We are heading back to the Himalayas to lauch another tour in Nepal. On our new “Wonders of Southern Nepal by Bicylce” tour we to ride the Roof of the World from Kathmandu Valley to the diversity of Chitwan National Park and then to the lakes of Pokhara with views of the stunning Annapurna range.
The tour will allow cyclist to explore the ancient Asia civilizations, a perfect combination of insight into the lives, history, culture of Nepal as well as Tibetan and Hindu religions, whist list Lumbini park, a sacred birthplace of the Lord Buddha designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
We climb out of the Kathmandu Valley and start our riding through shady pine forests with stops along the way at remote temples, all framed by a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the highest mountains in the world. We cycle on the Tribhuvan Highway up to a panoramic view of the Himalayas in Daman. Before descending through small villages and their extensive farmlands to Hetauda, the city surrounded by hills and at the confluence of three rivers.
On day 5 we have a day off bike to explore Chiwan, Napal’s first national park. Where is a home to the endangered one-horned Indian rhino, tigers, leopards and rare Gangetic dolphins. We then leave the forest behind to visit the Buddhist historical sites in Lumbini Park. We continue through rural Nepal to give us a glimpse of village life in Tansen. From there we head to Pokkara, also known as the “city of seven lakes” where we will enjoy both hike and bike ride with the stunning white peaks of the Annapurna range as our backdrop. The next morning we catch a flight back to the bustle of Kathmandu.
We ride more than 310 km, in seven cycling days. In this tour we ride mainly on road with a few sections off-road on jeep width dirt tracks. The distances are not too strenuous and there are many downhills to look forward to. Departure dates are 20 October, 10 November and 22 December, all upcoming in 2012. The price is $1,995 with an additional $150 for bike rental. Included are accommodations, most meals, drinks and snack during riding time.
This is the 4th SpiceRoads cycle tour in nepal. Here are the other tours:
Mountain Bike Kathmandu to Pokhara
Cycle the Seven Summits of Kathmandu Valley
So – are you up for either of them?