One of the most followed routes, the Jomsom-Muktinath visit is an incredible experience. Home to some of the roughest landscapes and terrains, these parts of Nepal have spectacular things to offer. The local and traditional villages, huge mountains, rare domestics, and a holy temple; this Jomsom Muktinath Mountain bike tour will give you the best times of your life.
Jomsom is a beautiful valley. This culturally rich town sits at an altitude of 2743 m, above the sea level. Jomsom sits on the lap of Mt.Dhaulagiri(8167m). This place stays dry for most of year. This is because it lies in the rain shadow from Annapurna. The hills are dry and steep.
There are lots of single tracks to ride your mountain bike. Also called the gateway to upper Mustang, Jomsom is a fantastic place to ride your cycle. The popular holy temple, Muktinath lies at the base of mountains and rocky hills. This Hindu temple is visited by thousands of Buddhists as well. People take a bath in freezing tap water and enjoy the eye grasping landscapes; nature has to offer.
The jeep road is mainly followed by mountain bikers. But there are lots of other terrains and tracks, where you can enjoy your ride. You can challenge yourself in those rocky and tough hills (with some safety, of course.)
Stunning views of the Himalayas: The route from Jomsom to Muktinath offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, including the famous peaks of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South.
Challenging terrain: The trail is a mix of rough jeep tracks, rocky paths, and steep inclines, making it a challenging but rewarding ride for experienced mountain bikers.
Cultural experiences: The route passes through traditional villages, giving riders the opportunity to experience the local culture and interact with the friendly locals.
Off-road adventure: The trail is mostly off-road, allowing riders to experience the rugged beauty of the region and the thrill of riding on challenging terrain.
Passing through the deepest Gorge: The trail passes through the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, making it a unique and unforgettable experience.
Passing through the highest point: The route passes through the Thorong La Pass, which is the highest point on the trail at an elevation of 5,416 meters above sea level.
Passing through different landscapes: The trail takes riders through a diverse range of landscapes, including lush forests, rocky deserts, and high-altitude plateaus.
Passing through temples and monasteries: The route passes through several ancient temples and monasteries, including the famous Muktinath Temple, which is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Passing through the holy river: The trail also takes riders through the holy river, Kali Gandaki, which is considered to be one of the most sacred rivers in Nepal.
A unique way to experience the Himalayas: Mountain biking from Jomsom to Muktinath offers a unique way to experience the beauty and culture of the Himalayas, providing a combination of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Leave the beautiful city of Kathmandu behind, and head off to Pokhara. The city of lakes, Pokhara has a lot to offer. The beautiful sunrise from Sarangkot is unmatched, as well as the perfect ride around the lakes. Make yourself comfortable and relax at Pokhara. The 7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara will leave you tired. Enjoy the beautiful dawn at Pokhara and do not hesitate to window shop while you have a walk at the lakeside.
Riding distance: 14 km
Ride duration: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Track: Jeep trail
Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom is a short one. Mostly available in the morning, you’ll reach Jomsom in about 25 minutes. Upon landing, you’ll get to experience different terrain and landscapes compared to Pokhara. The wind is strong, and the dry land feels lonely at first. If you have a biker’s eye, you will already have noticed the single tracks and tough trails, by now.
Assemble your bikes, your gears, and explore Jomsom. Ride your bike through the streets of Jomsom, and the valley. You can ride on the lap of huge mountains. Then, carry on your ride along the bank of Kaligandaki towards Kagbeni. Kagbeni holds a traditional lifestyle and culture for you to explore. You will be glad to receive a warm welcome from the locals, experiencing some traditional Tibetan culture.
Riding distance: 15 km
Ride duration: 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Track: Jeep trail
Have a lovely breakfast, and get ready for an adventurous ride ahead. The landscape is awe-inspiring. Some trails might be rough and rocky, but isn’t that the best part of mountain biking. This ride on the banks of the peaceful Kaligandaki river will give you chills. You will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful sights alongside your life-changing journey.
