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Nepal: Annapurna Hike, Bike & Raft

Nepal: Annapurna Hike, Bike & Raft

From $ 1,795 AUD

Description

Get amongst the giants of the Himalayas on this active adventure in Nepal. While most tours tend to focus solely on the hiking trails, this eclectic round-trip from Kathmandu combines classic trekking with mountain biking and river rafting, with a yoga class to stretch out and finish up. Explore the northern Kathmandu Valley on two wheels, float down the rapids of the Trisuli River, trek through ethnic Gurung villages, set eyes on the mighty Annapurna peaks, and take a boat trip across Fewa Lake.

ALTERNATE ITINERARY:
Due to the nature of outdoor travel, please be aware that this trip will operate on an amended itinerary in high risk weather conditions.

Trip Name
Nepal: Annapurna Hike, Bike & Raft
Last Updated
2020-09-19
Days
12
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • As well as hiking the foothills of the Annapurnas, enjoy rafting trips on the Tirisuli River, mountain bike adventures in the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara, and a boat cruise across beautiful Fewa Lake
  • See some of Nepal’s greatest icons, both natural and man-made: Bodhnath stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, the fishtail peak of Machhapuchhare and the magnificent Annapurna range
  • Learn more about local ethnic cultures on a hike through the villages around Lowang, home to Gurung, Magar, Brahmin, Chhetri and Dalit people
  • Unwind with some yoga in Pokhara, the perfect way to re-calibrate at the end of all that outdoor adventure

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Kathmandu
Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Kathmandu is a city too laid-back to bother being the best; it’s just legendary Kathmandu, a spicy masala of mixed reputations. If you arrive early, why not try one of our Urban Adventure day tours to get a feel for this fantastic city and its surrounds. Meet your leader and group tonight at 5 pm for a welcome meeting, followed by an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 2 - Kathmandu
Check out a few sights around Kathmandu, soaking up the atmosphere along the way. Crowded markets and bazaars are the centre of Nepali life and the narrow streets are home to holy men, monks, bicycles, incense, goats and sacred cows. See two iconic Nepalese structures: Bodhnath stupa and Pashupatinath temple. Bodhnath, the largest stupa in Asia, is a place to see Tibetan Buddhism in action, as large numbers of pilgrims congregate daily around the stupa and circle it as part of their ritual kora. Pashupatinath, situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, is the most important temple in Nepal.
Day 3 - Kathmandu (Bike)
Set off on a bike ride around Kathmandu, total ride time approximately 6 hours; 45 km. The ride takes you through the north of the Kathmandu Valley, departing from the hotel after breakfast at around 8 am. Riders will need to navigate traffic on the roads for about 2 km before an easy 4 km climb on a paved road up to Mudkhu pass. Mudkhu is every cyclist’s favorite place for tea (chiya) and a chat, and you may meet some locals cycling enthusiasts here. From there, ride to the Tinpipple and continue heading up to Kakani hill station, from where you can see stunning views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal and meet with Tamang locals. Head off on jeep tracks and village trails, returning to Tin Pipple and riding towards Tokha village - one of the oldest settlements of Newar in Kathmandu Valley. Continue the ride back to the hotel after having lunch at Tokha Village. This single track hugs the valley rim and offers great views of Kathmandu Valley and an interesting insight into semi-rural life in Nepal. The trails are moderate and undulating with many easy ups and downs. Spend tonight back in Kathmandu.
Day 4 - Trisuli River (Raft)
Leave Kathmandu behind today and drive to Benighat (approximately 3 hours). Embark on a rafting trip (approximately 4 hours), tackling a few rapids of class 2–3: Twins Rock, Ladies Delight and Landslide. There will be a stop for lunch along the way at one of the beaches by the river. Continue the journey on the raft, heading up to the camp site at Muwa Khola. Settle into your camp and enjoy some dinner as you relax and unwind from the adventure.
Day 5 - Trisuli River (Raft) - Pokhara
Rise at around 6:30 am for a quick breakfast and to pack up. Head off on another half-day rafting adventure and experience the rapids (also of class 2–3) known as Bijuli (which translates to "electricity"), Up-set and Surprise. We stop for lunch at Kurintar before continuing the journey to Pokhara by private vehicle (approximately 6 hours in total, combining the raft and the drive). Arrive in Pokhara early evening.
Day 6 - Pokhara (Bike)
Back in the saddle for a mountain bike ride to the Peace Pagoda Temple and its beautiful surrounds. This is a half-day excursion (approximately 3–4 hours). On a clear day, spectacular views of the mountains can be enjoyed from this vantage point. You can see the Annapurnas, the famous fishtail peak Machhapuchhare, and back across to Pokhara. Sit down to lunch, and to stretch your legs and catch your breath. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore back in Pokhara.
Day 7 - Milanchok - Lowang (Hike - 1280mt / 4199ft)
Today we trek! Drive to Milanchok (approximately 45 minutes) then trek to Lowang (approximately 4 hours). This trek to our homestay tonight is the best opportunity to explore the life and landscape around Pokhara. The main indigenous people living in this area are Gurung, Magars, Brahmins, Chhetris and Dalits. Along the way, see tea gardens near Machhapuchhare and several Gurung villages with their friendly residents going about their daily lives. Learn more about their various customs, culture, language and traditions during along the course of the trek. Settle into your homestay in Lowang Village.
Day 8 - Dhampus - Australian Camp (Hike - 2060 mtr / 6760 ft)
After breakfast in our home stay, begin trekking to Australian Camp via Dhampus (approximately 6 hours in total). Make a gentle climb, passing the terraced fields and small villages. Cross into the rhododendron and pine forest and terrace fields. Take in views of the spectacular Annapurna range, Machhapuchhare and Lamjung Mountain. Watch the sun set over the Himalayas in the evening from Australian Camp.
Day 9 - Ghattekhola/Phedi (Hike) - Pokhara
Trek up to Ghattekhola or Phedi (approximately 3.5 hours) via Kande and Dhukur Pokhari. From here you can see stunning views of Annapurna and Manaslu. Afterwards, drive back to Pokhara and check into the hotel (approximately 1 hour).
Day 10 - Pokhara (Yoga)
Tend to your mind and body today with a yoga class in the morning. Afterwards, set out on a boating trip across lovely Fewa Lake, the second largest lake in Nepal.
Day 11 - Kathmandu
Head to the bus station and take a public bus back to Kathmandu, departing at around 7 am (approximately 6 hours). Check back into your hotel and celebrate your final night together.
Day 12 - Kathmandu
Your adventure ends in Kathmandu this morning.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-11-202017-11-2020AUD $ 1,795-

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights),Camping (1 night),Homestay (1 night),Teahouse (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle,Public bus,Bicycle,Raft

Map