The full picture.
Upper Mustang is made for mountain biking. The jeep to Muktinath takes the suffering out of the climb, and what's left is 200km of pure descent — through the world's deepest gorge, past ancient cave monasteries, and into the subtropical lowlands of the Pokhara valley.
The Kaligandaki gorge cuts between Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m) — the two highest points of any gorge on Earth. Riding through it at speed, with wind at your back and canyon walls rising thousands of metres on either side, is one of the great riding experiences on the planet.
As a restricted area, the Upper Mustang permit system has preserved one of the most authentic Tibetan Buddhist landscapes outside of Tibet. Lo Manthang — the ancient walled capital — is the cultural highlight of the route. Full-suspension bikes are mandatory.
What you'll experience.
The trail in pictures.
The climb, day by day.
Full itinerary.
Arrive in Pokhara and meet the Rad Travels MTB team. Bike fitting, suspension tuning, and full safety briefing. Test ride around Phewa Lake area. Briefing on the Mustang permit zone and riding safety protocols.
Drive from Pokhara to Jomsom by jeep (5 hours) then continue to Muktinath (3,760m). Acclimatise at altitude with a light afternoon explore on foot. Visit the sacred Muktinath temple.
First descent day. From Muktinath, hit the high-altitude desert ridgeline before dropping into the ancient village of Kagbeni — gateway to the restricted Upper Mustang zone. Rocky, technical, spectacular.
Enter the forbidden kingdom. Ride through a lunar landscape of eroded canyons, ancient cave cities, and prayer-flag-strewn ridgelines to Lo Manthang — the medieval walled capital of Upper Mustang.
Rest day in Lo Manthang. Visit the Thubchen and Jampa monasteries, walk the ancient walls, and explore the cave dwellings above the town. This place exists nowhere else in the world.
Begin the long return south. Ride through Ghemi, Tsarang, and Chuksang on a mix of gravel track and singletrack, with the enormous Dhaulagiri massif appearing to the south.
The legendary Kaligandaki run. Ride the floor of the world's deepest gorge with Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I on either side. Wind-assisted, technically straightforward but emotionally overwhelming. Arrive in Jomsom for the night.
The landscape greens dramatically as you descend. Ride through Marpha's apple orchards, sample local cider and brandy, and drop all the way to Tatopani for a long evening in the hot springs.
Drop into the subtropical lowlands. The trail follows the lower Kaligandaki through rice fields, jungle, and river beaches. A completely different Nepal from the Mustang desert above.
Final riding day — a gorgeous valley route back to Pokhara via Kushma and Baglung. Arrive Pokhara lakeside. Celebration dinner on Phewa Lake. Bikes cleaned and returned to workshop.
Rest, recover, and explore Pokhara. Paragliding optional (highly recommended for the Annapurna aerial view). Route certificate presented at dinner.
Transfer to Kathmandu or direct international departure from Pokhara airport. 12 days, 200km, Mustang — done.
The trail map.
What's included.
✓ Included
- ✓All accommodation — guesthouses and teahouses
- ✓Breakfast and dinner on the route
- ✓Expert local MTB guide
- ✓Support vehicle (jeep) throughout
- ✓Scott Genius or Trek full-suspension bike (or bring your own)
- ✓Helmet + gloves + knee/elbow pads provided
- ✓Mustang Restricted Area Permit + ACAP
- ✓Muktinath jeep transfer from Pokhara
- ✓Bike workshop support throughout
- ✓First aid kit + emergency evacuation plan
✕ Not Included
- ✕International flights
- ✕Nepal visa
- ✕Travel & rescue insurance (mandatory)
- ✕Lunches on the route
- ✕Personal riding gear beyond what's provided
- ✕Tips for guide and support team
- ✕Alcohol and personal drinks
What to pack.
🚵 MTB Gear
- Full-face or trail helmet
- Gloves
- Knee and shin pads
- MTB shoes or stiff-soled trainers
- Padded MTB shorts
- Eye protection / goggles
🧥 Clothing
- Wind/rain jacket (essential)
- Thermal base layer for mornings
- Light down jacket for high camp
- Warm hat + buff
🎒 Essentials
- Riding backpack 10–15L
- Sunscreen SPF 60+
- Hydration system
- Energy snacks
- Cash USD/NPR
- Basic tool kit (if bringing own bike)
