overview
Cross country biking in Nepal?
Cross country biking in Nepal involves mountain biking on unpaved road shared with a few motor-bikes, buses and trucks (about 5 vehicles a day). The trail is quite wide (average 15 feet) - single-tracks (6 feet wide or less) are optional.
Cross country biking is an up and coming adventure sport in Nepal. With the Nepal government’s long-term goal to connect all district head-quarters with a road, many of the destinations previously accessible only by foot are now accessible on a vehicle, or bicycle. An example is the Annapurna Circuit Trail on which there is now a road built on more than 50% of the entire trail and with plans to build a road to Manang by 2012. Past Muktinath, there is now a road all the way till Beni. This is now a 12 hour vehicle ride which otherwise would have taken 7 days walking. The Annapurna Circuit is now a major attraction for mountain bikers from all around the world. However, it does involve a fair bit of pushing and carrying as it would be very difficult to ride on some sections of the trail.Our biking journey begins in Kathmandu. We head North into the Shivapuri National Park and descend to Trishuli. From Trishuli, we take the secondary unpaved road westwards towards Pokhara climbing and descending through Tamang, Newar, Gurung and Brahmin villages. Our support crew will travel by jeep and will include a camping crew. We will only carry a small pack with water and other day essentials.
Our Nepal and Tibet treks and climbs are operated by our sister company based in Nepal - Crystal Mountain Treks - managed by our founder's family. Crystal Mountain Treks has been in business for over two decades and employs only the best guides with a minimum of 15 years experience. We treat our staff with the utmost care and respect. Each staff member is provided high-quality equipment and paid higher-than-average wages. Our clients have commented that our treks provide a better value than other companies they researched, comparing services, quality and price. We are happy to provide references of people who have journeyed with us in the past upon request.
Highlights- Bike through diverse Nepali villages.
- Daily spectacular views of Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna.
- Burn loads of calories!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 - Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu. You will be met on arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Day Free. Enjoy welcome dinner. Briefing during dinner. (Dinner)
Day 02 - Kathmandu
Visit Pashupatinath, Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, with its two-tiered golden roof and silver door. Here, you'll probably witness a Hindu cremation along the banks of the Bagmati River.
Then drive to Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, for lunch and a tour of the royal palace square. Bhaktapur is a medieval city in the Kathmandu valley and is least disturbed by modern life. Here, you can absorb the architectural splendor of the five-storied Nyatapola temple, or the sculptural delight of the Peacock Window. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 03 - Kathmandu to Trishuli Bazaar
40 kms approximately - 20 km uphill and 20 km downhill. 4 to 5 hours approximately.
Ride out of Kathmandu to the Shivapuri National Park north of Kathmandu valley. After completing registration with the park, climb steeply to the ridge. It is then a long steep descent to the Trishuli river. Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 04 - Trishuli Bazaar to Katunje Bazaar
35 kms approximately - 4 to 5 hours.
Climb gradually to Samure Bhanjyang. Short descent to the valley then ascend steeply for a couple hours. Once past the ridge, you are rewarded with spectacular views of Ganesh Himal. Continue on level trail to near Katunje Bazaar. Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 05 - Katunje Bazaar to Khanchowk
40 kms approximately - 5 hours.
Descend steeply to the Madi river. Continue on level trail through vast level fields to Arughat. Cross the Buri Gandaki. Ride through another huge expanse of paddy fields and ascend gradually to Ghyampesal. Continue to Khanchowk. Great views of Manaslu. Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 06 - Khanchowk to Palungtar
45 Kms approximately - 4 to 5 hours.
Level trail to Gorkha. We get back on paved road for about 45 minutes. Continue to Palungtar. Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 07 - Palungtar to Bhorletar
35 Kms approximately - 5 hours.
Ascend gradually then bike on level trail all the way to Bhorletar. From today, the Annapurna range comes into view including Machhapuchare (the Fishtail mountain). Overnight Camp. (All meals)
Day 08 - Bhorletar to Begnas Tal via Chisapani
35 kms approximately - 5 hours
Ascend steeply to Chisapani. Then descend steeply to Begnas Tal. Overnight Lodge. (All meals)
Day 09 - Ride end at Phewa Tal (Pokhara)
25 Kms - 2 hours
Ride on the highway to the Lakeside of Pokhara. Overnight Hotel Fairmount. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 10 - Free day in Pokhara
Free day in Pokhara. Go paragliding or just relax. Overnight Hotel Fairmount. (Breakfast)
Day 11 - Fly to Kathmandu
Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu. Afternoon free. Farewell dinner. Overnight Hotel Tibet or similar. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 12 - Final departure
Transfer to the airport for final departure. (Breakfast)
Cost and Inclusions
2-3 persons: $2,195 USD per person
4 or more: $ 1,895 USD per person
Single Supplement: $200 USD
Bring your own mountain bike or rent a bike from us for US$ 20 per bike per day.
Price includes:
- Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information
- Motivated, well-cared-for staff
- All airport transfers
- Two full days sightseeing in Kathmandu as indicated in the itinerary and entrance fees to monuments.
- 3 nights twin sharing accommodation at Hotel Tibet (3 star) in Kathmandu.
- 2 nights twin sharing accommodation at Hotel Fairmount (1 star) in Pokhara
- Airfare: Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Biking as indicated in the itinerary
- Tent accommodations
- Three meals a day
- Boiled water for your bottles three times a day
- Guide and staff wages, equipment and meals
- Guide and staff insurance
- Support Vehicle
- Mountain Bike mechanic
Price does not include:
- Your international airfare
- Nepal Visa
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal equipment (a suggested list will be mailed to you
- Travel insurance (Required)
- Other expenses of a personal nature
Dates and Availability
| December 21, 2011 - January 03, 2012 |
AVAILABLE |
Cannot find a departure that fits your schedule? No problem. Contact us for private departures (two or more participants) for a date of your choosing besides in October. For private departures, add $ 250 USD per person to advertised trip price.
Available:
Book this trip now as spaces are available.
Guaranteed:
This trip has the minimum sign ups required and is guaranteed to run.
Limited Availability:
Limited spaces are available so please contact us to inquire about the departure status.
Full:
This date is unavailable. please contact us to inquire about other trip departure dates or booking this trip as part of a Custom Itinerary.
Book This Trip
Step 1: Contact Us
Contact us at 1-888-586-7750 or email to confirm availability for your preferred travel dates.
Step 2: Send Deposit and Registration Information
Make a copy of the photo page of your passport. If your trip involves a trek in Nepal, email or send us a passport-sized color photo. Mail a check for $500 per person for Nepal Treks or $1,000 for other journeys (non-refundable deposit), passport copy, photo and completed reservation form.
Our mailing address is:
Grand Asian Journeys
PO Box 608
Indianola, WA 98342
USA
Once we receive your payment and documents we will send you additional details of your trip including travel details, VISA information, packing list, specific trip information and insurance options.
If you are traveling to Bhutan, we are required to book your airfare so an additional payment will be required. Contact us for details.
Cancelation Policy
If you cancel:
- More than 60 days prior to departure; deposit is forfeited, the remainder is refunded
- 60 to 30 days prior to departure, 50% of tour cost subject to refund
- No refunds will be provided for any unused services or cancellations made within 30 days prior to departure