Annapurna Half Circuit Mountain Biking Tour
This package is a pure action pack filled adventure offering half Annapurna Circuit Mountain Bike (MTB) Trekking, paragliding in Pokhara, rafting Seti River Gorge and to conclude the adventure, the total relaxation with safari in Chitwan National Park. On offer here is a very physical level adventure similar to our Full Annapurna Circuit but with shorter duration and scope.
Snowy Horizon Treks and Expedition offer and operate half Annapurna Circuit MTB-Trekking Adventure. We termed it MTB-Trekking (MTBT), the real adventure for not a fainthearted. The Annapurna Circuit is renowned for its stunning scenery and one of the top ten long-distance treks in the world. Our adventure extends this with speed, dynamism, freedom and excitement of the MTB ride. When you pedal amongst the Himalayas it takes the term 'Mountain Biking' to a whole new different level.
During the half circuit adventure we will explore western side of Annapurna and the deepest valley in the world, Kali Gangaki valley. We will make also a foray into Mukinath, a very interesting town, a popular pilgrimage and an ancient trading post still resonating today with many traders, gurus and sadus finding their solace and purpose here. We will explore desert like trans-Himalayan landscapes and dramatic looking villages of Jharkot and Kagbeni.
We start biking in Jomsom where we fly in from Phokara. We will ride to Mukinath and explore towns and views in between. From Mukinath we ride back to Pokhara along Kali Gangaki valley with an option to hitch a bus from Beni to Pokhara to preserve time.
In Pokhara we take 45 minutes paragliding flight from Sarangkot Hill, 700m above Pokhara, with stunning views on the Phewa Lake and towering Annapurna above. This will be your final and maybe the most amazing glimpse of the giant, before we head off for the rest of adventure.
We will leave Pokhara early in the morning for 2 days of white water rafting on incredibly beautiful Seti River through very steep canyons between Pokhara and Chitwan National Park.
Finally, we finish our rafting in Chitwan NP. Two day jungle safari activities will include elephant bathing and riding and the opportunity to close encounters with these magnificent and highly intelligent creatures. You will be able to come close to the elephant and interact with them including touching and patting. You will be amazed with their dexterity, gentleness and intelligence. While riding elephants through the jungle we will hope to see rhinos, maybe tigers, dears, giant pythons and more. Rangers also arrange other activities such as nature walks, canoeing and bird watching.
Introduction to Kathmandu
Kathmandu(1400m) history dates back an impressive 2000 years. It is located centrally in Kathmandu Valley with its metropolitan area consistings of three cities: Kathmandu (Kantipur), Patan and Bhatapur. Thamel the old part of the city with quaint short and narrow streets, numerous nooks and crannies contains hotels, restaurants, offices and shops. Durbar Square, world heritage site, is important and fascinating place to visit, containing numerous Hindu temples, statutes of various Hindu deities and the palace of Kumari, the living goddess. Other important place is Pashupatinath, the biggest Hindu temple in the world, considered the most significant for Hindu followers attracting numerous pilgrims and colourful Sadus; for many Hindu it is a preferred cremation site on banks of Bagmati River. There are two significant Buddhist Gompas in Kathmandu Swayambhunath and Baudhanath, and also world heritage sites. Nagarkot, the highest hill in the range surrounding Kathmandu Valley, some 35km from the city centre offers unprecedented view on Langtang range and some of the giants beyond the range such as Annapurna, Manaslu, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma.
Seti River
The Seti originates from the snow fields and glaciers around the twin peaks of Api and Nampa in the south facing slopes of the main Himalayas near the Tri-junction of the borders of Nepal, India, and Tibet. The river first flows in a south-easterly direction, then turns and flows in a south-westerly and finally south-easterly again before joining the Karnali or Ghagra River. The Seti catchment area marks the water-divide between Kali River system in the west and Gandak or Narayani River system in the east. It has cut a spectacular gorge across the Mahabharat Lekh allowing short but spectacular rafting course. The warm waters of this river are heated naturally by underground springs and geothermal activities. Seti is an ideal trip for those wanting to experience some of stunning river scenery in Nepal without the intensity of complex or challenging rapids. It is also very well suited for family trips and is suitable to learn kayaking in Nepal.
Introduction to Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park the first national park in Nepal formerly called Royal Chitwan National Park it was established in 1973 and granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. It covers an area of 932 sq km and is located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal in the Chitwan district. In altitude it ranges from about 100 metres (330 ft) in the river valleys to 815 metres (2,674 ft) in the Churia Hills. The park contains rich fauna and flora including exotic and endangered Bengal Tigers, Crocodile spices, Indian Rhino and Elephants. The stay and activities inside park are organised and controlled by the rangers to ensure safety of visitors and environmental protection and include elephant bathing rituals and safaris, bird watching, jungle walks and canoeing. The park also offers informative slideshow, introduction to local culture with the Tharu traditional dance shows. The rivers feeding to Chitwan allow a number of options for spectacular rafting adventures on Seti and Treshuli Rivers.
