Alan Palmer
Jul 30, 2026
I have biked with Pokhara Mountain Bike. 4 times since 2010 including DH/Enduro and single track trips to Mustang and Upper Mustang. Great people great experience great bikes. Highly recommended. Alan (New Zealand)
16Days
Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Guided Expedition
Tour Information
DestinationUpper Mustang
Duration16 Days
Difficultyhard
Tour TypeMTB
Tour Highlights
- Cross four principal high passes: Nyi La (4,010 m), Lo La (3,950 m), Gyu La (4,070 m) and Paha Pass (about 4,210 m).
- Spend two nights in Lo Manthang, the walled medieval capital of the former Kingdom of Lo.
- Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom on one of the most dramatic short flights in the world, threading the Kali Gandaki between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I, both over 8,000 m.
- Ride the remote eastern side of Mustang through Dhi, Yara and Tangge, an area almost no visitors reach.
- Visit Chungsi Cave Monastery, a meditation site linked to Guru Rinpoche, and Luri Gompa, a cave monastery built into a sandstone spire.
- Explore the Jhong Sky Caves at Chhoser, a multi-level cave complex cut into a cliff face, with the Nyphu and Garphu monasteries nearby.
- Descend the Lubra valley on natural switchback singletrack, one of the best technical descents in the Himalaya, into a Bon Buddhist village.
- Drop about 1,850 m from Marpha through the Kali Gandaki corridor to the hot springs at Tatopani on the last riding day.
- Visit Muktinath, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, with its 108 water spouts and natural eternal flame.
- Watch for blue sheep on the high slopes, along with lammergeier, Himalayan griffon and other high-altitude birds.
- Ride with local MTB guides, full mechanical support and 4WD logistics where road access allows.
Overview
A high-altitude guided MTB expedition combining technical riding, remote mountain trails, Tibetan Buddhist heritage, dramatic desert landscapes, and carefully managed logistics. The route is designed and operated by Nepal MTB Adventures, a local mountain-bike specialist with more than 20 years of experience guiding riders in the Himalayas.
Built by riders for riders, our expedition goes beyond standard trekking agency add-on itineraries. We avoid busy road tours where possible to deliver an authentic trans-Himalayan singletrack adventure. Designed for mountain bikers, adventurous travelers, MTB club/ tour operators, and corporate teams, this journey explores ancient salt-trading paths, technical high-desert trails, and rapid alpine descents through the last forbidden kingdom of Lo Manthang, all backed by a 4x4 support vehicle, certified guide, and expert mechanic.
By creating a peer-to-peer network, we connect local experts with the global adventures cycling community to advance sustainable adventure tourism. Global riders gain access to an unmatched, culture-rich mountain biking frontier, while local communities benefit directly through economic opportunities, trail preservation, and cultural exchange. Together, we are building a lasting, mutually beneficial bridge between international cyclists and the Himalayan region.
Trip at a Glance:
Field | Details |
Riding days | 13, on Days 3 to 15 |
Start and finish | Kathmandu |
Total riding distance | About 295 to 335 km |
Total climbing | About 7,850 m |
Total descent | About 9,300 m on the bike |
Highest riding point | Paha Pass, about 4,210 m (13,812 ft) |
Highest overnight | Lo Manthang, 3,840 m (12,598 ft) |
Biggest single descent | About 1,850 m, Marpha down to Tatopani |
Daily riding time | 4 to 8 hours |
Technical grade | Intermediate to advanced. Singletrack and technical descents |
Fitness required | Good to excellent |
Support | 4WD support vehicle, lead guide, sweep guide, master mechanic |
Trip style | Private trip. Your group only, on your dates |
Best seasons | Spring and autumn are best. The monsoon is also rideable because Upper Mustang sits in the rain shadow |
Why ride Upper Mustang by mountain bike?
Upper Mustang is one of Nepal’s most distinctive high-altitude riding regions. The landscape changes from the deep Kali Gandaki Valley to dry plateaus, sandstone cliffs, remote villages, ancient monasteries and high passes. The region lies in the Himalayan rain shadow, making it considerably drier than much of Nepal during the summer monsoon, although wind, weather and trail conditions can still change quickly.
What sets it apart from the rest of Nepal
The rain shadow. Upper Mustang sits behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and gets a fraction of the rain the rest of the country does. It stays rideable in June, July and August while most Nepali trails are washed out.
The surface. Dry, firm and grippy for most of the year. No mud, no leeches, no slick roots. Loose rock and sand are the challenge here instead.
The emptiness. Permit control keeps visitor numbers low. On the eastern loop through Yara and Tangge you can ride most of a day and see nobody.
The descents. Long ones. Lubra Valley gives you 1,350 m of natural switchback singletrack, and the final day drops about 1,850 m from Marpha to the hot springs at Tatopani.
The culture. Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, cave dwellings and a walled medieval capital, all of it still in daily use rather than staged for visitors.
The route and riding character
The expedition is a broad loop, not an out-and-back on the same road. From Kathmandu and Pokhara you enter the Kali Gandaki valley and head north through Kagbeni, Chele, Samar, Syangboche, Ghami, Tsarang and Lo Manthang. From Lo Manthang the route turns east into the quiet side of Mustang, through Dhi, Yara, Luri Gompa and Tangge, then crosses Paha Pass and comes back south through Chhusang, Gyu La, Muktinath, the Lubra valley, Marpha and Tatopani.
Daily distances and terrain percentages are operating estimates. They can change because of weather, road construction, local access, livestock movement, trail damage, rider condition and other field conditions. The guide team may adjust the route to protect safety and the quality of the expedition.
What riders should expect
From Kagbeni, easy village paths and jeep tracks give way quickly to exposed wind-blown climbs and loose shale descents over the high passes. Around Lo Manthang the country opens into a wide desert plateau. Heading east toward Yara and Tangge it gets far more remote, with rough singletrack and steep hike-a-bike.
Expect varied surfaces. Gravel, rocky jeep track, singletrack, village trails and short paved sections.
Expect hike-a-bike. Short sections of pushing or carrying are a normal part of this route, especially on steep approaches to the high passes.
Expect exposure. Several high sections are wide open to wind, sun, and fast weather changes.
Expect technical descents. Loose rock and uneven ground call for controlled braking and good line choice.
Expect the demand to change day to day. Some days are about climbing and altitude. Others give long descents or more technical singletrack.
Expect route changes when they are needed. Weather, trail damage, road conditions, local access, and rider condition can all force the guide team to modify the line.
Do not judge a day by its distance. A short stage at 4,000 m can be much harder than a long one lower down.
Terrain by Stage & Rider Difficulty
This table gives a practical read on riding character. It is not a fixed measurement of every trail surface. Percentages and difficulty ratings are operating estimates and can change with weather, road construction, trail damage, and route adjustments.
Stage | Approx. riding | Main terrain | Main challenge | Rider difficulty |
Kagbeni – Chele | 18–20 km | Gravel, jeep track, village trails | Initial climbing and loose surfaces | Moderate |
Chele – Syangboche | 18–20 km | Singletrack and high-desert jeep track | Altitude and sustained climbing | Moderate–Challenging |
Syangboche – Tsarang | 20–22 km | Singletrack, jeep track and village trails | High-pass riding and technical descents | Challenging |
Tsarang – Lo Manthang | 18–20 km | Open desert tracks and gravel | Exposure and wind | Moderate |
Lo Manthang – Chhoser | 20–22 km | Village trails, jeep tracks and singletrack | Technical riding around cave and valley terrain | Moderate |
Lo Manthang – Yara | 19–22 km | Singletrack and desert jeep tracks | Remote terrain and sustained climbing | Challenging |
Yara – Tangge | 18–20 km | Technical singletrack and jeep track | Rough terrain and hike-a-bike | Challenging |
Tangge – Chhusang | 24–26 km | High-altitude singletrack, jeep track and gravel | Paha Pass, altitude and technical descent | Advanced / Technical |
Chhusang – Muktinath | 28–34 km | Jeep track, singletrack and village trails | Long climbing stage to Gyu La | Moderate–Challenging |
Muktinath – Marpha | 30–34 km | Singletrack, jeep track and village trails | Technical descending and loose surfaces | Intermediate–Advanced |
Marpha – Tatopani | 45–50 km | Singletrack, gravel and quieter roads | Longer distance and sustained descent | Intermediate |
Altitude, safety and acclimatization
The itinerary moves progressively from the lower Kali Gandaki valley into Upper Mustang and includes several nights above 3,500 m. The profile is built to give your body time.
