Single Track Mountain Biking Adventure
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10 days
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Kathmandu/Kathmandu
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10 people
This is the true mountain biking adventure in one of the most remote regions in the far east of Nepal. Fewer mountain bikers have ever attempted this route, and only a handful of them have ever made it to the region of Tumlingtar. We are proud to offer this trip to you.
The trip starts by flying from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. The next day is spent getting ready for the adventure ahead by preparing the bikes and getting ourselves ready. The second day is spent exploring the region around Tumlingtar and the villages by bike, where you’ll find some of the best single trails in the region.
From the third day onwards, the adventure really starts. We set off along the Arun River and head towards the region of Kewabesi, where we’ll meet our support staff. Until the third day, we are not supported by vehicles, and when the terrain gets tough, we carry our bikes ourselves. From the region of Kewabesi onwards, we have full support and continue the adventure by camping along the route.
The rest of the trip involves a combination of challenging uphill rides and thrilling downhill rides. You will get to enjoy riding through remote trails, long scenic descents, and the natural beauty of eastern Nepal. You can also take a vehicle for support if you want to take a rest on a particularly challenging section.
Activity: Sightseeing & Mountain Biking
Trip Type: Adventure
Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu
Arriving in Kathmandu by plane is a breathtaking experience, especially if it’s a clear day. While landing, enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, which is a breathtaking sight, especially if it’s a clear day. After arriving, a representative and a driver will receive you from the airport and take you to the hotel. They will check you into the hotel and brief you about the upcoming days’ events.
Stay: Hotel
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Day 2
Kathmandu Sightseeing
After having breakfast, we will explore the major cultural and historical sites of Kathmandu. These sites are as follows:
Kathmandu Durbar Square: This is the heart of art and culture in Nepal. This square is filled with ancient palaces, temples, and the famous Kasthamandap, which is constructed from a single tree and is named after the city. This is a great opportunity to explore the ancient history of Nepal. Here, you can visit ancient temples, the Seto Machhindranath temple, and the royal palace.
Swayambhunath Stupa: This is a 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupa located on top of a small hill. It is also known as the Monkey Temple. From the top of the hill, you can enjoy the panoramic views of Kathmandu. This is one of the most important sites in Kathmandu, featuring a brick and earthwork, a golden spire, and the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. On the top of the hill, you can find small chaityas and pagoda-style temples, making it a unique experience.
Patan Durbar Square: This is located 5 km south of Kathmandu and is famous for its artistic heritage, featuring wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and over 1,200 monuments. The royal palace is located in the center of Patan, housing a very interesting museum. This square is a beautiful combination of Hindu and Buddhist temples, courtyards, and pagoda-style architecture.
Stay: Hotel
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Day 3
Flight to Tumlingtar
On this day, we will take a one-hour flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar on a Twin Otter aircraft. Tumlingtar is located on a plateau above the Arun River and is at an elevation of 460 meters. This is nearly 1,000 meters lower than Kathmandu. Tumlingtar is a lush and tropical place with many forests, banana groves, and rice fields. This means that we will experience a much warmer climate here.
After we arrive at Tumlingtar, we will assemble our bikes and, if time permits, we will also explore the Tumlingtar plateau. This place is full of quiet single trails that offer a taste of adventure as we ride here in the evening.
Stay: Small Simple Guesthouse in Timlingtar
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Day 4
Biking Around Tumlingtar
Today’s plan is to take a beautiful ride to Khandbari, the administrative center of the area, at an altitude of 1,040 m. It’s a two-hour ride from Tumlingtar towards Makalu Base Camp.
If we reach Khandbari on a Saturday, we have the opportunity to see a weekly market. Khandbari is a beautiful town with a flagstone road, white houses, beautiful gardens, and well- manicured lawns. It’s a great combination of cultural and scenic attractions for a day’s biking.
Stay: Return to Tumlingtar for the Night
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Day 5
Biking to Kewabesi
Today, the real adventure starts as we ride 25 km down the Arun Valley. The route goes down the plateau from Tumlingtar and then drops down to cross an exciting suspension bridge over the Shawa River.
Then we ride down the Arun River, at times hugging the river and at times on the trails above it. There’s even an option to swim in the river at lunchtime before continuing to our camp at Kewabesi. At Kewabesi, we meet our support crew, who will accompany and assist us for the rest of the journey towards Dharan.
Overnight at Hotel.
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Day 6
Biking to Pakhribas
The day starts with a few kilometers of single trail to Leguwa, where we’ll meet up with our support vehicles again. This is where we’ll be able to hitch a ride on some of the tougher climbs later in the day.
A short distance on a relatively flat dirt road leads us to the start of the climb at Manmaya. From here on in, it’s a long climb up to Pakhribas. There’s time for those who want a challenge to bike all the way to Pakhribas, while those in need of a break can hitch a ride in one of our support vehicles.
Stay: Hotel
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Day 7
Biking to Mulghat
Today’s ride is going to be thrilling, as we go downhill. Our day begins with a 10 km ride along a flat dirt road to Hile, a beautiful town located at 1,850 meters. The cool winds here are a welcome change from the heat in the Arun Valley. Hile is inhabited by many Tibetans, giving it an added charm.
From Hile, we go downhill along a spur road to Dhankuta, located at 1,220 meters. Though the main road bypasses the town, we ride through the small streets in Dhankuta, which is inhabited by the Rai, Newari, and Limbu communities. After riding through Dhankuta, we continue our downhill ride to Mulghat, where we stay in a local lodge near the Tamur River in a picturesque setting.
Stay: Hotel
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Day 8
Biking to Dharan and Drive to Biratnagar
Leaving Mulghat, we enter a side valley of the Tamur River and ride up to the Churai Hills, the last range before we enter the plains. This ride takes us up to Bhedetar Pass at an altitude of 1,460 meters, where we have an option to hitch a ride in the support vehicle if we so choose.
As we ride out of this pass, we have a breathtaking view of the majestic peak of Kanchenjunga (8,598 m) and its equally magnificent companion peak Jannu (7,710 m), situated on the Nepal- India border. As we look southwards from this ridge, we have an expansive view of the vast plains below, presenting a stark contrast.
The ride continues with another heart-stopping descent to Dharan at an altitude of 370 meters. From Dharan, we drive to Biratnagar and stay overnight before flying back to Kathmandu.
Stay: Hotel
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Day 9
Fly Back to Kathmandu
Today we take an early flight back to Kathmandu from Biratnagar. After checking into our hotel, you can enjoy a hot shower, as you deserve it for the excitement of the past few days of biking.
Stay: Hotel
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Day 10
Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast at your hotel, we will transfer you to Kathmandu Airport for your onward flight.
Our representative will assist you in a smooth transfer to the airport so that you depart Nepal with sweet memories and an unforgettable experience of your mountain biking trip in eastern Nepal.
