Experience the ultimate mountain biking adventure on the renowned Kali Gandaki Valley trail, nestled in Nepal’s breathtaking Mustang region. Surrounded by majestic five-mile-high peaks, this trail offers a diverse environment that promises to be a cyclist’s dream come true. Throughout the journey, you’ll traverse various altitudes, spending each night in cozy teahouses hosted by friendly local villagers, providing delicious food and beverages.
The awe-inspiring Kali Gandaki Valley, known as the world’s deepest valley, offers an exquisite blend of natural splendor, rich local culture, and a touch of luxury found nowhere else. Embark on a thrilling mountain biking holiday on the roof of the world, where you’ll encounter challenging climbs, technical descents, and thrilling single-track trails that flow effortlessly. The breathtaking vistas are beyond imagination, leaving an indelible mark on your soul.
A highlight of the trip is the incredible flight between Pokhara and Jomsom, adding a sense of adventure and awe to the overall experience. Riding along the legendary Annapurna Circuit and exploring the lower Mustang region at altitudes ranging from 1,500m to 4,000m, you’ll discover some of the most unexplored and enchanting places on Earth. The memories forged during this journey will be etched forever in your heart, offering a truly emotional and unforgettable mountain biking encounter.
Beyond the extraordinary landscapes, the journey is enriched by immersing yourself in the unique local culture, lifestyle, and traditions. The Mustang region provides a rare opportunity to experience authentic Tibetan culture as it once was. The Loba (Lo Pa) people, an ethnic Tibetan community, practice a form of Buddhism derived from the Sakya lineage. Prepare to be captivated by the captivating charm of Mustang, making it one of the most extraordinary destinations you’ve ever visited.
Fixed Departure Date
.
Outline Itinerary
| Day | Activities | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Day1 | Arrive in Kathmandu airport & transfer to Hotel. | Kathmandu |
| Day2 | Kakani to Shivapuri. | Shivapuri |
| Day3 | Shivapuri to Boudanath via Kapan. | Boudhanath |
| Day4 | Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu. | Boudhanath |
| Day5 | Kathmandu flight to Pokhara & cycling around. | Pokhara |
| Day6 | Morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom/ Acclimatization Ride to Kagben. |
Jomsom |
| Day7 | Day return to Muktinath and back to Kagbeni. | Kagbeni |
| Day8 | Kagbeni to Jharkot to Marpha. | Marpha |
| Day9 | Marpha to Tatopani. | Tatopani |
| Day10 | Tatopani to Beni & transfer to Pokhara. | Pokhara |
| Day11 | Flight back to Kathmandu. | Kathmandu |
| Day12 | Free day at leisure in Kathmandu. | Kathmandu |
| Day13 | Depart Kathmandu. | Kathmandu |
DETAIL ITINERARY
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU:
On the first day of your travel in Nepal you’ll be welcomed by our team member at Kathmandu airport and
DAY 02: Kakani to Shivapuri Retreat via Shivapuri National Park:
After our terrace breakfast on the restaurant with spectacular view of antique craftwork embedded with the design of the hotel, we will shuttle up to the hill-top town of Kakani at 2,200m. From there we will ride on a winding technical single track that offers glimpses of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains in the distance, before popping us out at beautiful Shivapuri Retreat. We descend to our accommodation and settle in for the night around the fire, reliving the day’s mountain bike trails.
Distance: 23km
Elevation gained: 438m
Elevation lost: 819m
Accommodation: Shivapuri Retreat
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 03: Shivapuri to Boudanath via Tarebhir & Kapan Monastery:
Once our breakfast is done, we will ride through some part of hustling city life of Kathmandu towards peacefulness of Kapan monastery. We will spend some calm and relaxing time in the monastery and get to know about its teachings, practices and observer Tibetan Buddhism architecture. Moving on, we will ride to Boudhanath, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site which is one of the largest stupas in South Asia. You can take a stroll around the pavements of inspiring white dome buzzing with energy; observe devout passersby, light a butter lamp and send a prayer where you wish, look around for souvenirs, or observe all from a nearby rooftop restaurant, with coffee in hand.
Our day will end with the ride back to the Hotel in Thamel
Distance: 22km
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi or Similar
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 04: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley (Tours to UNESCO World Heritage Site):
The day will start with a breakfast which is soon to be followed up by a casual stroll to Kathmandu Durbar Square. The walk will take around 30 mins but it will show you hustling streets, people lifestyle and some amazing sights of temples. Once in Kathmandu Durbar Square, you will observe the traditional heart of the old town and Kathmandu’s most spectacular legacy of traditional architecture. We will stroll around the area and visit museum to witness cultural and historical heritage and monuments.
