“Mountain biking from Jomsom to Muktinath and back.”
Get ready for a great adventure. These will surely be one of the best trips you’ve had.
Not only the outstanding view of mountains (which is one of a kind)
But also some of the best single track bike riding experience.
One of the most followed routes, the Jomsom-Muktinath visit is an incredible experience. Home to some of the roughest landscapes and terrains, these parts of Nepal have spectacular things to offer. The local and traditional villages, huge mountains, rare domestics, and a holy temple; this Jomsom Muktinath Mountain bike tour will give you the best times of your life.
Jomsom is a beautiful valley. This culturally rich town sits at an altitude of 2743 m, above the sea level. Jomsom sits on the lap of Mt.Dhaulagiri(8167m). This place stays dry for most time of year. This is because it lies in rain shadow from Annapurna. The hills are dry and steep. There are lots of single tracks to ride your mountain bike. Also called as the gateway to upper Mustang, Jomsom is a fantastic place to ride your cycle.
The popular holy temple, Muktinath lies at the base of mountains and rocky hills. This Hindu temple is visited by thousands of Buddhists as well. People take a bath in freezing tap water and enjoy the eye grasping landscapes; nature has to offer. The jeep road is mainly followed by mountain bikers. But there are lots of other terrains and tracks, where you can enjoy your ride. You can challenge yourself in those rocky and tough hills (with some safety, of course.)
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara; exploring Pokhara
Leave the beautiful city of Kathmandu behind, and head off to Pokhara. The city of lakes, Pokhara has a lot to offer. The beautiful sunrise from Sarangkot is unmatched, as well as the perfect ride around the lakes. Make yourself comfortable and relax at Pokhara. The 7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara will leave you tired. Enjoy the beautiful dawn at Pokhara and do not hesitate to window shop while you have a walk at the lakeside.
Day 2: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom(2743m). Bike to Kagbeni(2804m)
Riding distance: 14 km
Ride duration: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Track: Jeep trail
Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom is a short one. Mostly available in the morning, you’ll reach Jomsom in about 25 minutes. Upon landing, you’ll get to experience different terrain and landscapes compared to Pokhara. The wind is strong, and the dry land feels lonely at first. If you have a biker’s eye, you will already have noticed the single tracks and tough trails, by now.
Assemble your bikes, your gears, and explore Jomsom. Ride your bike through the streets of Jomsom, and the valley. You can ride on the lap of huge mountains. Then, carry on your ride along the bank of Kaligandaki towards Kagbeni. Kagbeni holds a traditional lifestyle and culture for you to explore. You will be glad to receive a warm welcome from the locals, experiencing some traditional Tibetan culture.
Day 3: Bike from Kagbeni to Muktinath(3800)
Riding distance: 15 km
Ride duration: 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Track: Jeep trail
Have a lovely breakfast, and get ready for an adventurous ride ahead. The landscape is awe-inspiring. Some trails might be rough and rocky, but isn’t that the best part of mountain biking. This ride on the banks of the peaceful Kaligandaki river will give you chills. You will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful sights alongside your life-changing journey. The desert-like region makes your blood rushing and gives you a kick to do more.
We will reach Jharkot(3519m), a small town at the bank of Kaligandaki. This place is another highlight of this trip. It is a hidden gem that offers you beautiful views of the Himalayas, and unique civilization. After passing this beautiful town, we will reach Muktinath. You can see many travelers and pilgrims visiting Muktinath. Feel free to explore this beautiful place, and if you’re not too tired, you can take your bike for a spin. You can find some challenging tracks in the hills.
Day 4: Ride from Muktinath to Tukuche(2586m)
Riding distance: 27 km
Ride duration: 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Track: Jeep trail plus single track
After a nice breakfast at the local hotel, you can continue your journey, and head off leaving Muktinath behind. You’ll ride your mountain bike through the Muktinath pass (4000m).
The downhill bike ride from Muktinath is thrilling and will give you goosebumps. Some rocky single tracks are hair raising. Any biker would get a chilling experience riding in such a trail.
Ride alongside the Kali Gandaki river, and make a quick stop at a small town called Marpha (2670m). Marpha is a local town where people grow lots of apples. This place offers you a variety of dishes prepared from apple. The dried apple skin is a unique eatery, and you should definitely try it. Also, do not forget to try the locally made apple brandy. This is one hell of an experience. You can call it a day in Marpha as well. But, I suggest you move forward towards Tukuche.
After a short downhill ride from Marpha, you will reach Tukuche. Tukuche has a nice history and culture. This place is mostly habituated by an ancient tribe called “Thakali.” Explore this beautiful village that lies beneath the Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peak. You can view the astounding Mt. Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. And do not forget to have some of the best Thakali food prepared by the locals. Thakali food is one of the most popular foods in Nepal.
Day 5: Ride to Tatopani(1190m)
Riding distance: 43 km
Ride duration: 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Track: Jeep trail
You will ride through some spectacular downhill track from Tukuche. Tatopani means “hot water.” And as the name suggests, the water here is warm. The hot springs here are just the right place to relax your mind and body. Treat yourself with a hot and relaxing bath, in this naturally gifted place. You will have a great rest in here, loosen up your sore muscle and relax with a spectacular view of landscapes.
Day 6: Ride to Beni, and drive to Pokhara.
Riding distance: 18 km
Ride duration: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Track: Jeep trail
Beni is a small town in the Dhaulagiri Zone. This village gets lots of tourists annually. The downhill ride from Tatopani to Beni is short and sweet. You can have delicious lunch at Beni, and continue your journey towards Pokhara. After a few hours drive, you will finally reach Pokhara. Now comes all the fun part. You can relax at Pokhara, ride a boat, and get a massage.
The past five days have all been tiring and adventurous, but now its time to sit back and relax. A full body massage would be perfect after all these activities. You can then have a few cold beers and have a great time at Pokhara.
Day 7: Drive back to Kathmandu
You can end your mountain biking in Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu. Or you can stay at Pokhara and have some more mountain biking tours if you like.
Related: Pokhara mountain bike adventure tours
Trip Cost US$ 1050 Per person
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