Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu (1370m)
With your arrival, your journey in Nepal begins today. Our representative will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel in a private vehicle. After your time to settle in, relax and freshen up after your long flight, the remaining day is at your disposal. If you arrive early you can stroll around the streets of Thamel, one of the most happening places in Kathmandu for tourists.
Kathmandu: The city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,370 meters (4,500 ft) in the bowl-shaped Kathmandu Valley of central Nepal. It is surrounded by four major mountains: Shivapuri, Phulchoki, Nagarjun, and Chandragiri. Kathmandu Valley is part of three districts (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur), has the highest population density in the country. Historically, the Kathmandu Valley and adjoining areas were known as Nepal Mandala.
Overnight at the hotel, Kathmandu
Day 02: Day in the city exploring Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur
Today after your breakfast in the hotel, you will have a meeting with your trekking guide. We will discuss the equipment needed for the trekking and will do some last minute shopping for your trek.
We will also help the processing of other necessary items such as permits (it shouldn’t be Saturday or any public holiday). After that, you will leave for a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You will visit cultural and historical sites like Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath. They are also enlisted in UNESCO world heritage sites.
At Pashupatinath, you will get to see the carved statues and idols of Hindu deities, a long row of Shiva-Linga and series of a small temple. Added, you will also witness the Hindu death ritual at Aryaghat Pashupatinath. After that, you will walk the streets of Kathmandu to Boudhanath.
Boudhanath is the largest dome-shaped Buddhist stupa. You will see many people including monks with red robe circumambulating Boudhanath. After lunch, the sightseeing continues to the fine and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is also a prominent place of attraction for tourists.
And the final destination for Kathmandu sightseeing takes you to Swayambhunath. A Buddhist stupa that lies on a hilltop overlooking Kathmandu. The view of Kathmandu city from above is great. On return to your hotel, you can rest for a while, have dinner and later take a stroll through the popular streets.
Overnight at the hotel, Kathmandu
Day 03: Ride from Kathmandu to Sauraha(815 m 165kms / 5-6hrs)
Difficulty level: 6/10 (tarmac & dirt)
Today morning we will meet at the particular mentioned hotel at thamel. We do check our bike and move towards Chitwan National park in sauraha. We drive on the highway towards balkhu and from balkhu – Chovar – Pharping – Salle – Kulekhani Dam –Hetauda to chitwon. You will not feel bored because the journey by bike towards sauraha will be more interesting while passing the beautiful scenic, high hills, river human-made Lake brings you sauraha. We will be visiting kulikhani Dam on the way.
Kulekhani also is known as Indra Sarobar is a man-made dam in Makwanpur District in the Narayani Zone of southern Nepal which stores 85,300,000 m3 (69,200-acre⋅ft) of water. The dam was built with the purpose of generating the electricity however the dam have also posed the natural beauty and unique scenario which have attracted many of the internal tourism inside the country throughout the year. The View from the top of the Dam side is astonishing and steals our heart on the first sight of the Kulekhani Lake. Kulekhani Lake/Dam is alternative or is like second fewa taal for Kathmandu and Hetauda people.
Chitwan National Park is a preserved area in the Terai Lowlands of south-central Nepal, known for its biodiversity. Its dense forests and grassy plains are home to rare mammals like one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers. The park shelters numerous bird species, including the giant hornbill. Dugout canoes traverse the northern Rapti River, home to crocodiles.
The Chitwan National Park (CNP) is a world heritage property, and it also contains a Ramsar Site – Beeshazari Tal in its buffer zone. The CNP has a history of over 3 decades in park management and rich experience in resolving conflicts between the park and the people.
It is a rich natural area in the Terai, the subtropical southern part of Nepal. A total of 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of herpetofauna and 126 species of fish have been recorded in the park. The park is especially renowned for its protection of One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger and Gharial Crocodile
Overnight at the hotel, Sauraha
Day 04: Ride from Sauraha to Pokhara (1400m/145kms/5hrs)
Difficulty level: 6/10 (tarmac)
After leisurely breakfast, we will drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is approximately 145 kilometers from sauraha. Firstly, descend to the main highway and then head west following the Narayani River Trisuli river for a while and then slowly ascend through terraced agricultural lands and small roadside villages. At the outskirts of Pokhara, we are greeted with views of the Annapurna Mountain range including the famous Fish Tail Mountain.
Pokhara stands at 827 meters above sea level and is an ideal vacationer’s paradise. With its crystal clear lakes, magnificent views of the Annapurna Mountain Range and its bustling but quaint lakeside bazaar, it is a major tourist attraction. From here most of the treks starts for the western region and is a haven for people who wants to relax in this serene mountain beauty. The Annapurna mountain range is impressive by any standard and looming ahead to take the center stage is Machapucchre or “Fish Tail Mountain”, which gets its name from the shape of its summit and flanking it from either side are the great mountains of the range including Annapurna I (8091 m), the first 8000 m peak to be scaled in 1950. The range continues to meet the LamjungHimal in the east while to its west looms the massive dome of Dhaulagiri (8161 m). Upon arrival at Pokhara check in to the hotel and rest of the day is free to relax or explore around the lakeside bazaar.
Overnight at the hotel, Pokhara
Day 05:RidePokhara to Kalopani(2535m/135kms/5hrs)
Difficulty level: 9/10 (60%tarmac 40%off road)
After an early breakfast, leave Pokhara and ride towards Beni (approx. 83 Kilometers) on the Baglung Highway. This section of the ride provides fantastic mountain vistas, picturesque terraced farmlands and an opportunity to walk on one of Nepal’s famous suspension bridges. At Mal Dhunga, leave the main highway by taking the right trail and follow a dusty graveled path all the way to Beni, the district headquarters of Myagdi District in Dhaulagiri Zone. It is located on the confluence of Kali Gandaki and Myagdi rivers at an altitude of 799 meters and is a bustling town lined with stores, restaurants, hotels and various government offices.
From here, the road is unpaved and dusty with potholes in several places. Unpaved, graveled rough road poses a real challenge for riders and makes it more difficult with the occasional river crossings. Ascend gradually through the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. There is a continuous change in the topography with every twist and turn until our arrival at Tatopani. From here set out on the trail by following the Kali Gandaki River and passing the Thakali and Magar Villages to Dana (4750 ft. / 1446 m.) famous for its beautiful cascading waterfall.
Steeply ascend to Ghasa(6600 ft./ 2012m) and continue the ride on a dusty and one of the difficult section of the road towards Jomsom via the Thakali villages of Tukuche and Kalopani. Enroute, there are fantastic views of the Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Tukuche (6920m), and Nilgiri (7061m). As we pass between the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna mountain range, a dramatic change in vegetation is witnessed from green forests, to dry arid desert. It takes gradual acclimatizing with the surrounding. The Thakali’s are the dominant tribe of the valley, related to the Gurung and Magars of the southern slopes.
As soon as we pass Ghasa we will come to a place known as Dhaiku where we have to cross the bridge. After riding approximately 10 kilometers via Lete we will come to our today’s destination Kalapani. Kalapani is scaled to be at 2530 meters. One can enjoy a very beautiful view of Mt. Nilgiri and Mt. Tukuche
Upon Arrival at Kalopani check in to the lodge and the rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around the Kalapani village.
Overnight at the guesthouse, Kalopani
Day06: Ride Kalopani toChusang via Jomsom (3600m/55Km/5hrs)level: 10/10(advanced off-road with river crossings)
Today after the morning dawn, as usual, we will have our Breakfast at the hotel, and begins our journey. We are going to Explore old Marpha village and Monastery then straight drive to Dhumba Lake. After Exploring Dhumba Lake our drive approach to Jomsom the headquarter of Mustang. From Jomsom, about 30-minute drive brings us to the ancient village of Kagbeni where we are having lunch over there and explore Kegbeni Village also known as the gateway of Upper Mustang. Exacting Drive from Kagbeni for 1 hour brings us to Chusangvalley.
Marpha situated at an elevation of 2670 meters. Marpha is famous for its apple orchards and apple products. This large Thakali village exhibits the typical Thak Khola architecture of flat roofs and narrow paved alleys and passageways. It also has a monastery.
Jomsom(2713 m) is more correctly known as Dzongsam or New Fort. It spreads over both the banks of the Kali Gandaki. The towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form an attractive backdrop. Being the district headquarters, it is primarily an administrative and commercial center with government officials and merchants rubbing shoulders with the local inhabitants of the region, known as the Thakalis. From here ride towards the ancient village of Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang
Kagbeni at an altitude of 2800m is a fascinating medieval village with closely packed mud-brick houses, dark alleys and imposing chortens lies along the Around Annapurna Trekking route and is the gateway to Upper Mustang. The village stands in a little green oasis dominated by its red monastery. Though the village has a very medieval look, it can provide all the modern amenities that a traveler requires. This is the only village after Jomsom where there is an internet facility for communication with the outside world. This village also boasts of a Monastery. The monks here are of the yellow hat or the Gelugpa sect and have only recently opened their monastery to visitors with a legitimate entrance fee of Rs 100, which they collect for the maintenance of their school.
Chusang is surrounded by gigantic red, orange and silver gray cliffs spotted with cave dwellings. The village consists of three different hamlets: north of the Narshing river is Tangma, to the south of it is Braga, and west of Braga, towards the Kali Gandaki, River. It is an active farming community.
Overnight at hotel, Chusang
Day 07: Ride Chusang to Lower Ghami (3490m/45kms/5-6hrs)
Difficulty level: 10/10(advanced off-road with river crossings)
Today after the morning dawn, as usual we will have our Breakfast at the hotel, and begins our journey. We are going to Explore old titan village ( old village in the Mustang area ) and Monastery then straight drive to lower ghami . We will get the desert vibes while riding our bike from this place.A hard day of riding, leaving behind Chele, ride in to the hills. You have to cross four passes between Chele to Syanboche which are Taklam La 3624m, Dajori La 3735m, Bhena La 3860m, Yamda La 3860m that’s why the trail is little bit ups and down today. Continue riding the mixed zeep track and steep downhill with some sections of carrying and pushing you will reach Syanboche.you descend to Ghami(the third largest village in the Lo region) which offer inspiring views of Mustang, Annapurna and Nilgiri.
Upon arrival at Ghami check in to the lodge and the rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around the village. (NO Attached Toilet)
Overnight at the guesthouse, Ghami
Day 08: Ride Ghami to Lo-Manthang(3720m/38kms/3hrs)
level: 9.5/10 (advancedoff road)
After breakfast meets by the rest of the team and continue the ride to Lo-Manthang. We will ride throughCharang village today, the only decent size settlement before we reach Lo-manthang.
Lo-Manthang is a medieval walled city on the Tibetan Plateau north of the main Himalayas range. Lo-Manthang served as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Mustang, which survives as the Kingdom of Lo or “Upper Mustang”. Lo Manthang was founded in 1380 by Ame Pal, who oversaw construction of the city wall and many of the still-standing structures in the early 15th century. The monarchy officially ceased to exist on October 7, 2008 by Nepali Government order. The last king (raja or gyelpo) is JigmeDorjePalbarBista (born c. 1933), in the direct line of the historic monarchy dating back 25 generations to 1380. The population includes ethnic Lhobas. upon arrival at Lo-Manthang check in to the lodge and the rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around the kingdom of Lo-Manthang.
The major Temples inside the walls are ChampaLakhang (God House) which houses the massive 45 ft. statue of Maitreva, the future Buddha, The red ThugchenGompa with several large images of Sakyamuni, Avalokitesvara, and Maitreya, and the ChyodiGompa of the Sakya sect which has several monks in residence and is the site of the annual Mani Rimdu festival in many which are referred as ‘tegi’ in Lomanthang. They are all supposed to have been built in 1420. Despite the apparent squalor of Lo Manthang, the city is prosperous and maintains a strong sense of community. Though the people call themselves Lobas- people from Lo, they are very much Tibetan and practice a sophisticated culture and economy.
The King’s palace is an imposing 4 – storied building in the center of the city. It is the home of the present king – JigmeParbalBista. The Honorary title “Bist – a high caste title in Nepali” was conferred by the King of Nepal. Though his duties are largely ceremonial, he is respected by the people and consulted about many issues by villagers throughout Lo.
Ride from Lo-Manthang to neighboring village for the sightseeing tour. However, everyone is required to mount and dismount outside the city gates as only the King may ride a horse within the city walls. After the sightseeing tour, we ride back to the city of Lo, on the way back we can also drive to the Namgyal village and monastery for the sightseeing and then finally back to the lodge.
( NO Attached Toilet )
Overnight at guesthouse, Lo-Manthang
Day 09: Day 09: Korala border visit and explore Lo-Manthang( 4600m/50kms up & down /5hrs)
level: 9.5/10 (advanced off road& wind )
After leisurely breakfast, we get ready for the days adventure. Today we are going to visit one of the most interesting sites Nepal-Tibet border, Kora La (4600m). It will take you about 20 kilometers, one way from Lomanthang. You will get the view of the Himalayas and the valley. Unofficial and local trade, commerce and transit have been already started through this road and the pre-human settlement in this unexplored valley.
The most interesting thing will be we will be riding on a bike back to this beautiful site of Chhoser village. Since it is located near this village of Chhoser and so, famously known as the Caves of Chhoser. Besides these interesting caves, it is also famous for the magnificent landscape and Nymphu monastery built on the cliffs. On our way back we can also visit the Namgyal village and monastery.
The journey begins from the main walled city of Lo-Manthang and descends at the northeast end of the village to the river and then climbs to the other side of the valley. As you leave the walled city behind the landscape and vista slowly changes and become more beautiful and open in the aired high altitude desert. The journey on the motorcycle back will take you through the sparsely scattered settlement and agricultural farmlands and the never-ending horizons of the rolling hills of the southern Tibetan plateau.
