Trip Overview

This ride threads through the lower Mustang corridor, a trans-Himalayan wonderland where apple orchards, raging gorges and centuries-old monasteries sit under the sweeping slopes of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Expect a blend of firm gravel, rugged jeep tracks, smooth pavement and occasional rocky stretches. Climbs are lung-busting, descents are long and rewarding.

You’ll traverse the high, dry rain shadow of Mustang, where prayer flags snap in the wind and the landscape is stripped down to rock, sky and wind. This is a journey that fuses high-altitude spectacle, rich local culture and the pure joy of pedaling through dramatic Himalayan terrain. From sacred Muktinath to the apple-brandy lanes of Marpha, it’s a ride that balances grit with beauty, culture with adventure.

Difficulty Rating

Fitness: Intermediate
Technical: Sweaty Palms
Style: Classic Adventure

Terrain & Conditions

The route blends high-altitude gravel, jeep tracks and short sections of pavement. Expect thin air, dry desert wind, loose gravel and exposed climbs in the upper Mustang region. The lower stretches ease into greener foothills with farm roads and forest trails. Riders should be comfortable with mixed terrain, variable conditions and long days in the saddle.

What’s Included

Airport transfers, domestic flights, professional guides, accommodation, meals as noted, vehicle support, luggage transfers, permits and all local logistics. Optional add-ons such as extra nights, single supplements and bike rental can be arranged.

Itinerary

Day 01 – Arrival in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,300 m

Kathmandu hits all the senses at once. Incense, traffic, ringing temple bells and the smell of fresh tea. After settling in, the team will check bikes and head out for a short orientation ride on the valley rim. Evening brings a relaxed walk through Thamel, a dal bhat dinner and an early night before heading into the high country.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Dinner

Day 02 – Fly to Pokhara / Sagarkot Ride
Distance: 25 km | Elevation Gain: 650 m

The morning flight to Pokhara opens up a softer side of Nepal. The air is warm, the lake shimmers, and ridgelines rise to meet the Annapurnas. After checking in, the ride begins with a climb toward Sagarkot on quiet tarmac and farm tracks, gaining elevation with each sweeping turn.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03 – Fly to Jomsom / Acclimatize Ride to Kagbeni
Distance: 14 km | Elevation Gain: 250 m

An early Twin Otter flight into Jomsom sets the tone. Below, the Kali Gandaki slices through the mountains. The air is drier, the wind sharper, and the landscape stripped down. From Jomsom at 2,700 m, the ride rolls gently along the river toward Kagbeni through chortens, prayer wheels and open desert terrain. The gravel is mostly firm with loose patches and washboards.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04 – Kagbeni to Muktinath (Overnight Jhong)
Distance: 16 km | Elevation Gain: 950 m

The road begins gently but the climb soon bites. The route winds upward  along the canyon walls on a mix of jeep track and newly paved sections. We pop out above the canyon and onto a rolling plateau and we catch our first glimpse of Mutkinath.  Wind can pick up in the afternoon, making the ride a bit more challenging. After exploring the temple’s 108 holy water spouts and ancient shrines, the day ends in Jhong, a quiet Buddhist village just below the temple zone. Jhong is a stand alone village a bit removed from the modernized hustle and bustle of muktinath. Its a great place to stroll around and enjoy the atmosphere of the area.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 05 – Muktinath to Marpha
Distance: 40 km | Elevation Gain: 400 m (approx. 1,200 m descent)

The descent from Muktinath is a reward in itself. The route flows through terraces, dry cliffs and gusty gorges on mixed gravel and jeep track. Marpha’s stone-paved streets and apple orchards offer a perfect soft landing. The shift from stark desert to cultivated valley is striking.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06 – Marpha to Ghorepani
Distance: 65 km | Elevation Gain: 1,600 m

Today marks a transition from the dry Mustang plateau to lush lower hills. The terrain becomes more varied with river crossings, looser gravel decent for a short distance and a long  stretch of steady climbing and forested tracks. Ghorepani sits high on a classic Annapurna ridge, surrounded by rhododendrons and distant waterfalls. Its a popular destination for trekking.

Accommodation: Teahouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08 – Panchase to Pokhara
Distance: 35 km | Elevation Gain: 450 m

The final ride rolls through small villages and farmland. Forest tracks and smooth farm roads lead down toward Pokhara and the lake. It’s a gentle finish after big climbs and big views, with time to relax at lakeside cafés and watch the hills soften into evening light.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09 – Fly to Kathmandu
The morning flight offers that last lingering view of the Himalayas and returns you to the capital with time to explore Durbar Square, sip street tea (chia)  and pick up last-minute souvenirs. Kathmandu feels familiar now. 

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 – Departure
Final transfers, farewells and a quiet moment to look back at what you just rode. Mustang has a way of staying with you.

Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast