Is this trip right for you?

Who is this cycling in Nepal for?

• Cycling in Nepal is for beginners as well as for experts
• For people who are willing to explore the country through different angle

Emergency Contact

Please contact our office number below. The phone number provided below is for genuine Emergency contacts only and not for general queries:

+977 9802027333

At Budget Trekking, we try our level best to provide hassle free  and best holiday experience in Nepal. Yet at times, things could go wrong because of the nature of travel, miscommunication or unseen circumstances while on the trek. Very rare to our organization and only 0.01% times out of 100 we encounter situations like such. In case such situation occur, it is requested to primarily discuss the problem with the guide or the team leader. 3 out of 4 times the guides and team leaders try their level best to rectify the problems on their level best  and on the trail and prevent from you having bitter experience in the rest of your trip.

In case the team leader or the guides response or solution does not meet your expectations, please ask your guide to connect you to our manager in our Kathmandu office.

+977 9802027333

Airport Transfer Instruction

All our packages include drop off to the airport. It is important for you to remember to notify our office of your departure at least a day prior to your departure. You will have to provide us with your tickets on info@budgettrekking.com. We will further notify you with the time of your airport shuttle and location.

Itinerary Disclaimer

We offer several itineraries to the same trek and the itinerary varies according to the seasons, festivals and as well according to the feedback we receive from our travellers. Furthermore, while on the trail, there are several elements like the safety of our travellers, weather or any other unseen circumstances that our itinerary may get altered. In case these changes made by us to ensure your safety and successful completion of the adventure affect your schedule, it is requested to you to inform the company at the soonest possible. We are here to help you and help make your holiday a wonderful experience and in order to do that, we look for your support as well.

The itinerary provided in this package is without add on of the things you can do in Nepal. There are several other activities that can be added to the itinerary depending upon availability of your time and the availability of the activity. Also, you may find holidays in more affordable investment than that of ours but that does not guarantee your safety, security and enjoyment to the optimum. We propose the price after rigorous researches made on the trails by our experts over the course of 10 years. Inclusion or exclusion of any activities from our company is at your own interest and risks.

Passport and Visas

Citizens from any country other than India require Passport and Visa to enter in Nepal. You can either make your entrance in Nepal via Air from one and only international airport or via overland from entries like Kakarbhitta, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi and many others. You are allowed to stay for 150 days in one fiscal year.

The visa granted upon arrival would be multiple entry tourist visas. There are few steps to obtain tourist visas for Nepal and making payment for the visa and immigration purposes are solely your responsibility.  The process to visa is as follows:

Step 01:

• Fill in arrival card at Airport or
• Fill in online form and submit it on  Department of Immigration and print a copy and bring along with your passport.

Step 02:

• Make payement as per the intended days of your stay
• Take a receipt of your payment

Visa Fees

15 Days – 25 USD 30 Days – 40 USD 90 Days – 100 USD

Step 03:

• Please proceed to one of the immigration officers stationed at the immigration desk along with the receipt and your documents
• Upon satisfaction and complete documentation you will be granted with visa

Note: Please bring along few copies of your passport sized photos and xerox copy of your passport.

For visa renewal, you will have to visit the department of immigration at Kalikasthan. Before you visit the department please fill the online form for visa renewal available on Department of Immigration, submit the form and print the invoice number. Visa renewal, government taxes and visa related fine is solely the responsibility of the traveler.

Medical Health Information

You will be mostly trekking in high altitude and in thin air. Hence, all traveler travelling with Budget trekking require to be fit and doing physical activities on everyday basis. Also, it is very important for you to read all the information about the trip before selecting the trip and embarking on the journey. In order to do so, please consult us for choosing the right trip for you. Once the trip is chosen and in case you are not able to cope up with the team

Health - It is very important for you to stay up to date with your health reports and as well inform us of any medical history that you had or have developed recently. Also, it is advised to inform us if you are taking any medication. We recommend our travelers to make your own first aid kit and carry along with yourself with all the essentials you require

