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