Trip Fact:
- Trip Name : Upper Mustang
- Trip Duration : 20 Days
- Trip Grade : Adventurous
- Activity : Cycling, Sightseeing,
- Highest Altitude : at lomangthang 3810m
Summary of Offers:
Included meals- 3 meal per day during bicycle tour (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Transport- Car/ Van/ Hiace/ Mini bus/ Bus
Accommodation- On twin sharing basis
Tour Staff- Driver(s), Local guide, Cyclist
Group Size-
Overview
Northwest of Pokhara, Nepal’s natural beauty of stupendous mountains and spectacular terrains appear at their finest. Ride through a jeep road, in high altitudes and discover a culture untouched by modernization topped by the best mountain sceneries. Upper Mustang is a scenic escapade, where nomadic yak herders and sun baked farmers still practice ancient Tibetan culture. This bicycle tour has some of the most challenging bike trails in the world, making it the most thrilling experience ever. It showcases remote Trans Himalayan villages, obliterated lands and the age old walled city of Lo Manthang.
Itinerary Outline:
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu 1300m & transfer to Hotel
Day 02: In Kathmandu- bicycle trail
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara & prepare for cycling tour
Day 04: Fly Pokhara – Jomsom, 2omin & start cycling till jong
Day 05: Cycling to Samar
Day 06: Cycling to Ghami
Day 07: Cycling to Charang
Day 08: Cycling to Lomangthang
Day 09: Cycling to Dhigon
Day 10: Cycling to Ghom
Day 11: Cycling to Ghami
Day 12: Cycling to Samar
Day 13: Cycling to Kagbeni
Day 14: Cycling to Muktinath
Day 15: Cycling to Tukche
Day 16: Cycling to Thatopani
Day 17: Cycling to Beni & drive to Pokhara
Day 18: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 19: In Kathmandu- free day for personal activity
Day 20: Depart to Airport
Itinerary Details:
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport, welcome by our representative & transfer to hotel, check in at hotel, rest of the time free. Overnight at hotel Manang or Marshyangdi on BB plan.
Touchdown in Kathmandu, we will come and collect you. Drive to the hotel and get the first glimpse of the capital city. Take the day off to rest and get over the tiresome journey.
Day 02: Breakfast at hotel, Bicycle trail in Kathmandu & nearby area (09:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs), Overnight at hotel Manang or Marshyangdi on BB plan.
We will take a leisurely trip around the city to warm up and do some sightseeing on wheels. Whizzing through the busy streets of the capital city we will encounter fast pace of modern city life and its glittering glamour.
Day 03: Breakfast at hotel, 07:30 hrs drive to Pokhara ( approx 210 km 6-7 hrs drive), arrive at Pokhara & transfer to hotel Kantipur. PM: free or preparation for cycling tour, overnight at hotel Kantipur on BB plan.
We take a 6-7 hrs drive to Pokhara, the city of lakes. Upon reaching Pokhara we prepare for our upcoming journey. The prep is very importance as our trip is long and we have to make sure our bicycles are in perfect condition. After all the preparations are done we have the evening to explore the magical city of Pokhara
Day 04: Breakfast at hotel, transfer to Pokhara airport for flight to Jomsom ( 20 Min flight 2720M) 09:00 hrs Start bicycle tour from Jomsom to Jong (3550M), lunch on the way , Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Jong on BB plan
Our adventure begins as we fly to Jomsom. The flight to Jomsom is thrilling and exciting as we fly amidst the majestic Himalayas. We will have our breakfast in Jomsom and start preparating for the upcoming journey. Our tour begins as we ride along the upper section of Kaligandaki River up to Kagbeni, which is a beautiful Himalayan settlement. The trail up to Kagbeni is mostly flat and steady but from Kagbeni we start climbing up on deserted jeep trails all the way to Jhong.
Day 05: Breakfast at hotel, 08:00 hrs cycling tour to Samar ( 3660M), lunch on the way , Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Samar on BB plan.
Our ride today will be through the restricted section of Upper Muastang which is an uphill stretch from Muktinath through Chhyonggur and up to the Gyu La Pass. After a short section of steep downhill we follow the waving ridge trail down to Tetang. Through some great single tracks we descend to Chhusang. From Chhusang we will start climbing to Samar and along the way we pass through a rock tunnel and also a cross river.
