ANNAPURNA TILICHO LAKES MOUNTAIN BIKE
This mountain bike tour takes you into some of the truly remote regions of the
Annapurna Himal.
We start
biking from lowland paddy fields, steadily gaining altitude as we
pass through oak and pine forests that eventually give way to the
high desert country at Manang (3579m). Strenuous biking is well
rewarded at both low and high altitudes, on the approach to the
Thorung La (5380m) as well as during the descent from it.
Note that this tour includes a “rideable rating,” e.g. if a route is 80% rideable it means
that 20% of the time you will be pushing or carrying your bike.
ITINERARY:
Day
01:
Arrive Kathmandu overnight at the Hotel
Day02:
Guided Sightseeing in Kathmandu and some preparations for the climb.
Day 03: Drive: Kathmandu / Besishar (760m) /
Khundi (790m)
After breakfast, we drive via Besisahar to Khundi by
our private vehicle. This can take up to seven hours. Your adventure
vacation truly starts the moment you reach Khundi. We stay overnight in
local Lodge. (BLD)
Day 04: Khudi / Bhaunadanda (1310m)
Total Cycle: 19km, 4 hrs
The changes in the valley's ecosystem and its
physical characteristics quickly become evident. The incredible
Himalchuli summit rises to the the east. After crossing the river, we
head to the east bank and pass through the village of Bhulbhule and then
head north to Ngadi at 930m asl. We then continue to the ridge top
settlement of Bahundanda at 1311m. The name of this village literally
means "Brahmin Hill". Lodge. (BLD)
Day 05: Bhaunadanda / Tal (1700m)
Total Cycle: 12km, 600hm, Rideable 45%, Time: 6 hrs
We descend to the valley floor and then, after
crossing the river, we climb steeply up a ridge to follow a trail which
has been carved out of the rock wall of the valley. We pass through
Khani Gaoon and Ghermu until we reach Sangye. From here, we continue
along the West Bank of the Marsyangdi River through the village of Jagat
to Chamje where we will cross the river to its eastern bank to enter the
Manang District at the village of Tal.
As we head up river, we will begin to notice the
changes in the people as well as the land, architecture and culture.
You will notice that there is a concentration of people of Tibetan
origin, their houses are built of rock, the vegetation is less tropical
and the culture is predominantly Tibetan. Lodge. (BLD)
Day 06:
Tal / Chame (2670m)
Total Cycle: 21.8km, 985hm, Rideable 60%, Time: 7 hrs
The trail from Tal crosses the Marsyangdi Khola to
its West Bank after the village of Karte and continues towards the
village of Dharapani. From Dharapani we continue up the river valley
past the Gurung village of Thonje to the village of Bagarchap. Bagarchap
means "Butcher's place". Continuing along the left bank, we climb up the
heavily wooded Manang Valley past small settlements with excellent views
of Manaslu and the peaks above Larkya La. We stay at the village of
Chame, administrative headquarters of the region and the last major
market before Jomsom. Chame also has a police check post and bank.
Lodge. (BLD)
Day 07: Chame / Pisang (3300m)
Total Cycle: 16.4km, 600hm, Rideable 48%, Time: 6 hrs
From Chame the trail condition changes, somewhat. The
ccontinuing trail is not as well maintained as the one up to Chame. We
pass through pine forests, over fairly level ground, through the village
of Taleku to Bhratang. Like all villages since Dharapani these
predominantly Buddhist villages have an entrance chorten and an exit
chorten. Annapurna II can be seen to the south and you are now behind
the main Himalaya peaks in their rainshadow area. After crossing a
series of wooden cantilever bridges we enter a spruce and fir forest
that eventually gives way to a pine forest. After days in the gorge the
forests provide a welcome change. Crossing the river to its left bank we
reach at the village of Pisang. You may want to visit the village before
dinner. Lodge. (BLD)
Day 08: Pisang / Manang (3540m)
Total Cycle: 17.2km, 400hm, Rideable 95%, Time: 5 hrs
We are now in the dry arid region of Manang called
Nyesyang. Since this area falls in the rainshadow area of the Himalaya
it seldom rains in the summer months, though it snows in the winter and
the snow remains on the gorund for a long time. The population is
mostly farmers and traders. People in this area keep comparatively less
domestic animals and the consumption of meat is very limited
There are two routes leading leading out of Pisang
towards the Manang valley. The one we will follow keeps to valley
floor, on the left bank. Spectacular views of Annapurna III and IV
along with Gangapuran and Tilicho peaks abound. This is possibly the
best day for viewing mountains. You will pass through the village of
Hongde where there is a STOL airfield servicing the Manang district.
Lodge. (BLD)
Day 09: Manang / Khangsar (3,750m)
Total Cycle: unrecorded, Rideable 50%, Time: 5 hrs
Today we will take a side trip towards Tilicho Lake.
