Nepal9 days
Nepal: Mustang, Muktinath & Annapurna by Bicycle — 9 Days
Pokhara to Muktinath via the Kali Gandaki corridor — 9 days of high-altitude cycling through the Annapurna zone
This nine-day cycling expedition traverses the Kali Gandaki valley from the lowland confluence at Beni (899 metres) to the sacred plateau of Muktinath at 3,710 metres, before descending through Marpha and Tatopani back to Pokhara. The route is entirely rider-supported: a backup vehicle carries luggage throughout, and a mechanic accompanies the group. Riders bring their own bicycles, which are transported by bus from Pokhara to Beni at the start and returned at the close. The terrain shifts markedly across the route — from the forested lower gorge flanked by deodar stands and waterfalls to the increasingly arid, wind-scoured landscape above Jomsom that marks the threshold of the Mustang region. The descent from Muktinath to Tatopani, passing through the apple orchards of Marpha, covers a significant change in altitude over two riding days. At Tatopani, geothermal hot springs provide a natural rest point after the high-altitude sections. Muktinath Temple — one of Nepal's oldest Vishnu shrines and a site equally significant in Tibetan Buddhism as the seat of Padmasambhava — sits at the route's highest point. A rest day in Muktinath allows time to visit the temple and the surrounding landscape without a riding obligation. The final day in Pokhara, after the bus return from Beni, allows time at Phewa Lake before departure. All required Annapurna Conservation Area permits are included.
Highlights
- Cycling the Kali Gandaki gorge from Beni (899 m) to Ghasa (2,010 m) alongside multiple waterfalls and deodar forest
- Ascending from Ghasa to Jomsom (2,800 m) through terrain that transitions from dense forest to open barren mountain landscape
- Reaching Muktinath Temple (3,710 m) — one of Nepal's oldest Vishnu shrines and a significant site in Tibetan Buddhist tradition
- Rest day at Muktinath with the option to visit the temple complex and walk the high-plateau landscape
- Downhill cycling from Muktinath through Marpha (2,650 m), known for its apple orchards and a locally revered monastery
- Hot spring bathing at Tatopani village (1,190 m) following the descent from the high-altitude sections
- Cycling the final leg from Tatopani to Beni (25 km) before returning to Pokhara by bus
- Optional boat ride on Phewa Lake, Pokhara, on the final afternoon
Day by day
1Pokhara Arrival and Bus Transfer to Beni (899 m, approx. 87 km)Pokhara · Beni
On arrival in Pokhara, the group boards a bus for the roughly 87-kilometre road journey to Beni. The route passes through hill terrain with views of snow-covered peaks and a series of waterfalls. Beni sits at 899 metres at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Myagdi Rivers, surrounded by forested hills, and serves as the start point for the cycling stages. Accommodation is at a hotel in Beni; dinner is included. The support vehicle transfers luggage from Pokhara to Beni.
2Beni to Ghasa by Bicycle (2,010 m, approx. 43 km)Beni to Ghasa · Ghasa · Kali Gandaki River
The first full day of cycling covers approximately 43 kilometres from Beni to Ghasa, with Ghasa sitting at an elevation of 2,010 metres. The route follows the Kali Gandaki River on a combination of paved road and compacted gravel track, passing through deodar forest and beside a succession of waterfalls. A lunch stop is included en route. The support vehicle carries baggage and provides backup throughout the day. Dinner and overnight accommodation are at a hotel in Ghasa.
3Ghasa to Jomsom by Bicycle (2,800 m, approx. 40 km)Ghasa to Jomsom · Jomsom
The day's ride of approximately 40 kilometres continues up the Kali Gandaki valley from Ghasa to Jomsom, reaching an elevation of 2,800 metres. Deodar forest gives way progressively to the open, arid terrain of the upper gorge as the route approaches the Mustang area. Road surface is predominantly gravel with short sealed sections. A lunch stop is included en route; the support vehicle carries luggage. Jomsom, a substantial village at 2,800 metres encircled by snow-covered peaks, is the overnight base. Dinner is included.