As you approach the Chhoser village, you could see numerous caves in the front of the cliff that once use to be the home of the prehistoric Loba’s and the monks. Cross the river and drive a little further towards the village where the horse/horseman will come to a stop. From here it’s time to walk towards the Cave, make sure you carry some money with you as they charge roughly about one thousand (1000) Nepalese rupees. The Cave keeper, usually a monk, will come with the keys to assist the guest who has come to visit the caves. After the caves, we then visit the monastery nearby.
Rest of the day at leisure or free to explore the walled village.
Overnight at guesthouse, Lo-Manthang
Day10:RideLo-ManthangtoSyanboche(3820m/45kms/5hrs)
Difficulty level: 10/10 (advanced off road
After breakfast, we ride back to Syanboche following the same trail. We will stop for a tea break and lunch at a convenient place on the way.
Upon arrival, we check in to the lodge and the rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around the Village.
Overnight at Guest House, Syanboche
Day 11: RideSyanboche to Muktinath(3710m/48kms/5-6hrs)
Difficulty level: 9.5/10 (advanced off-road with river crossings)
After breakfast continues to ride to chusing – Kagbeni from where we would take the route towards Muktinath.
The Muktinath Temple is a sacred place both for Hindus and Buddhists and is located at an altitude of 3,710 meters at the foot of the Thorong La (5416 m Pass), Mustang district, Nepal. The site is close to the village of Ranipauwa, which sometimes mistakenly is called Muktinath as well.
The Hindus call this sacred place MuktiKshetra, which literally means “Place of Salvation”. This temple is considered to be the 105thamong the available 108 Divya Desam. The ancient name of this place, before the Buddhist origin, was known as ThiruSaligramam. In Muktinath-ChumigGyatsa all the elements are represented and for this and reasons unseen, yogis from both religions do their meditation at Muktinath.
For Tibetan Buddhists, Muktinath (ChumigGyatsa) is a place of Dakinis (goddess known as Sky Dancers). It is of great importance for Buddhists asChumigGyatsa is one of the 24 Tantric places.
For Hindus, beside the natural fire representing Brahman and the holy waters, the central meaning of the Muktinath area is veneration of the god Vishnu in the form of ammonites (shilas) called Salagrama – Shilas.
There are many stories which tell of Vishnu turning into stone and all of them are closely connected to the holy Kali Gandaki River. According to contemporary geologists, the Salagrama – silas (found at the banks and river bed of the holy river Kali Gandaki) are fossils of a prehistoric insect. This insect is mentioned in the BhavisyaPurana. Therein, Tulasi, the sacred plant so dear to Vishnu, cursed Vishnu to become a stone during one act of their eternal Lila. Vishnu said, “To fulfill your curse, I will become a stone (Salagrama-Sila) and will always live on the banks of the Gandaki River. The millions of Vajrakita worms that live at that place will adorn those stones with the signs of my chakra by carving them with their sharp teeth”.
Overnight at Hotel, Muktinath
Day12: Ride Muktinath to Tatopani(1200m/77kms/6.5hrs)
Difficulty level: 7/10 (30% off road 70% tarmac)
After breakfast, continue ride to Kagbeni. Upon arrival, we take a short break and also do the paper works and continue to Jomsom(8kms). Take a tea break, have lunch on a suitable place and come down by visiting rupse falls, Dana George and finally go to natural hot spring water located at tato pani for the bath.
Upon arrival at Tatopani check in to guest house and rest of the day at leisure
Overnight at Tatopani
Day 13: Ride from Tatopani to Bandipur (1030m/178Km/6-7hrs)
Difficulty level: 6/10(70% road 30% off road )
It is a pleasant relief to be able to tackle the roughest section of the journey in the early morning. Descend to Beni (25 kilometers). After a quick break, set out following the trail along the river and then after about an hour meet the main highway at Maldhunga and then continue off the metalled road to Pokhara which is reached in about 2 ½ hours and 3-hour ride from Pokhara will take us to Bandipur village.
Bandipur is a picturesque town nestled in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal, a land as famous for its natural beauty as for the hospitality of its people. Bandipur has been described as a natural view tower as one can view the spectacular panorama of the entire Annapurna Range plus the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Langtang from here. Apart from the stunning views of the Himalaya and the Marsyangdi Valley, a visit to the town is an opportunity to get a close look at Newar cultural life.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 14: Ride back to Kathmandu (1310m/148kms/6hrs)
Difficulty level: 6/10 (tarmac)
After breakfast, saddle up and retrace the route riding along the Privthi Highway back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, check into the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel, Kathmandu
Day 15: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the international airport for final departure.
