Upper Mustang Cycle Tour – 20 Days

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our representative greets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. This is your rest day from the journey so that you might get familiarized with this bustling city. Local areas can be explored, try some local dishes, or do whatever you may like.

Free day in Kathmandu to rest and prepare for the adventure. You will meet your guide, check your gear, and make sure all the permits are in place. If time allows, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the city, which include Swayambhunath, a.k.a. the Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath, or Boudhanath Stupa.

Soon after breakfast, you will drive long through the scenic surroundings to Beni, the starting point of your cycling trip. The drive takes you on a serpentine road through some beautiful hills, rivers, and villages. Reach Beni and check into a local guest house to prepare yourself for the ride.

Begin the cycling day on the trail via Ghasa, first through the famous town of Tatopani with natural hot springs. The trail opens up for striking views down Kali Gandaki Gorge-the deepest gorge in the world, riding past forested trails with small villages dotting the land, till one reaches Ghasa. Night.

Today you will ride the bike on the beautiful waterfalls and typical Thakali villages. It starts getting drier and more desert-like as you ascend to Jomsom. Jomsom is a windy town – a place of marvelous views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri peaks.

You will be taken further to Chele, cross the Kali Gandaki River, and then via Kagbeni-an entrance to restricted Upper Mustang. It’s going to be quite an uphill ride today as the land turns to be more rugged and gives breathtaking views of the dry yet enchanting landscape of Mustang.

Today’s ride is characterized by narrow trails and steep ascents. You will be rewarded with breathtaking desert-like Mustang scenery, and even ancient cave dwellings begin to appear as you gain altitude. In the evening, you will arrive in Syangboche after a whole day of cycling and stay overnight in a typical teahouse.

This section of the ride keeps you running on high-altitude terrain, making its way through some beautiful Buddhist chortens and ancient Mani walls. Ghami is one of the big villages in Mustang and is famous for its Tibetan culture and the magnificence of the mountain peaks.

Today’s ride goes to Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in the region, and further on to Charang. The route has ups and downs but brilliant views of the Mustang Valley. Charang has a big monastery and gives one an insight into the rich Tibetan culture of the area.

You depart for the walled city, Lo-Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. There are plenty of breathtaking landscapes, as well as ancient caves filling the route. Later in the afternoon, explore this medieval town, which includes historic monasteries, palaces, and primitive Tibetan culture.

Rest and exploration in Lo-Manthang. Today you might enjoy a short cycling trip to Choser Cave, an ancient cave monastery cut into the cliffs, a visit to the royal palace, and monasteries. This is a fine opportunity to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the people.

Leaving Lo-Manthang, you’ll bike towards Yara on remote trails with rugged topography. A number of unusual rock formations dot this area, with fantastic views of the Mustang landscape.

The biking day today includes dry riverbeds and steep trails up to Tangye Village, one of the scenic villages. This village is nestled among barren hills, giving it a different feel altogether.

This part of the journey includes high passes and a drop down into the valley of Tetang. Dramatic landscapes and panoramic views make this one of the most fantastic parts of the ride.

Continuing down, you will reach the beautiful village of Marpha with its orchards of apples and other products made out of apples. The town has a nice, Tibetan-style charm with whitewashed houses and narrow stone-paved streets.

Today’s ride takes you back to Tatopani, a place where you will be able to relax and take some time in the natural hot springs. It will help loosen the muscles after many days of active cycling.

Continuing downhill, ride back to Beni, which completes your cycling loop in the Mustang region. The trail is a mix of rough and paved roads, which means your decent will be quite fun and thrilling.

Take an early morning breakfast and then head for Kathmandu on a long drive by bus. Views of hills, rivers, and traditional villages make the journey a picturesque one. You will arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon. Spend the remaining part of the day at leisure.

Free day in Kathmandu for cultural sightseeing, last-minute shopping, or rest. You may visit any cultural site you are interested in, shop souvenirs, or try the local cuisine.

It is time to say adieu to your great Upper Mustang Cycling Adventure. You will be driven to the airport from where you will board your flight back to home, collecting lifelong memories of this once-in-a-lifetime journey.