MUSTANG-MANANG EXPEDITION
Mustang, situated in the heart of Central Nepal, boasts some of the Himalayas’ most impressive peaks, including the formidable 8000-meter giant, Dhaulagiri. Adjacent districts are graced by prominent peaks like Annapurna, Machapuchhre, Nilgiri South, Tilcho, and numerous others exceeding 6500 meters in elevation. What sets Mustang apart is its location beyond the towering expanse of the great Himalayan range, nestled within the Trans-Himalaya region. This unique geography affords us the extraordinary opportunity to traverse through the Himalayan barrier, unveiling the hidden wonders that lie beyond this majestic range!
This Expedition will involve journey through Flight, Train, Bus, Local Taxis and Motorcycle.
Duration: 15 Days
Difficulty Level: Hard
Adventure Level: Extreme
DAY WISE ITINERARY
Nepal, geographically dynamic in nature, prompts us to divide our itinerary into two distinct segments:
- The Annapurna Circuit
- The Kathmandu Circuit
These circuits are meticulously designed separately, allowing for flexibility in case we need to interchange them or make adjustments to better align with prevailing weather conditions, political circumstances, and the optimal time frame for exploring these regions.
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT - LEG ONE
The focal point of this route is the Mustang Region and the revered Muktinath Temple, a divine sanctuary for pilgrims and riders alike.
This journey entails traversing the formidable Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Ranges, following the course of the Kali Gandaki River Gorge. It encompasses exploration of the Lower and Middle Mustang Regions before culminating in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal. The extended version of this ride spans into the Manang Region of Annapurna Belt. Across the Thorong La, but riding around the entire Annapurna Range.
PLAN WITH RENTAL BIKES
Day 1: HOMETOWN TO DELHI/ KATHMANDU
We’ll take a flight from Home Town to Delhi on this day. Essentially landing in the night. We will stay this day in Delhi inorder to take the Early morning flight to Kathmandu Tomorrow
STAY: New Delhi
PLAN WITH OWN BIKES
Day 1: HOMETOWN TO GORAKHPUR/ LUCKNOW AND TO LUMBINI
RIDE DISTANCE: 100KMS/ 300KMS TIME TAKEN: 3 HOURS/8 HOURS
We’ll take a flight from Hometown to Gorakhpur/Lucknow where our bikes are stationed. We will ideally land before Evening if Gorakhpur and Morning if we fly to Lucknow, collect our bikes, check for issues and then ride to the Border.
We will cross the border today and stay at Siddharth Nagar/ Lumbini. We will also acquire our Bike Pass for riding inside Nepal today, at the border transport office.
Own Bikes will be collected today.
STAY: Lumbini
Day 2: DEL -> KATHMANDU TO POKHARA
RIDE DISTANCE: NA TIME TAKEN: NA
We’ll take a flight from DELHI to Kathmandu today in the early morning hours. After landing in Kathmandu, we will change terminal to domestic airport and then take the flight to Pokhara on the same day with a two hour layover. After landing in Pokhara we will be heading directly to the permit office for the essential Annapurna Permits. Once sorted, we’ll unwind in Pokhara, enjoying leisurely kayaking activities on the picturesque Phewa Lake. Additionally, we’ll take some time to explore the vibrant market area, providing an opportunity for any last-minute ride-related purchases.
Bikes will be rented today.
STAY: POKHARA
Day 2: LUMBINI/ TO POKHARA
RIDE DISTANCE: 180KMS TIME TAKEN: 6HRS
We’ll ride from Lumbini towards Pokhara today. 180 kilometers of riding distance with time taken approximately 5 hours to reach Pokhara. After reaching Pokhara we will be heading directly to the permit office for the essential Annapurna Permits. Once sorted, we’ll unwind in Pokhara, enjoying leisurely kayaking activities on the picturesque Phewa Lake. Additionally, we’ll take some time to explore the vibrant market area, providing an opportunity for any last-minute ride-related purchases.
STAY: POKHARA
Day 3: POKHARA REST DAY
RIDE DISTANCE: 160KMS TIME TAKEN: 5HRS
We will rest at Pokhara after a long ride. There are a lot of things to do and see in Pokhara. We will cover those today.
STAY: POKHARA
Day 4: POKHARA TO JOMSOM
RIDE DISTANCE: 160KMS TIME TAKEN: 5HRS
Jomsom serves as the pivotal base camp for embarking on our journey into the elevated terrain of the Mustang region. Given the considerable altitude of Mustang, we’ll take a strategic break at Jomsom, situated at an approximate altitude of 2,700 meters (8,858 feet), before ascending further into the region. This period of acclimatization will ensure a smoother transition to the higher altitudes we’ll encounter in Mustang.
STAY: JOMSOM
Day 5: JOMSOM TO MUKTINATH
RIDE DISTANCE: 70KMS TIME TAKEN: 3-4HRS
Today, we will venture into the Upper Mustang Region, starting with a visit to the Muktinath Temple. Following a refreshing bath at 108 spouts and the two kunds, we will proceed with our ride towards the initial villages in the Upper Mustang Region.
