info@glorynepal.com
+977-1-4700886, 4701339

Tours / Cycling Tour / Upper Mustang Mountain Biking

Upper Mustang is one of the two major divisions of Mustang district in northwestern Nepal (the other division is Lower Mustang). It borders to Tibetan plateau on the Chinese side and Dolpo & Manang on the Nepalese side. Mustang boasts the presence of Muktinath, a popular pilgrimage among Buddhists and Hindus.

 

Upper Mustang is all about desert-like topography. Hence, the cycling experience on this region can be full of adventure. This mountain biking tour is designed in such a way that one can enjoy biking along with breath-taking sceneries.

 

The tour will take you to Pokhara from Kathmandu, then to Muktinath in Jomsom. Then, the main biking routes will follow, including Chele, Syangboche, Charang, Lo-Manthang, Kagbeni, to name some. Sightseeing, mountain biking, pilgrimage, adventure & fun activities, all are the components of this amazing tour brought to you by Ace the Himalaya.

  • Itenary
  • FAQs
  • Cost Include
  • Cost Exclude
  • Departure Date
  • Tour Gallery

Day 01- Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345meters).
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transffered to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Overnight at Hotel.
(No meals included)


Day 2- Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu
At around 8am, we host a pre-trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduce your leader/guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about the trek. This includes a final briefing and preparations for the trip. For the meeting, please make sure you bring passport, two copies of passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Please inform us in advance if you will be arriving late and therefore are unable to attend the pre-trip meeting.

 

After the pre-trip meeting, your sightseeing trip will start at around 8:45am. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. We visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks praying in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After Boudhanath Stupa we visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. We then head towards Swayambhunath – also called the Monkey Temple - a Buddhist stupa perched atop a hillock on the western side. You get a magnificent view of the valley from here.

 

The rest of our day in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and some shopping in Thamel. Overnight at a hotel.
(Breakfast  Included)


Day 3- Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m) 7 hrs by tourist bus
In the morning, we will drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Pokhara lies some 200 kilometers west to Kathmandu and is a 6-7 hrs of driving away. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.


(Breakfast  Included)


Day 4- Fly to Jomsom (2,700m), assemble the bikes, and ride to Kagbeni (2,900m)
On this day, we will take a morning flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. After reaching at Jomsom, bike to Kagbeni, which lies in 2,810 meters altitude. Overnight at Guesthouse.


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 5- Ride from Kagbeni to Muktinath
Today after breakfast, ride from Kagbeni to Muktinath (approx 2,760 m). The landscape is extremely dry and desert-like. You may come across a handful of trekkers and pilgrims, mainly from India, on their way to the holy temple with the eternal flame in Muktinath that burns from a natural gas source. Reaching the culturally and religiously site with stunning mountain views is quite an achievement. Overnight at Guesthouse.


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 6- Ride from Muktinath to Chele
After breakfast, we will ride to Chele (3050 m) from Muktinath. Overnight at Tented Camp.


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 7- Ride from Chele to Syangboche
Today ride from Chele to Syangboche (approx 3,840 m) along the biking trails that will offer beautiful sceneries. Overnight at Tented Camp.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 8- Ride from Syangboche to Charang
Ride from Syangboche in the morning to get to Charang, which lies approximately 3,560 meters above the sea level. Overnight at Tented Camp.


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 9- Ride from Charang to Lo-Manthang
Today ride from Charang to Lo-Manthang. Lo-Manthang that lies 3,810 meters above the sea level used to be the capital of ancient Kingdom of Mustang. The place does not only carry a great historical significance but it’s also culturally rich. Overnight at Tented Camp.


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 10 & 11- Explore around Lo-Manthang
These days are for rest and exploration of Lo-Manthang. Explore its cultures, people and geography. Overnight at Tented Camp.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 12- Ride from Lo-Manthang to Gami
Today ride from Lo-Manthang to Gami (3,520 meters). Overnight at Tented Camp.


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 13- Ride from Gami to Samar
Ride from Gami to Samar (3,520 meters above sea level). Overnight at Tented Camp.


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 14- Ride from Samar to Chheusang

Our destination is back to Kagbeni (2,810 m). But this time, it’s from Samar riding. Cycle downhill to Chheusang. Overnight at Tented Camp.


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 15- Ride from Chheusang to Kagbeni
Ride to Kagbeni uphill again. Overnight at Guesthouse.


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 16- Ride from Kagbeni to Tatopani
Today we have the longest ride of the entire tour. We’ll ride 74 kilometers, from Kagbeni to Tatopani. Tatopani lies above 1,190 meters from sea level. Overnight at Guesthouse in Tatopani.