Introduction to Pokhara
History of Pokhara is linked with an important old trading route between China and India. In 17th centaury Pokhara was a part of very influential Kingdom of Kaski ruled by Shah Dynasty. Pokhara Valley is a home to ethnic groups of Brahmin, Gurung and Newar who are predominantly Hindu with a minority of Buddhists in particularly of Tibetan origin. It is one of the most spectacular valleys in Nepal, where two 8000m peaks Annapurna(8091m) and Dhaulagiri(8167m) raise up dramatically within 30km from Pokhara(1000m) forming incredibly picturesque vista over the Phewa Tal (lake). At Sarangkot (1680m) you will experience the golden sunrise view of Annapurna and magnificent vista of Lake Phewa and city of Pokhara. There will be optional activity of paragliding back to Pokhara on 45 minutes para-flight tandem. We also visit the amazing Bidubashini temple complex, Old Market, David’s Fall with Hindu Grotto Temple and the cave and Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
Testimonials
Annapurna Circuit Trek -Autumn 2009
When we were in Nepal in 2008 for island peak climbing Mr. Rishi was with us as our Expedition Manager. We are really proud with him that this times to found him as a Managing Director of Snowy Horizon Treks and Expedition.
We would like to thank Mr Rishi for this incredible experience, we highly recommend his company and guide who would link to Use any Mountaineering activities in Nepal...Read More
Map
Annapurna Trekking Map
Itinerary Details of Annapurna Half Circuit Mountain Biking Tour
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport and transfer to Hotel
Day 02: We take a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (823m). Taking about seven hours, we will stop several times during the trip to try some local cuisine; we will stay overnight in a lodge in Pokhara.
Day 03: We take morning flight from Pokhara to Jomson (2710m) followed by a short ride to Kagbeni (2800m /12km/60% rideable/3hrs). Kagbeni is an ancient trading town located on the trade route from Nepal to Upper Mustang and Tibet. Lodge accommodation.
Day 04: Kagbeni to Muktinath (3800m/25km/70% rideable/6hrs).Today we enter really desert-like open high country with stunning vistas of snow capped peaks, lakes and glaciers. We are also entering region with Tibetan influence. We will see old forts, Mani walls, Gompas, Chortens and Tibetan style villages such as Jharkot, Ranipauwa and Jhong, with time to take some stunning photography. We will stay in Muktinath village a very interesting location for overnight visit; a popular pilgrimage site with 108 water spouts, for both Hindu and Buddhist. It still has a charm of ancient place where pilgrims mingling with the traders and travellers. Lodge accommodation.
Day 05: Muktinath to Kalopeni (2530m /47km/95% rideable/7hrs). We will ride down hill through narrow gorge and small valley, descending to the stream and climbing across the far slope to reach Jomsom, a major town with an airfield and daily flights by plane or helicopter to Pokhara and Kathmandu. At Jomsom (2710m) we will reach Kali Gandaki river, which we follow all the way to Pokhara. We will pass Maphra village, renown for apple farming and Khobang village offering spectacular mountain views. We will reach Kolopeni a northern end of a long village with Lete(2480m) at its southern end. Lodge accommodation.
Day 06: Kalopani to Tatopani (1190m/24km/75% rideable/5hrs). After Lete village there is a steep ride through forest, which will take us to the Lete Khola River. We ride through suspension bridge crossing the river at 1935m and then ride through a very steep and narrow section of a gorge. The route will gradually take us down to Tato Pani, a busy population centre. Tato Pani means 'hot water' and derived from hot springs located by the river. We will stay in Tatopani overnight.
Day 07: Tatopeni to Beni Baazar (820m/24km/90% rideable/5hrs). We start early today. Just after Tato Pani, we cross the bridge to the eastern side of the Kali Gandaki River and shortly afterwards the bridge over the Ghara Khola River, passing the trail up to Ghorepani. We bike south along the Kali Gandaki as trial rises and falls through small villages. Under an hour the ride takes us from quiet and attractive riverside village, Tiplyang(1040m) to the bustling market town, Beni. Buses run along the east bank road to Baglung and on to Pokhara. We will finish our ride here and take a bus to Pokhara. Hotel accommodation in Pokhara
Day 08: We take a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu along Trishuli river gorge or alternatively you can take morning flight to Kathmandu. Day for shopping, leisure and relaxation in Kathmandu.
Day 09: After breakfast we’ll arrange transfer to the airport for your flight or alternatively you can join another tour.
Option A. Rafting after MTB ride from day 08
Day 08: Around 5am we will drive to Sarangkot (1680m) for golden sunrise and as optional activity you can return down to Pokhara on 45 minutes tandem para-flight. We’ll continue sightseeing in Pokhara for the rest of the day visiting Hindu temples at David’s Falls grotto and Bindubashini and Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Along we will also visit some spectacular nature. We will stay overnight in Pokhara.
