Accommodation :Hotel
- Meals :Breakfast
- Descend :1,877m/6,157ft
- Location :
  
  » Jomsom
  
  » Pokhara
- Highlights :
  
  » Scenic Flight
  
  » Lake City
  
  » Hotspot for Adventurous Activities and Gateway for Several Trekking Expeditions in and around Annapurna region
Day 15 Buffer Day for flight delay/cancellation | An afternoon flight back to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner in the Evening

Upper Mustang Mountain Bike Tour Photos / Videos

Cost Includes

Airport Pick-up and drop service
3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu(Hotel Green Horizon)
All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
- Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
- Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
- We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
- We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
- You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
Transportation costs: Drive (Kathmandu-Pokhara – Kathmandu) and Mountain Bike rent with supporting Vehicle as private Jeep
Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Cycling Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
- Local Staffs: Our Cycling guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
- Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
- Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
1 Mountain Bike per person
Private Jeep as supporting vehicle : For keepings luggages, extra MTB parts and resting if needed
Trekking permit: Upper Mustang Special Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP) fees
First aid medical box
T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with Company Logo
Rescue Arrangement Service
All required Riding gear like Mountain Bike on rent
13% VAT and 10% service charge

Airport Pick-up and drop service
3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu(Hotel Green Horizon)
All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
- Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
- Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
- We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
- We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
- You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
Transportation costs: Drive (Kathmandu-Pokhara – Kathmandu) and Mountain Bike rent with supporting Vehicle as private Jeep
Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Cycling Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
- Local Staffs: Our Cycling guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
- Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
- Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
1 Mountain Bike per person
Private Jeep as supporting vehicle : For keepings luggages, extra MTB parts and resting if needed
Trekking permit: Upper Mustang Special Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP) fees
First aid medical box
T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with Company Logo
Rescue Arrangement Service
All required Riding gear like Mountain Bike on rent
13% VAT and 10% service charge

Cost Excludes

Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
All personal expenses
Tip for guides and porters is expected but not mandatory

Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
All meals during the trek except for breakfast
Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
All personal expenses
Tip for guides and porters is expected but not mandatory

Equipment Checklist

Equipment lists for 15 days Upper Mustang Mountain Bike Tour

HEAD

Sun hat or scarf
Lightweight balaclava or fleece hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
Head torch or bike light
Suncream (40+) and Lip balm with SPF

UPPER BODY

Cycling jerseys and base layers (long and short sleeve)
Lightweight fleece or mid-layer jacket
Windproof/waterproof cycling jacket
Down jacket for colder sections

LOWER BODY

Padded cycling shorts or tights
Lightweight hiking/cycling pants
Waterproof pants
Thermal base layers

FEET

Breathable cycling socks
Warm wool socks (for evenings)
Sturdy cycling or MTB shoes
Shower sandals or camp shoes

HANDS

Full-finger cycling gloves
Warm gloves (optional)
Hand creams and sanitizer

ACCESSORIES

Sleeping bag (-10°C, if camping)
Hydration pack or water bottle
Lightweight backpack or cycling rucksack
Waterproof duffel or dry bags
Bike repair kit (spare tubes, patch kit, pump, multi-tool)
Trekking poles (optional)
Toiletries and tissue papers

FIRST AID KITS

Personal medicines
First aid kit (provided)
Blister treatment
Knee support or bandages
Ointments

MISCELLANEOUS

Passport and extra passport photos
Water purification tablets/drops
Lightweight towel
Multi-tool or Swiss knife
Extra batteries for head torch and bike light
Camera or action camera

BIKE GEAR (Recommended)

Mountain bike (hardtail/full suspension)
Helmet (mandatory)
Spare tubes or tubeless repair kit
Chain lube and cleaning supplies
Cycling computer or GPS (optional)

Upper Mustang Mountain Bike Tour Review

Well organised tour of a remote and historic part of Nepal

Tim J

Source:Trip Advisor

We loved our “trek”. 3 horseback riders and 2 on mountain bikes doing the Upper Mustang Valley. Exceptional arrangements

Upper Mustang Bike tour

Upper Mustang horse riding, mountain biking and walking trek. Amazing.

Cathreena G

Source:Trip Advisor

Ramesh and Suman at NMT and Green Horizon Hotel were amazing and very very helpful. They arranged a combination trip of horse riding and mountain biking to Upper Mustang. This worked out fantastically for all of us and our guide TB couldn’t have been more helpful. We also had a back up jeep which made the whole experience much more enjoyable. Both the horses and mountain bikes were great and I would definitely advise horse riding, if you are an experienced horse rider. Though some of our party had some health issues, these were sorted out immediately and the trek continued for the others. A fantastic, professional and very friendly company.

Upper Mustang Horse and Bike tour