TRIP SUMMARY AND GRADING
The highlight of the trip, is the longest downhill bike ride in the world, the type that makes extreme sports look tame. As you enter Nepal, you will descend 12,000 feet. You will pedal in a natural setting and will get plenty of time to photograph and enjoy the superb views.
Stamina and a good level of fitness are essential for this tour, one of the most rewarding biking journeys.
VISA & ENTRY PROCEDURE
TO ENTER NEPAL:
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. Don't forget to bring 2 ID pictures and USD30 for a 2 months tourist visa.
For Tibet, we organize a group visa, and in order to do this we will need a copy of your passport at least 30 days prior to the commencement of your trip. Tourism regulations in Tibet are subject to change without prior notice. As per current regulation Chinese Embassy, in Kathmandu, issues visa on Monday, Wed and Fri (9am – 11am). Hence, we will need your original passport 1 day before the visa processing day.
GROUP SIZE
We bring together a small group of like minded people. During the trip, not only do they gain a memorable and insightful travel experience but also get an invaluable opportunity to interact with each other. On our fixed scheduled departures, group comprises of maximum12 & minimum 2 persons. You are likely to join a group from different countries. Average age ranges from early 20s to mid 50s.For private trips, no minimum and maximum apply.
If you would like to travel independently or with your friends, families and colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient time frame for any number of people (min 1 max 100 at a time).
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation will be in guest houses & resorts with breakfasts.
In Kathmandu, accommodation will be in a 3 star hotel .In Dhulikhel and Nagarkot you will be staying in a resort. In Nyalam you will be staying in a guest house or lodge.
CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
For this tour, you can bring your own bike or if you want we can hire one for you in Kathmandu. Since you will be depending on your bike to transport you several kilometers across the Tibetan plateau, following a demanding terrain, it is vital to ensure that your bike is thoroughly serviced. Do check that it is in good mechanical order before departure. If you are not mechanically minded, get your local bicycle dealer to service it for you. A comprehensive list will be forwarded to you once you book your trip.
ON RENTING BIKES
Renting bicycles is relatively inexpensive, usually a few dollars per day. There are bike rental companies in Kathmandu and Pokhara. It would be good to search for reputable bike rentals before leaving on the trip. Riding a rental is never as good as riding your own bike, especially on rigorous treks, but it may be less hassle than transporting a bike from home.
GUIDE & SUPPORT CREW
Nepalese support crew including an expert Nepalese mountain bike guide (also qualified as mechanic), will follow you on the entire biking trail in Tibet and Nepal with a 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser, and a truck.
PERSONAL EXPENSES
For lunch and dinner you have to pay on your own.Tips are appreciated by your support team, after completion of the trip. The amount you give depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. For this you can allocate around 5% of your total tour cost.
HEALTH
Vaccination requirements change frequently, so we suggest you consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to your trip. The main health consideration in high altitude is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and difficulty sleeping, but these should lessen within a few days. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), people take pills called ‘Diamox’. You can also use these pills after consulting with your doctor. A supply of bottled oxygen is carried in the vehicle at all times. Our itinerary will allow your body to acclimatize properly and to handle the low oxygen rate.
RESCUE AND EVACUATION
In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we hope will not happen, you shall be transferred to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.
INSURANCE
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses and emergency repatriation.
ITINERARY CHANGES
One should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip that takes you into one of the remotest corner of the Tibetan plateau, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in the itinerary. Depending on the prevailing situation, the itinerary can be modified to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of tour completion should always coincide with the original itinerary.
TEMPERATURES & WEATHER, BEST SEASON
This ride is best done in the dry and colder month from November to March as you are riding in lower altitude, and the region gets very hot and humid from May to September. If you are not afraid of sweating a bit extra October and April are also great month to visit!
TRIP EXTENSIONS
In addition to your biking tour, we can organize trip extensions in Tibet, Nepal and other neighboring countries. You can extend your tour to visit the Tibetan cities or you can try white water rafting a jungle safari in the deep jungles of Chitwan or take a cultural tour. You may as well take a trip to India or Bhutan, whichever appeals more to you. Please ask us for details or check our website
www.tibet-adventures.com.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
1) It is fundamental you acknowledge that this is an adventure tour. This requires some flexibility. The day to day itinerary can be taken only as a guideline. We cannot be held responsible for any delays caused by international or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural calamities etc. In such cases, Explore Himalaya shall provide suitable alternatives which could be decided upon mutual agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, Explore Himalaya shall only be responsible for refunds after deducting the expenses already incurred.
2) Your booking will be confirmed by email once we receive your deposit of US$300 and the signed copy of booking form and contract.
The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 months prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.
Those joining the tour in Kathmandu can pay the balance on arrival.
3) If you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:
DATE OF CANCELLATION (Charge incurred)
> 2 months before departure - loss of deposit (US$ 300)
> 29 days to 2 months before departure - 30% of total trip cost
> 10 to 28 days before departure - 60% of total trip cost
> Less than 10 days before departure - 100% of total trip cost
BOOKING PROCEDURE
If you still have any questions regarding this trip, please feel free to contact us. We answer all enquiries within 24 hours (Sunday – Friday). If you want to book a trip, you can e-mail us at sales@explorehimalaya.com or contact us directly by phone: 977-1-4418-100
For further inquiry please feel free to mail us at: enquiry@tibet-adventures.com |
