Himalayas: Off The Beaten Path

Outline Itinerary

Details Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrive in Kathmandu airport & transfer to Hotel.

Upon arrival, our tour operator’s representative will greet you at the airport and arrange a comfortable transfer to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle. Later in the evening, gather with the group at the hotel for an informative briefing with the guide about the tour program, followed by a delightful welcome dinner.

Day 2 Kathmandu-fly to Pokhara -day bike trip to Sarangkot (44.8km)

Starting from Kathmandu, the group will take an early morning flight to Pokhara, followed by a scenic boat transfer to the charming country house, “The Retreat,” situated on the serene shores of Phewa Lake. After a hearty breakfast, embark on a picturesque ride to Bindhbasani Temple, followed by a thrilling 10 km uphill journey to Sarangkot hill station, offering unparalleled views of the Annapurna Ranges and the majestic “Fishtail” (Machhapuchhre) Himal. Following lunch, enjoy a leisurely downhill ride to Thulakhet and Pame, where the group will be escorted to the resort for the remainder of the day. This day’s ride serves as a perfect warm-up for the upcoming 5-day adventure towards Kathmandu and the town of Arughat.

Day 3:  Pokhara-kalikasthan – Begnas Lake (41.76km) 

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast overlooking the tranquil lake before embarking on a boat transfer to Lakeside, where the cycling adventure begins on a flat paved road leading to Bijayapur Khola, covering a distance of 12 km. Following a bridge crossing and a left turn past the Army camp, ride alongside the river towards Lapsidada and continue onwards to the picturesque village of Kalikasthan, nestled amidst stunning views of the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri peaks, with a total uphill ride of 9 km.

After a rewarding uphill journey, indulge in a delicious lunch at a local store in Kalikasthan to replenish your energy. Then, enjoy a scenic 6 km downhill ride to Talchok, where the terrain flattens out before a slight uphill stretch leads you to your charming island resort nestled between Begnas and Rupa Lake.

Day 4 : Begnas-Rambazar-Bhorletar-sisaghat (34.72km)

Today’s cycling journey takes you further east, covering a mostly downhill route spanning 35 km. After a brief stretch of flat terrain and a small climb, you’ll reach Urchale Bhanjyang, followed by a thrilling 12 km downhill ride to Karputar, crossing the Modi River en route to Bhorletar, a quaint town with a few local shops offering insights into the region’s culture and way of life.

Following a satisfying lunch break, continue on an easy downhill ride to Sisaghat, where accommodations await in a local guesthouse, providing a basic overnight stay without the typical western luxuries. Along the way, each stop offers diverse culinary delights, cultural experiences, and glimpses into traditional traditions. This route follows an ancient walking path from Kathmandu to Pokhara via Gorkha, before the advent of modern road networks.

Day 5: Sisaghat – kunchha – oaudi – tarpughat – palungtar (54.72km)

Today’s journey leads you along the trails for a longer stretch, covering the first 25 km mostly uphill until Kunchha, offering picturesque views via Soti Pasal, where numerous small shops provide a lunch stop and a chance to mingle with the friendly locals. Following the uphill climb prior to lunch, you’re rewarded with a satisfying downhill ride, with only a brief 1 km uphill after crossing the mighty Marshyangdi River.

Passing through the town of Paudi and riding alongside the Marshyangdi River, you’ll traverse Tarphutar before reaching Tarpughat. The day’s final destination lies just beyond, at Palungtar, where a guesthouse awaits. If you’re visiting during the festive season of October/November, you might have the opportunity to witness local celebrations and festivities.

Day 6:  Palungtar-laxmi Bazaar-Gorkha (36.8km)

After a leisurely breakfast in Palungtar, embark on a 5 km uphill ride to Luitel Gaon, then continue to Satdobato, known as the meeting point of seven trails, where you can savor fresh brewed Nepali tea and oranges amidst the scenic surroundings. Following a brief stop, the group will take a shortcut route to Chhepetar, which may involve a short carry of your bike after crossing the bridge at the Daraudi River.

Daraudi serves as today’s lunch spot, offering well-stocked local goods to recharge your energy. Then, it’s time to tackle the mostly uphill, yet gradual, climb to the historic city of Gorkha via Laxmi Bazaar. En route, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking terraced farmland, where hillsides burst into vibrant yellow from flowering mustard plants between October and February, creating an unforgettable sight.

Gorkha, the ancient kingdom and former capital of the ex-Shah dynasty, holds a rich history waiting to be explored. In the evening, visit Gorkha Durbar, situated atop the hill just beyond the main town, to delve into the region’s fascinating past.

Day 7:  Gorkha-kathmandu Valley (41.76km)

Atop the ridge in Gorkha, enjoy a breakfast table adorned with sunshine and breathtaking views of Manaslu and Annapurna. As Kathmandu becomes today’s destination, kickstart your journey with a gentle 1 km uphill warm-up ride before cruising into Phinam village along a flat dirt jeep trail, concluding with a delightful morning ride at Taple. En route to Khanchok for lunch, pass through picturesque villages, marking one of the final on-trail lunches of this 7-day tour.

Following lunch, prepare for another brief climb as you pedal into Ghyapesal, where a thrilling downhill ride awaits, carrying you from the outskirts of town all the way into Arughat. Once an important hub for local trade in ancient times, Arughat sets the stage for a tea break before loading your bike onto the bus for a scenic drive into the Kathmandu Valley over the next few hours.

Tonight’s accommodation awaits near Thamel, providing ample opportunities to unwind in the plethora of excellent restaurants and bars scattered throughout the town.

Day 8: Full day of guided sightseeing

After breakfast, embark on a journey to explore the palaces, temples, and monasteries of the Kathmandu Valley. The first stop is the revered Pashupatinath Temple, one of South Asia’s holiest Hindu temples, situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. While admission to the temple is reserved for Hindus, you’ll have a picturesque view from across the river, where vibrant Hindu rituals and cremation services unfold.

Next, visit the impressive Boudhanath Stupa, one of Asia’s largest Buddhist shrines, with its striking 100 m diameter and 40 m height. Surrounding the stupa are numerous Buddhist monasteries, creating a Tibetan-influenced ambiance akin to Lhasa’s Barkhor area. Following a lunch break in Boudhanath, proceed to Bhaktapur, renowned as one of Kathmandu Valley’s three medieval principalities and best-preserved sites. Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square boasts beautiful temples, intricate wood carvings, and pristine brick-paved streets, resembling an open-air museum.

After another lunch in Boudhanath, continue to Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, once the ancient palace of Nepal’s kings. Here, visit notable landmarks such as the Temple of the Living Goddess, Kasthamandap, Taleju Temple, Kal Bhairav, and more, before returning to your hotel on foot, soaking in the rich history and cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.

Day 9: Full day of guided sightseeing

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a scenic one-hour drive to Patan, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Bhaktapur, also known as “the city of Devotees,” lies 14 km east of the capital and is steeped in medieval charm, offering visitors a glimpse into its wonders of historical, cultural, and artistic achievements. Serving as the capital of the Kathmandu Valley between the 14th and 16th centuries, much of Bhaktapur’s architectural splendor dates back to the end of the 17th century, during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla, before the valley was divided into three smaller kingdoms.

Following lunch in Bhaktapur, continue your journey with another one-hour drive to Patan, also known as Lalitpur, the second-largest town in the valley. Patan enchants visitors with its abundance of Hindu temples, Buddhist monuments, and remarkable craftsmanship in metal, wood, and stone, earning it the moniker “the city of fine art and beauty.” Patan’s Durbar Square stands as the heart of the city, adorned with ancient palaces, temples, and shrines, each distinguished by its exquisite carving. Notable among these attractions is the Krishna Mandir Temple, considered the finest example of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal, commanding a prominent position within Patan’s palace complex. After immersing yourself in the wonders of Bhaktapur and Patan, return to the hotel for a memorable farewell dinner.

Day 10: Depart Kathmandu

Feel free to depart at your convenience this morning. Should you require any assistance with your onward travel arrangements, do not hesitate to reach out to the tour provider for guidance and support Safe travels.