Highest Point 
The Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour organized by Altitude Himalaya is a ride that takes you into the hidden kingdom of Lo.
Upper Mustang is a land that was once forbidden to outsiders and even today, a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) covering the rural municipalities is required in order to enter.
It’s known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” all thanks to the unique blend of Himalayan desert landscapes, ancient Tibetan-influenced culture, centuries-old monasteries, and breathtaking mountain passes.
Riding in Upper Mustang feels like pedaling through heaven. In fact, each turn of the trail reveals rugged cliffs, colorful chortens, and timeless villages, which is a paradise for travellers.
For mountain bikers, Upper Mustang is nothing short of a dream. The terrain is raw, challenging, and rewarding, combining rocky trails, jeep tracks, and technical descents.
The dry trans-Himalayan climate of this region of Annapurna Conservation Area brings fewer chances of rain, giving you perfect riding conditions in almost every season.
Not to forget that the place is full of the cultural charm of the Thakali, Gurung, and Tibetan communities. So, yes, you’ll find this trip is not just about cycling and testing your endurance, but also about nature, culture, and socialization.
You’ll be riding at high altitudes, but our carefully planned itinerary allows time for acclimatization and adaptation. The Himalayas, especially the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, constantly watch over you, creating an unforgettable backdrop for pictures.
To make the journey even more hassle-free, our team at Altitude Himalaya provides experienced biking guides, support vehicles, accommodation, and meals. So, all you have to do is focus fully on the ride and the experience.
This 15-day Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour begins with a short stay in Kathmandu, where you explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites while also preparing for the journey ahead. From there, a scenic flight brings you to Pokhara, which is the adventure capital of Nepal.
After a short cycling warm-up in Pokhara, we’ll load the cycles and head to Jomsom on a four-wheel drive. And upon reaching Jomsom, the biking adventure officially kicks off!
From Jomsom to Kagbeni is yet another warm-up ride that introduces you to Mustang’s desert-like landscapes. You then follow the Kali Gandaki River corridor up until you reach Upper Mustang, climbing gradually via Kagbeni, Samar, Ghami, Tsarang, and then finally arriving at the walled city of Lo Manthang. Here, you’ll explore ancient palaces, monasteries, and nearby caves that take you back to the days when Lo was still a kingdom.
The ride back takes you through the same route via Ghiling, Chhusang, Marpha (try apples here), and Tatopani (relax in the natural hot springs here) before completing the cycling adventure at Beni.
The final two days will be in Pokhara, allowing you to relax and even choose optional sightseeing and adventures.
This well-crafted itinerary comes from our prior experience doing the adventure on our own, serving other guests, and tips from the professional guides themselves. It balances adventure, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring you actually live the moments in Nepal.
By the end of this journey, you won’t just have cycled through Upper Mustang, but you will have experienced one of Nepal’s most unique landscapes in the most immersive way possible (on a mountain bike!).
We’re pretty sure you’re excited to read further. So, to learn deeply about what this package from Altitude Himalaya has to offer, be sure not to skip any part. And yes, feel free to message us directly in case of any confusion!
Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Facts
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Region |
Annapurna Conservation Area |
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Highest Elevation |
Lo Manthang at 3,840 m |
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Total Biking Distance |
265 to 280 km approx. |
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Avg. biking distance per day |
30 to 40 km (if only downhill, more) |
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Permits Required |
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System), Restricted Area Permits (covering Lomanthang Rural Municipality, Lo-Gekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality, and Baragung Muktichetra Rural Municipality) |
|
Ethnic Groups |
Newar, Chhetri, Brahmin, Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Bhotia, Sherpa, Lobas, and different Tibetan Buddhist local communities |
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Route |
Jomsom > Kagbeni > Samar > Ghami > Lo Manthang > Ghiling > Marpha > Tatopani > Beni |
Major Stops During Mountain Biking Journey
Riding your mountain bike in Upper Mustang immerses you in the breathtaking landscapes, unique culture, and the raw adventure that only this restricted region of Nepal can offer!
From the gorges of Kali Gandaki to the walled city of Lo Manthang, every stop brings uniqueness on this trip.
This nine-day cycling journey combines a short warm-up trail from Jomsom to Kagbeni and even remote villages with ancient monasteries. You’ll encounter cultural heritages that still feel untouched by the modern world.
Not to confuse you further, below are the major stops during this mountain biking trip to Upper Mustang:
Jomsom to Kagbeni: The Warm-up Trail
After a scenic jeep ride from Pokhara, you’ll reach Jomsom (2,743 m), the headquarters of the Mustang district. It’s a place that offers travelers a peek into Thakali culture, the cold winds, and snow-capped mountain views.
