MUKT INATH

MUKTINATH CYCLE TOUR

The Jomsom to Muktinath route is one of the most visited in Nepal and can be enjoyed from the saddle of your bike. It is known for its steep sided gorges and breathtaking mountain views. It is also home to many local and traditional villages. The trip starts at Jomsom near the base of Mt Dhaulagiri (8167m).

Lying in the rain shadow from Annapurna the area is known for its dry and steep terrain, high winds and lots of single track to enjoy riding. Jomson also allows us to acclimatize to the high-altitude climate. The route will follow one of the deepest gorges in Nepal, the Kali Gandaki gorge which is also the place where we find the 300 meters waterfalls- Rupse Waterfall which drops 300m to the valley below.

Given the steepness of the gorge and rise in altitude along the route you can also expect some steep sections which are very rocky which in some places resemble the Tibetan plateau.

The trip takes us all the way to Muktinath, the pilgrimage centre for Buddhists and Hindus. Muktinath and its high valley are located in the Mustang Bhote region. The most prominent shrine is a Vishnu temple where 108 spouts, fashioned in the shape of cows' heads, pour forth water that is considered to be holy. This water is channeled from a stream running above the temple. The village provides some of the most stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche peak and several other 8,000m peaks.

Muktinath village is the base of famous mountain pass, Thorong La (5,416m) in Annapurna conservation area. After Muktinath, you cycle all the way down to Beni stopping at Tukuche and Tatopani along the way.

If you are looking for answers to specific questions, read here or go here to see some of our blog posts

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MUKTINATH CYCLING at a glance

Google Earth .KMZ file

Overnight in lodges en route.

The higher the altitude and more remote, the less some amenities are available.

The approach route follows the road to Muktinath from Jomson across the high Muktinath pass and then deviates across the plateau. The downhill bike ride from Muktinath is thrilling with some rocky single tracks.

Difficulty. The Muktinath Cycle tour is graded around a 6 out of 10. The terrain is steep and rocky in places but mostly jeep tracks and roads.

Being a high altitude cycle tour a high level of skill and technical cycling knowledge is required. You also need to be prepared for all kinds of weather, especially high winds after 11am.

MUKTINATH NEPAL CYCLE TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival Kathmandu (1350m) and transfer to hotel

Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. Traditional welcome by our airport representative. Tonight you will enjoy a Nepali welcome dinner and show. (D)

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing

You will be taken for sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley to explore the vibrant city after breakfast at your hotel. Drive to famous Buddhist Stupa Swayambunath, also known as Monkey temple, on the hill of Kathmandu Valley where you can see stunning view of mountains and Kathmandu valley.

This temple attracts Buddhists and tourists from around the world. Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible from far and wide.

Next is Pashupatinath, the temple of Lord Shiva. This is probably the most famous temple for Hindu in Indian Sub-continent.

After exploring Pashupatinath you will visit fascinating sights of Patan Durbar Square, one of the most glorious examples of traditional Nepalese architecture, full of centuries old temples and palaces. (B)

Day 3: Drive to Pokhara (900m)

After breakfast drive towards the beautiful town of Pokhara in western part of Nepal. Taking fresh air, enjoy the staggering beauty of an area surrounded by some of the world’s highest mountains. In the afternoon, we boat across Lake Phewa for magnificent views of the Annapurna mountain range. Watch reflections of their dazzling white peaks sparkle in the mirror-like water. Annapurna range is probably one of the finest mountain panoramas in the world. Enjoy the sunset in the lake and take dinner in one of the famous restaurant at lake side. (B)

Day 4: Fly to Jomsom (2800m) Cycle to Kagbeni (2850m)

This morning we pack up early and head to the airport for our flight to Jomsom about 22 minutes flight, deep into the heart of the Himalaya. After landing, assemble your bikes and spend some time riding through the cobbled streets of the bustling town.

After lunch, we will head out along a relatively flat section of road to Kagbeni. Overnight in Kagbeni in a Teahouse. (BLD)

Cycle distance: Approx 12km
Ascent: 50m
Time: 2 -3 hrs

Day 5: Kagbeni (2850m) to Muktinath (3810m

Early morning wake up to see a spectacular sunrise view and enjoy breakfast. We then cycle away from Kagbeni off road and mostly uphill. We will follow a dusty jeep track towards the foreboding Thorung La Pass. You’ll ride your mountain bike through the Muktinath pass (4000m). Along the way we will explore the ancient monastery at Jhong with its incredible mountain views. In the mid afternoon we will arrive at Muktinath where we will have time to see the Monastery and Temples. Overnight in Muktinath in a teahouse. (BLD)

Cycle distance: Approx 23Km
Ascent: 960m
Time: 5Hrs

Day 6: Muktinath (3810m) to Tukuche (2600m)

After breakfast we cycle away from Muktinath along an enjoyable downhill track descending to the Kaligandaki River valley floor. After a few hours we will reach Marpha, famous for its apple orchids along with local Marpha Brandy. We will then cycle to Tukuche village, an ancient Thakali tribe settlement. (BLD)

At Tukuche you will get incredible views of Mt. Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri.

Cycle distance: Approx 32Km
Accommodation: Teahouse
Descent: 1210m
Time: 6Hrs

Day 7: Tukuche (2600m) to Tatopani (1250m)

After breakfast we cycle from Tukuche to Tatopani along a gentle Himalayan flat that winds alongside the valley through small villages and pine forests. We will be blessed with many waterfalls and snow capped peaks along the way.