All about Bike and Grading

Cycle support and grading

You will be accompanied by a four wheeler at all times. Places where four wheelers are not accessible will be notified to you before commencing the tour. The support vehicle is to help you carry your entire luggage, tents, food and as well the first aid kit. In some cycling tours in the himalayas, there are no support truck as well. This would only be exempted upon request of the guest. The vehicle shall not be driving parallelly but will stop in every 10 - 20 kilometers. The team leaders would have cycle repair kit, first aid kit and as well

Equipment and bike stuff

Mountain bikes are the only recommended form of bikes for the terrain of Nepal. Since majority of the roads are off road, it is recommended to have dual suspension bike for your own comfort. In case the bikes are to be bought or brought by you and not hired from us, it is important to have the bike in top working condition. Just for safety reasons, it is advised to have your bike serviced and inspected from a bike mechanic before embarking on the tour. Few things to look at in your bike would be wheel spokes, greasing bearings, checking breaks, cables, nuts and bolts, chain, tyres and tubes.

We would also advise the following tools to accompany you on your tour: multi-tool, tyre levers, pump, 2 spare inner tube, spare spokes of the correct length to fit your wheels - check with a bike shop, brake pads, a few spare links for your chain, spares for any unique or high-tech items on your bike, e.g. fluid and bleed kit for hydraulic brakes.

Bike Hire

For all the tours we have bikes from Trek, Jamis, Commencal and several other brands. Depending upon the tour that you embark on and depending upon your height, our experts will select the right bike for you. Our bikes are fully serviced and properly inspected before it being available to our clients. The mechanic accompanying in the tour shall have tools to fix our bikes and as well include spare parts like puncture fixes and tubes. The pedals are flat and the saddle are while purchase saddle. In case you require clip pedals and have saddle of your choice, we request you to bring your personal replacements. Helmets are included in the bike hire but the helmets are not of the best quality helmets. In case you have your own helmets, it is advised to bring it with you

Baggage allowances and your bike

It is requested to you to pack light as your bicycle will be a part of your luggage. In Nepal, the luggage allowances in most of the commercial allowances is around 15 kilograms with additional 7 kgs of hand carry. In case you exceed the allowed kilograms of baggage you will be subjected to pay excess baggage charges.

Generally, the weight of the bike is around 15 - 18 kgs with the packaging of cardboard that it usually is packed in. Meaning, after having taken majority of your luggage allowances by your bike, you will be left with only small amount of proportion form the allowed luggage weight.

Clothing is entirely dependent on clients choice and preference. However, these suggestions we have made is very flexible and is not madatory. Sunglasses, lightweight trekking boots/shoes, cycling footwear, lightweight socks (3 pairs), heavy socks (1 pairs), underwear (4 pairs), lightweight thermal long johns, lightweight, long-sleeved thermal shirt, lightweight trekking shorts, padded cycling shorts (2 pairs), shorts, t-shirts (2), lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, fleece jacket/pullover, biking jacket, waterproof (breathable fabric), fingerless biking gloves, warm gloves, fleece hat or cap with earflaps, headlamp & spare bulbs/batteries, spare laces, sunglasses, toiletries, basic first aid kit, towel (small), small padlock, 2 large plastic bags (for keeping items dry in your bag), sun cream, lip balm. Dust mask for cycling when entering/exiting Kathmandu and Pokhara and possible stretches of road construction.  If you have any questions about this list please feel free to contact us.

You will need a small bag in which to pack some of your clothing etc for the cycling days from Jomsom back to Pokhara as you won't be able to take all your luggage on the flight to Jomsom

Climate & Seasonal Information

Nepal has three terrains mountains, hills and flat land. With hills, valleys and lowland ranging from 60 metres above sea level to the highest on Earth (Mt. Everest). Temperatures are tropical in the low-land plains of the Terai (south Nepal) whereas in the Himalayan region they are sub-zero; but the sun can bring some warmth during the day, even in the mountains. In Kathmandu the temperature goes below 1 °C in winter and rises to an average of 25 °C in summer. Nepal has four seasons:

1. Spring (March - May):

A mild time of year in the Terai (south Nepal) and moderate at higher altitudes where there are many views of the snow capped mountains and imposing Himalayas. This is the season for flowers to blossom; rhododendrons (the national flower of Nepal) sweep the ascending altitudes with their colour and beauty. Spring is the second busiest tourist season in Nepal and best time for a mountain expedition, peak climbing, trekking and other adventure activities.

