Smiling Albino

Intro

Total Trip - 13 days

This is the ultimate multi-sport adventure in Nepal. Designed for travelers who love a daily workout on vacation, this adventure features world-class trekking, mountain biking and rafting. This is a high-intensity Himalayan pursuit.

You'll enjoy one of the coolest hotel in Kathmandu, experience the sites in style, then head out on mountain bikes for three days, riding the mountains along the Kathmandu valley, then north towards the Tibetan border. From here you'll enjoy two memorable nights at a tented resort, bungee jumping from one of the world's highest platforms over a raging river (optional), take in a big day white water rafting then head embark on a five-day trek in remote areas with a full support crew. Get ready for the ultimate Himalayan ride!

Note: should you require return airfare from Bangkok to Kathmandu we can arrange it aboard Thai Airways International for about $800US. Please contact us for current prices on this flight.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Kathmandu

Today you arrive in the fascinating Hindu/Buddhist nation of Nepal. We'll meet you at the airport and introduce you to your incredible digs at the award-winning Dwarika's Hotel. Every brick and piece of wood in this stunning property was laid by hand, creating the perfect environment to soak in the soul of the country. Tonight it's out on the town for a traditional Newari dinner (Newars are the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu valley) at one of the city's tastiest restaurants.

Meals: D

Day 2 - Into the Thick of It

Stepping out into Kathmandu's alleys is an enchanting journey back in time. Today we'll focus on exploring lesser-visited bazaars and nooks in Kathmandu and neighbouring Patan. From the ancient Patan mint, to brass dealers and the old trade route from Nepal to Tibet this exploration uncovers the hidden gems of the area. Tonight we transfer to a cool mountaintop hotel - Park Village Hotel and Resort - on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3 - Biking Bliss

On your mountain bike for an epic day in the saddle! We'll enjoy challenging climbs, awesome ridges and thrilling downhill as we make our way along forested jeep trails and single-track through Rhododendron forests. The Himalayas manifest themselves as you pedal through mountain villages and terraced rice fields. At ride's end you're rewarded with a stay in a traditional teahouse with panoramic mountain views at the village of Chiopani.

Mountain Biking: about 8 hours, dirt tracks, lots of ups and downs
Meals: B,L,D

Day 4 - To Nagarkot

It's another big day as we ride down from Chisopani blasting through villages to the northeastern corner of the greater Kathmandu valley. We'll ride jeep and singletrack and finally a short steep climb brings us up to the forest station of Nagarkot where morning views of the Himalayas abound. You'll stay at Club Himalaya tonight.

Mountain Biking: about 5 hours, singletrack, dirt tracks, a good off-road workout
Meals: B,L,D

Day 5 - The Ultimate Down

Today is an epic single-track descent through terraced paddy fields and villages to the Indrawati River below. With the Himalayas as our backdrop we descend 1,000 vertical meters, stopping for Nepali tea along the way at a mountain temple. At the bottom we join the Friendship Highway, the main road to Tibet, which we'll ride to The Last Resort where you'll stay tonight. If this isn't enough, you might even throw yourself off a 160m bungee jump (optional)!

Mountain Biking: about 6 hours, various off-road terrain, long downhill
Meals: B,L,D

Day 6 - White Water Rafting

Get ready for a wild ride on the Bhote Kosi River; one of Nepal's most thrilling. Rafting the Bhote Kosi is a full body experience, with one of the most common commands being "hold on!" During low water flows it's a classic run on a steep mountain river, while during high water it becomes a solid Class 4+ ride, requiring teamwork from all paddlers.

Rafting: 3 hours in the water, class 3-4 rapids
Meals: B,L,D

Day 7 - Let the Trek Begin

A short drive brings you to the village of Barahbishe (800m) and the start of our trek. Don't let the first 20 flat minutes fool you as we soon cross a suspension bridge and begin climbing through a mix of jungle and fields to the village of Duskun which is primarily inhabited by Chhetri people. Enjoy a cup of tea before climbing onwards to Duskum, then Patle - the first Gurung village on our trek. Our final stop is the Gurung village of Lungurpa where we'll camp.

Hiking: 6 hours, footpaths, lots of climbing
Meals: B,L,D

Day 8 - Trek to Nangapa

Today's walk is a trekker's dream. We go around mountains, down to rivers, across small suspension bridges then climb way up to Thami and Chhetri villages. Another suspension bridge and heart-pounding climb takes us to the quaint village of Nangapa where we camp at a school.

Hiking: 7 hours, footpaths, up, up, up
Meals: B,L,D

Day 9 - To the Land of Cheese

Today's walk could be called the 'Himalayan StairMaster'. We'll pass Buddhist villages and stupas along the trail and then the Sherpa village of Tenasa. Lunch will be taken at a small Gompa (monastery) then another couple hours of climbing takes us to just over 3,000m and the herders' camp of Kyi Dorje just below the ridge line. There is a little cheese and butter factory here where we'll hopefully purchase a snack while marveling at great views back down the valley which we came.

