Features
Region: Nepal Himalayas.
Best season: March, April, May—Sep, Oct, Nov.
Highest elevation: 3710 meters.
Rivers: Trishuli, Marshyangdi, Seti, Kali Ghandaki, Rapti, Narayani, etc
Mountains: Fish Tail, Annapurna Ranges, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Dhaulagiri etc.
Riding Gears Recommended
- HELMET
- RIDING JACKET (Water proof recommended)
- RIDING PANTS (Water proof recommended)
- RIDING BOOTS (Water proof recommended)
- GLOVES (Water proof recommended)
- SUN GLASS
- KIDNEY BELT (Optional)
- TANK BAG (Optional)
Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
After breakfast met by the crew and introduction to the Motorcycles. There will be a short briefing about the safety and the proper speed to ride on the roads of Nepal followed by a question and answer session.
After the briefing, everyone will be handed the keys to the motorcycles and taken for a ride around the city to familiarize with the motorcycles.
Later proceed for the sightseeing tour on a motorbike. Today we will be riding to Nagarkot via ancient Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Firstly the road captain will give a short briefing about the safety that is to be followed during the ride in the roads of Nepal. After the briefing start your bike and ride to Nagarkot. Nagarkot is approximately 32 kilometers. Firstly we will be riding to Bhaktapur for the sightseeing. Bhaktapur is approximately 12 kilometers from Kathmandu.
Upon arrival at Bhaktapur park the bike and proceeds for the sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur.
Durbar Square: The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like Lion Gate, the statue of Bhupatindra Malla the Picture Galley, the Golden Gate, The Palace of 55 windows, the Bastille temple and the Bell of barking dogs, etc. The statue of Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. Of the many statues available in Nepal this is considered to be the most magnificent.
The National Art Gallery: Contains ancient and medieval paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist school depicting Tantrics of various period and descriptions.
The Golden Gate: The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main counter of the Palace of 55 windows. Built by King Ranjit Malla, the gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters of marvelous intricacy.
The Palace of 55 Windows: The palace of 55 windows was built in the seventeenth century by King Bhupatindra Malla. Among the brick walls with their gracious settings and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is the masterpiece of wood carving.
Nyatapola Temple: This five storey pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five-terraced platform. On each of the terraces,
squat a pair of figures, two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins, Baghiani, Singini – the tiger and the lion goddesses. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.
After the sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square take lunch at nearby restaurant and later ride to Nagarkot.
Nagarkot is approximately 20 kilometers from Bhaktapur.
Nagarkot is situated in a strategic location; Nagarkot was an ancient fort of the Kathmandu valley to monitor external activities of another kingdom. Later, it became a summer retreat places for the royals before becoming popular as an international hill station. This small hilltop lies on the ridge at an elevation of 2195 meters approximately on the valleys northeast rim overlooking a big chunk of the Western, Central and the Eastern Himalayas, including five of the worlds 10 highest Peaks- Mt. Everest (8848 m), Mt.Lhotse (8516 m) , Mt.Cho-Oyu (8201 m), Mt.Makalu (8463 m), and Mt.Manaslu (8163 m).
Nagarkot also offers one of the best sunrise and sunset over the horizon, late afternoon we go for a jaunt to the vantage point to see the sunset, this beautiful sight will be rewarding after a hard day’s work. Evening at leisure or can explore the vicinity.
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Upon arrival at Nagarkot ride around and later ride back to Kathmandu. We ride back the same road to Kathmandu.
Rest of the evening is free to relax and explore around the city.
Overnight at the Hotel Manaslu or similar
Day 04: Ride Pokhara to Kalopani (approx. 130 Km)
After an early breakfast, leave Pokhara and ride towards Beni (approx. 70 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 Ghandaki 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 Gandiki 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 know as Dhaiku where we have to cross the bridge. After riding approximately for 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 rest of the evening is free to relax or explore around the Kalopani village.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 05: Ride Kalopani to Muktinath via Jomsom (approx. 46 Km)
After an early breakfast, set out on the trail by following the Kali Gandaki River and passing the Thakali and Magar Villages. On the way we will be passing through Kokhethanti village and Tukuche village to get to Jomsom.
Jomsom(2713 m) is more correctly known as Dzongsam or New Fort. It spreads over both the banks of the Kali Ghandaki. 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. Jomsom is the Administrative center of the Mustang region and the gateway to the Annapurna region. A land of mystique, the rugged peaks of the Annapurna, Nilgiri and Dhaulagari gaze down in their awesome splendor at weathered landscapes that contrast with the deep river ravines over noisy riverbeds. Jomsom is a mixture of hard work, social frivolity tempered by culture founded on deep religious traditions. It has the only airport that operates daily scheduled flights to Pokhara in the early mornings before the winds build up.
