Introduction
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- Category: Cycling
Mountain biking is a tremendous way to see the exotic sights of the Himalayan legend Nepal such as the ancient routes of Trans-Himalayan Traders and the rural village life of Nepal. Here you will enjoy the timeless culture and rich flora and fauna of our heritage as you explore such wonders as the Kathmandu Valley, the monuments or the temple complexes. Alternatively peddle at your own pace along some of the hidden trails to the rarely visited rural villages where you will see the warm smiles of locals living the preserved, traditional and simple life (on the verge of poverty, long forgotten in the post industrial cultures of the world), that is the style of Nepal.
Mt. Annapurna Circuit
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- Category: Cycling
Mt. Annapurna circuit:
This extraordinary trip takes you to some of the most stunning and exotic biking
routes in Nepal. Annapurna Circuit Mt. bike tour passes through a variety of
different landscapes, from lush sub-tropical rainforest, deep valleys and
cultivated fields, to wooded alpine and high deserts. We visit many different
villages, meeting the local hill tribes and enjoy frequent spectacular views of
massive Himalayan peaks, including the Annapurnas and Manaslu. We reach the
lowland villages, dense oak forests, deep gorges and lovely isolated hamlets to
the lap of the mighty high mountains and the Tilicho lake - one of the highest
altitude fresh water lakes. To top it all, the crossing of the Thorong La pass
(5,416m) is a challenging ascend, surrounded by some of the most magnificent
mountain scenery in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1 Kathmandu - Nagarkot
Day 2 Nagarkot - Kathmandu
Day 3 Kathmandu - Besisahar
Day 4 Besisahar - Taal
Day 5 Taal - Chame
Day 6 Chame - Manang
Day 7 Rest in Manang
Day 8 Manang - Thorong Phedi
Day 9 Thorong Phedi - Kagbeni
Day 10 Kagbeni - Tatopani
Day 11 Tatopani - Pokhara
Day 12 Rest in Pokhara
Day 13 Pokhara – Kathmandu
Trip Highlights
• The crystal-clear mountain ranges (Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Annapurna,
Manaslu) visible from Pokhara
• A relaxing time at the Phewa Lake. Activities include boating, sight-seeing
and basking in the sun like there’s no tomorrow
• Tasting the legendary apples, apple pie and apple wine in Jomsom
• Sight-seeing in Muktinath. Exploring the popular hiking routes in the area
Kathmandu Pokhara
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Biking Pokhara to
Kathmandu
This 200km, 14 day trail takes us on a fantastic off road route linking the 2
major cities in Nepal, Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Following your arrival in Kathmandu, we limber up for our journey by taking a
short tour of the medieval city of Kathmandu before flying out to Pokhara.
Situated by the beautiful Phewa lake, Pokhara affords some of the most stunning
views of the Annapurnas and Machhapuchre - Fish Tail Peak. Another day trip
around the area will ensure that everything is in order before we set off back
to Kathmandu.
Less than 30 miles of this ride is on tarmaced highway, so prepare yourself for
what has been described as ...the best off-road riding in the Himalayas. Tracing
an assortment of broad foot paths, old jeep trails and some technical single
tracks we make our way across remote territory that's seldom visited by
westerners. Challenging ascents as well as some incredible descents combine to
make this off-road biking a Great Mountain Biker's dream.
A support vehicle carrying all of our tents and equipment, will follow us as
closely as possible. One glance at the picture above and you'll get the idea -
they will not always be righ on our tail.
Pokhara to Jomsom
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Jomsom, a modern town is the 'Thakali' homeland. Thakali people are of Tibetan
origin but have their own language and customs. We fly to Jomsom from Kathmandu
and initially we ride through a popular trekking trial which leads us to many
different wonderful villages rich in cultural and architectural point of view.
The rocky wide and small track slowly descends to meet a paved road which takes
to the beautiful Pokhara city on the day 5. Unlike the rest of the Nepalese
Himalayas, the Annapurna mountain range does not form the border between Nepal
and Tibet.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Briefing and rest in Kathmandu
Day 2 Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 3 Flight from KTM to PKH, and PKH to Jomsom
Day 4 Jomsom to Muktinath temple
Day 5 Muktinath to Kalopani
Day 6 Kalopani to Tatopani
Day 7 Tatopani to Beni
Day 8 Beni to Pokhara
Day 9 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Trip Highlights
• The crystal-clear mountain ranges (Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Annapurna,
Manaslu) visible from Pokhara
• A relaxing time at the Phewa Lake. Activities include boating, sight-seeing
and basking in the sun like there’s no tomorrow
• Tasting the legendary apples, apple pie and apple wine in Jomsom
• Sight-seeing in Muktinath. Exploring the popular hiking routes in the area
Around Kathmandu Valley
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- Category: Cycling
BUNGMATI:
Bungamati is a pleasant traditional Newari village that dates to the 16th
century. It overlooks the Bagmati River. The streets are too thin for vehicle
traffic. Not many visitors come here. Bungamati is the birthplace of Rato
Machhendranath. He is regarded as the patron guardian of the valley. There is a
shikhara-style temple in the middle of the village square. He spends six months
a year in this temple and the other six months in the Rato Machhendranath Temple
in Patan. The courtyard around the temple has a large prayer wheel and many
chortens (Tibetan Buddhist stupas). When the deity of Rato Machhendranath moves
to and from Patan and Bungamati is on of the biggest festivals of the year.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Lazimpat - Chobar - Bungmati - Lazimpat
Trip Highlights :
• View of the Langtang mountain range from Bungmati
• A ride through a mixture of jeep tracks and single tracks
• Sightseeing along the route, filled with temples and traditional architecture
• Visit the holy chariot Rato Macchindranath at Bun
JAMACHO:
Jamacho is the highest peak in Nagarjun Forest (or Rani Ban) where you can find
a small shrine and have excellent view of mountains like Ganesh Himal, Annapurna
and Manaslu.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Lazimpat - Chobar - Bungmati - Lazimpat
Trip Highlights
• View of several Himalayan mountain ranges, such as Dorje Lakpa,
Langtang and Ganesh Himal
• Flora and fauna at Nagarjun forest
• Sight-seeing in Jamacho Buddhist templ
• Option to visit the main Swayambhunath Stupa, the well-known Buddhist shrine
popularly known as the Monkey Temple
NAGARKOT:
Ask anyone for the most relaxing spot in the Kathmandu Valley, and more likely
than not, Nagarkot will pop up.
We leave Lazimpat very early in the morning to dodge the crazy traffic and head
to the eastern side of the city. After a 13km ride from the Eastern edge of the
Ring Road, we reach our first checkpoint Bhaktapur. The ancient Malla palace at
the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of many UNESCO-listed world heritage sites in
Nepal. The stunning arts and architecture of the temples and the palace itself
holds a great historical significance in Nepal’s history. Many a war has been
waged by and at the Malla palace because of its strategic location to the heart
of the valley. The Bhaktapur Museum hosts some of the most important artifacts
that have witnessed the history unfold. Also, Nyatapol Temple, among others, is
also a very popular sight-seeing spots. We highly recommend having some Jujudhau
(Newari for “The King of Yogurts”) – after trying it, it’ll be clear where it
gets its name from.
After spending some time at the Durbar Square we drive up to our destination,
Nagarkot, some 10 kms from Bhaktapur. Situated over 2,170m above sea level, the
hilltop station is a popular getaway spot. The lovely views of the Himalayas
from Nagarkot tower will not fail to mesmerize you; the weather of course, will
be the deciding factor. Mt. Everest (8,848m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Ganesh
(7,406m) are some of the peaks seen from Nagarkot. In essence, Nagarkot is the
perfect spot to witness Nepal’s history, see the mountains or just relax in a
peaceful environment.
From Nagarkot, we take the adventurous downhill route back to the city.
