The Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Mountain Biking Tour is one of the unique tours available in Nepal. Unlike other adventurous activities like trekking and mountaineering, this trip offers a different vibe as you will be more involved in cycling than walking. Starting your journey of biking ride from Jomsom, you will explore the Himalayan beauty of the Jomsom-Muktinath trail with views of mountain ranges like Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, and many others.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime which is the best choice for those who have good physical fitness, experience in mountain biking, and a love for adventure. Also, from this tour, you can get a unique opportunity to explore the culture and tradition of the local people and immerse yourself in the Himalayan beauty of the region. So to embark on this journey, go through this comprehensive blog, where you can find the things you need to consider for this trek.

Biking Routes, Terrain, and Difficulty Level

While you set on for Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Mountain Biking Tour, you will start your journey from Jomsom. You will reach there by a flight from Pokhara and prepare for a ride with your bike and its equipment. You will ride to Kagbeni and then to Muktinath from there. You will bike from Muktinath to Marpha Village, Tatopani, and Galeshwor.

The trails are the most important thing to consider before riding. Your biking trail comprises uneven terrain with highs and lows, and they are rocky. So you should prepare physically and technically for this tour.

If you look at the difficulty level of the Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Mountain Biking Tour, it is moderately difficult. It has several challenges and obstacles, but you can enjoy this trip with a robust plan and strategy. As said earlier, the trails are rugged and off-road, and your destination is the high altitude of over 3500 meters above sea level. Here air can be thin with less oxygen, and temperatures can drop relatively. Similarly, the sharp wind blows daily, making your biking tour challenging. So make a proper strategy and follow the guidelines that align with your itinerary.

Best Time For Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Tour

The best time for Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Tour is the Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) seasons. During these times, the weather and climate conditions will be favorable for bike rides around the region, making your navigation easy and enjoyable.

Spring Season For Biking Tour

The most exciting part of going for this biking tour in Spring is the trail condition. The routes are usually dry and clean, which offers a proper grip on your mountain bikes. It will allow you to eliminate slips and falls during the journey. Besides, the weather and climate conditions are pleasant, with mild temperatures and less rainfall. Similarly, the environment becomes colorful during Spring as the forest goes into full bloom with flowers and green leaves that are breathtaking to watch.

Autumn Season for Biking Tour

Autumn Season also comes with many similar characteristics to Spring. So experiencing dry routes from September to November is common. Similarly, clear blue skies with less rainfall and wind, air, and rain precipitation align with your easy and handy navigation through the region’s routes.

Apart from these reasons, one of the most exciting factors is the festivals like Dashain and Tihar, which you can celebrate with the Nepalese community.

Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara on Flight (Half Leisure Day)

Day 02: Fly to Jomsom and Biking to Kagbeni

Day 03: Kagbeni to Muktinath Biking

Day 04: Muktinath to Marpha Biking

Day 05: Marpha to Tatopani Biking

Day 06: Tatopani to Ghaleshwor Biking and Drive to Pokhara

Day 07: Fly Back to Kathmandu

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara on Flight (Half Leisure Day)

Location: Pokhara

Pokhara Altitude: 820 Meters

Accommodation: Hotel

The Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Mountain Biking Tour starts with a flight from Kathmandu. You will take a flight from a plane from Tribhuvan International Airport, which takes you to Pokhara Airport in around 20 minutes.

After that, our agent will escort you to your respective hotels, where you will stay overnight. Pokhara is a beautiful city with a high prospect of tourism. Since you will be on a half-day leisure, you can roam around the city and get insights into its beauty. Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Davis Falls, International Mountain Museum, Mahendra Cave, and Tal Barahi Temple are worth visiting in Pokhara.

Day 02: Fly to Jomsom and Biking to Kagbeni

Location: Jomsom

Jomsom Altitude: 2743 Meters

Accommodation: Guest House

The next day, you will fly from Pokhara Airport to Jomsom. All your necessary items and gear will be transported with you, so you don’t have to worry about renting or taking them yourselves to Jomsom. It only takes 20 minutes to reach Jomsom Airport from Pokhara.

After you reach Jomsom, you will rest and have snacks before you set off for a bike ride. You will assemble your required equipment alongside a mountain bike and head towards Kagbeni, which lies 2,743 meters above sea level. The trail is 14 kilometers long in distance, and it offers you great relish and adventures during the bike trip.

