Upper Mustang is a dreamland for every mountain biker seeking the ultimate adventure in the pristine Himalayan nature of Nepal. Also referred to as the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo in Nepal, where the king still governs the land, the adventurous expedition to this hidden realm is going to be an extraordinary, out-of-the-world experience.
As a highly restricted area due to its proximity to the Tibet border, the mountain bike ride to the Upper Mustang offers you a once-in-a-lifetime cultural odyssey, riding through several remote valleys in a tranquil setting and viewing the enriching lifestyle of the Himalayan locals, dominated by the people of Thakali and in some parts by the ethnic communities of Gurung.
The majority of the locals are practitioners of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, which is rooted in nature and worships the mountains such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri as the gods watching over them, creating majestic landscapes, mountainous terrains, and several glacial river valleys. The experience of witnessing these glorifying sights during the mountain biking tour to the Upper Mustang cannot be explained in words.
Throughout the biking trail, you will be able to feel the raw Himalayan breeze in your cheeks as you ride your mountain bike through the verdant lowlands to the artistic climate of the high alpine zone with similar kinds of vegetation, fostering unique cultural attractions along with true Himalayan spirits as you make your way through an awesome geographic diversity.
Therefore, the mountain biking tour to the Upper Mustang is the perfect mountain expedition, exposing bikers to the most spine-tingling intimacy with the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal that follows the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek route for a few days and later on gives you access to the hidden gem of the Nepalese Himalayas with an insider insight into the region’s historical, cultural, and religious significance.
Unfold the mystery of one of the hidden Himalayan realms of the Nepalese Himalayas, Upper Mustang, in our 16-day mountain biking tour happening right now at Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks. Contact us now to book this surreal adventure!
What to expect at the Upper Mustang Moutain Biking Tour?
Mountain biking to the Upper Mustang of Nepal, otherwise called the Himal Pari ko Gaon in Nepalese, which translates to the village beyond mountains, and for the reason that it falls in the Trans Himalayan region, serving as a nation within the secular federal country of Nepal that still practices the monarchial system within its area, is an unforgettable adventure where you can expect the most fulfilling journey of your lifetime with:
The most satisfying off-the-beaten trail to the Upper Mustang
Unlike some of the more popular trekking routes in Nepal, such as the Annapurna Circuit hiking routes, the Everest Base Camp expedition, and others, which also see a significant number of mountain bikers each year, the mountain biking route to the Upper Mustang sees fewer tourists due to its discovery and opening to visitors only in 1992.
Furthermore, as the whole realm of Upper Mustang is hidden behind the gigantic Himalayan ranges Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri, along with its designation as a restricted area of Nepal, it allows only a countable number of foreigners to preserve the true essences of the region along with its distinctive culture and natural beauty, assuring you a more intimate and off-the-beaten-remote experience while you immerse yourself in the serenity of the authentic wilderness and establish a genuine mutuality with nature and its people.
Dramatic Himalayan Landscapes
The trail to the Upper Mustang is famous among mountain bikers for its never-ending picturesque landscapes from the starting to the ending point of the entire journey, characterized by stunning views of the rugged mountains, such as the world’s eighth and tenth highest peaks, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), which are usually covered in snow, deep valleys, and contrasting barren lands against the lush subtropical hills below.
As you bike through the region, you will be rewarded with the expansive panoramic views of several Himalayan giants such as Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, and Thorong Peak beside the two of the eight-thousanders, scenic and adventurous cliffs, and arid desert-like terrain on reaching the higher altitude, which hence provides you with ample opportunities to click some in your lens and is also called the photographers haven as well as the trekkers and bikers paradise.
Bike along the deepest gorge in the planet, Kali Gandaki
Situated at an altitude of 6,268 m/20,564 ft, the Kali Gandki River or gorge is the largest gorge in the world on the way to the Upper Mustang biking tour that provides you with the awe-inspiring sight of a mountain cutting through the heart of the Himalayas. Being the only place where one can find the highly revered Saligram worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists as the incarnation of the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu, the sense of adventure and exhilaration, along with the spiritual energy, will keep you inspiring as you ascend and descend into and through the gorge.
You will feel blessed to have come across such a glorious sight as you look at the valley below, which is as scenic as it can be, while the mountains atop the sky never leave your eyes, and the ambiance around the Kali Gandaki gorge is a fantastic spot for meditation that can lead to one's spiritual awakening during the 16-day mountain biking journey to the Upper Mustang.
Ancient villages, caves, and beautiful apple orchids of Jomsom and Kagbeni
Jomsom, an administrative center, is surrounded by several traditional villages made up of mud and bricks, consisting of narrow alleyways, and traditional architecture reflecting centuries of historical and cultural heritage, among which Kagbeni is the oldest and most beloved village in the Mustang region, offering a glimpse into the Mustangi way of life.
Further, Kagbeni specifically is amidst the rock formations peppered with caves once used by the people during war and famine to take shelter and some significant religious leaders such as Guru Rinpoche to medicate, who is believed to have acquired enlightenment in these sky caves adorned with colorful prayer flags and Mani walls followed by prayer wheels.
While both Jomsom and Kagebeni are noted for their beautiful apple orchids and local specialty apple brandy, you can conclude that the mountain biking through here to meet and finally explore the Lo Manthang of the Upper Mustang is a natural and cultural odyssey that exposes you to some of the most incredible secret gems of the Mustang and Annapurna regions.
Uncover the mystery of the Kingdom of Himalayas (Lo Manthang)
Once the capital city of the Kingdom of Lo, Lo Manthang is a semi-independent, mysterious kingdom featuring distinctive walls within the borders of modern Nepal, whose prosperity hails to this day while its origin takes you to Tibetan Buddhism.
