Upper Mustang Biking- 17 Days
Pedal into the lost kingdom of Lo, where cliffs and ancient trails echo Tibet’s spirit. This is raw, off-road biking through Mustang’s sacred valleys; every day a wild ride from the Tibetan border to Jomsom’s orchards.
Nepal
17 Days
Advanced
4,660 m / 15,288 ft
Mar-May & Sep-Nov
Hotels & Teahouses
Included
Kathmandu
Trip Highlights
- Ride through the walled city of Lo-Manthang, once a forbidden kingdom
- Conquer desert plateaus, hidden canyons, and ancient trade routes
- Cross into Kora La Pass, near the Tibetan border
- Visit the sacred temple of Muktinath, revered by both Buddhists and Hindus
- Soothe your muscles in Tatopani’s natural hot springs
- Taste the legendary apple pies and brandy of Marpha
Trip Overview
Welcome to an immersive experience into Mustang’s distinct beauty and sacred heart. Your bike-riding adventure kicks off in the bustling capital of Kathmandu and traces its way west to Pokhara. From here, a scenic flight lands you in Jomsom, the gateway to the once-forbidden Upper Mustang.
You will pass through the timeless Tibetan-style villages like Kagbeni, Charang, and Lo-Manthang- the ancient capital where whitewashed walls guard centuries-old monasteries and ancient cliff caves inhabited by people. You’ll bike through silent gorges, cross wild trails above Kali Gandaki, and explore forgotten valleys scattered with sky caves and chortens.
The landscape is barren, the ride is raw, and every uphill ride rewards you with views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. On the return, soak in hot springs at Tatopani, and coast through pine-scented trails back to Pokhara.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)
- Day 2: Bike around Shivapuri National Park (1,400 m / 4,593 ft): 3-4 hrs
- Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (900 m / 2,953 ft): 7-9 hrs
- Day 4: Fly to Jomsom (2,720 m / 8,924 ft), ride to Kagbeni (2,810 m / 9,219 ft): 1-2 hrs ride
- Day 5: Kagbeni to Chele (3,050 m / 10,007 ft): 5-6 hrs ride
- Day 6: Chele to Charang (3,620 m / 11,876 ft): 6-7 hrs ride
- Day 7: Charang to Lo-Manthang (3,810 m / 12,500 ft): 4-5 hrs ride
- Day 8: Ride to Kora La (4,660 m / 15,288 ft) and back via Choser: 6-7 hrs ride
- Day 9: Rest day in Lo-Manthang
- Day 10: Lo-Manthang to Dhi Goan (3,400 m / 11,155 ft): 4-5 hrs ride
- Day 11: Dhi Goan to Tangge (3,240 m / 10,630 ft): 5-6 hrs ride
- Day 12: Tangge to Chhusang (2,980 m / 9,777 ft): 6-7 hrs ride
- Day 13: Chhusang to Marpha (2,670 m / 8,760 ft) via Muktinath & Lupra: 6-7 hrs ride
- Day 14: Marpha to Tatopani (1,190 m / 3,904 ft): 5-6 hrs ride
- Day 15: Ride to Beni (830 m / 2,723 ft), drive to Pokhara (900 m): 4-5 hrs ride + 4 hrs drive
- Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 7-9 hrs
- Day 17: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)
An Ama Adventure representative will pick you up from the airport. After settling in at your lodge, spend the evening exploring the neighborhood. If you’re staying near Thamel or Patan, enjoy the beautiful collection of temples, statues, palaces, and shops for local crafts.
Max Altitude
: Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)
Overnight
: Kathmandu
Accomodation
: Hotel
Day 2: Bike around Shivapuri National Park (1,400 m / 4,593 ft): 3-4 hrs
After breakfast, we will check your gear for a mountain bike to make sure you have everything to hit on the trail. After breakfast, get ready for heading towards the Shivapuri National Park biking on the single-track jeep road through the wooden land. Basically, you cross 11 to 12 miles but it is dependent upon your route selection.
Before biking, visit the ancient Budhanilkantha Temple, where a magnificent stone idol of sleeping Vishnu rests in a pond.
Once inside the national park, explore jungle trails, waterfalls, and streams. Enjoy bird watching and, on clear days, views of the snow-capped Himalayas before returning to Kathmandu.