Day 06: Breakfast at hotel, 08:00 hrs cycling tour to Ghami (3520M), lunch on the way , Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Ghami on BB plan.
Today’s ride is particularly hard as we have lots of ups and downs. Our first stop is Nyila which is a picturesque village with the Annapurna and Niligiri Mountain Ranges at its backdrop. From Nyila we go down to Dajori and again up to Bhena and finally we reach Ghami. Ghami is a small riverside village particularly famous for Phapar (wheat) farming. We rest for the day at Ghami and take some time to explore the area.
Day 07: Breakfast at hotel, 08:00 hrs cycling tour to Charang ( 3560M), lunch on the way , Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Charang on BB plan.
At the beginning of our trip we have one big climb up to Chinggel Tharsang Choyla Pass. Leaving Chinggel Tharsang Choyla Pass behind we go down some amazing single track. We go through beautiful mustard and barley field on our way to Charang, which is a beautiful village with significant historic and religious values. It is home to one of the oldest library in the region and old Gulpa Sect Monastery which dates back to more than 400 years. We rest for the day at Charang and mingle with the friendly monks.
Day 08: Breakfast at hotel, 08:00 hrs cycling tour to Lo-Mangthang (3810M), lunch on the way , Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Lomangthang on BB plan.
Today while riding from Charang to Lo-Manthang we pass through some of the most amazing spots in the Himalayan realm. Before reaching the walled city of Lo-Manthang we will ride through an amazing pass aptly known as the “Windy Pass”. The ride up to Lo-Mangthang is comparatively easy and we will reach the capital of the Lo Kingdom by lunch. Founded by the Ame Pal in 1380 this village is noted for its tall white washed mud brick walls, gompas and the Royal Palace, a nine-cornered, five story structure built around 1400.
Day 09: Breakfast at hotel, 08:00 hrs cycling tour to Dhigoan day trip, lunch on the way , Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Lomangthang on BB plan.
Todays ride is all about exploring the natural trails along the Lo region. After a nice and easy climb we move away from the city and reach west of Windy Pass, the downhill tracks from this point is one of the best throughout the tour. The natural single track takes us down to the gorge and the view all the way down to the village of Dhigoan is breath-taking. We have our lunch here and after a short trail a jeep will take us back to Lo-Manthang.
Day 10: Breakfast at hotel, 08:00 hr s cycling tour to Ghom day trip, lunch on the way , Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Lo-Mangthang on BB plan.
Ghom is one of the greatest natural legacies of this region and the cave tunneling into the mountainside gives a great cycling experience. It is home to one of the most important monasteries in the region and also the famous cave of one thousand windows. The unadulterated wilderness of this region is timeless. We take a moment and let the wonders of nature cleanse all our fatigue. We ride back on marvelous single track and along the way we get to see beautiful cluster of settlements unchanged over the century.
Day 11: Breakfast at hotel, 08:00 hrs cycling tour to Ghami (3520M), lunch on the way , Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Ghami on BB plan.
The challenging ride to Pangla Pass will rattle every inch of our body but once we reach our destination the view of the entire Mustang region from the top is worth it. We ride steadily down to Dhakma with incredible view of dramatic mountain scenery. On the outskirts of Ghami we can explore the ruins of ancient settlements and also the longest Mani wall in the entire Mustang region. From the Ghumpa we climb to Mui La and may have to carry our bicycle for some distance and after that it’s a downhill ride to Dhakmar before riding on to Gami.
Day 12: Breakfast at hotel, 08:00 hrs cycling tour to Samar (3660M), lunch on the way , Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Samar on BB plan.
There is going to be quite a bit of climbing involved today as we climb over Nyla Pass followed by a downhill to Syangboche where we will have our lunch. After lunch will be riding to Ranchung Cave along the gorge with amazing single track. After exhaustive climb and push we go down the single track and reach our destination for the day, Samar.
Day 13: Breakfast at hotel, 08:00 hrs cycling tour to Kagbeni (2800M), lunch on the way , Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Kagbeni on BB plan.
