Upper Dolpo Mountain Biking – Nepal’s Last Frontier

The short scenic flight offers spectacular aerial views of the central Himalayan range. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time to explore Pokhara’s lakeside area, prepare equipment, and attend a pre-expedition briefing.

After an early breakfast, we begin the overland journey from Pokhara towards Tatopani, traveling through diverse landscapes of central and western Nepal.

Continuing through Baglung, the dramatic Mt. Dhaulagiri Massif (8,167 m) comes into view (Nepal’s seventh-highest mountain and the first 8,000-meter peak successfully climbed by a Swiss expedition).

Overnight at Jomsom.

Muktinath is one of Nepal’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, and located at an altitude of approximately 3,800 meters in the trans-Himalayan region of Mustang. The name Muktinath means “Place of Liberation”, symbolizing spiritual freedom and salvation.
For Hindus, Muktinath is one of the 108 Divya Desams, sacred to Lord Vishnu. Pilgrims believe that bathing under the 108 stone water spouts and lighting lamps at the eternal natural flame (Jwala Mai), where fire burns from underground gas, washes away sins and leads to moksha (liberation).

Overnight in Jomsom.

Max Altitude: 4,200 m | Overnight: Shanda (3,710 m)
Ride into the trans-Himalayan region of Mustang Road to Jeula Danda (4,200 m) with panoramic views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak, and Thorong La. Overnight in Shanda, a remote Dolpo-speaking village behind Sadachhe Himal, with basic local accommodation.

Activity: Ride, Push & Carry | Overnight: Camping
Begin high-altitude riding after crossing the Shanda River. Steep terrain and thin air require extended bike pushing and carrying toward Jungben La. Lunch at Sangda Phedi, the only food stop en route. Camp at Berol (Jungben La) with dramatic views of Sadachhe Himal. Basic camping accommodation.

Passes: Sanda Bhanjyang / Lapche Shapha (5,180 m), Niwara Pass (5,120 m)
Cross two high Himalayan passes to officially enter Upper Dolpo, descending via Molum Kharka and Naliyang Sumna. The route offers strong cultural immersion with Tibetan Buddhist and Bon influences, mani walls, chortens, and monasteries. Chharka Bhot, a key Dolpo village, is historically known for salt trade and traditional livestock-based livelihoods.Overnight: Chharka Bhot (4,120 m),

Accommodation is in basic local guesthouses.

Pass: Mola Pass (5,027 m) | The ride starts with a long climb to Mola Pass, the entire route is rideable and forms part of the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT). This is an extremely remote section with no tea houses, water points, or settlements except occasional shepherd huts. A river crossing at Rapka Khola 4535m. adds to the adventure.
The landscape is vast, silent, and surreal—often described as “another world.” Tinje is a growing Dolpo village with over 100 houses and celebrates Lhosar on the same Tibetan calendar as Chharka. Dralung Gumba, Balung Gompa, Polde gaon can be visited.

Overnight: Tinje

A short riding day, also suitable for trekkers. The route crosses Phaluwa Pass (4,092 m) and passes Komas village. En route, visit Pu Gompa, with stones carved with the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. Shimen is an important Bon religious area with a renowned monastery and ancient stupas.

Overnight: Shimen

Distance: 26 km | Overnight: Saldang
The ride begins across open valleys toward Komang via jeep tracks and rocky singletrack. Loose gravel, sandy patches, and grazing lands dominate the terrain. After approximately 12 km, reach Komang, a traditional Dolpo village ideal for rest and cultural interaction.
Beyond Komang, the route becomes more exposed with rolling terrain and strong winds possible. The final approach opens into a broad valley leading to Saldang, one of the largest and most important villages in Upper Dolpo, surrounded by barley fields and high desert mountains.

Overnight: Shey Gompa Guesthouse
Ride to the sacred heart of Upper Dolpo, Shey (Sel Shumdo) Gumba, once centered around the older Shyamling Gompa. Shey is renowned for its spiritual significance and myths associated with fertility and wish fulfillment.
Pilgrims from Nepal, India, Ladakh, and Dharamshala visit during major kora cycles (10, 15, 25, 30 days), circumambulating the Crystal Mountain, believed to be the Tibetan equivalent of Mount Kailash.

Distance: 18 km | Pass: Nag Da La (5,350 m)
Overnight: Ruktang / Lekhe Dhunga Camp
One of the most demanding MTB days in Upper Dolpo. A sustained climb leads to Nag Da La, involving extensive pushing and carrying at extreme altitude. Weather can be harsh and unpredictable. Prayer flags mark the summit with expansive plateau views.
The descent toward Ruktang (Lekhe Dhunga) is steep and technical, with loose scree and rocky terrain. This exposed seasonal campsite offers basic shelter and rest after a formidable day.

A physically extreme day dominated by bike carrying along narrow cliffside trails above the roaring Phoksundo River. After reaching Phoksundo Muhan, the trail continues with stone steps, landslide zones, and exposed traverses.
tsova(BON) Gumba
Suddenly, the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake appear—a breathtaking reward. Final sections involve pushing and carrying to reach Ringmo village on the lake’s edge.Distance: 15 km | Overnight: Ringmo Fair Oct,Nov

Descend from the alpine desert into greener valleys, following established trails toward Chhepka 2838m., Sulighat 2282m. And Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa.

Transfer to the Juphal airstrip and fly to Nepalgunj.

Morning flight back to Kathmandu, concluding the expedition.