Itinerary
Day 1 Drive to Nagarkot;
Downhill ride from Nagarkot – Nala – Bhaktapur – Guheswhori – Kathmandu
Trip Highlights:
• Witness the great mountain range from Nagarkot
• A traffic-free downhill ride through the jeep tracks from the Nagarkot tower
• A ride through the ancient and tranquil Nala village
• Sight-seeing in Bhaktapur, the centuries-old Malla palace
• One of the most revered Hindu temples, Guheshwori
SCAR ROAD:
It is unclear how Kakani gets this name, but located at 2,070m above sea level,
the Scar Road provides a great track for off-road biking. It is located on the
north- and north-eastern rim of the city. There is little settlement along the
Scar Road, which, as opposed to other biking destinations, instills a sense of
peace and solitude.
During the ancient war for the siege of the Kathmandu Valley by the Shahs of
Gorkha, Kakani was a prime strategic location because of its high elevation.
Even today, the army is stationed on the top of the hill, as in other major
hills around Kathmandu.
Itinerary
Day 1 Early morning ride from Lazimpat to Kakani;
Downhill ride through the Scar Road to Shivapuri and return to Kathmandu
Trip Highlights:
• The mountain range visible from Kakani, a relaxing hill station
• The famous and delicious trout fish (locally farmed) available throughout the
route to Kakani
• A traffic-free ride through mostly single tracks through the Shivapuri jungle
• Sight-seeing in Budhanilkantha, the temple of the Sleeping Vishnu
TOKHA:
Itinerary:
Day 1 Ride from THAMEL office to Mudkhu,
Mudkhnu - Tinpiple – Tokha – Budhanilkantha – Lazimpat
Trip Highlights:
• View of the Kathmandu valley from Tinpiple
• Pleasant ride through serene single tracks
• Rice fields and traditional plantation and harvesting
• Sightseeing at Budhanilkantha of Sleeping Vishnu, a Hindu deity
PILGRIMAGE TOUR:
Itinerary:
Our pilgrimage tour starts from Lazimpat and we climb to the Namo Buddha area
from where the Ganesh Himal is clearly visible. Legend has it that the Buddha
fed himself to a hungry tigress in the stupa of Namo Buddha, making for an
important site for Tibetan pilgrims. From the temple there’s a choice of wide
track through picturesque villages and forests, of some newly discovered single
track. From here, we ride on dirt road down to the ancient city of Panauti where
Lord Buddha lived ad a prince prior to his offering to the hungry tigress. This
city is truly lost in time and is rarely visited by tourists. The Indresar
Mahadev Temple is the oldest surviving dated temple in Nepal, believed to be
built in 1294 AD. Climbing west, we follow a jeep track along the meandering
Roshi River. Beyond the town of Madhuban we enter a narrow pristine valley,
ascending 300m on a superb dirt trail to reach the summit of a hill on Kathmandu
valley, known as Lakhure Bhanjyang. What a grunt, but the views of the Himalayas
more than compensate!
Itinerary
Day 1 Depart from Kathmandu to Nagarkot heights by bus/van. Downhill bike ride
to Bhaktapur and back to Kathmandu
Day 2 Nagarkot to namo Buddha (Dhulikhel)
Day 3 Dhulikhel to Kathmandu
Trip Highlights:
• View of several Himalayan mountain ranges, such as Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh
Himal, and Everest
• Flora and fauna at Shivapuri National park
• A ride through a mixture of jeep tracks and single tracks
• Sight-seeing in Bhaktapur, the centuries-old Malla palace
• Sightseeing along the route, filled with temples and traditional architecture
SHIVAPURI-CHISAPANI-NAGARKOT:
Kathmandu Valley constitutes of three major ancient and historical cities called
Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. These major cities are rich with culture,
artistic and architectural tradition. Kathmandu, the capital city, is the
arrival point for most visitors to Nepal.The 4-day tour starts right from the
courtyard of our office in Thamel. We ride through a beautiful lush green jungle
to a hilltop from where the surrounding mountains are seen but depending on
weather condition. It then passes through a nun's monastery and continue riding
through the thick jungle of Shivapuri towards Nagarkot. Further, we go to an old
Newari town and re-enter the valley.
