The road through Mustang is rough for jeeps but excellent for mountain bikes: a long, steady climb on gravel and dirt between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, from banana trees and rice terraces to the dry, wind-scoured plateau around Muktinath. Over four riding days you gain about 2,500 m, covering 25–35 km a day at a pace that allows acclimatisation, with stops in Ghasa, Kalopani, Tukuche, Marpha and Kagbeni, and a final steep climb to Muktinath for darshan.
A support jeep carries luggage, spare parts and water, and anyone can hop in when legs or lungs need a break. Our guide is an experienced mountain biker and mechanic. You need to be comfortable riding loose gravel, river crossings and long climbs, and fit enough for 4–6 hours in the saddle. The descent from Muktinath through Jharkot and Kagbeni, with a singletrack option via Lubra for skilled riders, is the reward.
Highlights
- Four riding days up the Kali Gandaki, 1,190 m to 3,710 m
- Hot springs at Tatopani and Dhaulagiri icefall views
- Thakali villages of Kalopani, Tukuche and Marpha
- Ride into medieval Kagbeni and climb to Muktinath temple
- Descent from Muktinath with optional Lubra singletrack
- Support jeep and riding mechanic throughout
Elevation profile
3,710 mWhere you sleepHigh point of the daySleeping altitude rises more than 500 m above 3,000 mCheck acclimatisation
Day by day
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DAY1
Arrive in Kathmandu, bike fitting
Arrive and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, fit your hire bike (hardtail or full-suspension) or assemble your own, adjust saddle and brakes and take a short spin through Thamel's lanes to check everything. Briefing on the route, road conditions and riding safety, including how to share narrow sections with buses and jeeps.
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DAY2
Drive to Pokhara
Load bikes on the support vehicle and drive the Prithvi Highway to Pokhara, following the Trishuli river. Late afternoon warm-up ride around Phewa Lake, about 15 km and flat, to settle into the bike and check gears before the mountains.
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DAY3
Jeep to Beni, ride to Tatopani
Drive to Beni (830 m), where the paved road ends, and start riding north on the gravel road along the Kali Gandaki, about 30 km with 360 m of gentle climbing through Galeshwor and riverside villages to Tatopani (1,190 m). Soak tired legs in the hot spring pools by the river in the evening.
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DAY4
Ride Tatopani to Kalopani through the gorge
The hardest riding day: about 30 km and 1,340 m of climbing through the deepest part of the gorge, past the Rupse waterfall and up to Ghasa (2,010 m), where the vegetation changes to pine. Continue through Lete to Kalopani (2,530 m), with Dhaulagiri's icefall and Annapurna I towering above. The support jeep is close behind for anyone who needs it. Ride time 5–6 hours.
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DAY5
Ride Kalopani to Marpha via Tukuche
A gentler day of about 25 km and 150 m of climbing as the valley widens into the broad gravel bed of the upper Kali Gandaki. Ride through Larjung and the old salt-trade town of Tukuche (2,590 m), and reach Marpha (2,670 m) by lunch, before the afternoon headwind. Afternoon walking the flagstone lane and the apple orchards, with apple pie at the lodge.
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DAY6
Ride Marpha to Kagbeni
Short ride of about 20 km: through Jomsom (2,720 m), then on the riverbed track north to Kagbeni (2,810 m), with optional off-road lines across the gravel bars. Start early to avoid the wind, which blows from behind today and can push you along. Afternoon in Kagbeni's tunnelled lanes and Kag Chode monastery, and a yak burger at one of the cafés.
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DAY7
Climb to Muktinath
The big climb: about 12 km and 900 m of ascent from Kagbeni through Khingar and Jharkot to Ranipauwa (3,700 m). Ride slowly; at this altitude breathing sets the pace, and there is no shame in using the jeep for the steepest bends. Walk up to Muktinath temple (3,710 m) for darshan, the 108 spouts and the Jwala Mai flame. Overnight in Ranipauwa.
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DAY8
Descend from Muktinath to Jomsom
The reward: about 25 km of descent, almost 1,000 m, from Ranipauwa through Jharkot and Eklebhatti to Jomsom. Strong riders can take the singletrack variant via Lubra, a Bon village in a side valley, on narrow trails with exposure; others stay on the road and riverbed. Arrive in Jomsom by lunch, before the wind. Pack bikes for tomorrow's flight or for the support jeep.
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DAY9
Fly Jomsom to Pokhara
Morning flight back to Pokhara; bikes travel on the support jeep or as cargo on a later flight. The tour ends at your Pokhara hotel. If the flight is cancelled, we ride in the jeep back to Pokhara, about 8 hours.