We start our day early and after breakfast we start riding along the trails to Kagbeni. Kagbeni is often referred to as the “door to the kingdom of Mustang” and is located at the middle of the valley facing Mt. Nilgiri. It is an ancient village with mystical charm. After reaching Kagbeni we can take some time and explore this amazing place
Day 14: Breakfast at hotel, 08:00 hrs cycling tour to Muktinath (approx 18 km 3800M), lunch on the way , Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Muktinath on BB plan
The trail form Kagbeni to Mukthinath is mostly uphill rides. We follow the trail along the gorge and climb up on a dusty jeep track towards the foreboding Throng La Pass. The cold weather and high altitude may shake our determination but the sense of accomplishment when we reach our destination is more than the sheer effort that we put in getting there. The fatigue of a tiresome ride will be wiped by the grandiose view from Throng La. We have our lunch at Jong and take some time to explore the area and enjoy the splendid scenery. After lunch it’s a short push up to Muktinath and lie down among the tranquil surrounding of the Himalayan realm.
Day 15: Breakfast at lodge, 08:00 hrs cycling tour to Tukche ( approx 32 km 2560M), lunch on the way , Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Tukche on BB plan.
We start our ride along the hill side trekking trails and there will be a short section of push as we reach Dhanglandanda. As we move down to the river bed in Lupra Valley the switch back single tracks get astonishly amazing. We join the main trail and stop at Jomsom for lunch. We ride towards Tukuche which is a beautiful river side village and rest for here for the night. We can take a break and enjoy the local delicacies; the apple brandy of this region is very famous.
Day 16: Breakfast at lodge, 08:00 hrs cycling tour to Thatopani ( approx 42 km 1190M), lunch on the way , Dinner & overnight at local lodge in Tatopani on BB plan.
Our ride starts with gentle and flat path as we will be going downhill most of the time. We ride in and out of the valley sides, through pine forests and pass by many clustered villages. For lunch we will be stopping at Rukse Chaahara which is surrounded by gushing waterfalls. We pick up speed as the trail drops some 1000 meters with sweeping curves and plunges. We arrive at Tatopani which literally means hot water as the place is famous for its natural hot springs. Here we can enjoy the hot spring after a long day’s ride and relax.
Day 17: Breakfast at lodge, 08:00 hrs cycling tour to Beni ( approx 15 km ), lunch at Beni, drive to Pokhara ( 3-4 hrs drive), arrive at Pokhara & transfer to hotel Kantipur, overnight at hotel Kantipur on BB plan.
From Tatopani the ride to Beni is short but interesting. After reaching Beni we drive back to Pokhara and celebrate our great accomplishment. Pokhara is the most popular destination in Nepal and is considered to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is the best place to windup our trip and enjoy.
Day 18: Breakfast at hotel, 08:00 hrs drive to Kathmandu ( approx 210 km 6-7 hrs drive), arrive at Katmandu & transfer to hotel Manang or Marshyangdi. Overnight at hotel Manang or Marshyangdi on BB plan.
We will have our breakfast at the hotel and after breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu. The drive is approximately six to seven hours through winding hilly highway.
Day 19: Breakfast at hotel, full day free or personal activities. Evening farewell dinner at local restaurant with live cultural show. Overnight at hotel Manang or Marshyangdi on BB plan.
After reaching Kathmandu, we go to our hotel to freshen up and enjoy rest of the evening strolling around the nearby area or do some last minute shopping. We will have a farewell dinner with live cultural show to windup an amazing journey.
Day 20: Breakfast at hotel, free time till departure, transfer to airport for connect onwards flight
The unforgettable tour to Nepal ends today. Our representative will take us to the Airport to fly to your destination. Nepal once is not Enough, so you can plan or chitchat with our representative for your next tour to Nepal.
Include & Exclude:
The above cost includes following services:
- Accommodation as per the itinerary on twin room sharing basis.
- Transportation as per the itinerary by a/c car, van, Hiace, minibus, bus.
- English speaking representative for airport pickup or drop in Kathmandu.
- Annapurna Area Conservation Project fee
- Trekking Information Management system fee.
- Lomangthang Permit for 1 time visit
- Hard trail branded cycle per person per bicycle.
- Bicycle guide during the cycling tour.
- Pokhara / Jomsom sector air fare
- 01 porter for 01 pax.
- Meals: 3 meals a day ( Breakfast, Lunch & dinner) during the bicycle tour
- Fare well dinner on last night.
- All applicable Taxes
Cost does not include:
- Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Services are not mentioned above.