What riders should do:
Hold a conservative pace, especially on the first two days above 3,500 m. Riding at your normal home effort at altitude is the fastest way to get into trouble.
Eat and drink regularly. The air is dry, the wind is constant, and you dehydrate without noticing.
Protect yourself from sun and wind. UV at 4,000 m is brutal, and the wind strips heat fast.
Report symptoms to the guide early. Unusual headache, dizziness, nausea, marked fatigue, shortness of breath at rest, or loss of coordination all need to be said out loud, not pushed through.
Some sections need short periods of hike-a-bike. You should be comfortable pushing or carrying your bike on steep, loose, or narrow ground.
One thing worth being clear about: altitude is not decided by fitness. A very fit rider can still get altitude sickness, and sometimes fitness makes it worse because it lets you climb faster than your body can adapt. Gradual acclimatization, conservative pacing and honest reporting are what keep you safe.
The group carries a medical kit and an emergency oxygen cylinder. Lead guides carry Wilderness First Responder certification and Government of Nepal mountain bike guide licences.
Bike setup and equipment standards
A modern trail or enduro full-suspension mountain bike with about 140 to 160 mm of travel is the preferred tool for this route. A capable, aggressive hardtail also works for experienced riders who are comfortable on rough ground, and the Standard package bike is a quality hardtail for exactly that reason.
Component | Recommended |
Bike | XC/Trail / all-mountain / enduro |
Suspension | 140–160 mm |
Drivetrain | 1×11 or 1×12 |
Brakes | 4-piston hydraulic |
Rotors | 180 mm recommended |
Tyres | Tubeless, reinforced casing |
Dropper post | Strongly recommended |
Spare parts | Tubes, plugs, pads, derailleur hanger |
E-MTB | Supported |
What to bring
The mechanic carries tools, spares and a workshop. The support vehicle carries your duffle. This list is your personal kit.
Riding kit
Helmet. Full-face optional for the technical descents, and the crew can advise
Gloves, two pairs, one lighter and one warmer
Riding shorts and jersey, plus a spare set
Knee pads. Recommended for Days 11, 12 and 14
Riding shoes, and flat pedal riders should bring grippy soles
Layers, because the temperature swing is large
Thermal base layer, top and bottom
Insulated jacket, down or synthetic
Windproof and waterproof shell
Buff or neck gaiter. The wind and dust in Mustang make this essential
Warm hat and light gloves for early mornings
Warm socks
Protection and health
Sunglasses with good UV protection, plus a spare pair
High-factor sun cream and lip balm with SPF
Personal first aid kit and any personal medication
Water purification tablets or filter as backup
Hydration pack, 2 to 3 litres
Everything else
Energy snacks and electrolyte tablets for the long days
Power bank, and note that lodge charging at altitude is limited and often costs extra
Head torch
Camera
Small daypack for the ride
Sleeping bag liner, and a bag rated to about minus 5 for the higher nights if you feel the cold
Lodges provide bedding. Charging, hot showers and wifi become limited, unreliable and paid the further north you go.
Accommodation and food
Where you sleep
Kathmandu and Pokhara: premium boutique hotels on Standard, five-star on Premium. Hot water, reliable power, comfortable rooms.
Kagbeni, Marpha and Muktinath: well-established lodges with private rooms, hot water most of the time and a heated dining room.
Syangboche, Yara and Tangge: simpler. Basic rooms, often shared bathrooms, limited or bucket hot water, a stove in the dining room and rationed solar power.
Facilities thin out the further north and east you go. That is what exists in villages at 3,600 m that sit days from a road. The lodges are family-run, and staying in them is how this trip's money reaches the communities you ride through.
What you eat
Nepali and Tibetan, and mostly excellent. Dal bhat is the staple and the right call on a hard riding day because refills are free. Expect thukpa, momos, tsampa, fried rice and noodles, and apples in everything around Marpha.
Vegetarian: easy everywhere on the route.
Vegan, gluten-free and other requirements: workable with notice. Tell us at booking, not on Day 4.
Permits and documentation
Upper Mustang north of Kagbeni is a restricted area. You can travel solo. The two-person minimum ended on 22 March 2026. A licensed guide and a registered agency are still required, so solo means riding with a guide, not riding alone.
Restricted Area Permit. Issued by the Department of Immigration and required for every foreign national entering Upper Mustang. It must be arranged through a licensed Nepali operator before you travel, and it requires a minimum of two travellers on a single permit application.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. Upper Mustang sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so this is required as well.
TIMS. The Nepal Tourism Board places Upper Mustang inside the applicable TIMS framework. TIMS is now issued to registered guided groups rather than to independent travellers.
Nepal MTB Adventures handles all permit processing for booked expeditions. Your permits are processed while you are in Pokhara on Day 3, which is one reason that day is built into the itinerary.
Government permit fees and documentation rules change, sometimes with little notice. Our logistics team confirms the exact current tariff for your departure before the expedition.
Bring your passport with at least six months' validity, and passport photos. We will tell you how many when we start your application.
Insurance
Buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. This is not optional on a trip like this.
Your policy needs to explicitly cover:
Mountain biking as an activity, not just trekking. Many standard policies exclude it.
The maximum altitude on this itinerary, about 4,210 m. Check the altitude limit in your policy wording, because many cap at 3,000 or 4,000 m.
Emergency medical treatment and hospital costs in Nepal.
Helicopter evacuation, where available.
Trip delay and cancellation, which matters because of the Jomsom flight.
Confirm the exclusions and altitude limits directly with your insurer in writing, not with a call centre summary. Send us a copy of your policy details before departure so the guide team has the emergency contact and policy number on the route.
Best time to ride
Spring, March to May. The most reliable window. Days warm up steadily, the trails are dry, and the light on the sandstone is at its best. Nights are still cold above 3,500 m. The Tiji festival in Lo Manthang usually falls in May and is worth timing a trip around if you can.
Autumn, September to November. The other prime window. Air is clear after the monsoon, mountain views are at their sharpest, and the trails have firmed up. October is the most popular month in Nepal generally, though Upper Mustang never gets crowded by Annapurna standards.
Monsoon, June to August. This is Upper Mustang's real advantage. It sits in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and gets a fraction of the rain the rest of the country does, so it stays rideable while most Nepali trails are washed out.
Winter, December to February. Very cold nights, frozen ground and possible snow on the high passes. Many families in Upper Mustang move south for the winter and a number of lodges close.
Whatever the season, conditions change fast around the exposed passes, and the wind picks up in the Kali Gandaki almost every afternoon. That is why the riding days start early. The final line on any given day may be adjusted for weather, trail condition, road access and rider safety.
Who this expedition is for
Book this trip if you are:
An experienced mountain biker comfortable with sustained off-road riding and technical descending.
An adventure cyclist who wants demanding riding combined with genuine Tibetan Buddhist cultural depth.
An endurance rider preparing for or enjoying multi-day alpine riding.
A solo rider, private group, couple, group of friends or cycling club looking for a private departure.
A photographer, filmmaker or travel professional who needs a supported Himalayan riding expedition with reliable logistics.
An international tour operator looking for a local Nepal MTB operating partner or DMC.
If your high-altitude experience is limited but your riding is strong, talk to us before booking rather than after. There are real options: the Plan B support route on Days 11 and 12, an extra acclimatization night, or in some cases a different trip that suits you better. We would rather have that conversation in advance.
Wildlife and landscape
Upper Mustang is a high-altitude desert, and everything living here is adapted for it.
What you can see
Blue sheep, or bharal. Common on the high slopes around Yara, Tangge and Chhoser, and often visible from the trail.
Lammergeier and Himalayan griffon. Overhead on almost every riding day, riding the thermals on wingspans close to three metres.
Kiang, the Tibetan wild ass. Occasional on the northern plateau near the border.
Himalayan snowcock and chough. Regular. In spring, migrating birds move north up the Kali Gandaki, one of the great migration corridors in Asia.
Snow leopard and Himalayan wolf. Both live here. Sightings are rare enough that finding tracks counts as a good day.
The Kali Gandaki riverbed also holds shaligram, black ammonite fossils from a sea that closed 100 million years ago when India collided with Asia and pushed up the Himalaya.