Max Altitude
: Shivapuri (approx. 2,700 m / 8,858 ft)
Trip Duration
: 3-4 hrs
Meals
: Breakfast
Overnight
: Kathmandu
Accomodation
: Hotel
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (900 m / 2,953 ft): 7-9 hrs
Drive west through lush green hills, river canyons, and terraced fields. Arrive in Pokhara- a lakeside city framed by Machapuchare and the Annapurna range. Evening by Phewa Lake offers serenity before the adventure.
Max Altitude
: Pokhara (900 m)
Trip Duration
: 7-9 hrs
Meals
: Breakfast
Overnight
: Pokhara
Accomodation
: Hotel
Day 4: Fly to Jomsom (2,720 m / 8,924 ft), ride to Kagbeni (2,810 m / 9,219 ft): 1-2 hrs ride
A short, dramatic flight brings you to the arid, high-altitude desert of Jomsom. Start biking along the Kali Gandaki riverbed to Kagbeni, a medieval village with ancient alleys, red chortens, and views of Nilgiri.
Max Altitude
: Kagbeni (2,810 m)
Trip Duration
: 20 min flight + 1-2 hrs ride
Meals
: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
: Kagbeni
Accomodation
: Teahouse
Day 5: Kagbeni to Chele (3,050 m / 10,007 ft): 5-6 hrs ride
Enter the restricted region of Upper Mustang. Ride through eroded cliffs and past mani walls, crossing the Kali Gandaki before climbing steep switchbacks to Chele, a windswept village tucked into the mountain.
Max Altitude
: Chele (3,050 m)
Trip Duration
: 5-6 hrs
Meals
: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
: Chele
Accomodation
: Teahouse
Day 6: Chele to Charang (3,620 m / 11,876 ft): 6-7 hrs ride
Pedal across the visually stunning plateaus and through gorges carved into ochre hills. Pass villages like Syangboche and Ghiling, where you’ll see barley fields and whitewashed homes. Charang greets you with a giant monastery and fortress ruins.
Max Altitude
: Charang (3,620 m)
Trip Duration
: 6-7 hrs
Meals
: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
: Charang
Accomodation
: Teahouse
Day 7: Charang to Lo-Manthang (3,810 m / 12,500 ft): 4-5 hrs ride
Climb over the Lo La pass with jaw-dropping views of Mustang’s walled capital in the distance. Descend into Lo-Manthang- home to royal palaces, ancient monasteries, and a culture frozen in time.
Max Altitude
: Lo-Manthang (3,810 m)
Trip Duration
: 4-5 hrs
Meals
: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
: Lo-Manthang
Accomodation
: Teahouse
Day 8: Ride to Kora La (4,660 m / 15,288 ft) and back via Choser: 6-7 hrs ride
Bike to the Tibetan border at Kora La, once a key trade route. On the return, explore the cave monasteries of Choser, that are honeycombed into cliffs, and visit remote gompas still active with monks.
Max Altitude
: Kora La (4,660 m)
Trip Duration
: 6-7 hrs
Meals
: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
: Lo-Manthang
Accomodation
: Teahouse
Day 9: Rest day in Lo-Manthang
Take time to explore the cultural sites of Lo-Manthang. Visit Namgyal Gompa, the royal palace, and ceremonial squares. Optional short ride or walk to nearby hamlets like Thinggar or Namgyal to meet local families.
Max Altitude
: Lo-Manthang (3,810 m)
Meals
: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
: Lo-Manthang
Accomodation
: Teahouse
Day 10: Lo-Manthang to Dhi Goan (3,400 m / 11,155 ft): 4-5 hrs ride
Cross Windy Pass and descend through a canyon on a rarely used trail to reach Dhi Goan, a serene village by the river surrounded by colorful rock formations.
Max Altitude
: Lo La Pass (3,950 m)
Trip Duration
: 4-5 hrs
Meals
: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
: Dhi Goan
Accomodation
: Teahouse
Day 11: Dhi Goan to Tangge (3,240 m / 10,630 ft): 5-6 hrs ride
Ride challenging and remote trails across ridges and river crossings to reach Tangge, a stone village with chortens dotting the hillside.
Max Altitude
: Tangge (3,240 m)
Trip Duration
: 5-6 hrs
Meals
: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
: Tangge
Accomodation
: Teahouse
Day 12: Tangge to Chhusang (2,980 m / 9,777 ft): 6-7 hrs ride
Face a tough climb mixed with carrying the bike, rewarded by stunning views of cliffs and snowy peaks. Descend along technical singletracks into Chhusang.
