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.
Hotel Accommodation (Kathmandu & Pokhara)
Three-star hotels on twin-sharing basis with breakfast included. Modern amenities include private bathrooms, electricity, internet access, and hot showers.
Hotel Upgrades Available
4-star or 5-star hotel upgrades available on request in Kathmandu and Pokhara for enhanced comfort and luxury amenities.
Mountain Guesthouse Accommodation
Traditional mountain guesthouses during the biking expedition on twin-sharing basis. Basic but comfortable rooms with electricity, internet where available, and hot shower facilities in most locations.
Room Upgrades
Single room upgrades available on request for both hotels and guesthouses. Availability may be limited at higher altitudes and remote locations due to basic accommodation infrastructure.
Single rooms readily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but limited availability above 3,500 meters where facilities become increasingly basic.
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.
Hotel Vistara
Grade/Difficulty
Medical Consultation
Vaccinations
Spare Days Essential
Day Activities
Group Discounts
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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