Pokhara Jomsom Muktinath Biking

Pokhara Muktinath Biking Tour - 10 Days

Pokhara Muktinath Biking Tour explores the beautiful Pokhara and Annapurna region of Nepal. Muktinath is a pilgrimage centre for Buddhists and Hindus; you will see Tibetan traders as well as Sadhus from the far south of India. The shrines, in a grove of trees, include a Buddhist monastery and the Vishnu temple of Jiwala Mayi.

An old temple nearby shelters a spring and natural gas jets, which provides Muktinath’s famous eternal flame. The earth-water-fire combination accounts for Muktinath’s great religious significance. Spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche peak and several other 8,000m peaks are visible Jomsom is a modern town is the ‘Thakali’ homeland. Thakali people are of Tibetan origin but have their own language and customs.

We fly to Jomsom from Kathmandu and initially we ride through a popular trekking trail, which leads us to many different wonderful villages rich in cultural and architectural point of view. Riding on the rocky wide and small track from Jomsom, we descend slowly to meet the paved road which takes to the beautiful Pokhara city lying on the foothill of Annapurna Mountain Range.

Unlike the rest of the Nepalese Himalayas, the Annapurna mountain range does not form the border between Nepal and Tibet. In Pokhara, the delightful scenic lakeside town with the spectacular backdrop of Machhapuchhre (the “Fishtail” mountain) rising behind it all creates an ambiance of peace and relaxation.

Pokhara is nestled in a tranquil valley and sports a tropical feel, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers that bloom throughout. There are innumerable must-see places to discover, from the holy Gupteshower cave to the historical museums (dedicated to the famous Gurkha Warriors), Sarangkot hill and the World Peace Pagoda.

Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu (1400m)

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport after completing your custom formalities Visa, etc. pick up your luggage and look for our airport representative from Himalaya Discovery Adventures, who will display your name on the board at the arrival gate.

You will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2
Free in Kathmandu for sightseeing and pre trip briefing and gear check.

Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving is located. The whole area is a maze of temples and images. Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls.

Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ Swayambhunath and Buddhists shrine Buddhanath which is one of the largest Stupas in the world.

There will also be a full trip briefing today with gear check. In case you need to hire or buy equipment locally there will be time to do this today. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3
Drive to Pokhara (900m) 6 hrs by tourist bus.

Pokhara is a beautiful valley town, with panoramic views of Annapurna, Machapuchare, and Dhaulagiri in the west, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. The town of Pokhara is considerably less hectic than Kathmandu and is the starting point of your trip.

Discover beautiful Fewa Lake, known for its tranquility and picture perfect postcards; or visit Devi Falls, a minor waterfall named after a tourist that fell inside. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 4
Flight to Jomsom (2,700m), assemble the bikes, and ride to Kagbeni (2,900m)

There are numerous flights that service the Jomsom airstrip early each day before the Kali Gandaki wind picks up by mid-morning.

To get used with the altitude and the weather condition, we assemble the bikes as soon as we land in Jomsom and ride the relatively flat river trail to Kagbeni, the border-town of the recently forbidden Mustang Kingdom. Overnight at guesthouse.
Rideable: 100%

Day 5
Kagbeni to Muktinath (3800m)

After breakfast early in the morning, we ride up hill, gaining almost 1,000m in elevation, as we head towards Muktinath. This is the highest point of this trip. The landscape is extremely dry and desert-like.

You may come across a handful of trekkers and pilgrims, mainly from India, on their way to the holy temple with the eternal flame in Muktinath that burns from a natural gas source.

Reaching the culturally and religiously site with stunning mountain views is quite an achievement. Overnight at guesthouse.
Rideable 100%

Day 6
Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m)

With thrilling views of the Dhaulagiri and several other 8,000m peaks on our sight we begin our descent. On the way we pass yak herds and experience the centuries-old lifestyle of the local people. We ride through Lupra where black magic and human sacrifices (on dead bodies) are a part of the community rituals.

We call it a day in Marpha – a picturesque community known for its apple orchards. The flagstone-lined village of Marpha is popular for apple farming. Don’t forget to try some local apply wine and brandy. Overnight at guesthouse.
Rideable: 70%

Day 7
Marpha to Tatopani (1,190m)

With a fantastic downhill ahead of us, we begin our descent towards Tato Pani (hot water), which in the local language means hot water.

At the end of the ride, you can pamper yourself in the natural hot spring, which is located besides the Kali Gandaki River, hence giving you the time and space to loosen up your muscles and chill to the natural sound of the wilderness. Overnight at guesthouse.
Rideable: 100%

Day 8
Tatopani to Sarangkot (1592m)

We carry on descending further down towards Beni following the Kali Gandaki River, before finally reaching the Baglung highway.

