NEPAL UNLIMITED (19 days)New

The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal is one of the world's most beautiful countries. From the highest point on the earth to the jungle lowlands along the Indian border, there is an incredible variety of scenery, including huge glaciers, alpine pastures, thick uninhabited forests and carefully terraced hillsides. Highlights of this trip include:

This trip gives you the opportunity to experience Nepal’s diversity in one of the most rewarding ways, by bike. Starting from Kathmandu we head into the Mahabarat mountains where you can experience the best Himalayan views in Nepal, from Dhaulagiri in the west to Everest in the in the East. From here, we bike down into the terai, close to the border of India where you will visit small thatched villages and experience the ancient farming traditions. Once in the terai, we visit the Chitwan National Park, one of Asia's finest wildlife parks, where you can go on elephant safari in search of rhino and tiger, or take to the river in a dugout canoe. Refreshed from the comforts of our lodge we return to the mountains, cycling towards the mighty panorama of the Annapurna range and the sacred peak of Macchapuchhare (Fish Tail). After our days rest in Pokhara we fly to Jomsom to ride closer to the Himalayas.

Muktinath is a pilgrimage centre for Buddhists and Hindus; you will see Tibetan   traders as well as Sadhus from the far south of India. The shrines, in a grove of trees, include a Buddhist monastery and the Vishnu temple of Jiwala Mayi. An old temple nearby shelters a spring and natural gas jets, which provides Muktinath's famous eternal flame. The earth – water – fire combination accounts for Muktinath's great religious significance. Spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche peak and several other 8000 mts peaks are visible.

The entry in bold at the end of each day indicates the type of accommodation normally   used.

1. Visit many of the key sights
2. Dramatic flight across the Himalaya from Pokhara to Jomsom and Pokhara to      Kathmandu
3. A stay in Royal Chitwan National Park
4. Good variety of cycling routes, on tarmac, jeep and single tracks
5. Agriculture –terrace farming, lowland vegetation and crops cultivation
6. Flora and Foana
7. Culture and People
8. Amazing old architecture
9. Friendly mountainous people
10. Apple farms at Marpha
11. Pilgrimage site at Muktinath
12. World's deepest gorge (Kali Gandaki)
13. Hot springs at Tato pani (Hot water)
14. Caves
15. Lakes

CH =COMFORTABLE HOTELS

SH =STANDARD HOTEL

BH =BASIC HOTEL/LODGE

ACCOMODATION: 

Day 1:Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. In the evening there will be a briefing over dinner regarding the trip. O/N Guest house SH

Day 2: Kathmandu to Godavari:

After an early morning breakfast in Kathmandu we drive up to Gujeshwori (backside of the Pashupatinath temple) to avoid the crazy traffic. We then unload the bikes and ride towards the medieval town of Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is an ancient city, full of Newari culture. There are many temples and squares here that we will have time to explore. After a heartfelt lunch in the square we continue riding towards Surya Binayak and then to Lubhu, known for its handmade cloth. Leaving Lubhu behind we head toward West on a jeep track passing paddy fields along the foot hill of the highest hill Phulchowki in the Valley on our way to Vajra Varahi home of the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Ancient woodland surrounds the temple, protected by the local belief that to cut even one tree would greatly anger the deity. We shall stop in this forest for some refreshments on a small clearing ideal for a rest and to enjoy the tranquil sanctuary of the ancient forest. The villagers still appease the wrathful Vishnu by weekly sacrifices of chicken, goat, and buffaloes. We spend the night at the Godawari and if we still have enough energy, we can always visit the Botanical Garden of Godawari. O/N Hotel

Altitude-1400 mts

Distance- 45 km (25 km off. Rd)

70% off-rd

Day 3: Godavari to Dakchhinkali:

