Discover the Upper Mustang Enduro breathtaking landscape and ancient culture of the Upper Mustang while mountain biking to the hidden kingdom of Lo.
Shangrila Enduro is one of the most exhilarating mountain biking trips in Nepal’s Annapurna Region, offering everything from flowing single tracks to technical trails with some jumps and drops as well as steep gradients. Upper Mustang mountain biking takes you through dry desert type landscapes where ancient culture and traditions are still untouched; it is also known as Nepal’s hidden kingdom. Riding through Upper Mustang, you will experience the difference of temperatures, vegetation, and landscape, which extends from low land greens to arid desert landscape. Along with the richness of culture and customs, it leads you to the other side of the mountains, where you are able to witness breathtaking panoramic views of Himalayan giants towards the south, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Tukuche, and Damodar Himal.
Another reason to go mountain biking in Upper Mustang is to explore the hidden caves and a palace within the red-walled city of Lo. Upper Mustang offers about 10,000 man-made sky caves that are said to be 3000 years old and carved into the cliffs of Upper Mustang.
Even a regular trek to Upper Mustang is challenging; mountain biking in such terrain and environment is not for the faint of heart; a mountain bike experience here is a feat of courage, skills, ability, and endurance. Shangri-La Enduro is a fantastic choice for you if you are searching for a thrilling new adventure to take on.
mtb-sports Travels is an unconventional adventure organizer that is built on the foundation of offering a puter and traditional mountain biking experience, elevated to a higher level of both altitude and experience. Our Guides shall bear complete responsibility for making your biking trip a unique kind of experience.
Welcome to an unparalleled adventure in the Nepal Himalaya!
trip highlights
Duration: 16 Days
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 350km
Climbing: 400
Maximum Elevation: 4500 m
Fitness Level: 4 of 5
Group Size: 4 Person
Day 01 – Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,330 m.)
When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by our personnel and transferred to your accommodation in a private vehicle. Take some time to unpack and recover. In the evening, there will be an introduction and a briefing regarding your Upper Mustang adventure.
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 a well known city that lies along the banks of the gorgeous Phewa Lake and offers panoramic views of Machapuchare, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. During our leisure time, we go on city tours in Pokhara and visit major tourist destinations of Pokhara including Phewa Lake, Seti River gorges and Gupteshwar Cave, Tibetan Refugee Camps, Barahi temple and the Peace Pagoda.
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 route. The total distance traveled on this day will be approximately 17 kilometers. Phallayak is a beautiful village where you can enjoy local people doing their activities. After exploring Phallayak we go towards the Kagbeni, a Tibetan settlement that serves as the «Gateway to Upper Mustang».
duration: 3 hours
distance: 17km
Day 04 – Ride from Kagbeni to Chele (3,050 m.)
Today is another thrilling day of our Upper Mustang riding tour as we ride from Kagbeni to Chele. We’ll start the trip by leaving Kagbeni and heading towards Chele. We will progressively gain elevation along the trail. Today’s adventure will take us through fields of barley, potatoes and apple orchids and will give us an insight into the region’s Tibetan-influenced culture. After a day of riding, we’ll arrive in the charming village of Chele. Chele, at an elevation of 3,050 meters is a beautiful village which offers a peaceful environment.
duration: 3 hours
distance: 14km
Day 05 – Ride to Ghami (3,560 m.)
We’ll start our day by leaving Chele behind and riding towards Ghami. We’ll be passing through beautiful settlements along the way. The steep ascent to Ghami will reward us with excellent views of the surrounding landscape. Today, we’ll pass through several beautiful villages including Samar, Syanboche and Ghiling as well as the Nyi La. When you arrive in Ghami, you can visit this ancient settlement. Ghami is known for its ancient monasteries, stunning architecture, and rich Buddhist culture. Our overnight stay will be in Ghami, which is located at an elevation of 3,560 meters.
Duration: 4h30
Distance: 26km
Day 06 – Ride to Lo Manthang (3,840 m.)
We’ll start our day by leaving Ghami and riding towards Lo Manthang. Prepare yourself to be captivated by the panoramic scenery of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti Peak while riding. Our today’s ride will end in the historic and culturally rich walled town of Lo Manthang. Lo Manthang is a living museum of Tibetan culture and heritage, not just a city.