We follow the highway up to Nau Danda and then take the dirt road to Sarangkot, which also happens to be the number one viewpoint in Pokhara to enjoy the views of the Himalayas along with the sunrise and sunset. Overnight at guesthouse.
Rideable: 100%

Day 9
Sarangkot to Pokhara (830m)

Today we ride through a steep and narrow trail to Pokhara. Make sure you check your brakes before you start a 90% downhill.

Pokhara is the starting or finishing point for some of Nepal’s most popular treks. The lakes with the magnificent Fishtail dominate the mountain ranges. Overnight at guesthouse.
Trail: 100% rideable

Day 10
Drive back to Kathmandu (1400m).

We depart at approximately 7.30 am for Kathmandu by tourist bus. We arrive back in Kathmandu at around 2-3.00 pm. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 11
Free day / Fly to home.

Today is rest and relax throughout the day. If you get interested to take some gifts from Nepal for friends and relatives, visit to some nearby shops or go out in Thamel for typical Nepalese goods.

In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 12
Fly to home.

The trip concludes, we will drop you to the airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

Price Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop by private car / van / bus.
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast.
  • Transportation from and to Kathmandu bus / 4WD.
  • Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trip.
  • Hot drinks. (tea, coffee, hot milk, hot chocolate) three times a day.
  • All accommodation during the trip.
  • All necessary paperwork for the Annapurna conservation permit .
  • Trekking information management system (Tims) permit.
  • From Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by deluxe tourist bus.
  • English speaking, trained government license holder biking guide.
  • Porters to carry your luggage during the trip. (1 porter for 2 people)
  • 1 guide for up to 4 pax
  • 1 guide and 1 assistant guide for 7 to 12 pax
  • 2 guides for 10 to 20 pax
  • 2 guides and 1 assistant guide for 15 and above
  • Mountain bike for the number of days riding. The brands include Cube, Trek and Giant hardtail or full-suspension bikes, depending on your choice.
  • Accommodation / salary / food / drinks / insurance / equipment / for staff.
  • Sleeping bag (if it is required)
  • All government taxes.
  • Farewell dinner with culture show.

Price Excludes

  • International airfare and Nepal entry visa.
  • Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
  • Biking attire and other personal gears.
  • Tips for biking staff and driver (tipping is expected).
  • Others expenses not mentioned on the 'Price Include' section.

Q. Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

A. Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Himalaya Discovery Adventures sign board outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.

Q. When is the best time to travel to Nepal?

A. For the trekking regions of the Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Jumla Rara Lake, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Manaslu we recommend the periods February to May and September to December as the best time for travelling.

  •  For trekking in Mustang or Dolpo region we recommend May to September.
  • The Poon hill  trek  in the Annapurna region takes place throughout the entire year.
  • Cultural tours takes place throughout the entire year. For the best mountain views the periods February to May and September to December are recommended.

Q. How is the climate (temperatures) during the seasons?

A. Winter – January and February. Pleasant temperatures. The nights, mornings and evenings can, however, be quite cold (approx. 0°C – 5°C. Throughout the day, it is mostly sunny with cooler temperatures (approx. 18°C – 20°C).

Spring – March to May. Hot and dry pre-monsoon season (approx. 25°C – 30°C during the day, and approx. 7°C – 20°C at night). May is the hottest month in the lowlands. June is the hottest month in the mountains.

Summer – Monsoon from June to August (approx. 28°C – 30°C during the day, and approx. 20°C at night). Strong rainfall, continuous sultriness and high humidity.

Early autumn – From September the monsoon season is constantly interrupted by periods with only a slight rainfall. Towards the end of August the pauses in rainfall become more frequent and longer.

Late autumn – Post-monsoon season from October to December. The nights, mornings and evenings can be relatively cool (approx. 5°C – 10°C). During the day the sun shines and it is warm (approx. 20°C – 27°C).

Q. Where can I change money?

A. Any cash you have taken with you can be exchanged into Nepalese rupees at the banks, large hotels and the numerous bureau de changes.

Q. Can I use my mobile phone in Nepal?

A. The network coverage is meanwhile quite good in the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and other parts of the Terai (in the rural areas it is very unpredictable).

Basically, foreign SIM cards (providers having international roaming contracts with Nepal) can also be used. However, it is cheaper to buy a local SIM card (Mero Mobile, NTC (GSM) – for approx. NPR 500 or more) and top this up.

Q. Can I use the tap water for drinking and brushing teeth?

A. Tap water is not suitable for drinking in Nepal and it should not be used for cleaning your teeth, either. As there is often a scarcity of water in the countryside, water should be used very sparingly.

Q. What should I concern during my stay in Nepal?

A. Nepali people are very kind and friendly, but there are some things that you should be aware of:

  • Do not take photos of anyone without their permission; always ask permission first!
  • Do not wear hot pants/short paints or stylish clothes in the remote area! (shoulders and legs should be covered)
  • Do not wear hats or caps when you enter a chapel!
  • Do not touch Buddha statues or ritual offerings inside of a monastery!
  • Do not kiss or hug in public places, especially in monasteries!
  • Do not step across someone’s feet, cups or cooking gears!

Q. What documents do I need to visit Nepal?

A. A tourist visa is required for entering Nepal. The tourist visa can be applied for, for different lengths of stay. A visa is required for children under 10 years but no fee is charged. The entry to Nepal must take place within 6 months of issuing the visa.

Q. How much does the Visa for Nepal cost?

A. The fees for the tourist visa (fees valid since 16.07.2008) are staggered as follows:

  • 15 days (several entries possible)  $ 30 (approx. EUR 27.00)
  • 30 days (several entries possible)  $ 50 (approx. EUR 45.00)
  • 90 days (several entries possible)  $ 125 (approx. EUR 115.00)

An extension of the visa to a maximum of 150 days is possible (per year – January to December). The extension must be made at the Immigration Office in Kathmandu. A fee of $ 2.00 is charged in Nepalese rupees (NPR) per day of extension.

Q. Can I find a hospital with western doctors?

A. CIWEC Clinic with western doctors is located in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Tel. +977 1 442 4111, info@ciwec-clinic.com.

Q. Do I need an international health and travel insurance?

A. It is recommended taking out a travel and health insurance covering the following risks:- Emergency and personal accident transport/emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue, rescue costs in a case of illness or accident), medical and personal accident risks, repatriation, tour cancellation, damages and theft of baggage.

Q. What happens in bad weather periods?

A. There is virtually always a possibility of a flight delay or postponement owing to highly unpredictable weather conditions that may occur in Himalayan regions, in particular, in the Everest region (Lukla), Jomsom, Dolpo, Simikot and the Jumla region, etc.

When trekking in remote areas or those described above, and especially outside the trekking season, the clients are strongly advised to reserve extra days for making  allowance for possible delays, and thereby avoid any frustrating consequences. In the case of a delayed flight prior to commencing the tour, or at the end of the tour, the participants shall pay for their own accommodation, food costs, etc.

Q. Where can I store my unneeded luggage during trekking?

A. As a rule there is the possibility before commencing the trek, of depositing part of the baggage in the hotel in Kathmandu or in Pokhara.

Q. What kind of meals I can have during the trekking?

A. All Meals on full board basis will be provided during trekking. Freshly cooked food is served at all times (western, continental and Nepalese, Chinese, Indian and Tibetan meals are available in all places).

Q. Is there any communication while we are on trekking?

A. There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.

Q. Can I re-charge camera batteries along the trek?

A. Yes, Most of the places, you can charge batteries along the trek (per hour USD 2 – 3 for charging).

Q. What kinds of banking facilities in Nepal?

A. Nepal has modern banking facilities and some international banks even have offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and Master card are accepted in Nepal. Nepal has also ATM facilities as well.

The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. This itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.

On an adventure trip of this type, weather, political strikes, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is however very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

Special Note: The price of the trip will be adjusted according to the group size and the customization.

Reality check

Biking conditions: This trip is graded (Adventure/Challenging). With continuing trip, 14 days biking, average 20 to 40 km/day (longest day ride 62 km Kagbeni to Tatopani but this is mostly downhill), 100% vehicle support.

Experienced,fit biker and above who are happy to undertake a memorable adventures-style tour. Off-road experience is essential, including riding on rough, steep surfaces and single-track. Itineraries will include long biking days in hot conditions with basic facilities; altitude may also contribute to this grade. The trip offers  you most beautiful scenery in Nepal as well as adventures of a lifetime!  A good level of fitness is required.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Pokhara Muktinath Biking Tour

Trip Facts

  • 11 Days
  • Moderate
  • Min. 2 to Max. 10 People
  • February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December.
  • 3,800m
  • Annapurna
  • Pokhara/Pokhara
Chhiring Sherpa - Trip Planner

“I was born and raised in Nepal, nearby Everest region. I am proud to be a native Sherpa, and I have been a Mountain guide over a decade now. Following my passion, I decided to start helping travelers with their travel plans! I think life is a journey, a trip where you collect experiences when you share with other people and with nature.”