Compare 12 days - Annapurna Biking (Mountain Bike) Trial by Asian Heritage vs Nar Phu Valley Trek by Himalayan Glacier Adventure
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 19 days |
| Price From | Check price | $ 3,590 |
| Price Per Day | Check price | $ 189 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Description |
Few places in the world hold such a wonderful variety of natural beauty as the Annapurna region. It is a rare combination of the long array of snow-capped peaks, crystal clear lakes, and turbulent rivers with deep gorges, hot springs and picturesque villages inhabited by simple and friendly local people. This bike tour takes you far away from the vehicular movement, into the land of the standing mountains along one river valley and down another between some of the biggest mountains in the world! The scenery is stunning and along with the ways, you will pass through many authentic villages, experience the warm hospitality of the Nepalese people and enjoy the delicious food and mind-boggling views. |
A fantastic journey to the wild and unexplored vicinity located north of Annapurna, this rugged and wild trek takes us to the exotic and enthralling valley of Nar Phu. Nar Phu Valley trek starts from Jagat following the popular trekking routes of Annapurna Circuit trail and then branch off from Koto to follow the off the beaten track to Nar Phu valley in the north of Manang and pass the Kang La pass with magnificent panorama of Annapurna massifs. The Kang La pass links Nar with Manang and three other Bhotia villages in the Neyshang valley. The valley system above opens up to a huge expanse of high snow-peaks, ancient villages and high altitude grazing settlements. Trekking to this hidden mountain valley offers medieval Tibetan culture in undisturbed form, dramatic mountains view and great alpine sceneries. We then head west over the Thorong La Pass and down through lower Mustang before heading on to Jomsom. We finally fly back to Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu next day. |
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760 m), Driving Distance: 8/9 hours
In the morning, we will organize a pre-biking meeting in Kathmandu before departure and introduce you to your biking guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about the things that you are confused about and have doubts about your trip. After meeting, we start our tour by traveling to Besishahar by a private vehicle. Along the journey, you will pass through many bazaars, farmlands, hill, and rivers so sit back and enjoy the ride.
Accommodation: Overnight in best available lodge in Besishahar.
Day 2: Besisahar to Tal (1700 m)
The beginning trail follows the course of the Marshyangdi River along the right side of the valley. As you ascend uphill, you gain about 1,000 meters in elevation. Today is the perfect prelude to more thrilling riding in the days to follow.
Accommodation: Overnight in a best available local lodge in Tal.
Day 3: Tal to Chame (2670 m)
Leaving Tal, there is a mani wall (dry stone wall inlaid with Buddhist prayer slates) in the middle of the path. These should always be passed on the left going clockwise. After going through green corn, barley and potato fields, the valley becomes narrow again. From Tal to Danaque it will involve a large percent of push / carry with a very steep hard climb out of Wanaque. From here though it becomes more ride-able with closer views of snow-capped peaks and a wide flowing trail to the finish.
Accommodation: Overnight in best available lodge in Chame.
Day 4: Chame to Manang (3540)
In the early morning, we continue our trail to Manang as we have to cover 29km. You will ascend through pine forests as the trail opens into a fertile agriculture valley. The dirt trail leads you through villages and settlements and you get the opportunity to meet with friendly locals and snotty children. From Pisang (3230 m), the route follows through a wide valley that opens up ahead of us and finally reaching Manang.
Accommodation: Overnight in best available lodge in Manang.
Day 5: Visit to Tilicho lake & rest day
Today is an easy day for you as you will have a free day and won’t ride further today. You can explore the Himalayan town to acclimatize to high altitude as ascending rapidly could prove to be potentially fatal and may give consequences. There are many short excursions from Manang. One of them is a visit to Tilicho Lake. It will take about 3 hours of your day. Remaining active is encouraged to aid acclimatization.
Accommodation: Overnight in best available lodge in Manang.
Day 6: Manang to Thorang Phedi (4450 m)
After a day of acclimatization, you will leave Manang and then start climbing towards Yak Kharka (4,010 m). Continuing to ascend to the higher altitude, pedaling becomes a very hard work due to elevation. So, we ask you to ascend slowly. On the way, don't forget to enjoy the scenery and culture of the region. It is important to remain physically and mentally prepared for the highest ascent of the next day.
Accommodation: Overnight in best available lodge in Thorang Phedi.
Day 7: Thorang Phedi to Muktinath (3760 m) via Thorang La Pass (5416 m)
Wake up very early for the 4-am start which is necessary to cross Thorang La Pass because the trail can get windy later making it difficult to cross the pass. It will take approximately 4 hours to reach the pass (approx. 3 km). You will have to carry your bike to get there. The climb is demanding, the effects of altitude can be felt more and more as you ascend but you will be awe-struck by the spectacular views of the landscape.
