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Annapurna Tilicho Lakes Mountain Bike

 

Tilicho lakes cycle tour

 

The Tilicho Lakes 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.

cycle tilicho lakes

 

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".  Overnight 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. Overnight 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.  Overnight 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. Overnight 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. Overnight 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. Overnight 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. Overnight 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. Overnight 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. Overnight 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. Overnight 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. Overnight 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. Overnight 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.  Overnight 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 overnight at Hotel. (BD)

 

Day 22: Fly back

After breakfast, we transfer you back to the airport for your onward departure flights.

 

End of services

 

annapurna tilicho lakes

 

Dates/Prices

 

Dates are arranged to suit you with no set fixed departures. We can accommodate you at any time of year.

 

Please email us for current prices

 

Included Services:

1.       Airport pickup / drop, and all other transfers by private vehicle

2.       Five star Hotel de l’ Annapurna in Kathmandu (twin sharing, including breakfast)

3.       Kathmandu sightseeing tour (including guide, private transfers and entrance fees)

4.       National park permit

5.       TIMS permit

6.       Accommodation in lodges while biking

7.       Everyday meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) while biking

8.       Experienced mountain bike guide, helpers/porters (including their daily wages and necessary expenses)

9.       Fish Tail Lodge in Pokhara (twin sharing, including breakfast)

10.   Flight: Pokhara – Kathmandu

11.   Welcome Dinner with live Nepali cultural program in Kathmandu

12.   Duffel Bag

13.   Farewell dinner  at Rumdoodles

 

Excluded Services:

1.       Dinner while staying on hotels or lodges

2.       Mountain bikes, spares

3.       Items of a personal nature, mineral water, and other bottled drinks like beer etc

4.       Mandatory personal medical and travel insurance

5.       Extra services if required

6.       Tips, baggage and porterage

7.       Nepal Visa fee

8.       Airport Taxes of $25 per flight

tilicho

 

Photo's

   

 

tilicho tal

tilicho circuit

nepal mountain bike

tilicho mountain bike

       

 

From Dig Karka

Up Mera La

Heading for summit

 

 

Grade - 3c FP

 

Very long days with steep paths, boulders , rock and ice. Glaciers and snow will be encountered at high altitude. Increased presence of rocky glacial moraines and ice ridges. Climb entails some technical sections where ropes, crampons and ice picks may be needed. No prior Technical experience is helpful but not required. Snow gullies and ridges of around 45 degrees. Altitudes up to 6000m. High risk of altitude sickness.

 

Good cardio vascular fitness is needed with weight and circuit training and running. Lots of hill walking. Backpacks will weight about 4-5kg and contain water, camera and essentials. Trek weight loss in the region of 4kg.

 

Fully Portered

 

 

Nepal Visa Requirement

 

Entry
Tourist entry visas can be obtained for the following duration from Nepal Embassy/ Consulate or Mission offices abroad, or at the following entry points in Nepal:

 

Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)
 

Tourist Visa Fees

Multiple entry 30 days US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency

Tourist Visa Extension

Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day
 Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).
 

Indian nationals do not require visa to enter into Nepal.

Transit Visa

Transit visa for one day can be obtained from Nepal's immigration offices at the entry points upon the production of departure flight ticket via Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal, by paying US $ 5 or equivalent convertible currency.

 

Nepal Tours

Pokhara Jungle Safari

- 10 Days, 9 Nights

Poon Hill

- 10 Days, 9 Nights

Annapurna Trekking

- 15 Days, 14 Nights

Everest Base Camp

- 17 Days, 16 Nights

Everest via Goyko Lakes

- 24 Days, 23 Nights

Dhaulagiri Trekking

- 21 Days, 20 Nights

Island Peak Everest Base 20 Day

- 21 Days, 20 Nights

Island Peak 16 Day

- 16 Days, 15 Nights

Ice Col Trekking

- 30 Days, 29 Nights

Mera Peak Trek

- 21 Days, 20 Nights

Tilicho Lakes Mountain Biking

- 22 Days, 21 Nights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annapurna Mountain Bike Overview

Trip Duration

22 Days, 21 Nights

Altitude

5,416m

Destination

Nepal

Activities

Mountain Bike, Trekking

Travel times

All year

Best Seasons

April to October

Minimum Numbers

1

Accommodation

Tents

 

 

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