Upper Mustang Biking Adventure
●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviewsRide 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
On The Trail
What It Really Looks Like
Upper Mustang Biking Adventure: What to Expect
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.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu
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.
Drive to Pokhara
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
Fly to Jomsom and Ride to Kagbeni
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
Acclimatization Day in Kagbeni
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.
Ride to Muktinath
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.
Ride to Charang
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
Ride to Ghami
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
Ride to Lo Manthang via Chogo La Pass
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
Explore Lo Manthang
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
Ride to Yara via Eastern Route
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
Ride to Tangge
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
Ride to Chuksang
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
Ride to Jomsom
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
Drive to Pokhara
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
Drive to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner
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.
Final Departure.
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.
3D Route Map
Includes & Excludes
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Airport and hotel transfers Private vehicle, both directions
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3-star hotel in Kathmandu, 2 nights Twin-sharing, breakfast included
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Hotel in Pokhara, 2 nights Twin-sharing, Days 2 and 14
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Guesthouse accommodation on route Twin-sharing, Kagbeni, Muktinath, Marpha, Tatopani
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All meals on riding days Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the route.
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Dedicated support vehicle, full trip Bolero jeep for 2 to 5 riders. Carries all luggage so you ride with a daypack only
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Government-licensed mountain biking guide English speaking, full trip from arrival to departure
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Private vehicle Pokhara to Kathmandu Day 11, return journey
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Private vehicle Kathmandu to Pokhara Day 3, departs morning
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Private vehicle Jomsom to Pokhara Day 14, after circuit completion
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Pokhara to Jomsom domestic flight ay 3, morning flight approximately 20 minutes
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Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit $50 per person per day for restricted area section, arranged by MountainKick in Kathmandu
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ACAP and TIMS card Trekkers' Information Management System card
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All government taxes and fees Nothing added after booking
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International flights To and from Kathmandu
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Nepal visa $30 / $50 / $125 on arrival at Kathmandu airport
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Bike rental Standard bike NPR 2,200 per day / Mountain bike $33 per day / Electric bike $100 per day
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Travel insurance Must cover mountain biking above 4,280m and helicopter evacuation in restricted areas
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Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara Breakfast only at hotels. Pokhara dinner on Day 10 on your own
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Personal drinks, snacks, and alcohol Throughout the circuit
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Optional activities Choser cave excursion from Lo Manthang, horse riding between villages, additional cultural site fees
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Tips for guide, porters, and support staff 10 to 15% of trip cost is standard across Nepal
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Costs from flight delays or weather disruptions Travel insurance covers most scenarios
Enhance Your Trek
We Handle the Details
FreeWhere You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat
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 |
What Our Trekkers Say
“A truly unique biking trip”
We had an unforgettable time cycling through Upper Mustang with Ramesh. The scenery was incredible and every day felt different. Some of the riding was tough, especially with the altitude and rough roads, but that made reaching the villages and viewpoints all the more rewarding. Ramesh was excellent throughout, and…
“An incredible cycling adventure in Mustang”
Jeevan was a brilliant guide for our Upper Mustang cycling trip. The landscape was unlike anywhere we'd ridden before, huge cliffs, dry valleys, and small villages tucked into the mountains. The riding was challenging in places, but Jeevan knew the route well and kept everything running smoothly. A fantastic adventure…
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Upper Mustang Biking Adventure?
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.
What special permits are required for Upper Mustang?
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.
What type of bike works best on this route?
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.
Is the Pokhara to Jomsom flight reliable?
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.
What is Lo Manthang and why is it significant?
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.
Are meals included throughout the trip?
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.
When is the best time to do this trip?
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.
How does altitude affect this trip?
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.
Are there ATMs in Upper Mustang?
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.
What happens if I cannot complete a riding section?
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.
What travel insurance do I need?
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.
Can I visit Choser caves from Lo Manthang?
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.
How does this compare to the other MountainKick biking trips?
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.
Departure Dates & Pricing
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
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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20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
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80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
| Cancel before you arrive | Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay |
| Cancel after the pre-trip meeting | No refund |
| Date or name change | USD 200 per person |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.
