Ride through the Last Forbidden Kingdom to the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang on one of the most remote mountain biking routes in the Himalayas
Ancient walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, closed to outsiders until 1992
Special Upper Mustang permit required and arranged by MountainKick
Licensed biking guide, support vehicle, and porter the entire 16 days
The Upper Mustang Biking Adventure is a 16-day circuit through one of the most remote and culturally preserved regions in Nepal. The route runs from Jomsom north through Kagbeni, Muktinath, and Charang to Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, before returning south on the eastern valley route through Yara, Tangge, and Chuksang. Upper Mustang remained closed to outsiders until 1992 and still requires a special restricted area permit that limits the number of visitors each year.
Daily riding is 4 to 8 hours on rocky desert trails, jeep tracks, and ancient trade routes through the trans-Himalayan rain shadow. The terrain is demanding throughout: loose surfaces, steep climbs, river crossings, and significant sections of bike pushing and carrying on the higher passes. The highest point is Chogo La Pass at 4,280m, crossed on Day 8. This trip is rated hard and is designed for experienced mountain bikers with advanced technical skills, strong endurance, and prior experience above 3,500m.
MountainKick handles all Upper Mustang restricted area permits, the Pokhara to Jomsom flight, a licensed biking guide, support vehicle, and porter throughout. All meals are included from Day 2 in Pokhara through to Day 15 in Kathmandu. Kumar answers personally if you have questions about fitness requirements or permit logistics before booking.
For a shorter Mustang descent see our Muktinath to Pokhara Downhill Biking Adventure. For the full Annapurna circuit with Thorong La crossing see the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking trip.
A MountainKick representative meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. Your guide runs a comprehensive pre-trip briefing covering the full 16-day route, Upper Mustang permit procedures, acclimatization schedule, and daily riding expectations. Bike fitting and equipment checks are done this evening if you are renting a bike through us.
An early departure by private vehicle west through Nepal’s middle hills through terraced farmlands, traditional villages, and river valleys with the first views of the Annapurna range appearing as you approach Pokhara. The evening is free to explore the lakeside promenade and prepare gear for the morning flight to Jomsom
An early morning scenic flight through the Kali Gandaki gorge lands at Jomsom airstrip surrounded by dramatic peaks. Bikes are assembled and the first ride in the Mustang region follows the ancient salt trading route along the river to Kagbeni, the medieval gateway to Upper Mustang. A short introductory day by design to begin acclimatization at 2,800m
Crucial acclimatization day to explore the fascinating border town of Kagbeni with short rides to nearby monasteries and viewpoints. Adjust to the altitude while riding gentle loops around this ancient trading post. Explore narrow alleys, traditional mud-brick architecture, and prepare for entry into the restricted Upper Mustang area.
The first real climbing day gains 1,000m through high-altitude desert on rocky jeep track with Nilgiri and the Annapurna range visible across the valley. Muktinath at 3,800m is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in the Hindu and Buddhist worlds, known for its eternal flame and 108 sacred water spouts carved in the shape of bull headsl.