From here continue ride passing through the village, past the High Altitude Mountain Warfare School of the Royal Nepal Army and through several restaurants, bhattis and a hospital. We pass through the old Jomsom village which boasts of several lodges, restaurants school and government offices. At the end of the village the valley opens wide, take the left side of the trail just after crossing the three ruined chortenand continue on the east bank of the Kali Ghandaki River. After about 20 minutes, arrive at Ekklaibhatti a small village with few lodges. There are two trail here. The left will lead to Kagbeni while the right one leads to Muktinath. We take the right trail and continue to ascend slowly to the settlement of Jharkot, which has a fort “Kot”.
From here, another 15 minutes ride on the desert plateau brings us to Muktinath.
Upon arrival at Muktinath check in to the guest house
Late PM: Visit Muktinath Temple
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 day’s journey is a tough one but the scenic views of the rugged landscape, beautiful cascading waterfalls, orange and apple orchards, scattered roadside villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries all make it ‘One Hell of a Ride”.
Rest of the day is free to relax or explore around the town.
Overnight at the guest house
Kagbeni at an altitude of 2840m 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 Gelukpa 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.
After spending some time at Kagbeni continue ride to Jomsom (approx. 11 Km) but we continue further 5 kilometers Marpha Village.
Marpha at an elevation of 2670 meters.Marpha is famous for its apple orchards and apple products. This large Thakali village exhibits the typical ThakKhola architecture of flat roofs and narrow paved alleys and passageways. It also has a monastery.
Upon arrival check in to the Guest House.
Rest of the day is free to relax or explore the village and the Tibetan Camp.
Overnight at the Guest House
Day 07: Ride Marpha to Tatopani (approx. 50 Km)
After leisurely breakfast retrace the route till Tatopani.
"Tato" means 'hot' and "Pani" means 'water', a name earned courtesy of the hot springs and is a popular place for trekker’s to relax and dip their weary bodies in the natural hot springs.
Upon arrival check in to the Guest House.
Rest of the day enjoy beer at Hot Spring.
Overnight at the Guest House
Day 09: Free Day in Pokhara
Free day to relax or participate in adventure activities in Pokhara.
Optional Activities in Pokhara:
1) PARAGLIDING:
Early morning meet by the representative and board the waiting vehicle and proceed to the Sarangkot (Approx. 8 Km from Lake Side) for paragliding.
Upon arrival at Sarangkot you will be introduced to and briefed about the take-off, flight and landing by your pilot. Preparations will be done in a matter of a few minutes. You will have some extra time to enjoy a wide angle view of the city and Fewa Lake below. Sarangkot happens to be one of the best locations for viewing a sunrise or a sunset and also for testing your camera skills.
After making sure that everything is in order, you will be securely harnessed in with the pilot. Upon getting a signal to go, he will take off and fly you as high as 500m or more from the boarding point.
The flight lasts for about 1 hour, depending upon the wind conditions. As you are gliding, you will have unobstructed and fantastic views of the lakes, monasteries, hills, mountain peaks and many other points of interest. You can vary your paragliding experience between regular calm flights to one with acrobatic surprises. Just tell your pilot your favorite style and he will comply willingly.
The flight concludes when you safely land on the grassy bank of Fewa Lake, on the way to Paame.
After some rest board the waiting vehicle and drive back to the hotel.
2) BOATING AT PHEWA LAKE:
Phewa Tal or Fewa Lake is a lake of Nepal located in the Pokhara Valley near Pokhara and Sarangkot. It is the second largest lake in Nepal and lying at an altitude of 784 m (2,572 ft) it covers an area of about 4.43 km2 (1.7 sq mi) with an average depth of about 8.6 m (28 ft) with maximum water depth is 22.8 m (75 ft) when measured with an echo-sounder on 5 December 2009. Maximum water capacity of the lake is approximately 46,000,000 cubic metres (37,000 acre•ft). Annapurna looms in the distance from the lake and the lake is famous for the reflection of Mount Machapucchre on its surface. The holy Varahi Mandir is situated on an island in the lake.
3) ULTRA LIGHT FLIGHT:
Early morning met by the representative and board the waiting vehicle and drive to airport for the Mountain flight on Ultra-light aircraft. It offers panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu Himalayan range, lakes, villages, spectacular mountains, picturesque landscape etc. Ultra-light aircraft flight was introduced in Nepal in 1996 and has been offering Ultra-light aircraft flight in and around Pokhara city.
Highlights of Ultra-light aircraft are breathtaking bird’s eye view of Pokhara Valley Himalayan range and the surrounding mountains. Basically ultra-light flights are operated in the morning from sunrise till 11am and from 3pm till sunset in the months from September through June. Ultra-light flight is a quiet and peaceful experience without fear, floating comfortably in the clouds. You will fly above the twisty rivers, breathtaking valleys, ancient, culturally rich, diverse villages, dense forests and the Himalayan range.