We drive all the way to Bungamati, to avoid the heavy traffic, and after unloading and getting the bikes together, we start riding the valley floor south of the city now; stopping in Bungamati (summer home of Rato Machhendranath) a fantastic view of the Kathmandu valley is visible from here, so we rest for lunch here. We then carry on riding alongside the chobhar gorge, and unto the paved road that leads all the way to Dakshin Kali. The main attraction of this place is the temple dedicated to goddess Kali, Shiva"s consort in her most bloodthirsty incarnation. After seeing the condition of the riders we then walk to the temple the same evening or the next morning ON hotel

Altitude-1550 mts

Distance: 37 km (20 Km Off. Rd)

Day 4:Dakchinkali to Daman:

We spend the morning sampling some exciting trails that lead up and across the valley rim to the south and on to the Kulekhani Dam Site (completed in 1982 Nepal's first major hydroelectric project).In between the trails we ride through pine forests and couple of small villages (Hudu, Hunanae Bhanjyang, Fakhel, and Kalanki) before reaching Markhu. A picturesque lake provides the perfect back ground for a lunch stop. We then carry on riding towards Daman riding on the Tribhuvan highway through, (Taukhel, Bajra Barahai,Thana bazaar).Anyone fancying an introduction to Himalayan hill climbing(14km's) can spin all the way up. The hotel enjoys a spectacular mountainside location, arguably offering the most spectacular outlook on the Himalaya in all Nepal. On a clear day one can see all the way from Everest in the east to Dhaulagiri in the west. Daman also happens to be the highest point in the valley. ON hotel

Altitude:2325 mts

Distance: 65 km (45Km off Rd.)

Day 5: Daman to Hetauda:

After breakfast in the hotel we set off for the hike down to visit the nearby monastery before returning to the hotel for lunch. With our appetites satisfied we saddle up for the exciting ride down to Hetauda in the terai, the lowland area of Nepal. The road sweeps us down towards the plains of Northern India offering 1,500m of downhill over 52 km, we need to be a little cautious and careful on the way because the roads have very sharp turns and lots of bends. As far as the views are concerned you would'nt be disappointed. We start off through Rhododendrons (national flower) pine forests and orchids can also be seen depending on the time of the year, as we descent further down riding pass (Sim Bhanjyang, Agor, Chaukhel, Bhaisidoban)to the lowlands a lot of crop farming takes place around this area. We continue riding towards Hetauda through the Mahendra highway. (Hetauda)The area is well known for its factories and concrete bazaars. The surrounding area is dominated by Sal forests OHotel

Altitude: 535 mts

Distance: 52 km (100% paved rd.)

Day 6: Hetauda to Sauraha:

We start off once again following the Mahendra highway, through(Gajiya, Monohari) we arrive at the Lothar bridge (33 km) We then start riding off-road towards Sauraha.With the forests on our right and the Rapti river on to the left we follow a narrow jeep track into Sauraha. The terai offers a completely different though equally fascinating side to Nepal - consisting of an almost flat plain wedged between the Himalayas and the Indian plains. Riding on ancient bullock-cart tracks we pass through neat mud-walled villages, vivid green paddy fields and mixed sub-tropical forests criss-crossed by numerous rivers. We ride all the way hopefully arriving in time for sunset at the hotel. The hotel lies peacefully surrounded by jungles fields and rivers away from the town, the hotel is s spectacularly situated on the banks of the Rapti River. Sauraha also happens to be one of those unstoppably successful destinations at which Nepal seems to excelHotel

Altitude: 295 mt.

Distance:  66 km (36 Km off Rd.)

Day 7: Sauraha activities

Waking up at the hotel is a fantastic experience and today is a free day to enjoy a full range of jungle activities in one of Asia's premier wildlife parks - Chitwan National Park. There are a number of activities to choose from (all included in the trip cost) ranging from dug-out canoe safaris to elephant safaris in search of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger, as well as over fifty species of mammals and more than four hundred species of birds. Sadly or perhaps wisely, mountain biking is not allowed in the park! O/N Hotel.