Read the full terms and conditionsPacking List
Bike and Riding Gear
ⓘ Bring more mechanical spares than any other Nepal biking trip. No bike shops exist in Upper Mustang. What you carry is what you have for 10 days in the restricted area. Rental bikes available through us at NPR 2,200 per day for standard, $33 per day for mountain bike, $100 per day for electric. CATEGORY 2 — Clothing and Layers — changes: Row 3 note: Change to For cool evenings above 3,500m throughout the circuit Row 4 note: Change to For Lo Manthang nights and Chogo La Pass day where temperatures drop below 0°C Add Row: Long-sleeved shirt for cultural sites with note Required for monastery visits in Charang, Lo Manthang, and Ghami. Pack at least one modest long-sleeved option. category_note: Change to Temperature swings of 25 degrees between midday sun and evening at 3,800m are normal in Upper Mustang. The desert sun is intense. Pack UV protection for all exposed skin on every riding day. CATEGORY 3 — Footwear — changes: Add Row: Gaiters with note Essential for dusty jeep road sections and rocky trail riding throughout Upper Mustang category_note: Change to Two footwear systems recommended. Bike shoes for riding. Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes for pushing and carrying sections on Chogo La and other technical passes. CATEGORY 4 — Sleeping and Warmth — changes: Row 1 note: Change to 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. Add Row: Sleeping bag rated to -10°C with note Recommended for Lo Manthang and high circuit nights. Rentable in Kathmandu before departure. category_note: Change to Sleeping bags rated to -10°C can be rented through us in Kathmandu before departure. Essential for the Lo Manthang section at 3,840m and higher circuit nights. CATEGORY 5 — Head and Hands — changes: Row 2 note: Change to For cold mornings above 3,500m and the Chogo La Pass crossing Row 3 note: Change to Dust protection on jeep road sections and warmth above 3,500m. Bring two. Row 5 note: Change to For the Chogo La Pass day and cold morning starts throughout the circuit category_note: Change to Dust protection for face and neck is as important as warmth in Upper Mustang. Strong afternoon winds carry dust that coats everything. A buff worn over nose and mouth is essential on jeep road sections. CATEGORY 6 — Gear and Equipment — changes: Row 1 note: Change to Daypack stays with you on all riding days. Porter carries duffel. Support vehicle carries group equipment. Row 2 note: Change to For early morning starts and guesthouse power cuts throughout the restricted area Row 3 note: Change to High capacity essential. No reliable charging above Kagbeni. Keep in sleeping bag overnight in cold. Add Row: Trekking poles with note For pushing and carrying sections on Chogo La and other technical passes on the return route Add Row: Small padlock with note For duffel bag security at guesthouses throughout the restricted area category_note: Change to Your porter carries the duffel throughout. Keep your daypack under 6kg for riding days. On the Chogo La Pass day you may also be carrying your bike so keep weight to a minimum. CATEGORY 7 — Health and Hydration — changes: Row 2 note: Change to Reapply every 2 hours. Desert UV is extreme and altitude intensifies it. Bring two. Row 3 note: Change to Mix into water daily above 3,000m throughout the circuit. Dehydration in dry desert air is fast. Row 4 note: Change to For the Chogo La day and long riding days. Pack more than you think you need. Add Row: Altitude sickness tablets Diamox with note Consult your doctor before departure. Spending 10 nights above 3,000m in a restricted area makes preparation essential. category_note: Change to Your guide carries a pulse oximeter and basic emergency kit. Talk to your doctor about altitude precautions before booking. The restricted area location means helicopter evacuation is the only emergency option. CATEGORY 8 — Toiletries — changes: Row 3 note: Change to Water freezes at Lo Manthang overnight. Sanitizer is your hygiene backup throughout the restricted area. Row 4 note: Change to No showers at some high-altitude guesthouses. Essential for 10 nights in the restricted area. Row 5 note: Change to Always carry your own throughout Upper Mustang. Resupply impossible in the restricted area. category_note: Change to Hot showers available at most guesthouses for a small extra charge. Above 3,500m expect limited shower facilities. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are your daily hygiene essentials throughout the circuit. CATEGORY 9 — Documents and Money — changes: Row 2 note: Change to Must cover mountain biking above 4,280m and helicopter evacuation in restricted areas. Must be purchased before arriving in Nepal. Row 3 note: Change to 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. Add Row: Upper Mustang permit copies with note We handle all permits. Carry your copies at all checkpoints throughout the restricted area. category_note: Change to Withdraw all cash before Jomsom. No ATMs exist anywhere in Upper Mustang. All riding day meals are included so cash needs are minimal. Budget for personal extras only. packing_exclude — changes: Row 1: Change to Road bike or gravel bike with reason Not suitable for the rocky desert trails and technical passes throughout Upper Mustang. Full-suspension or quality hardtail only. Row 2: Change