What a stunning day we have in stall today. We’ll depart early and begin our climbing from 850 metres altitude at Sundarbazar up to 1130 metres at Syange. Today we’ll cover 42 kilometres. 
We begin our connection with Marsyagdi Besi, the river we’ll follow as it snakes its way up between the mountains. Today we’ll get our first taste of the steep mountain passes, stunning waterfalls and most of us will likely push our bikes up several steep sections. Conserving energy is critical now as we’ll need to be fresh as we climb in altitude. 
We will take lots of breaks today, which we’ll need simply to photograph and enjoy the changing landscape as we move up toward the high mountains. The road surface is now partly sealed and mostly dirt which we share with inquisitive locals heading up and down from the higher villages.  
Nestled beneath a stunning waterfall and overlooking Marsyangdi Besi, the hotel at Syange will be a very welcome sight. Most likely you’ll drift off quickly to sleep to the sound of a river flowing below.

Altitude change: 850m to 1130m
Climbing (m): 818m
Distance (km): 42km

A challenging day ahead as we explore some of the diverse forests and terrain in the Himalayas. We gain almost 1500 metres in elevation today, covering 35kms and arriving at the village of Chame at 2650m elevation. 
The waterfalls en-route are spectacular as we weave our way up the valley, switch-backing in places past glacial fed torrents, crossing beneath waterfalls, over log bridges and finally arriving in the late afternoon at the village of Chame. This is a big day in the saddle and while basic, the hotel at Chame will be a very welcome relief. 
Given the stunning scenery, the frequent stops and bike pushing, while a long day, it’s a very rewarding one. This is where the valley opens up and we get our first taste of the high mountains. This is where the adventure starts to become real.

Altitude change: 1130m to 2650m
Climbing (m): 1720m
Distance (km): 35km

Now we’re in the mountains. We switch from some of the shared-vehicles roads to time on smaller single track as we ascend in the shadow of the awesome Annapurna II mountain, cruise past walkers, yaks and local goat herders up to 3,300 metres and the village of Upper Pisang. 
Shorter day today as we conserve our energy and begin the acclimatisation process. Our altitude gain of 650 metres is significant and we will start to experience the change in oxygen concentration. 
We’ll take plenty of stops to admire the incredible valley before us, relax in teahouses with incredible views and sample apple delicacies from a local orchard…  cakes, donuts, muffins and apple cider.  
Our hotel at Upper Pisang is basic, classical alpine structure with stunning views up onto Annapurna II. Sit back in the guest common room around a wood fire and watch as the sun sets on this majestic mountain and the moon and stars shine brightly in this clean, crisp mountain air.

Altitude change: 2650m to 3300m
Climbing (m): 683m
Distance (km): 19km

Another stunning day surrounded by giants and making our way up one of the most beautiful valleys on the planet. 
While we start cruising some short single-track, quickly we’ll switch to bike pushing as we start our ascent to nearly 3800 metres before descending down into the township of Manang at 3500 metres. 
Today we cover only 19kms but spend a lot of time stopping to admire the beauty. En-route we’ll stop for more apple delicacies, visit one of the most incredible buddhist temples perched overlooking the mountains and valley below.   
After a long bike-pushing climb after we reach our highest point we’ll descend down to the key acclimatisation village of Manang. We should arrive early in the afternoon with time to kick back and explore this high-alpine meeting place.

Altitude change: 3300m to 3519m
Climbing (m): 658m 
Distance (km): 19.1km

Check out the local community and explore this unique alpine world with livestock walking the streets, climbers, monks, sherpers, porters, guides and trekkers… and a few crazy mountain bikers. Lots of café and places to buy provisions. There are plenty of stores selling trekking equipment should you need anything else. 
Take an optional walk up the high temple overlooking Manang for some peaceful time and to improve acclimatisation. Today we’ll join in an activity helping the local mountain community.

Altitude change: 0
Climbing (m): 300 metres (no bikes)
Distance (km): 

All about strengthening your mind and body, today we’ll visit a local buddhist temple and monastery. A monk from the village will guide us through a meditation practice and discuss some of the buddhist practices and philosophy. We’ll spend some time today focusing inward on our own journey to date and thinking about our future direction. 
Time for a dip in the glacial fed lake or mountain stream? Let’s do it. Put your breathing skills to the test as we explore a cold water swim at 3500 metres!!! That’s one for your bucket list. 
Final preparations and packing for the pass. We’ll repack essentials for the pass and send the remaining gear with the jeep to meet us in Muktinath. A special pack will be provided for you to transfer your essential gear in. 

Altitude change: 0
Climbing (m):
Distance (km): 

The adventure and remoteness of this isolated land starts to get real. With three nights to acclimatise under our belt, today we head for high-camp at Thorong Phedi. At 4500m, this day will be an epic ascent and test out how well we have acclimatised. 
With more stunning scenery all around, we’ll ride and mainly walk the trekking path up to Thorong Phedi.  Stopping en-route at Yak Kharka for a well-deserved lunch, Dal-Bhat and veg soup never tasted so good. 
The ride/walk today will be tough, covering 16.7km and an elevation gain of 1,000m. Some sections of the track will be very steep, you may spot the elusive and sacred blue sheep that roam the area. 
The buildings at Thorong Phedi will be a welcome sight as you kick back with fellow travellers in one of the most ‘hip’ tea-houses in Nepal. Accommodation here is very basic but you won’t be sleeping in anyway. After a hearty dinner and an early night, you’ll be waking soon for the big day over the pass. 
Temperatures here at Thong Phedi can be very cold overnight, dropping to minus 15 degrees or colder. Our guides will assess the conditions over the pass to decide what time we depart in the morning and if it is safe to do so.

OPTIONS: 

You will have the option to pay porters to carry your bike over Thorong La if you want/need it. 
For anyone who requires it/prefers it, there is an option to take a horse up to the top of the pass at $100 USD per person. (if it best that everyone carries $100USD just in case – no credit cards for the local horses or porters). 

Altitude change: 3500 to 4500m
Climbing (m): 1195m
Distance (km): 16.6

Starts 3 – 4am: The big day begins. Thorong La. 5416m above sea level. Oxygen concentration 50% of that at sea level. Potential exists for acute mountain sickness. 

We start early, well before the sun rises and join a procession of trekkers ascending the initial steepest section (climbing 343m vertically over 1.2km) for two hours before we stop for breakfast. This section is challenging. Those pushing their bikes will wish they’d paid a porter to carry it.
After breakfast at Thorong La High Camp we will then move at our own pace up to Thorong La Pass (3.8km and 540m vertically). This will be a memorable and challenging day. Don’t be surprised if you get emotional when you reach the summit. The remoteness, beauty and hostility of this place will capture your soul. 
You will be walking where few have walked before. Don’t expect to ride your bike at all up here. It’s likely to be snow covered ground, potential for high winds, cloud and even snow. You’ll experience low oxygen concentrations and the impact that has on your ability to move. It will be slow… very slow… but at your own pace. 
Our guides will keep us on track as the path weaves its way up, past a tea house and horses until we reach the prayer flag adorned sign at the summit. There’s a small tea house there if you need it before we start our descent. 
The descent by bike is steep, lose and hazardous. It’s likely you’ll walk down most of it until we reach our lunch spot at the base. From there, it’s another spectacular ride with a tired body to the ancient village of Muktinath where we spend the night.

Altitude change: 4500 over 5416, descend to 3700m
Climbing (m): 900m
Distance (km): 14.5km

A day of choices with opportunities to test your resilience, mountain biking skills and strength of character. We descend today from Muktinath at 3,700m to Kagbeni at 2,800m.
Muktinath is a pilgrimage town for Hindus and Buddhists. The temple at Muktinath is a sacred place and has 108 water spouts and glacial fed pools. The ultimate cold water challenge will not only make you a legend but it is said that crossing under the 108 spouts will cleans your past sins. 
The town has a steady procession of people on horses, foot and being carried to and from the temple. You can of course also just choose to grab a drink and watch it all happen. 

Two options here for riding to our next town: the historic and amazing Kagbeni: 

1. Ascend a further 200 metres along single track to a spectacular viewpoint… then descend down one of the wildest single-tracks in the Himalayas. The Lupra trail is a must-do for skilled mountain bikers. It’s fast, loose and remote. 
2. The road to Kagbeni. A safer and cruisy option descending down the vehicle track. A shorter path to Kagbeni this is a good option for tired bodies or those wanting to keep it ‘rubber side down’. You’ll arrive in Kagbeni earlier giving you more time to explore the ancient village. 

Kagbeni is an incredible town to explore. From the quirky ‘Yak Donalds’ to ancient monasteries and a village that time has forgotten. The ancient streets of Kagbeni have to be explored to be believed. 
Villagers live in very traditional stone houses. Wood is stored on the roof to symbolise wealth and the ability to survive the harsh winter. 
Sit yourself down in a traditional tea-house and take it all in. 

Altitude change: 3700 to 2855
Climbing (m): 471m and 1300m descent! YEAH.
Distance (km): 15km

Another cracking day of exploring ancient towns today.  We’ll descend down the vehicle track following the awesome Gandaki River under the shadow of Dhawalagiri Mountain (7th highest in the world at 8,167m) to the town of Kalopani (2,530m). 
Enroute, we’ll cruise through the mountain village of Jomsom before riding the unbelievable streets of Marpha, with prayer-flag adorned, white washed walls, buddhist monastery and Tibetan refugees. 
This is likely to be a highlight village that will be etched into your mind well after departing and descending along some crazy vehicle tracks to Kalopani. It’s here we drop down out of high-altitude territory and our bodies will rejoice in the oxygen dense air at the lovely hotel at Kalopani.

Altitude change: 2855 to 2500
Climbing (m): 226 with 554m descent
Distance (km): 35.7km

The final riding day. A real mixed-emotions day. By now you’ll have built your skills and stamina on the bike and with two days of descending behind you, it’s just a cruise. The surrounding landscape along the Gandaki valley is breathtaking and we’ve plenty of time to just take it all in. 
We’ll pull on the brakes for the final stop at Beni, where we’ll grab a well earned lunch and load our bikes onto the jeep and another support vehicle. 
With the ride over, it’s time to just sit back, relax and enjoy the bouncy ride back to Pokhara. (You may in fact wish you were still riding!). 
Arrive back in Pokhara around 4-6pm enough time to get settled in the hotel then back out for a final team dinner.  We’ll farewell our amazing support crew and share one final dinner before departure tomorrow. 

Altitude change: 2500 to 900m
Climbing (m): 165m and 1796m descent
Distance (km): 41

Flights out from Pokhara to Kathmandu (Included in the trip). 

Our team from Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventure will arrange transport to the Pokhara Airport. We recommend you spend the night in Kathmandu in the Thamel district, which is quite a buzz. The tourist centre for Kathmandu, you only need walk a few blocks to get into the craziness of this city. 
The Thamel district is adorned with hotels, tourist shops for last minute gifts and a few blocks away some traditional stores and grocers. It’s a buzz and a must see while you’re in Nepal. Aim to get lost in the back streets and experience the full Kathmandu experience. 

Pokhara Mountain Bike Adventures team will recommend and book a hotel for you in Thamel or near the airport if you prefer. (At your own expense). 

While you could plan to fly out late in the day on the 3rd November, planning to fly out of KTM on the 4th gives you a little protection in case the flights from Pokhara to Kathmandu are weather effected (not common, but possible). Take a taxi from your hotel in KTM to the airport. 

Most will plan to fly out of KTM today.