The route enters the heart of Upper Mustang on the alternative trail away from the main jeep road, delivering the most remote and technical riding of the first week. The landscape is otherworldly, a high-altitude desert of eroded red and ochre cliffs, ancient cave dwellings carved into canyon walls, and wind-carved rock formations with almost no vegetation. Charang has a medieval fort and a striking red monastery worth exploring before dinner
A long technical day through the dramatic Upper Mustang landscape crossing several small passes with wide views across the trans-Himalayan plateau. The route passes through Ghiling village and crosses the longest mani wall in Upper Mustang, a continuous row of carved prayer stones stretching several hundred metres along the valley floor. Ghami is a traditional Tibetan-style village with whitewashed stone houses and an active monastery
The defining day of the expedition. The route climbs to Ghar Gompa, an 8th-century monastery built by Guru Padmasambhava at 3,931m, before the final push to Chogo La Pass at 4,280m, the highest point of the entire circuit. The first view of Lo Manthang’s walled city from the pass is one of the great moments in Himalayan biking. The descent into the ancient capital completes the northward journey
A full day inside the ancient walled city that remained closed to outsiders until 1992. The 15th-century monasteries of Thubchen Gompa, Jampa Gompa, and Chodey Gompa each contain remarkable murals and religious artifacts. The King’s palace at the centre of the city is still occupied. An optional excursion to the nearby Choser caves adds cave temples with ancient Buddhist murals carved directly into the cliffs
The return journey begins on the scenic eastern route, a quieter and more remote alternative to the main valley road. The trail passes through Dhakmar, a small village set dramatically against vivid red cliffs that are among the most photographed landscapes in Upper Mustang. Views of Nilgiri and the Kali Gandaki valley open up as the trail descends toward Yara
A technically demanding day through remote backcountry with no other groups likely on the trail. The route crosses several river valleys and passes through ancient settlements where the traditional Tibetan-influenced way of life continues unchanged. The contrast between the remote eastern valleys and the main Kali Gandaki corridor is striking and this section is the quietest riding of the entire circuit
A long descending day dropping nearly 300m net through dramatic landscape changes as the trail rejoins the main Kali Gandaki valley. The vegetation gradually returns as altitude decreases and the air noticeably thickens after four days above 3,300m. Chuksang sits at the confluence of the Mustang and Kali Gandaki rivers and marks the exit from the Upper Mustang restricted area
The final riding day completes the full Upper Mustang circuit back to Jomsom, passing through Kagbeni where the journey began ten days earlier. The familiar trail feels very different on the return with a completely different perspective gained from two weeks in the forbidden kingdom. Jomsom has the best facilities since leaving Pokhara and a hot shower after 10 consecutive riding days is well deserved
An early departure by private vehicle south along the Kali Gandaki gorge through Marpha, Tukuche, and Tatopani before climbing out of the gorge to Beni and the highway to Pokhara. The drive covers some of the same terrain ridden during the Muktinath descent section and the contrast between riding and driving the gorge is striking. Arrive in Pokhara by early afternoon with the evening free at the lakeside
The return drive east through Nepal’s middle hills back to Kathmandu, arriving by early evening. Farewell dinner with traditional Nepali food and cultural performances marks the completion of one of the most remote and culturally significant mountain biking circuits in the Himalayas.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure, carrying memories of your exclusive journey through the forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang – one of the world’s most remote and culturally significant mountain biking adventures.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara you stay in 3-star hotels on twin-sharing basis with breakfast included. Rooms have private bathrooms, hot water, and Wi-Fi. Along the circuit from Kagbeni to Jomsom you stay in traditional Mustang guesthouses with basic twin rooms and shared bathrooms. Standards are consistent throughout the restricted area as all guesthouses in Upper Mustang operate under similar conditions. Electricity is available at most stops but can be intermittent and is often solar-powered. Hot showers are available at most guesthouses for a small extra charge. Above 3,500m expect more basic conditions. Lo Manthang at 3,840m has limited electricity and the most basic facilities on the route. Single supplement is available on request but cannot be guaranteed at all guesthouses in the restricted area.
Breakfast is included at hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. All meals are included on riding days and during the Lo Manthang rest day. Drive days and the Kagbeni rest day have breakfast only. Guesthouses throughout Upper Mustang serve Tibetan and Nepali cuisine including tsampa porridge, dal bhat, thukpa noodle soup, momos, fried rice, and chapati. Food choices are more limited than on standard Nepal trekking routes as everything is transported by mule or vehicle into the restricted area. Prices are higher than elsewhere in Nepal for this reason. Vegetarian options are available throughout. The farewell dinner on Day 15 in Kathmandu is included.
| Personal drinks and snacks | $5 to $10 per day |
| Hot shower | $3 to $7 |
| Wi-Fi | $3 to $5 per day |
| Battery charging | $2 to $5 per device |
| Pokhara dinner (Days 8 and 12) | $8 to $20 per meal |
This trip is rated hard and requires advanced mountain biking skills and excellent physical fitness. Daily riding is 4 to 8 hours on rocky desert trails, jeep tracks, and ancient trade routes with significant sections of bike pushing and carrying on the higher passes. The highest point is Chogo La Pass at 4,280m. Prior experience above 3,500m is essential. This trip is not suitable for beginners or intermediate riders.
