Ever dreamt of biking through a land straight out of a storybook? Where mountains pierce the sky, colourful prayer flags flutter in the wind, and ancient monasteries whisper tales of a forgotten kingdom? Then look no further than Upper Mustang, a hidden gem in the heart of Nepal, waiting to be explored on two wheels!
But can you REALLY bike to Upper Mustang? The answer is a resounding YES! But it's not a quick zip down the road on your everyday ride. Think epic adventure, breathtaking scenery, and a challenge just right for the thrill-seeker in you.
Here's a taste of what awaits Upper Mustang bike tour:
- Rough and Rugged: Forget smooth tarmac. Upper Mustang's roads are dirt tracks that wind through canyons, climb over passes, and dance alongside gushing rivers. It's an off-road playground for experienced riders, with views that make every bump and twist worth it.
- Permit Paradise: Upper Mustang is a protected area, so you'll need a special permit to explore. Think of it as your key to unlock this treasure trove of history and culture.
- Monastery Marvels: Prepare to be awestruck by ancient monasteries clinging to cliffsides, painted with vibrant murals and echoing with chanting monks. Each one is a portal to a past steeped in Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
- Village Vibes: Get ready to meet the warm and welcoming people of Upper Mustang. Their smiles are as bright as the prayer flags, and their stories as rich as the yak butter tea they'll offer you with open arms.
- Nature's Playground: From soaring peaks to glacial lakes, Upper Mustang is a feast for the senses. Every turn reveals a new vista, a hidden waterfall, or a carpet of wildflowers painting the landscape.
Ready to gear up for this adventure? Here's the lowdown:
- Best Time to Ride: Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and stunning landscapes.
- Get in Shape: These climbs aren't for couch potatoes. Train to build your stamina and endurance.
- Two Wheels or Four: You can either bring your own trusty bike or rent one in Nepal. Just make sure it's up for the challenge.
- Go with the Flow: Consider joining a guided Upper Mustang Bike Tour. They'll handle the permits, logistics, and local know-how, leaving you free to soak in the magic.
Kingdom of Lo, Upper region of Mustang is a remote and isolated region of the Nepalese Himalayas.Trekking to Upper Mustang was a restricted demilitarized area until 1992 which makes it one of the most preserved places in the world.
It highly preserves the Tibetan culture and unspoiled nature.Furthermore, Upper Mustang is not very well known to tourists, therefore, will have lesser trekkers.The starting point of the upper Mustang trek is the district headquarters of Mustang, Jomsom reachable by a scenic flight.Similarly, also accessible by walk from Ghorepani to Jomsom trekking route.
Experience some of the most significant and most beautiful Tibetan Buddhism gompas in Nepal in Lo Manthang.Upper Mustang Trek HighlightsHere are the highlights of the Buddhist Kingdom, Lo Manthang trekking to Upper Mustang in Nepal.Explore the historical Royal Palace of king Loat Lo Manthang.Walk without worrying about the rain as the upper Mustang region lies in the rain shadow area of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.Get a chance to see a glimpse of Tibetan Buddhist influence, culture and traditions of the local people in Nepal.Colourful barren hills, beautiful view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, and swinging barley fields etc.Upper Mustang Trek ItineraryDAYSITINERARYALTITUDETIMEDay 01Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara900 m6 hrsDay 02Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni2,810 m4 hrsDay 03Kagbeni to Chele3,050 m6 hrsDay 04Chele to Syanbochen3,475 m7 hrsDay 05Syanbochen to Charang3,560 m7 hrsDay 06Charang to Lo Manthang3,770 m5 hrsDay 07Acclimatization Day at Lo Manthang3,770 m6 hrsDay 08Lo Manthang to Drakmar3,800 m7 hrsDay 09Drakmar to Ghiling3,860 m6 hrsDay 10Ghiling to Chuksang3,050 m6 hrsDay 11Chuksang to Jomsom2,700 m6 hrsDay 12Fly back to Pokhara900 m30 minutesDay 13Drive back to Kathmandu1,400 m6 hrsNote: You can customize your own itinerary according to your physical fitness, level of interest & walking habit.
My suggestion would be if you have children & old aged people on your group with no experience of walking 6/7 hours a day add 1/2 days extra to make it more comfortable or hire a jeep on some places to avoid feeling difficult.Extend OptionsThe trek can be possible to extend if you have many holidays and want to visit other places too.From Kagbeni after ending Upper Mustang, you can either choose to do Annapurna Sanctuary or Annapurna Circuit both.Upper Mustang trek with Tiji FestivalTiji festival of the upper Mustang is a fascinating annual three-day festival.
If longer is needed, an additional $50 per day is charged.No, any other permits require, for instance, TIMS card for Upper Mustang as the RAP is sufficient.Please keep in mind that Individual trekkers cannot obtain the restricted area permit for Upper Mustang themselves.
After the completion of roadways in the region, Upper Mustang is a popular jeep tour destination nowadays.In fact, Upper Mustang trek is the only trek in Nepal which can also be assessable by drives.Upper Mustang Jeep tour saves your hiking days but provides more time to visit and explore around.
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