Once at the top, rest, enjoy the feeling of getting to the highest point of Annapurna Circuit and be ready for the amazing downhill ride. After 45 minutes of technical riding, you will be in Muktinath (3,760 m) where you can rest your exhausted body.
Accommodation: Overnight in best available lodge in Muktinath.
Day 8: Muktinath to Tukuche (2590 m) via Lupra Valley
Today, you will exit the pilgrimage town of Muktinath and ride towards Dhangladanda through a less-used trail. From the viewpoint, you will be riding on impressive single tracks down to the river bed in Lupra Valley. Then, paddle to Jomsom where you will rest and have lunch. From Jomsom onwards, move to an old village of Tukuche. Explore the Thakali culture of the village and take a sip of Apple Brandy.
Accommodation: Overnight in best available lodge in Tukuche.
Day 9: Tukuche to Tatopani (1190 m)
The starting of the trail is easy to ride, but after Rukse Chaahara the trail drops about 1000 meters in elevation. This is the most challenging and enjoyable part of today’s ride. The downhill trail takes you to Tatopani, the village known for its hot springs. Once there, enjoy a refreshing hot bath.
Accommodation: Overnight in best available lodge in Tatopani.
Day 10: Tatopani to Beni (899 m)
Today is the last day of riding. Enjoy as you paddle towards Beni municipality, the endpoint of Annapurna Circuit biking. Rest for the remaining day as you may be tired because of biking.
Accommodation: Overnight in best available lodge in Beni.
Day 11: Beni to Pokhara
Today, you will be traveling to Pokhara, a beautiful city, which takes about 3 hours. Check-in your hotel and later you can go sightseeing as you will have your whole day free.
Accommodation: Overnight in Batika Classic Hotel or similar in Pokhara.
Day 12: Pokhara to Kathmandu
After breakfast, you will return to Kathmandu. Check-in to your hotel and have a good rest.
Accommodation: Overnight in Yatri Suites and Spa or similar in Kathmandu.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)
Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
Upon our arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier who will take us to our hotel. After checking in, we may take a rest or visit Himalayan Glacier’s office. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali Restaurant where we will be able to enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)
Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu which are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. We visit the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we get our equipment checked by our climbing leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip at Himalayan Glacier’s office. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Jagat Drive
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 1,410m/4,626ft
We begin our journey at early dawn as we have a long drive ahead of us. We head-start right after breakfast and leave Kathmandu around 7 am in the morning. We see picturesque views of Nepali countryside, lush greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and mountain vistas en route throughout the drive. After 8-10 hours of drive we reach Jagat via Besishahar. Drive up to Besishahar will most likely be smooth owing to black-topped roads whereas after Besishahar, the roads get dusty and coarse but the scenic view from our windowpane is more than compensating for the bumpy ride. Overnight in Jagat.
Day 4: Jagat to Dharapani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 1,410m/4,626ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
Upon breakfast, we slowly begin our trek today. The trail from Jagat descends until it reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steep forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge. Overnight in Dharapani.
Day 5: Dharapani to Koto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 2,610m/8,563ft
Hiking: 5-6 hrs
We begin our trek in the morning towards Bagarchhap which takes about one hour passing through pine and fir forests. We can visit the white washed monastery in this village. Then we continue our trek till Danaque which takes about an hour. The trail is steeply ascending up to Timang. We have a good view of Mt. Manaslu and Peak 29 from here. Now the trail continues through pine forests again till Latamarang which takes about one and half hour. We break for lunch here and again resume through forests whereby we have a short glimpse of Annapurna II. Finally we arrive in Koto village. Overnight in Koto.
Day 6: Koto to Meta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 3,560m/11,680ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
In the morning, we register our restricted area permit at the Police Check Post. Then we trek through the River bank of Soti Khola again through wonderful pine forests, streams and suspension and reach Dharmasala. We have our packed lunch on the way. We then continue the trek through forests and ascend steeply towards Meta village. Finally we arrive on the Tibetan Plateau where we have a very good view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Overnight in Meta.
Day 7: Meta to Phu Gaon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,250m/13,944ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
We start our day traversing up and down and crossing suspension bridges over different streams. After almost 4 hours of trek we reach Kyang where we can see the remnants, particularly the ruined forts of the Khampa settlement (the place which Khampa refugees from Tibet once captured and lived). We further keep walking past the Phu Khola on a rocky trail and finally reach the Phu village in another 3 to 4 hours. Overnight in Phu Gaon.