Upper Mustang is a restricted area requiring a special permit that costs $500 per person for 10 days. This is separate from and in addition to the standard Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS card. The restricted area permit limits the number of visitors and cannot be obtained independently without a registered Nepal trekking agency. MountainKick handles all permit arrangements before departure. The cost is included in your package price.
A full-suspension mountain bike is strongly recommended for the rocky desert trails, steep climbs, and technical descents throughout the circuit. A quality hardtail with 2.2 inch or wider tyres is acceptable for experienced riders with strong technical skills. Road bikes and gravel bikes are not suitable. Dust is persistent throughout Upper Mustang so chain lubrication and brake maintenance are daily requirements. Bring spare brake pads and a derailleur hanger.
The flight operates in the morning when wind conditions in the Kali Gandaki gorge are most stable. It is generally reliable but can be delayed or cancelled by afternoon winds or low cloud. If the flight is cancelled we travel by road via Beni instead and adjust the riding day accordingly. Budget 2 to 3 extra days beyond the 16-day itinerary to avoid missing international flights due to Jomsom weather delays.
Lo Manthang is the ancient walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, situated at 3,840m in the heart of Upper Mustang. The city contains around 150 traditional stone houses, three important 15th-century monasteries with remarkable murals, and a royal palace that is still occupied. Upper Mustang remained closed to outsiders until 1992 and the cultural preservation inside the walled city is unlike anything else in Nepal. The rest day on Day 9 is dedicated to exploring it.
All meals are included on riding days and during the Lo Manthang rest day on Day 9. Drive days and the Kagbeni acclimatization day have breakfast only. In Kathmandu and Pokhara only breakfast is included at the hotel. A farewell dinner is included on Day 15 in Kathmandu. Food in Upper Mustang is Tibetan and Nepali cuisine and prices are higher than elsewhere in Nepal as everything is transported into the restricted area by mule.
September to November and March to May. Post-monsoon autumn gives the most stable conditions and clearest mountain views for the Chogo La crossing. Spring is excellent with moderate temperatures and the circuit is generally snow-free from March onwards. Unlike the lower Mustang section which is rideable year-round due to the rain shadow, the Upper Mustang circuit and eastern valley return route can be significantly affected by summer storms. We do not operate this trip during monsoon from June to August.
The entire riding circuit stays above 2,800m with most nights between 3,200m and 3,840m. Altitude effects are present throughout and become significant on the Chogo La Pass day at 4,280m. The itinerary includes a full acclimatization day in Kagbeni before entering the restricted area. Guides carry pulse oximeters and are trained in altitude sickness recognition. Inform your guide immediately if you experience symptoms beyond mild headache or breathlessness. Read our altitude sickness guide before booking.
No. The last reliable ATM is in Jomsom before entering the restricted area. No cash machines exist anywhere in Upper Mustang including Lo Manthang. Withdraw sufficient Nepali rupees in Kathmandu or Pokhara before departure. All riding day meals are included so daily cash needs are minimal. Budget for personal drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, and cultural site entry fees at Lo Manthang.
The support vehicle travels with the group throughout the entire circuit specifically for this reason. If you need to skip a section due to fatigue, injury, or mechanical issues you ride in the support vehicle for that stretch. The vehicle can access most of the main route including the jeep road sections. The most remote sections on the eastern valley return through Yara and Tangge have limited vehicle access. Your guide will manage any contingencies.
Travel insurance covering mountain biking above 4,280m and emergency helicopter evacuation in a restricted area is mandatory. Helicopter rescue from Upper Mustang costs approximately $5,000 to $8,000 without insurance. Insurance must be purchased in your home country before arriving in Nepal and cannot be obtained in Nepal. Carry a printed copy of your policy throughout the trip. Confirm that restricted area coverage is explicitly included in your policy wording.
Yes. The Choser caves are an optional half-day excursion from Lo Manthang on the rest day. The caves are carved into dramatic cliff faces north of the walled city and contain ancient Buddhist murals, meditation chambers, and relics dating back several centuries. A small entry fee applies. Your guide can arrange the excursion during the pre-trip briefing. It is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the entire Mustang region.
