Nepal - Pokhara - Jomsom - Muktinath Mountain Biking Tour (2017) Guided 11 days / 10 nights Pokhara is situated at about 827 meters from sea level, and is located about 200 km west of Kathmandu and can be reached by plane in 35 minutes or in around 6 hours by bus. Pokhara is the next destination after Kathmandu for many adventure and pleasure trips in and around Pokhara. Pokhara is often called the enchanting Himalayan valley with a heart of major actions and adventures. Surrounded by beautiful snowcapped mountains, with a magnificent lake of crystal clear pure Himalayan water, all year round pleasing weather, and friendly Pokhralis will greet you with a smile and leave you with the most unforgettable moments in your life. About Jomsom, it is also the starting point for many interesting mountain biking like the Kagbeni, Marpha, Muktinath and Mustang biking. The Jomsom biking is known for splendid mountain views and some of the best hotels are found on this route. Jomsom is the capital and administration headquarters of Mustang district, which stretches from the Tibetan border to Ghasa along the Kali Gandaki River. The deepest gorge in the world lies here along the Kali Gandaki as the river passes between two of the tallest mountains, Mt Annapurna and Mt Dhaulagiri. From Jomsom you can enjoy the views of the Nilgiri peaks as well as Dhaulagiri, the sixth highest mountain in the world. Most of the hotels, along this trek route, are run by people of the Thakali tribes. They are mostly found in the mountainous regions between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu. Meet & Greet and Transfer to Hotel It s a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snowcapped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. And as your plane hits the tarmac, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Welcome drinks will be served and overnight at your hotel. Tripadvisor.it Day 2: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu (Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Patan Durbar Square) Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence. There will be a guided tour to the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath and after that to the most popular Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva-Pashupatinath. We take a tour to Patan or Lalitpur (the City of Artisans), which is 5 km away from Kathmandu. We walk through Patan Durbar Square, and delight in the architectural wonders of Malla era. Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor Temple, Krishna Temple and Golden Temple are the major attractions at the square. Day 3: Drive to Pokhara (5 to 6 hours) about 200 km. Overnight stay in Pokhara hotel. After breakfast you will drive to Pokhara. On reaching Pokhara, you will be escorted to the best resort or hotel of your choice. With majestic sights of snowcapped mountain peaks and exquisite beauty, Pokhara is sure to have you mesmerized. Pokhara is most popular for its lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. Your trip includes visits to all these exotic places. You can go boating on these famous lakes. Exploring the deep seated mysteries of intriguing caves like Mahendra Gupha will further heighten your adventure spirit. You will then be guided to other sightseeing places in Pokhara like the Davis fall, the gorge of the Seti River and Tibetan refugee camp. Flickr.com Day 4: Fly to Jomsom (22 min) and Bike to Muktinath via Kagbeni. Riding distance 32 km Altitude 3760 m Early morning flight to Jomsom, build bike and test ride around Jomsom. Numerous flights serve the Jomsom airstrip early each day before the Kali Gandaki wind picks up by mid-morning and disturbs the flights around there. After that you will bike to Muktinath via Kagbeni. The landscape is extremely dry and desert like. You may come across few trekkers and a bunch of pilgrims, many from India on their way to the holy temple and the eternal flame in Muktinath that burns from a natural gas source. Overnight at Muktinath
Day 5: Biking tour to Tukuche via Marpha. Riding distance 32 km, Altitude 2560 m You will start the biking tour from Muktinath to Tukuche via Marpha. The Thakalis have established the tradition of hospitality to passing traders for centuries along the Thak Khola stretch of the Kali Gandaki between Jomson and Tatopani. The flagstone lined village of Marpha is popular for apple farming. Tukuche, at 2560 m, was once a meeting place for traders from Tibet. Mostly ride through wide track. Day 6: Tukuche to Tatopani Overnight at Tea house. Riding distance 36 km, Altitude 1190 m After breakfast the biking tour starts from Tukuche to Tatopani. The trial follows the Kali Gandaki valley. The river cuts a channel between the peaks of Annapurna 1 and Dhaulagiri thus, qualifying the Kali Gandaki valley for the title of the world's deepest gorge. This is where the difficult track branches off to Maurice Herzog's base camp, used for his historic ascent of Annapurna in 1950. Push and carry bikes in some sections. Ride mostly on newly made wide