Upper Mustang Cycling Tour | 19 Days

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport 1,350 meters (4,429 ft), transfers to hotel.

Representatives from Himalayan Diamond Adventures will greet you upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will be welcomed with a fresh flower garland, a traditional Nepali greeting, and then escorted to the hotel for bed and breakfast service. The drive from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, if there is no traffic jam on our way. After checking into the hotel, we will have a short refreshment meeting at the hotel. In the evening, the company will host a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, complete with a cultural dance performance, to celebrate the start of your trip. During the dinner, your guide will provide a brief overview of the schedule for the following day.

Day 02: Valley sightseeing to UNESCO world heritage site.

Today, after breakfast, we will embark on a journey to explore some of the popular landmarks and milestones in the Kathmandu Valley, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Kathmandu is widely known as the city of temples and a cultural hub in Nepal. These places that we will visit today showcase the cultural and religious diversity of Nepal. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Both Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are important sites for Buddhism and are visited by both Hindu and Buddhist followers. These places display the unique architecture, religious tolerance, and diversity that can be found in Nepal.

As Kathmandu has a huge historical history and carries cultural and religious essence a popular destination for tourists. The city presents a remarkable blend of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism via its heritage sites like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath. Our tour guide will provide you the relevant facts and historical significance of the places like Pashupatinath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in town- Boudhanath, the 15th-century palace of 55 windows in Bhaktapur and Swayambhunath stupa in Kathmandu which we will visit today.

Day 03: Scenic bus journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara 820 m (2,690 ft), 200 kilometers. Transfer to hotel

Tomorrow morning, we will pick you up from your hotel at around 6:30 am and take you to the bus station. The bus to Pokhara departs at 7:30 am from Kathmandu and takes approximately 7 hours to reach its destination, including a lunch break. During the journey, you will be able to enjoy splendid mountain terrain views, rolling hills, numerous villages and cities, terraced fields, subtropical forests, and beautiful perennial rivers.

Finally, we will arrive in Pokhara, a captivating city surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lakes, and green hills such as Phewa Lake. Pokhara is known for its panoramic views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (which has a fish tail shape) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu in the east. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu, providing the perfect place to relax in the evening.

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom 2,720 m (8,924 ft), assemble the bikes, and ride to Kagbeni 2,810 m (9,219 ft), 12km.

Our destination for today is Kagbeni, a very eye-catching village surrounded by dry and brown sandy hills that resemble an ocean. The village is located at an altitude of 2,810 m (9,219 ft) above sea level. To keep up with our schedule, we will take an early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom airstrip, before the Kali Gandaki wind starts blowing. During the flight, we will be treated to mesmerizing views as our plane takes a route between two mountains over 8000 meters tall - Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya.

After about 30 minutes of enthralling aerial viewing, we will land in Jomsom airport, which is surrounded by an arid landscape. Upon landing, we will assemble our bikes and ride on the relatively flat river trail to Kagbeni, the border-town of the recently forbidden Mustang Kingdom. The trail runs along the sandy bar of the Kali Gandaki River and offers stunning views of Tilicho Mountain.

Day 05: Ride to Muktinath 3,760 meters (12,336 ft), 20km, along the newly opened road with the fascinating dry landscape:

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we will ride uphill towards Muktinath, a town known for its spiritual significance and considered a place of salvation. Muktinath is located along the Annapurna circuit trail and is a popular tourist destination, offering luxurious hotels and delicious meals amidst the stunning arid landscape. Along the way, the picturesque Kangbeni village dominates the circular and serene landscape, with its terraced oasis providing a beautiful backdrop for the journey. The calm and misty Kaligandaki river flows towards its destination in the Ganges, offering splendid sights for us to admire in the opposite direction.

As we ride towards Muktinath, a shrine with spiritual and religious significance, we may encounter trekkers and pilgrims, primarily from India, making their way to the holy temple. The journey takes us through beautiful villages, gompas, and culturally and religiously rich sites with stunning mountain and ground views.

Day 06: We will ride to Tsaile, which is located at an elevation of 3,050 meters (10,006 ft) and is 18km away.

Today, we will ride along the motorable road, passing through impressive Buddhist villages that feature new apple farming gardens and cultivated terraced farmlands, such as Tangbe and Chhusang. After a short, steep climb, we will reach Tsaile, an ancient Tibetan village located at an elevation of 3,050 meters (10,006 ft), which offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes. From here, you can see the enchanting sandy bar valley of the Kali Gandaki River, as well as the giant, colorful hills and white snow-capped peaks of Tilicho and Nilgiri. Along the way, we will also visit a small yet impressive Gompa inside a cave in Chhusang, which is dedicated to White Tara, the Buddha of success and achievement.

