Kaligandaki Valley Biking Tour

Trip Duration 13 nights/14 days
Trip Code NAP-MBT -001
Trip Grade Easy to Moderate
Trip Cost Prices on request
Best Time Autumn: September – November and Spring: March - April

Overview

Kaligandaki valley biking tour design for mountain biker’s those who have interest and energetic physical conditions to ride the biking over the high Himalayan. Muktinath is the most sacred Hindu site in Nepal after the temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu which lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18-kms northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3810 meter. Muktinath, a holly shrine for eternal peace and salvation is an ultimate destination to all Hindus and Buddhists for their Mokshya or salvation. It is said in the Vishnu Puran that even Lord Bishnu had visited Muktuchhetra to get rid from the curse of Brinda. It is believed that one who pilgrimage Muktinath once in his or her life will not go for the rigorous cycle of re-birth. There are two ways to get to Muktinath from either take a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for 7-8 hours from Jomsom or trek all the way from Pokhara through Kali-Gandaki valley, which takes 7/8 days.

The bike ride trek to Muktinath is covered with glittering snow peaks like Nilgiri, Tukche and Muktinath, the famous shrine of Hindus. The lower Mustang region surrounding Jomsom, Kagbeni and Muktinath is characterized by alpine plateau landscape similar to the rugged Tibetan topography. The people of the lower Mustang region are of Tibetan ethnicity and the trek up the Kali Gandaki River across desert like mountain gorges provides an experience of a lifetime. From Muktinath descending to your treks to Jomsom and bike ahead reach Kalopani after several ups and downs through Marpha and next day you reach Tatopani, and you can relax and stretch your tried legs in the hot springs here. You will come to a junction of two routes from here; one route leads you to Beni Bazzar and another to Ghorepani. Those with shorter time limits can go Pokhara form Tatopni. Those who want to make longer biking can go via Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Nayapul and finally drive to Pokhara. The day is usually consists of 4 to 5 hours of horse riding or walking.

Highlights

  • Culture, historical, heritage sites & ancient temple of city in Kathmandu
  • Pokhara city of Beautiful scenery of mountains & Rivers
  • Scenic mountain flight to Jomsom
  • Unique biking adventure in Kaligandaki valley
  • Explore beautiful Kagbeni village
  • Pilgrimage Muktinath where god has got the salvation & Living place of god Bishnu, The place of Salagram
  • A great photographic site showing whole Annapurna, Dhaulagiri ranges
  • Traditional Magar village, Thakali, Gurungs and Magar cultures to explore
  • Natural hot spring
  • Day rafting adventure in Trisuli River
  • Wildlife activities in natural heritage sites of Chitwan National Park

Trip Summary

Trip Grade Easy to Moderate
Trip Duration 13 nights/14 days
Trip code NAP-MBT -001
Trip Start/Ends Kathmandu-Pokhara-Jomsom-Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude Muktinath (3810m)
Trip Cost Prices on request
Group Size Minimum 2 upto 16 persons in one group
Accessibillity Drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu and Bikingadventureas per the itinerary
The Route Maximum altitude (3810m) Muktinath (3810m), 4/5-hrs average riding the bike per day in easy trail.
Season Autumn: September – November and Spring: March - April
Trip Facilities 3+ hotel in city on B/B and best available teahouse/lodge on mountain

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given in the evening at hotel about the daily program activities by your Group Leader/Guide.

After breakfast the day will start with a guided tour of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual key attractions; including the historic Kathmndu Durbar Square, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and then finally visit to Patan Durbar square which is situated the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. In the evening there will be pre-trip discussion where you can meet your group leader/guide then you can ask any questions you may have.