4Jomsom to Muktinath Temple (3,710 m, approx. 24 km)Jomsom to Muktinath Temple · Muktinath Temple
The ride from Jomsom to Muktinath covers approximately 24 kilometres of mountainous terrain, reaching the highest point of the route at 3,710 metres. Muktinath, also referred to as Mukti Kshetra, is a site of considerable religious significance: the temple complex is one of Nepal's oldest Vishnu shrines and is also associated with Padmasambhava in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. A lunch stop is included en route; the support vehicle is available throughout. After reaching Muktinath, participants may visit the temple complex and observe both its Hindu and Buddhist elements at their own pace. Dinner and overnight accommodation are included.
5Rest Day at Muktinath (3,710 m)Muktinath · Muktinath Temple
A full rest day at Muktinath with no cycling. The day is available for further visits to the temple complex, walking the surrounding high-plateau terrain, or acclimatising at altitude. Overnight accommodation is at lodging in Muktinath; meals arrangements follow the standard included basis.
6Muktinath to Marpha by Bicycle (2,650 m, approx. 30 km)Muktinath to Marpha · Marpha
The descent from Muktinath to Marpha covers approximately 30 kilometres, arriving at Marpha at an elevation of 2,650 metres. A lunch stop is included en route; the support vehicle carries luggage. Marpha, at 2,650 metres, is widely referred to as Nepal's apple capital and contains a monastery of local religious importance; a visit is possible if time allows. Dinner and overnight accommodation are at lodging in Marpha.
7Marpha to Tatopani by Bicycle (1,190 m, approx. 44 km)Marpha to Tatopani · Tatopani
The approximately 44-kilometre ride from Marpha descends to Tatopani, which sits at an elevation of 1,190 metres. A lunch stop is included en route; the support vehicle carries luggage. Tatopani village is the location of geothermal hot springs regularly used by cyclists and trekkers completing the Kali Gandaki route; time is allocated for a soak on arrival. Dinner and overnight accommodation are included.
8Tatopani to Beni by Bicycle (25 km), Then Bus to Pokhara — Phewa Lake AfternoonTatopani to Beni · Phewa Lake · Beni to Pokhara
The final cycling stage covers 25 kilometres from Tatopani back to Beni at 899 metres on a mix of gravel and sealed road, where the riding portion of the route concludes. From Beni, the group returns to Pokhara by bus, covering the roughly 87-kilometre road journey. The remainder of the day in Pokhara is at leisure; Phewa Lake, a substantial body of water near the city centre flanked by forested hills with distant Himalayan views, is accessible for a boat excursion at participants' own cost. Lunch, dinner, and overnight accommodation at the hotel in Pokhara are included.
9Departure from Pokhara
After breakfast, participants depart Pokhara for their onward journeys. No transfers beyond the hotel are included in the itinerary.
Where you go
- 1Pokhara
- 2Jomsom
- 3Muktinath Temple
- 4Muktinath
- 5Muktinath Temple
Included
- All modes of travel from Pokhara in Nepal as per the itinerary. Of course, you are bringing your own bicycle
- Shipment of bicycles to Beni (from Pokhara) and back to Pokhara
- All accommodation once you arrive in Pokhara till the last day in standard comfortable hotels
- All permits to enter Annapurna zone and return
- Backup vehicle to carry luggage
- Mechanic
- In case of injury to rider or breakdown of cycle, they will be accommodated in the backup vehicle
- Basic first aid kit and if anything serious we will rush you to the nearest medical outpost available
- Food as listed in the itinerary
Not included
- Your travel expenses to reach Pokhara and return
- Bicycle, riding gears and food / water etc consumed outside the itinerary
- Cost of spare parts
- Any evacuation and rescue charges that arises due to extreme weather or serious injury that cannot be treated in the medical facility available in the riding zone
- Additional accommodation outside itinerary that may arise due to any reason
- GST @ 5.0%