MINI VALLEY RIM (5 Days)

Day 01:  Leave Kathmandu after breakfast through the bustling back streets of Thamel. On a good wide undulating jeep track and single track, pass through the Queen forest to the Buddhanilkantha, a remarkable 5^th century statue of the Lord Vishnu reclining on the coil of the snake king in the middle of small pond. Your efforts are rewarded by spectacular panoramic mountain views of Ganesh and Langtang Himals on the way and moreover by a night at a true resort established in a rural setting with culturally rich and naturally pristine environment whose garden harbors nearly 75 species of birds and 2000 flowering trees and shrubs. 53kmO/N Resort.

Day 02:  Startwith a steep upward ride (approx 7 km) on broken paved and off road through the Shivapuri National Park Reserve. Part of the route is on the popular Helambu trekking trail. Our destination is up to Chisopani (which means cold water in Nepali), which rounds off a challenging day. Again today’s lodge enjoys outstanding and closest views of the panoramic mountain ranges- this is one of the best outlooks within the valley region. 40 kmO/N Chisopani O/N Lodge

Day 03: We climb approximately 9 kms upto 2250m (highest point of our trip) then ride down into the North-East corner of the KTM valley, then it’s on to a mix of single and jeep track to wind our way to Nagarkot, our route will depend on the condition of the trails. A short steep climb into Nagarkot is rewarded by the comfort and peaceful surrounding of hotel on the valley rim. Part of the biking movie ‘Retreat’ was filmed on this trial.  Ride 25km or 35km. O/N Hotel

Day 04:  Enjoy the spectacular sunrise views from the terrace. Today we explore the trails around Nagarkot or you can take a rest day. There are numerous off-road routes possible today either road or wide dirt and single track. We have a choice of day rides ending at the medieval town of Bhaktapur for lunch then time to look around before we drive back up the hill to Nagarkot or ride up the road if you wish.  Bhaktapur is an old restored city full of temples and courtyards. Also it is possible to visit Changu Narayan, a must for those interested in culture – the ancient temple complex here, which includes the oldest Hindu temple in the valley where in the sixth & seventh centuries, Newari stone masons made cravings of Lord Vishnu. The stone tablet standing on the west side of the temple is said to be the earliest known inscription in Kathmandu Valley. It depicts King Mandev’s military conquests in the fifth century. It’s on the way and enjoys commanding views over the valley and its fine statues are the best outside the National Museum. O/N Hotel

Day 05: The ‘Retread’ Trails. This is an epic single track descent through terraced paddy fields and small villages that lead us to the Indrawati River. We will stop to take photos as the Himalayas are right behind us all the way down and also make offerings at the local temples to help ensure that we remember those technical skills when we need them. After 1000m of downhill a jeep road leads us to the Friendship Highway, the main road to Tibet. We have lunch in a secret spot by the river before the long climb back up to the valley rim. We have the choice to continue the ride on the paved road of Friendship highway or off road. Or drive back to Kathmandu.

Altitude range:1300m to 2250m

Average daily distance:40km (with optional ads on)

Grade:D (Tough)

Off-road:- 85%

Support vehicle: 70%

Group Size:Minimum 2 Person

Cost per person

Cost Includes:

Entrance fees (of temples, Park etc)

Guide with First Aid Kit and Mechanical Backup

Food & Accommodation on twin sharing and full board basis during cycling day.

Support vehicle (60%)

Mineral water

Cost Excludes:

Bike and kits

Soft and hard drinks

Emergency evacuation fee

Insurance

Other personal interest items