The Nepal Himalayas Unicycle Tour 

We are heading to one of our favourite destinations in 2015…the Nepalese Himalayas. Nepal is home to 8 of the worlds 14 mountains over 8000m, so what better place for our next AU/Grasshopper tour than the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal?

The unicycle is an ideal trekking vehicle, because it’s tough, easy to carry when its too gnarly, and a great conversation starter with the locals.  Be one of the first in the world to ride the Himalayas; marvel at the majestic giants; and whizz around Kathmandu on your unicycle.

Dates: 6 April to 17 April 2015 (with optional 4 day extension to 21 April 2015)

Cost: US $1640 (+US$400 for optional 4 day extension)

What’s included: All accomodation (guesthouses, no camping), guides and porters.  Snacks and drinks (unlike previous tours)  need to be purchased at the many villages we come across, because it is logistically difficult for our porters to carry that amount of equipment on foot.  As always, we will have regular stops for people to regroup, chat, and deal with any issues.  Oh, and you also get a very cool Unipal Unitrekking T-shirt!

Maximum numbers: 30 riders

Distance: 101km, 7 riding days

Level of difficulty:  This is a muni tour – all riding will be on a mix of 4WD tracks and trekking trails, and all will be at altitudes between 2160m and 5416m. Distances have been kept short due to the elevation but also so that those who are unable to ride any sections will be able to comfortably walk and not need to feel hurried. Added to this is the fact that there are no support vehicles so porters will be carrying all our luggage each day. Non-cycling partners and friends are welcome to join and will trek each day.

Unicycle: Ideal wheelsize is rider dependent, but we do not recommend a 36″ for this tour.  It will need MUni tyres

Walkers/Bikers: We normally have a small number of non-unicyclists on this trip.  The distances allow walking (our porters will be carrying your luggage on foot), and due to the steep terrain, will not be a great deal slower than unicyclists.  Bicycles need to be brought to Nepal by the participant.

Registration: for further information us on this website.  Registrations close on 31 August 2014.  Late registrations dependent on accomodation being available (+$100 late fee from 1 Sept)

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Route:

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. Meals: D
Kathamandu elevation: 1345m
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. Meals: BLD
Bagarchhap elevation: 2160m
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. Meals: BLD
Chame elevation: 2630m
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. Meals: BLD
Pisang elevation: 3300m
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. Meals: BLD
Manang elevation: 3540m
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. Meals: B
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. Meals: BLD
Yak Kharka elevation: 4000m
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. Meals: BLD
Thorung Phedi elevation: 4450m
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. Meals: BLD
Muktinath elevation: 3760m
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
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. Meals BLD
Jomsom elevation: 2720m
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. Meals: B

Optional 4 day extension: For those who want to extend the tour, you can do a 4 day extension, which continues on from the original tour

12 Cycle to Kalopani
Meals: B
13 Cycle to Tatopani
Meals: B
14 Rest Day in Tatopani
Meals: B
15 Cycle to Beni, Transfer to Pokhara
Meals: B
16 Conclusion of Tour in Pokhara
Meals: B