Annapurna Region

NSTR # 36 HIKE, BIKE, RAFT AND WILDLIFE
Duration	:	Three Weeks
Grade	:	Moderate
Maximum Elevations	:	4200 m. at high camp.
Season	:	Autumn, Spring
Trek Style	:	Tended / Remote

Summery : This is one of the most spectacular trips with trek on the 'off the beaten path' in the Annapurna region, cycling from Pokhara to Gorkha on classic trail, raft on the Trisuli river, exploring of unspoiled wilderness surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Wildlife of this area include the Himalyan Tahr{a large goat- like creature}, the Pikka{a mammal similar to a guinea pig} And the national bird of Nepal - the multi- colored Impeyan pheasant. For the bird watcher this trek presents a variety of species
with maximum numbers of available during the spring {March- May}. The scenery ranges from the fertile splendor of the Pokhara valley with its panoramic views of Machapuchare and the Annapurnas massif, through splendor rhododendron, hemlock and fir forest, to the high above the tree line where we get uninterrupted views of the Annapurnas, the Dhaulagris and far up the Kali Gandaki past the Nilgiris into Mustang and Tibet. This trip provides a wonderful experience of culture, adventure and views of all that Nepal has to offer- mountains, countryside, river, forests and diverse village life.

Itinerary:
Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu. Reception and transfer to hotel.
Day 02 : Sightseeing tours to Kathmandu valley.
Day 03 : Drive to Pokhara and onto Birethanti and commence trek.
Day 13 : Trek concludes at Phedi and drive to Pokhara. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 14 : Biking starts with sightseeing of Pokhara

• Technical grade - demandingly adventurous
  
• Distance covered - 250km
  
• Max.altitude - 2100m
  
• Average daily distance - 60-70km
  
• Accommodation - Tented camp and hotel

On a clear day, the views of the mighty Himalayas are simply superb! In the afternoon we will take our bikes on a short ride round Phewa Tal, the enchanting lake on which Pokhara is situated. Pokhara is a very special town with its laid-back atmosphere and unique skyline, dominated by the sacred mountain of Machhapuchre and the Annapurnas. With an altitude of just 800m, Pokhara is warmer than Kathmandu and is definitely less hectic than the capital. Overnight accommodation is in a tranquil guesthouse near the lakeside.

Day 15 : Pokhara and Around
This day's ride is a challenging one. The trail first takes us on a sweaty climb of 700m over a distance of 8.5km as we circle Sarangkot hill. From the high viewpoint at the summit of the hill, we can enjoy excellent vistas of the impressive Himalayan panorama stretching out before us. After a rest we have a descent of 6km on a dirt road until we reach the main Baglung highway, where we then begin a long tarmaced downhill back to Pokhara.

Day 16 : To Begnastal.
Today we leave Pokhara behind and set off on our exciting off-road expedition.
We commence the day's riding with an ascent from 780m to 1270m over a distance of 7km on a rough dirt track. Just below the top of the Kali hill we proceed on single track and an awesome downhill through the village of Hot Chili to the shores of the Begnas Tal. ('Tal' meaning lake in Nepali.) The camp will, as always, be set-up and drinks waiting our arrival. There is an option of taking the bikes on a pleasant single-track circuit of the lake before enjoying our well-deserved evening meal under the stars.

Day 17 : To Kalasti
This is a long, challenging day of mountain biking that sees us traverse two small bridges via the ridge of Sundari Danda, to arrive on the banks of the Mhodi Khola river at Bhorletar. We head off in the morning on a large footpath but after a climb of 350m to the second pass we continue on a wild single track, through terraced fields and irrigation channels. The terrain in this section demands we carry in some places - as coming off your bike may have serious consequences. As we wind our way through this magnificent area we are always met by stunned locals, who simply query our sanity on taking bikes through their villages. When we finally reach Bhorletar we begin following the river on a rough jeep track to our camp- site near the small village of Kalasti. Again our support vehicle has been unable to follow us directly but the camp is pitched and is a welcome sight after an outstanding day's riding. (Approx total distance: 48-50km)

Day 18 : To Besisahar & Beyond
You may be wondering at this stage how we can sustain the exceptional quality of this off-road exploration - but today it gets even better! With plenty of climbing to be done, it's mostly uphill, interspersed with some wonderful downhill blasts. The track clings to the ridge as we pass through picturesque villages and forest. From here we conclude the day on the main highway which we follow for only 2 km to Besisahar ,before turning off to reach our campsite in the Marsyangdi valley, where we can take in the wonderful views of Manaslu. (Approx. total distance: 28km)

Day 19 : To Gorkha
Our trail has taken us to the start of the Annapurna trek and we follow this route, on paved road, for a distance of 10km before we cross the raging Marsyangdi river and continue on a veritable maze of footpaths. We cross a small pass and then descend to the Dorandi river which is a perfect spot for lunch and a swim before heading on a jeep track and a tarmac road for 13km to the ridge top town of Gorkha, where we stop for the night.
Unlike the previous nights camping we spend this one in a hotel.

Day 20 : Raft to Kurintar 0700 AM : After breakfast, drive for one hour for a Raft trip on the THE TRISULI RIVER Hitting the Trisuli is the most convenient means of experiencing Nepal's river rafting. You have a combination of both white and scenic floats. The Trisuli river originates in Tibet and flows through the middle hills of the Mahabharat range. It is joined at Mungling by the river Marsyangdi and Devghat by the Kaligandaki River which flows through the Royal Chitwan National Park in the Terai.

Drive to CHARAUDI, your raft put-in-point along the Highway encountering excellent views of the famous terraced cultivations for one hour. After the raft is rigged the Trip Leader and/or River Guide will give a 'safety procedure' talk and handover the life vests and helmets to each member before you start to float. Not long after we are on our way hitting wonderful rapids immediately. We lunch on the river bank after going through several rapids, our crew preparing lunch on the spot, then leave once more to enjoy other rapids. Camp is at Kurintar on a sandy beach.

Day 21 : Chitwan Nationa Park
We wake you up at 6.30 am with bed tea. Breakfast follows at about 8.00 am then we continue down the Trisuli, stopping to suit our interests. We spend the whole day within a forested canyon - one of many within the Mahabharat range. Lunch will be served just after going through the Mungling rapid where the Trisuli confluences with the Marsyangdi, flowing down from the Manang valley. Once again on the river hitting small and a couple of pleasant continuous rapids, we take out at Ghaighat. Changing and drive on to Royal National Park for wildlife viewing. Overnight at a deluxe lodge.

Day 22 : Chitwan National Park with all the jungle activities with elephant ride, jungle walk, village visit and bird watching etc.. Overnight at a jungle lodge.

Day 23 : After few jungle activities in the morning, drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 24 : Trip concludes by departure transfer to airport.