The desert-like region makes your blood rushing and gives you a kick to do more. We will reach Jharkot(3519m), a small town at the bank of Kaligandaki. This place is another highlight of this trip. It is a hidden gem that offers you beautiful views of the Himalayas, and unique civilization.
After passing this beautiful town, we will reach Muktinath. You can see many travelers and pilgrims visiting Muktinath. Feel free to explore this beautiful place, and if you’re not too tired, you can take your bike for a spin. You can find some challenging tracks in the hills.
Riding distance: 27 km
Ride duration: 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Track: Jeep trail plus single track
After a nice breakfast at the local hotel, you can continue your journey, and head off leaving Muktinath behind. You’ll ride your mountain bike through the Muktinath pass (4000m). The downhill bike ride from Muktinath is thrilling and will give you goosebumps. Some rocky single tracks are hair raising. Any biker would get a chilling experience riding in such a trail.
Ride alongside the Kali Gandaki river, and make a quick stop at a small town called Marpha (2670m). Marpha is a local town where people grow lots of apples. This place offers you a variety of dishes prepared from apple. The dried apple skin is a unique eatery, and you should definitely try it. Also, do not forget to try the locally made apple brandy.
This is one hell of an experience. You can call it a day in Marpha as well. But, I suggest you move forward towards Tukuche. After a short downhill ride from Marpha, you will reach Tukuche. Tukuche has a nice history and culture. This place is mostly habituated by an ancient tribe called “Thakali.”
Explore this beautiful village that lies beneath the Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peak. You can view the astounding Mt. Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. And do not forget to have some of the best Thakali food prepared by the locals. Thakali food is one of the most popular foods in Nepal.
Riding distance: 43 km
Ride duration: 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Track: Jeep trail
You will ride through some spectacular downhill track from Tukuche. Tatopani means “hot water.” And as the name suggests, the water here is warm. The hot springs here are just the right place to relax your mind and body. Treat yourself with a hot and relaxing bath, in this naturally gifted place. You will have a great rest in here, loosen up your sore muscle and relax with a spectacular view of landscapes.
Riding distance: 18 km
Ride duration: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Track: Jeep trail
Beni is a small town in the Dhaulagiri Zone. This village gets lots of tourists annually. The downhill ride from Tatopani to Beni is short and sweet. You can have delicious lunch at Beni, and continue your journey towards Pokhara. After a few hours drive, you will finally reach Pokhara. Now comes all the fun part.
You can relax at Pokhara, ride a boat, and get a massage. The past five days have all been tiring and adventurous, but now its time to sit back and relax. A full body massage would be perfect after all these activities. You can then have a few cold beers and have a great time at Pokhara.
You can end your mountain biking in Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu. Or you can stay at Pokhara and have some more mountain biking tours if you like.
The biking distance from Jomsom to Muktinath is approximately 37 km and it takes around 4-6 hours to complete the journey, depending on your level of fitness and biking experience.
The trail from Jomsom to Muktinath is considered to be of moderate difficulty and is suitable for intermediate to advanced bikers. Beginners may find it challenging due to steep inclines and rocky terrain.
Yes, it is possible to rent a bike in Jomsom. There are several bike rental shops in the town where you can rent a mountain bike for the journey to Muktinath.
It is important to pack enough water, snacks, and a first aid kit for the bike ride. You should also wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring a helmet and sunscreen.
The best time to bike from Jomsom to Muktinath is during the months of September to November and March to May when the weather is clear and the trail is dry. Avoid biking during the monsoon season as the trail can be slippery and dangerous.
Yes, you can hire a guide for the bike ride. Local tour operators and bike rental shops can provide you with a guide who can assist you with the route and provide valuable information about the area.
The best time for mountain biking from Jomsom to Muktinath is typically between September and November. During this time, the monsoon season has ended, and the weather is dry and clear, making for ideal conditions for mountain biking. The temperature is also mild, with daytime temperatures averaging around 20-25 degrees Celsius.