After our tour at Kathmandu Durbar Square, we will head towards Patan Durbar Square which is around 20 minutes away on a car (depends on traffic situation). Patan Durbar Square is best known for its artistic heritage as it is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. You will witness artistic and religious attractions such as Patan Museum, Golden Temple, Krishna Temple, Mahabouddha Temple and lot more courtyards and shrines. In between the tour, we will get delicious lunch in one of the famous roof top restaurants where you can observe the beauty of Patan with a view like form an eagle’s eye.
Boudhanath Stupa, located in Kathmandu, Nepal, is one of the largest and holiest Buddhist stupas in the world. Standing at an impressive height and adorned with prayer flags, it serves as a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The stupa’s majestic white dome and all-seeing eyes symbolize peace, enlightenment, and the eternal path of Buddhism. Its tranquil atmosphere and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for travelers and devotees alike.
Our final destination will be to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest place for people following Hindu religion. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture and the place offers peace and devotion. The temple, spread across 246 hectors of land abounds in temples and monuments whereby hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. The temple premises is an open museum. This national treasure was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1979. We will travel back to Thamel to our Hotel in the evening and get ready for the adventure that lies ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi or Similar
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 05: FLY KATHMANDU TO POKHARA (25 Min)
Today we will take an early morning flight to the lake city of Pokhara, where upon arrival we will get breakfast, before heading out to explore Pokhara and its lively markets, and maybe enjoy a pedal boat race! Today is a free day. There is the opportunity to do some laundry in Pokhara. We will stay in a small hotel in Pokhara this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Shaara or similar
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 06: FLY POKHARA TO JOMSOM AND RIDE TO KAGBENI (20 Min flight)
We start today with what is described as one of the most dramatic plane journey, a spectacular mountain flight into Jomsom – the heart of the Kali Gandaki Valley (the world’s deepest valley). Once we collect our luggage we settle down to some breakfast, then embark on one of the most emotional mountain bike rides of your life to the town of Kagbeni at 2,900m, which is relatively a flat river trail. Our accommodation will be in a Standard Teahouse
Distance: 15km
Elevation gained: 700m
Elevation lost: 425m
Accommodation: Standard Teahouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 07: TRIP TO MUKTINATH AND BACK TO KAGBENI:
This is our climbing day in the Mustang region. Today we will gain almost 1000m in elevation as we head from Kagbeni at 2,900m to Muktinath at 3,800m. The landscape is dry and desert-like with addition to the majestic mountains in the background which makes the entire scene mesmerizing. Once there we will explore this cultural and religious site and after which we will grab some lunch before undertaking a stunning single-track descent that sees us weave through Nepalese villages before dropping us out onto a fast, open descent back down to Kagbeni.
Accommodation tonight is in a Standard Teahouse
Distance: 25km
Elevation gained/ lost: 1,025m
Accommodation: Standard Tea House
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 08: KAGBENI TO JHARKOT TO MARPHA:
Today starts with a shuttle up to Jharkot, which lies just short of Muktinath, we off-load the bikes and start a 300m ascent to the breath-taking trail through the Lubra Pass at 4,100m. After a series of photo calls we will descend through one of the main trail highlights of the trip to Marpha (2,700m), the apple growing region of the Mustang valley. We will stay in another traditional teahouse for the night.
Distance: 25km
Elevation gained: 300m
Elevation lost: 1,360m
Accommodation: Standard Teahouse
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 09: MARPHA TO TATOPANI:
We ride through Kali Gandaki, the world’s deepest valley today, between the two 8,000m giants Mount Annapurna and Mount Dhaulagiri. We cross the valley on perfect single track and huge suspension bridges that link village after village in the Mustang region, providing the inhabitants with a trade route and means of communication. We end today’s ride in the hot spring town of Tatopani, a great way to unwind after a week of mountain biking.
Accommodation in a Hotel Natural Spring
Distance: 46km
Elevation gained: 270m
Elevation lost: 1,650m
Accommodation: Hotel Natural Spring
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 10: TATOPANI TO BENI & TRANSFER TO POKHARA:
Riding on dirt trails today, these are our last few hours on the bike in the Mustang region of Nepal. It may be a dirt road, but we are mountain biking in Nepal, a place where dirt roads are fun! Upon reaching the town of Beni we pack in the van and transfer to Pokhara. Once we have checked into the hotel we have a free afternoon to pick up all the last minute presents and sample and enjoy the renowned night life in Pokhara. Accommodation tonight will be the lovely hotel we stayed previously in Pokhara.
Distance: 21km
Elevation gained: 40m
Elevation lost: 365m
Accommodation: Hotel Shaara or similar
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 11: FLY BACK TO KATHMANDU:
Today we catch an early flight back to Kathmandu, transfer to our hotel, pack bikes and bags and hit the town for our final farewell dinner and drinks, before retiring for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi or Similar
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 12: FULL DAY AT LEISURE IN KATHMANDU:
Relax at hotel or explore own your own in Kathmandu valley.