You will ride through the Tibetan settlements around the region, enjoying the views of mighty mountain peaks, such as Nilgiri (7,060m), Tilicho Peak (7,139m), Yak Kawa (6,482m), Thorung Peak (6488m). Besides, the view of Tiri village and Kali Gandaki River are eye pleasing.

Day 03: Kagbeni to Muktinath Biking

Location: Muktinath

Muktinath Altitude: 3,800 Meters

Accommodation: Tea House

On the third day of the Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Mountain Biking Tour, you traverse the inner settlements and trails of the Jomsom-Muktinath route. The total route distance is 18 kilometers, so it might take a few hours to complete this phase of the ride.

The journey starts with a ride from the north side of Kali Gandaki Gorge and follows the jeep track towards Thorong La Pass. You can also visit Tibetan monastery, Jhong Gompa, and rest for some time. From there, you can reach Muktinath very shortly.

Muktinath is a holy place for both the followers of Hinduism and Buddhism. The 108 sprouts, eternal flames, and the cultural rituals operated in the temple are worth watching. You can even take part in some rituals. You will stay at a tea house overnight.

Day 04: Muktinath to Marpha Biking

Location: Marpha Village

Marpha Village Altitude: 2560 Meters

Accommodation: Tea House

From Muktinath, you will descend to the lower altitude place called Marpha Village on the fourth day of your journey. Jeep tracks around the region take you directly to Pokhara, which you will follow during the ride to Marpha Village at 2560 meters above sea level.

Marpha is a beautiful village in Mustang district in the Dhawalagiri Zone of northern Nepal. Tibetan settlements and the Thakali community reside with glory and pride. To reach Marpha Village, you should start your ride early, or the strong winds can trouble you during the bike ride.

After you reach Marpha, you will stay at a tea house. One of the exciting things about this village is Apple wine, which is called ‘Marpha’ itself - you can try it with Thakali cuisine.

Day 05: Marpha to Tatopani Biking

Location: Tatopani

Tatopani Altitude: 1190 Meters

Accommodation: Tea House

On the fifth day of your Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Mountain Biking Tour, you will start your ride early in the morning from Marpha Village. As you leave the beautiful village behind, you enter the trail through the forested area. The views of the Himalayas in the north will make your ride enjoyable, while the natural richness of Rukse Chaahara will be the icing on the cake.

You will reach Tatopani after a few hours of biking - the total distance from Marpha to Tatopani is 36 kilometers. Tatopani itself means ‘Hot Water’ in Nepali, and it is actually a natural hot spring that is a famous destination for visiting. You can bathe in the pool and relinquish your journey’s exhaustion. Tonight you will stay at a tea house with modest service logistics.

Day 06: Tatopani to Ghaleshwor Biking and Drive to Pokhara

Location: Ghaleshwor | Pokhara

Ghaleshwor Altitude: 1170 Meters

Pokhara Altitude: 820 Meters

Accommodation: Tea House

On this day, you will ride 22 kilometers on your mountain bike from Tatopani to Ghaleshwor. And it takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach Ghaleshwor. You will start your ride from a valley that opens up near Beni - after crossing the river, you can make it to the destination. From Ghaleshwor, you will get a ride back to Pokhara City.

You will be escorted to your respective hotels at Pokhara, where you will stay for a night.

Day 07: Fly Back to Kathmandu

The seventh day is the last day of the Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Mountain Biking Tour. You will fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara Airport, and after 25-30 minutes, you will be at Tribhuvan International Airport, where you will sum up your tour.

Trip Cost US$ 1050 Per person

Cost Includes:

Cost Excludes:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time for the Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Mountain Biking Tour?

Autumn and Spring are the best time for the Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Mountain Biking Tour. The cycling trails are dry during these times, making your ride safer.

How long does the tour take?

The average biking tour takes around 7 to 10 days to complete. We have seven days itinerary for this tour at Exciting Nepal.

How difficult is the tour?

The Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Mountain Biking tour is moderately difficult. This trip includes a ride through forested areas with rocky terrains at high altitudes. So you need to be mindful of the difficulty before planning on this tour - remember to pack the essential gear and equipment for your help.

What type of bike should I use for the tour?

You should use a durable and quality mountain bike for this tour. The quality matters as the tour is a multi-day package in an uneven route and remote location. So to remain safe and make your trip enjoyable, having a mountain bike for this trek is recommended.

Is it possible to rent a bike for the tour?

