Beginning in the mystical Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang, Trans Nepal 2026 promises to be a gravel adventure unlike any other. Over six unforgettable days, riders will journey across Nepal from the Chinese border in the north to the Indian border in the south. Covering more than 400km, the route combines exhilarating gravel tracks with remote backcountry roads, taking participants through some of the most breathtaking and dramatic landscapes on Earth.
Very few western tourists are privileged enough to visit Upper Mustang, let alone go gravel riding there, but if you sign up for Trans Nepal 2026, you can discover for yourself what this magical place has to offer. Riding into Lo Manthang, which is situated at 3840m, feels like you’ve time-travelled 400 years into the past. The time-worn stone paving slabs of the old town reverberate to the sound of passing Yaks, wizened old men hobble past looking like an extra from a Star Wars film, incense wafts from half-opened doorways and you’re serenaded by the sound of giant prayer wheels being turned by local people sending their salutations to the gods. It’s like nowhere else on earth and the effort required to get there pays off with memories that will last a lifetime.
This year will be the third edition of Trans Nepal, and the organisers have finalised the itinerary and schedule for a challenging but fun experience. Although the official north-to-south itinerary only includes six days of riding, participants are given the chance to boost their altitude acclimatisation by riding some of the transfer stages up towards the Chinese border too. The extra riding totals around 120km spread across three days (if you take on all of it) and really helps with acclimatisation and getting your bike set-up perfectly honed too.
While the scenery, culture and riding in Upper Mustang are likely to be the main attraction for many people, the sheer diversity of experiences that you will be immersed in during the trip is really what makes it memorable. From the incredible otherworldly landscapes of the northern section of the trip, you’ll traverse through a vast array of landscapes on your way to the tropical-feeling lowlands close to the Indian border.
The rugged nature of the terrain, particularly in the northern sections of the route, makes reliable support essential and MTB Worldwide, the event organisers, have perfected the art of keeping riders looked after. The predominantly Nepali crew includes a qualified cycling guide, drivers, a full-time medic, an event director and a mechanic. Support is provided by tough crew-cab pickup trucks and, with most of the route following vehicle-accessible tracks, assistance is never far away. As a result, riders only need to carry the essentials, with everything else transported in the support vehicles. Quality accommodation and nutritious food are equally important in ensuring riders are well rested and ready for each day’s challenge. Accommodation is provided on a twin-share basis and combines small hotels with traditional tea houses. Meals are freshly prepared, plentiful and ideally suited to the demands of long days in the saddle. Should any mechanical issues arise, the trip mechanic will do everything possible to get you back on the bike quickly. And for those seeking an extra touch of luxury, there is even the option to pay a little more and have your bike washed and pampered at the end of each day’s riding.
The entry fee is all-singing-all-dancing and includes the following:
- Domestic flight and airport transfers Kathmandu to Pokhara ( 21st November)
- Bike transfer from Kathmandu to Kagbeni & Lo Manthang
- Luxury jeep/crew cab / UTE transfer Pokhara to Jomson (22nd November)
- Luxury jeep / crew cab / Ute transfer with option to ride Kagbeni – Ghami – Lo Manthang (23rd / 24th November )
- 10 nights accommodation in hotels/teahouses (21st to 30th November)
- Breakfast and dinner (22nd to 30th November).
- All necessary permits, including the restricted area Upper Mustang Permit
- 80 litre Trans Nepal duffle bag to be used during the event, and to keep afterwards!
- Transfer of luggage between each stage, via jeep
- GPS routing
- Water stations with drinking water and food every riding day
- Full medical support, including qualified doctors
- Full vehicle support during riding days – 1 x 4WD jeep for every 3 riders
- Bike wash facilities
- Finishers T-shirts
- Domestic flight Lumbini to Kathmandu (1st December)
- Bike transfer Lumbini to Kathmandu (1st December)
The next departure of the Trans Nepal starts on the 21st November. Entry costs from £2350 per person (for the standard entry) and full details are available on the MTB Worldwide website.