4) ZIP FLYER:
The officially named Zip-Flyer Nepal is the world's tallest, fastest and the longest zipline in the world located in Sarangkot- one of the most beautiful places in Nepal. It is not just another zipline; it is inclined at 56 degree, 1.8 km in length, 2000ft vertical drop and speeds of over 160kmph making it the most extreme ride in the world.
As you look down, the adrenaline begins to build up and your heart begins to beat faster. The countdown begins…5,4,3,2,1, and you're airborne. Gravity takes care of the ‘go' portion of the ride, a feeling of weightlessness sets in, the wind gushes against your face, as you plunge at speeds of over 160kmph. After a minute of pure adrenaline, and travelling a distance of almost 2km, the ride begins to slow down as you approach the landing. The advanced, magnetic braking system then brings you to a complete stop. During the ride, you'll get to experience the breath-taking views of the Himalaya range and the raging Seti River.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 10: Ride to Chitwan (Approx. 167 Km)
After breakfast meet at the hotel lobby and start ride towards Chitwan (Approx. 167 Kilometers). Retrace the road leading to Kathmandu till Mugling (Approx. 96 Kilometers from Pokhara) and then turn south at the junction where the highway bifurcates and ride to Narayangarh (Approx. 38 Kilometers).
Narayangarh is an important trading centre of the central Nepal. There is a domestic airport (Bharatpur Airport) with connections to Kathmandu and Pokhara, and is the gateway to the nearby Chitwan National Park. It is also a major road link for the eastern and western parts of the country to the capital city of Kathmandu. And also Narayangarh is very famous for "Taas", a spicy fried goat-meat lunch dish served with Bhuja or Cheura (Puffed Rice or Beaten Rice).
Continue ride to Sauraha.
Chitwan National Park, the oldest national park in Nepal is situated in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of South Central Nepal. The park has an area of 932 square kilometers. The park was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1984. The park is just a short detour off the Prithivi Highway.
The name Chitwan means heart of the jungle. In recent years has park has risen meteorically on the lists of the Things to do in Nepal. The park covers a pristine area with a unique ecosystem of significant value to the world. It contains the Churiya hills, ox-bow lakes and flood plains of Rapti, Reu and Narayani rivers. The Sal forests dominate the vegetation of the park. The grasslands form a diverse and complex community with over 50 species, the Sacchurun species, often called elephant grass, can reach 8m in height. The park boasts of more than 43 species of mammals, 45 species of amphibians and reptiles and 450 species of birds in the park. The park is renowned for endangered animals along with many other common species.
Upon arrival at Sauraha in to the hotel.
Late PM: Guest will be taken to wildlife safari on an Elephant to view and photograph wildlife from close quarters. The animals are scattered, elusive and mostly reside in the dense grasslands which grow to a height of 20 ft. the only means of penetrating this dense grassland is by elephants.
Later return back to the hotel.
Rest of the day is free to relax.
Overnight at the Jungle Resort
Day 11: Jungle activities in Chitwan.
Early morning the guests are again taken for a 3 hour wildlife safari on an Elephant to view and photograph wildlife.
In late morning visit the Elephant stables where the resident naturalist highlights the life of the beast. This is an interesting hour with the elephants and the guests get the opportunity of participating and witnessing the rare scene of elephants at bath.
PM: Guests are taken for a drive through the jungles comprising of sal forests and riverine forests and visiting the numerous lakes found inside the National park to view the water birds, Mugger crocodiles and appreciate the flora of the national park. This will be followed by a boat ride on the river to view the endangered fish eating Gharial Crocodiles and many migrant and resident water birds.
After the canoe ride, meet waiting vehicles for the drive to the resort.
Overnight at the Jungle Resort
Day 12: Ride to Kathmandu
After breakfast, set out for the Mahendra highway, turn right and ride on the flat plains of the terai through forested areas and small roadside settlements to arrive at the boom township of Hetauda (77 kms 1 ½ hours). From the main intersection, turn left and continue the ride for another 6 km to arrive at the cross section where the roads to Kathmandu via Daman & Naubise and the road to Kathmandu via Khuleykhani Dam and Pharping. We take the right turn and then ride 12 km to Bhainsay, a small town on the foothills. From here it is a 10 kilometer ride to Bhimphedi where riders are required to pay the toll tax for crossing over the narrow curvy and steep road up to the Kulekhani Dam.
Kulekhani Reservoir is also known as Indra Sarobar and the security guards do not allow people lingering along the dam area. So, a short break for some quickly taken photographs, we continue on the ride to Kathmandu.
Some section of the roads are still under construction and may be a bit difficult to negotiate and tests the driving skills of the riders. However, it is only about 15 kilometers and then the route becomes a more pleasurable ride except for the jeep drivers that tests ones patience with their speed driving and continuous honking of their horns.
This section of the ride provides beautiful scenery of the mountains, rolling forested hills, deep gorges and typical Nepali village scenery. Our arrival at Pharping brings us to the city limits and a 18 kilometer rides brings us to the city center.
Bid farewell to the Road Captain, mechanic and the team and check into the Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel