Annapurna Hike, Bike & Raft

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
  • Trek the Annapurna Circuit
  • Downhill Mountain Biking
  • Kaligandaki River Rafting

This is the ultimate way to explore the Annapurna Mountains. Trek the famous Annapurna Circuit, followed by a down hill mountain bike ride towards the Kaligandaki River, rewarded by our popular whitewater rafting and camping adventure.   

Annapurna Trek

Our trek starts in the middle hills at the village of Besisahar and follows the Marsyangdi river through Gurung settlements to the Tibetan regions of Manang. The high point is the crossing of the Thorung-La Pass at 5416m, and then we continue to down the holy settlement of Muktinath a pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus to bathe in the auspicious 108 water spouts.  This hike offers a true cross section of Nepal from lowland rice plantations, deep pine forest, spectacular mountain views as well as the arid and remote terrain of the Himalayan rain shadow.

Downhill Mountain Biking 

After relaxing for the night in Muktinath, our mountain biking adventure begins with a thrilling descent down towards the Kaligandaki Valley. With technical single tracks and wide-open Jeep roads, this area has options for all abilities and skill levels. We then coast down to Marpha where we can sample local apple brandy and visit ancient monasteries. Those with tired bodies will love the natural hot springs at Tatopani where muscles will be restored before we take to the waters of the Mighty Kaligandaki River in Maldunga.

Kaligandaki River Rafting

Named after “Kali” the goddess of destruction, the Kaligandaki is said to be one of Nepal’s most holy rivers. Originating high on the Tibetan Plateau the “Mighty Kali” plunges down through the Himalayas, carving out one of the deepest gorges in the world between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Mountains.

With exciting white water rapids, spectacular mountain views, traditional villages, endless suspension bridges, waterfalls, pristine jungle rich in wildlife, deep gorges, cultural temples and beautiful white sandy beaches for camp, we consider this to be the best all round river adventure in Nepal.

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What's Included

Trekking

  • Transportation to Besisahar
  • Trekking permits (ACAP & TIMS)
  • Professional trekking guide (& porters if requested) 
  • Tea House accommodation
  • Meals, tea & coffee

Mountain Biking

  • Hard tail mountain bike (upgrade to full suspension + $$)
  • ACAP & TIMS permits
  • Professional mountain biking guides 
  • Tea House accommodation
  • Meals, tea & coffee

Rafting

  • Professional English speaking licensed guides highly trained and safety certified to international standards in Whitewater River Guiding, Swift Water Rescue and Wilderness First Aid
  • Professional safety kayakers
  • Gear raft support
  • International name brand ISO/CE certified rafting equipment including helmets, PFDs, paddles, splash jackets and wetsuits
  • Dry bags and pelican boxes to keep your personal items dry and safe on the river
  • Variety of fresh, hygienically prepared meals while on the river, including tea, coffee, hot chocolate and treated drinking water
  • Camping logistics and equipment including shelters, tents, simple mattresses and sleeping bags
  • Round trip transportation
  • River permits
  • Industry standard first aid kits
What's NOT Included

Hiking / Biking / Rafting

  • Unrelated transportation, accommodation, visas, travel documents, departure taxes etc…
  • Footwear
  • Items of a personal nature including clothing, towel and toiletries
  • Insurance **we provide insurance for our crew – but participants must be properly insured through an emergency medical travel plan**
  • Tips for guides **if you feel that our crew did a great job, you are invited but not obligated to offer a personal tip**

 

What to Bring for Hike & Bike
  • Backpack (to carry all your personal items)
  • Good walking / hiking shoes / boots (well worn in)
  • Good walking / mountain biking shoes (well worn in)
  • Good quality sweat wicking socks
  • Quick dry trekking pants
  • Quick dry shirts (merino wool or similar thermal type quick dry material)
  • Thermal long underwear and/or warm sleeping clothes
  • Warm fleece
  • Down jacket or wind proof warm jacket
  • Sun hat & warm hat
  • Personal toiletries
  • Light travel towel
  • Flip flops/bathroom slippers
  • Sunglasses (with strap)
  • Sunscreen & sunscreen lip balm
  • Personal first aid kit (with common medicines you need, rehydration salts, antibiotics etc)
  • Flashlight / headlamp
  • Water bottle
  • Sleeping bag
  • Camera
  • A little cash for treats & tips 
  • Passport photocopy / visa photocopy
What to Bring for Raft
  • Shorts / ½ pants
  • T-shirt
  • Sport sandals or comfortable shoes that can get wet and will stay on your feet
  • Polypropylene / quick dry long shirts
  • Swimwear
  • Track pants / comfortable long pants
  • Warm fleece
  • Jacket (waterproof shell)
  • Travel towel
  • Socks
  • Shoes (not essential – do not bring big trekking boots)
  • Pyjamas (something comfortable to sleep in)
  • Warm hat (in cold months)
  • Travel towel 
  • Personal toiletries
  • Sunscreen / sunscreen lip protection
  • Mosquito repellant 
  • Water bottle
  • Head lamp / flash light
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Sleeping bag (if you do not have one – we will provide a complimentary rental)
  • A little cash for treats, tips and the occasional chance for photographs
Map

Kaligandaki River Map

Trip Departure Dates
  • Departure dates flexible. Please inquire.

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Trip Details

DURATION:

17 days

DEPART FROM:

Paddle Nepal Lakeside Center, Pokhara

HIKE:

Besisahar to Muktinath / 11 days

BIKE:

Muktinath to Maldunga / 3 days

RAFT:

Kaligandaki River
Maldunga to Mirmi / 3 days

RETURNS TO:

Paddle Nepal Lakeside Center, Pokhara

MEALS:

breakfast x 17 / lunch x 17 / dinner x 16
tea / coffee

ACCOMMODATION:

14 nights mountain tea houses
2 nights riverside camping

SEASON:

Open: Sep. – June 
Best: Oct. – Dec. and March – May 

PRICE: 

Depends on group size. Please inquire.