Vegetation is sparse. Barley, buckwheat and mustard grow in the irrigated village fields, which makes every village a shock of green. Above the fields it is rock, sand and wind.
Culture and sacred places
Upper Mustang was the Kingdom of Lo, founded in 1380 and independent until 1795. Nepal's monarchy formally ended the royal title in 2008, but the culture did not go anywhere. The region was closed to outsiders entirely until 1992, which is a large part of why so much has survived here that has been lost elsewhere in the Tibetan cultural world.
The Loba people speak a Tibetan dialect, practise Tibetan Buddhism and, in Lubra, the older Bon tradition. The monasteries you visit on this route are working religious sites, not museums.
Riding responsibly here matters. A few things that cost you nothing:
Walk your bike through village centres, monastery grounds and past chortens. Speed and dust in a village square are how tourism gets a bad reputation.
Pass chortens and mani walls with them on your right, which is the local practice.
Ask before photographing people or interiors. Some monastery chambers do not allow photography at all, and the answer is no for good reasons.
Give way to livestock, mule trains and horses. Stop, step off the trail on the uphill side, and let them pass.
Take your rubbish out with you. Waste disposal in Upper Mustang is basically non-existent, so what you bring in has to come back out.
Buy locally made items, and tipping is optional.
Why ride with Nepal MTB Adventures
We have guided riders across the Himalayas since 2004, more than 20 years on these trails, first as Pokhara Mountain Bike and now as Nepal MTB Adventures. We run the tours, own the bikes, and ride the trails ourselves.
Route knowledge from riding it, not from a GPS file. Our guides are active riders who check trail conditions, test route alternatives, and hold relationships with the communities along this route.
Built for mountain biking from scratch. This is not a trekking itinerary with bikes bolted on. The stage lengths, the acclimatization profile and the pass crossings are set around what works on a bike.
A real fleet. In-house Trek, Scott and Giant mountain bikes, with full-suspension and e-MTB options, maintained by our own workshop.
A mechanic who travels with you. Daily tuning, a full tool kit and spare parts on the route. A mechanic at 4,000 m in Tangge is not a place you want to be improvising.
Local employment as the default. Guides, mechanics, drivers, lodges and support crew are local and directly employed. We prioritise long-term employment, fair conditions and professional development across the team.
Support where the road allows it. 4WD backup, alternative routing and documented Plan B options on the hardest stages.
Book direct. Several international operators sell this exact route using Nepali ground services. You are booking the ground operator.
Route expertise and field review
This itinerary was designed by Nepal MTB Adventures specifically for mountain biking. It is reviewed by our senior guiding team rather than left to age on the website.
Reviewed by:
Laxman Sunar, Senior MTB Guide. Upper Mustang field experience: 15 years.
Sophiya Biswakarma, MTB Guide. Trail, field and mountain biking experience: 7 years.
Review focus: route suitability, riding difficulty, terrain, altitude exposure, bike setup, logistics, support access and alternative routing.
For each departure, the guide team reassesses route conditions before and during the expedition rather than relying on a fixed itinerary or an old GPS track. Himalayan weather, trail damage and roadwork all change the ground. If we need to adapt or shorten a section to keep you safe, we will, and we will keep the character of the expedition intact while doing it.
Flight and weather contingency
Nepal's mountain flights, and the Pokhara-to-Jomsom leg in particular, operate in mountainous terrain and are affected by wind and visibility. Jomsom flights usually go early in the morning, before the valley wind builds, and cancellations do happen.
If the scheduled Jomsom flight is cancelled, we activate the agreed ground-support contingency using private vehicles and available road options, subject to weather and road conditions. The road to Jomsom exists and is drivable in normal conditions, so a cancelled flight usually costs time rather than the trip.
A documented alternative route may also be used when a high-pass crossing or a technical section is unsuitable due to weather, trail conditions, or rider conditions. Any additional hotel nights or transport that fall outside the booked package, and that are caused by circumstances outside our control, are payable by the traveller unless agreed otherwise in writing. This is standard across Himalayan operators, and it is worth having travel insurance that covers trip delay.
Package Options & Pricing
This is a private trip. It runs for your group only, on any start date that suits you. Choose Standard or Premium.
Feature | Standard Package | Premium Package |
Kathmandu / Pokhara Hotel | Premium Boutique Hotels | Five-star Luxury Hotels |
Mustang Accommodation | Selected Mountain Lodges | Premium Upgraded Lodges |
Included Bike | Quality Hardtail Mountain Bike (Trek/Scott) | Full-Suspension (Trek / Scott) |
Portage Support | Vehicle Support where accessible /porter on non-vehicle trails | Dedicated 4x4 Jeep and Porters on non-vehicle trails |
Snacks & Extras | Full Board Meals | Full Board + Trail Snacks & Fruits |
Bike options, upgrades and supplements
Bring your own bike (BYOB): USD 200 off the Standard package, USD 300 off the Premium package.
Full-suspension upgrade on Standard: USD 550 for the whole expedition.
E-MTB upgrade, either package: USD 750 for the whole expedition.
Single room supplement: USD 550 for private single-room accommodation, subject to availability. Single rooms are easy in Kathmandu and Pokhara and harder in the remote high villages, so request early.
Upper Mustang Tour Ride Map
The Upper Mustang mountain biking route takes you through the beautiful Kali Gandaki Valley to the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. You will ride past small villages, apple orchards, and colourful canyons with views of the Himalayas along the way.
This map shows the main riding sections, overnight stops, and key highlights of your tour. If you need more details about the daily routes or want a GPX file for your device, let us know, and we will be happy to share it with you.
Itinerary
1
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Our representative meets you at Kathmandu International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you assemble your own bike with the mechanic, or inspect and set up your allocated rental bike. You then meet the lead guide for the expedition briefing: safety procedures, route expectations, altitude plan and equipment checks. The day finishes with a traditional Nepali welcome dinner.
Riding: none
Accommodation: boutique hotel Kathmandu
Meals: welcome dinner.
2
Day 2
Kathmandu to Pokhara (822 m)
Travel to Pokhara by short domestic flight or private vehicle. The flight takes about 25 minutes. The drive takes around 6 to 8 hours, depending on road conditions, following the Trishuli River through the mid-hills with Himalayan views on clear days. On arrival, you settle into the lakeside hotel while the mechanics run final bike checks. An easy optional spin along Phewa Lake can be arranged.
Transit: 25-minute flight or 6 to 8-hour private drive.
Optional riding: 15 to 18 km.
Accommodation: lakeside hotel, Pokhara.
Meals: breakfast.
3
Day 3
Pokhara warm-up ride and expedition preparation
A relaxed ride on Pokhara valley trails to get the group working together before the expedition proper. The route can combine quiet rural roads, forest singletrack, riverside trail and flowing dirt track through Pame village, terraced fields and old suspension bridges. There is an option to climb to the World Peace Pagoda for a kora of the stupa, a coffee and the full view down the lake.
This is your chance to sort bike fit, suspension settings, tyre pressures, pacing and group riding order before it matters. Meanwhile, the logistics team completes the Mustang permit processing.
Distance: 25 to 30 km
Riding: 3 to 4 hours.
Elevation: about +450 / -450 m.
Terrain: singletrack, forest path and gravel jeep track.
Difficulty: easy to moderate.
Accommodation: lakeside hotel, Pokhara.
Meals: breakfast.
4
Day 4
Fly to Jomsom (2,720 m) and ride to Kagbeni (2,810 m)
An early flight to Jomsom, one of the most dramatic short flights anywhere. The aircraft flies up the Kali Gandaki gorge with Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) on one side and Annapurna I (8,091 m) on the other. This is the deepest gorge on earth measured from peak to riverbed.
After the bikes are assembled, you ride north toward Kagbeni on gravel and river-valley track. Kagbeni is the historic gateway to restricted Upper Mustang, a compact village of mud-brick alleyways, a red-walled 15th-century monastery and a checkpoint that has controlled entry to the old kingdom for centuries. You can take optional singletrack and hike-a-bike lines, or the flat riverbed road along the Kali Gandaki.
Distance: 12 to 15 km.
Riding: 2 to 3 hours.
Elevation: about +250 / -100 m.
Terrain: riverbed gravel, singletrack, jeep track.
Difficulty: easy.
