MANASLU MOUNTAIN BIKE EXPEDITION 15TH October 2013……

Manaslu, at 8,163 m, is the eighth highest mountain in the world standing isolated and yet in the very center of the Nepalese Himalaya and the trail around this majestic peak is perhaps one of Nepal’s “Best Kept Secrets” and not only that, the area which is little traveled by tourists is ripe for the exploration of Mountain Biking. Not only are there exceptional views in every direction but the low-to-high range of altitudes presents such varied flora and, most noticeably, a wide cultural spectrum, including strong influences from Tibet mixing with Nepali ethnic diversity.

The trail involves crossing the challenging Larke Pass at 5135 meters which Shoulders the Mountain itself, the awe-inspiring views and scenery are worth the physical effort’s. The trail is by far not 100% ride-able, in fact it is perhaps one of the most challenging trails for biking in Nepal, with long sections of carrying and pushing, but the rewards of endless flowing single track are well worth it. A side trip to Tsum Valley and Mu Ghompa is in itself a mini expedition into another world, this flat bowl like valley is an extraordinary and beautiful place offering some breathtaking trails for mountain biking and a journey of discovery in to this hidden mountain culture and religion. Some of the trails themselves are not without danger, sheer cliffs and narrow trails heavily trodden with donkeys make the cyclist heed caution, as for the local people, donkey trains are the only way to get supplies into and out of the many villages that scatter the region.

Santosh Rai late last year lead our first trip around the Circuit and into Tsum Valley with Christine Schaffner and her Partner Beat 7 times World Mountain Bike Orienteering Champions and came back raving about the potential of the area for future mountain bike exploration. Hence forth Himalayan Single Track is planning our first commercial expedition around the Circuit and into Tsum Valley on 15th of October this year in conjunction with some independent guide book writers from Germany. This special tour is open for other intrepid mountain bikers to join and interested person should send us an email – info@himalayansingletrack.com. Places are limited so please get in touch with us soon.

PROGRAM

15th October: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
16th October: KATHMANDU TO ARUGHAT (608m)
17th October: ARUGHAT  TO MACHHA KHOLA (869m)
18th October: MACHHA KHOLA TO JAGAT  (1410M)
19th October: JAGAT TO LOLAKUWA  (2240M)
20th October: LOLAKUWA TO CHHOKKUNG (2960M)
21st October:  CHHOKKUNG TO MU GUMBA (3510M) – DAY TRIP
22nd October:   CHHOKKUNG TO DYANG (1800M)
23rd October: DYANG TO NAMRUNG (2660M)
24th October: NAMRUNG TO SHAMA GAUN (3530M)
25th October: SHAMA GAUN TO SAMDO (3690M)
26th October: SAMDO TO DHARMASALA (4460M)
27th October:  DHARMASALA TO BHIMTANG
28th October: BHIMTANG TO DHARAPANI (1860M)
29th October: DHARAPANI TO BESISHAR AND TRANSFER BACK TO KATHMANDU
30th October: END TRIP

COMING UP THIS SPRING SEASON.....

Winter is winding down now in Kathmandu and HST is out and about gearing up for the spring season. We have some great long tours on the go, check them out, better still join one! If you are just in town for a day or two join one of our guides on a day tour or downhill trip exploring some of the best trails in the Kathmandu Valley.

Hike, Bike and Paddle the Himalaya – 17^th April

Join in this ultimate adventure around the Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna trek is one of the most well know treks in Nepal and this tour allows you to take advantage of three of Nepal’s top adventure activities, Trekking, Mountain Biking and White Water Rafting. Trek along the Marasyandi River and the lush valley scenery up to Manang and then over the challenging snow covered Throng La at 5600 meters. From the holy temples of Muktinath it’s a wild downhill mountain bike ride all the way along the Kaligandaki Valley to Tataopani for a splash in the hot springs and then on to Maldhunga for a fun filled two and a half days of white water rafting on one of the most beautiful rivers in Nepal. This trip is certainly one of the best ways to spend your time in Nepal!

Annapurna Circuit – 5^th March/ 7^th April

For as long as Nepal has been open to tourism, The Annapurna circuit has been one of the most popular trekking trails. The gentle inclines and well maintained trails make this one of the best ways to get into the heart of the Himalayas on a Mountain Bike. This journey is a combination of biking and trekking, but as progression develops the trail to bring amenities to the remote villages, the way is becoming more and more bike friendly and will certainly offer you the experience of a life time. The route takes you around the massive Annapurna range and back into the Pokhara Valley, passing between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs. The ride is technical and highly challenging and is a journey that you will never forget.

Jomsom Muktinath – Every Monday

Jomsom is in the heart of the Himalaya and offers some spectacular trails for mountain bikers. Peddle up between the Nilgiri Massifs to one of the holiest temples in Nepal, Muktinath at the foot of the mighty Throng Pass on route from the Annapurna Circuit. From here there are many options for some amazing single track and downhill riding along the beautiful Kaligandaki River, one of the deepest gorges in the world, past ancient monasteries and traditional villages. Bump along on cobble paths and get your feet wet in ice fed streams. This is surely one of the most spectacular short mountain biking holidays in the world.....you gotta do it once in your life!

For more information send us an email - info@himalayansingletrack.com

Happy Spring Trails Everyone....