Upper Mustang Bike Tour - 13 days

Why explore the Upper Mustang?

Upper Mustang is considered the "Last Forbidden Kingdom”, a visit to which is an unparalleled adventure into one of Nepal's most remote, culturally rich, and protected regions. Nestled between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, this unofficial kingdom protects ancient Tibetan-influenced villages, desert landscapes, and mystifying monasteries that have been untouched for centuries, at least by the outside world. Rich in Buddhist history, a very different culture from the rest of Nepal, and dramatic landscapes region offers a rare opportunity to travel back in time and experience life as it has been preserved over generations. The old capital, Lo-Manthang, contains some exciting palaces, temples, and caves that give a glimpse into the kingdom that lay undisputedly independent of Nepal until the late 20th century.

To the lover of adventure, it's a mix of physical challenge and cultural exploration: the rugged terrain, high-altitude vistas, and remote villages of Upper Mustang are among the most coveted places on Earth for travelers.

Why tour by bike in Upper Mustang?

Riding over Upper Mustang is always more interesting, adding extra excitement to the bike journey across different types of ground: rock, dirt pathways, and mountain roads. In all manners, biking may be one fantastic way to take up and explore the experience that is Upper Mustang:

Freedom and Flexibility: Riding through the region allows the biker to feel the pulse of the landscapes, giving him the freedom to stop at hidden spots that might be missed while traveling by car or on foot.

Breathtaking Landscape: You get to see the panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, the Kali Gandaki River Valley, and the unique desert-like terrain during the ride.

Active Adventure: The experience for biking enthusiasts-people feel an adrenaline-rush activity when they test themselves against difficult trails, a sense of release, biking into areas disconnected from urban human activity.

Immersive experience: You will be more exposed to the environment on a bicycle. You can intermingle with the locals of small villages, find ancient monasteries, and have the culture breathed in while riding through them.

Difficulty level of Tour

Upper Mustang Bike Tour is graded on a medium to challenging level due to the following reasons:

Terrain: The bikers will be much into riding on rough, potholed, gravel roads; some of these are also steep, rocky, and serpentine. The desert-like landscape around Lo-Manthang and Muktinath is adding more to the seriousness, with shifting sands and strong winds.

Altitude: The ride reaches as high as 3,800 meters at Lo-Manthang and goes even higher; you will be biking on heights that have thin air. It will make the ride tough physically and tire you easily if one is not accustomed to high-altitude biking.

Weather: Windy conditions, especially at Jomsom and Kali Gandaki River Valley, are considered obstacles to keeping a good pace.

Duration of Ride: Biking every day for 5 to 8 hours, long rides over demanding terrain. This tour requires endurance and previous biking experience for one to fully enjoy the bike tour. This, however, isn't a beginner's trip, but doable for anyone in good physical shape with some mountain biking experience and a very strong sense of adventure.

Altitude and Acclimatization 

Given that the Upper Mustang reaches a height of 3,800 meters, Lo-Manthang is proper for altitude acclimatization. As the height increases, the oxygen level decreases, and one's body needs time to get tuned to this. Here's how risks can be minimized and a safe, enjoyable journey ensured:

Gradual Ascent: The program is so designed that gradual acclimatization can take place, rest days included, and altitude gain in steps.

Hydrate: When going to a high altitude, this is very important. Take a lot of water to help the body acclimate to the thinner air.

Watch for Symptoms: Pay more attention to symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue-starting altitude sickness. If these symptoms appear, rest and immediate descent become necessary.

Rest days are scheduled in Lo-Manthang and Kagbeni to allow your body to acclimatize to the higher elevation.

Food and Water During Tour

Food: Food on Upper Mustang consists of Tibetan and Nepalese influences based on its Buddhist culture. It was Dal Bhat, or just lentils with rice; momos, the Tibetan dumpling dish; thukpa, their noodle soup; and Tibetan bread, among other choices. In a few other areas, one was able to procure yak cheese with butter tea.

Food is normally simple and heavy, aiming at giving enough energy for a long ride.

Breakfast often consists of porridge, bread, eggs, and tea. Most of the lunches and dinners are rice or noodle-based with vegetables, lentils, and sometimes mostly yak, goat, or chicken.

Water: It is recommended that purified water is taken during the tour. Bottled water will be available, but tourists can bring along their water purification tablets or filters for refills through the tour. Tap water should not be consumed due to its unsafeness. Water hydration pack or a water bottle that is accessible during bike rides.

Accommodation in Upper Mustang Trek

Accommodations in Upper Mustang range from basic teahouses to more comfortable guesthouses. What to expect is as follows:

Teahouses/Guesthouses: Simple guesthouses or teahouses, often in the main towns such as Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Lo-Manthang, where there are shared facilities; hot showers; and a restaurant serving local-type meals are found. Sometimes villages have basic village-style lodging available.

Accommodation: Accommodations are in twin-sharing rooms, with wooden beds, basic bedding, and other simple furniture. Most guesthouses in the region have blankets, but it is also advisable to carry your sleeping bag for extra comfort and warmth.

Facilities: In most of the places, electricity is available but limited or according to time. Charging your device requires a small amount of payment. Wi-Fi is available in Pokhara and Kathmandu but expect no internet or very weak connectivity in Upper Mustang.

Permit Required for Tour

Upper Mustang is a restricted area, and for that, special permits are required. Here's what you'll need: 

Upper Mustang Special Permit: This permit is issued from the NTB, which is required to enter the Upper Mustang. It usually deals with the tour operator for this.

TIMS Card: The Trekkers' Information Management Systems (TIMS) card is necessary for all bikers and trekkers in Nepal.

Cost: The fee for the special permit is different for different seasons. It usually is USD 500 per head of a person for a 10-day permit in peak season, and additional for more days.

Process: Passport details will be provided by the tour operator to book the permit.

Validity: Please ensure your passport and visa are valid throughout the tour.

Best time to Tour

The best times to visit Upper Mustang are during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) months. Here’s why:

Spring: The weather is gentle, and with clear skies, and pleasant temperatures, everything is so alive, especially after the melting snow in winter time, flowers start to bloom.

Autumn: After the monsoon, the skies are crystal clear, affording the best views of the Himalayas. Temperatures are moderate, making it ideal for biking.

Avoid visiting during monsoon season mainly because heavy rainfall causes a huge problem in trials, landslides, and travel hindrances.

Packing Essentials

Here’s what you should pack for your Upper Mustang Bike Tour:

 Clothing and Footwear

• Moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirts thermal tops and pants

• Fleece jacket for warmth

• Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants

• Lightweight trekking pants

• Moisture-wicking underwear

• Pairs of thick trekking socks

• Warm hats and sun hat

• Thermal gloves or mittens

• Buff or Neck Gaiter

• Trekking boots

• Camp shoes

Backpacks and Trekking Equipment

• 30-50 liters to carry essentials during daily hikes

• 50-70 liters to carry all your gear- if not hiring a porter

• Sleeping Bag

• Trekking Poles

• Water Bottle

• Water Purification

Personal Items

• First Aid Kits

• Snacks

• Sunscreen

• Lip Balm

• Toiletries

• Headlamp

• Camera

• Power Bank

• Documents