Accommodation: mountain lodge, Kagbeni.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
5
Day 5
Kagbeni to Samar (3,650 m) via Chele and Taklam La
Clear the Upper Mustang permit checkpoint at Kagbeni and enter the restricted area. The ride follows the Kali Gandaki north through Tangbe, a village of narrow whitewashed lanes, buckwheat fields and apple orchards, then past the dramatic red cliffs above Chhusang. After a river crossing, you climb to Chele, perched above the canyon where the valley narrows and the road ends.
This is where the landscape stops looking like Nepal and starts looking like Tibet. From Chele the day keeps going, with a long sustained climb over Taklam La onto the high desert bench, before dropping into Samar. Samar is a green oasis of poplars and irrigated fields that stands out hard against the bare country around it, and it is your first night above 3,500 m.
Distance: 24 to 25 km.
Riding: 4 to 5 hours.
Elevation: about +1,150 / -300 m.
Terrain: historic caravan path, gravel jeep track, village trail.
Difficulty: moderate.
Accommodation: mountain lodge, Samar.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
6
Day 6
Samar to Ghami (3,520 m) via Chungsi Cave and four passes
The biggest riding day of the Mustang approach, and the one that puts you properly into the high desert. The stage crosses four passes: Bhena La (3,860 m), Yamda La (3,850 m), Syangboche La (3,850 m) and Ghami La (3,770 m). Expect loose jeep track, sustained climbing and short hike-a-bike sections on loose shale.
Conditions permitting, a technical singletrack detour drops into a red cliff canyon to Chungsi Cave Monastery, an ancient meditation site linked to Guru Rinpoche, built inside a natural cave with stalactites forming above the shrine.
Back on the main line, each pass crossing opens a sweeping descent past barren ridges and ochre cliffs before the trail rolls down into Ghami, one of the largest villages in Upper Mustang. Ride out past its mani wall, said to be the longest in the region.
Distance: 28 to 30 km.
Riding: 5 to 6 hours.
Elevation: about +1,050 / -1,180 m.
Terrain: historic singletrack and high-desert jeep track.
Difficulty: moderate to challenging.
Accommodation: mountain lodge, Ghami.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
7
Day 7
Ghami to Tsarang (3,560 m) via Nyi La Pass (4,010 m)
A shorter stage but a high one. It opens with a sustained climb to Nyi La Pass at 4,010 m, where thin air and loose shale can force brief hike-a-bike sections. From the crest you get the first really big view across the high desert, with the Damodar Himal and the Tibetan plateau opening to the north.
The descent runs on rocky jeep track and dry singletrack past Mustang's red cliffs and barren ridges, then rolls into Tsarang, once the seat of the Lo kings. Depending on access and conditions, there is time to explore the red monastery, the five-storey palace on the cliff edge and the old alleyways below it.
Distance: 16 to 18 km.
Riding: 4 to 5 hours.
Elevation: about +850 / -810 m.
Terrain: about 45% jeep track, 40% singletrack, 15% village trail.
Difficulty: challenging.
Accommodation: family-run lodge, Tsarang.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
8
Day 8
Tsarang to Lo Manthang (3,840 m) via Lo La Pass (3,950 m)
Cross open high-desert ground toward Lo La. From the pass, the first full view of Lo Manthang opens across the plain: a walled rectangle of whitewashed buildings on a bare brown plateau, with Tibet on the skyline behind it. It is the view the whole route builds toward.
Descend to the walled city and enter through its ancient gateway. Lo Manthang has been continuously inhabited since it was founded in 1380, and the wall, the palace and the three main monasteries are all still standing.
Distance: 18 to 20 km.
Riding: 3 to 4 hours.
Elevation: about +450 / -180 m.
Terrain: about 55% jeep track, 30% gravel, 15% village trail.
Difficulty: moderate.
Accommodation: traditional guesthouse, Lo Manthang.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
9
Day 9
Lo Manthang, Chhoser and the Jhong Sky Caves
An acclimatization and culture day that is still a proper ride. Head north toward Chhoser to the Jhong Sky Caves, a multi-level complex of chambers cut into a vertical cliff, linked by internal ladders and passages. Locally known as Sija or Dzong, the caves run five storeys deep into the rock, and nobody is certain who built them or why.
Depending on access, visit the Nyphu and Garphu monasteries, where monks still live in cave dwellings, before riding back to Lo Manthang for bike tuning and rest. If you would rather stay in the city, the palace, Jampa Lhakhang, Thubchen Gompa and Chodey Gompa are all inside the wall and worth the afternoon.
Distance: 20 to 22 km.
Riding: 3 to 5 hours.
Elevation: about +450 / -450 m.
Terrain: about 40% jeep track, 40% village trail, 20% singletrack.
Difficulty: moderate.
Accommodation: traditional guesthouse, Lo Manthang.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
10
Day 10
Lo Manthang to Yara (3,650 m) via Dhi
Turn east into the quiet side of Upper Mustang, an area that sees a tiny fraction of the traffic the main route gets. Ride across open desert plateau with long views back toward the Tibetan border, then descend to Dhi in the valley below. After crossing the riverbed, continue through wind-carved sandstone toward Yara.
The rock formations through this section are the strangest on the whole route: eroded fins, hoodoos and cave-pocked cliffs in ochre, grey and deep red.
Distance: 19 to 22 km.
Riding: 4 to 5 hours.
Elevation: about +550 / -650 m.
Terrain: about 45% singletrack, 40% jeep track, 15% village trail.
Difficulty: challenging.
Accommodation: family-run lodge, Yara.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
11
Day 11
Yara to Tangge (3,240 m) via Luri Gompa
Ride out to Luri Gompa, a cave monastery built high into a sandstone spire and reached by a short climb and a ladder. The upper chamber holds a chorten and 15th-century wall paintings that are among the oldest surviving in the region. Very few people get here.
From Luri, the route crosses a remote plateau and ridgeline before descending to Tangge, one of the most isolated settlements on the expedition, a small green oasis of barley fields and poplars in an otherwise empty landscape. Expect rough technical ground and sections that need hike-a-bike.
Distance: 18 to 20 km.
Riding: 5 to 6 hours.
Elevation: about +850 / -1,250 m.
Terrain: about 50% singletrack, 35% jeep track, 15% gravel.
Difficulty: challenging.
Accommodation: mountain lodge, Tangge.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Route option, Plan B support: riders who would rather avoid the technical hike-a-bike on remote singletrack can be accompanied by an assistant guide or the support vehicle along the western valley dirt road via Tsarang and Ghami. That is a moderate alternative and rejoins the main group at Chhusang.
We recommend taking this option and skipping the high-altitude hike-a-bike over Paha Pass, if you are an intermediate rider or if your high-altitude experience is limited. The support crew takes you on a scenic riverbed jeep-track descent via Ghami and Samar straight to Chhusang. You still get a good riding day, with much less stress. Nobody sits in a jeep.
12
Day 12
Tangge to Chhusang (2,980 m) via Paha Pass (4,210 m)
This is the hardest stage of the expedition. It combines high-altitude climbing, hike-a-bike, genuinely remote terrain and a long technical descent, and it crosses Paha Pass, the highest scheduled riding point of the trip. Paha means shelter house, which tells you something about what this crossing has always been.
Not every section is rideable. Be ready to push or carry. The descent off the pass is loose, exposed in places and long, dropping over 1,200 m into the Kali Gandaki drainage at Chhusang. Ride within yourself. This is not the day to find your limit.
Distance: 24 to 26 km.
Riding: 7 to 8 hours.
Elevation: about +900 / -1,220 m.
Terrain: about 50% singletrack, 35% jeep track, 15% gravel.
Difficulty: advanced and technical.
Accommodation: mountain lodge, Chhusang.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
13
Day 13
Chhusang to Muktinath (3,800 m) via Gyu La Pass (4,070 m)
You slept lower last night, and it shows. Climb out of the Kali Gandaki drainage toward Gyu La. On a clear day the view from the pass runs across Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak and the Annapurna massif in one sweep, which is worth the 1,100 m of climbing on its own.
Descend to Muktinath, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Himalaya and sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike. Subject to local access, there is time to visit the temple, walk the 108 water spouts, and see the natural gas flame burning over water at the Jwala Mai shrine. Local tradition holds that all five elements, earth, fire, water, air and sky, are present in the temple grounds at once.
Distance: 28 to 34 km.