Our end point for the day is Tatopani, well known for its hot springs. You can spend the rest of the day soaking up the warm water. (BLD)

Accommodation: Teahouse
Cycle distance: Approx 36Km
Descent: 1350m
Time: 6Hrs

Day 8: Tatopani (1250m) to Beni (899m) & back to Pokhara

From Tatopani, we will cycle along the Kaligandaki River to the village of Beni. This section of the trail is dirt with many rocky sections. After spending some time in the village, we will drive to Pokhara for our overnight stay. (BL)

Accommodation: Hotel
Cycle distance: Approx 22Km
Descent: 349m
Time: 3Hrs ride

Day 9: Fly back to Kathmandu

Today we fly from Pokhara back to Kathmandu and spend the rest of the day exploring, shopping or just relaxing in Kathmandu's numerous cafes and rooftop restaurants before spending the evening celebrating your achievements. (BD)

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 10: Drive to airport for return flight

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home (B)

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bELOW ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED about ANNAPURNA JOMSOM MUKTINATH CYCLE TOUR

How difficult/challenging is the Muktinath cycle tour?

A high level of fitness is required as well as the ability to handle rigorous and challenging physical activity- on steep terrain. The main roads are tar or jeep track but there are some single tracks. You will also need to be fully aufait with doing running repairs on your bike.

What are the tea houses like on the route?

The route is really well established and there are many tea houses along the route that offer basic lodging and meals. The Annapurna region is protected in a vast conservation area managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) which also monitor the tea houses and require that they meet specific requirements. At the start and end of the route tea houses often have private rooms with attached western style bathrooms. However at higher elevations the accommodation is more basic.

When is the best time or months to cycle the Annapurna

The best time to visit cycle the Annapurna Circuit is pre and post monsoon season. The autumn months of September, October and November are prime times with October being the busiest time when conditions are the most stable. The second most suitable time to attempt the Muktinath Jomson cycle is during spring (March to early June). During this time flowers and other vegetation are in bloom, but it can be warmer and more humid. Given that this area sits in the rain shadow it is prone to be dry and after 11am the winds in the Jomson valley pick up and it can get very gusty.

Can I charge my camera batteries and mobile phone during the cycle trip?

Yes, you can charge your batteries and mobile phones in every place that has solar panels en route paying extra. The price of charging may vary in different places. It is wise to bring your power bank and also rig up your own solar charger to make use of as there may be days when you cannot charge your devices. Remember that charging is done via solar power so no sun, means no charging

What gear do I need for the bike pack tour?

The weather during the day if there is no wind and the sun is out can be quite warm but it can quickly drop to/or below freezing at night For this reason you need to have a mix of light wickable gear for cycling and warm clothes to pull on if the temperatures suddenly drop such as gloves, jacket, long pants and arm and knee warmers.

We also highly recommend a few buffs where on can be used to cover your nose and mouth for dusty sections. Our general gear includes, in additional to toiletries, sleeping bag, medical kit and basic bike tools:

Bike helmet
Sunglasses
Fleece cap
Windproof hat that fits under your helmet
Fingerless biking gloves
Thermal inner gloves
Warm Gloves
Arm and knee warmers
Wind/ waterproof cycling jacket (breathable fabric)
Fleece
T-shirts/long-sleeved
Thermal tops
Biking tops
Cycling shorts
Long cycle tights
Thermal long pants
Jacket - Down /Puffer
Trousers light weight
Socks
Cycling footwear
Boots
Sun hat
Buffs

What biking spares do I need for cycling from Jomson?

Repair tools you may require more frequently include

Multi tool
Tyre levers
Pump
Spare inner tubes
Spare spokes
Check with your bike shop for disc/ brake pads
A few links for your chain
Spares for unique features of your bike, e.g. fluid or bleed kit.

If bringing your own bike, it is essential that the bike is serviced and that all essential components are checked before you depart. Attention should be paid to the following aspects: chain, release clamps, tyre and inner tubes should be checked.

brakes and cables should be checked, adjusted, and replaced if necessary
all wheel spokes should be adjusted
gears and cables should be thoroughly checked.
all bearings should be greased and checked
tighten all nuts and bolts should be tightened and well secured.

Can the trip be extended in anyway?"

Yes, if you are really seasoned mountain biker and extremely fit, then from Muktinath it can be extended. In this way you join the Annapurna Circuit by crossing the Thorong La (5416 m). However, the Thorong La is very strenuous, and should only be attempted with proper preparation. Usually, Thorung La is crossed from east to west, given a gentler climb to the pass. It can often have snow and you need to push or carry your bike in places. You can find the itinerary going in the opposite direction here. When crossing from Muktinath (3710 m) the increase in altitude is rapid, so it is important to make it down to Thorung Phedi (4540 m) the same day."

How will the altitude affect me ?

This is a really difficult one to answer directly - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an ' unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People, who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this is to take all of the necessary precautions such as acclimatising, drinking plenty of fluids, taking preventative medication and ensuring you are in good health to start with.

Where can I get cycling insurance for Annapurna?

If you are going hiking or climbing or trekking then you need extra cover for your activities. Cycling and hiking have become popular for many adventure seekers looking to add a bikepack trip in tibet or Annapurna to their list of amazing adventures. But any trip to high altitude carries with it a number of risks and having the correct and good trekking insurance is an absolute must. We recommend two different groups depending on which country you reside in. For further details, click on the icon

Which is the most difficult part of the trip?

From Kagbeni the roads are steeper and likewise you cross a high pass to reach Muktinath. From there the route is mainly downhill.

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