Upper Mustang
USD $2,650 per person
Price varies depending on group size and customized arrangements.
Ride Into the Hidden Kingdom of Mustang
Upper Mustang is one of Nepal’s most extraordinary cycling destinations — a high-altitude desert landscape of ancient villages, dramatic cliffs, deep canyons, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and remote mountain trails.
Often described as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” Mustang remained restricted to outside visitors for decades, helping preserve its unique culture and traditions.
On two wheels, we experience Mustang in a way that simply isn’t possible from a vehicle. We ride through ancient settlements, cross high mountain passes, follow rugged trails between the Kali Gandaki Valley and the Tibetan Plateau, and spend time exploring the historic walled city of Lo Manthang.
This is a journey into a different side of Nepal.
The Journey
Our adventure begins in Kathmandu before heading toward Pokhara and the Kali Gandaki Valley.
From Kalopani, we begin riding north toward Marpha and gradually enter the dramatic landscape of Mustang. As we climb higher, the lush lower valleys give way to an arid world of towering cliffs, wind-carved rock formations, ancient monasteries, and traditional Tibetan-style villages.
The route takes us through Samar, Ghami, and Lo Manthang, the historic heart of Upper Mustang.
After spending a day exploring Lo Manthang and its surrounding valleys, we continue across remote high-altitude terrain toward Tange before tackling the spectacular Paa Pass and descending toward Chuksang.
The return journey takes us through Muktinath and the Lupra Valley, providing another completely different riding experience before we descend toward Kalopani and eventually Pokhara.
Trip Highlights
- Cycling through the legendary Upper Mustang region
- Exploring the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang
- Tibetan Buddhist culture, monasteries, and traditional villages
- Dramatic high-altitude desert landscapes
- Riding through Samar and Ghami
- Remote trails and rugged Himalayan jeep roads
- Crossing the spectacular Paa Pass
- The remote village of Tange
- Riding the Lupra Valley trail
- Descending through the Kali Gandaki Valley
- Marpha and the traditional villages of Lower Mustang
- A combination of riding, exploration, and cultural experiences
Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and settle into Nepal’s vibrant capital. Meet the team, prepare your bike and equipment, and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 — Kathmandu to Pokhara
Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by road or flight, depending on conditions and preference.
Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna and Mustang regions and provides the perfect starting point for the journey north.
Day 3 — Kalopani to Marpha
Drive toward Kalopani before beginning our first ride toward the beautiful village of Marpha.
The landscape begins to change dramatically as we enter the Kali Gandaki Valley, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks.
Marpha is famous for its whitewashed stone houses, narrow lanes, traditional architecture, and apple orchards.
Day 4 — Ride to Samar
We continue north toward Upper Mustang, following the rugged roads and trails of the Kali Gandaki region.
As we climb higher, the landscape becomes increasingly dry and dramatic, with towering cliffs and barren mountain slopes replacing the forests of lower Mustang.
We finish the day in Samar, a traditional Mustang village surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
Day 5 — Samar to Ghami
Another incredible day deeper into Upper Mustang.
We ride through remote valleys and across rugged terrain, passing traditional villages, chortens, mani walls, and dramatic Himalayan landscapes.
The day finishes in Ghami, one of the most beautiful and culturally significant villages in the region.
Day 6 — Ghami to Lo Manthang
Today we ride toward the legendary Lo Manthang, the historic capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang.
The landscape becomes increasingly otherworldly as we cross high ridges and remote valleys before arriving at the ancient walled city.
Entering Lo Manthang by bike is one of the defining moments of the journey.
Day 7 — Explore Lo Manthang
A day away from the bikes to explore Lo Manthang and the surrounding area.
Walk through the ancient walled city, visit monasteries and historic sites, explore traditional villages, and experience the unique Tibetan Buddhist culture of Mustang.
This is also an opportunity to recover before heading into the more remote section of the route.
Day 8 — Lo Manthang to Tange
We leave Lo Manthang behind and head deeper into the remote landscapes of Upper Mustang.
The riding becomes more rugged and isolated as we travel through spectacular high-altitude terrain toward Tange, one of the most remote settlements on the route.
This is a true Himalayan adventure day — challenging, remote, and incredibly rewarding.
Day 9 — Tange – Paa Pass – Chuksang
One of the biggest days of the adventure.
We climb away from Tange and tackle the Paa Pass, crossing remote high-altitude terrain before descending toward Chuksang.
The landscape changes constantly throughout the day, with dramatic mountain walls, deep valleys, and vast open spaces.
After the effort of the climb, the descent toward Chuksang provides a spectacular finish to the day.
Day 10 — Muktinath, Lupra Valley & Kalopani
We drive toward Muktinath before getting back on the bikes for the spectacular Lupra Valley trail.
The route takes us away from the main road and through a quieter and more remote part of the Mustang landscape.
From Lupra, we continue toward Kalopani through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley.
Day 11 — Kalopani to Maldhunga / Pokhara
Our final major riding day.
We ride south through the Kali Gandaki Valley toward Maldhunga, enjoying the transition from the high desert landscapes of Mustang back toward the greener valleys of central Nepal.
From Maldhunga, we transfer to Pokhara.
A well-earned evening in Pokhara gives everyone a chance to relax after the journey.
Day 12 — Pokhara to Kathmandu
Drive or fly back to Kathmandu.
Enjoy a final evening in the capital, with time to relax, explore, shop for souvenirs, or celebrate the adventure.
Day 13 — Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Until next time — Namaste and safe travels.
Who Is This Trip For?
Upper Mustang is best suited to experienced mountain bikers who are comfortable with long days in remote environments, rough jeep roads, technical terrain, and high-altitude riding.
The terrain can be demanding, and conditions in Mustang can change quickly. Riders should be prepared for climbing, descending, wind, altitude, and long stretches of remote riding.
You don’t need to be a professional racer, but a good level of mountain biking experience and fitness is recommended.
More Than a Bike Trip
Upper Mustang is not simply a place to ride.
It is a journey through one of Nepal’s most fascinating cultural landscapes — where Tibetan Buddhist traditions, ancient trade routes, remote mountain communities, and extraordinary Himalayan scenery come together.
We take the time to experience the places we ride through, meet local people, explore the villages, and understand the culture that makes Mustang so unique.
Ride beyond the ordinary. Discover the hidden side of Nepal.
Plan Your Upper Mustang Adventure
Ready to explore Upper Mustang by bike?
Tell us about your riding experience, preferred dates, group size, and what you’re looking for from your Himalayan adventure.
We’ll help you build the right journey.
Plan Your Adventure →
Not sure what’s included?
See our complete What’s Included & What’s Not Included guide: What’s Included & What’s Not Included
