Lake Tilicho Bike Tour

Duration : 18 Days (14 days cycling)
Start & Finish : Kathmandu
Skill Level : Hardcore
Support : support vehicle, guide, bikes & mechanic
Group Size : min 3 / max 10
Best Time : October till May

The highest lake in the world, Tilicho is at 5,200m. The lake lies on the north side of the Annapurna Himal, just below Tilicho Peak (7,134m). Biking or hiking in this region is not easy as the route rises to the Mesukantu-La pass at 5,300m.

This is an awesome trip, not to be missed. The Annapurna region is for strong riders who are not afraid to carry their bike, ride some technical single track and indulge in a fair bit of climbing. If you want to be up close with the majestic Himalayas on a mountain bike then this is the ride for you. Stunning scenery, wild rivers, quaint villages and great camping.

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar (177 km) overnight in guest house.
Day 02: Biking start, ride to Bahundanda (18km, 650m altitude gain to 1310m). Wonderful views of Himal Chuli, Buddha Himal and Manaslu, the ninth highest mountain in the world at 8156m. Over night in guest house.
Day 03: Bahundanda to Tal (12km, 1700m, about 40% ride-able). The first section from Bahundanda is a very technical trail with rocky ups and down. Several times you will need to push or carry your bike. But the journey is through a beautiful landscape of waterfalls, cliffs and gorges of the Marsyangdi River. Overnight in guest house.
Day 04: Tal to Chame (20.6km, 2670m, about 55% ride-able). Continue uphill along a technical trail to reach Bagarchhap (about 8km), beyond which the trail heads through a fine area of jungle. Chame is a district headquarters of the Manang district. Overnight in guest house.
Day 05: Chame to Lower Pisang village (15.2km, 3260m, 80% ride-able). The biking is easier today, following a trail beside the Marsyangdi River which goes through pine forest with views of the Annapurna Himal. We still need to push the bikes as we approach the Wave Rock, a huge rock weathered to look like a wave. Beyond it the going is easier along a lovely trail through pine forests; we can visit Upper Pisang which has a 15th century Monastery and amazing views of the Annapurna range and Pisang Peak. Overnight in guest house.
Day 06: Pisang to Manang village (16.7km, 3450m, 95% ride-able). Today mostly flat trail, with more fine views of the Annapurna range and Pisang Peak. Overnight in guest house.
Day 07: Today we rest at Manang to acclimatize, overnight in guest house.
Day 08: Manang to Tilicho base camp (50% ride able). We now leave the Round Annapurna trekking route and bike to Tilicho Base Camp. A super single-track trail leads past Kangshar village (3770 m) to a desert landscape surrounded by high, snow-clad peaks. Now the way is rocky and sometimes narrow, and demands the highest concentration. Camping accommodation.
Day 09: Tilicho base camp to Tilicho lake (50% ride able). Today we go above 5000m so we must take it easy and slow; The lake lies in beautiful mountain country: the Cathedral Glacier flows straight into the lake. Tonight we camp on a meadow beside the lake at 5010m.
Day 10: Tilicho lake to Tilicho camp 2 (50% ride able). We cross a pass east of the lake. The ascent to the pass, at 5300m, is very steep and not ride-able. The pass is also sometimes snow covered, which makes for an exciting ride. We then descend to Tilicho Camp 2, Camping accommodation at 5100m.
Day 11: (40% ride able). Today, after a short ascent (which is very rocky and not ride able) we reach a view point, a 5200m pass. We can see the Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Dhaulagiri, upper Mustang and Tibetan plateau in the distance. From the pass the way is downhill all the way to our overnight camp at 4300m.
Day 12: (90% ride able). Today the entire ride is downhill and not very technical. So it is a very pleasant day, and one with superb views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. Our destination is Jomosom, the main town of the area. Jomosom is famous for its fruit orchards, the apples and apricots. Hotel accommodation at 2700m.
Day 13: To Kalopani (24.8km, 2530m, 85% ride-able). At first we follow the Kali Gandaki river through the villages of Thakali, Marpha, Tukuche and Larjung. The next section is easy riding, following a jeep track to Kalopani, a beautiful village set below the Dhaulagiri Himal. From the village there is a panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, the Nilgiri peaks and Annapurna I. Guest house accommodation.
Day 14: To Tatopani, (23km, 1190m, 75% ride-able). Starts with downhill, then a technical section where we cross a suspension bridge and ride through pine forest to reach Ghasa. From here the trail goes steeply down to the Rupse waterfall, then the trail becomes much easier, going through Dana village and crossing rice paddies to reach Tatopani, a small town on the north bank of Kali Gandaki River. This is a great place to stay as there are hot springs and cold beer. Guest house accommodation.
Day 15: To Beni Bazaar (24km, 830m, 90% ride-able). The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River through the world's deepest gorge to reach Beni. This is a fun day, with an excellent trail and a section of new road. Beni is the headquarters of Parbat District and has many shops and hotels. From here we take a bus for the 78km to Pokhara. Hotel accommodation.
Day 16: A free day, explore fascinating Pokhara. We could even explore it by bike.
Day 17: We take the bus for the 200km drive to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Day 18: Departure.

 

TOUR COST
   
4-5 Pax US$1710 per person
6-8 Pax US$1538 per person
10+ Pax US$1375 per person


PLEASE NOTE:

  • This price EXCLUDES the cost of airfare to and from Kathmandu

THE ABOVE COST INCLUDES

  • Airport picks and drops.
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu 2 night with Breakfast (1st night and last night of tour)
  • General ACAP permits
  • TIMS permit
  • Accommodation on Bike tour twin share basis in Lodges.
  • Nepali Guide/Mechanics.
  • Three meals a day from day 1 to day 15 (Day 15 meals from us ends at Lunch, so you need to pay yourself for the evening dinner).
  • Breakfast only in Kathmandu Hotel.
  • Insurance for Nepali staffs.
  • 1 porter per 2 pax.
  • 2 night hotel BB basis in Pokhara.
  • Private bus transportation Kathmandu to Besishahar
  • Private bus Beni to Kathmandu

THE ABOVE COST EXCLUDES

  • Alcoholic and canned drinks.
  • Meals in Kathmandu other then breakfast.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu other then mentioned in itinerary.
  • Medical treatments and medical insurance.
  • Emergency and Evacuation costs.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Nepal visas. (approx US$ 30)
  • Domestic and international flights.
  • Airport taxes.
  • Costs associated with cancellations, delays & porters due to road works, unavoidable by Company.
  • Sleeping bags & Mattress.
  • Bikes, helmets, spare parts and clothing.

NOTE: You have to arrive Kathmandu 24 hours before the tour departure date.

Please email us to book this trip.