Duration: 4h30
Distance: 26km
Day 07 – Rest Day at Lo Manthang
Today, we’ll get an entire day to explore Lo Manthang. We start our day by visiting three major monasteries of Lo Manthang and a five- storey palace of an old Mustang King and then hiking to Jhong Cave. After that, we can stroll around the local markets, where we’ll meet friendly locals and purchase traditional handicrafts and gifts. After a day of sightseeing and exploring, we’ll return back to our lodge in Lo Manthang.
Restday
Day 08 – Ride to Ghami (3,560 m.)
Our Upper Mustang riding tour continues as we leave Lo Manthang and head towards Ghami. Today’s trial is mostly downhill and we’ll pass through Ghar Gompa, a 1200 years old monastery and an amazing red landscape of Dhakmar Village. Today’s ride will come to an end in Ghami village, located at an elevation of 3,560 meters.
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 19.5km
Day 09 – Ride to Samar (3,600 m.)
Today, we’ll leave from Ghami and head towards Samar by taking different routes. As we ride towards Samar, we’ll be treated with an amazing view of Annapurna range on a clear day. Our today’s adventure will end at Samar, located at an elevation of 3,600 meters. Samar is a lovely village with typical Mustang architecture.
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 18km
Day 10 – Ride to Kagbeni (2,804 m.)
We’ll bid farewell to the beautiful village of Samar and descend to Kagbeni. As we ride towards Kagbeni, we’ll experience significant descent. After a steep downhill to Chele village, we’ll follow the Kali Gandaki river until we reach Kagbeni. Today, we’ll end your adventure in Kagbeni, a beautiful village situated in the valley of Kali Gandaki river. Kagbeni is a beautiful village which is known for its unique Tibetan influenced culture and scenery.
Duration: 3hours
Distance: 21km
Day 11 – Ride to Muktinath (3,800 m.)
After breakfast in Kagbeni, we’ll ride to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site. Today, we’ll gain almost 1000 m in elevation. Muktinath is a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is well-known for its Muktinath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Hinduism and Avalokiteshvara in Buddhism.
Duration: 2hours
Distance: 11.6km
Day 12 – Ride to Tukuche (2,895 m.)
Today’s ride will take us from Muktinath to Tukuche, following the beautiful Kali Gandaki River. The descent provides stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks as well as the Kali Gandaki Gorge also known as Andha Galchi, one of the world’s deepest george. We’ll be passing through gorgeous villages today. Tukuche, at an elevation of 2,895 meters, is the destination for the day. Tukuche is a Thakali ethnic village located right beneath Tukuche Peak and Dhaulagiri.
Duration: 3h
Distance: 31.7km
Day 13 – Ride to Tatopani (1,268 m.)
Today we’ll leave from the beautiful village of Tukuche and head towards Tatopani. As we continue our descent, we’ll pass apple orchids and beautiful scenery. Tatopani is well-known for its natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. These hot springs will provide well-deserved rest after days of cycling.
Duration: 4h
Distance: 34.8km
Day 14 – Ride to Beni (899 m.) and drive to Pokhara (822 m.)
Today, we’ll ride for 1 and half hours to reach Beni and then drive back to Pokhara. We follow jeep tracks alongside the Kali Gandaki River all the way to Beni. When we arrive in Beni, we load our bikes onto the shuttle that will take us to Pokhara. The path winds through scenic valleys and lush woodlands. Before our Farewell dinner, we will check into our hotel in Pokhara and have time to shop and sightsee. Following dinner, we’ll celebrate the end of this incredible adventure in the Upper Mustang region with a night of drinks and fun.
Duration: 3h
Distance: 22.5km
Day 15 – Flight to Kathmandu (1,330 m.)
Today, we’ll take an early morning flight back to Kathmandu. When you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transported to your hotel. In the afternoon, you can visit major attractions of Kathmandu, including World heritage sites like Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar square. Later in the evening, there’ll be farewell dinner in a traditional nepali restaurant which hosts cultural performance.
Day 16 – International Departure
Your riding adventure in the Upper 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.