Kali Gandaki Bike Tours

Trip Duration 12
Max Altitude 3810m at Muktinath
Group Size 2-16
Best Time for Visit Autumn: September – November and Spring: March - April

Trip Overview

Overview

Embark on an exhilarating adventure with Kali Gandaki Bike Tours, an extraordinary trip that promises an unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal. This carefully curated journey also designed for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering an action-packed, two-wheeled exploration through the mesmerizing Kali Gandaki Valley. The tour commences in the bustling city of Pokhara, where participants are warmly welcomed and briefed about the exciting expedition that awaits them. The itinerary also caters to riders of all levels, from seasoned mountain bikers to novices seeking a thrilling challenge. As the wheels start rolling, riders will be captivated by the awe-inspiring panoramas that surround them. The Kali Gandaki Valley, also renowned as the world's deepest gorge, presents a diverse terrain featuring snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and quaint traditional villages. Pedaling through this mystical region, cyclists will encounter unique cultures and interact with friendly locals, adding an enriching cultural dimension to the journey. The adventure reaches its zenith when participants ascend to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site situated at an elevation of 3,710 meters. This spiritually significant destination also offers a profound sense of accomplishment and rewards riders with breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Throughout the expedition, safety also remains paramount, and experienced guides accompany the group, providing assistance and sharing their expertise about the region's ecology, history, and culture. Amidst the challenges and thrills, there are also ample opportunities to relax and relish the serene moments. The tour encompasses well-deserved breaks at charming teahouses, allowing riders to savor authentic Nepalese cuisine and forge unforgettable memories with fellow travelers.

Conclusion and Summary

The Kali Gandaki Bike Tours trip offers a chance to connect with nature, test one's physical limits, and create enduring bonds with like-minded adventurers. As the tour concludes back in Pokhara, participants will depart with hearts full of gratitude, having conquered the terrain and experienced the indomitable spirit of Nepal's enchanting landscape. This extraordinary journey with Kali Gandaki Bike Tours will undoubtedly leave participants yearning for more, forever cherishing the memories of a lifetime.

 Trip Highlight

  • 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

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.

Departures & Availability

The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.

Check Available Dates
Start Date Price Availability

All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.

Price include

1. Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
2. Licensed and trained trekking guides,
3. potters for carrying goods and supplies,
4. Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) basis during the trek
5. 3 Nights Accommodation in the 3/4/5 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed
& Breakfast)
6. All accommodation during the trek.
7. All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
8. Transportation to and from the trail head.
9. All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
10. National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and equipment for the staffs.
11. Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
12. Trekking staffs wages etc.
13. 1 hr. trekker massage after your trek.
14. Welcome and Farewell dinner in a Nepali Cultural Dance restaurant in Kathmandu.
15. Flight Ticket Kathmandu to Lukla to Kathmandu
16. Trekking Staff Insurance of $10,000 Per Person.
17. Trekking Map, T-shirt, and Trekking certificate.
18. Exclusive of Medical Kit Bag
19. All Government and Local Taxes
20. International Flight ticket re-confirmation.
21. Meals will be Start when your Trek starts.

Price Excludes

1. International Airfares,
2. Travel/Trekking Insurance,
3. Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and handbag more than 5 kg in
domestic flights.
4. Visa fees.
5. Airport Departure Taxes.
6. Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
7. Tips for The staffs.
8. Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
9. Meals during stay in the Kathmandu and Pokhara.
10. Domestic Ticket Etc.
11. Extra Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Gears And Equipment

The Kali Gandaki Bike Tour offers a thrilling adventure through one of the most scenic and culturally rich regions of Nepal. Here’s detailed trip information for a biking tour along the Kali Gandaki River:

Duration: The duration of the Kali Gandaki Bike Tour typically ranges from 7 to 10 days, depending on the specific itinerary and stops along the route.

Route: The tour follows the Kali Gandaki River Valley, starting from either Pokhara or Beni and ending at the picturesque town of Jomsom or even further north to Muktinath or Kagbeni. The route passes through a variety of landscapes, including lush forests, terraced hillsides, charming villages, and dramatic gorges.

Difficulty Level: The Kali Gandaki Bike Tour is suitable for intermediate to advanced cyclists due to the challenging terrain and altitude. Riders should be comfortable biking on rough trails, gravel roads, and occasional steep ascents and descents.

Highlights:

  1. Scenic Beauty: The Kali Gandaki Valley is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, with towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and sweeping vistas at every turn. Cyclists will have the opportunity to ride amidst the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, with views of snow-capped peaks and deep gorges.
  2. Cultural Immersion: Along the route, cyclists will encounter traditional Nepali villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups such as Gurungs, Thakalis, and Magars. These villages offer insights into local culture, customs, and daily life, with opportunities to interact with friendly locals and experience authentic hospitality.
  3. Historical Sites: The Kali Gandaki Valley is dotted with ancient temples, monasteries, and archaeological sites that reflect the region’s rich history and religious heritage. Highlights include the Buddhist stupas of Marpha and Tukuche, as well as the sacred Hindu temple of Muktinath.
  4. Challenging Terrain: The tour includes a mix of terrain, from smooth dirt roads to rocky trails and river crossings. Cyclists will navigate through narrow gorges, suspension bridges, and high mountain passes, providing an exhilarating and adventurous experience.
  5. Local Cuisine: Riders will have the opportunity to sample delicious local cuisine along the route, including traditional dishes such as dal bhat (lentils and rice), momos (dumplings), and thukpa (noodle soup). Food stops at teahouses and local eateries offer a taste of authentic Nepali flavors.
  6. Support Services: Experienced guides and support staff accompany the tour, providing logistical assistance, route guidance, and vehicle support as needed. Accommodations are typically arranged at teahouses or guesthouses along the route, offering basic amenities and a comfortable place to rest after a day of cycling.

Recommended Packing List:

  1. High-quality mountain bike or hybrid bike suitable for off-road riding
  2. Helmet, gloves, and other protective gear
  3. Cycling clothing suitable for varying weather conditions
  4. Sturdy shoes suitable for biking and walking
  5. Hydration pack or water bottles
  6. Snacks and energy bars for on-the-go fuel
  7. Basic bike repair kit and spare parts
  8. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sunhat
  9. Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
  10. Personal toiletries and medications

Safety Precautions:

  1. Cyclists should be aware of altitude-related risks and acclimatize gradually to avoid altitude sickness.
  2. It’s important to stay hydrated and well-nourished during the tour, especially at higher elevations.
  3. Follow the instructions of guides and support staff, and adhere to safety guidelines while riding.
  4. Respect local customs, wildlife, and natural surroundings, and minimize environmental impact.

Overall, the Kali Gandaki Bike Tour promises an unforgettable adventure through stunning landscapes, rich culture, and challenging terrain, providing cyclists with an immersive and rewarding experience in the heart of the Himalayas.

FAQS

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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

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