A mountain biking adventure that brings you to and through the picturesque communities with cultural values and spectacular scenery of Lower Mustang. Mustang Odyssey- Lower Mustang is undoubtedly Nepal’s most unique geography. Commonly known as the Kingdom Beyond the Himalaya, Mustang has developed its identity as a totally different place that doesn’t match the rest of Nepal. The landscape is surreal; in fact, it is a part of the Tibetan Plateau, a vast expansion of elevated, arid landscape. This adventure passes through the marvels of the Himalayan landscape, the prime and major being the deep gorge of the Kali Gandaki River. One experiences the thrill of riding through the deepest gorge in the world, under the shadow of the mighty 8000ers like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
The ride adventure is undoubtedly physically challenging, but this higher degree of challenge also awards a higher level of experience. Passing through the famed historical, geographical, and cultural landmarks is a rare privilege. The word Mustang itself means a herd of horses, and having been located in the shadow of the Annapurna-Dhaulagiri ranges, the life and culture of the place are entirely different from what a visitor sees in the rest of Nepal. This Mustang Odyssey- Lower Mustang experience truly highlights the uniqueness of the region.
The ride marks Gyu La (~4000 meters) as the highest pass of the journey, which will be a tough push. But after days of riding from Jomsom continuously up, we shall prepare our bodies for the push. Muktinath, the world famous pilgrimage, not only offers a spiritual haven for visitors but also acts as a vantage point for observing the majestic Himalayan mountains and the vast expanse of the Tibetan Plateau. During the Mustang Odyssey- Lower Mustang, this view will be one of the most memorable highlights.
This one of a kind ride requires a one of a kind team of guides and crew, too. This is why mtb-sports Travels stands above the market. We specialize in undertaking peak mountain biking adventures over the Nepal Himalaya, including the unique Mustang Odyssey- Lower Mustang.
Welcome to the land of unmatched Himalayan biking experiences!
trip highlights
Duration: 9 Days
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 300 km
Climbing: 500 meter
Maximum Elevation: 3000 m.
Temperature: 25 degrees
Group Size: 2 to 8 person
Fitness Level: 3 of 5
Day 01 – Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1330 m.)
When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, our personnel will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in a private vehicle. Take some time to unpack and recover. In the evening, there’ll be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant along with a Nepali cultural dance show. Later that, you will go through introductions within the group and receive a briefing on your Mustang adventure.
Highlight of day 1:
Welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant
Total duration: 3 hours
Day 02 – Flight to Pokhara (822 m.)
After an early breakfast, we’ll take a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Pokhara, located at an elevation of 822 meters, is well known for its stunning natural beauty and adventure activities. During our leisure time, we go for city tours in Pokhara and visit major tourist destinations of Pokhara.
Day 03 – Flight to Jomsom (2,743 m.) and Ride to Kagbeni (2,804 m.) via Phallyak
Today, we’ll take an early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, with beautiful mountain views. After landing in Jomsom, we’ll start our first cycling adventure from Jomsom to Kagbeni via the scenic Phallyak village. The overall distance covered on this day will be roughly 17 kilometers. Phallayak is a beautiful village where you can enjoy local people doing their activities. After exploring Phallayak we go towards the Kagbeni. In the evening you can explore Kagbeni Village with your group.
Total duration: 3 hours
Total distance: 17 km
Day 04 – Shuttle to Muktinath (3,800 m.) and ride to Kagbeni (2,804 m.) via Gyu La (4,077 m.)
After breakfast, we’ll take a shuttle to Muktinath. After visiting Muktinath, we’ll begin our ride to the top of the Gyu La, which is situated at an elevation of 4,077 meters. This will be a more demanding day in terms of elevation, but the route from Muktinath to the pass is quite easy. Descending down from Gyu La is exhilarating with double the fun than riding jeep tracks or roads leading to Kagbeni. Tonight, we will stay in the same hotel in Kagbeni.
Total duration: 4 hours
Total distance: 28.2 km
Day 05 – Ride to Kalopani (2,526 m.) via Jomsom
Today we will continue riding from Kagbeni to Kalopani via Jomsom. The route will take you through a diversity of landscapes and include both challenging ascents and exhilarating descents. During our course of the journey, we will ride through beautiful settlements enroute to Kalopani. The 35-kilometer ride to Kalopani will reward you with the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Annapurna region as well as the local cultures and traditions.
Total duration: 5 hours
Total distance: 35 km
Day 06 – Ride to Tatopani (1,268 m.)
Today, we’ll leave Kalopani and head towards Tatopani following the jeep tracks and single tracks. Tatopani, which is located at an elevation of 1,160 meters, the landscape changes as we descend to a lower altitude. Tatopani is well-known for its natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. After days of cycling, these hot springs will provide well-deserved rest.
Total duration: 4 hours
Total distance: 22.3 km
Day 07 – Ride to Beni (899 m.) and drive to Pokhara (822 m.)
We’ll ride to Beni and then drive to Pokhara today. Jeep trails lead all the way to Beni beside the Kali Gandaki River. When we get to Beni, we pack our bikes and load them onto the shuttle, which takes us to Pokhara. The route takes you through picturesque valleys and lush forests. We will check into our hotel in Pokhara and have time to shop and sightsee before our farewell dinner. Following dinner, we’ll have a night of drinks and fun to remember the end of this fantastic Mustang Odyssey.
Total duration: 5 hours
Total distance: 22.5 km
Day 08 – Flight to Kathmandu (1,330 m.) and Drive to Kakani
Today, we’ll fly back to Kathmandu and drive to Kakani, a serene village with views of the Himalayas. We’ll attend a local festival with our guide’s family and friends, where we’ll enjoy traditional cuisine and drinks like rakshi and beer while taking part in the festivities. This cultural experience is the ideal way to end the riding adventure.
Day 09 – International Departure
Your cycling adventure in the Mustang region has come to an end. Our staff will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours prior to your departure and wish you a safe flight.