Day 09: We take a drive to the start of our rafting adventure at Damauli, some 2 and half hrs from Pokhara. We will raft to our camp site on the beach in the jungle setting near Sarangghat.
Day 10: We continue our rafting to Gaighat until early afternoon from where we will return to Kathmandu on the bus along scenic Trishuli River gorge. We will stay in Thamel.
Day 11: Full Day sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley and Nepalese cultural program with farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 12: After breakfast we’ll arrange transfer to the airport for your flight or alternatively you can join another tour.
Option B. Rafting and safari options from day 08
Day 08: Around 5am we will drive to Sarangkot (1680m) for golden sunrise and as optional activity you can return down to Pokhara on 45 minutes tandem para-flight. We’ll continue sightseeing in Pokhara for the rest of the day visiting Hindu temples at David’s Falls grotto and Bindubashini and Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Along we will also visit some spectacular nature. We will stay overnight in Pokhara.
Day 09: We take a drive to the start of our rafting adventure at Damauli, some 2 and half hrs from Pokhara. We will raft for to our camp site on the beach in the jungle setting near Sarangghat.
Day 10: We continue our rafting to Gaighat until early afternoon and take a drive to Chitwan for the jungle safari program. The safari program includes many activities conducted over two days. Park rangers will schedule all activities. We finish the day enjoying sunset over the river and a drink in the bar located at the river banks and stay overnight in the jungle resort.
Day 11: Second day the jungle safari activities will include elephant bathing, elephant riding and the opportunity to close encounters with these magnificent and highly intelligent creatures. You will be able to come close to the elephant and interact with them including touching and patting. You will be amazed with their dexterity, gentleness and intelligence. You will be able to bathe in the river with the elephant. While riding elephants through the jungle we will hope to see rhinos, maybe tigers, dears, giant pythons and more. Rangers also arrange other activities such as nature walks, canoeing and bird watching. We will spend second night in the jungle resort.
Day 12: Morning flight to Kathmandu. Day for shopping, leisure and relaxation in Kathmandu; Nepalese cultural program with farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 13: After breakfast we’ll arrange transfer to the airport for your flight or alternatively you can join another tour.
Price for the Trip:
- the above itinerary is a guideline and standard suggested pattern chosen by majority of our customers. Your final itinerary will be customised according to your available time and requirements.
- the final itinerary duration and schedule may be reduced or extend depending on you time, budget, your fitness, class of service or any other preferences. The quote will be provided for you initial requirements and can be adjusted with mutual agreement should you require modifying these requirements.
- The price for your selected package will vary depending on group size, trip category (full board/base camp service), your budget, individualised itinerary, accommodation (budget to 5 star), level of service above the base camp, the number of guides and porters, kitchen crew, mode of transport you prefer and many other factors. The price range for the same trip can vary widely so if you would like to discuss your requirements with us we will provide you a very competitive price
- Please e-mail us for up-to-date prices for Annapurna Full Circuit Mountain Biking Tour
- For further information please read: How to book Trip in Nepal?
Cost Include
- pick up and drop from Kathmandu airport to airport .
- 3 meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunch and Dinners with tea or coffee) during the trek.
- Full board Accommodation of Lodges, Guesthouses in Twin Sharing Bases during the trek
- Trekking Permit (National Park entry fee)
- TIMS card(Trekking Information Management System) Permit
- Necessary staff during the trekking period With Experience Guide and Porter.
- 20 Kg Luggage free Per Person during the trekking.
- Trekking porter carry all personal gear and group equipment
- Surface transportation will be available as per itinerary.
- Experience Cycling Guide
- Mechanic facilities for normal injured
- Mountain Bike and repair kit
- Helmet and globs
- Flight ticket from Pokhara Jomsom
- Good quality and conditional Mountain bike (trek).
- An Experienced Government license holder Trekking guide trained in wilderness first aid.
- Facility of Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all trekking staff.
- Group medical supplies (First Aid medical kit will be available)
- One nights Hotel in Pokhara on bed and breakfast
- if customer choose option A we provide 2 hotel in Pokhara and 02 days rafting in Seti River
- if custome choose Option B we provide 2/3 days jungle safari activities extra is cost.
- English speaking Tour guide for Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing tour by private car / van.
- Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
- All necessary paper works, office Service charge and Government Taxes
- complete pre-departure information, flight ticket reconfirmation and extend visa service(if necessary)
- Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu before departure.
- Snowy Horizon Special Gifts (T-shirt, Pashmina )
Cost Exclude
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Emergency rescue evacuation if required.
- Personal accident insurance or Helicopter rescue.
- Airfare domestic / international flights
- Nepal entry visa fee, Visa issuance is easy at the arrival
- Any kind of Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, hot water
- Alcoholic beverages, Mineral water, laundry, phone calls, internets.
- All kind of Personal Expencess
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section
- Tips, gifts, souvenirs.
Please read this Rule and regulation that How to Book Annapurna Half Mountain Biking?
