Upper Mustang Biking Tour In Nepal
Nepal is a beautiful country. The country has much to offer in aspects of tourism. Trekking and mountaineering always had been the topmost activities done in the region but due to the creation of vehicle tracks biking is also the most enjoyed activity in some regions. Upper Mustang biking has gained a lot of popularity in recent days. Amazing terrains, combined with breathtaking views and thrilling experiences, make this journey one to remember for a lifetime.
Biking has been the passion of bikers since the creation of the machine in the previous century. People love to travel on this two-wheeler. It is also very efficient as it can swiftly take you to even the remote location as it does not have big tracks to get through, unlike the large vehicles. Also, the off-road bike can easily get through even the ways that are very difficult, unlike the big vehicles. Also, biking is the passion and dream of many people, especially of the people of this generation.
Mustang
Mustang is a district of Nepal that is located in the Gandaki province of Nepal. The province has eleven districts, and it is one of them. This district always has been one of the most special districts in the country. Being in the region of tourism, a unique lifestyle, the desert-like appearance, unlike most other parts of the country, makes the district extremely special.
The headquarters of Mustang in Jomsom. It is the first largest district with respect to the area. Despite this, the district is one of the lowest populated districts. According to the census of 2011 A.D, there was a total of 13452 people in the Mustang region of Nepal.
Mustang is also known as the forbidden kingdom of Nepal. The district surrounded by Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the Tibetan plateau is unique in many ways. With strict policies and rules, the traditions and culture of the Mustang region are preserved till now. Mustang was a restricted region in the past and no people from outside could go into the Mustang region without permission.
The authority to visit the upper Mustang was given very recently in 1992. Before that, it was illegal for outsiders to go to the upper Mustang. Until recently people had not visited there, and people of that region also not gone anywhere else so, the tradition and culture of the upper Mustang region are intact. Also, there is a King in the Mustang region of their own, which is why it was called a kingdom. Also, it was a restricted region, so the name forbidden kingdom.
Day 1 of upper Mustang biking
Reaching Kathmandu
The first day of upper Mustang biking has begun and the destination is Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and has the only international airport in the country today. After reaching Kathmandu the staff will receive the visitors and take them to their hotels. After reaching the hotel they will be given time to rest as taking long flights can be irritating and can drain energy.
On the evening of the 1st day of upper Mustang biking, they will be summoned and will be given complete details about the track, difficult places as well as things related to coordination during biking. After that, they will be given time to rest, and tomorrow will be a long and tiring day.
Day 2 of upper Mustang biking
Kathmandu to Pokhara
On the morning of the 2nd day of upper Mustang biking, the bikers will be taken to the place from where they will rent the bike. They will show the necessary documents like a license and other things to take the bike. After examining the bike and checking their conditions at the mechanical shop, they will be on the road. Along Prithvi highway, they are going to reach Pokhara.
Riding on bikes on highways can be dangerous so they will maintain their speed, be in coordination with other fellow bikers as well as be cautious for safety. On-bike maintaining good and average speed the bikers can reach Pokhara within 5 hours give or take an hour. If the bikers can get to Pokhara early, they can enjoy the remaining day at Pokhara. Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal which can offer many things. The night of the 2nd day of upper Mustang biking will be spent at Pokhara.
Day 3 of upper Mustang biking
Pokhara to Kalo Pani
The distance from Pokhara to Kalopani is 125Km. The bikers will get up early to check the condition of their bikes and be on their way. The bikers will take the path of Beni to reach Kalopani. On the way to Kalo Pani from Beni, the bikers will pass through the longest suspension bridge of Nepal. Along the way, if the weather is clear the bikers can see various mountains and beautiful waterfalls. Also, the bikers have to ride through the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. The night will be spent at Kalopani.
Day 4 of upper Mustang biking
Kalopani to Muktinath and return to kagbeni
The total distance that needs to be covered on the 4th day of upper Mustang biking is about 62Km. The final destination today is Kagbeni while the main landmark is the holy temple of Muktinath. It is one of the holiest locations where the people of two religions worship at the same time. Both Hindu and Buddhists arrive here to pay their respect and the bikers will also be going there. The distance from Kalo Pani to Muktinath is about 50 Km while the distance from Muktinath to Kagbeni is about 12 KM. The night of the 4th day of upper Mustang biking will be spent at kagbeni.
Day 5 of upper Mustang biking
Kagbeni to Ghami
Ghami is the destination of the 5th day of upper Mustang biking. Before moving to Ghami the bikers will explore the amazing village of Kagbeni. The village is beautiful, and one can see the influence of Tibetan culture on the houses and living style of people. Going from kagbeni to Ghami bikers will pass through Chusang, Chele, Syangbochen and finally reach the final destination of the 5th day of upper Mustang biking. The night of the 5th day will be spent at Ghami.
