This trip offers a unique experience, to travel from the upper reaches of the Kaligandaki River down into the lush subtropical regions of Nepal. Experience the pure adventure as you fly into the heart of the Annapurna Region on a local flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. Look out the window, you can almost touch the mountains. Bike up the valley to the holy temple of Muktinath before riding your way down the Kaligandaki valley in an epic two days of downhill biking. Finally take to the river itself for three spectacular days of rafting.
Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Company signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transffered to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02:Back Roads and Trails of Kathmandu Join us on a warm up ride exploring some of the best trails in the Kathmandu Valley; test your bikes and your gear to make sure everything is ready for the journey ahead. In 3 to 4 hours of riding we will cover around 40km at a steady pace exploring the rural parts of the valley, single tracks and sightseeing at some temples before returning to Thamel for lunch, last minute bike adjustments and shopping for the trip. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03:Drive to Pokhara Depart early from the Hotel in Kathmandu. Leave behind the valley and drive down along the Trisuli River and through the tropical lowlands to Pokhara. In Pokhara take the afternoon to rest and explore the tranquil lake side, or perhaps an afternoon ride around the edge of the lake. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04:Pokhara to Kagbeni– Riding Distance 14km. Altitude 2800m Wake up for sunrise and hopefully catch a glimpse of the mountains before we head to the airport. It’s about a 22 min flight to Jomsom, above the Pokhara valley and deep into the heart of the Himalaya, take a peek out of the window for fantastic views of Dhawalagiri and beyond. The flight is simply breathtaking as the plane’s wingtips almost touch the snow capped peaks, fly right between the Himalayan giants and you feel your adventure has really begun as the small plane banks left and touches down in Jomsom. In Jomsom, we have breakfast and spend some time getting the bikes ready for the journey. Enjoy an easy acclimatization ride of 14km to the beautiful Tibetan village of Kagbeni. The road is mostly flat and traces the Kaligandaki River right up to the boundary of Upper Mustang. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05:Kagbeni to Muktinath – Riding Distance 18km. Altitude 3760 meters Get up early to see the sunrise and have breakfast. Today we cycle uphill for the most part. Leaving behind the beautiful village of Kagbeni, warm up your legs and start to climb. We follow the trail on the north side of the gorge and climb up on a dusty jeep track towards the foreboding Throng La Pass. We stop and explore the ancient monastery at Jhong and have some lunch basking in the sunshine and enjoying the mountain Views. The final push after lunch is short and we should arrive in Muktinath around mid afternoon. Spend some time here exploring the Monastery and Temples, two of the holiest in Nepal. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06:Muktinath to Tukuche– Riding Distance 32 km. Altitude 2560 meters Our day kicks off with some brilliant downhill and after yesterdays challenge, you will welcome fun jeep tracks and trails with a mostly downhill gradient! We have to start early as the wind gets up after 11 am making riding a bit more challenging. Chill out on this section and enjoy the views. For experienced riders there are single track options. Savor the moment as you whizz past trekkers, the Himalayan wind in your face and miles of downhill before your wheels. Once in the river Valley it’s a 6km flat stretch to Jomsom followed by undulating trails along the river to Marpha. In the wind this can be a bit tough riding, but stop and enjoy the views along the way. Take lunch in the beautiful and ancient town of Marpha famous for growing apples and making apple brandy! The trail rolls into Tukuche, a lovely old village on the river side. Take some time to explore the cobbled lanes and explore the Thakali culture. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07:Tukuche to Tatopani – Riding Distance 36 km. Altitude 1190 meters The trail starts out gentle and flat and winds in and out of the valley sides, through pine forests and small villages. Following the river, there are good views of the snow capped peaks. Stop at the lush waterfalls at Rukse Chaahara for lunch. After here the speed picks up as the trail drops some 1000 meters with sweeping curves and plunges, rocky sections and bumps that you will love. Arrive in Tatopani the cobble lined village famous for its rejuvenating Hot Springs. Once in Tatopani you can enjoy a soothing bath in the Hot Springs. Overenight at Hotel.
Day 08:Tatopani to Maldhunga & Rafting A ride of around 45 km on open jeep track, flat for the most part but a few up and down hills. The valley opens up near to Beni and we cross the river for the last time, rejoining the main road. From Maldundha we take lunch and meet our rafting team. Once lunch has been eaten, the guides will give you a safety talk. The first rapid of the day is Little Brother and then big brother the biggest and maddest of the trip, followed by Rafters Refund, but by this time it’s already too late to turn back! The evening is spent camping on a sandy beach just below a village. We will have a camp fire, drift wood permitting and a well earned meal. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09:Rafting Waking up to the peaceful sounds of river life is an amazing experience. Once you crawl out of your tent or out from under the raft, hot tea and coffee will be ready and waiting for you. It’s time now to pack up the tents and load our gear before a hearty breakfast to fill our bellies for the days rafting. We have an action packed day of rapids and unplanned swims. Taking lunch on a sandy beach gives us all time to rest and play in the shallow water before heading on to our night time camping place. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10:Rafting and to Pokhara We have a pleasant morning of playing in some waves on the river and a gentle paddle across the placid waters before the dam. A great time for playing games, having a crack at kayaking or swimming. Around midmorning we will reach our take out point just below Seti Beni for the bus ride back to Pokhara. We arrive in Lake Side in time for a hot shower just before happy hour where we share tales of our river adventure. Overnight at Hotel
Day 11:Free Day in Pokhara Pokhara is the chill out capital of Nepal, take your pick of lazy lake side cafes, strolling around the shops or perhaps some adventure is more to your liking, half day rafting trips, paragliding or Parahawking are other options to fill in your day. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12:Transfer to Kathmandu Take the midday flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Check into the hotel and have a shopping in afternoon and then get ready for your last night in Nepal. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 13:Transfer to Airport Our Airport Representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.
Cost Includes
- All land transport in private vehicle including airport transfers
- 3 star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per itinerary
- All accommodation in best available teahouse while biking
- All meals as per itinerary
- Professional Mountain Bike Guide
- Mountain Bike
- Rafting Guides, Safety Kayakers, all rafting and camping equipment
- All permits and entry fees
- Domestic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Porters for carrying your bags during the biking
- Welcome dinner and traditional Dance
Cost Excludes
- Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses
- Sleeping Bags
- Personal Travel and Evacuation Insurance
