Nepal MTB Adventures
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15Days

E-MTB Upper Mustang: Unique Biking Experience

Rated 5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor443 Reviews in TripAdvisor
Recommended by 99% of travelers

Tour Information

DestinationUpper Mustang
Duration15 Days
Difficultyhard
Tour TypeE-MTB

Tour Highlights

  • Tour the walled city of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang.
  • Ride across scenic desert sceneries similar to Tibet.
  • Tour ancient cave housing and centuries-old monasteries.
  • Discover real Tibetan-style culture and traditions.
  • Cross over suspension bridges, river valleys, and steep Himalayan tracks.
  • Have the power assist of an E-MTB, and your climbs will be easier.
  • Safety and guidance from licensed experts of Nepal Mountain Bike.

Overview

Upper Mustang mountain bike tour.

E-MTB Upper Mustang tour is not a simple bike ride but a full-fledged cultural and natural adventure in one of the most isolated places in Nepal. Upper Mustang is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom as it has no parallel of landscape and traditions found in the Himalayas.

An electric mountain bike makes it easier to reach the destination of the adventure because it is always fun to climb difficult paths but the support of the battery-driven ascent makes it easier. It is the ideal combination of power, journey and discovery.

The E-MTB Upper Mustang tour is an electric mountain biking adventure through Nepal’s restricted Upper Mustang region, combining rugged Himalayan trails, Tibetan-influenced culture, and ancient heritage sites. It offers a unique mix of technical riding and cultural exploration.

Nepal Mountain Bike 21+ years of expertise will help you not only to ride on rugged trails of the gorgeous Upper Mustang but also to explore its ancient monasteries, caves, and the Tibetan heritage full of confidence and guidance.

Why Ride the E-MTB Upper Mustang Tour?

The E-MTB trip to the Upper Mustang biking tour is a unique experience to see a limited area that is able to maintain its culture as well as scenery. In contrast to other tours in the Himalayas, Upper Mustang is a place that appears untouched, and time is at a standstill.

The electric bicycle assistance enables riders with different levels of skills to cope with steep climbs and long routes easier. This is because you do not have to work too hard to make sure you enjoy the scenery, cultural sights, and real village experience.

This tour is both challenging and comfortable, across the dry ridges of Lo Manthang to the gusty roads in and around Kagbeni. It is the best option to the adventurers who would want to have a unique, sustainable, and memorable experience of mountain biking in Nepal.

Permits and Regulations for the E-MTB Upper Mustang Tour

Traveling to Upper Mustang requires a special restricted area permit, which is more expensive than standard trekking permits. This is due to the cultural and environmental sensitivity of the region. You’ll also need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), since Upper Mustang lies within the Annapurna region.

No need to worry, Nepal Mountain Bike handles all permits and logistics. With their years of experience, you can ride stress-free while they take care of formalities.

Best Time to Visit

The best seasons for the E-MTB Upper Mustang tour are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). During these months, you’ll enjoy clear skies, mild temperatures, and favorable riding conditions.

Summer brings heavy monsoons in lower regions, while winter can block trails with snow. For the most rewarding experience, stick to the recommended seasons.

What You’ll See and Experience on the E-MTB Upper Mustang Tour

On this tour, every day brings something new and inspiring:

Cultural Encounters: Meet locals who still preserve Tibetan Buddhist traditions and lifestyles.

Lo Manthang Exploration: Wander through the walled city, explore royal palaces, and visit monasteries that date back centuries.

Natural Landscapes: Ride across arid cliffs, red canyons, and vast desert-like plains, unlike the lush valleys of other regions.

Spiritual Stops: Visit caves with ancient paintings and meditation sites used by monks for centuries.

Expert Insights: With Nepal Mountain Bike’s licensed guides, riders gain not only safe navigation but also deep knowledge of local history and culture.

Every ride here is more than a physical journey it’s a cultural and spiritual exploration powered by your E-MTB.

Packing List and Gear

For a smooth E-MTB Upper Mustang adventure, bring:

  • Full-suspension E-MTB with spare batteries.

  • Helmet, gloves, and protective gear.

  • Warm layered clothing and a windproof jacket.

  • Sleeping bag suitable for high altitude.

  • Repair tools, spare parts, and a hydration system.

  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and energy snacks.

Packing smart ensures safety, comfort, and readiness for Upper Mustang’s challenging trails and unpredictable climate.

Route Map

The E-MTB Upper Mustang route runs along ancient trade paths linking Nepal and Tibet. With Nepal Mountain Bike’s expert guides, navigating the trails, side routes, and restricted areas becomes seamless, ensuring riders get the best cultural and scenic highlights.

Upper Mustang MTB Trail Map.

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Itinerary

1

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Activity: Airport pickup • Hotel check-in • Welcome dinner
“Arrival in Nepal for MTB tours,” “trip briefing,” and “local support.”

Your adventure begins the moment you step into Kathmandu’s warm and vibrant Himalayan air. Our team greets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to a boutique hotel in Thamel. Later, we meet for a welcome dinner and a friendly briefing on the route, altitude, gear setup, and what to expect in Upper Mustang.

2

Day 2

Cultural Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Activity: UNESCO sites 
Distance: Light city mobility only

Ease into Nepal’s rhythm with a guided exploration of Kathmandu’s sacred spaces—Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, or Pashupatinath—choosing what resonates with you. This day also helps your body settle, while our team tunes your bikes and prepares the permits for your restricted-area journey to Mustang.

3

Day 3

Drive Kathmandu ➝ Pokhara (820 m)

Activity: Scenic drive • Lakeside walk • Bike checks
Drive time: 6–7 hours

A relaxing journey along the Trishuli River brings you to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna Himalayas. Once there, you can stroll beside Phewa Lake, breathe the mountain air, and prepare for tomorrow’s warm-up ride.

4

Day 4

Warm-Up Ride in Pokhara

Distance: 20–35 km
Gain/Loss: Approx. +600m / –600m
Altitude: Max 1,200–1,400 m

Start spinning your legs in Pokhara’s lush foothills. The trails wind through forests, village ridges, and panoramic viewpoints of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurana. It’s a perfect acclimatization ride before heading to Mustang’s rugged desert.

5

Day 5

Fly Pokhara ➝ Jomsom (2,720 m) & Ride to Kagbeni (2,810 m)

Distance: 12–15 km
Gain/Loss: +100m / –80m
Ride Time: 1.5–2 hours

A dramatic early morning mountain flight delivers you to Jomsom—the windswept gateway of Mustang. You’ll ride north along the Kali Gandaki gorge toward Kagbeni, an ancient fortress village guarding the entrance to Upper Mustang. The red cliffs and river canyons hint at the adventure ahead.

6

Day 6

Ride Kagbeni ➝ Samar (3,660 m)

Distance: 17–20 km
Gain/Loss: +900m / –200m
Ride Time: 4–5 hours

Today the terrain shifts quickly—from riverside contours to steep climbs toward Tangbe and Chhusang. You enter the restricted region officially after the Tsarang Khola river crossing. The final climb to Samar feels rewarding, offering your first sweeping views of the deep Mustang valleys.

7

Day 7

E-biking Samar ➝ Ghami (3,520 m)

Distance: 17–22 km
Gain/Loss: +700m / –800m
Ride Time: 4–6 hours

This section combines desert trails, breathtaking gorges, and ancient sky caves carved into cliff walls. You'll ride over passes like Bhena and Yamada La (3,850 m). The descent toward Ghami—the land of long Mani walls—feels like gliding into a gateway of Mustang’s oldest traditions.

8

Day 8

E-MTB Ride Ghami ➝ Lo-Manthang (3,810 m)

Distance: 20–24 km
Gain/Loss: +900m / –600m
Passes: Choya La (3,870 m)

A scenic and spiritual day. The ride climbs steadily to Choya La Pass, opening to the vast high-altitude plateau surrounding Lo-Manthang. Entering the walled kingdom feels surreal—like stepping into a living Tibetan museum of monasteries, prayer wheels, whitewashed houses, and quiet desert grandeur.

9

Day 9

Explore Lo-Manthang (3,810 m)

Optional Ride: Chhoser caves / Tibetan border routes
Distance: 15–25 km (optional)
Gain/Loss: +300m

Spend an unforgettable day wandering and riding through Lo. Highlights include the 2,500-year-old Jhong Sky Caves of Chhoser, Namgyal Gompa, the old royal palace, and Tibetan-style settlements. This is often riders’ favorite day—slow, immersive, and deeply cultural.

10

Day 10

Ride Lo-Manthang ➝ Yara (3,650 m)

Distance: 17–20 km
Gain/Loss: +500m / –700m
Ride Time: 4–6 hours

The trail toward Yara is remote, quiet, and wild. You’ll leave the main Upper Mustang corridor and ride through a labyrinth of sandstone cliffs and windy ridges. Yara itself is a hidden village perched above the Dhechyang Khola—peaceful, ancient, and humbling.