Riding: 7 to 8 hours.
Elevation: about +1,100 / -300 m.
Terrain: about 25% singletrack, 55% jeep track, 20% village trail.
Difficulty: moderate to challenging.
Accommodation: comfortable lodge, Muktinath.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
14
Day 14
Muktinath to Marpha (2,670 m) via the Lubra valley
The best descent on the expedition. Leave Muktinath on a high ridgeline before dropping into the Lubra valley, a hidden dry valley that is home to one of the few remaining Bon Buddhist communities in Nepal, a tradition older than Tibetan Buddhism itself.
The Lubra singletrack is natural, tight and switchbacked, cut into the valley side above the riverbed with 1,350 m of descent to work with. This is the section riders talk about afterwards. From the valley floor the route continues to Marpha, a Thakali village of whitewashed houses, flagstone lanes and apple orchards, known across Nepal for its apple brandy.
Distance: 30 to 32 km.
Riding: 4 to 6 hours.
Elevation: about +250 / -1,350 m.
Terrain: about 55% singletrack, 25% jeep track, 20% village trail.
Difficulty: intermediate to advanced.
Accommodation: boutique lodge, Marpha. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
15
Day 15
Marpha to Tatopani, then drive to Pokhara
The last riding day, and the longest. Ride south down the Kali Gandaki corridor and watch the country change hour by hour: dry Mustang gravel gives way to pine, then to waterfalls, terraces, subtropical forest and the sound of running water everywhere. You lose about 1,850 m in a day.
The route runs through Tukuche, Kalopani and Ghasa, over suspension bridges, with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I standing above you on both sides of the deepest gorge on earth. At Tatopani, there is time in the natural hot springs before the private vehicle transfer to Pokhara. After 12 days at altitude, that soak is not optional.
Riding distance: 45 to 50 km.
Riding: 4 to 5 hours.
Elevation: about +350 / -1,850 m.
Drive: about 4 to 5 hours, Tatopani to Pokhara.
Terrain: about 30% singletrack, 40% gravel and jeep track, 30% paved or quiet road.
Difficulty: intermediate.
Accommodation: lakeside hotel, Pokhara.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, farewell dinner.
16
Day 16
Pokhara to Kathmandu and departure
A morning flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu for your onward international connection. A private road transfer can be arranged instead on request, subject to your flight schedule. If you take the overland option, allow about 6 to 7 hours and leave enough margin for international check-in.
Flight: about 25 minutes.
Optional road transfer: about 6 to 7 hours.
Transfer: airport drop-off.
Meals: breakfast.
What's Included and Excluded
Included
- Senior local MTB lead guide, assistant guide(s), mechanic and support driver.
- Upper Mustang restricted-area permit, conservation permit and listed entry fees.
- Full board from Day 4–15, plus welcome and farewell dinners.
- Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Safe drinking water, tea or coffee with breakfast.
- Pokhara–Jomsom and Pokhara–Kathmandu domestic flights, subject to operations.
- Airport transfers, private transport, luggage transfer and 4WD support where possible.
- Quality hardtail mountain bike and helmet.
- Certificate of completion and locally employed expedition crew support.
Excluded
- International flights to and from Kathmandu.
- Nepal entry visa and government visa fee changes.
- Travel and medical insurance covering MTB, high altitude, emergency care and helicopter evacuation.
- Personal riding clothing, shoes and protective gear not listed as included.
- Alcohol, soft drinks and specialty coffees.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, hot showers, Wi-Fi and device charging.
- Extra accommodation or transport due to flight cancellations, extreme weather or early route exit.
- Crew gratuities. Tipping is customary but at your discretion.
Why riders love this
5.0from 36 reviews across 2 platforms
Mark R
Jul 27, 2026
Monsoon Mustang- Amazing Adventure! First, I have to say that Jagan and all of the folks at Pokhara Mountain Adventure provided amazing customer service and top of the line, well maintained bikes. The trip to Upper Mustang is one of the best mountain biking adventures to be had anywhere. Challenging jeep track, crazy single track, big hills, high passes, stream crossings, mud, amazing scenery, friendly people and an incredible cultural experience. My nephew, another client and I were guided by Dhan and Suman. Dhan was a great guy with a lot of experience in Upper Mustang, while Suman provided plenty of youth and energy to keep up with my nephew. Both were attentive and worked hard to ensure that we all had a great time- be it charging ahead or bringing up the rear. Dhan was a great mechanic, and pulled off on on-the-trail cable replacement that would have taken longer at most bike shops. The trip organization and customer service provided by Jagan was the best I have had from any outfitter in Nepal or elsewhere. Due to flight changes, we ended up having an extra day in Kathmandu, and Jagan set up a city tour and a room to rest in prior to our flight- free of charge! Thanks to Jagan, Dhan and the rest of the crew at PMBA for the trip of a lifetime! :)
Matthias
Jul 2, 2026
Upper Mustang Trip I was fortunate enough to make an Upper Mustang trip with these guys during my 9 months round the world trip - and I have to admit that those 3 weeks were some of the best! If you're looking for an overal trip with physical activity, unbelievable landscapes and culture then don't hesitate! Every single Cent will be well spend, really! Especially with such a friendly team like this, Jagan does everything that you're happy and both guides I had - Dhan and Laksman - were absolutely great! Perfect mix between kindness, knowledge and professionalism. Thanks again for everything I wont forget you guys :)
TomPerry2014
Dec 5, 2025
4 1/2 years later, still think it was a great trip I cycled with my son to upper Mustang in 2014 ... very well guided trip and wonderful experiences. Tonight I was doing another review on tripadvisor ... Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventure popped up and it reminded me of how much I enjoyed this trip and the approach of Jagan and his excellent staff. If more of the world were like them, it would be in better shape. To submit this, I had to put a travel date (February 2019) but regrettably only in my dreams this year. Tom Perry Vancouver, CANADA
Jill Lindsay
Oct 29, 2025
Upper Mustang Bike Tour Myself and my husband recently completed the Upper Mustang bike tour with NMTB Adventures..and I would highly recommend this company! Jagan and his team were super welcoming and helpful..they made our experience most memorable..rental bikes were great no mechanical issues at all. Our guide Santaram was brilliant at keeping us going even on the toughest days and always briefed us on what riding lay ahead. At the end of each riding day our bags were waiting for us at our hotel thanks to our lovely Porter Tom! Even when the weather changed they were quick to make new plans including jeep support and accommodation. A highly professional company and nothing was too much trouble for them..fantastic job guys!
Roberto A
Oct 28, 2025
Upper Mustang Bike trip Is the 3th time I visited Nepal and always biking with Pokhara Mountain bike and Jagan’s Team. O am in love with this country and also I have an amazing friendship with the team. This team we visited upper mustang during 12 simply ESPECTACULAR trip. If you want to discover an authentic hidden part of the world by bike do not hesitate to contact this company , they hace the knowledge, expertise , energy and quality bikes to bring you there with an amazing experience through the past. Definitely I will come back to Nepal and maybe will try Everest base camp by bike? Who knows ! But for sure with this company again. Thanks Jagan, thanks Sumon Thanks Pokhara mountain bike
pat Jonker
Oct 6, 2025
We rode the Annapurna circuit with a group of 12 late Oct 22. The guides were amazing. Very supportive and knowledgeable telling us the history and cultural significance of the places we were riding past. What sets these guys apart from other companies is how organised they are. They carry all spares a bike might need any issues we had were quickly resolved. Highly recommend Pokhara MTB adventure. Ill definitely be back to explore Upper Mustang. Thanks Loxman Anil Dhan and Jagan and his team.