Although there’s little time to explore Jomsom itself, this is where our mountain biking adventure officially kicks off. The trail towards Kagbeni is a short one (11 km approx), following the corridor of Kali Gandaki River.
By the evening, you’ll reach Kagbeni (2,804 m), which is a charming village famous as the gateway to Upper Mustang. When here, you get to explore the stone-paved alleys, monasteries, and an optional trip to Muktinath Temple for a spiritual and cultural highlight too.
Reaching Samar Village: Hidden Gem of Upper Mustang
From Kagbeni, the trail gradually ascends into Upper Mustang, and the real mountain biking challenge begins from here. After passing through Chhusang village (2,980 m) and crossing ridges, you’ll arrive at Samar Village (3,660 m).
Many of you reading this might not know it, but the thing is, Samar might appear small but historically, it has been an important settlement. It has been one of the best resting points for traders and pilgrims making their way towards Tibet.
Also, it’s worth noting that the stop in this village acts as a natural acclimatization point before heading to Lo Manthang. Riding at higher altitudes can pose risks and our team at Altitude Himalaya really cares about your health!
So, as you expected, the village is inhabited mostly by people of Tibetan origin that follow Buddhism. And you’ll see whitewashed houses, mani walls, and fluttering prayer flags in the area, all of which reflect the rich cultural heritage of this part of Upper Mustang.
When here, you are guaranteed to find peaceful surroundings compared to other parts of the trail that remain busy all season. Not to forget that you’ll explore caves and cliffs nearby on the fifth day of this Upper Mustang mountain biking trip.
Ghami Village: Visit Ancient Monasteries
Continuing further on this 15-day adventure, you’ll reach Ghami Village (3,520 m), one of the largest settlements in Upper Mustang.
A little further from Ghami and on the way to Ghar Gumba, you’ll find the very popular red cliffs, ancient monasteries, and even the longest Mani wall in Dhakmar. Well, Ghami is not only beautiful but also equally rich in terms of culture.
The main thing you need to keep in mind is that this village gives a strong impression of Upper Mustang’s Tibetan influence. And those old monasteries that you’ll encounter show how religiously important the place is.
The Walled City of Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang (3,840 m) is not just another stop. It is the jewel of Upper Mustang, often called the “Walled City” or the “Forbidden Kingdom.” It used to serve as the capital of the Kingdom of Lo. And this ancient city is still surrounded by walls that used to protect its people for centuries before the unification of Nepal.
Inside the walls, you’ll find narrow alleys, monasteries, the Royal Palace, and rows of Tibetan homes. During this mountain biking tour, you’ll be spending two days here, and that will be enough for a deep exploration. Expect to visit the following places:
- Royal Palace of the kings of Lo
- Monasteries like Thubchen Gompa and Jampa Lhakhang
- Chhoser caves, centuries-old sky caves that are carved into cliffs
- Ancient villages like Nenyul, Namgyal, and Thinggar
- A yak farm, where you’ll learn about these Himalayan animals
Lo Manthang is what we think of when someone says ‘Upper Mustang’. And this is the exact place where history, culture, and nature blend together!
Ghiling Village: Windy Plains of Mustang
On the return journey, instead of staying in the same place (Samar or Ghami), you’ll stay in Ghiling Village (3,570 m). This is another hidden gem of Upper Mustang known for its windy plains, open fields, and monasteries.
Here, the landscapes are more rugged and shows a very different form of Mustang you’ve seen so far. Yet, the locals’ warm hospitality makes it a comfortable and memorable night stay before heading downhill towards Lower Mustang.
Marpha: The Apple Capital of Nepal
Descending further, you’ll reach Marpha (2,670 m) for another night stay (this time in Lower Mustang). This is a village widely known as the Apple Capital of Nepal.
Why? Because the entire settlement of Marpha smells apple. Everything produced here are apple products, from apple pies to cider and even the famous Marpha Brandy!
The people here are mainly Thakali, known for the famous ‘Thakali Khana’, and their hospitality is on another level.
Marpha’s narrow alleys are even more delightful to explore. One of the most famous one here is the ‘Jerry Galli’, which happens to be a popular hangout spot for locals, trekkers, cyclists, and even motorcyclists!
Tatopani to Beni: The Final Stretch
As the mountain biking journey nears its end, a stop at Tatopani (Bhurung Tatopani) offers one of the best rewards, which is natural hot springs. You can take a dip right beside the Kali Gandaki River that doesn’t cost much as well. After so many days on the bike, soaking in the steaming waters feels heavenly.