Accommodation: Hotel Barahi or Similar
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 13: FINAL DEPARTURE:
We will transfer you to Kathmandu airport in plenty of time for your flight, and say our farewells!
Meal: Breakfast
Arrival and departure details
Your mountain biking holiday in Nepal will start and end in Kathmandu. Your guide and/or driver will meet you in the arrivals area of Tribhuvan International Airport, which is the only international airport in Kathmandu, and he/she will be holding an Expedia Holiday paging board.
On your arrival day we will transfer you by private vehicle (included in holiday price) to your accommodation at Hotel Woodapple right in the center of Kathmandu.
If you wish to extend your trip to Nepal please contact us and we can help you to extend your stay with us in Nepal.
Cost Includes
- 05 Night's accommodation in Kathmandu at Hotel Woodapple or similar on Twin Share BB plan
- 01 Night accommodation in Shivapuri Retreat on Twin Share BB plan
- 02 Night's accommodation in Hotel Shaara or similar on Twin Share BB plan in Pokhara
- 04 Night's accommodation in Guest House/Tea House on Twin Share
- Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu by flight
- Pokhara to Jomsom by flight
- All airport transfer in Kathmandu & Pokhara by private vehicle
- Kathmandu hotel to Shivapuri drop by private vehicle
- Sundarijal to Kathmandu hotel by private vehicle
- Beni to Pokhara by private vehicle
- 1 Cycle, Helmet, Cycling gear
- 1 Cycling guide for the trip
- Including salary, accommodation, food, insurance & logistic transfer
- All government service charges & Tax
- 12 Breakfast, 11 Lunch & 12 Dinner - Excluding drinks
Cost Excludes
- International air fare
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Any personal expenses – (laundry, phone, internet, shopping, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters)
- Excess baggage charges
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Tipping to Staffs
- Any extra drinks (including water, tea, coffee, liquor) or expense during trip
- Travel and rescue Insurance
- Photography or Movie fees on the trip
- If you wish to extend your trip in Nepal please feel free to contact us and we will assist you to extend your trip as per your interest.
Additional Information
Cycling Through the Roof of the World
The Himalayan Cycling Odyssey is a testament to the thrill of cycling amidst some of the world’s highest peaks. This odyssey combines the physical challenge of cycling with the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayan landscapes, creating an unparalleled adventure.
Varied Terrains and Scenic Splendor
Pedal through a diverse tapestry of terrains, from lush valleys to challenging mountain passes. Marvel at the ever-changing scenery as you cycle past snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and quaint villages. Each turn of the pedal reveals a new facet of the Himalayan majesty.
Cultural Encounters Along the Route
Beyond the physical challenge, the Himalayan Cycling Odyssey offers a cultural immersion. Encounter the warm hospitality of mountain communities, witness traditional ceremonies, and savor local cuisines. The odyssey is not just a cycling adventure; it’s a journey of cultural discovery.
Tips for an Epic Cycling Experience
Optimal Cycling Season
Choose the optimal cycling season during the post-monsoon (autumn) or pre-monsoon (spring) periods for favorable weather conditions and clear mountain views. These seasons provide the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable cycling experience.
Essential Cycling Gear
Pack essential cycling gear, including a sturdy bike, helmet, protective gear, and suitable clothing for varying temperatures. The varied terrains demand reliable equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure.
Acclimatization Importance
Prioritize acclimatization, especially when cycling at higher altitudes. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and allow your body to adjust gradually to the mountainous terrain. Proper acclimatization enhances both safety and enjoyment.
Himalayan Cycling Odyssey: FAQs
Is the Himalayan Cycling Odyssey suitable for all skill levels?
The odyssey caters to a range of cycling abilities. While some sections may be challenging, cyclists can customize their routes based on their skill and fitness levels.
Are there organized tours for the Himalayan Cycling Odyssey?
Yes, several tour operators offer organized cycling tours, providing support, guides, and logistics. These tours cater to both solo cyclists and groups, enhancing the overall experience.
What is the highest altitude reached during the odyssey?The highest altitudes vary depending on the chosen route. Some passes may exceed 5,000 meters, providing a thrilling high-altitude cycling experience.
Are accommodations available along the cycling route? Accommodations, including guesthouses and lodges, are available along popular cycling routes. Cyclists can enjoy a comfortable stay, often with stunning mountain views.
Can cyclists extend their odyssey or combine it with other routes?
Yes, cyclists can customize their itineraries, extending the odyssey or combining it with adjacent routes for a more extensive cycling adventure.
What kind of support is available during the cycling odyssey?
Organized tours often provide support vehicles, guides, and assistance. This ensures a smoother journey, addresses any challenges, and enhances the overall cycling adventure.
Conclusion
The Himalayan Cycling Odyssey is more than a physical challenge; it’s an immersive journey through the soul-stirring landscapes of the Himalayas. From challenging ascents to cultural encounters, this odyssey promises cyclists an experience that transcends the ordinary.