2. Summer (June - August):

The monsoon season in Nepal; the climate is hot and wet with rain almost every day and the odd thunderstorms in the evening. All the rain makes for lush, green vegetation. During this time water levels rise making it the optimal season for river rafting in Nepal.

3. Autumn (September - November):

The peak tourist season in Nepal with the fantastic weather, and the most popular time for trekking as mountain views are guaranteed. Autumn is also a season of festivities as Nepal celebrates the biggest Hindu festivals Dashain and Tihar (Deewali).

4. Winter (December - February):

Winter weather is cool and the sky is clear with occasional snowfalls high up in the mountains. This is a good time of year for trekking at lower altitudes. At morning and night the weather is cold but the days are warm when it is sunny.

Average temperatures in Kathmandu:

16 - 23 °C - Spring

23 - 25 °C - Summer

15  - 24 °C - Autumn

9   - 12  °C - Winter

Food, Accommodation & Transport

Even if you want to travel on a shoestring budget, we include food on our trek. The food inclusion on our trek is good enough to keep you full for the day without you having to break your back. Please check your package type and in case if you have booked a full board trek with us, we include any 1 item from the menu or staple meal of rice and lentils for lunch and dinner and a full Nepali breakfast in the morning. Since teahouses offer Nepali meals to pizzas and pies, we also at times offer trekking packages without the inclusion of food. The meals on the trek in Annapurna could cost you anywhere from USD 30 - USD 60, depending upon what you choose to have while on the trail. Just for your information, price range of certain items is mentioned as follows:

All prices are in USD

• Mineral water US$1.50 to US$3.50 (boiled water available as cheaper substitute)
• Soft drinks US$2.50 to US$3.50
• Beer – can US$3.00 to US$4.50
• Beer - bottle US$4.00 to US$6.50
• Snickers chocolate bar US$1.50 to US$3.50
• Biscuits US$1.00 to US$2.50

Just in case, at most of the times in full board trek, we often include chocolate and energy bars for our trekkers. The bars remain with the guides or porters and is provided to trekkers upon need.

In case of eating in Nepal, Nepal offers a great blend of cuisines from around the world. The country has to offer to people who are vegetarian and also developing to serve vegans. Eating on the street or roadside restaurant is cheaper but it is also important for you to remember that the food is Nepal is spicy. You have to be very careful eating on the street before the trek.

While on the mountains, we usually have freshly prepared fresh food over frozen food. Also, we would avoid meat products to our best until you return back to Kathmandu.

Accommodation

Accommodation in the mountains are very basic as the resources has to be portered. The higher you trek, the nominal becomes the accommodation standards. Annapurna is entirely inhabited and majority of the houses constructed in the Annapurnas are made out of stone slate and cement bondings. Also, private accommodation is rare and at times you may be accommodated in dorm rooms with common bathrooms.

Rooms

Rooms in Annapurna are basic but better than any other trekking regions in Nepal. Most of the teahouses now offer twin sharing and attached bathroom. However, in peak season you should be open to dorm rooms and shared restrooms. The beds are designed with Nepalese physique in mind. The beds are narrower in width as well as in length. You are most likely to find handmade nepalese mattress which would be a little hard for people use to sleeping in comfortable spring mattress.

Bathroom Facilities

Bathrooms in Annapurna region are now modernized. Majority of lodges are now constructing attached bath with hot shower facilities and where there are no showers there are buckets. However, there still are lodges with asian style squat bathroom and with least facility. The least facility bathrooms are in the higher altitude teahouses.

On Season Accommodation

It is most likely for hotels, motels and teahouses to be full in season and some tea houses are deserted in off season. At times, places like Labuche, Dingboche and Gorakshep could be completely occupied and you may have to accommodate under the tents or even in the Kitchen.

Off Trail Accommodation

Off trail accommodation is more likely to be basic than the primary trail lodges. The rooms are more simpler, showers are replaced by bucket showers, western bathrooms are replaced by squat bathrooms and the hotels are likely to be closed in off season

Transport

All ground transport included in the trek is responsibility of Budget Trekking. There are 2 possible option to reach the trek put in destination. The first one is via flight and the second one is 7 hours drive to Pokhara or Lamjung and then travelling further on vehicle to the trek put in destinations. In case your package includes flying in and out of Pokhara Budget trekking is responsible for arranging ground transport to and from your hotel to the airport and back.