Day 8: Sauraha to Lumbini

After breakfast we start riding towards Tikauli, entering the Twenty thousand lakes (Beeshajar Tal) and Remsen site. This forest area has about 131 species of plants and many endangered species, such as the royal Bengal tiger, great Indian Rhinoceros, mash mugger crocodile and many other animals. The main attraction of the area is the lakes. (8km forest area) We ride through the forest going through (Devnagar, Halchok) once we leave the forest behind, the scenery changes completely, riding on small jeep tracks we have vast area of farmlands that stretches as far as it's visible, we then join the Mahendra highway and ride  up to Narayanghat (32 km) and stop for refreshments. The scenery on both the sides are captivating as we ride further upto  Kawasuti bazaar(30.50km's).We then ride to a quiet spot off the highway and have lunch.After lunch we load our bikes and drive to lumbini via (Rajahar,Kawasuti, Domkibas, Butwal, Bhairawa, Parsa. Lumbini-Home to the Sacred Garden where the Buddha was born in 623BC.In the garden are a number of temples and sites, the Ashoka pillar carries an inscription identifying the spot as Buddha's birthplace.Maya Devi (Buddhas mother) Mandir (temple) contains brick work dating back to 300 Bc, besides these places there's so much more the garden has to offer. O/N Hotel (152 drive)

Altitude: 165 mts

Biking distance: 62.50:Km

Total distance:  192 km (180 Km paved Rd.)

Day 9: Lumbini to Tansen

By bike we retrace our steps from Lumbini to Bhairahawa, through (Ekala, Bharbaliya, Mangalpur, Landihema).Riding through typical Indian community villages, with hay stacks and buffalo ponds in-between the wide spread fields, we ride through narrow village passages before meeting the Mahendra highway. We continue riding before stopping for lunch at Butwal (45 km), one of the Terai’s most important crossroads (1km of heavy traffic). After a heartfelt lunch we ride along the bumpy Siddhartha Highway for 10-15 km's (uphill). And then drive to Tansen. Our overnight stop is in the town of Tansen (1440m altitude), which enjoys spectacular views over the Himalaya.Tansen is a romantic medieval hill town, perched high above the Kali Gandaki river. Tansen-Once the seat of a powerful kingdom, the hill town of Tansen (Palpa) now seems little more than a bazaar town stranded in the hills. Mul Dhoka (main gate), tall enough for elephants and their riders to pass through, and reputedly the biggest of its kind in Nepal. Besides these places there are many places of interest in Tansen. O/N Hotel

Altitude: 1440 mts

Biking distance: 60 Km

Total distance: 86 km (70 Km paved Rd.)

Day 10: Tansen to Pokhara

In the morning you may wish to make the two-hour trek to the banks of the Kali Gandaki River and the ruins of the vast Ranighat Palace, originally built in 1896.We then start descending through narrow,winding streets of the old Tansen village,before meeting the Siddartha highway.We descent on wide paved road that's got lot of winding and sharp turns all the way down to Ramdi, then start a mild uphill towards Galyang.We stop at Galyang(48 km) for lunch then continue up to Waling(65.50) and then load our bikes and head  towards Pokhara. Along the way, weather permitting, there should be spectacular views of the 6,997m peak of Machhapuchhare, the `fishtail' mountain, and the main Annapurna range rising up to 8,091m.The area around here is also very popular for honey hunting. After the exertions of the recent cycling, the prospect of spending a day relaxing in Pokhara is very appealing. On reaching Pokhara we check into the hotel where we will be staying for the next three nights ON Hotel

Altitude: 850

Biking distance: 65. 50 Km.

Total distance: 125km (100% Paved Rd.)