Vicki C
Oct 2, 2025
8 days hiking the Annapuna Circut, 5 days biking in the Upper Mustang Myself and 3 average to fit females from NZ spent 28 days in Nepal under the expert supervison of Jagan and his crew from PMBA. From catering of an itinerary to our specifications (a mix of hiking and biking) they met us at the Airport and looked after our every need until it was time to go home. We chose to walk from Jiri to Muktinath on the Annapuna Circuit, taking a pretty cruisy 8 days. Everyone coped well, the weather was amazing and we enjoyed good accommodation and food along the way. Our trusty porters Thom and Probin were our saving grace taking the heavy loads for us. Our guide was the charismatic 'Luxman' who we instantly felt at home with as he knew how to take care of our best interests in the most hassle free way. His sense of humour and caring nature made our time really special. The highlight was for me the Upper Mustang by bike, after a fairly challenging jeep ride from Kagbeni to Lo Manthang we enjoyed a day exploring the Choser caves and surrounds of Lo Manthang. There werent too many other visitors and the pace of life is definitely a step back from the hustle and bustle of Pokhara. The scenery in this region made me feel like I was in a National Geographic Magazine photo shoot. I cant rave about this place enough. We stuck mostly to the roads for the return trip back to Jomson before flying back to Pokhara. Yes there were some reasonable climbs to do, but nothing we couldn't plod through. It will be interesting to see how the road improvements in this part of the country effect the culture over the next few years. I have no hesitation is recommending this company. They made us feel truly special and we knew we were in great hands. Word of advice, take a gopro for the Mt Biking, I soo wish we had.
HarryandGill
Aug 22, 2025
Upper Mustang August 2014 We have just returned from a fantastic cycling trip to Upper Mustang organised through Pokhara Mountain Bikes. We cannot recommend Jagan and his team highly enough, especially our guide Dhan. Everything was organised really well - from the initial correspondence and booking with Jagan through to the day to day guiding on the trip. Dhan is very knowledgeable and informative both about biking and the area we visited. He gave us great tips on improving our technique and was very flexible with the itinerary to make sure we got the best from the trip. Upper Mustang is an amazing area to visit and a fantastic area to cycle and the ride back down the Kali Gandaki from Jomson to Beni provides an interesting contrast in scenery and villages. Definitely recommend Pokhara MTB. Harry & Gill, UK.
Nicole
Aug 12, 2025
Best MTB experience I ever had I arrived in the office of Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventure and I directly felt these special vibes. All the people working there love there jobs and just want to show you all the great options you have here in Nepal to explore on a bike. I decided to do a 4 day MTB-Tour in the Pokhara Valley. It was such a wonderful experience. My guide Suman was so great. He looked after me and protected me against the scary dogs :-). He also is just a great company to bike with. When I come back for the Upper Mustang Tour I really hope Suman is free to accompany me. The Tour is perfect for everyone who enjoys climbing up the hills but also going down on Single Trails. The nature is just beautiful and you can enjoy the few of Pokhara, Phewa-Lake and Begnas Lake from above. The teahouses we stayed were so beautiful, quiet and the food is just amazing. I specially loved the first stay at Himalayan View Tea House. In the morning we had these wonderful and clear view of the mountain ranges. My bike was a very good, fairly new fully Trek-bike. Also the whole equipment they provided me with (helmet, gloves and also a brand new biking pants (only ordered for me from Kathmandu)) were fairly new and in very good shape. All in all it was a great adventure and a perfect way to get around Pokhara Valley to enjoy the nature and also to explore the culture. I will come back for sure!!!! Thank you guys for such an amazing time!!!!
Dustin P
Jul 8, 2025
Trip of a Lifetime! After watching "Where the Trail Ends" I was dead set on mountain biking in Upper Mustang, Nepal. I come from a very technical riding background (North Shore, Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton) but my father is more of a commuter cyclist. I managed to convince him to join me and we booked our mountain bike trip through Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventure for November 2014. From the get go Jagan was incredibly helpful. He organized accommodation to our liking in Kathmandu, private transport to Pokhara (excellent driver) and accommodation in Pokhara. I don't have enough good things to say about our guide Brasa(sp?) and our porter Tahm. They were excellent guides and great people to spend 17 days with. The riding was mostly on gravel jeep roads but there were often single track (goat herder trails) that paralleled the road. Even without the single track, it would have been an incredible trip. Unbelievable views, very interesting culture, and comfortable accommodation. But what really blew my mind was this one single track trail that went through a ~600m deep canyon. It was about 1-2m wide at most with a 400m drop below and 200m cliff above. I remember the lighting being perfect at our backs with the illuminated high Himalaya in the distance. That trail will go down as one of the best I ever ride - no doubt! After the trip, Jagan continued to help us out and booked all of our future travel, accommodation, and tours throughout Nepal for our final week. If you want a great mountain bike trip - use these guys! Side note: I considered brining my own bike but decided not to due to the risk of losing a $5000 bike in transport. I didn't regret it one bit as they the bikes they had were more than good enough for the trails. They even had a 650B for me! Thanks Jagan and crew!
Rob T
May 29, 2025
Upper Mustang Trip Did the Upper Mustang trip in Late November/Early December. Well worth the extra money to obtain a permit into this region. This trip had stunning scenery, and was culturally enlightening. Jagan, the director, provided excellent service throughout my whole stay in Nepal. He helped to organize transportation, hotels, and tours even outside of Pokhara for my trip. It was nice to know everything was taken care of. My guide and porter were both great, and knowledgeable of the area. I ended up bringing my own bike from Canada. Throughout the trip, I ended up with 3 flats, shifter problems, and needed replacement brake pads, all of which were fixed on the spot by my guide. I can definitely say it was an exhausting trip, but well worth it!
Shaun VR
May 5, 2025
Chasing altitude, I found more than mountains — I found stillness, strength, and the spirit of the Himalaya. I booked an Annapurna and Upper Mustang mountain biking adventure with Pokhara MTB, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable rides of my life. From the start, communication and organisation were excellent — everything from the permits and logistics to the transport and accommodation was handled professionally. My two guides were not only an incredible riders but also deeply knowledgeable about local culture and trails, which made the journey much richer, they had an eye for detail and would stop to take amazing pictures and videos encompassing the journey for life. The route itself was pure magic — from lush valleys around Annapurna to the stark, otherworldly landscapes of Upper Mustang. Some of the climbs were tough, but the rewards were huge: flowing descents, remote monasteries, and breathtaking Himalayan views that seemed to change every hour. What I appreciated most was the balance between adventure and comfort — challenging enough to feel like a true expedition, yet well-supported and thoughtfully planned, with amazing guides and possible fastest porter in the mountains. Overall, I’d highly recommend Pokhara MTB to anyone serious about mountain biking in Nepal. Whether you’re chasing altitude, technical trails, or just the pure joy of riding through ancient mountain landscapes, this trip delivers it all. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unforgettable experience — world-class trails, pro team, and genuine Nepali hospitality.
Thomas
Apr 26, 2025
I booked a three weeks MTB trip (Anapurna Circuit, Upper Mustang) and got an amazing and unforgettable adventure. Thank you to Jagan for the professional and extremely helpful organisation of the trip and to Laxman (guide) and Thom (luggage supporter) for always supporting me, helping me to get to know Nepali culture and people and who gave me so much fun and great memories!!! For this long trip I brought my own bike from Austria but they also rent good bikes and have excellent bike mechanics.
armingisler
Apr 14, 2025
Tour Upper Mustang 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
Ad H
Mar 23, 2025
Nice trips in Pokhara and around Great trips organized, supplied and guided by this company. Best mountainbike company in Pokhara. I would love to do the upper mustang ride with them one day. Thanks Jagan and crew
Natali T
Mar 15, 2025
Excellent ride with introduction to the local culture We were in Upper Mustang in totaly 17days biketour with Pokhara MTB. It was maximum flexible and focused for us tour. Our guide was Santaram, we are really happy to met him, experienced guide, good bike mechanic and perfect cook cheef. Owner Jagan answered for all our questions before a trip, personally met us in airport and made a stress-free our trip in Nepal. Pokhara MTB Adventure is customer-oriented and I wish them many years of prosperity
shopdoggydog
Jan 29, 2025
Riding trip of a lifetime Without a doubt, this has been the craziest and richest riding experience of my life! And that’s after spending the past two years working and travelling in Australia, New Zealand and SE Asia, where I spent much time pursuing their famed riding spots. Jagan was very helpful making the trip perfect for me and all the guesthouses and food organised for me were perfect. Thank you Jagan. Credit must also go to my guide Laxman, who is a very skilled rider, but his true value for me was in his knowledge of the area and surrounding cultures. His service was similar to that of an old friend who wanted to make you feel welcome in a home you’d never visited before. I'll definitely be back to do the Upper Mustang trip. Thanks again Pokhara MTB Adventure
alanwpalm
Dec 4, 2024
Returning with my adult children for my 4th epic MTB adventure in the Himalayas This is a company with a big heart and passion for adventure biking. Jagan supports at risk young people in Pokhara. He gives them a head start by providing them with opportunities to learn english, how to fix bikes and how to be a tour guide. The impact on the lives of these young people is heart warming. In December 2015 I am returning with my family for my 4th MTB adventure with Jagan. PMBC take care of all arrangements including internal flights/accommodation and quality bike hire. Since 2010 I have done the DH/Enduro trips to Mustang, Upper Mustang (4100m) and Pokhara Valley. Safety was never an issue. The guides know the tracks and the mountain weather conditions and match the trips to a riders capability - there is a bike trip for all skill levels and ages.