Route map
Included
- 8 nights on twin sharing: 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, lodges in Mustang
- All meals from day 3 to day 8, breakfast and dinner on days 1–2
- Quality hardtail mountain bike hire with helmet
- Support jeep from Pokhara to Jomsom and for luggage and bikes
- Biking guide and mechanic, spare parts and tools
- Jomsom–Pokhara flight
- ACAP permit
- First-aid kit and all government taxes
Not included
- International flights
- Full-suspension bike upgrade
- Bike cargo charges if shipping your own bike by air
- Travel insurance covering mountain biking and evacuation
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Puja and temple donations
- Extra nights from flight delays
- Tips
Popular add-ons
- Full-suspension bike upgrade≈ US$ 120 for the tour
- Extra day for Lubra and Dhumba Lake rides≈ US$ 110 per person
- Jeep return instead of flight, with bikesIncluded if the flight is cancelled
Good to know
- Price is per person on twin sharing in a group of 4 riders with hardtail hire bikes; bringing your own bike reduces the price slightly.
- Total riding is about 140 km with roughly 2,500 m of climbing; expect loose gravel, dust, river crossings and shared roads with jeeps and buses.
- Muktinath is at 3,710 m. We ascend gradually, but riders with heart or lung conditions should take medical advice first.
- The afternoon wind in the upper valley is strong and usually from the south; we ride in the mornings.
- Your insurance must explicitly cover mountain biking at altitude and helicopter evacuation.
Trip details
- Starts
- Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport)
- Ends
- Pokhara
- Stay
- 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, lodges in Tatopani, Kalopani, Marpha, Kagbeni and Muktinath, Hotel Om's Home in Jomsom
- Transport
- Mountain bikes, support jeep throughout, Jomsom–Pokhara flight
- Walking days
- 1
- Styles
- Adventure sports, Photography, Pilgrimage
- January avoid
- February avoid
- March good
- April best
- May best
- June good
- July avoid
- August avoid
- September good
- October best
- November best
- December good
Hotels on this trip
Questions about this trip
How much is the Mustang mountain bike tour?
Our 9-day Mustang bike tour starts at ₹82,000 (US$ 990) per person on twin sharing in a group of four, including hardtail bike hire, support jeep, guide-mechanic, lodges, meals in Mustang, permit and the flight out. Smaller groups pay more. Check current status before you travel.
How fit do I need to be for mountain biking in Mustang?
You should be comfortable riding 4–6 hours on gravel with long climbs, and have mountain biking experience on loose surfaces. The hardest day climbs about 1,340 m. The support jeep helps with tired legs, but regular riding beforehand makes the trip far more enjoyable.
Can I bring my own bike to Nepal?
Yes. Most international airlines carry boxed bikes as checked baggage, sometimes with a fee. Bring spare derailleur hanger, tubes, tyres and brake pads, as parts are scarce in Mustang. On the Jomsom flight, bikes travel as cargo or on our support jeep.
Is the road to Muktinath good for cycling?
It is a rough gravel and dirt road with some paved sections near Jomsom and Muktinath, river crossings and dust. Mountain bikes with wide tyres handle it well. Traffic is light but buses and jeeps take the narrow sections fast, so riders keep to the side and follow the guide's signals.
What is the best season for biking in Mustang?
March to May and late September to November are best, with dry roads and clear views. Monsoon from June to August brings landslides and mud in the lower gorge, though upper Mustang stays fairly dry. Winter is possible on the lower section but cold above Jomsom.
Can non-riders join the Mustang bike tour?
Yes. A partner or family member can ride in the support jeep and meet riders at lunch and in the evenings, visiting villages and Muktinath with the group. They pay a non-rider price without bike hire. It works well for mixed groups.
How high does the Mustang bike tour go?
The highest point is Muktinath temple at 3,710 m, reached on day 7 after a gradual climb from Tatopani at 1,190 m. We sleep one night in Ranipauwa at about 3,700 m and descend to Jomsom the next day, which keeps altitude exposure short.
Do I need a permit to cycle in Mustang?
You need the ACAP permit, which we arrange. No special cycling permit is required for Lower Mustang. Riding into Upper Mustang beyond Kagbeni requires the restricted area permit and a licensed guide, which can be added as an extension.
What happens if I get tired or sick during the ride?
The support jeep follows the group and can carry you and your bike at any point. Our guide carries a first-aid kit and pulse oximeter, and if altitude symptoms appear, we descend. Serious problems are handled by helicopter evacuation, so insurance is required.