Hiking: 6 hours, footpaths, even more uphill
Meals: B,L,D

Day 10 - The High Point

Today we'll set out to conquer one of Nepal's greatest ridge line walks. An hour climbing takes us to the ridge where you'll be rewarded with grand mountain views. For the next four to five hours it's up and down along the ridge, with an impressive theater of mountains surrounding us. The high point is Kalinchowk (3,790m), which is a rocky spire with 360-degree views of Mani Himal, Tibet, Langtang Himal and the Mahabarat Range flattening out into the Northern Indian Plain. A steep descent takes us to lower altitude and our camp.

Hiking: 8 hours, footpaths, a thrilling day at altitude, gnarly ridges
Meals: B,L,D

Day 11 - Into Sherpa Country

It's mostly downhill through gorgeous Rhododendron and Oak forests with spectacular views of surrounding hillsides and Sherpa villages. By mid-afternoon we reach Charikot, a small hillside town at 2000 meters where we spend the night at a charming resort (hot shower!) with more mountain views.

Hiking: 5 hours, footpaths, mostly downhill
Meals: B,L,D

Day 12 - Back to Kathmandu

A six hour drive along amazing Swiss-built mountain roads brings us back to Dwarika's, Kathmandu, a final feast together and night on the town. We're bound to be sharing tall tales of the adventures we've just had.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 13 - Depart Kathmandu

Enjoy a huge breakfast, then transfer to the airport where we bid farewell and look forward to our paths crossing again.

Meals: B

 

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FAQs

What kind of clothing & equipment should I bring to Nepal?

You'll need a reasonable variety of clothes to best enjoy your trip, from light active wear for hiking, to warmer clothes for evenings at higher elevations, and at least one nice, casual outfit for city dining. As this is a physical adventure, you may wish to bring some of your favorite personal equipment such as: bike helmet, biking shorts, biking gloves and hydration pack.

Keep in mind that Nepalese are very modest and don't appreciate visitors passing through their communities or visiting temples in tank-top shirts and shorts. Having appropriate clothing - sleeved shirts and long pants - will ensure you make the best of your adventure.

For a more on this subject, check out What to Pack.

What is the biking like in Nepal?

During our days mountain biking we use high-quality, 24-speed Shimano-equipped mountain bikes, with front suspension. A variety of sizes are available to accommodate all riders. You'll be riding on paved roads, dirt roads and possibly even some single-track. The riding routes are easily adaptable to all comers, but experience on a bike and gearing, coupled with a good level of physical fitness will ensure you enjoy this trip.

How much hiking will we do in Nepal?

On trekking days you'll be climbing up and down steep mountain footpaths. A reasonable level of fitness and stamina is important. Big hiking boots are not needed, but a comfortable outdoor shoe is definitely recommended. Expect to be hiking for up to 6 - 8 hours per day. This adventure is designed to be physically active yet flexible. While biking and rafting are easily left out, hiking is a major component of the trip and not avoidable.

What is the camping like?

You'll enjoy five nights of fully supported camping, getting the most out of the great outdoors. A full crew will be on hand, including sherpas and porters to carry all equipment, your main pack. They'll set up and tear down camp, cook three incredible meals per day and make sure all you have to do is relax and enjoy the walk and vistas. There will be a shower available on one day during the camping portion of the trip, with hand and face washing basins on offer all other days. Each traveler will enjoy their own private sleeping tent with sleeping mat. It is recommended that you bring a three-season sleeping bag though sleeping bag rental can be arranged if needed.

What is it like being at altitude?

During this adventure you'll reach more than 3,700m for a short period of time. Most of that day is spent between 3,200 - 3,500m. You'll notice a shortness of breath, slowed pace, perhaps a light headache and maybe even a bit of a loss of appetite. That said our guides are well versed on altitude and the challenges it can bring. There's no way to know in advance if being at altitude will affect you. It's different for each person. Your hosts will be sure to brief you on the challenges of altitude during the trip and keep a good eye on you during the high day, making sure you enjoy the trip as planned.

Do I need any special visa for Nepal or Tibet?

For information on visas, as well as general details on customs and how to prepare for your trip, visit our Nepal Tips page.

Have more questions?

We have lots more information in our Travel Tips section that will give you an idea of what it's like to travel with Smiling Albino. You can read more on food, weather, language, history and culture, see where you'll be travelling, and maybe find a book or two that you can read before your adventure.

Visit the Travel Tips area.

 

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Trip Gallery

Upgrade Options

Like to stay an extra night in Kathmandu before or after the trip?

Extra nights at Dwarika's $310US/night (double) or $290US/night (single).

Need time on the beach when you're done? Our Thailand beach escapes are second to none.

Smiling Albino has an extensive selection of amazing beach resorts and destinations. Check out our options and let us know if we can add a beach escape to your trip.

Flights to & from Bangkok can be arranged.

Need a flight to Bangkok before or after your adventure in Nepal?

Should you require return airfare from Bangkok to Kathmandu we can arrange it aboard Thai Airways International for approximatley $800US. Please contact us for current prices on this flight.

Need a hotel in Bangkok before or after the trip?

Either downtown or at the airport we can accomodate you.

Downtown: Majestic Grande $105US/night or the Four Seasons $300US/pp/night (double) or $600US/pp/night (single).
Airport: Rama Gardens airport hotel $100US/night or the Novotel Suvarnabhumi $225US/night.

Like to customize this adventure as a private trip?

Any of our trips can be changed up and moved around to give you the perfect experience. Take a look at one of our custom trip examples and let us know what we can do for you.

 

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