- Personal insurance
- Medical expenses
- Emergency rescue services ( If required incase)
- Bar, telephone, laundry, internet bills.
- International sector air fare.
- Support transport Jomsom / Lomangthang / Jomsom if required.
- Tips for supporting staff
- Nepal Visa fee ( For15 days US$25.00 per person and for 30 days US$40.00 per person)
Note: Deposit for bicycle hire US$500.00 per person (Refundable) along with passport copy. Bicycle should be return same condition, if any damage & broken should be pay the maintenance cost by the rider.
Detail Tour Information:
The information provided will assist travelers as they consider their travel plans. Each Itinerary is provided with an overview and some useful information regarding accommodation and meals, visa details, cultural etiquette, general health guide and some additional information that might be helpful for travel preparation.
SPENDING MONEY
Carry some extra cash for things like alcohol, snacks, internet usage, laundry and other purchases along the way. Also tipping is expecting in Nepal for guides and porters if you are happy with the service provided. Be sure to carry hard cash as there are no ATMs along the route.
PORTERS
the price of the trip included porters for carry baggage so only personal items needs to be carried during for day. Porters may not arrive at the Tea House when riders do, so always carry warm cloths and other important items. One porter is allocated for two riders with a load limit of 13kg per person.
DRINKING WATER
The trip package does not include payment for drinking water; riders should manage their own drinking water. Although bottled mineral water can be bought along the trail, it is highly recommended to carry some water treatment tablet. Filtered water is readily available in all hotels and tea houses. For this trip two one liter bottles or one two-three liter bladder is recommended
ACCOMMODATIONS
From simple tea house to four star resorts the accommodation along the Trail varies. All accommodations have hot water, attached bathrooms and electricity and some may have internet facilities as well.
SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
• Water proof/wind proof jacket suitable for riding, optional Down Jacket (Winter Season Only)
• Long thermals, a couple of T-Shirts and shorts or trekking trousers
• Light Fleece Jacket or a Warm Jumper
• Cycle clothing – long sleeve and short sleeve tops, full and half cycling shorts, arm warmers, leg/Knee warmers, thermal cap, knee and elbow pads are recommended
• Hat, sunglasses, sun cream, toiletries (Bio Degradable is recommended)
• Windproof/water proof cycling gloves (full), Helmet (Both are Compulsory on HST Tours)
• Chap stick, moisturizer cream, toilet paper, Hand wipes and sanitizer
• Good shoes for cycling (Stiff race type SPD shoes are not recommended go for a walking style SPD Shoe), also a pair of sandals or flip flops for around the tea houses
• Warm socks, woolen hat and a scarf/Muffler
• Buff, bandana or some kind of face covering
• Own medicines including re-hydration salts and any personal medication required (Our Guides carry full first aid kits)
• Camel Pak or water bottles (Minimum 2 Liters)
• Water proof pack cover, Sleeping bag (Optional) or Sleeping Sheet
*To make things easier for our porters, we request you to pack your belongings in soft water proof duffel bags or back packs rather than suitcase.
TRIP REQUIREMENTS/DOCUMENTS
Personal Travel Insurance
Copy of Passport
2 Passport Sized Photos
Signed Copy of Himalayan Single Track Booking from and disclaimer
BIKE SPARE PARTS
If you are bringing your own bike to Nepal then you will also be required to bring the spare parts required to keep your bike on the trails. All our guides are good mechanics who will assist you with repairs etc. We recommend that you bring the following items for your bike own bike. Our guide will carry tool kits and basic spare parts.
• Inner tubes (esp if you are running 29 or 27.5 wheels)
• A tire that fits your bike, recommended for Nepal 2.2+
• A few spokes and nipples
• Hanger/Drop Out
• Seat Post Clamp, spare parts/adapters for through axles
• Chain Oil, Bleed kit relevant to your brakes and/or dropper seat post, suspension pump, pump, brake pads
Spare parts and accessories can easily be purchased in our shop, most readily available items in Nepal are Shimano 9 and 10 speed chains, cassettes and cranks, tubes 26 & 29 and a full range of cycling clothing.
Suitable Extension:
According to available extra time, travelers can chose to add some additional activates to their trip. Depending on the duration and location, wide variety of activated can be selected like, Bungee Jumping, Rafting, Paragliding, Jungle Safari, Cultural tour, Homestay and many more.