Classic Nepal Ride

14 days - from $2050

Explore the villages and countryside of rural Nepal on bikes, plus Chitwan N.P.
Famous for its spectacular mountain scenery, Nepal isn't the most obvious destination for relaxed cycling. However, the beauty of this trip is that you can experience the incredible Himalaya without actually riding any huge climbs. Away from busy Kathmandu we head to the foothills of the Mahabarat Mountains, riding through cool pine forests and stopping at fascinating old towns and remote temples en route. We then reach the lowlands of Nepal and weave through picturesque thatched villages where farming traditions have changed little in centuries. Cycling is the ideal way to discover this beautiful area and to meet the friendly villagers. We arrive at Chitwan National Park for a well-earned rest and go in search of rhino on an elephant-back safari. We then head towards Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and explore the Buddha Maya Gardens. Refreshed, we cycle back towards the mighty panorama of the Annapurna Range and the old town of Pokhara.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Kathmandu. 2 Transfer out of Kathmandu then cycle to Bhaktapur and explore temples; cycle past paddy fields and villages to Godawari. 3 Transfer to Bungamati; Ride through the valley and alongside the Chobhar Gorge to Dakshin Kali; visit temple. 4 Ride to Kulekhani Dam then through pine forest to Markhu; afternoon road ride to Daman. 5 Morning visit to nearby monastery on foot;afternoon downhill spectacular ride to Hetauda in the lowlands. 6 Cycle to Sauraha past small villages, paddy fields and sub tropical forests. Overnight in Chitwan. 7 Free day in Chitwan to enjoy canoe trip or elephant safari. 8 Ride past lakes and through forest to Narayanghat; afternoon transfer to Lumbini, Buddha's birthplace. 9 Ride to Bhairahawa; transfer to mediaeval town of Tansen for spectacular Himalayan views. 10 Morning optional ride to Kali Gandaki River followed by ride downhill to Galyang; transfer to Pokhara. 11 Free day to explore charming Pokhara. 12 Morning two-hour trek in surrounding hills; afternoon cycle back to Pokhara via old town. 13 Fly to Kathmandu; afternoon free. 14 End Kathmandu.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 56km (36 miles) No. of days cycling: 8 (plus 1 half day) Vehicle Support: 95% Terrain and route: a fairly remote trip following paved roads or dirt tracks. 70% of the cycling is on surfaced sections. Rides are mostly undulating with some good downhills and occasionally follow roads with sporadic traffic.
Group size: Normally 3 to 16, plus leader and driver.
Accommodation: 8 nights comfortable hotels, 5 nights standard hotels. Services and amenities vary but en suite facilities are provided throughout.
Food: All breakfasts, 9 lunches and 8 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $577.50
Trip Reference: MNN
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Local Bike Hire: Trek 4400 with front suspension GBP150, paid on booking
Trip Reference: MNN