Himalaya Cycling Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: October - April
Himalaya Cycling
Bike Adventure
Come and join The Adventure Cafe Team for 2 unforgettable weeks of Adventure in the Himalayas, biking into territories unknown, and little visited by Western Tourists. We shall cover the Kathmandu Valley, the middle hills (absolutely towering peaks!) and then down to the plains on the Indian Border, before climbing up into the Annapurnas.
We begin in the Kathmandu valley, and then venture further afield, out into the wilds of the country. Our journey will take us all around the famous Kathmandu Valley, exploring Nepalese culture in a way unlike any other you are likely to find. From the Valley we shall make a crossing of the Chure Hills—up to an altitude of 2400m, before an awesome descent down on to the plains—where we shall spend a night in Chitwan National Park. Visiting tiny temples, witnessing the amazing wildlife of the region, getting up close and personal with village life, and of course, not forgetting some awesome singletrack, and adrenaline fuelled downhills – this is a trip not to miss! From Chitwan the challenge really begins - as we wind our way through to Pokhara and then onwards up into the Annapurnas - where we are surrounded by high Himalayan Peaks. This is Adventure Biking at its very very best, with cultural exploration, physical challenge, and landscaped unparalleled in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart London
Day 2 - Arrive Kathmandu (please note thisis a normal flight itinerary - but flights must be arranged separately)
Day 3 - Depart Kathmandu by bike! Out of the Kathmandu Valley and down to the Trisuli River, before climbing to Daman.
Day 4 - Continue from Daman to Hetauda - a gentler day today as we recover from our first big mountain day. We spend time descending down to the plains - with time to stop and look around.
Day 5 - Cycle from Hetauda to Sauraha - to visit the Chitwan National Park - if time permits we may have time to see the famous Chitwan Rhino in the evening sunshine - from the back of an elephant.
Day 6 - Ride to Butwal - a bustling market town near the Indian Border. From here we shall begin our climb into the central Himalayas.
Day 7 / 8 - Ride to Pokhara - climbing over the middle mountains and down to everyone's favourite Nepalese town - nestling beneath the Annapurnas. Arrive in time to enjoy a relaxed evening.
Day 9 - Start the ride up into the mountains - heading towards Naya Pul - the beginning of many high mountain treks.
Day 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 - Ride up into the high mountains - to the mountain outpost of Jomsom - overnight here before return journey to Kathmandu
Day 14 - Flight to Kathmandu - time to relax - souvenir shopping
Day 15 - International Flight Home. Distances Covered—Will vary considerably, from just 40km (dirt track) up to a challenging 120km.
Accommodation
Our accommodation in Kathmandu is local 2-3 star standard and is comfortable, clean and with en-suite facilities. Once out of Kathmandu our overnight stays will vary considerably from Tea Houses to comfortable hotels. We shall not use tents during this expedition—hence you do not need sleeping bags, and we shall always have food provided for us in the evening. Our expedition is exploratory in nature, and the exact routes may change dependent upon group requirements. Above all, this is an adventure tour, and getting to meet local people in a non-tourist environment is a key part of this journey!
What is a Level 4.5 Cycling Challenge Like?
You are now moving into the realms of serious cycling challenges. Cycling days will be up to 12 hours, or slightly less if the event stretches over several days. You should have very good cycling fitness, with good leg strength, and you should be used to putting in regular training rides most weekends - with some good long rides. Most folks will consider these rides very long, and very challenging. Expect a mixture of length and climbing.
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 4.5 ‘Bike Ride’?
To participate in these events you need to be in good cycling fitness. You probably are capable of riding at high speeds for up to 3 hours, around 24 - 26 kmph. And you should be used to riding long distances and over hilly terrain. If you do not cycle regularly you must be of very high fitness level - and should think about converting as soon as possible and getting on to a bike - you will need to develop your specific strength and cycling technique. Do not come on these challenges without having spent plenty of time in the saddle. Training rides should be up to 70 or 80 miles, and you should have done a few like this.
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
Please be aware that this region does contain tropical disease, and you will need to be innoculated before travel. Your GP surgery will be able to provide you with the innoculations. Also Anti-malarials will have to be taken on this event.
It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Special Notes
This trip can be joined either for 10 days or the full 15 days depending upon how long you can give up to this amazing adventure !
Visas / Redtape
All British nationals require a Visa, this can be arranged on arrival in Kathmandu. If you require further information please don't hesitate to contact the Café.
Included In Trip
Includes—guide / mechanic/first aider/first aid supplies, all accommodation—bed and breakfast, vehicular back up for the trip (at times when vehicle can reach us!), guided tour of Kathmandu City. Internal flights.
Excluded From Trip
Excludes International Flights—although you may wish to discuss how to go about booking your flights with Adventure Café to ensure that you get a good deal. Evening Meals, Lunches, VISA fees, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks.
Equipment Required
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike / Mountain Bike (with Touring Tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf
Small Rucksack (or small pannier)
Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Bike rack for rear pannier
Lamps (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Under Saddle Pouch (recommended - can be used to carry asterik* items)
Duck Tape (small folded piece off the reel)*
Puncture Repair Kit*
Cable Ties*
Bell or Horn on your bike - Louder the better!
2 x Inner Tubes*
Brake Blocks*
Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Cleaning Rag*
Oil/Lube*
Spare parts for your bike (spokes, and other specialist parts for your bike)
Oil/Lube Brush (Toothbrush)*
Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Cycle Box / Case / Cardboard Box for Transportation (not the huge rigid boxes on point to point rides please!)
Parcel Tape if required to re-box your bike
Spare Tyre
Medikit
Suncream, Plasters, Vaseline
Insect Repellant, Rehydration Salts
Painkillers, Sunbloc
Washkit
Pack Towel (lifesystems recommended), Soap (small bar)
Shampoo (not a full size bottle!)
Toothbrush, Toothpaste
Warm Clothing
Medium Weight Fleece, Lightweight Gloves, Fleece Hat
Cycle / Overnight Clothing
Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts
Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Cotton T-Shirts for evening
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (Dryflo type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Long Sleeve T-Shirt - preferably white for hot sunny destinations
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes suitable)
Sandals / Spare Shoes for after ride
Underwear
1 Set Casual Evening Wear
1 Pair Cotton Trousers
Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
1 Pair Outer Waterproof Bottoms
Other
Camera, Memory Card
Toilet Roll, Spare Lace
Travel Documents
Visa's (if applicable)
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Passport
Wallet, Money Belt, Credit Cards, Cash, Local Currency
Sunglasses, Mobile Phone, Penknife
Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Sleeping Bag / Silk Liner (please check this on a trip by trip basis - it may be required)
Specialist Items for Long Haul Trips
Mosquito Nets, Specialist Medication (AntiMalaria)
Water Purification Kit, Immodium, Sewing Kit
Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip
A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure
Safety Information
By nature all activities contain an element of risk.Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as mountain safety shelters, walking rope and from time to time mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions.
Weather
One of the most fascinating things about Nepal is that in the space of a hundred miles you can go from the coldest and most bitter conditions on earth to the sweltering heat of the North Indian Plain. In general it’s best to plan for temperate conditions ranging to around freezing on most trekking itineraries. Temperatures in the daytime range from +5—+20 degrees Celsius, with evenings being 8 to 10 degrees cooler. The best times of the year by far are the spring and the autumn. Whilst it is possible to trek during winter—it’s a little cold for most people. The monsoon is not fun—as paths are washed out, it’s exceptionally humid, and you’ll spend a lot of time wet through! Most people are surprised to find that Nepal is actually the same latitude as Florida or Egypt, the extremes in temperature and climate are all do to altitude variations.
In November, when this ride is planned expect warm weather on the plains, and coolish weather whenever we climb up above 2000m.
Notes on Cycling Events
This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss!
Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles.
On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag.
To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK).
Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events