Mountain Biking, Pilgrimages, etc. - Trekking in Nepal

(1) Mountain Biking in Nepal

Bhaktapur to Banepa
Bhaktapur (12km to the east of Kathmandu) to Banepa (14km from Bhaktapur), a historical town on the way to Tibet, is terrific for mountain biking. If you want to avoid trucks, there is an old road from Bhaktapur to Banepa that goes via Tathal and Nala. From Banepa, you can take a side-trip south to Panauti (7km) or east to Dhulikhel (6km). An interesting circuit is Banepa to Dhulikhel (6km) to Namura (7km) to Panauti (8km) to Banepa (7km).

Kathmandu to Kodari
The 114km highway linking Kathmandu with Kodari on the Chinese border follows the ancient trade route to Lhasa. Known as the Arniko Highway, this spectacular road leads east past Bhaktapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel and Dolaghat and then turns north following the course of the Sun Koshi and Bhote Koshi rivers. Picturesque villages and tranquil terraced fields against a backdrop of green hills are the scenic rewards on the trail. The trip takes four days up and down. Overnight at Dhulikhel or Barhabesi (88km from Kathmandu) and Tatopani (3km) before Kodari where hot springs are an added attraction.

Kathmandu to Daman
The 75km stretch up to Daman on the Tribuvan highway has been described as the best bike ride in Nepal. Until the bypass through Mugling opened about two decades ago, this was the only road to India. The good news for bikers is that there is very little traffic on the highway now. The road spirals jup and down endless hills and passes through broad valleys and small villages. Exit the Kathmandu valley at Thankot (10km from Kathmandu) and on to Palung (65Km) and finally Daman (altitude 2,400m). There is a view tower here which offers an incredible 400km panorama of the Himalaya extending from Annapurna to Everest. The bike ride to Daman takes all day.

Balaju to Kakani
The route to Kakani (altitude 1,982m) branches off at Balaju Bypass (3km to the northwest of Kathmandu central). It is a slow and easy ascent to this hill resort 23km northwest of Kathmandu. The trip offers a magnificent view of Ganesh Himal along with the fresh and serene atmosphere of the hills.

(2) Mountain Flights

"See the Himalaya from up close"

How about mountain flights that offer a panoramic encounter with the highest peaks on earth?! The plane departs from Kathmandu and flies alongside the Himalaya to give you eye-level views of the snowy peaks and then brings you back in one hour. Cruising close to the awesome massifs of rock and ice, the flight presents a mind-boggling sight.

As the aircraft takes off and heads towards the east, you don't have to wait too long to find out what's in store for you. First to your far left, you see Gosaithan, also called Shisha Pangma, standing at the majestic height of 8,013m. Immediately to the right of Gosaithan, there appears Dorje Lhakpa (6,966m) covered with snow. To the right of Dorjee Lakpa is Phurbi-Chyachu, which looms over the Kathmandu Valley.

As the plane glides along, the mountains come closer and closer. Next on the vision is Choba-Bhamare, the smallest one of the lot at 5,933m but singularly stubborn as it has never been climbed. Then appears the mountain that is not only prominent in sight but also in spirituality - Gauri-Shankar. Lord Shiva (Shankar) and his consort Gauri are said to protect this mountain, at the proud height of 7,134m, and the summit had a history of unsuccessful attempts till 1979. Gauri-Shankar is sharp and very conspicuous during the mountain flight.

As the plane moves towards the land of the rising sun, the eastern Himalaya, a succession of glorious mountains follow. Melungtse, a plateau-like mountain, stretches up to 7,023m. Chugimago at 6,297m is still a virgin waiting to be climbed. At 6,956m, Number mountain resembles a breast, the maternal source in the sky providing pure milk to the Sherpas of the Solu Khumbu. Next is Karyolung, an intensely white mountain that at 6,511m gleams with the rising sun. Choyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world. Reaching a height of 8,201m, it appears stunningly beautiful from the aircraft.

Next on the menu is Gyachungkang, At a majestic height of 7,952m, considered an extremely difficult climb. To the right of Gychungkang is Pumori (7,161m). As you get closer to Mt Everest, there's Nupste (7,855m), which means West peak, signifying its direction from Everest. Finally there's Everest (8,848m) itself, known as Sagarmatha by the Nepalese and Chomolungma by the Tibetans. Much has already been written about Everest, but to actually witness it face to face during a mountain flight is something else. Even while it looms there in front of the eyes, it remains an enigma, this highest spot on earth.

(3) Ticketing

Nowadays, it is not unusual to get to every corner of the world within a time frame set by yourself through a travelling mode that you choose. However, many people find themselves stashed up somewhere unexpectedly and start getting restless and grumble about things that go against their preplanned schedule. The major cause of delay in your travels maybe getting tickets at the right time.

