The Forbidden Kingdom of Lo
As its name suggests, this is one of the secretly guarded trips on the trails behind the mighty mountain range adorned by snowy peaks of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Massif and many others. As the saying goes ‘a great effort is rewarded with greater results’ this trip will not refrain from throwing all the challenges at you. Nevertheless, the harder the climb the better the view as the entire trail’s sections offer enthralling vistas and the rolling trails where you feel a union between nature and your soul that makes you forget all your worldly worries. Lo Manthang ride is a trip back in time.
The geography that is part of the Tibetan Plateau is varied and awe-inspiring, even more enchanting is the culture, architecture and the lifestyle you come across along the way. The trip comprising over 60% single tracks will not let you return without a complete transformation of your mind and soul. So be prepared for the journey of a lifetime.
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
As you navigate the high-altitude trails, you’ll encounter Tibetan-style villages, centuries-old monasteries adorned with fluttering prayer flags, and the warm smiles of locals who’ve preserved their traditions for generations. Ride past Himalayan yaks grazing on rugged slopes, cross suspension bridges swaying over glacial rivers, and weave through herds of sheep as you descend thrilling singletracks. Every pedal stroke brings you closer to the soul of the Himalayas — a union of nature, culture, and pure adrenaline.
Challenge
Culture
Riding
Food And Accommodation
Upper Mustang is more than just a ride; it’s an exploration of Nepal’s deep-rooted cultural and spiritual heritage. The journey starts with challenging ascents through rugged trails, opening up to wide plateaus with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks. As you ride, you’ll pass through ancient Tibetan villages where whitewashed houses, colorful prayer wheels, and fluttering flags tell stories of a timeless culture.
- Ride through the hidden kingdom of Lo Manthang — a remote and ancient Tibetan settlement.
- Cross swaying suspension bridges over glacial rivers
- Encounter Himalayan yaks and sheep herds along the trails.
- Explore centuries-old monasteries and chortens decorated with prayer flags
- Taste authentic Nepali dishes prepared by local hosts.
- Ride through Tibetan-style villages and share conversations with welcoming locals with local tea on the side.
Lo Manthang — the heart of Upper Mustang — feels like a portal to another era. Its walled city, narrow alleyways, and intricately painted monasteries are a testament to centuries of spiritual devotion and resilience. Riding here is a blend of physical endurance and mental awakening, as the high-altitude air, the mystical chants of monks, and the raw beauty of the Himalayas strip away the noise of modern life.
The trails are a rider’s dream — technical singletracks, thrilling descents, and flowy paths that let you pick up speed as you take in the dramatic landscape. And just when you think you’ve conquered it all, the next ridge will reveal another breathtaking view that reminds you why you ride.
Tour Schedule
A day-by-day breakdown of your adventure through Nepal’s most scenic and culturally rich trails.
Day 01 – Arrival & Transfer to Hotel
Day 02 – Ride in Kathmandu
Day 03 – Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (30 minutes)
Day 04 – Morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (25 minutes). Ride to Kagbeni
Day 05 – Ride to Muktinath via Jhong
Day 06 – Ride to Samar via Gyu La and Chuksang
Day 07 – Hike to Syangmochen via Chungsi Caves. Ride to Ghami
Day 08 – Ride to Chharang via Dhakmar and Myu La
Day 09 – Ride to Lo Manthang via Ghar Gumba and Chhoku La
Day 10 – Rest Day. Visit Chosser Cave
Day 11 – Ride to Dhi Village via Dhi La. Drive to Samar
Day 12 – Drive to Thorong Phedi. Ride to Jomsom via Lubra Valley
Day 13 – Ride to Thini Gaun via Chhema Lake
Day 14 – Ride to Kalopani
Day 15 – Ride to Tatopani. Drive back to Pokhara
Day 16 – Visit the World Peace Stupa in the morning. Free Day in Pokhara
Day 17 – Fly back to Kathmandu (30 minutes)
Day 18 – Transfer to the airport and Departure for onward journey
What's Included
From accommodations to expert guides, see what’s covered to make your ride seamless and stress-free.
What's Included
- 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.
What's not Included
- 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.
Mountain Bike Rentals, when rented from us:
- Hardtail Bikes : USD 300.00 per bike
- Full Suspension Bikes: USD 600.00 per bike
- E- Bikes: USD 900.00 per bike
Ready to Ride Into the Lost Kingdom?
Don’t just dream about it — experience the ride of a lifetime in Upper Mustang. Adventure, culture, and epic views await! 🚵♂️🏔️
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(Toyota Hiace) as private transfers in the city and highways. We use Double Cab Toyota Hilux and/or Mahindra Scorpio 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
Dinesh
Dinesh, our lead mechanic for over a decade, keeps bikes in top condition and leads worry-free tours with his technical expertise and adventure training.
Saloman
Saloman turned his passion for biking into a career, managing tours and leading rides across the Himalayas while continually exploring new routes.
Alex
Alex’s determination helped him overcome early challenges to become an accomplished mechanic and assistant mountain biking guide, known for his expert skills and warm personality.
Manoj
A natural storyteller and licensed guide, Manoj brings deep cultural knowledge and humor to every ride, making each tour informative and engaging.