The Upper Mustang Biking Adventure is the most remote, most culturally significant, and most expensive biking trip we offer. The Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking trip is technically harder with Thorong La at 5,416m but covers more familiar terrain. The Muktinath to Pokhara Downhill covers the southern Mustang descent section only. This trip is the only one that takes you into the restricted Kingdom of Lo and is the right choice for riders who want cultural depth alongside technical riding.
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
| 30+ days before departure | Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full |
| 15–29 days before departure | 50% of total trip cost charged |
| Under 15 days | No refund |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
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| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain bike, full-suspension or hardtail | 1 | Full-suspension strongly recommended for 10 days of rocky desert trails and technical passes. Hardtail with 2.2 inch tyres minimum acceptable. Rentable through us. |
| Bike helmet | 1 | Mandatory. Bring your own for fit and safety. Backup helmet strongly recommended given 16-day duration and limited availability in Upper Mustang. |
| Padded cycling shorts or bibs | 3 pairs | Minimum 6 pairs for 10 riding days. Comfort on rocky technical terrain over consecutive days depends on this more than anything. |
| Cycling gloves, full finger | 3 pairs | Full finger only. Minimum 4 pairs. Dust and rocky terrain destroy gloves faster than anywhere else in Nepal. |
| Full finger only. Lose one pair and you still have two. Essential for rocky terrain. | 2 each | One short sleeve for lower sections, one long sleeve for above Manang. |
| Dust mask or buff for face | 1 | eep road sections through Upper Mustang generate severe dust clouds. Essential for riding behind vehicles or in afternoon winds. |
| Windproof cycling jacket | 1 | For descents above 3,500m. The Kali Gandaki gorge descent can be very cold. |
| Bike shoes, clipless or flat pedal | 1 pair | Compatible with your pedal system. Must be broken in before arrival. |
| Bike repair kit | 1 set | Inner tubes x3, tyre levers, multi-tool, chain tool, chain lube, patch kit. |
| Bike pump or CO2 cartridges | 1 | CO2 is lighter. Carry both if possible. |
| Bike lock | 1 | For overnight security at guesthouses. |
| Hydration pack or water bottles | 2L minimum | Carry on the bike. Drink constantly above 3,500m. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture-wicking base layer tops | 2 | Merino or synthetic. No cotton at any altitude. |
| Thermal base layer bottoms | 1 | For Thorong High Camp night and Tilicho Lake hike. |
| Fleece jacket | 1 | For cool evenings above 3,500m throughout the circuit |
| Down jacket | 1 | For Lo Manthang nights and Chogo La Pass day where temperatures drop below 0°C |
| Waterproof shell jacket with hood | 1 | For rain on lower sections and wind on the Muktinath approach |
| Sun hat or cap | 1 | UV is extreme above 3,000m and on open trail sections. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bike shoes | 1 pair | For all rideable sections. Must be compatible with your pedal system. |
| Cycling socks | 5 pairs | For riding days. Enough for the full circuit. |
| Camp sandals | 1 pair | For teahouse evenings and guesthouse recovery. |
| Light trail shoes or sneakers | For off-bike days in Chitwan, Pokhara, and Kathmandu |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping bag rated to -10°C | Recommended for Lo Manthang and high circuit nights. Rentable in Kathmandu before departure. | |
| Sleeping bag liner | 1 | Strongly recommended for 10 nights above 3,000m. Lo Manthang drops to 0°C or below at night. All guesthouses provide blankets but a liner adds critical warmth and hygiene. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Warm beanie | 1 | For cold mornings above Manang and Thorong High Camp night. |
| Neck gaiter or buff | 2 | For cold mornings above 3,500m and the Chogo La Pass crossing |
| Liner gloves, thin | 1 pair | Dust protection on jeep road sections and warmth above 3,500m. Bring two. |
| Insulated gloves | 1 pair | For the Muktinath section and cool morning starts above Daman |
| Sunglasses, UV protection | 1 pair | For the Chogo La Pass day and cold morning starts throughout the circuit |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Daypack 25 to 35L with rain cover | 1 | Daypack stays with you on all riding days. Porter carries duffel. Support vehicle carries group equipment. |