to Wet chain lubricant with reason Attracts dust and clogs the drivetrain in Upper Mustang conditions. Dry lube only. Add Row: Cotton clothing with reason Absorbs sweat and stays wet. Dangerous at altitude when temperatures drop rapidly at 3,800m. Add Row: Excessive toiletries with reason Weight adds up over 16 days. Decant into small bottles. Space in the duffel is shared with your bike kit. packing_winter — changes: Row 1 note: Change to Lo Manthang and high circuit stops drop to -15°C in winter. Standard sleeping bag not enough. Row 2 note: Change to Upgrade from standard down. Temperatures at 3,840m in winter require expedition-grade insulation. Row 3 note: Change to For the Chogo La Pass crossing and exposed ridge sections in winter conditions Add Row: Extra hand and toe warmers with note Double the quantity for winter departures. Upper Mustang can reach -20°C overnight at higher elevations. category_note: Upper Mustang circuit is not recommended in winter from December to February. Chogo La Pass can be snow-covered and impassable. Check with Kumar before booking any departure outside the Mar-May and Sep-Nov windows. packing_monsoon — changes: Row 1 note: Change to The main Mustang valley is in the rain shadow but the eastern return route through Yara and Tangge can receive summer rain category_note: We do not operate this trip during monsoon from June to August. The eastern valley return route is significantly affected by summer storms and the Jomsom flight is less reliable during monsoon season. packing_monsoon_warning — replace entirely: We do not operate the Upper Mustang Biking Adventure during monsoon from June to August. While the main Mustang valley benefits from the Annapurna rain shadow, the eastern valley return route through Yara and Tangge can be seriously affected by summer storms. The Jomsom flight is also less reliable during this period. March to May and September to November are the only seasons we operate this trip. packing_rental_note — replace entirely: 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. That covers all changes. Approve and I move to the Mapbox GPS JSON?
Clothing and Layers
ⓘ Temperature swings of 25 degrees between midday sun and evening at 3,800m are normal in Upper Mustang. The desert sun is intense. Pack UV protection for all exposed skin on every riding day.
Footwear
ⓘ Two footwear systems recommended. Bike shoes for riding. Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes for pushing and carrying sections on Chogo La and other technical passes.
Sleeping and Warmth
ⓘ Sleeping bags rated to -10°C can be rented through us in Kathmandu before departure. Essential for the Lo Manthang section at 3,840m and higher circuit nights.
Head and Hands
ⓘ Dust protection for face and neck is as important as warmth in Upper Mustang. Strong afternoon winds carry dust that coats everything. A buff worn over nose and mouth is essential on jeep road sections.
Gear and Equipment
ⓘ Your porter carries the duffel throughout. Keep your daypack under 6kg for riding days. On the Chogo La Pass day you may also be carrying your bike so keep weight to a minimum.
Health and Hydration
ⓘ Your guide carries a pulse oximeter and basic emergency kit. Talk to your doctor about altitude precautions before booking. The restricted area location means helicopter evacuation is the only emergency option.
Toiletries
ⓘ Hot showers available at most guesthouses for a small extra charge. Above 3,500m expect limited shower facilities. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are your daily hygiene essentials throughout the circuit.
Documents and Money
ⓘ Withdraw all cash before Jomsom. No ATMs exist anywhere in Upper Mustang. All riding day meals are included so cash needs are minimal. Budget for personal extras only.
Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)
Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)
⚠ We do not operate the Upper Mustang Biking Adventure during monsoon from June to August. While the main Mustang valley benefits from the Annapurna rain shadow, the eastern valley return route through Yara and Tangge can be seriously affected by summer storms. The Jomsom flight is also less reliable during this period. March to May and September to November are the only seasons we operate this trip.
Leave at home
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Road bike or gravel bike Not suitable for the rocky desert trails and technical passes throughout Upper Mustang. Full-suspension or quality hardtail only.
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Cotton clothing Absorbs sweat and stays wet. Dangerous at altitude when temperatures drop rapidly
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Laptop No need and adds serious weight to the support vehicle. Use a phone or tablet instead
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Valuables and jewellery No safe storage at high altitude guesthouses. Leave anything irreplaceable in Kathmandu
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Full-size toiletries Decant into small bottles. Space in the support vehicle is shared across the group
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.
Upper Mustang Biking Adventure
Talk to Kumar and the team before you commit. Ask about gear, fitness, altitude or a private group.
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