Mesokanto Mystique

Journey to The Crown Jewel of the Annapurnas

13 nights / 14 days

4-12 pax

Annapurna Region

Journey to The Crown Jewel of the Annapurnas

High in the heart of the Annapurna range lies a lake so breathtaking, it feels like nature’s best-kept secret — Tilicho Lake. At an altitude of 4,919 meters, it isn’t just one of the highest lakes in the world; it’s a destination that captures the raw spirit of the Himalayas. Our journey to Tilicho is not just about reaching a place on the map. It’s about every step, every climb, every moment when you pause to catch your breath — only to lose it again to the view before you.

The highlight of the journey is conquering Mesokanto La (5,245m), a rugged and remote pass with breathtaking views of Tilicho Lake and the Annapurna Massif. Along the way, riders pedal through ancient villages, apple orchards, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and bustling Himalayan towns, blending challenging climbs, technical descents, and freeride opportunities across varied terrain.

This trip is designed for those who want more than just a biking holiday—it’s for adventurers who thrive on big climbs, love the flow of singletrack descents, and seek authentic connections with mountain communities. By the time you roll back into Kathmandu, you’ll have experienced a lifetime’s worth of riding, culture, and landscapes.

Ride the Adventure

Cycle through dramatic landscapes, from pine forests and alpine meadows to barren high-altitude deserts, all against the backdrop of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs.

Himalayan Expertise

Ride with seasoned local guides with 20+ years of experience who not only know the terrain but also share fascinating stories of Nepal’s culture and history.

Adventure, Simplified

All logistics, from accommodations to meal planning, are handled, so you can focus on the ride and the experience.

Trip Highlights

This trip is packed with bucket-list moments, but nothing compares to the moment you crest the Mesokanto La at 5,245m and gaze down at Tilicho Lake—a shimmering turquoise jewel cradled by the Himalayas. This surreal sight, surrounded by peaks like Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Muktinath, is the pinnacle of the journey. Few mountain bikers in the world can say they’ve ridden to such a remote and legendary location.

Challenge

Culture

Riding

Food And Accommodation

But Tilicho is just one part of an adventure full of contrasts. From warm-up rides through Kathmandu’s historic royal canals to freeride descents in Lubra Valley and long jeep-track climbs into remote yak pastures, every day brings new challenges and rewards. Evenings in teahouses, homestays, and tented camps give you a taste of traditional Himalayan hospitality, from hearty dal bhat to apple wine brewed in local orchards. Along the way, suspension bridges, prayer flags, and the rhythm of life in mountain villages connect you deeply to the region’s culture.

Conquer Mesokanto La (5,245m), one of the most thrilling high passes in the Himalayas.
Marvel at Tilicho Lake (4,919m), one of the world’s highest lakes and the crown jewel of this adventure.
Ride diverse terrain: jeep tracks, rocky singletracks, freeride meadows, and high-altitude switchbacks.
Immerse yourself in village culture—visit Kagbeni’s 700-year-old monastery, wander through Manang, and explore Bhaktapur’s royal square.
Experience Lubra Valley freeride terrain, a rare open alpine playground for mountain bikers.
Taste authentic Himalayan flavors, from apple cider in Bhratang to Newari specialties in Kathmandu.
Cross suspension bridges, yak pastures, and alpine meadows, all set against the Annapurna Massif backdrop.

This trip is more than just a ride—it’s a true Himalayan epic. From the urban pulse of Kathmandu to the serenity of Tilicho Lake, from cultural immersion in medieval villages to the camaraderie of the trail, the Mesokanto Pass adventure delivers a journey few will ever forget.

Tour Schedule

A day-by-day breakdown of your adventure through Nepal’s most scenic and culturally rich trails.

Day 01 – Welcome to the Himalayas (Arrival in Kathmandu)

Day 02 – Royal Canal Ride

Day 03 – Flight to Pokhara & Fewa Lake Exploration

Day 04 – The Windy Valley: Flight to Jomsom & Ride to Kagbeni

Day 05 – Lubra Valley Ride to Jomsom

Day 06 – Ride to Camp 1 (Yak Kharka – 4,150m)

Day 07 – Ride to Camp 2 (Namphu Kharka – 4,700m)

Day 08 – Cross Mesokanto La (5,245m) & Ride to Shree Kharka

Day 09 – Ride into Manang Valley

Day 10 – Ride to Chame via Apple Farm in Bhratang

Day 11 – Ride to Besisahar

Day 12 – Drive Back to Kathmandu via Yak Brewing Company

Day 13 – Bhaktapur Durbar Square & Farewell Dinner

Day 14 – Departure from Kathmandu

What's Included

From accommodations to expert guides, see what’s covered to make your ride seamless and stress-free.

Hotel accommodation in a twin share at hotels in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Muktinath and Lo Manthang.
Accommodation at local lodges while in the mountains on a sharing basis.
All meals on the trail.
1 Jeep to transfer Bikes and Luggage.
Private 4WD Jeep/s.
Services of our English-speaking MTB guides.
Airport transfer services are provided.
Domestic Airfare- Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu and Pokhara-Jomsom.
Upper Mustang Special Permit
TIMS & ACAP Fee
Entrance Fees.
Applicable taxes.