Day 07: Today, we will ride to Syangboche, which is located at an elevation of 3,800 meters (12,467 ft) and is 20km away.

Today, we will ride uphill to Dorji La Pass, which is located at an elevation of 3,660 meters (11,811 ft) and can be reached via Sumar, a Buddhist village. In the center of the village, we will descend to a stream where we can observe an eroded water source. From here, we will climb up towards the Bhena La Pass 3,830 meters (12,565 ft) and Yamda La Pass 3,860 meters (12,664 ft), passing through ground-hugging juniper bushes until we reach a small viewpoint. At the viewpoint, we will be able to see the first substantial views of Upper Mustang, with nearby coffee-colored hills. Finally, we will arrive at Syangboche hamlet, which is located at an elevation of 3,800 meters (12,467 ft) and stay at a lodge.

Day 08: Ride to Tsarang 3,560 meters (11,680 ft), 22km, amphitheater valley, Tibetan village.

Today, we will enjoy a pleasant ride through breathtaking high passes, ancient Buddhist villages, pastures, and eye-catching cultivated farmlands between the dry hills, offering beautiful views. We will pass through the central village of Gami before riding uphill steeply to reach the pass. The panoramic viewpoints here offer magnificent views of the Annapurna Himalayan range, Dhaulagiri, and the surrounding wide-angle unparalleled beautiful arid valley views. We will then continue our pleasant ride until we reach Tsarang village, which is rich in unspoiled Tibetan Buddhist culture. The main attractions of Tsarang include old Tibetan culture, red and white pigment Mani walls, Chortens, Gompas, and flat-roofed whitewashed houses. In the evening, we will explore the village and its surroundings

Day 09: Pleasant ride to Lho - Manthang 3,810 meters 912,500 ft), 20km, white-walled ancient city.

After about 2 to 3 hours of a slightly uphill ride followed by a short and gentle downhill ride, we will reach our destination for today: the captivating Lo Manthang city, situated at an altitude of 3,810 meters above sea level. The village is surrounded by colorful sandy hills, resembling an oasis, and is popular for its white-walled, flat mud-roofed city. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will continue our ride towards Lo Manthang. Leaving Tsarang, we will follow a newly constructed road and ascend more gently until we reach Lo La at 3,950 meters (12,959 ft), a small pass between the valleys. Lo La offers an unexpectedly serene and rejuvenating atmosphere, along with a breathtaking panoramic view of the wide Northern Mustang valley for tourists to enjoy. We will then ride down to reach the ancient walled capital of Lo Manthang.

Day 10: We will be sightseeing in Lo Manthang, which is situated at an altitude of 3,810 meters.

After breakfast, we will start our sightseeing tour in Lo Manthang. There are many interesting sights to see in and around the city, such as the King's Palace and four major gompas: Jampa Lhakhang (or Jampa Gompa), which is the oldest and was built in the early 15th century and is also known as the "God House"; Thubchen Gompa, a huge red assembly hall and gompa built in the late 15th century and located just southwest of Jampa Gompa; Chodey Gompa, which is now the main city gompa; and Choprang Gompa, which is known as the "New Gompa". In addition, we will visit a Buddhist school and a museum, as well as explore the surrounding areas of the city.

Day 11: Ride to Chosar and  Tingkar arid valleys to find unspoiled Tibetan culture, evening ride back to Lo-manthang hotel:

We will leave Lo-Manthang and follow a wide, canyon trail that passes through dry gullies and an ancient ruined fortress. After crossing a bridge and passing through a cultivated area, we will arrive at the cave village of Chosar, where the deep-red Nyphu Gompa is built into the rock face. To reach the gompa, we will need to cross two bridges, and from there we will have views of Gharphu Gompa on the east banks of the Mustang Khola. Beyond the gompa lies the incredible cave-dwelling site called Jhong Cave, which we can explore by negotiating ladders and small tunnels. The site is reputed to be 2,500 years old and is very interesting to visit. As we continue on, we will see a range of spectacular snow-peaks that mark the border with Tibet, and green meadows will line our trail.