Max Altitude
: Approx. 3,400 m
Trip Duration
: 6-7 hrs
Meals
: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
: Chhusang
Accomodation
: Teahouse
Day 13: Chhusang to Marpha (2,670 m / 8,760 ft) via Muktinath & Lupra: 6-7 hrs ride
Bike to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site, then descend through Lupra Valley’s hidden trails dotted with sky caves. End the day in Marpha, famous for apple orchards and local apple brandy.
Max Altitude
: Muktinath (3,760 m)
Trip Duration
: 6-7 hrs
Meals
: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
: Marpha
Accomodation
: Teahouse
Day 14: Marpha to Tatopani (1,190 m / 3,904 ft): 5-6 hrs ride
Enjoy a long descent through pine forests and cliffside villages. Relax in natural hot springs beside the river after a rewarding day of riding.
Max Altitude
: Tatopani (1,190 m)
Trip Duration
: 5-6 hrs
Meals
: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
: Tatopani
Accomodation
: Teahouse
Day 15: Ride to Beni (830 m / 2,723 ft), drive to Pokhara (900 m): 4-5 hrs ride + 4 hrs drive
Finish the biking portion rolling through villages to Beni. Then transfer by vehicle back to Pokhara for a restful evening by the lake.
Max Altitude
: Pokhara (900 m)
Trip Duration
: 4-5 hrs ride + 4 hrs drive
Meals
: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight
: Pokhara
Accomodation
: Teahouse
Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 7-9 hrs
After breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu. You can rest on your own, catching souvenir shopping and exploring the neighborhood. In the evening Ama Adventure will organize dinner to celebrate the success of our trip.
Max Altitude
: Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Trip Duration
: 7-9 hrs
Meals
: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Overnight
: Kathmandu
Accomodation
: Hotel
Day 17: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Today marks the end of your journey. An Ama Adventure representative will transfer you to the airport for your flight home. We hope to see you on the next adventure.
Max Altitude
: Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Meals
: Breakfast
Overnight
: Kathmandu
Important Note on Itinerary
Our regular itinerary may change slightly due to factors beyond our control, such as weather conditions, flight delays or cancellations, natural events, government regulations, political issues, or health concerns. In such situations, we always work to find the best possible alternatives to keep the trek moving forward. Your patience and flexibility during these times are greatly appreciated.
It’s a good idea to arrive a day early to rest and pick up any last-minute gear. We recommend keeping buffer days in Nepal in case of flight delays or bad weather. You can also extend your stay with sightseeing in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or short adventures.
Gallery
What is included
Accommodation
- 4-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a twin/double-sharing basis with breakfast
- 3-star hotel in Pokhara on a twin/double-sharing basis with breakfast
- Teahouses during the ride and trek in the mountains (twin-sharing), with attached bathrooms
Meals & Drinking Water
- Daily breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the biking route
- One hot drink per meal and seasonal fruits
- Farewell dinner on the final night in Nepal
- Purified drinking water throughout the trek (via water filter or purification tablets)
Transportation
- All airport transfers (domestic) by private tourist vehicle.
- Private tourist vehicle from Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu, Beni to Pokhara
- One-way flight from Pokhara–Jomsom
Guide & Support Staff
- Professional Guide and Assistant Guide/Trainee Guide
- Porters to carrying your luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
- All staff’s wages, accommodation, meals, insurance, gear, and medication
Permits & Entry Fees
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card
- Restricted Area Permit (Upper Mustang)
Health & Safety
- Comprehensive first aid kit
- Daily health checks with a pulse oximeter to monitor altitude-related symptoms
Extras & Souvenirs
- Trekking map, duffel kit bag, sun hat, and a trip completion certificate
Administrative
- All government taxes and administrative fees
What is Excluded
- Mountain bike rental (USD 40–50/day if hiring)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except the farewell dinner in Pokhara)
- Trip cancellation cost
- International airfare and airport departure tax
- Travel insurance- Must include high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
- Alcoholic beverages, cold drinks, and bottled juices
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers
- Bike repair kit (recommended if bringing your own)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Single room supplement- Available on request at an extra cost
- Any expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section
- Nepal Entry Visa
Trip Departure
We book both solo and group for amazing experiences along with people from all over the world. Before departure, we reconfirm how many clients are recently in your group before sign up for the trekking. When a person signs up for the expeditions we guarantee all the group departure dates even if there is a single person of Upper Mustang Biking Tour.
Difficulty Level
The Upper Mustang mountain bike trip demands strong fitness and skill to handle technical, high-altitude terrain. With long daily rides and tough climbs, prior multi-day biking experience is essential. You’ll cover about 200 miles across rugged mountain passes, ancient routes, and stark plateaus in one of Nepal’s most breathtaking regions.