| Headlamp with spare batteries | 1 | For early morning starts and guesthouse power cuts throughout the restricted area |
| Dry bags | 3 | High capacity essential. No reliable charging above Kagbeni. Keep in sleeping bag overnight in cold. |
| Water purification tablets or filter | 1 | Saves money and reduces plastic across 14 riding days. |
| Power bank 20,000mAh | 1 | Charging costs at high altitude guesthouses. Keep in sleeping bag overnight in cold. |
| Small padlock | 1 | For main bag at guesthouses. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen SPF 50 | 2 | Reapply every 2 hours above Namche equivalent altitude. Bring a spare. |
| Lip balm with SPF | 2 | Reapply every 2 hours. Desert UV is extreme and altitude intensifies it. Bring two. |
| Electrolyte powder sachets | 20 | Mix into water daily above 3,000m throughout the circuit. Dehydration in dry desert air is fast. |
| High protein snacks and energy bars | As needed | For the Chogo La day and long riding days. Pack more than you think you need. |
| Personal first aid kit | 1 | Blister treatment, antiseptic, bandages, ibuprofen, Imodium, rehydration sachets. |
| Altitude sickness tablets Diamox | As needed | Consult your doctor before trek. Not a substitute for proper acclimatization. |
| Chamois cream | Apply daily before descent days. Technical terrain is hard on saddle comfort over long descents. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Microfiber towel | 1 | Guesthouses do not provide towels. |
| Hand sanitizer | 2 small | Not always water available before meals on trail. |
| Biodegradable wet wipes | 3 packs | Water freezes at Lo Manthang overnight. Sanitizer is your hygiene backup throughout the restricted area. |
| Toilet paper | 3 rolls | No showers at some high-altitude guesthouses. Essential for 10 nights in the restricted area. |
| Earplugs | 2 pairs | Always carry your own throughout Upper Mustang. Resupply impossible in the restricted area. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Passport, valid 6 months | 1 | Keep a photocopy separate. Required at ACAP checkpoints throughout. |
| Travel insurance document | 1 | Must cover mountain biking above 4,280m and helicopter evacuation in restricted areas. Must be purchased before arriving in Nepal. |
| Cash, Nepali rupees | As needed | No ATMs anywhere in Upper Mustang. Last ATM is in Jomsom. Withdraw all cash before entering the restricted area. Budget for personal drinks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and cultural site entry fees only as all meals are included on riding days. |
| Permit copies | 1 set | We handle all permits. Carry your copies at all ACAP checkpoints. |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bag rated to -20°C | Upgrade from standard -10°C bag. Lo Manthang and high circuit stops drop to -15°C in winter |
| Expedition down parka | Upgrade from standard down jacket. Temperatures at 3,840m in winter require expedition-grade insulation |
| Balaclava | For the Chogo La Pass crossing and exposed ridge sections in winter conditions |
| Insulated waterproof gloves | Liner gloves alone not enough above 3,500m in winter |
| Extra hand and toe warmers | Double the quantity for winter departures. Upper Mustang can reach -20°C overnight at higher elevations |
| Microspikes | For icy jeep track sections above Kagbeni in winter. Chogo La may be snow-covered |
| Extra thermal base layer | Third layer for the coldest nights at Lo Manthang and high circuit stops |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Rain poncho | The main Mustang valley is in the rain shadow but the eastern return route through Yara and Tangge can receive summer rain |
| Leech socks | Active on lower trail sections between Besisahar and Chamje from June onwards |
Mountain bikes, electric bikes, and standard bikes can be rented through us. Sleeping bags rated to -10°C are strongly recommended and available for rent in Kathmandu. Trekking poles are available in Thamel. Bring all mechanical spares for your bike from home as nothing is available in Upper Mustang. MountainKick provides a duffel bag for every rider and connects you with trusted Thamel gear shops at the pre-trip briefing.
Kumar and the team have guided this route for over a decade. Ask anything — gear, fitness, altitude, private groups — before you commit.
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