11

Day 11

Ride Yara ➝ Ghami (3,520 m)

Distance: 20–22 km
Gain/Loss: +650m / –550m

Retrace your trail across the dramatic ridges leading back to Ghami. The terrain feels familiar yet completely new from the opposite direction, offering fresh camera angles and long, playful descents.

12

Day 12

Ride Ghami ➝ Kagbeni (2,810 m)

Distance: 30–35 km
Gain/Loss: +400m / –1,200m
Ride Time: 5–7 hours

One of the most satisfying downhill stretches of the trip. You roll back through the heart of Mustang, crossing Nyi La and descending through the windy villages toward Kagbeni. The changing landscapes—from brown desert cliffs to the green river valley—feel like time-lapse photography.

13

Day 13

Ride Kagbeni ➝ Marpha via Lupra Trail (2,670 m)

Distance: 30+ km
Gain/Loss: +350m / –650m
Ride Style: Singletrack • suspension bridge crossings • cultural villages

The Lupra Trail is a pure Himalayan classic—technical sections, canyon riding, ancient Bon settlements, and flowing lines. You finish in Marpha, the apple capital of Nepal, with its whitewashed alleys and peaceful vibes.

14

Day 14

Ride Marpha ➝ Tatopani ➝ Drive to Pokhara

Distance (ride): 40–43 km
Gain/Loss: Mostly descending
Activity: Natural hot springs • Lakeside celebration dinner

Depending on your energy, enjoy a partial ride toward Tatopani, where natural hot springs wait to soothe your muscles. A scenic drive then returns you to Pokhara for a final evening beside the lake.

15

Day 15

Pokhara ➝ Kathmandu ➝ Fly Home

Activity: Farewell breakfast • Airport drop

After an unforgettable journey through the hidden kingdom of Mustang, we transfer you to the airport with your heart full, legs strong, and memory card overflowing with stories.

What's Included and Excluded

Included

  • All permits (Mustang, ACAP, TIMS)
  • E-MTB rental with backup battery
  • All transport (flights, jeeps, transfers)
  • All meals during the Mustang ride
  • Hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara + teahouses in Mustang

Excluded

  • Lunch/dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
  • Nepal visa
  • International flights
  • Travel/medical insurance
  • Personal gear & bike repair costs
  • Tips, alcohol & single room supplement

Why riders love this

4.8from 12 reviews across 2 platforms

armingisler

Sep 23, 2026

Wir waren ende Oktober anfangs November mit Dhan in Upper Mustang mit dem Bike unterwegs .Es war sensationell das Wetter die Leute und die Landschaft ist super.Die ganze Organisation von Jagan und Guide Dhan war sehr gut. Ich kann es weiter empfehlen. Armin

Aayush O

Nov 17, 2024

Needed a bike on an urgent basis. Pokhara MTB not only delivered a top notch bike but they also provided pick and drop service without any hassle. The owner and the staffs are very friendly and know their business. Highly recommend Pokhara MTB !

Andrew R

Oct 28, 2017

I looked at a few of the bike tour options, where this was the only one I found that offered proper mountain bikes in a range of sizes - with options for dual suspension and higher end equipment. Having said that, my first bike had two flat tyres from a tyre defect - but they were very quick to sort it out by sending out a spare bike mid-ride to replace it. The guide was friendly and paced himself to suit my slower speed. The scenery and peaceful surrounds in off-beat paths and climbing was beautiful. Not inexpensive, but good equipment and service.

Georges K

Oct 14, 2017

A vacation of 16 days organized by Pokhara mountain bike adventure is like a dream in the land of Yaks into the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang . Great sceneries , giant Mountains , rivers to cross , passes to challenge & sure lovely traditional guesthouses that make you feels kind of time travel . About the team of biking . They were so organized , responsible & helpful. Talented in mountain biking & technical support. Thank you guys & big appreciation to Jagan Biswakarma 👌. 🚴🗻

Jocelyn P

Mar 30, 2017

I rented a mid-level hardtail bike for a day to use in a triathlon race taking place near Pokhara. Jagan was very helpful in helping me choose a good bike, and the bike worked quite well during the race. The shop also transported the bike to and from the race start for me, which was very helpful.

wendyvanamerongen

Nov 10, 2016

If you want quality mountain bikes that are serviced well. Go for Pokhara Mountain Bikes. They serve you well. We did not take a guided tour because we wanted to be romantically with the two of us. Planning our own route. That we didn't want their guided tour didn't bring them off guard though. They stayed very friendly, even showing us different routes we could take. And we had a perfect ride. The only thing that they could improve is by having a standard to the mountain bike where you can attach your phone that serves as navigator. And they already promised us to look into that for the next time :-). Price/quality/branding.. really good. Good thing to keep in mind yourself when you're not a frequent mountain biker: - Wear tights or put a band around your trousers (right side) to prevent the grease spoiling your trousers. - Look if your bicycle has a bidon holder if you don't have a good bag to put it in, you certainly need to bring enough water. - When your grips on the bike are a little tough, please consider wearing gloves. - Test out the gears. - Put the saddle on good height, the team can advise you about this and it's important! - consider wearing cycling shorts/tights - with some padding for the sit bones... will reduce your saddle sores.

Greg19841

Nov 9, 2016

Today we went mountain biking around the pokhara area with our guides Samtarem and Suman....both were very professional and friendly. Samtarem altered our suspension levels and fixed any problems efficiently. We ride the trail route pretty quickly so they took us on an extra loop. We stopped a few times to take pictures which was great and had a quick cafe stop. The lads even bought us a drink which was much appreciated. The bikes were great Scott hard tails with lock out forks and hydraulic disc breaks. You can hire a full suspension if you wanted too. We are doing a second ride in a couple of days; can't wait!

rkcondon

Oct 10, 2016

One-day biking adventure through the amazing mountains surrounding Pokhara up to Thulakhet with my daughter and Jagan as our personal guide. Time was not an issue and Jagan was extremely accommodating of our needs to explore and experience not only the breath taking views but also the culture of this beautiful country. We met some lovely locals along the way who were busy working in the fields but willing to share their time for a photo and explain what they were doing. We felt very honoured to share this experience and would highly recommend Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventure to anyone who wants more than just a bike ride.

Tamarah A

May 7, 2016

I did a 4,5 hour mountainbike tour with this them. It isn't cheap, so i expected a well trained guide. The guide I had showed the way, but nothing more or less. I had to ask how the gears worked myself, and then he explained me. And he was enyoing the ride a lot himself, but not acting much as a guide. Ofcourse he waited for me when I was behind, but was not staying very close. All with all a good ride, but a bit pricy for what you get. Although I defititely loved the ride!

Bondersan

Nov 10, 2015

Signed up for a day trip with my son. There's a couple of lessons there: first 21-year-olds are more fit than their 50+ parents. Second, after spending those 50 years at sea level hard exertion 1 day after arriving at 1300m is not so wise. Keep in mind if you're young at heart! I don't have opportunity to climb nor descend like here. Even descending was challenging on the arms and fingers gripping the the brakes! Jagan was very helpful. Suggesting routes etc. Bikes were in good shape but obviously well used. Guide knew his way. Stopped at appropriate times etc. And when I got into trouble with the climb immediately had their jeep come and bail me out. No charge. No questions. On return, Jagan met us to see how it all worked out. Offered us drinks etc. Prices were cheaper than offered across the street. Jagan and the guide seemed much more tuned in and helpful.

538marc

Oct 2, 2014

Today, my partner and I completed a day trip with Pokhara MTB. We started at 8am and rode for 3-4 hours, including a brutal but beautiful uphill climb, during which our guide was a lot of fun and very supportive of our need for (small but frequent) breaks. The combination of amazing scenery, good comraderie and beautiful weather made for a fantastic morning! I recommend this company with all my merit- the bikes were in good condition, we were appropriately fitted with gloves and helmet and I was confident in the ability of our guide.

Michael Armbruster

Aug 4, 2023

Pure enthusiasm! This country, the people and this region between Pokhara and Lo Mantang are simply fascinating! I've been here for the third time now and every time I've had fantastic bike tours led by PMA. You are in good hands, sitting on well-maintained bikes from international brands and riding down into the valley on fabulous trails in front of gigantic mountain backdrops and mystical cultural sites! When you're back home, the grin on your face will last for at least 6 weeks and you'll be able to cope with your everyday life effortlessly again!

Frequently asked questions

An electric mountain bike tour in Upper Mustang, Nepal is an electric-assist mountain biking adventure through the most rugged, remote landscapes of Upper Mustang. These bikes help riders to tackle tricky terrains with the less physical approach that can allow them to explore the signature landscapes of the area and cultural sites.

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