Filmed over 18 days in Upper Mustang, The Last Forbidden Kingdom follows Gee and the crew into one of the most remote environments they’ve taken on so far, and by far their most entrancing edit to date.
Long ridgelines, loose terrain, and descents that run for hundreds of metres. Some features were built, including a 75ft canyon gap in Tange, but much of the riding wasn’t. Just natural lines straight down the fall line through gullies and chutes.
A lot of the riding took place above 4,000 metres, which changed how the team approached the project. Slower pace, harder recovery, and a different kind of challenge compared to previous Ridgeline trips. Recovery slows down. Hiking becomes its own punishment. Even standing around looks exhausting. The crew says the trip’s biggest challenge was not the size of the terrain so much as the effort required just to exist in it.
Far from a dream trip to an exclusive resort with hero dirt and endless grip, Nepal is steep, loose and straight up scary in a way that makes even this seasoned rider sound a little rattled.
The goal of this trip isn’t perfection. It’s survival,” Gee Atherton
It’s a wild ride; Gee’s obsession juxtaposed against his ability to restrain himself when it becomes obvious some lines are just not going to be ridden. And between the exposed ridges and canyon gaps are villages, guest houses, dal bhat dinners and quiet moments with local families that give the whole project some depth. Atherton calls Nepal “the most beautiful country I’ve ever visited,” and the footage makes sure we know. When you go to the biggest mountains on earth to ride down, the results will always be extreme.