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 17- Ride from Tatopani to Beni and Drive to Pokhara


Ride from Tatopani to Pokhara. It is an easy ride of about 18 kms. We’ll do sightseeing around Pokhara. Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.
(Breakfast and Lunch Included)


Day 18- Guided Activities at Pokhara in private vehicle or on Bike.
This day, we’ll visit Phewa Lake, Davis Fall and Mahendra Cave. Overnight at Hotel.
(Breakfast  Included)


Day 19- Pokhara to Kathmandu drive by Tourist vehicle, 7 Hrs.
We’ll drive back to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner at a Nepalese restaurant with cultural program. Overnight at Hotel.


(Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Included)


Day 20- Final Departure from Nepal.
The tour ends. Our representatives will take you to Tribhuwan International Airport for the final departure. You also have options to extend the tour.
(Breakfast  Included)

How fit do I need to be for this biking trip? Is this trip for me?

Long cycling days and tougher terrain (for both on- and off-road trips) require a certain degree of experience of more demanding and technical riding for the upper mustang  Biking Trip. Vehicle support may be limited. You should be very confident of your physical condition and bike-handling skills.

Will somebody come to pick me up at the Airport upon my arrival?

Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Glory Nepalsign-board. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu, Pokhara and along the biking route?

We use standard rooms at three star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast .

Along the biking route below Upper Mustang (Kagbeni, Muktinath, Tatopani), teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We usually provide single and double rooms, or occasionally a dormitory. Dining will be around a bon fire when possible. In tea houses, food will be prepared in the kitchen which you should not enter without permission. The toilets in tea houses provide essential and basic facilities.

While in camping in Upper Mustang area, we provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two person tents with good mattresses. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents, chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. We usually camp in or near a village, which allows you to buy sweets and drinks, which we do not carry with us. We provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two-person tents with mattresses. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents, chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. We provide toilet paper and other essential toiletries. You will also get a small bucket of hot water each morning in your tent for a quick scrub up.

What sort of food can I expect in trekking?

Most teahouses (lodges) below Upper Mustang (Kagbeni, Muktinath, Tatopani) cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, dhal bhat, bread, soups, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you'll stay at while lunch will be taken on the way to destination.

During the camping our expert cook can prepare specially requested food if you advise. In any case, you will have similar fare to teahouses. You can eat as much as you like. If you have any special dietary requirements please advise us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

What mode of transportation do you use?

Glory Nepalis all about providing you with local insights, lifestyle as well as adventure. Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicular transportation. You have the option of flying to Pokhara from where we again take a flight to Jomsom, which is the starting point of our biking trip. We provide you only those options, which enhance your local experience while allowing you to bike comfortably and efficiently. We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus, vans or alternatively 4WD SUVs, more maneuverable in travelling along the narrow and bumpy roads of Nepal. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are travelling in cooler areas.

While in the mountain we use vehicular transportation whereas possible. We also use porters, Yaks and Donkeys to carry the equipment and meals during the camping trip.

We use our own Fleet service for Transportation...Click to know more about our fleet service!

What is the best season for this trip?

The best time for the Upper Mustang Mountain Biking is from March to November. It is not very advisable to bike during the winter season (December, January and February)

What type of bike is required for this trip and what brands are available for hire?

Either hard-tail or full suspension mountain bikes will do fine. In some parts of the routes, you can take downhill shortcuts for which we strongly recommend full suspension bikes. (Your guide will let you know if there are any shortcuts you can take.)

All the brands we provide are properly serviced and fully functional standard hardtail rentals best suited for the trips. We provide full suspension bikes (if preferred by our clients) for an additional charge.

Trek: 3-, 4-, 6- and 8-series
Cube: Comp, LTD, CMPT, Reaction
Giant: ATX, Tralon
Other brands: Capic and V-Ket

Are hired bikes guaranteed for the trip?

Bikes are hired at the time of booking, and are included in the price. The frame size of the bike has to be matched with your height, and since there is a limited number of each size, we strongly suggest you provide us with this information well ahead. In case of any damage incurred to the bike or the equipments, the client will be liable to pay for the repair and/or replacement, depending on the nature of the damage.

What equipment and tools are included with the bike hire?

We provide a helmet, a pump, a spare tube, a water bottle and a repair kit with a rental bike.

 What additional equipment is available upon request for an additional cost?

Cycle computer and a GPS unit for USD 2 and USD 5, respectively, per day per person.

Can I bring my own bike and accessories?

You definitely can! It is highly recommended that you have your bike thoroughly serviced before coming on the trip. Spare parts are available in Kathmandu, but may not always be compatible with your bike.

Most airlines are quite used to people travelling with bikes, and if a bike is properly boxed and within the luggage allowance, it is a relatively hassle-free experience. On arrival at your destination you will be met by your leader, and you will just need a baggage trolley to take your bike as far as the transfer vehicle.

Make sure the bikes are properly packed. You may do it yourself (here's a guide or if you're not sure, you could have a local bike shop pack it for you.