Ali Shirnia
Nov 14, 2024
Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventrure built a bespoke plan for us for two weeks to ride Upper Mustang and Annapurna Conservation. Their 5 star treatment helped us create the most wonderful memories. They are amazing hosts and I have fallen in love with Nepal and the Nepalese. Thank you for taking such a good care of us and I cannot wait to go back.
Craig L
Oct 16, 2024
A fantatsic way to see the Upper Mustang We contacted Jagan by email and he was always very responsive to our questions and requests. We were picked up from our hotel in Kathmandu and driven by jeep to Pokhara before being fitted for our bikes, which were excellent. The hotel we were given in Pokhara was near to the bike shop and was also very good. We had a ride up to Sarangkot on our first day and the next day flew to Jomson to start our Upper Mustang tour. We cycled from Jomsom to Lo Manthang over 5 days and although some days were very tough, the scenery was amazing and the overnight stops were awesome. Tremendous hospitality and food. The accomodation was much higher standard than we were expecting as we had our own bathroom every night and hot showers most nights. The returm leg of the journey was much more dramatic as we left the roads behind and travelled more by singletrack. All in all, a fantastic tour. Jagan was brilliant at organising everything and our guide Santaram was a great rider and very knowledgeable. Thanks for everything.
Thomas S
Aug 25, 2024
Fantastic MTB Adventure I booked a three weeks MTB trip with Pokhara Mountainbike Adventures (Anapurna Circuit, Upper Mustang, Pokhara) and can strongly recommend this company. From the beginning, Jagan, who runs the agency, organised a trip fully according to all my many wishes and was very helpful with information. During my trip with Laxman (guide) and Thom (luggage supporter) I always felt safe and well supported (also with health problems). These two managed to give me an amazing adventure and many fantastic experiences by at the same time being totally flexible in the implementation of our planned itinerary. They also helped me to get to know a bit the culture and people of Nepal. Thank you!! All the transfers by jeep were well organised and safe. If there were problems there was always a quick solution. Travelling in Nepal always needs some flexibility! I brought my own bike from Austria but they also offer good bikes for rent. The team of the agency was also very helpful in servicing my bike!! Jagan is not only running Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventures but is highly engaged in social projects and visions about tourism in Nepal-I wish him all the best for that!!!
Jos d
Aug 13, 2024
Amazing experience, excellent service of the company We did the Upper Mustang Biking Tour with Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventure. Since we hiked the Annapurna Circuit before, we wanted an adapted tour that started in Jomsom. The company was very helpful with that and the communication was very smooth. Eventually our hiking was finished one day earlier than expected, so we asked last minute if we could start one day earlier with the biking tour which was also not a problem. The tour was amazing: Starting in Upper Mustang which has an amazing culture and incredible high altitude surroundings and finishing in the low altitude green surroundings around Pokhara. So very diverse. Our guide Don, was a nice company and was very caring and helpful. He adapted the tour to our fitness and technical capabilities. Also the accommodation and food were very good! So, thanks a lot! A very good memory is made :)
Jos de Vries
Jul 24, 2024
We did the Upper Mustang Biking Tour with Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventure. Since we hiked the Annapurna Circuit before, we wanted an adapted tour that started in Jomsom. The company was very helpful with that and the communication was very smooth. Eventually our hiking was finished one day earlier than expected, so we asked last minute if we could start one day earlier with the biking tour which was also not a problem. The tour was amazing: Starting in Upper Mustang which has an amazing culture and incredible high altitude surroundings and finishing in the low altitude green surroundings around Pokhara. So very diverse. Our guide Don, was a nice company and was very caring and helpful. He adapted the tour to our fitness and technical capabilities. Also the accommodation and food were very good! So, thanks a lot! A very good memory is made :)
Velovuyki
Jul 7, 2024
We were in Upper Mustang mtb tour in November 2021. It was excellent trip, service and communication. The owner of the company Jagan answered all our questions in great detail before the tour, made our stay as stress-free as possible. He personally met us at the Kathmandu airport, we spent a full day in Kathmandu, accompanied by him in a personal jeep, to inspect the main attractions. After we transfered by jeep to Pokhara. Our guide in Mustang was Santaram. He has been working as a guide for over 15 years, the best bike mechanic in Pokhara and an perfect cook cheef. The tour for us was maximum flexible and focused. We got incredible experience with some technical parts riding and a introduction to the local culture. We highly recommended Pokhara MTB ❤️
Nicole
Jun 7, 2024
Best MTB experience I ever had I arrived in the office of Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventure and I directly felt these special vibes. All the people working there love there jobs and just want to show you all the great options you have here in Nepal to explore on a bike. I decided to do a 4 day MTB-Tour in the Pokhara Valley. It was such a wonderful experience. My guide Suman was so great. He looked after me and protected me against all the scary dogs :-). He also is just a great company to bike with. When I come back for the Upper Mustang Tour I really hope Suman is free to accompany me. The 4 day MTB-Tour is perfect for everyone who enjoys climbing up the hills but also going down on Single Trails. The nature is just beautiful and you can enjoy the few of Pokhara, Phewa-Lake and Begnas Lake from above. The teahouses we stayed were so beautiful, quiet and the food was just amazing. I specially loved the first stay at Himalayan View Tea House. In the morning we had these wonderful and clear view of the mountain ranges. My bike was a very good, fairly new fully Trek-bike. Also the whole equipment they provided me with (helmet, gloves and also a brand new biking pants (only ordered for me from Kathmandu)) were fairly new and in very good shape. All in all it was a great adventure and a perfect way to get around Pokhara Valley to enjoy the nature and also to explore the culture. I will come back for sure!!! Thank you guys for such an amazing time!!!
Eilish M
Mar 16, 2024
2 Weeks Mountainbiking in the Upper Mustang! An amazing two weeks in the Upper Mustang! We were warmly welcomed in Pokhora by the manager Jagan. Him and our group leader Martial sat down and worked together to design a trip that was best suited for our group of riders in regards to skill level and fitness. We were accompanied by two Nepalese mountainbiking guides and four porters. The guides were very knowledgeable about all the trails and the porters were such hardworkers and always finished the day with a smile on their face. The scenery in the Upper Mustang was absolutely incredible, not to mention blue sky and sunshine every day. There was hundreds of kms of great single track. It was definitely a physically challenging trip, given the altitude and the climbs, but well worth the views and great descents. The Upper Mustang was only recently opened to tourists, so the culture is very alive and it feel like you are stepping back in time. I would highly recommend this company!
Dustin Eells
Dec 9, 2023
Upper Mustang An amazing trip! We were looking for an epic mountain biking experience and that’s exactly what we got. It felt more like an adventure than a vacation. Jagan was incredibly helpful with organizing the trip and our guides Santaram and Suman were experienced and helpful to any of our needs throughout the journey. They picked trails for us perfectly and it was some of the best and most challenging riding I’ve ever experienced. The benefits of going with a local company was apparent every day with our encounters with people in each village. It even enabled us to find new trails that were known only to the residents of these villages and then telling our guides. Not only the riding but also the culture and magic of the area is not to be missed. This truly was one of the best experiences/adventures I’ve ever had and if you’re looking for an amazing mountain bike trip with expert single track and beautiful views, go to mustang and go with these locals.