The spring season (March to May) is also a good time for mountain biking as the temperature is mild and the trails are dry. However, it is important to note that the trail can be busy during these months as it is a peak season for trekkers.
It is not advisable to mountain bike during the monsoon season (June to August) as the trails are muddy and prone to landslides. Additionally, the monsoon clouds can obscure the views and make navigation difficult.
It is also not recommended to mountain bike during the winter months (December to February) as the trails are covered in snow and ice, making them dangerous and impassable.
To ride a mountain bike from Jomsom to Muktinath, you will need to obtain several permits. These include:
TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card: This is a permit required by the Nepal Tourism Board for all trekkers and hikers in Nepal. It is used to track the number of visitors in the region and to help with rescue and emergency services if needed.
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): This permit is required to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, where Jomsom and Muktinath are located. It helps to protect the environment and the local communities in the area.
Local permit: You may also need to obtain a permit from the local authorities in the area you plan to ride through. This can vary depending on the specific route you plan to take and the specific regulations in that area.
It's important to note that the requirements and costs for these permits can change, so it's best to check with the Nepal Tourism Board or a local tour operator for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, hiring a guide or joining a guided tour may simplify the permit process for you.
If you are planning a mountain biking trip from Jomsom to Muktinath, it is important to consider hiring guides and porters to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Guides:
Porters:
It is important to note that hiring guides and porters should be done through a reputable agency to ensure that they are properly trained, equipped, and insured. It is also important to agree on the terms of the trip and the cost of services before starting the trip.
Bike rental: The cost of renting a mountain bike for the Jomsom to Muktinath trek can vary depending on the company and the type of bike you choose. On average, it can cost around $15 to $20 per day for a basic mountain bike.
Guide and Porter: Hiring a guide and porter for the trek can cost around $30 to $40 per day per person. This can vary depending on the company and the number of people in your group.
Permits: To trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will need to purchase a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. The cost of these permits can vary depending on the season, but it is typically around $30 to $40.
Food and accommodation: The cost of food and accommodation can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose and the season. On average, you can expect to pay around $10 to $15 per day for a basic room and $3 to $5 for a meal.
Transportation: The cost of transportation to and from Jomsom and Muktinath can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. On average, it can cost around $20 to $30 for a bus ride or $150 to $200 for a flight.
Insurance: It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance for your trek. The cost of insurance can vary depending on the company and the type of coverage you choose. On average, it can cost around $20 to $30 per day.
Total cost: The total cost of the Jomsom to Muktinath trek can vary depending on the factors mentioned above, but it can range anywhere from $200 to $500 per person.
Mountain Bike: A high-quality mountain bike with sturdy frame, good suspension, and reliable brakes is essential for the rough terrain and steep inclines of the Jomsom to Muktinath trail.
Helmets: A well-fitting helmet is a must for safety while riding on the challenging terrain of the trail.
Gloves: A pair of gloves will provide extra grip and protection for your hands while riding.
Water bottles and hydration packs: It's important to stay hydrated while riding, especially in the high altitude of the Jomsom to Muktinath trail.
Repair kit: A repair kit with essential tools such as tire levers, a multi-tool, and a spare inner tube can come in handy in case of a flat tire or other mechanical issues.
First aid kit: A basic first aid kit should include bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Clothing: Clothing suitable for the varying weather conditions of the trail, such as a waterproof jacket and thermal layers, is important.
Sunglasses and sunscreen: Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun and glare, while sunscreen will protect your skin from sunburn.
Maps and GPS: A map of the Jomsom to Muktinath trail and a GPS device can be helpful in case of getting lost or navigating the trail.
Headlamp: A headlamp can be useful for early morning or late evening rides, or for navigating dark sections of the trail.
Get all the best deals, sales and offers from the best online shopping store in UAE. Sign up now !
Trip Pokhara is a dedicated travel website being executed from Pokhara. It comprises of well experience tourism professionals who also provides full package of tours and travel arrangement for Pokhara...
Copyright © 2024. All Rights Reserved Trip Pokhara Designed And Developed By: Xenatech Nepal