The western valley leads to Namgyal Gompa, also known as the Monastery of Victory, which is set spectacularly on top of a desolate ridge. It is the newest and most active Gompa in Lo, and the village of Namgyal spreads out past the gompa. Just beyond the gompa is the large, sprawling village of Thingkar, where the King has his summer palace. The village is surrounded by many ancient ruins, some gompas, and other old fortresses. Further on, we will reach Kimaling village, which is an interesting, walled white-washed and flat-roofed village. Kimaling Gompa is located below the village, and on the way there, we will pass through the Chosar valley, which is the main trading route with Tibet and Lhasa. This valley is peppered with the ruins of old fortresses that once guarded this strategic route. Just north of this valley lies Lhasa, which is located over the border in Tibet.

Day 12: We ride back to Gami village 3,520 meters (11,548 ft), 30km, ride via Tsarang village.

After enjoying the unexplainable beauty of sightseeing at the historical white-washed walled city of Lo-manthang and exploring the hidden arid valleys of Nyepu, Garpu, Jhong, and Tinger, today we will ride back to Gami village via Tsarang ancient Tibetan village taking in the breathtaking landscapes along the way.

Day 13: We ride back to Tsaile 3030m, 32 Km, visiting Ranchung Cave beneath the gigantic hill.

After breakfast, we will continue our ride downhill to Tsaile, following almost the same track. However, we will divert from the main track to visit Ranchung Cave, which is a must-see place along the way. Today, we will be riding downhill once again, with the arid valley view of Mustang behind us.

Day 14: Today, we ride back to Marpha 2,670 meters (8,729 ft), 30km Origin Thakali village:

Today, we will be riding back to Marpha, which is located at an altitude of 2,670 meters (8,729 ft) and is about 30km away from our starting point at the Thakali village. Marpha is a beautiful destination known for its charming architecture, apple orchards, and traditional crafts

After riding off midway we reach Kagbeni checkpoint again, where we have to check out our permit to make clear. This evening we celebrate our enjoyable trip with organizing gathering.

Day 15: Ride to Tatopani 1,190 meters (3,094 ft), 45km, following the Kali Gandaki down river.

After having morning breakfast, we will ride towards Tatopani, which means 'hot water' in the local language. The route will offer us beautiful landscapes to admire along the way. Once we reach Tatopani, we can pamper ourselves in the natural hot springs located beside the Kali Gandaki River. This will give us the opportunity to relax our muscles and unwind to the soothing sounds of the wilderness.

Day 16: Ride from Tatopani to Beni 18km and then catch bus to Naudanda Sarangkot 1,592 m (5,223 ft).

We will continue descent towards Beni, following the Kali Gandaki River until we reach the Baglung highway. From there, we will ride on the highway up to Nau Danda and then take a dirt road to Sarangkot, which is the number one viewpoint in Pokhara for enjoying views of the Himalayas, along with the sunrise and sunset. We will be spending the night at a hotel.

Day 17: Sarangkot to Pokhara 820 meters (2,690 ft), half-day riding, transfer to hotel and free sightseeing around lakeside.

Today, we will ride through a steep and narrow trail to reach Pokhara. Before starting the descent, ensure that you check your brakes as it is a 90% downhill ride. Pokhara is known as the starting or finishing point for some of Nepal's most popular treks, and the city is dominated by the magnificent Fishtail Mountain range and its lakes.

Day 18: Full day sightseeing around Pokhara valley like Peaceful stupa, David falls.

There are various activities to enjoy in Pokhara, such as mountain flight, paragliding, boating, cycling tour, rafting, motorbiking tour, etc. We can also take sightseeing tours around the Peaceful stupa, lakeside, enigmatic caves of Pokhara valley, Davis falls, and the International Mountain Museum.

Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu 1,350 meters (4,429 ft), and transfer to hotel.

Today, we will take an aerial viewing flight to Kathmandu. During takeoff from Pokhara International Airport, we will have breathtaking views of the mountain chain. Before landing at Kathmandu Tribhuvan Airport, we will also enjoy sensational and spectacular mountain views. Upon arrival, we will shuttle you to your hotel where breakfast will be served. In the evening, we will have a welcome dinner at a Nepali cultural restaurant with traditional Nepali dance performances

Day 20: Departure to Home.

We will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport before your scheduled check-in time for your international flight. We will be there to see you off.

Note: - The conditions stated in the itinerary are especially for trekkers who prefer full package services. At the same time, we can also customize the itinerary based on your preferences and availability. The selection of itinerary and staff will depend on your needs and financial resources