Lorenz M
Nov 22, 2023
Stunning Mountain Biking in Annapurna Sanctuary (Upper Mustang) during Monsoon I had the unique opportunity recently to check off an item on my personal bucket list and go to Nepal for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure of mountain biking and trekking. After assessing many outfitting organizations based in both Kathmandu and Pokhara, I chose to do the biking portion of my trip with Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventure (PMBA). The plan was to complete a round-trip from Pokhara to Lo-Manthang over 10 days during the monsoon season, including over 7,000m of climbing and 240km of total travel. From the very beginning, the customer service, attention to detail, responsiveness, quality of equipment, and local knowledge from the PMBA team were all first rate. Jagan from PMBA organized the entire trip for me, coordinating the itinerary, all domestic travel and hotel accommodations despite several significant itinerary changes on my part to accommodate other parts of my trip to Nepal. Our group's guides, Dhan and Su Man, were exceedingly professional and safety conscious, expertly accommodating our group's different skill levels to make sure that everyone was challenged but not overwhelmed. As an example of this, on any given ride, there was always one of our guides at the front AND back of the group, ensuring no one got lost nor felt overly pressured to keep up. Su Man also took me on a challenging "training" ride around Pokhara on the day before we were to start our trip just to ensure that both my bike (and I) were up to the task ahead. Beyond managing the physical challenges of the trip, Jagan, Dhan, and Su Man also went out of their way to share significant aspects of their lives and cultural knowledge with us to ensure we left Nepal with a thorough appreciation for the uniqueness and generosity of the Nepali people. My experience in Nepal exceeded even my highest expectations, and the credit for this for the mountain-biking portion of the trip (beyond the spectacular scenery that is Nepal) goes to the fabulous team at Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventure.
dq_travelling
Oct 5, 2023
Breath-taking scenery & stunning trekking, mtn biking & cultural experience with the most customer-orientated company I've come I heard v good things about Pokhara Mtn Bike Adventures (PMBA) from a couple who'd just returned from 1 of their 5 day mtn bike trips. Wanting to mtn bike, trek & explore the Mustang mtn wilderness of the Nepali Himalayas, I went to investigate. The result was a 14 day tailor-made for me trip to the wonderfully spectacular mtn desert landscape of Upper Mustang, taking in the annual 'pilgrimage' to Lo-Manthang for the mesmerising & culturally stunning Tiji (demon) festival. The formal colourfully costumed ceremonial dances are performed by Tibetan monks (lamas) from 1 of the 4 monasteries in the capital town of this 'forbidden' Tibetan border kingdom. We were even blessed by the presence of the elderly Mustang King on Day 2 of the 3-day event. The locals & those from neighbouring villages put on a show in the evenings for even more cultural immersion. Jagan's (MD & founder of PMBA) customer responsiveness, in my experience, is unparalleled. His interest, enthusiasm & passion in ensuring that my trip delivered was almost tangible. A deep passion when you realise that he's being running his community-based business for over 10 yrs. For the trip, my team of guide, Laxman Periyar - Nepal's no. 5 in downhill mtn biking - & Tham, grand-daddy of the trails with 25 yrs experience of the hills, revered by his fellow porters & mustangians, made for a fun adventure. I've not trekked before with guide & porter & so the friendly banter between the Nepalis & their sense of community was an expected pleasure among many that gave an extra dimension to the journey along this old salt route. I experienced a sense of what travelling might have been like in the intrepid 'olden times'.I'm an experienced novice when it comes to my techical mtn biking skills so the terrain was fun & sometimes a little challenging. I was v glad of the full suspension that the high-spec Giant mtn bike provided! Trails-wise, descending back into the tropics to Tatopani (with natural hot springs as a reward) alongside the Kali Gandiki river, which feeds into the Indian Ganges, we were passed by Nepal's no 1 & no 3 cross-country champions going uphill, in training for the World Champs being held in South Africa in June. So that should give you a good indication of the wide scope of the trails available. The Upper Mustang permit fee isn't for the faint-hearted at $500. (Incidently, this area was only open to foreign trekking groups in 1992.) My view is that is was absolutely worth it. Breath-taking scenery with so much going on geologically in 1 panaroma it's hard to know where to look first! Heart-nouishingly beautiful. Preservation-wise the fee does reduce trekker-traffic & consequent erosion that we bring & importantly it funds nature conservation & sustainable community development. So if you like beautiful remote mtn desert scenery, excellent customer service & a tailor made experience & adventure, you know who to contact.
Ali S
Oct 3, 2023
Amazing hosts, amazing country, amazing rides Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventure helped us create the most wonderful memories riding Upper Mustang and Annapurna Conservation. They assessed our requirements, planned a bespoke mountain bike route to suit our abilities and provided us with a 5 star treatment throughout the trip. We had a choice of bikes when we arrived, all mechanically sound with new tires and brakes and their guides are very good trained mechanics, so no fear of mechanical breakdown. i am already planning next year's trip with them.
Nicole Z.
Sep 24, 2023
I arrived in the office of Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventure and I directly felt these special vibes. All the people working there love there jobs and just want to show you all the great options you have here in Nepal to explore on a bike. I decided to do a 4 day MTB-Tour in the Pokhara Valley. It was such a wonderful experience. My guide Suman was so great. He looked after me and protected me against all the scary dogs :-). He also is just a great company to bike with. When I come back for the Upper Mustang Tour I really hope Suman is free to accompany me. The 4 day MTB-Tour is perfect for everyone who enjoys climbing up the hills but also going down on Single Trails. The nature is just beautiful and you can enjoy the few of Pokhara, Phewa-Lake and Begnas Lake from above. The teahouses we stayed were so beautiful, quiet and the food was just amazing. I specially loved the first stay at Himalayan View Tea House. In the morning we had these wonderful and clear view of the mountain ranges. My bike was a very good, fairly new fully Trek-bike. Also the whole equipment they provided me with (helmet, gloves and also a brand new biking pants (only ordered for me from Kathmandu)) were fairly new and in very good shape. All in all it was a great adventure and a perfect way to get around Pokhara Valley to enjoy the nature and also to explore the culture. I will come back for sure!!! Thank you guys for such an amazing time!!!
Mike B
Jul 3, 2023
Guided day trip. I came to Pokhara for some mt.biking. I cycle quite a bit at home so I was itching for a good challenge. The guys at Pokhara mt bike didn't disappoint. I asked for a ride with lot of climbing and that's what I got. The trip was customized to my ability. These guys have a true passion for mt. Biking so it was easy choice to support them. My guide (darn, forgot his name) was fun to ride with. Like a buddy back home. I would love to come back for the Upper Mustang trip with these guys. Bucket list!
Susi R
Apr 28, 2023
Great bike,views and guide/porter As on the traditional hikng routes there are more and more jeep tracks,exploring the area with the bike is a good alternative. Jagan and his team offer personalied mountain bike trips for a fair price. We discovered upper mustang with the bikes. You have great views with a arid Canyonland and meet tibetian people. You have a lot of climb und endless singletrails. The ultimate bike experience
Claudia I
Mar 6, 2023
Upper Mustang Wir waren 10 Tage mit Guide Dhan in UpperMustang unterwegs! Dhan war der perfekte Guide! Er konnte all unsere vielen Fragen über Land und Leute beantworten, war lustig und schaute sehr gut zu uns und unseten Bikes! Die Landschaft ist einmalig und unvergesslich! Man fühlt sich in den Dörfern um 100 Jahre zurück versetzt, spannend dies zu erleben. Die Leute sind sehr gastfreundlich, die Unterkünfte sehr einfach aber genau das macht es aus! Zeit zum Entspannen und nichts tun nach dem Biken! Die Nächte sind kalt, doch tagsüber sind wir immer kurz gefahren. Es gibt viele Pässe zu überqueren, doch alles gut machbar. Zt mit kurzen Tragepassagen...oder längeren Stosspassagen. Für uns eine der besten Reisen die wir gemacht haben! Danke Dhan
Jos de Vries
Jan 18, 2026
Spectacular Upper Mustang Biking Tour We did the Upper Mustang Biking Tour with Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventure. Since we hiked the Annapurna Circuit before, we wanted an adapted tour that started in Jomsom. The company was very helpful with that and the communication was very smooth. Eventually our hiking was finished one day earlier than expected, so we asked last minute if we could start one day earlier with the biking tour which was also not a problem. The tour was amazing: Starting in Upper Mustang which has an amazing culture and incredible high altitude surroundings and finishing in the low altitude green surroundings around Pokhara. So very diverse. Our guide Don, was a nice company and was very caring and helpful. He adapted the tour to our fitness and technical capabilities. Also the accommodation and food were very good! So, thanks a lot! A very good memory is made :)
Frequently asked questions
Upper Mustang is located in the north-central part of Nepal's highland making border with Tibet. It laps in the Himalayas, and its landscape is characterized by harsh terrain, deep canyons, and towering peaks.
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