gravel track/trekker's track and come down to Tatopani. There you can enjoy hot spring bath and nice guest house. Day 7: Tatopani - Beni. Overnight at Tea house. Riding distance 25 km, Altitude 830 m Tato means 'hot' and Pani means 'water', a name earned courtesy of the hot springs by the river. Tatopani is a popular destination for a shorter trek out of Pokhara. From there we cross the bridge to the eastern side of the Kali Gandaki (a major river) and shortly afterwards, the bridge over the Ghara khola (river). Passing the dirt gravel trail up to Ratopani through the narrow valley, continuing south along the Kali Gandaki the trial rises and falls through small villages. Under an hour's ride from quieter and far more attractive riverside village, Tiplyang (1040 m) the trial takes us to the bustling market town, Galeshwor Temple then Beni. Buses run along the east bank road to Baglung and on to Pokhara. Ride mostly on newly made wide track/trekker's track. Day 8: Beni to Sarangkot. Overnight at Tea house. Riding distance 70 km, Altitude 1595 m After breakfast, we will follow the Kali Gandaki river and reach the Baglung highway which will lead us to Lumle where we will have lunch. We follow the dirt road to the Sarangkot, which is the famous view point in Pokhara to enjoy the view of Himalayas. Beautiful landscape Pokhara valley with lake, sun rise, sun set view. Stay in Sarangkot. Pinterest.com
Day 9: Sarangkot to Pokhara 15 km 820 metres. Overnight at Hotel. Mostly we ride through steep and small roads to Pokhara. Make sure to check your brakes before you start for about 90% downhill. It takes about 1 hour or we can have another option through Pame village takes 3 to 4 hours dirt road and have fun in Pokhara.Overnight Hotel. Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel. After breakfast fly to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel and rest day you can spend on your own. Day 11: Depart Kathmandu (or stay longer for other activities) Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport in time to catch your flight home.
Route Technical characteristics: Tour Profile: Easy to moderate. Total Distance: 210 km Travel Dates: Daily departures in Spring March, April and May, 2017 Autumn September, October, November and December, 2017
Price per Person: Double Occupancy Single Use Supplement $2400.00 USD $195.00 USD Included: 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu (3 star) on twin sharing with breakfast 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara (3 star) on twin sharing with breakfast Local lodge/tea house accommodation en-route with all meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) (Day 4 to Day 8) Airport transfers and tour transfers as per the itinerary in private vehicles Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara with English speaking local tour guide as per the itinerary 1 Mountain bike per member with helmet and spare parts Service of one English speaking local biking guide during the bike tour National Park Fees (ACAP), Trekking Permit (TIMS) and entry fees to the Heritage sights as per the itinerary Airfare Pokhara/Jomsom for members and a biking guide Not Included: Nepal Visa fee Support vehicle throughout the trip (can be provided as per request with supplement cost) Any other airfare and transfers Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara Personal clothing & equipment (jacket, helmet, gloves, trousers, goggles etc.) Any Damage of Bike during the tour (to be settled as per the expense/maintenance bill) Any other hotel accommodation, tours in Kathmandu (could arrange upon request) Tips to the guide, drivers and local staff Any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason Clients Insurance and Medical expenses Supplement charges for alternate hotels or upgrading hotel Anything not mentioned under the heading Price Includes
Bikes Trek mountain bike: Bike frame: Alfa Aluminum Model no: 6000 6 Series, 4500-4, 4300-4 Giant Model no: XTC, Talon Frame / Bike Size: 16, 17, 19.5, 21.5 Wheal size: 26 Crank: Shimano 42, 32, 22 - T Sifter/ Gear control: Deore Shimano 2f Sprocket/ Sprocket wheel: 9 speed Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore/ Altus Rear Derailleur: Shimano Doere / Altus Front Shock: 100mm rocket socket Break: Both Disk Break (Shimano/ Aveid) Giant mountain bike: Bike frame: Alfa Aluminum Model no: 6000 6 Series, 4500-4, 4300-4 Giant Model no: XTC, Talon Frame / Bike Size: 16, 17, 19.5 Wheal size: 26 Crank: Shimano 42, 32, 22 - T Sifter/ Gear control: Deroe Shimano 2f Sprocket/ Sprocket wheel: 9 speed Front Derailleur: Shimano Altus Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus Front Shock: 100mm rocket socket Break: Both Disk Break (Shimano/ Aveid) Assisting people in realizing their touring dreams worldwide is our passion. www.okcycletours.com THIS IS A PARTNER TOUR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. 1337B Wellington Ave Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Y 3B8 TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848