From here, the final day ride takes you down to Beni, which is the headquarters of Myagdi district. Though Beni is not much for exploration, it serves as the perfect endpoint of this Upper Mustang mountain biking adventure offered by Altitude Himalaya.
Sightseeing Beyond the Adventure
While the ride itself is an adrenaline rush, this trip also takes you outside the Mustang region, which rewards you with much more than the mountain biking experience.
We are talking about the cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu, things to do in Pokhara, shopping for collecting souvenirs, attending cultural programs, and more!
Let’s see what this 15-day journey across Nepal brings to you:
A Day in the Capital City of Kathmandu
It’s essential to explore Kathmandu city when visiting Nepal, as it’s not just the vibrant capital city, but also the cultural heart of the entire nation. Often called the “City of Temples”, it is home to countless shrines, stupas, and historical monuments at every corner.
Spending a full day here is important because you’ll get a taste of Nepal’s heritage, spirituality, and artistry. You’ll be taken to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu with a professional guide, whose responsibility is to make you understand the cultural foundation of Nepal before heading toward the rugged landscapes of Upper Mustang.
These are the places you’ll discover in a single day:
- Kathmandu Durbar Square: You’ll get to see the intricate wooden palaces, courtyards, and Kumari Ghar (home of the living goddess).
- Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): This is a hilltop offering panoramic views of the city. But along with that, you get to see the prayer flags, legendary monkeys, and overall a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere.
- Pashupatinath Temple: It is the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal. When here, you get to witness the cremation rituals along the Bagmati River and even get a glimpse of hundreds of devotees flocking into the main temple to get blessings from Lord Shiva.
- Boudhanath Stupa: This is yet another Buddhist pilgrimage site surrounded by Tibetan monasteries. Over the years, it has become a hub for those adopting Buddhist culture. Don’t forget to walk the kora alongside the hundreds doing it while spinning the prayer wheels.
Warm-up Ride in Pokhara (Lakeside to Pame)
On the second day, we take a short flight to Pokhara, the adventure capital of Nepal. Instead of rushing to Jomsom, you’ll begin with a warm-up ride around Pokhara.
This prepares your body for the upcoming rides and will be a little different than that of the altitude-focused warm-up from Jomsom to Kagbeni.
While riding from Lakeside to Pame, you’ll witness amazing lake views, local farmlands, and small villages that reflect the daily Nepali life and culture.
For those who want to push further, an optional ride to Panchase is possible. But since it’s long and a little demanding, we recommend focusing on exploring Lakeside streets and nearby trails for the day. This ensures you save energy for the bigger adventure ahead.
Pokhara Optional Sightseeing with Adventures
This package doesn’t include sightseeing in Pokhara since you’ll likely be exhausted after mountain biking in Upper Mustang. However, for those who want more, an optional sightseeing day by jeep can be arranged.
You’ll explore some of Pokhara’s most popular spots, including Devi’s Falls & Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, Pumdikot Shiva Statue, World Peace Pagoda, downhill Hike to Phewa Lake, and an optional visit to Tal Barahi Temple on a rowboat.
If you’re still seeking adventure, kayaking and other adrenaline-filled activities can be added. In fact, there are at least 15 thrilling activities in Pokhara we can help arrange depending on your energy and interest.
Collecting Souvenirs in Kathmandu
On the final day in Kathmandu, you’ll spend time shopping. This is not just about buying items but rather a cultural experience in itself.
Shopping in Nepal is best enjoyed in local Newari bazaars, where bargaining is part of the fun. Vendors will greet you with smiles, but always remember to bargain politely and not too aggressively. Keep a cheerful attitude, and you’ll find that people return the same warmth.
Some popular souvenirs you can collect include Pashmina shawls, yak wool items, handmade paper products, singing bowls, prayer flags, thangka paintings, spices, tea, coffee, traditional jewelry and handicrafts, khukuri (Nepali knife used in wars), and local artworks!
Farewell Dinner with Cultural Program
To wrap up this unforgettable journey, our Altitude Himalaya team organizes a farewell dinner with a cultural program at one of Kathmandu’s traditional restaurants.
The evening brings together different communities, traditional dances, and cultural performances. That gives you a glimpse of Nepal’s diversity in a single frame.
From ethnic costumes to folk music, this cultural program shows exactly why Nepal is often called “a common garden of flowers”.
This program is combined with a traditional Nepali dinner. It’s going to be your final authentic taste of Nepali Dal Bhat on this trip.
11 KM
2804 m