Along with being the ancient trade route, it is also one of the major highlights of the Upper Mustang biking tour and treks, located in a rural and isolated part of the Himalayas characterized by the presence of centuries-old monasteries, temples, and palaces intricately carved with woodcarving.
Despite the rapid urbanization, Lo Manthang still has an unspoiled authentic mountain way of life and cultural identity, adding much to the enriching first-hand cultural experience for everyone who traverses this area, leaving no one behind, including bikers.
Festival of Tiji in the Upper Mustang
One of the largest and most significant festivals that is celebrated precisely in the Upper Mustang annually is Tiji, which generally falls in April or May, commemorating the triumph of good over bad that you can be part of during the mountain biking at this time.
Moreover, if you are hopeful of observing this festival only, you can take an optional short Mustang Trek featuring the unique traditional dances, rites, rituals, and various ceremonies performed by monks and locals dressed in cultural attire, offering and praying in the aromatic and vibrant ambiance.
Riding through acute mountain sickness-prone areas
The biking expedition to the Upper Mustang presents you with its own set of challenges that include several rugged sections, steep ascents, and technical descents, which can be physically demanding at the higher altitude, posing a high risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) due to the unpredictable weather conditions that can experience fluctuation at any time.
However, on making it through it, the scenes will be equally rewarding, followed by the most gratifying sense of achievement that makes the mountain biking expedition to the Upper Mustang worth each effort; hence, it is crucial to keep yourself well-prepared mentally and physically and gain some mountain biking experience before beginning to embark on the Upper Mustang on a mountain bike.
The Spirtual biking to the Muktinath and Tatopani
Although lying at a different altitude profile level, the Muktinath temple and Tatopani both hold religious importance in the hearts and souls of every Hindu and Buddhist devotee, as taking baths in both of these natural and cultural landmarks’ premises is believed to possess the power of salvation.
Undoubtedly, Muktinath is considered the holiest and is an astounding monument as well, consisting of 108 water sprouts originating from the melting of glaciers, an eternal flame nearby, and a huge idol of one of the supreme Hindu lords among the three, Vishnu, while the Tatopani is a natural spring rich in minerals that can reduce fatigue and provide relief to tired muscles, besides the religious belief.
Both of these are located amidst the glorifying peaks of the Annapurna Himalayas and are a treat to the eyes, mind, and soul. They are the perfect place to find inner peace, renew yourself, and build a deeper connection to the world around you, appreciating life as an element in making the Mustang Biking the spiritual journey of self-transformation.
Why 16-day itinerary to go for the Upper Mustang Moutain Biking Tour?
The 16-day mountain biking excursion to the Upper Mustang begins with a test drive around the Kathmandu Valley, which on the very next day catches a local bus, private jeep, or tourist vehicle to one of the most famous cities in Nepal, famous for its shimmering water lakes, Pokhara.
From Pokhara, the 16-day itinerary includes a stunning flight to the hilltown of Jomsom, still facilitating the lookout at the most amazing ancient Thakali cultures and traditions along with its customary life to officially begin the mountain bike ride to the Upper Mustang that first stops by Kagbeni.
On making it to Kabeni, you will move your mountain bike forth and take blessing at one of the holy shrines of the Hindu Lord, Muktinath, treasured by both Hindus and Buddhists all over the globe in the serene natural amphitheater, giving initiation to a spiritual touch in the overall journey to the Upper Mustang.
Muktinath onward begins a descending mountain biking trail to Samar that goes by the five major villages interlinked by similar ethnic ties known as Chele, Gyakar, Chiksang, Tamgbe, and Tetang, observing several ascents and descents, most of which involve downhill biking, and later on finally calling it a day at the typical mountain lodge at Samar.
Throughout this section of the mountain biking expedition from Jomsom, you will be at a dynasty gaze of towering mountains such as Tilicho Peak and Thorong Peak, along with the magnificent ranges of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, and numerous unnamed summits that still tail you in this entire Upper Mustang mountain biking trip.
From Samar, the biking route experiences a slight increment in altitude to Ghami that exposes riders to the strenuous yet beautiful five mountain passes named Bhena La, Yamdo La, Syanboch La, Nya La, and Ghami La, all above 3,800 m, and spends the night at the nearby tea house to continue the ascending biking until you arrive at Manthang.
Biking from Manthang takes you to Kimlang, Choser Loop, Lo Manthang, and retraces the route back to Kathmandu via Pokhara, before which you will spend nights at several popular stopovers in the Mustang region, some of which you had made your way through earlier, such as Ghami and others including Chele, Marpha, Tatopani, and Beni.
This 16-day itinerary for the Upper Mustang Moutain Biking Tour incorporates several days of exploration without having to rush the biker pace, mitigating the potential occurrence of acute mountain sickness or altitude sickness, which is common in higher Himalayan expeditions such as the Upper Mustang.
Further, this 16-day route also allows ample time for rest and recovery, and at Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, we excel at customizing itineraries according to your specific needs and personal preferences, so we believe it is one of the best itineraries to go on the Upper Mustang mountain biking tour in 2024 and 2025.
Group cost for 16 Days Upper Mustang Moutain Biking
At Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, we are offering a group discount on the 16-day package cost to go mountain biking in the Upper Mustang, covering expenses of all necessary mountain biking logistics, gear, and equipment, including all the essential permits such as restricted areas, meals, accommodation, mandatory guides, and porters.
The distribution is as presented below and is reasonably priced, which could vary and might have charged you in an increased manner for camping, if not tea house:
- USD 2,375 for 2-3 pax
- USD 2,375 for 4-6 pax
- USD 2,275 for 7-10 pax
If you are a group of mountain bikers made up of more than 10 members, you are feasible for your special discounted price, assuring you the best cultural and natural exploration in our guided tour to the Upper Mustang.
