Upper-Mustang-Biking

Upper Mustang Biking

  • duration 20 days
  • usd 3,500 All inclusive
  • difficulty Very Hard
  • best season Mar-Nov
  • group size min. 2 pax
  • max altitude From 4,390 feet at Kathmandu to 13,156 feet at Nyla Pass

trip overview

Cycle in the upper Mustang region in one of the most far-flung locations in the world. Rocky trail with steep hills makes this a thrilling ride full of adventures.

Detail itinerary

  • day 01
    Arrival in Kathmandu.

    We will be there to receive you at the airport as you land into Kathmandu and take you to your hotel.

    • Accomodation: Hotel
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • day 02
    Pre-trip meeting. Sightseeing in Kathmandu.

    Representatives and guides of Mountain Kick will meet with you at your hotel. Your journey starts the next day so we will run you through the itinerary. We begin our trip with visiting different heritage sites in Kathmandu and stopping at some of the popular tourist hangouts. Kathmandu is rich in culture and the ancient parts of the city have not changed for hundreds of years.

    • Accomodation: Hotel
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • day 03
    Drive to Pokhara by tourist bus.

    We ride to the famous tourist town of Pokhara in a tourist bus. It is a seven hour trip through serpentine roads carved into the hills with stops for lunch and snacks in villages along the way. At Pokhara, the lakeside area offers an amazing nightlife to relax you ahead of your trekking trip.

    • Accomodation: Hotel
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • day 04
    Fly to Jomsom. Then ride to Kagbeni.

    A less-than-twenty-minutes flight takes you to Jomsom, a tourist town which lies on the either side of the Kali Gandaki River. Vegetation cease to appear further from here and it is all rocky and barren terrain. We begin our first day of cycling by going uphill to Kagbeni, a village made up of mud houses. The beautiful Mustang Valley below and the Himalayan range above are clearly visible from Kagbeni.

    • Accomodation: Guesthouse
    • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • day 05
    Ride from Kagbeni to Muktinath.

    You can ride all the way up to Muktinath. The Muktinath Mandir is one of the holiest shrines for both Hindus and Buddhists as is believed to be the home of the god of liberation, Lord Muktinath (Lord Shiva). A lot of devotees, including holy Sadhus, make the pilgrimage to this place.

    • Accomodation: Guesthouse
    • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • day 06
    Ride from Muktinath to Chele.

    We ride downhill today to Chele (Tshele) making our way through the Kali Gandaki River Valley. It takes a couple of hours through a rocky trail to reach Chele.

    • Accomodation: Guesthouse
    • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • day 07
    Ride from Chele to Syangboche.

    We ride along steep slopes constantly changing between downhill and uphill. Cycling here is tough but the exotic scenes of the Himalayas will provide us energy.

    • Accomodation: Tented
    • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • day 08
    Ride from Syangboche to Charang.

    This is another day for high-altitude cycling with big cliffs to cross. Reaching Charang, you can visit the 700-year-old Khar palace and the monastery within it.

    • Accomodation: Tented
    • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • day 09
    Ride from Charang to Lo Manthang.

    A very rocky terrain takes you up to Lo Manthang, the capital of the legendary kingdom on Lo, which was built in the 14th century. Structures from those times, like the royal palace, monasteries, temples, other buildings and walls are still standing in this city. The city has also preserved its tradition and culture which remains unsullied. Foreign tourists were allowed into the kingdom only 25 years ago.

    • Accomodation: Tented
    • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • day 10
    Acclimatization rest. Sightseeing in LoManthang.

    There are four main and several other monasteries in Lo Manthang. We will visit these cultural monuments and also meet with the ethnic people of this kingdom. Rest and acclimatization is also very important at this high from the sea-level.

    • Accomodation: Tented
    • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • day 11
    Acclimatization rest. Sightseeing in Lo Manthang.

    Another day for rest and sightseeing.

    • Accomodation: Tented
    • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • day 12
    Ride from Lo Manthang to Gami.

    The first part of the journey is uphill till the Pangla Pass at 13,419 feet and then it is downhill till Dhakma. Three quarters of the rocky trail is ride-able. You will treated with beautiful views of the Upper Mustang landscape throughout the trip.

    • Accomodation: Tented
    • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • day 13
    Ride from Gami to Samar.

    We have to ride up to Nyla Pass at 13,156 feet and then downhill to Syangboche. The remaining path is very rough and you will have to carry your bikes. But the final part of the trail to Samar is smooth and will be easy after a tough day’s ride.

    • Accomodation: Tented
    • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • day 14
    Ride from Samar to Chheusang.

    We start getting back from this day. We lose more than 2,000 feet in altitude as we make our way down to Chheusang.

    • Accomodation: Tented
    • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • day 15
    Ride from Chheusang to Kagbeni.

    We get back to Kagbeni, the same place we were at on the fourth day of the trip.

    • Accomodation: Guesthouse
    • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • day 16
    Ride from Kagbeni to Tatopani.