Tips and Gratuities
Expenses of personal nature.
Wear – tear of the bike parts and accessories. The amount will be charged on actual basis. (if rented)
Beverages including table drinks (bottled water, soft drink, hard drink, tea coffee etc.)
Emergency evacuation expenses, Medical Expenses, Client Insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that you subscribe to a proper travel insurance policy that covers air evacuation, illness, medical emergencies, trip cancellation etc.

Full Suspension Bikes
Hardtails
E-bikes
Gravel Bikes

Ready to Conquer Mesokanto Pass?

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime ride across rugged trails, ancient villages, and the breathtaking Tilicho Lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about the tour, from preparation and logistics to gear recommendations and riding conditions.

How many people will be in the group?

We only run small group mountain bike tours to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible, and there will be a maximum of 12 people in each group. The minimum number of people we require to run this mountain bike tour in Nepal is 4.

What style of Mountain bike tour is this?

This mountain bike tour in Nepal is a guided mountain bike vacation, ideal for intermediate+ mountain bikers. The terrain you’ll be riding on consists of double track and singletrack through thick forests, villages and across high plateaux and mountain passes.

You’ll encounter some steep climbs and rooty sections, as well as fabulous, swooping descents. Altitude is a factor in this trip and we have some tips for high altitude and managing the effects of altitude.

What sort of Accommodation will we be staying at?

On this mountain biking holiday in the Kathmandu Valley and Lower Mustang regions of Nepal you will be staying in the best quality accommodation available in each area. This ranges from a hill-top cottage outside Kathmandu to local tea houses in the heart of the valley.

Accommodation in the more remote villages up in the mountains is very basic, but you’ll often be staying in family homes, which gives you the chance to get to know the local Nepali people and understand something of their way of life.

What kind of foods are provided during the trip?

A mix of traditional/local and international foods are available during the trip at all places(even at the lodges/teahouses). The most common Nepali Traditional meal is called ‘Dal Bhat’ which includes Rice, Lentil Soup, Seasonal Vegetable Curry, Pickles and option of Chicken/Fish/Mutton(Goat Meat)/Buffalo Meat.

What type of vehicles are used for transportation?

Depending on the group size, we use Car(Sedan), Jeep(4WD), Van as private transfers in the city and highways. We use Double Cab 4WD as shuttle Vehicles on the trails.

Do I need to bring my own bike?

We are proud to offer our very own bike shop, where you can conveniently rent high-end bikes from Commencal and Revel. These top-tier brands are known for their durability, performance, and comfort, ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable ride throughout your adventure.

We highly recommend renting a bike if you want to avoid the hassle of transporting your own bike. Bringing your bike along with you can be a logistical challenge, especially with the risk of damage during transit. By renting, you can travel light and eliminate any concerns about transporting your bike safely.

Another benefit of renting is that you don’t need to carry spare parts or tools for your bike. We provide well-maintained, high-quality bikes that come fully equipped with all the necessary components. This way, you can focus on enjoying the ride without worrying about unexpected issues or the extra baggage.

Renting from our shop ensures that you get a bike that is ready for the rugged terrains and trails of the region, offering you the best possible experience during your adventure.

What fitness and riding level do you cater for?

For all our destinations we cater for a wide variety of riders, from families embarking on a vehicle supported cultural cycle tour to the most adventurous of riders looking to ride the remotest and most technical of trails, and everything in between.

If you have any apprehensions about whether a tour will be too hard (or too easy), just get in contact and we’ll talk you through it.

What if I come across a section of trail I can’t ride?

If you come across a section of trail that you can’t ride, don’t worry! It’s quite common to encounter sections of challenging terrain, especially in rugged areas. Here’s what you can do:

Walk the Section: If the trail becomes too technical, steep, or difficult to ride, simply dismount and walk your bike through the area. It’s completely okay to take your time and walk your bike if needed.

Take a Break: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, take a moment to rest and assess the situation. Sometimes a short break can give you the energy or clarity you need to tackle the section ahead, or even re-evaluate if it’s best to continue walking through the area.

Ask for Guidance: Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or a little assistance. Our guides are always ready to offer valuable insight into which sections may require walking or how to best approach tricky spots.

Use Shuttle Support: In some cases, if the section is particularly challenging or dangerous, you can take the option for our shuttle support to take you past that part of the trail.

Embrace the Adventure: Mountain biking is about the experience, and sometimes that means overcoming obstacles. Even walking a section of the trail can be rewarding, and you’ll likely still enjoy the beauty and challenge of the ride. Remember, every biker encounters these moments—it’s all part of the adventure!

Ultimately, the most important thing is to ride safely and at a pace that feels comfortable for you. If you’re unable to ride a particular section, walking through it and enjoying the surroundings can still be an incredible part of your journey.

I have a dietary requirement. Can you cater for me?

Yes. Most dietary requirements can be catered for. Just let us know of any specific requirements and given plenty of notice it is usually possible to fulfill most requests.

Meet the Guides

Meet and get to know the team behind your joy