This day after breakfast being ealy in the morning before 7:00 AM. This morning you will be drive to Pokhara (200km), departure at 7:00 AM in the morning, approximately 6/7 hrs away by tourist bus. You will be arriving late afternoon at Pokhara approximately 2:00 O’clock. From the Pokhara valley you can see one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The Annapurna and famous "Fishtail" mountain peak of Machhapuchhare tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara and you spend there will be the scenic highlight of your trip. You're free in Pokhara valley also called "Magic Land" or Dreamland" of Nepal, to explore the various interesting place as your own like boating in Fewa lake over looking the region of Annapurna range of Himalayas.

Pokhara we fly to Jomsom the district headquarters of Mustang. From Jomsom bike ride along the banks of the Kali Gandaki.En-route you find farming terraces, apple orchard, monasteries, Chortens, Mani walls and prayer flags. You can enjoy the spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche peak and many other unnamed peaks and mountains. Your biking trail again passes through the bank of Kali Gandaki passing through the Eklebhatti. The trail is windy after late morning. The river flows through broader course. Finally you reach Kagbeni following flat path. This is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung. Here you find monastery, apple orchard, Chortens, Mani walls, prayer flags and farming terraces. From here Upper Mustang begins and it is known as restricted area for trekking. The trekkers need to receive special permit to trek in this area.

Bike ride from Kagbeni to Muktinath takes about 4 hours. The trail steeply ascends for couple of hundred meters. Gradually bike riding you can enjoy beautiful deserted landscape, caves, old Tibetan style villages, apple garden, yaks herds, sheep herds and so on. You can look at Thorong-La valley straight up to the Muktinath.

This day you can excursion around the main attraction of Muktinath such as; Kunda: In front of Muktinath temple there are 2 Kunda (Lake), where holy dip is believed it can wash away negative karma, the results of one's past negative actions. Muktidhara: Around the temple is a wall from the temple which there is 108 waterspouts (Dhara). The 108 faucets in the cast in the shape of bulls' heads pour fourth-sacred water closely arranged in a semi-circle with a gap of hardly a foot between the faucets, at a height of seven feet. Pilgrims who visit the temple take a holy bath in each of these spouts. But as the water is ice cold it requires burning desire and courage to take a holy bath here. Hindu devotees take bath under chilled water of 108 waterspouts “Muktidhara” believing that it brings them salvation. It is also believed that the deity was originated from Jumla, far western part of Nepal. It has helped to make this area as center of Tourist attraction. In Janai Purnima Buddhist’s Yar tang Mala celebrated here. Jwalamai Temple: Even more sacred is the water that issues from rock inside the ancient Tibetan style “Jwala Mai Temple” sound of flowing river is situated south and a short distance below the of Muktinath Temple. Inside this Gompa, behind a tattered curtain, are small natural gas jest that produce Continuously burning flame, the Jwala Mai temple has a spring and there are three eternal flames “Holy flame from soil”, “Holy flame from rock” and “Holy flame from water” fed by natural gas. Currently two flames are continuously burning. The Hindu believes that this miracle of fire lighting was offering made by Brahma himself, set water on fire. Hindus worship the fire as Jwala Mai. The Buddhist believes that Padmasambhav, the great Indian master who inducted Tantric Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet, meditated at this place. The Buddhist living will show foot prints which they say are those of the great master. Mharme Lha Khang Gompa: After completing prayer and Puja at the temple a visit to Mharme Lha Khang Gomba is situated to the North of Muktinath Temple.

Mharme Lha Khang is translates as thousand holy lamps. As this monastery dedicated to Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) with his huge clay image is placed center of altar along with bon deities: red Trakpo at right side and blue singe Doma at left side. Since Singe doma is lion headed deity, Hindu worships as Narasimha and name of monastry Narsingh Gompa. Gomba Samba, a "Newly Built Monastery". It is believed that founder of this monastery Syandol Lama came from Tibet. Originally this monastery was a big hostel for monks that later collapsed and people of Khinga and Jharkot jointly reconstructed it. The main deities’ monasteries are Sakyamuni, Chingresig and Guru Rimpoche. The monastery is situated at left from entrance gate of Muktinath temple complex, would be worth it. Swaminarayan: One Hindu Guru connected to Muktinath is Lord Shri Swaminarayan, Satguru of Sabij Yoga, the goal of which is the realization of and service to God Supreme. At the end of the 18th century this Satguru practiced severe penance in Muktinath for two and a half months and attained the highest degree of proficiency in Nishkamvrat. In 2003 his followers funded the new wall around Muktinath and raised a small monument for him at Muktinath. Shaligram: Another attraction for the pilgrimage is the River kali Gandaki from where one can collect fossils of the Jurassic park age. One may find a fossil within a few minutes or it may take hours and without success. However, these fossils can be had from the local people at a price. Shaligram, a black stone fossil if found, is considered sacred and is kept in Puja (Prayer) room in the house. It is supposed to be symbol of Lord Vishnu.