The route is rarely used by bikers. The terrain is difficult but is
exquisitely beautiful. Lodge. (BLD)
Day 10: Khangsar / Tilicho Lake Base Camp
(4,200m)
Total Cycle: unrecorded, Rideable 55%, Time: 4 hrs
Today we head along a single-track past Khangsar
which will take us to the Tilicho Base Camp, surrounded by high snowy
peaks. This section of the trail is narrow and requires careful
concentration. Lodge. (BLD)
Day 11: Early morning ride to the Tilicho
Lake and back to Khangsar (3,750m)
Rideable 40%,
The adventure never stops as today, we cross the
5000m altitude barrier. We ride up the rocky terrain and seemingly
endless snow rampstoward the magical Tilicho Lake and then head back to
Khangsar for overnight stay. Lodge. (BLD)
Day 12: Khangsar / Manang (3540m)
Total Cycle: unrecorded, Rideable 50%, Time: 4 hrs
We follow the same route back to Manang except.
Overnight Lodge. (BLD)
Day 13: Continue to Letdar (4200m)
After Manang, the trail climbs steeply to the village
of Tenki, which is the last permanent settlement, this side of the
Thorung La. We climb a little further and then contour slowly past
various pastures to Yak Kharka (literally meaning Yak Pastures) to stay
at Letdar. Lodge. (BLD)
Day 14: Letdar / Thorung Phedi (4450m)
Total Cycle: 19km, 910hm, Rideable 75%,
Today we continue through the, which eventually give
way to a high arid desert at Phedi, at the base of Thorung La. Lodge. (BLD)
Day 15: Cross Thorung La (5416m), Continue to
Muktinath (3800m)
Total Cycle: 22.4km, 966hm, Rideable 60%,
After leaving the river valley we set out early in
the morning provided the weather is good and it is not snowing. From
Phedi we ascend to an outcrop and the turn left towards Thorung La. A
chain of rocks marks the pass. Beyond the pass you enter the river
valley of the Kali Gandaki River. The descent from the pass to Muktinath
is steep but not difficult.
Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage site to both Hindus
and Buddhists who flock there annually for their respective festivals.
A rest day here allows you the opportunity to explore the area and the
ancient shrines. Of particular interest is the temple of the Hindu God
Vishnu and the one hundred and eight waterspouts where devotees bathe.
From Muktinath there are beautiful views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m).
Overnight Lodge. (BLD)
Day 16: Muktinath to Jomsom (2710m)
Total Cycle: 25.6km, Rideable 95%,
We cycle along a level but rocky trail through
juniper thickets to Jomosom. In the late afternoon it gets very windy
and so face masks are required. Take care to guard your eyes and cover
as much of your skin surface as possible. Lodge. (BLD)
Day 17: Jomsom / Kalopani (2530m)
Total Cycle: 26.2km, Rideable 90%, Time: 7 hrs
We cycle by the side of the Kali Gandaki river
passing through the villages of Thakali, Marpha, Tukuche and Larjung.
Then it is easy riding from here on in as they have built a jeep track
to Kalopani. This is a beautiful village right below the base of
Dhaulagiri mountain. The place is ideal to see panoramic views of the
mountains including Nilgiri peaks and Annapurna I. Lodge. (BLD)
Day 18: Kalopani / Tatopani (1190m)
Total Cycle: 24.4km, Rideable 75%, Time: 6 hrs
We enjoy the downhill before negotiating a technical
section. We ride past a suspension bridge and continue through the dense
pine forests. When we reach Ghasa there are some really good lodges. The
trail ahead is steep until the Ruptse stream. Though it is early, we
stop for a relaxing lunch and enjoy the scenery knowing that the trail
ahead is much easier. We ride past the Dana village and after seemingly
endless ricefields finally reach Tatopani. It is a small town at the
north bank of Kali Gandaki River, famous for the hot springs and of
course cold beer if you like. Lodge. (BLD)
Day 19: Bike until Beni Baazar ( 830m).
Drive to Pokhara (79km)
Total Cycle: 24km, , 90% ride-able
The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River through the
world's deepest gorge to reach Beni. This is a fun day, with an
excellent trail and a section of new road. Beni is the headquarters of
Parbat District and has many shops and hotels. From here we take a bus
for the 78km to Pokhara. Overnight Lodge. (BLD)
Day 20: Fly to Kathmandu (1310m)
After breakfast, we will return to Kathmandu (just
half an hour). Our bikes will be sent back by jeep. Overnight Hotel. (B)
Day 21: Kathmandu. Free day for shopping,
etc
On the remaining time you can relax, shop or go
sightseeing. Evening we invite you on a farewell dinner at Rum Doodle
Bar. Stay at Hotel. (BD)
Day 22: Fly back
After breakfast, we transfer you back to the airport
for your onward departure flights.
Prices available on request with excellent discounts for large groups.
E-mail us via the link
image above
| 