STAY: MUKTINATH
Day 6: MUKTINATH TO LETE
RIDE DISTANCE: 50KMS TIME TAKEN: 2HRS
LETE village provides a panoramic vista of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges, set against a surreal landscape. If fortunate, one might come across extensive groves of wild-grown cannabis sativa and cannabis indica in this area.
STAY: LETE
Day 7: LETE TO KUSMA
RIDE DISTANCE: 90KMS TIME TAKEN: 4HRS
Today is earmarked for some well-deserved relaxation, especially after three consecutive days of rigorous riding. We’ll unwind in the soothing pool of the hot spring at Tatopani village before making our way to Kusma Village in anticipation of a thrilling adventure activity scheduled for tomorrow.
STAY: KUSMA
Day 8: KUSMA TO POKHARA
RIDE DISTANCE: 70KMS TIME TAKEN: 2HRS
Today promises an exhilarating adventure: bungee jumping from the second-highest spot globally at The Cliff Nepal, boasting a staggering 228 meters of pure adrenaline rush. Additionally, The Cliff also boasts the world’s highest swing. We will also ride across the Longest suspension bridge Kusma Gyadi today. While personally favoring swings, we leave the ultimate choice to you. Later in the evening, we’ll ride back to Pokhara via Sarangkot, maybe take the cable car along the way to get bird’s eye view of the Pokhara city. We will rest up in Pokhara before the Leg 2 Starts
STAY: POKHARA
ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT - LEG TWO
Day 9: POKHARA TO BESISAHAR
RIDE DISTANCE: 100KMS TIME TAKEN: 4HRS
From Pokhara, for the next few days, we will be covering the other side of Annapurna Mountain Range. We will ride from Pokhara to Besisahar and take a pit stop there before proceeding onto Manang directly.
STAY: BESISAHAR
Day 10: BESISAHAR TO MANANG
RIDE DISTANCE: 100KMS TIME TAKEN: 5HRS
Rough roads and huge gorges along the Marsyangdi river will lead us straight to Manang today. Manang is surrounded by towers Himalayan Peaks of Annapurna and with panoramic views of the Manaslu 8000er. It serves as the base camp for Annapurna Treks, Tilicho Lake trek and to Gangapurna Glacier as well. Although we won’t be covering any treks in this circuit, we will stay back another day to take in the majestic views of Manang.
STAY: MANANG
Day 11: MANANG
RIDE DISTANCE: 0KMS TIME TAKEN: 0HRS
Relax at Manang.
STAY: MANANG
Day 12: MANANG TO CHAME
RIDE DISTANCE: 50KMS TIME TAKEN: 2HRS
Riding back to Manang with a pit stop at Chame. Another quaint village on the Annapurna footsteps. Alternatively, we can stay at Bahundanda also, depending upon our time frame to ride back home.
STAY: CHAME/BAHUNDANDA.
PLAN WITH RENTAL BIKES
Day 13: CHAME TO POKHARA
RIDE DISTANCE: 120KMS TIME TAKEN: 4 HRS
If we had rented bikes from Pokhara, we will ride back to Pokhara on this day, return the bikes and stay the night in Pokhara. On Day 14, we will take flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu and then to Hometown all on the same day.
STAY: POKHARA
Day 13: CHAME TO LUMBINI
RIDE DISTANCE: 220KMS TIME TAKEN: 7+HRS
A hard ride from Chame back to the Indo Nepal Border today. We will not be pitstopping anywhere on the way today. If required, we will cross the border and do pitstop there. Else, We will pitstop at Lumbini
STAY: LUMBINI/ UP.
PLAN WITH RENTAL BIKES
Day 14: POKHARA TO HOMETOWN VIA KATHMANDU
POKHARA – KATHMANDU – DELHI – BENGALURU/ CHENNAI
END OF RIDE
Day 14: LUMBINI TO GORAKHPUR/ LUCKNOW
RIDE DISTANCE: 90/300KMS TIME TAKEN: 2+/8+HRS
If our bike transport is in Lucknow, we will be riding all day today to reach Lucknow before nightfall. Else, we will roam around Lumbini before leaving Nepal and cross the border to Gorakhpur and pack and send the bikes on the same day.
STAY: LUCKNOW/ GORAKHPUR.
Day 15: BUFFER DAY
RIDE DISTANCE: 0KMS TIME TAKEN: 0HRS
Depending upon the road conditions and the weather, we would be reaching Gorakhpur or Lucknow on Day 12. We are reserving Day 15 as buffer day, which will be utilized in case of natural calamities or bike related issues. We will be leaving UP after packing and sending the bikes back to our home destination. Flights can be book on Day 15 in the afternoon or evening hours.
END OF RIDE.
KATHMANDU CIRCUIT
Our exploration of Kathmandu will be a delightful blend of market strolls for shopping enthusiasts and visits to temples for a glimpse of architectural grandeur. Additionally, there will be an option to embark on an exhilarating Everest Flight for those seeking an extraordinary aerial perspective. Among the notable sites covered in the circuit is the renowned Pashupatinath Temple.
DAYS REQUIRED TO EXPLORE KATHMANDU – 3 DAYS
LOCALITIES COVERED: NAGARKOT, BHAKTAPUR, PATAN, CHANDRAGIRI HILLS.