Day 6 of upper Mustang biking
Ghami to Lo Manthang
The distance from Ghami to Lo Manthang is 16.1Km. This distance may not look long on the plains while riding the bike. However, in the Himalayas and on difficult terrains this distance will take lots of time to complete. On the way to Lo Manthang the bikers will get to see the amazing view of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. After reaching Lo Manthang another day of the adventurous upper Mustang biking is completed.
Day 7 of upper Mustang biking
Lo Manthang visits and day of rest
This is the day of rest, acclimatization, and exploring. The bikers have been on continuous journeys for many days they need to rest and since they are at a high altitude their body also needs to be familiar with the altitude. In the daytime, the bikers will explore the settlement of Lo Manthag. There are also monasteries on Lo Manthang that are centuries old. Also, there are caves at Chosar that are very ancient and worth visiting and the bikers will visit that also. The night of the 7th day of upper Mustang biking will be spent at Lo Manthang.
Day 8 of upper Mustang biking
Lo Manthang to Tibetan border
The distance between Lo Manthang and the Tibetan border is about 20KM. It will be a shame not to see the border after coming this far into the region. The bikers will go to see the Tibetan border and relax there for some time. The area has an amazing view of the Himalayas. After resting there for a bit the bikers will return to Lo Manthang to stay the night. With returning to Lo Manthang 8th day of the upper Mustang biking comes to an end.
Day 9 of upper Mustang biking
Lo Manthang to Ghilling
After spending so much time in Lo Manthang finally, it is time to say goodbye to Lo Manthag. Now, the bikers have no further journey, and they will be going back to Kathmandu. Unlike the destinations, while coming up the bikers will not take the straight paths as they do not have to go to various places to visit and can directly return. The bikers will return to Ghilling and spend the night of the 9th day of upper Mustang biking there.
Day 10 of upper Mustang biking
Ghilling to Kagbeni
After waking up at Ghilling the bikers will ride back to Kagbeni on the 10th day of upper Mustang biking.
Day 11 of upper Mustang biking
Kagbeni to Pokhara
Kagbeni to Pokhara is a long way so to get there on the 11th day of upper Mustang biking the bikers need to get up early, prepare themselves, and be on the move as fast as they can. The night of the 11th day of upper Mustang biking will be spent at Pokhara.
Day 12 of Upper Mustang biking
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the destination of the 12th day of upper Mustang biking. The bikers will leave Pokhara after having lunch. In 5 to 6 hours the bikers will get to Kathmandu.
Day 13 of Upper Mustang biking
Rest at Kathmandu
After reaching Kathmandu the biking journey is officially over. However, the journey remains as a whole. This day they will rest and recharge themselves with the energy they lost on upper Mustang biking.
Day of departure
This is the day of Departure. Upper Mustang biking has officially ended, and the bikers have to return now. During this journey, they have made the memory of a lifetime that they cannot forget and the relations and bond they cannot let go of. The travelers will be taken to the international airport at the time of the flight of the travelers.
The following are the things that need to consider or need to have before going to upper Mustang biking:
Biking License
A biking license is the permit to ride bikes on the paths, which is given by the government of countries. Before going to upper Mustang biking the travelers need to have a valid license that is also valid in Nepal. Taking a bike on the road without a proper license and proper papers is a crime and is punishable. So, the bikers need to have a proper license and papers to go out on upper Mustang biking.
Good with bike
Mustang is located in the mountainous region of Nepal. Some of the roads that lead to the Mustang are filled with dangerous and difficult paths. People have to go along the Prithvi Highway to reach Pokhara first and from Pokhara take a very dangerous journey to the upper Mustang.
If one has gotten their license just recently or is not so good with a bike on the road, then upper Mustang biking is not for you. The road to the upper Mustang even gives chills and sweat to the experienced bikers so before attempting upper Mustang biking make sure you have good biking experience, and you can ride on any path.
First aid kit and basic first aid knowledge
Biking on highways and mountainous terrain can be dangerous. So, the bikers need to carry first aid with them in case something bad happens and they also need to have basic first aid knowledge so that they can give primary medicinal support to their fellow bikers in case something bad happens.
Take care of themselves, friends, and their bikes
The bikers will be in Kathmandu valley, then Pokhara, and go to the high mountains. They will be frequently changing altitude day by day that also in considerable numbers. So, sometimes it may be difficult for the body to keep with that sudden change. That is the reason the bikers need to take care of themselves. Also, they need to keep a good eye on their friends and see if they notice a change in their health.
On this journey their bikes are their greatest partners, so they need to take diligent care of them also. Frequently shaking the engine, tires, and other systems should be done. If some problem arises in a city like Kathmandu or Pokhara it is no big deal as it can be almost immediately maintained.
However, in the mountains where the settlements are very apart, there will be a great problem if the bike has some problem in the middle. Also, it will be a great plus point if one or two on the team has mechanical expertise.