    We make a heavy descend today all the way from the Himalayas to the lowlands. The whole road is ride-able as most of it is either cobbled or graveled. The Annapurna massif will be on the background throughout the trip as we pass through several forests and villages to reach Tatopani. It takes a little less than seven hours to get here. “Tatopani”, translates into “hot water” in Nepali, and you will spend the evening in the natural hot water spring here that will heal your body of all the pain of cycling so much.

    • Accomodation: Guesthouse
    • Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • day 17
    Ride from Tatopani to Beni. Then drive to Pokhara.

    The road is very gentle and moves alongside the river as we move downhill to Beni for two hours. From Beni, we will drive to Pokhara in a tourist vehicle. We reach Pokhara in three hours and the beautiful city on the bank of the Phewa Lake offers an amazing nightlife to relax you after spending more than two weeks cycling in the Himalayas.

    • Accomodation: Hotel
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • day 18
    Sightseeing in Pokhara.

    Pokhara is the most beautiful city in Nepal and that is why tourists from all around the world come here. Major tourist attractions are the Devi’s Fall, the Mahendra Cave, the Bat Cave, the World Peace Pagoda and the Phewa Lake. The lakeside area is a great place for tourists to hangout and the nightlife here is amazing.

    • Accomodation: Hotel
    • Meal: Breakfast
  • day 19
    Drive to Kathmandu. Farewell Dinner.

    Having trekked in the Upper Mustang region, we return to Kathmandu. Mountain Kick will host a farewell dinner for you to culminate your vacation.

    • Accomodation: Hotel
    • Meal: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
  • day 20
    Final Departure.

    We will drop you off to the airport but we are sure that you will want to come back again.

Included in cost

  • Receive you from and drop you to the airport or hotel in our company vehicle.
  • Stay at a three-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfast is provided.
  • Sightseeing around Kathmandu in a private vehicle with our guide. All entrance fees will be paid.
  • Stay at guesthouses during the cycling trip on a twin-sharing basis. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners will also be taken care of.
  • Fees for camping at certain sites and all meals during such stays.
  • Local government-licensed guides.
  • Fees for entering certain protected areas and for Trekkers’ Information Management System card.
  • We will lend you a down jacket and a sleeping bag for throughout the trek.
  • Fully paid bus tickets for Kathmandu-Pokhara drive and back. Other rides in private vehicles included in the itinerary.
  • Flight tickets for Pokhara-Jomsom flight.
  • A duffel bag, a sun hat and a t-shirt as a souvenir from us.
  • A traditional Nepali feast with cultural shows as a farewell dinner.
  • All tourist fees, government charges and other official expenses throughout the trip.

Not included in cost

  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. All meals throughout the cycling trip.
  • Additional stay before, during or after the set itinerary.
  • Charges at airports or other areas for excess luggage.
  • Alcohol, hot or cold drinks, bottled water, and other snacks.
  • Phone calls, internet, laundry, additional porters, and other personal expenses.
  • Travel insurance. (It is compulsory and covers emergency rescue and evacuation.)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
  • Visa fees for entering Nepal.
  • Trekking equipment.
  • Other expenses not mentioned in “Included in cost” list.

Accomodation during the Trip

In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD 50.Also note that single rooms is easily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

