Unipal: one week before we fly to Kathmandu
Unipal: 53rd birthday and last training!!!!!!
Kathmandu- pre tour
Unipal: Anna and Ken’s Kathmandu adventures
Unipal- the tour
Unipal: Day 2 Kathmandu to Bagarchap
Unipal: Day 3 Bagarchap to Chame 2630m
Unipal: Day 4 Chame to Pisang 3300m
Unipal: Day 5 Pisang to Manang 3540m
Unipal: Day 7 Manang to Yak Kharka 4000m
Unipal: Day 8 Yak Kharka, back to Manang!
Post Tour videos and other posts
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This was our original itinerary (note that we turned back after Day 7 due to a snowstorm over the Thorung La pass)
Day 1 Arrival Day in Kathmandu
You will be welcomed at the Tribhuwan International Airport upon your arrival and transferred to the hotel. The evening can be spent exploring Thamel, a tourist hub offering numerous bars, shops and restaurants, as well as Basantapur, which gives you an instant taste of Nepali life. Later in the hotel, we will brief you on trip details, safety and preparation for the trip.
Kathamandu elevation: 1345m
Day 2 Transfer to Bagarchhap
We set off early in the morning on a scenic and thrilling 9-hour drive west to the town of Bagarchhap via Besi Sahar. This pristine town will instantly give you a taste of traditional Nepalese way of life that will leave you enchanted. We prepare our unicycles and trekking gear for the exciting adventure in the days to follow.
Bagarchhap elevation: 2160m
Day 3 Cycle to Chame 17km
Our unicycling journey starts from Bagarcchap from where we take a jeep track northward. Sights of beautiful pine forests and the gushing Marshyangi River make our trip quite pleasurable and keep our minds off the steady climb. There are some steep and rocky sections here where we’ll have to carry or push the unicycles. The region starts to get more remote and gives us the true taste of the marvellous Nepali life composed of different cultures. There is a fantastic waterfall along the way and you should definitely enjoy the chilling water here. We take an easy pace as we’ll be gaining altitude all day.
Chame elevation: 2630m
Day 4 Cycle to Pisang 15km
We continue our journey from Chame and start climbing higher gradually, the increase in altitude will be felt as you ride. With trails that run through forests and a narrow valley, we cross several suspension bridges en route. There are enormous massifs along the way, which is the heart of the Annapurna region.
Pisang elevation: 3300m
Day 5 Cycle to Manang 18km
Gorgeous Himalayan peaks appear in the horizon and we will admire the beauty while venturing further into grand wilderness of Manang. The trails are all jeep track up to Manang and fully rideable. From this day onwards we have to move slowly because we have to let our bodies get used to the high altitude. The trails run through a wide valley, passing through Humde, a village with one of the highest commercial airports in the world. There are a number of monasteries along the way, and the famous Braga Monastery is worth a visit. The change in landscape and vegetation is very marked in Manang, the ancient and mystifying village with a very intriguing culture and lifestyle.
Manang elevation: 3540m
Day 6 Rest Day in Manang
In order to acclimatise to the higher altitude, we’ll spend the day at Manang, situated at 3,540m. The air things out at this point, and it is necessary to let our bodies adjust to the change so as to avoid high altitude sickness. Manang has plenty to offer for sightseeing, so today we’ll explore this amazing village, visit Hundred Rupees Lama Monastery and hike to Gangapurna Lake.
Day 7 Cycle to Yak Kharka 11km
We leave Manang through the maze of narrow alleys and medieval houses of Manang. As we climb up steadily to the village of Khusang, we say goodbye to Marshyangdi Valley and following the trails leading to Jarsang River, we reach Yak Kharka. Despite rideable trails, the higher altitude takes effect and pushing the pedals become more of an effort. We’ll take it easy and ride at a comfortable pace, enjoying the marvellous beauty of the otherworldly landscape and the giant Himalayan mountains. The settlements are sparser in this region and along the way we can encounter yaks in large numbers grazing here, as well as an old mani, a Buddhist prayer-engraved wall. After the day’s hard work riding mostly single tracks, we reach Yak Kharka village in early afternoon.
Yak Kharka elevation: 4000m
Day 8 Cycle to Thorung Phedi 9km
Today is a climb to Thorung Phedi through trails that first drop and cross the Jorsang River at 4310m, and then ascend steeply. We ride through the picturesque village of Tenki Manang from where you get stunning views of Annapurna, Gangapurna and Tilicho. Along the way, we cross several small wooden bridges over streams and ride through a narrow path heading towards Thorung Phedi. “Phedi” means base of a hill or a mountain, and Thorung Phedi is the base of the massive Thorung La Pass, which we cross the next day.
Thorung Phedi elevation: 4450m
Day 9 Cycle to Muktinath 11km
We start very early in the morning to dodge high winds that can blow at the top of the Thorung La Pass, at an altitude of 5416m. The feeling of accomplishment at the pass is one to savour for a lifetime. Marvel at the panoramic vista of a chain of virgin snowcapped mountains. From the pass, we head down to Muktinath, while coming across trekkers and pilgrims flocking from as far as India on their way to this revered Hindu temple. Once at Muktinath, we’ll spend some time exploring the religious site and see the eternal flame that burns on natural gas source. “Mukti” means liberation and “nath” means a holy temple, so Muktinath is considered to be a temple of soul liberation. Besides Hindu hermits and pilgrims weÕll see Tibetan traders as well.
Muktinath elevation: 3760m
Day 10 Rest Day in Muktinath
Muktinath will be an ideal spot for a rest day from our exhilarating cycling. There are plenty of hiking options in this bustling remote town, especially Lubra Valley from where splendid vistas of Dhaulagiri and surrounding mountains will blow you away. We will also visit the holy Purang Monastery near Muktinath and spend the remainder of the day relaxing and soaking in the sun. Meals: B
Day 11 Cycle to Jomsom 20km
From Muktinath we ride along a very enjoyable downhill track descending to the Kaligandaki River valley floor. We’ll make a quick pit stop at Kagbeni, the oldest village in Mustang. We call it a day at Jomsom village, an ancient Thakali tribe settlement where gale force winds and apple orchards are aplenty. Apple products like pies and local specialties make for great snacks. This district headquarter of Mustang is definitely worth exploring to learn about the culture and history of this ancient place.
Jomsom elevation: 2720m
Day 12 Fly to Pokhara & Conclusion of Tour
We bid farewell to Jomsom and fly to Pokhara on a short 25-minute flight over the grand Annapurnas. The tour ends at Pokhara Airport where you can either stay over night or catch a connecting flight to Kathmandu.
Extended Tour (several riders in the group continue on the journey):
Day 12 Cycle to Kalopani
Day 13 Cycle to Tatopani
Day 14 Rest Day in Tatopani
Day 15 Cycle to Beni, Transfer to Pokhara
Day 16 Conclusion of Tour in Pokhara