We take every care to ensure your bike is well treated, but it is normal for a bike to sustain minor scratches, resulting during the daily ride as well as loading and unloading from support/transport vehicles.

What is the procedure of checking in with a bike and what luggage weight allowance do I have?

Your bike is part of your baggage allowance on the plane, details of which are shown on your flight ticket, and maximum weights are usually between 20 and 25 kgs. A boxed bike weighs around 16 kg, so you need to pack carefully. Put heavy items in your hand baggage, wear your heavy/bulky jacket when you check in. Glory Nepalwill not be liable for any excess baggage charges brought by the airline as a result of your exceeding the baggage allowance, whether you have a hire bike or take your own bike. In practice excess luggage charges are rare for those who pack sensibly, even if you are a little over the specified limit.

Few airlines impose specific standard bike carriage charges. All such charges are beyond our control, and to be paid by the client. Where we know of a bike carriage charge in advance, this will be added to the relevant trip notes. In the unlikely event of any of your luggage and or bike being misplaced or damaged while in the care of the airline, a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) must be filed with the appropriate airline on arrival. This is essential if you subsequently wish to make a claim against the airline or on your travel insurance. This must be done at the airport where your baggage arrived, or should have arrived.

Are there any bike maintenance and repairs while on the trip?

The support vehicle (where available) and the guide will carry the required repair tools and spares. We do recommend you carry some basic tools and spares (like a puncture kit and Allen keys). Our guides are also qualified mechanics and have ample experience maintaining bikes on the trips.

What cycling gear do I need?

Safety and comfort are what you're looking for here. Here's a quick list of what you'll need for the trip:

    Cycling helmet (included with the bike rent)
    Touring shoes
    Cycling gloves
    Cycling shorts (1 to 3 pair)
    Socks - wool or synthetic (2 or 3 pair)
    Leg warmers or tights for riding
    Short-sleeved shirts (2)
    Light, long-sleeved shirt for layering and sun protection
    Windcheater, rain gear, jacket and pants
    Waterproof shoe covers

It is recommended that you carry a backpack with your valuables like camera and passport. Panniers are not suitable for the trips.

Can I bring my own saddle and pedals?

Yes. All the bikes are compatible with customized bike parts. The support team accompanying the group will be able help with any bike alterations or damage to the bike along the entire trip. Please inform us in advance if you plan to bring your own saddle and pedals.

Do we need to be experienced cyclists for longer tours?

 No. The guide will carefully pace the ride to include rest and refreshment along the way. Where available, the support vehicle will accompany you and you can always hitch a ride if you need a break.

Can I charge my digital camera or other equipments on my trip?

These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel/lodge reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring travel adapters!

There will be very limited charging facilities during your camping so please bring the enough spare batteries.

Are there any communication facilities during the trip?

There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. Internet and international calls are readily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?

 In the cities, yes - to some extent. Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash.

 How much additional money do I need per day?

It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can allocate USD 20 for a lunch and a dinner. USD 7 to 10 a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates and a few drinks during the trekking.

Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide.

Is the water fine to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter?

In most places below Upper Mustang, bottled water is readily available. If you wish to drink normal water, you need to use purifying aid, which you need to bring with you.

During the camping we will serve boiled and purify water to drink.

Are the Glory Nepal's staff insured?

Our company insures all our staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpas and porters. Please browse though Company Information pages to view insurance details.

What essential documents do I need to bring with me on tours?

 Here are some documents that you will need to carry with you:

    Valid Passport – must be valid for up to 6 months after you return from your tour, keep a separate photocopy.
    Travel insurance, keep a separate photocopy
    Cash and Traveller’s Cheques, keep numbers and proof of purchase separately
    Flight tickets
    Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s, banks, insurance, family contacts.

Can I add extra days to my trip?

A holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.

I would you like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?

Yes, there are a plenty of options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip. Please go into our trip extension page for further information.

What immunizations will I need?

No vaccinations are compulsory fro travelling in Nepal, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.

We also recommend:

    A dental check-up prior to travelling.
    That you know your blood group in case of emergency.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Glory Nepalat the time of your booking.

Entrance Fees

• All the entrance fees while sightseeing in the city.
• Guided Katmandu sightseeing tour by Car.
 All accommodation on B/B basis.
• 13% government tax where applicable.

International Flights

• International flights, visa and departure taxes
• Airport pick up and drop.

Personal Expenses

• Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry

Other Expenses

• All the expenses in except mention in the include section

Domestic Airport Tax

• Domestic airport tax

Costs from unforeseen events

• Costs arising from unforeseen events outside our control

All the entrance feels for sight seeing in the city

International flights, visa and departure taxes

Tips for gratuities

Drink, Posatage, Laundry for Personal Expenses

Domestic Airport Tax