These rainy days can be pretty mundane and bland for some adventure lovers. Your plans are cancelled, everything is soaked and it’s inevitable- there’s water everywhere. But if you are truly an adventure seeker, then you must have known by now there are vast expanses to explore in the rain shadow area, Mustang region as well. A revitalising activity apart from trekking is e-biking in Upper Mustang- Lo Manthang route. Brisk, pedalling through the countryside of the ‘Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal’, where rainfall is scanty is what you should definitely strive for this time of the year.
If you’re a little sceptical, coming in contact with your e-bike would make you more than comfortable. The highs and lows of the mountains are no barrier for someone on this mean machine by Scott. These e-bikes come with state-of-the-art hydraulics, suspensions and motor. Its sharp LED display with Bluetooth connectivity equips the rider with three modes (adjustable to difficulty and terrain): Eco, Trail and Boost.
With the power and potential to take you further with much ease, its convenience is noteworthy. A healthy kickstart to your day, a bike can be your best friend. But a bike this intelligent, active and sustainable is easily your numero uno.
Commence your journey by flying to Pokhara with a stack of gear and equipment needed. Upon arrival, you have the choice to stay overnight in the city or take a flight to Jomsom, where you start right away with the biking. Ride to Batase Bhanjyang – the windy pass (2396 mt) with the greatest views of the Upper Mustang, Thorong La, Tilicho, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. The wind is quite strong here so it is recommended to descend towards Phalyak which is surrounded by long walls that protect the fields of Phalyak. As you continue the trip, you come across an array of villages: Pakling, Eklebhatti and shortly arrive at Kagbeni. Don’t forget to try the traditional dal, Bhat, one of the perks of being here.
After an early morning breakfast, it’s time to start riding uphill and climb almost 1,000 mt. The gradual upward elevation induces your leg muscles to burn, but to your rescue, this is where the e-bike actively participates and gives you some time to breathe. At the push of a button, the Trail mode consistently removes a weight off your shoulders and it fairly takes a second or two.
The region is almost desert-like, with breathtaking mountain scenery on the horizon. It’s very common to meet trekkers and pilgrims flocking from as far as India on their way to Muktinath (3710 mt). Once in Muktinath, also known as ‘the liberation of the soul’, explore the religious site and see the eternal flame burning.
Take the trail that goes towards Muktinath temple the following day, take a turn towards the left and ride towards the Gyu La pass which lies at the elevation of 4077 mt. There is gradual ascents and descents as you pass through the amazing landscape views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Nilgiri, and to the south the entire Annapurna Massif. The ride up to Gyu La is all uphill and once you reach the top, savour the stunning view before going downhill towards the Kali Gandaki River and paddle through Tetang village. Have lunch in Chusang and rejuvenate yourself before riding another two hours to Samar for an overnight.
In the morning, once you’ve had your energy fillers, start uphill towards Bhena where the trail is pretty much rocky and bumpy. A toggle of the gears teamed with the Boost mode on the bike certainly allows you to overcome a few tricky steep trails. Continue uphill until the sights of multi-coloured Tibetan prayer flags. Liberate your body, have some tea and bask in the sceneries of small villages along the trail Syangboche (3780 mt). After that, cycle towards Ghiling from where you head for a steady climb towards Nyi La (4010 mt) and start descending towards Ghemi (3570 mt), where you will stop for lunch.
After lunch, move towards Tsarang which is mostly uphill on newly built gravel roads. To get to know the rhythm and its power, you just need to pace your footwork. Take downhill to reach Tsarang, where the very popular Tsarang Dzong lies, built-in 1378. This huge five-storey monastery is the highlight of the area with Gelugpa school and has one of the largest libraries in the whole region. The monastery also has statues, thangkas and paintings along with a prayer room. Spend the night here at one of the lodges.
Next morning, head towards the famous Lo Manthang starting with the trail that leads down to a small river from where there will be a steady climb up the rocky path on the other side following the Thuling Khola and the new dirt road. Passing the landmark with canyons, continue riding across into the desert plains, and you arrive at Lo La (3950 mt). Shortly from here, you will reach the top from where the quiet walled city of Lo is visible.
Although Lo Manthang is the last point of the trip, you have the option to ride uphill to Chogo La pass, unmissable for an adventurer. But in the meantime, if you decide to continue to Ghami, spend the rest of the stay in one of the local lodges.
The following day, pack your cycles and drive back to Jomsom, where you spend overnight and leave for Pokhara and Kathmandu the next day. Reminisce on the past days of e-biking along the countryside of rain shadow areas and share tales of your far-flung adventure with families and friends.
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