Ride back the same trail till Jomsom to summon more pleasure on the same route. Biking towards Kalopani alongside the Kali Gandaki River will surely be thrilling. We notice gradually more pine forest observing us through our journey. After noon certain part of Jomsom gets windy, occasionally very windy. Kalopani is a small serene village wherein we will be resting in a very comfortable hotel.

From Kalopani an hour ride we will have passed Ghasa and next stopover will be at the Rukche Chahara, a beautiful waterfall a perfect spot for a short break. After 2 more hours of ride passing through Dana we will reach to our much awaited destination, Tatopani.

From Tatopni we continue ride on the off road, pass a small village 'Tiplang' and in about half an hour ride reach Galeshwor and continue up and down track to reach the major town of the area, Beni. We take our lunch and catch a bus and drive back to Pokhara.

You will proceed to your rafting destination on tenth day, i.e., to rafting starting point of Trisuli river. You will enjoy whitewater rafting in Trisuli River along with lunch by its side. Later that day, you drive to Chitwan to enjoy the flora and fauna of Chitwan National Park, the oldest national park in Nepal which is situated in subtropical inner Terai lowlands of South Central Nepal. In Chitwan enjoy elephant back safari, canoeing elephant ride and breeding centre visit, bird watching and see wild animals like rhinos, peacocks, crocodiles, deer’s etc. You will visit deep in the national park on elephant back. You will see one-horned rhinoceros, several types of deer, monkeys, wild boar, bison, sloth bear, leopard and, if lucky, the Royal Bengal tiger. After 2-3-hours of elephant safari, you can enjoy canoeing river. Later in the evening, you will enjoy Tharu cultural program. The next day, you will finish your tea/coffee rather fast because you will be going for bird watching. You can have the most thrilling and exciting wildlife experience of your lifetime in Chitwan National Park. You will be back to Kathmandu the same day.

This full day at leisure to rest, relax or explore the local area in Kathmandu or do a bit of last minute shopping. You also have the option of doing some sight-seeing. Evening will have farewell meeting & dinner at Nepali typical restaurant.

After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport for your final departure.

Cost Included

  • Fee: Park entrance permit
  • Activities: Sightseeing and biking trip as per the itinerary.
  • Accommodation: 3 night’s hotel in Kathmandu, 1 night hotel in Nagarkot and 2 nights in Dhulikhel on twin sharing bedroom.
  • Food: 6 breakfast only
  • Staffs: Biking Guide (Assistance guide group above 6 passengers)
  • Transportation: Airport arrival and departure transfer.
  • Company and Government’s service charge: All applicable Government taxes and official service charges. And Crew’s, daily wages/salary, food, equipment, air and road-head transportation

Cost Excluded

  • Travel insurance covering with emergency Helicopter rescue
  • Personal bike and biking equipments
  • All lunch and dinner
  • Bar bills and beverages
  • Sherpa Porter or pack animal, if necessary to hire for carrying baggage
  • Tips/Gratuities for your crews
  • Temple and Monastery entrance fees
  • Optional activities
  • And unforeseen expenses which are out of control by Nepal Adventure Point

Trip Notes

Please request our Trip Note advice and detailed itinerary.

Write Review

Start Your review
Rate Now
(120 character minimum)