Hike & Bike Mustang Tour Nepal | Upper Mustang Cycling & Hiking Adventure

Highlights

· Explore the forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang

· Ride through the world’s deepest gorge (Kali Gandaki)

· Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture untouched by modern tourism

· Enjoy fewer crowds compared to Everest or Annapurna regions

· Combine cycling efficiency with hiking flexibility

· Visit remote villages inaccessible by vehicles

· Ride across high-altitude desert landscapes unique to Mustang

Overview

The Hike & Bike Upper Mustang Adventure is a unique high-altitude journey that combines mountain biking and hiking to explore one of Nepal’s most restricted and culturally preserved regions. Upper Mustang lies in the rain-shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, offering dramatic Trans-Himalayan desert landscapes, deep gorges, and ancient Tibetan Buddhist settlements.

This itinerary follows the historic trade route along the Kali Gandaki Valley to the walled city of Lo Manthang, the former capital of the Kingdom of Lo. Using bikes for long-distance travel and hiking for cultural and remote areas, the trip allows deeper exploration while maintaining a comfortable pace and proper acclimatization.

Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Rest or explore Thamel. Evening trip briefing and gear check.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 02 : Fly to Pokhara(820m) – Drive to Kalopani(2,530m)

Morning flight to Pokhara offers stunning Himalayan views. After lunch, begin the scenic drive along the Kali Gandaki River through Beni, Tatopani, and Ghasa. The road winds between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, passing waterfalls, suspension bridges, and pine forests. Overnight at Kalopani with magnificent views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri.

DISTANCE: ~126 km drive ELEVATION: +1,750m / -40m DURATION: 1:55 Hours(drive)

Overnight: Tea House in Kalopani

Day 03 : Ride Kalopani(2,500m) to Kagbeni(2,800m)

Begin biking through the world’s deepest gorge. The trail passes Jomsom and follows windy, wide gravel roads. Upon reaching Kagbeni, complete permit checks before entering Upper Mustang. Kagbeni is a culturally rich village with ancient alleyways, monasteries, and traditional mud-brick houses.

DISTANCE: ~36.9 km ELEVATION: +420m / -150m DURATION: 3 Hours

Overnight: Lodge in Kagbeni

Day 04 : Ride Kagbeni(2,800m) to Chhuksang / Chile(3,050m)

Enter the restricted Upper Mustang region. Ride through arid terrain with colorful rock formations and dramatic cliffs. The trail crosses several streams and narrow valleys. Chile is a small traditional village offering peaceful surroundings and panoramic views of the Mustang plateau.

DISTANCE: ~14.4km ELEVATION: +520m / -270m DURATION: 1:26 Hour

Overnight: Lodge in Chhule (Chile)

Day 05 : Ride Chile(3,050m) to Ghami(3,520m)

A challenging but scenic ride across open desert landscapes and high passes. This area features ancient mani walls, chortens, and barley fields. Ghami is one of Mustang’s largest villages and home to one of the longest mani walls in Nepal.

DISTANCE: ~25.8 km ELEVATION: +820m / -350m DURATION: 03:20 Hours

Overnight: Lodge in Ghami

Day 06 : Ride Ghami(3,520m) to Lo Manthang(3,840m)

Ride through high valleys with uninterrupted Himalayan views. Pass through Charang village before reaching the walled city of Lo Manthang, once the capital of the Kingdom of Lo. Explore the royal palace and surrounding monasteries in the evening.

DISTANCE: ~23.5 km ELEVATION: +650m / -330m DURATION: 02:27 Hours

Overnight: Lodge in Lo Manthang

Day 07 : Exploration Day – Lo Manthang

Rest and acclimatization day. Optional hikes to nearby villages, ancient sky caves, and monasteries such as Jampa Lhakhang, Thubchen Gompa, and Chode Monastery. Cultural interaction with locals provides deep insight into Tibetan Buddhist life.

DISTANCE: ELEVATION: DURATION:

Overnight: Lodge in Lo Manthang

Day 08 : Ride Lo Manthang(3,840m) to Yara(3,650m) / Tangge Area(3,340m)

Ride across vast high-altitude plains toward Yara. This remote area offers dramatic isolation, expansive views, and a sense of true wilderness. The thin air and altitude make this day physically demanding but extremely rewarding.

(From lo manthang to tange) DISTANCE: ~32.1 km ELEVATION: +420m / -920m DURATION: 02:52 Hours

Overnight: Lodge in Yara

Day 09 : Hike to Pa (4,180m)– Ride to Chhuksang(2,980m)

Morning hike to Pa village through high-altitude valleys and eroded cliffs. After lunch, descend by bike along scenic trails back toward Chhuksang. This day beautifully combines trekking and biking.

(from tange) DISTANCE: ~8.8km hike, 16.8km ride ELEVATION: +1,050m / -1,410m DURATION: 03:30 hours hike, 01:10 hours ride

Overnight: Lodge in Chhuksang

Day 10 : Ride Chhuksang(2,980m) to Marpha / Kalopani(2,530m)

Ride south through familiar landscapes, passing Jomsom and apple orchards of Marpha village. Continue to Kalopani for final mountain views and celebration dinner.

DISTANCE: ~48.3 km ELEVATION: +180m / -630m DURATION: 03:40 Hours

Overnight: Lodge in Kalopani or Marpha

Day 11 : Ride to Tatopani (1,190m)– Drive to Pokhara(820m)

Final downhill ride to Tatopani. Enjoy a relaxing soak in natural hot springs before driving back to Pokhara, marking the end of the Mustang adventure.

DISTANCE: ~22.4 km ride / ~105 km drive ELEVATION: +120m / -1,850m (K to T) DURATION: 1:39 Hours(ride) 1:40 hours (drive)

Day 12 : Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu(1,400m)

Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Enjoy the stunning himalayan view

Flight Distance: 25-35 min

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 13 : Final Departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for final departure.

“Its time to say goodbye, with lots of memories made for lifetime”