Muktinath is a highest pilgrimage for followers of Buddhism and Hinduism. The temple is located in the heart of Buddhist settlement, visited of thousands of Hindu devotees and is taken care by Bon nuns. This place truly reflects the cultural harmony of Nepal. The temple periphery is a sight to observe, you will see Tibetan traders with their yaks making their way as well as ascetics from as far as the south of India crossing paths. The shrines, in a grove of trees, include a Buddhist monastery and the Vishnu temple of Jiwala Mayi. An old temple nearby shelter spring and natural gas jets, which provides Muktinath with the famous eternal flame. The earth – water – fire combination accounts for Muktinath’s great religious significance. The holy site of Muktinath as well boasts spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche peak and several other 8000mts peaks.
JOMSOM: A modern town is the ‘Thakali’ homeland. Thakali people are of Tibetan origin but have their own language and customs. We fly to Jomsom from Kathmandu and initially we ride through a popular trekking trail, which leads us to many different wonderful villages rich in cultural and architectural point of view. Riding on the rocky wide and small track from Jomsom, we descend slowly to meet the paved road which takes to the beautiful Pokhara city lying on the foothill of Annapurna Mountain Range. Unlike the rest of the Nepalese Himalayas, the Annapurna mountain range does not form the border between Nepal and Tibet.
trip overview
| Trip Code: BT - 150 | Total Duration: 10 days |
| Destination: Mountain Biking | Best Time: March - May & Sept - Dec |
| Trip Grade: Tough | Group Size: 4-16 |
| Max Elevation: 3760 |
itinerary
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Arrive in Kathmandu & transfer to the hotel in Thamel, a tourist district offering numerous bars, shops and restaurants and an instant taste of Nepali life. In the afternoon we will sort out our bikes and over dinner there will be a tour briefing. Guest House (CH) Altitude: 1340 meters
Fly or take tourist bus to Pokhara. You have sufficient time to explore the café's and diners around the lake on reaching Pokhara. Hotel (CH) (B) Altitude: 820 meters
There are numerous flights that service the Jomsom airstrip early each day before the Kali Gandaki wind picks up by mid morning. To get used with the altitude and the weather condition, we assemble the bikes as soon as we land in Zomsom and ride the relatively flat river trail to Kag Beni, the border – town of the recently forbidden Mustang Kingdom. Guest house (SH) (B, L & D) Distance: 12 kilometers Altitude: 2800 meters
We begin riding the 1000 mts vertical climb towards Muktinath, which is situated at 3850 mts, hence making it the highest point on this trip. The landscape is extremely dry and desert like. You may come across few trekkers and a bunch of pilgrims, many from India on their way to the holy temple and the eternal flame in Muktinath that burns from a natural gas source. Lodge (BH) B, L, & D Distance: 15 kilometers Altitude: 3760 meters
With awesome thrilling views of the Dhaulagiri and several other 8000 mts peaks on our sight we begin our descent. On the way we might pass some yak heards.This route has previously been ridden only once. We ride through Lupra where black magic and human sacrifices (on dead bodies) are a part of the community rituals. We then call the day of on reaching Marpha. A picturesque community known for its apple orchards, (the tree – line in the Himalayas is much higher than in the Alps). Guest house (BH) B, L & D) Distance: 25 kilometers Altitude: 2670 meters
With a fantastic downhill ahead of us, we begin our descent towards Tato Pani (hot water), which in the local language means hot water. At the end of the ride, you can pamper yourself in the natural hot spring, which is located besides the Kali Gandaki River, hence giving you the time and space to loosen up your muscles and chill to the natural sound of the wilderness. Guest House (BH) B, L & D) Distance: 45 kilometers Altitude: 1190 meters
We carry on descending further down towards Beni following the Kali Gandaki River, before finally reaching the Baglung highway. We follow the highway up to Nau Danda and then take the dirt road to Sarankot, which also happens to be the number one viewpoint in Pokhara to enjoy the views of the Himalayas along with the sunrise and sunset. Hotel (SH) B, L & D) Distance: 60 kilometers Altitude: 1595 meters
Today we ride through a steep and narrow trail to pokhara. Make sure you check your brakes before you start a 90% downhill. Pokhara is the starting or finishing point for some of Nepal's most popular treks. The lakes with the magnificent Fishtail dominate the mountain ranges. Hotel (CH) (B) Distance: 15 kilometers Altitude: 820 meters
Take a mountain flight or drive to Kathmandu. Guest house (CH) (B) Altitude: 1350 kilometers Flight time: 25 minutes Driving: 200 kilometers Approx 7 hours by tourist bus
Our tour finishes after breakfast. (B)
cost includes
- Air ticket Pokhara to Jomsom
- Guide with First Aid Kit and Mechanical Backup
- ACAP and Tims fee
- Food & Accommodation on twin sharing during biking days
- Dinner on day one and breakfast on day nine
- All Ground transportation
- Entrance fees (of Temples, Monastery etc.)
- Bus to Kathmandu – Pokhara - Kathmandu
cost excluded
- Kathmandu – Pokhara - Kathmandu Air fare
- Excess baggage charge
- Bike and accessories
- Mineral water/Soft and hard drinks
- Emergency evacuation fee
- Insurance
- Other personal interest items