Gravel or E-bike Adventure
Lower Mustang Magic
Best time to go
Why these dates? Responsible Adventures selects departure periods based on weather, trail or road conditions, high-pass accessibility and the overall quality of your experience — not simply whether the destination is technically accessible.
Overview
This ride threads through the Lower Mustang corridor, a trans-Himalayan wonderland where apple orchards, raging gorges and centuries-old monasteries sit beneath the slopes of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Expect firm gravel, rugged jeep tracks, smooth pavement and occasional rocky stretches, with lung-busting climbs and long, rewarding descents through the high, dry rain shadow of Mustang. Ride it on a gravel bike or an e-bike.
Highlights
The ride
Distance
~250 km over 7 riding days
Elevation gain
~5,500 m
High point
Jhong 3,500 m (via Muktinath)
Terrain
Gravel, jeep track & pavement
Bike
Gravel bike or e-bike
Style
4WD vehicle-supported
Day by day
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)
Settle in, check bikes and take a short orientation ride on the valley rim. Evening walk through Thamel.
Fly to Pokhara, ride via Sarangkot · 25km, +650m
Morning flight to Pokhara, then a climb toward Sarangkot on quiet tarmac and farm tracks.
Fly to Jomsom, ride to Kagbeni (2,800m) · 14km, +250m
A gentle roll along the Kali Gandaki river to Kagbeni on mostly firm gravel with loose patches.
Kagbeni to Jhong (3,500m) via Muktinath · 16km, +950m
A challenging climb on jeep track and new pavement up to Muktinath, then on to the quiet village of Jhong.
Jhong to Marpha (2,650m) · 40km, +400m / -1,200m
A rewarding descent through gorges on mixed gravel and jeep track to Marpha and its apple orchards.
Marpha to Ghorepani (2,850m) · 65km, +1,600m
Into the lush lower hills: varied terrain, river crossings, loose gravel descents and a long forest climb to Ghorepani.
Poon Hill sunrise, ride to Panchase (2,000m) · 55km, +1,200m
An early hike to Poon Hill for sunrise, a steep descent, then rolling jeep tracks and smoother roads to Panchase.
Panchase to Pokhara (850m) · 35km, +450m
A gentle finish through villages, farmland and forest tracks down to Pokhara.
Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu
Morning flight back, with time to explore Durbar Square and shop for souvenirs.
Departure
Final transfers and departure.
Gallery
Price by group size
- 2 riders$4,016.85 pp
- 3 to 6 riders$2,943.33 pp
- 7 to 8 riders$2,812.41 pp
- 9 ridersNot priced
- 10 or more riders$2,633.75 pp
Optional bike hire
- Gravel bike$346.55 pp
- E-bike$1,108.95 pp
Or bring your own bike.
Good to know before you ride
- Be comfortable with mixed terrain, variable conditions and long days in the saddle. Climbs are lung-busting and descents long and rewarding.
- Expect thin air, dry desert wind, loose gravel and exposed climbs in Mustang, then greener foothills toward Pokhara.
- An e-bike makes the big climbs far more comfortable; hire one or a gravel bike, or bring your own.
What's included
- 2 nights 4-star hotel in Kathmandu
- 6 nights teahouses
- 2 nights 4-star hotel in Pokhara
- Meals as per itinerary
- Drinking water, tea/coffee and snacks
- 4 airport transfers
- Fully supported with 4WD vehicles
- 9 days qualified cycling guide
- Domestic flights Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu
- All permits and entry fees to sites visited
Not included
- International airfare
- Personal insurance
- Visa fees
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Activities outside the programme
- Drinks other than those listed
- Additional accommodation
- Bike hire (optional, see below)
Lower Mustang Magic
10 days · Challenging
No obligation — Raj & team reply personally
Trade partner? Log in for your commission & branded proposals.