Meals
Throughout our trek, you’ll savor authentic Nepalese dishes alongside international cuisines such as Tibetan, Continental, Italian, and Indian. Breakfast and dinner will be served at the tea houses or lodge menus where we stay overnight, while lunches will be provided en route to our next destination. During the trek, all meals are included. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, breakfast is provided, and farewell dinner will be arranged for our guests.
Lodging
We’ll be accommodated at Hotel Manaslu in Kathmandu and Bodhi Suites in Pokhara, and the best available teahouses during our trek. Accommodations are based on twin sharing. For those requesting a single room, there will be an additional cost of USD 100. While we aim for rooms with attached washrooms, please note that some tea houses may only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and lower-elevation trekking areas, but availability might be limited at higher elevations.
Weather Information
Mountain weather here shifts quickly with elevation. Days are dry and sunny, usually between 10°C to 18°C. Mornings and nights are cold, often near freezing above 3,500 meters. Winds pick up in the afternoons, so it’s best to layer up and adjust as you go.
Packing List
Here’s a streamlined packing list for your trek. Adjust according to the season. Ama Adventure provides a 75-liter duffel bag for the trek, and riding kit, sleeping bags or down jackets can be rented in Kathmandu for USD 35 each.
General
- Four-season (zero-degree) sleeping bag
- Puffy down jacket
- Daypack (35-45 liters) with rain cover
- Sleeping bag liner
Upper Body
- Sun hat or cap
- Knitted hat / Beanie
- Scarf / Neck Gaiter / Buff (highly recommended)
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
Torso
- Technical fabric base layers (light for warm months, heavy for cold)
- 2 short-sleeve technical shirts
- 2 long-sleeve technical shirts
- Waterproof, windproof shell jacket
- Fleece jacket or pullover
Lower Body
- Technical fabric base layers (light for warm months, heavy for cold)
- 2 pairs hiking pants
- Comfortable pants for indoors at teahouses
- Waterproof, windproof shell pants
- Hiking shorts
Hands
- Wool or technical liner gloves
- Insulated hard-shell gloves for colder months
Feet
- Wool or technical warm socks
- Hiking socks
- Optional liner socks (silk or similar)
- Waterproof trekking/hiking boots
- Casual shoes for evenings
- Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow)
Note: Laundry opportunities are limited, so pack accordingly.
Undergarments
- Quick-dry technical underwear (laundry available during trip)
- Sports bras (women)
- Pajamas or sleepwear
First Aid Kits and Medications
- Sunscreen (high SPF)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Antiseptic or soothing ointment
- Personal medications (for altitude, allergies, pain relief, etc.)
(Note: Our guides carry a basic first aid kit, but personal supplies are strongly recommended)
Other Essential Items
- Valid passport
- 2–3 passport-sized photos
- Copy of airline ticket (leave one with Ama Adventure)
- Outlet adapter
Optional
- Toiletries
- Guidebook
- Trekking poles
- Camera
- Basic medicine (Pepto-Bismol, Advil, Imodium)
- Bandana for dust and wind
- Energy bars
- Yaktrax (for fall/early spring)
Documents and Logistics
- Flight Information
- Original Passport
- Photocopy of passport
- Passport size photo for Tims and permit (4)
- Medical Insurance Card
- Airline tickets (leave a copy with our office in Kathmandu)
Dates & Prices
We ensure departures on all published dates. If these dates don’t align with your plans, we’re happy to assist in setting a customized date. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group seeking private trips, you can tailor-make your adventure. Reach out to us for pricing details or any other queries.
Group Discount Prices
Traveler Reviews
Tripadvisor Reviews
Best choice for trekking in Nepal - We were so lucky to come across Ama Adventure in a Facebook group, and specifically Goma Thapa, who's an experienced, educated, trekking powerhouse woman in charge of Ama trekking expeditions.... read more
Zofia F
December 30, 2023 Travelling to Nepal 🇳🇵 - Best of the best company ever! I have a wonderful experiences trekking to Everest Basecamp, Chola pass and Gokyo Lake with Goma.
Flyer19890147734
October 22, 2023 Highly recommend Goma and AMA Adventure - Highly recommend Goma from AMA Adventure. Amazing trekking guide, took us to EBC + Chola Pass + Gokyo Lakes. Honest, punctual, lovely company to have. Have trekked with... read more Cruiser613242
November 25, 2024
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