Our active role of ticketing in almost all the destination of the world, helps us to make things possible. Obtaining tickets, especially for internal flights within countries, can really drive you crazy. To avoid these unwelcome events we are at your service. We arrange for you the tickets to any destination of the world at very competitive prices. With us you can save time and use your efforts doing something more worthy. Don't hesitate to contact us. We'd love to provide you with a free quote or further information.

(4) Pilgrimage & Excursion

Sacred Sites
Besides Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimages in world; Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha in southern Nepal; and Janakpur, where Sita, consort of Lord Ram, was born, the Kingdom contains many other holy places which attract the faithful from all over.

Visitors' Guide to religious places:

1. It is possible to visit most temples, stupas and shrines, except the inner sanctum. There are sign boards if entry is restricted.
2. Remove your shoes before entering temples and monasteries.
3. Shoes, handbags, belts and other accessories made of leather are prohibited in most religious places.
4. When entering a temple courtyard, go around in a clockwise direction.
5. There is a small stone or metal Mandala circular diagram on the ground in front of most shrines. Please do not step on it.
6. Photography is generally allowed. Using flashbulbs when people are worshipping may be inconsiderate.
7. It is polite to ask permission before taking photographs, although people who are worshipping may find it inconsiderate.
8. It is polite to asked permission before taking photographs of people performing sacred rites.
9. Please do not touch the offerings or persons when they are on their way to a temple or are performing rituals.
10. Eating is not done inside the shrine precincts.
11. Please do not sit or climb on top of the statues.
12. Please remember that temples are active places of worship and not archeological specimens.
    

(5) Himalaya Hot-Air Ballooning

From the tranquil vantage point of a hot air balloon at three thousand metres we can see an extraordinary scene of ancient temples, monasteries and paddy fields.

The greatest of all gods, Shiva rested from his labours making the world. With his left hand he thrust his trident into the ground thus creating the three perfect lakes of Gokyo nestled beneath the sacred mountain of Chomolonga (Mother Goddess of all Earth - Mt Everest).

The Shiva looked westward and with his sword in his right hand cleft the mountain of Chhobar. At the moment of impact Chhobar became a gorge and the giant lake within the valley was drained of all water. The fertile Valley of Kathmandu was born.

But now look north to the snowcapped mountains of Ganesh, Langtang, and Gauri Shankar and of course Mt Everest and you realize that the awesome wilderness of Himalayas could only be the dwelling place of gods.

Sunrise Balloon Flights

With the first rays of sunlight our nine story high balloon it slowly comes to life. A sleeping giant decorated with the "all seeing eyes of Buddha" it ripples, stretches and slowly expands.

Gracefully and ever so slowly, the balloon eases itself from the ground. The departure is so gentle that few passengers even realize that we are now floating above the red tiled rooftops of the city of Kathmandu. Majestically the balloon climbs. A stones throw away to the east is the ancient village of Bhaktapur. It is a collection of perhaps the most historic and holy Buddhist and Hindu temples found in Asia. Look towards the center of Durbar Square in Kathmandu and the gilded temple of Kumari dashes the sun's touch into a fan of brilliance to be ever remembered. Above Kathmandu you look out to the highest mountain range on earth. There is no dusty Perspex, noise vibrating motor or airplane wing to spoil the most spectacular of all views.

You may never climb Mt Everest but from the perfect safety and comfort of a wicker basket, in the oldest and most romantic form of flight, you will feel that you have reached the top of the world in effortless security. On Balloon Sunrise Nepal's one hour balloon flight, Shiva's creation becomes simply unforgettable.

(6) Hotel Booking

A wide range of standard hotels, equivalent to international standards, are now abundant in Nepal, mostly at the tourist-frequented cities and towns. Non-star hotels, yet comfortable, inns and lodges are found along all the popular trekking trails. Booking for the lodges and inns are not essential as our guides hold all the responsibilities of your comfortable stay. Yet good accommodation in cities and towns are really longed for by many travellers after an extended flight and a long, long and wonderful experience in the Himalayas.

It is not hard for you to obtain a room booking at any of the hotels. Your booking and reconfirmation of a room is done free of cost a prior day to your arrival if you request it. For more details contact us.

For Bhutan there are fixed hotels as per your tour and trekking itinerary. What hotels provide to you are deluxe standard.

In case of accommodation in Tibet, you are provided as per the standard of the trip you select. However, there isn't much difference while you are on the way, except a few places where there are alternatives.

(7) Vehicle renting

4WD Land Cruiser, Pajero, AC Toyota Car, Ten Seater Van, Mini Bus, Bus and Lorry vehicles are available for transport to every corner of the country where roads allows. Our outstanding service and prices will have you coming back for more.

Features of our services:

1. 24hrs service
2. Wide range of choice
3. Comfortable seats guaranteed
4. In case of broke-down, alternative vehicle is place to it with short span of time.
5. Drivers available

For further information and prices for any of the above treks please contact us.