In case you have booked package that includes driving to trek put in destination, it is the due responsibility of the company to arrange the vehicle to the bus/jeep station and back, along with arranging jeep/bus to and from trek put in destination. Any other transportation for personal purpose or sightseeing will not be entertained by Budget Trekking unless the transport is included in your package.

Depending upon the size of the trek, all vehicles will be tourist vehicles big enough to accommodate guests comfortably. In terms of flights, Budget trekking will arrange the earliest possible flights to and from Pokhara irrespective of the carrier. The reason for doing so is to avoid consequences like flight delays as the result of change in weather constantly.

Finances and money for the Trek

Please check your trekking packages for the food and accommodation included by our company. Even if you are on a full board trek, you may at times want to indulge in western drinks and comfort food which may not be included in your package. Also, you may want to tip your group leader or your porter towards the end of the trek. At times like such, personal cash comes in very handy. We advise you to have at least 250 dollars worth additional cash in hand and some of that cash as Nepali Rupee. Also while changing the money at money exchanges, do not forget to ask for notes of lower denomination.

Few things to remember:

• You need to be of age 15 and up to join this trek
• In case you are below 18 you need a letter of interest signed by your legal guardian
• You are requested to bring along your passport sized pictures, at least 2 for the company
• You need to have reserve funds of around 500 dollars
• In case of no flight on the first day, we would wait for second day to board our flight. In case of no flight on the second day, we would board a jeep to Phaplu and walk to Phakding.
• You need few additional days at the end of the trek. The days towards the end come in handy in case the flights are cancelled due to weather.

General Information

Area: 147,181 sq km (56,827 sq miles)

Population: 28.3 million (UN estimate 2007)

Languages spoken: Nepali is the official language (spoken by 49%). Other languages, including Maithili and Bhojpuri.

Religion: Hindu (81%) Buddhist (11%), Muslim (4%) Mundhum (4%), Christian (0.5%)

Local Time: GMT + 5.45

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Possible chances of power cuts once in a while, whereas chances of no power in the mountains.

Currency: The official and most commonly used currency in Nepal is the Rupee. Exchange - In Kathmandu and Pokhara, currency can be exchanged, and travellers cheques can be cashed.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs: American Express is widely accepted, with MasterCard and Visa in tourist shops, hotels, restaurants and agencies. ATMs are widely available in Nepal.

Responsible Travel

From the time when trekking evolved in the Annapurna  and until this day, it is often debated that the environment of Annapurna  has been degraded. In order to protect the mother nature and pass the environment to the generation to come, we practice responsible travel. In order to do so we practice responsible travel ethics which we would as well like to abide our guest by.

• Litter
• Mineral Water consumption
• Disposal of waste
• Use of Toilet
• Disposing Toilet paper
• Polluting water sources
• Fuel Conservation
• Damaging of biodiversity
• Dressing responsibility
• Respect Privacy
• Don't flaunt
• Respect customs and religion practices
• Respect traditions
• Don’t bargain
• Don’t promote begging

Our Charity

We are socially responsible trekking company and as a part of our corporate social responsibility we have been taking care of 3 orphanages in Kathmandu and help people in need through our non for profit making organization Pailo Paila.

The charitable organization was established in 2015 and after the great earthquake. Until today’s date, our charitable organization has already helped people with 350+ temporary shelters, 1 primary schools and immediate relief for over 5000 earthquake and flood victims. We allocate funds from each travel we conduct and we donate generated funds to one of 3 orphanages we look after in 3 different locations of Kathmandu. The fund donated helps the orphanage with everyday operations, school fees, school dress, books and stationeries and most importantly their medication, hygiene and food.

Depending upon the interest of the trekkers, we either privately donate the funds to the orphanages or we let our travellers as well visit the orphanage and meet the kids. Please let us know if you wish to visit the orphanages and the children who you made a difference to and we will plan the visit accordingly !