Itinerary
Day 1 Ride uphill from Lazimpat office to Shivapuri National Park and
reach Mulkharka
Day 2 Continue on to the Chisapani hilltop, the northern edge of the Kathmandu
Valley
Day 3 Chisapani to Chauki Bhanjyang and arrive at Nagarkot
Day 4 Ride back to Kathmandu through Bhaktapur
Trip Highlights:
• View of several Himalayan mountain ranges, such as Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh
Himal, and Everest
• Flora and fauna at Shivapuri National park
• A ride through a mixture of jeep tracks and single tracks
• Sight-seeing in Bhaktapur, the centuries-old Malla palace
• Sightseeing along the route, filled with temples and traditional architecture
VALLEY RIM- A (EAST TO SOUTH):
Just across a few hills from the hustle and bustle of the city, we reach
Lele Valley in Bungamati. Though we face no significant climbs, the rest of the
journey is filled with ascends and descends to various hilltop locations. This
trip also consists of tarmac rides as well as off road tracks. With little
technical paths, this tour is very pleasant and relaxing. Vehicle support will
be provided throughout the tour. Vehicle support will be provided if necessary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Lazimpat to Lele Valley (passing Bungamati)
Day 2 Lele Valley to Nagarkot
Day 3 Excursion to Shivapuri
Day 4 Nagarkot to Panchkhal
Day 5 Panchkhal to Dhulikhel
Day 6 Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha
Day 7 Namo Buddha to Godavari
Day 8 Godavari to Kathmandu
Trip Highlights:
• Scenic single track routes
• Flora and fauna at Shivapuri National park
• View of several Himalayan mountain ranges, such as Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal,
and Everest
• Local culture and age-old tradition, including ancient temples and palaces
VALLEY RIM –B (EAST TO NORTH)
We venture from the northern edge of the valley and then ride towards
the Eastern side. The route is laden with all kinds of tracks, from tarmac to
the single tracks. We will witness the mountains, ancient temples and monastries,
nature conservation site, traditional agriculture and humble lifestyles. Vehicle
support will be provided throughout the tour
Itinerary
Day 1 Briefing at Bike Zone Nepal office in Lazimpat
Day 2
Day 3 Head off to the best single track in the valley (the 2009 National
Chapionship course) up towards budhanilkantha
Day 4 Continue on to Shivapuri National Park on a mixture of jeep trails and
single tracks throughout
Day 5 Ride to Chisapani - the northern edge of Kathmandu valley - and get an
unobstructed glimpse of the grand Himalayan range
Day 6 The next destination is the popular hillstation Nagarkot through the
"Retread Trails", a jeep- and single-track composite
Day 7 Decend through the paddy fields and small villages, leading to the
Indrawati River
Day 8 Start with an early morning climb to Namo Buddha with spectacular views of
Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa and others
Day 9 Decend to Panauti, a pleasant town just off Bhaktapur, with ancient
temples
Day 10 Return to Kathmandu
Trip Highlights
• Scenic single track routes
• Flora and fauna at Shivapuri National park
• View of several Himalayan mountain ranges, such as Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal,
and Everest
• Local culture and age-old tradition, including ancient temples and palaces
Valley Rim C (North to East to South )
This tour starts from Kakani and ends at the southern edge, till Godavari - a
peaceful village at the base of the highest hill (Pulchowki) of the Kathmandu
Valley. We cover a wider distance and area in Rim C. Vehicle support will be
provided throughout the tour.
Itinerary
Day 1 Kathmandu to Kakani
Day 2 Kakani to Budhanilkantha
Day 3 Budhanilkantha to Nagarkot
Day 4 Rest day at Nagarkot
Day 5 Nagarkot to Palanchowk
Day 6 Palanchowk to Dhulikhel
Day 7 Dhulikhel to Suryabinayak via Bhaktapur
Day 8 Suryabinayak to Godavari
Day 9 Godavari to Kathmandu
Day 10 Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Trip Highlights:
• Scenic single track routes
• Flora and fauna at Shivapuri National park
• View of several Himalayan mountain ranges, such as Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal,
and Everest
• Local culture and age-old tradition, including ancient temples and palaces