Day 11: Rest day in Pokhara

Pokhara is set in a wide valley directly beneath the Annapurna range. If Kathmandu and its valley are the architectural treasure of Nepal, then Pokhara is nature's equivalent. Set at only 1,000 mts amongst semi-tropical plants and with a delightfully warm climate, it is actually much closer to the main Himalayan peaks than Kathmandu. Machhapuchhare dominates the skyline especially in the clear morning air. Pokhara is a great place to relax and today you are free to enjoy the atmosphere - there is a wide choice of shops, restaurants and cafés along the lakeside to explore. For those feeling like some more energetic activities, boats can be hired on the lake or you can trek up to Sarankot (c. 4 to 6 hours round trip). O/N Hotel

Day 12:  Fly to Jomsom, build bike and ride to Kag Beni

There are numerous flights that service the Jomsom airstrip early each day before the Kali Gandaki wind picks up by mid morning. To get used with the altitude and the weather condition, we assemble the bikes as soon as we land in Zomsom and ride the relatively flat river trail to Kag Beni, the border – town of the recently forbidden Mustang Kingdom. O/N Guest house

Altitude: 2700 mts

Trail: 100% ride able

Day 13:Kag Beni to Muktinath

We begin riding the 1000 mts vertical climb towards Muktinath, which is situated at 3850 mts, hence making it the highest point on this trip. 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. O/N Lodge

Altitude: 3760 mts

Trail: 100% ride able

Day 14:Muktinath - Lupra – Marpha

With awesome thrilling views of the Dhaulagiri and several other 8000 mts peaks on our sight we begin our descent. On the way we might pass some yak heards.This route has previously been ridden only once. We ride through Lupra where black magic and human sacrifices (on dead bodies) are a part of the community rituals. We then call the day of on reaching Marpha. A picturesque community known for its apple orchards, (the tree – line in the Himalayas is much higher than in the Alps). O/N Guest house

Altitude: 2670 mts

Trail: 70% ride able 30% push/carry

Day 15:Marpha to Tatopani

With a fantastic downhill ahead of us, we begin our descent towards Tato Pani (hot water), which in the local language means hot water. At the end of the ride, you can pamper yourself in the natural hot spring, which is located besides the Kali Gandaki River, hence giving you the time and space to loosen up your muscles and chill to the natural sound of the wilderness. O/N Hotel

Altitude: 1190 mts

Trail: 100%ride able

Day 16:Tato Pani to Pokhara

We carry on descending further down towards Beni following the Kali Gandaki River, before finally reaching the Baglung highway. We follow the highway up to Nau Danda and then take the dirt road to Sarankot, which also happens to be the number one viewpoint in Pokhara to enjoy the views of the Himalayas along with the sunrise and sunset. O /N Hotel

Altitude: 840 mts

Trail: 100% ride able

Day 17:Pokhara

From hotel, we bike towards highway to Tansen and Butwal. We cross right to the off-road climbing approx. 3 km on Jeep track after 12km from the main road and begin nice single trail with technical down through Biswa Shanti Stupa (World Peace Pagoda) to the dam side. O/N Hotel

Distance:                                                                                                                                       35 km

Altitude gain:                                                                                                                                375 m

Day 18:Pokhara to Kathmandu

Today we take one of the most stunning flights in the world: 30 - minutes in a 19 seater Twin Otter or a 45 seater Avro across the huge mountains. The views will live with you for a long time. The flight departs in the earlymorning mountain, and the bikes return by road, saving us a painful six hour bus journey! Back in Kathmandu you have the afternoon free to explore the shops and sights of this fascinating city. Points of particular interest include Durbar Square, location of the former Royal Palace with its intricate woodcarving and four fine towers; Pasputinath, Nepal's most important Shiva temple; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal. The evening is free to explore the city's many restaurants. O/N Guest House

Day 19:Departure

Group Size: Minimum four people

Cost per person:

Price Includes:

Air ticket and departure tax Pokhara -Jomsomand Pokhara Kathmandu

Guide with First Aid Kit and Mechanical Backup

Annapurna conservation Area fee of Trekking and biking permit and other necessary entrance fees.

Food & Accommodation on twin sharing during biking days

All Ground transportation

Support vehicle

Entrance fees (of temples, monastery etc.)

Luggage transport around Muktinath to Pokhara

Bed and Breakfast basis in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Mineral water

Cost Excludes:

Bike and accessories

Excess baggage charge

Porters

Soft and hard drinks

Emergency evacuation fee

Insurance

Other personal interest items