Day 8: Acclimatization at Phu Gaon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,250m/13,944ft
Today is the scheduled acclimatization day whereby we are suggested to rest and get acclimatized with the altitude. As we are in the Lost/Hidden Valley, we can explore the culture, natural diversity, and religious practices of the ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung and Ghale in here. Besides this, we can trace out how people make their survival depending on agriculture, animal breeding and seasonal migrations in such remote location or in the hidden valley. It is also the day for us to explore the Tashi Lakhang Monastery – the old Buddhist Monastery listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is supposed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. Apart from exploring the cultural avenues of the lost valley, the valley also offers us a great view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks in the region. Overnight at Phu Gaon.
Day 9: Phu Gaon to Nar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,110m/13,485ft
Hiking: 6-7 hrs
The trail descends passing many streams and suspension bridges until Mahendra Pul which takes about 4 hours. We pass the high suspension bridge 80m over the Gorge of Lapche River. We have lunch in Mahendra Pul. After lunch, the trail steeply ascends passing many Buddhist stupas until Nar Village which takes about 2 hours. We find several Buddhist Monasteries here to visit coupled with the glorious vistas of Pisang Peak and other small peaks. Overnight in Nar.
Day 10: Acclimatization and preparation at Nar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,110m/13,485ft
This is the second scheduled acclimatization/rest day for this trek. We spend the day taking a day hike nearby and explore Nar village and have a close look over the local culture and lifestyle. We also prepare for the trek next day. Overnight in Nar.
Day 11: Nar to Kang La Pass to Ngwal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 3,660m/12,008ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
Today is adventurous day with long day hike so we get up early in the morning and head to Kangla pass. From pass we can see the Annapurna massif. We further trek down to Ngwal from there. Overnight in Ngwal.
Day 12: Ngwal to Manang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 3,519m/11,546ft
Hiking: 4-5 hrs
From Ngwal, we head for Manang today. We pass through the isolated village of Paugh overlooking the amazing views of Annapurna range. We then move gently uphill to Mungli and then to the main trail of Annapurna Trail at Mungli. We eventually reach Manang, where we set up our camps for overnight stay. Overnight in Manang.
Day 13: Manang to Yak Kharka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,110m/13,485ft
Hiking: 3-4 hrs
From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to a village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Kharka.
Day 14: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 4,110m/13,485ft
Hiking: 3-4 hrs
We make our way to the foot of the pass, Throng Phedi today. Thorong Phedi is a small busy settlement catering to the needs of tired trekkers and climbers. Trekkers like us use this point as a base camp. Some visitors also attempt a hike to the High Camp today so that the next day can be easier for them. But, Himalayan Glacier’s team leader does not advise this. Although we will have a tough day tomorrow, we stop at Thorong Phedi so that we can have sound sleep in lower altitude rather than risking sleeping in a higher altitude at High Camp. Overnight at Thorong Phedi.
Day 15: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La to Muktinath
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 5,416m/17,770ft
Hiking: 7-8 hrs
Crossing the arduous Thorong La Pass at a dizzying height of 5,416m/17,764ft is another highlight of this trek. An early start is important to go through the icy high-altitude trail. But the picturesque mountain vistas are more than compensates the strenuous walk through the grueling trail. We reach Muktinath by sunset which is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist. We can stroll around the area which hosts a Vishnu temple and a Monastery nearby. Overnight at Muktinath.
Day 16: Muktinath to Jomsom
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)
Maximum Altitude: 2,700m/8,859ft
Hiking: 5-6 hrs
We begin descending down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge through the arid land. We pass by Jharkot and Khingar villages which has typical Tibetan architecture. Following the valley floor most of the way sprawled along the banks of the Kali Gandaki, we reach Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.
Day 17: Jomsom to Pokhara Flight
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel (Mount Kailash Resort)
Maximum Altitude: 827m/2,713ft
Flight: 30 Min
After breakfast we fly to Pokhara. The scenic flight takes us through the gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, we will be transferred to lakeside hotel. We get some rest and explore the beauty of Pokhara Valley in the evening. While we leisurely walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, the second biggest lake of Nepal while admiring the mountain view of Machhapuchhare. We can also go for a boat-ride in Fewa Lake or take a short hike to the World Peace Pagoda. We can end the day with a leisurely stroll around the mesmerizing lakeside area.Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 18: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)
Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
Driving: 5-6 hrs
Today, after breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize our photos. We can spend the evening leisurely or perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping. Either way, we celebrate the successful completion of our journey with a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 19: Final departure from Nepal
Meals: Breakfast
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Himalayan Glacier representative will escort us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
