Himalayan Royal Enfield Adventure: Jomsom to Muktinath Tour

The first day of tour “Into the Mountains” two-wheeler trip begins with a short ride that involves busy traffic on the process to exit out of Kathmandu Valley. Leave the beautiful city of Kathmandu behind, and head off to Pokhara. Once, the ride leaves behind the valley, riders get to experience the different side of Nepal, which is amazing. Beginning to slide down on the extremely twisted Prithivi Highway from Naudanda, we will reach to Naubise. From Naubise, the ride hits relatively easy road until Galchi. Beyond Galchi, it chases the road just above rushing Trishuli River (famous white water rafting destination in Nepal). Cross past the cable car station at Kurintar to arrive the most popular highway junction, Mugling. We drive west and ride over the bridge at the confluence of Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers. Then a gentle ride takes us to Dumre. From Dumre, it is a short ride along the less busy road. As we approach closer to Pokhara, the Himalayan peaks dominated by Annapurna and unique Fishtail come into the loop of our eyes. On arriving Pokhara, we straight away ride to our hotel in Lakeside. 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. Enjoy the beautiful dawn at Pokhara and do not hesitate to window shop while you have a walk at the lakeside.

The second day of the ride is adventurous enough as we hit the narrow mountainous Highway from Pokhara towards the small town Beni, tucked at the confluence of Kali and Myagdi Rivers. The ride is full of natural wonders. Raging Mardi River that flows right below the road always warns riders to be extra careful. The lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls throughout pleases your eyes. Beyond Beni, the ride goes along the challenging rugged mountainous terrain. It also caters the magnificence of Himalayas dominated by Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Fishtail from the section of the ride that begins at famous stopover point Tatopani. After a short break, the ride resumes along the rugged highland trail and cross passes Lete to reach Kalapani. Overnight stay at lodges.

Have a lovely breakfast, and get ready for an adventurous ride ahead. After an exhausting riding day the day before, a short riding day around the Himalayan villages shall be justified well. This day can be utilized wisely so that you can sight the best of cultural and natural highlights of the region. Then our journey towards Jomsom begins. 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. It is a short ride catering the magnificence of Himalayan panorama blended so well with the culture of the region. At Jomsom, we just explore around. Then we set off for a short 28 km two-way ride from Jomsom to Kagbeni. The ride most of the times chases the flat and wide but mishmash mountain trail all the way to beautiful Tibetan hamlet Kagbeni. Kagbeni is the gateway to famous forbidden kingdom of Mustang as well as the vantage point to savor the Himalayan magnificence and enjoy cultural contrast.

An hour long ride along the mishmash mountain road brings us to the revered shrine Muktinath. Nestling right below the towering Himalayan giants, the temple is equally holy for multi-religions. Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Bons visit the shrine with equal devotion. In Muktinath Temple besides offering your prayers you also can savor the magnificence of Himalayan peaks including Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri sprawling right before your eyes. The cultural aspects are surely other delightful highlights at the site.

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. 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. 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. You will ride through some spectacular downhill track from Tukuche. En-route we halt to savor the view of Rupche Fall, which comes after Ghasa, which is a major stopover point of the region. Admire the beauty of the fall and resume the ride along the mishmash highland road all the way to Tatopani. The name of the village refers to hot natural springs. 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.

On the retracing trail we arrive to Pokhara via Beni riding along Baglung Pokhara Highway.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 final day of “Into the Mountains” takes numerous twists and turns on the Prithivi Highway that stretches right above rushing Himalayan Rivers most of the times all the way to Nepalese capital, Kathmandu. Rural culture, river landscapes blended with forested land are the major highlights of last day ride.