Yes, of course. You can rent a bike for this tour. Since your nearest point from the destination is Pokhara, hiring a bike from Pokhara will be wise. Some trekking agencies might offer the service of mountain bikes as well. Go through your research for these types of amenities.

What is the highest point you reach during the tour?

Muktinath is the highest point you will reach during the tour. Muktinath resides at 3800 meters above sea level.

Are there any cultural customs I should be aware of?

Yes, there are. You should respect the local people's culture around the region. Dress modestly while entering the premises of temples and monasteries and always ask permission to take pictures of people and landmarks.

Biking Equipment

To embark on Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Mountain Biking Tour, you must prepare with biking equipment essential for an off-road trip. Since you will be riding through the remote and rugged trails around the mid-western part of Nepal, you will need the gear accordingly. Here are some of the equipment you should be equipped with for this tour:

Mountain Bike

You should own or rent mountain bikes that are flexible and durable. Meanwhile, good suspension and appropriate tires for off-road conditions are recommended for this tour. From a technical point of view, your bike should have a good physical condition with proper grip tires and brakes.

If you look forward to renting a bike for the journey, make sure that they are in good condition and are suitable for the route you follow throughout the tour.

Helmet

A high-quality and durable helmet is necessary for Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Mountain Biking Tour. The primary motive of having a helmet is for your safety, so make sure that your helmet meets safety standards. In the meantime, your helmets should be comfortable to wear and disassemble.

Gloves

Gloves can work in two different aspects during this mountain biking tour. The first is safety; gloves absorb shock, improve grip, and protect your hands in case of a fall. And the next is it keeps you warm during the tour. Since you will reach the coldest regions of Nepal, like Muktinath and Marpha, during this journey, gloves can help you retain heat and make you fit to continue the trip.

Cycling Shoes

Generally, mountain bikes come with flat or clipless pedals, and your shoes should suit both. So before buying them, make sure you will test them on both types of pedals. Similarly, cycling shoes offer a strong grip, making it easy to paddle the pedals in rugged terrains around the region.

The most important thing you should remember is that your cycling shoes must be comfortable. Uncomfortable shoes can bring blisters to your feet while you ride for hours.

Clothing

Your destination route ‘Jomsom, Muktinath, and Pokhara’ comprises high-altitude places with cold temperatures. So you should consider wearing comfortable and warm clothes while embarking on this tour. Moisture-wicking clothing can help you stay dry and comfortable during sweaty rides through the uphill and downhill landscapes.

The biking trail is seasonal, with no black-topped roads, so wearing knee and elbow pads for safety is wise.

Hydration System

You should equip your bike with water bottles and fluids to stay hydrated throughout the tour. A long bike ride through the uneven road can be exhausting; carrying water and a hydration system is recommended.

Biking Tools

You are not sure of what happens in the journey. Your tires might go flat, or your gear might get demolished. So to avoid such issues with replacement, you should always carry spare biking tools like a pump, spare tires, tire levers, inner tubes, and others.

It will help you fix your bike even if its parts get wrecked.

Navigation Support

Bring your GPS device and maps while going on Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Mountain Biking Tour. It will help you know your destination and landmark where you are on. The general motive of having a GPS or map is to get you out from being missing in the remote route of the destination.

Preparation and Training

Here are some tips on preparing yourself for the Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Mountain Biking Tour:

Start Early

After you decide to embark on this trek, be ready to prepare yourself with the essential months before going right into it. Preliminary plans and strategies will help you gain enough energy, stamina, knowledge, and insights for this biking tour.

Physical Training

Cycling through the remote trails of the Jomsom-Muktinath region is physically challenging. So you should train the physical side of your body so that it won’t be hard to reach the destination and make a safe return.

You should focus on cardiovascular exercises, strength workouts, and altitude training. Altitude sickness can be problematic when you reach high altitude, so acclimatization training is also essential.

Practice Cycling on Different Terrains

While you go on for the Jomsom Muktinath Pokhara Mountain Biking Tour, you have to ride through the seasonal and rocky trails that can be physically challenging. So you must practice cycling on different terrains, which allows you to get used to riding safely in the Jomsom-Muktinath trails. This will also ensure your safety and boosts the level of cycling.

Choose The Right Gear

You should ensemble the right gears for this mountain bike tour. Gears like spare tires, inner tubes, pumps, and anti-puncture glue are essential. Also, other gear like clothing, helmets, gloves, and cycling shoes should be equipped to make your ride more comfortable and enjoyable.