Jomsom Muktinath Mountain Biking Tour - 10 Days
The Jomsom Muktinath mountain biking tour is one of popular adventure tours in Nepal. Jomsom is in the heart of the Himalaya and offers some spectacular trails for mountain bikers. Peddle up between the Nilgiri Massifs to one of the holiest temples in Nepal, Muktinath at the foot of the mighty Thorung La Pass (5416m) on route from the Annapurna Circuit trek. From here there are many options for some amazing single track and downhill riding along the beautiful Kaligandaki River, one of the deepest gorges in the world, past ancient monasteries and traditional villages. Bump along on cobble paths and get your feet wet in ice fed streams. This is surely one of the most spectacular short mountains biking holidays in the world.
ITINERARY:
DAY 01 ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
We will arrange pick for you at the airport in Kathmandu and transfer you to the hotel. Time in the afternoon for exploring the town and then we will have a traditional welcome dinner. Overnight at Hotel
DAY 02 BACK ROADS AND TRAILS OF KATHMANDU
Join us on a warm up ride exploring some of the best trails in the Kathmandu Valley; test your bikes and your gear to make sure everything is ready for the journey ahead. In 3 to 4 hours of riding we will cover around 40km at a steady pace exploring the rural parts of the valley, single tracks and sightseeing at some temples and return to Thamel for lunch, last minute bike adjustments and shopping for the trip. Overnight at Hotel
DAY 03 DRIVE TO POKHARA (850M)
Guide will arrive at your hotel at 6:30 am to pick you up to tourist bus station for journey to Pokhara. Normally bus leave at 7:00 am from Kantipath and it takes about 7 hours from Kathmandu. Today, you can take a breakfast in your hotel that you order earlier night or request to manage packing breakfast that you eat in bus journey because on the way we are not stopping for breakfast as well not available good breakfast but we stop for a lunch so try to eat Nepalese food (Dal Bhat). Afternoon you arrive in Pokhara then check in your hotel and refresh and look around lakeside. Pokhara is a beautiful valley, with panoramic views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. The town of Pokhara is set on the banks of the Phewa Lake. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu providing the perfect starting point for our trek. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 04 POKHARA TO KAGBENI – Riding Distance 14km. Altitude 2800m
Wake up for sunrise and hopefully catch a glimpse of the mountains before we head to the airport. It’s about a 22 min flight to Jomsom, above the Pokhara valley and deep into the heart of the Himalaya, take a peek out of the window for fantastic views of Dhawalagiri and beyond. The flight is simply breathtaking as the plane’s wingtips almost touch the snow capped peaks, fly right between the Himalayan giants and you feel your adventure has really begun as the small plane banks left and touches down in Jomsom. In Jomsom, we have breakfast and spend some time getting the bikes ready for the journey. Enjoy an easy acclimatization ride of 14km to the beautiful Tibetan village of Kagbeni. The road is mostly flat and traces the Kaligandaki River right up to the boundary of Upper Mustang. Stay overnight in Red House, one of the oldest Inns in the region. Overnight at Teahouse
DAY 05 KAGBENI TO MUKTINATH – Riding Distance 18km. Altitude 3760 meters
Get up early to see the sunrise and have breakfast. Today we cycle uphill for the most part. Leaving behind the beautiful village of Kagbeni, warm up your legs and start to climb. We follow the trail on the north side of the gorge and climb up on a dusty jeep track towards the foreboding Throng La Pass. We stop and explore the ancient monastery at Jhong and have some lunch basking in the sunshine and enjoying the mountain Views. The final push after lunch is short and we should arrive in Muktinath mid afternoon. Spend some time here exploring the Monastery and Temples, two of the holiest in Nepal. Stay overnight and enjoy the local culture of this bustling town. Overnight at teahouse
DAY 06 MUKTHINATH TO TUKUCHE – Riding Distance 32 km. Altitude 2560 meters
Our day kicks off with some brilliant downhill and after yesterdays challenge, you will welcome fun jeep tracks and trails with a mostly downhill gradient! We have to start early as the wind gets up after 11 am making riding a bit more challenging. Chill out on this section and enjoy the views. For experienced riders there are single track options. Savor the moment as you whizz past trekkers, the Himalayan wind in your face and miles of downhill before your wheels. Once in the river Valley it’s a 6km flat stretch to Jomsom followed by undulating trails along the river to Marpha. In the wind this can be a bit tough riding, but stop and enjoy the views along the way. Take lunch in the beautiful and ancient town of Marpha famous for growing apples and making apple brandy! The trail rolls into Tukuche, a lovely old village on the river side. Take some time to explore the cobbled lanes and explore the Thakali culture. We stay overnight in the well furbished German Bakery. Apple Brandy is a local product and a good after dinner night cap to relax your mind and body after the days ride. Overnight at teahouse
DAY 07 TUKUCHE TO TATOPANI – Riding Distance 36 km. Altitude 1190 meters
Again we are going downhill today. The trail starts out gentle and flat and winds in and out of the valley sides, through pine forests and small villages. Following the river, there are good views of the snow capped peaks. Stop at the lush waterfalls at Rukse Chaahara for lunch. After here the speed picks up as the trail drops some 1000 meters with sweeping curves and plunges, rocky sections and bumps that you will love. Arrive in Tatopani the cobble lined village famous for its rejuvenating Hot Springs. Once in Tatopani you can enjoy a soothing bath in the Hot Springs and perhaps a local massage will not go astray, or a cold beer for that matter! Overnight at teahouse
DAY 08 TATOPANI TO BENI AND BACK TO POKHARA
A ride of around 25 km on open jeep track, flat for the most part but a few up and down hills as we leave behind the Annapurna Region. From Beni we transfer by jeep back to Pokhara for a well earned rest and perhaps a beer, a good meal and some fun times out and about! Overnight at hotel
DAY 09 TRANSFER TO KATHMANDU
Flight or drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Check into the hotel and have an afternoon of shopping and then get ready for your last night in Nepal. Overnight at hotel
DAY 10 DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
(NOTE: WE CAN MAKE THIS TOUR SHORTER AND LONGER WHICH SUITS YOU)