faqs

  • How do I come to Nepal?
    You have to book your own international flight from your country to Nepal and back. Or we could book a flight for you for a separate fee.
  • Which is best time of the year to travel?
    Most of the biking routes are open throughout the year but September through to December and March to May are the best months to travel.
  • What travel documents do I need?
    As soon as you land into Kathmandu, we take care of all your travel documents required during your trip. You just need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance. Tourist fees and permits to enter certain areas will be arranged for by Mountain Kick.
  • What happens after I land into Nepal?
    A chauffeur from Mountain Kick will come receive you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Representatives of the company will visit you at the hotel itself and brief you on your trip.
  • Where will I be staying during the trip?
    In Kathmandu, you will stay in a three-star hotel while you will be staying at standard guesthouses during your travel. There will be electricity, internet, laundry and hot showers in all of the places you stay. You will have to share your room with a fellow traveller in our typical package. At some destinations, especially in the Himalayas, you will have to stay in a tented camp. If you want to make separate living arrangements, talk to us beforehand and we can arrange single rooms for additional $250. Some guesthouses at very high altitudes and remote places may not have attached washrooms or single rooms.
  • And food?
    All your major meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in your biking package except in Kathmandu (where only breakfast is provided for). You will be served local food at all places we dine but you can order anything you like on the menu which you will have to pay for yourself. You will have a range of options so there won’t be a problem if you are a vegetarian or vegan. We make sure you get healthy and hygienic food throughout your travel.
  • What will a cycling trip with Mountain Kick involve?
    You will cycle in the Himalayas in a group of international travellers fully assisted by our guides and local support staff. Travel will involve plenty of sightseeing and mixing with local culture.
  • Which bike will I get?
    You will need a hardtail mountain bike with full suspension for cycling in high altitude. For road biking, you will need a road bike or a hybrid bike. We have several types of high quality bikes for you to choose for the trip. Your rides will be checked by our mechanic before embarking on each journey and will be regularly maintained.
  • Do I need prior cycling experience?
    Not necessarily. But as you have to cycle for hours in rugged mountainous terrain, you have to be in good physical shape. It is, however, expected that you have taken light endurance training especially for longer trips.
  • How long do I have to cycle each day?
    On most days of your trips, you will trek for a couple of hours only. But some biking days require as much as eight hours of cycling in high altitude. However, there will be plenty time each day for rest and acclimatization.
  • How much help do I get during the trip?
    Our guides and porters always put your safety and comfort first. We have English-speaking guides who take you to all major attractions throughout the travel and are happy to answer all your queries. We have local support staff in all villages and camps you reach to assist you in any way possible.
  • What happens in case of injuries and emergencies?
    The guides always carry a professional first aid kit with them to treat with minor injuries. We also have health professionals at villages and camps along the journey. The travel insurance you take (which is compulsory) covers any and all emergency rescue and evacuation.
  • What if I want to do something beyond the itinerary?
    We are always happy to accommodate your wishes during the travel so far as they do not conflict with schedules and other travellers. If you have special plans, you can talk to us beforehand so that we can arrange a customized trip for you.
  • What equipment do I bring?
    You have to bring all travel equipment yourself. Please see the equipment list section for a standard list of required equipment prepared by our guides. Most of the items are easily available in Kathmandu in case if you miss any and we also lend you some of the gears for the duration of the trip for a small fee.
  • Will I get to communicate with the outer world?
    There is internet and telephone connection in all of our stops for the day throughout the journey. You will be able to call back home or post your pictures on Facebook everyday.
  • What are the modes of transportation for travel mentioned in the itinerary?
    Rides for sightseeing and reaching destinations within city limits are done in a private vehicle like a car, a jeep or a microbus. Most of the long distance travel is done in luxurious tourist buses hired exclusively by the company. In some journeys, you may also need to take a public bus but as you will travel in a group with our guides and support staff, you need not worry about your safety or comfort.
  • How much money do I need to carry during the trip?
    Around $50 will be enough to buy you lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. During your travel, you can get by with around $25 a day. But it depends on how much you want to spend. Due to the exchange rate and predominantly rural economy of Nepal, things are pretty cheap in Nepal.
  • Can I use my credit cards?
    Almost all international credit cards are accepted in Nepal. However, not all places, especially during your travel, accept them. There may be a fee involved in processing your card.
  • Are tips for my guides and porters expected? How much?
    Our staff do not expect you to tip them. Generally, travellers tip them if they are satisfied with the service as a means of gratitude. Even when travellers tip the guides and porters, there is no fixed rate. However, if you like to tip them, follow customs of your own country for tipping (which, as we have learned, is 10 to 15 percent of total cost for most western countries).
  • Where will I get a visa to come to Nepal?
    You can obtain a visa at your home country through Nepal’s embassy or consular office. But you can easily get a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You just need two passport-size photographs. A tourist visa with multiple entry for 30 days costs $40 while the same for 90 days costs $100.
  • How do I book a tour?
    Click Book Now to enter your details and we shall contact you. You can contact us directly for any further information or to prepare a customized itinerary for you. For payment information, see our Terms and Conditions.

Trip notes

  • The trail is so rocky and some of the climbs are so steep that you will need good cycling skills apart from stamina and strength.
  • Please make sure you take a travel insurance at home before arriving here. It is mandatory and you cannot take it in Nepal. Your insurance agent will know which insurance plan suits your travel.
  • It is advisable that you free up a few days before and after your trip schedule. For reasons beyond our control like flight delays, accidents and natural hazards, the itinerary may have to be altered. Please note that the flight to Jomsom from Pokhara is very vulnerable to weather shocks and it is common that flights are delayed or cancelled due to unfavourable weather.
  • Please inform us and our guides if you have any medical condition that might affect your trip. Please consult your doctor beforehand for any precautions you need to take and always carry medicines if you need them. However, our guides and local support staff have been trained in basic medical intervention and your travel insurance covers any emergency rescue or evacuation.
  • You may decide to alter your itinerary to some degree as long as there are no time constraints and everyone consents, if you are travelling in a group. Talk to us before embarking on the trip or you may also talk to our guides to see if we can arrange something. One thing we have learned from mountaineering all these years is however good you plan your journey, there are bound to be some improvisations to make our experience richer.

Equipment List

view all equipment list

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.

Customize your trip single

csr

As one of the core guiding principles for Mountain Kick, we always give back to the mountain community in any way we can as a means of gratitude. The people who live in the Himalayas and share their homes with us deserve to have all their little problems fixed which seem very basic for outsiders but are commonplace in rural Nepal. The people lack proper access to healthcare, sanitation and education but a little effort from travellers goes on a long way to solve these issues. Mountain Kick has made it its corporate social responsibility to help improve the living standards of the local community. We make donations to their cause, organize social campaigns and programs and also have a few trips designed to mix a little volunteer work in your holiday.

READ MORE ABOUT CSR

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