PRICE
From US$2259  pp


DURATION
13 Days Multi Adventure 

DEPARTURE DATES
Departure Dates on Request for private groups.

GROUP SIZE
Min 4 – Max 12 


Hike, Bike & Raft Poonhill

OVERVIEW ITINERARY TRAVEL INFO FAQ’S

Explore the Lower Annapurna Region by Foot, Bike and Raft. This is an incredible Soft Adventure.

This trip covers one of the most popular short trekking routes in Nepal, Poonhill. Along the way we visit Nepal’s first cable car and one of the holiest temples, Manakamana. This easy family trek boasts some of the best Himalayan panoramas on offer. The trek takes us through beautiful Rhododendron forest and Gurung Villages, where you can discover the culture of mountain life in Nepal. The trek ends in Tatopani, where you can soak in the hot springs before embarking on a fun easy bike ride to the rafting point. Our rafting takes us on the Kaligandaki and through the world’s deepest gorge. Enjoy nights camping out on white sandy beaches under the stars. This is an unforgettable soft adventure for families and first time travelers/trekkers.

Highlights

 – Summit Poonhill for Panoramic Views of the Himalaya

 – Nepal’s Best Short Trek

 – Biking in the Himalayas

 – Rafting through the Deepest Gorge in the World

Who’s it for? Families and First time trekkers looking for a soft adventure

Length: – 13 Days 

Fitness Factor: – Basic Fitness Level 

Skill Factor: – Medium Skill Level on jeep tracks for biking, no previous rafting experience required.

Comfort Zone: – Authentic and Local



Day 01 – Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival in Nepal, a member of our team will meet you at the Airport and transfer you to the Hotel. We have a meet and greet with the Guide/Trekking team for a trip briefing and gear check. We also treat you to a welcome dinner of Nepal’s Traditional dish Dal Bhat (Rice, Lentil Soup and lots of Yummy side dishes).

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel (BB)

Meal Inclusions: Dinner

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Himalika

Leaving Kathmandu behind we drive about 4 hours to Manakamana, this is a well known cable car. From here we visit a temple at Manakamana, one of the holiest of its kind in Nepal. From the top, the views of the Himalayas are beautiful. After exploring here, we drive the 20 mins to Camp Himalika where we enjoy a luxury riverside camp for the evening.

Accommodation: Camp Himalika

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast/ Lunch /Dinner

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara

Today we drive 4 hours to Pokhara, enjoying the changing scenery along the way. On arrival at Pokhara we check into the hotel and take a wander along the lake shore for sunset. Pokhara boasts some excellent views of the Himalaya.

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

Included meals: Breakfast/ Lunch /Dinner

Day 04: Explore Pokhara

Today we do some sightseeing around Pokhara. Cross the peaceful lake in a boat and then make the short 30min hike to the World Peace Pagoda. In the right weather conditions you can get the iconic photos of the Himalaya reflecting in the lake. After having some lunch, we then hike down to Davis Falls and the Tibetan refugee camp. Return back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the upcoming trek.

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

Included meals: Breakfast/ Lunch /Dinner

Day 05: Trekking from Nayapul (1070m) to Ulleri (1960m). Distance 12km

We drive just over an hour to Nayapul where our trek begins. At first the trek starts out steady, following the river, before it climbs upwards on a stone staircase. We slowly make our way to Ulleri which is our destination for the night.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Included meals: Breakfast/ Lunch /Dinner

Day 06: Trekking from Ulleri (1969m) to Ghorepani (2660m). Distance 8km

It’s not far today but it is all uphill. Trekking through beautiful old growth Rhododendron forests for most of the way. We pop out of the forest at the lovely blue roofed village of Ghorepani. Take some rest and enjoy exploring the Gurung Culture of this area.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Included meals: Breakfast/ Lunch /Dinner

Day 07: Summit Poonhill (3210m), Trekking from Ghorepani (2860m) to Tatopani (1190m). Distance 19km

Wake up before sunrise and make the 1 to 2 hour trek in the dark to the Summit of Poonhill. As the sun rises the mountains reveal themselves. The views from here are some of the best on any trek in Nepal. Take some time to photograph and enjoy before returning to Ghorepani for Breakfast. Now the trek goes downhill, all the way to the soothing hot springs of Tatopani.

Accommodation: Teahouse

Included meals: Breakfast/ Lunch /Dinner

Day 08/09: Biking from Tatopani to Rafting Put In and Rafting

A ride of around 32 km on an open jeep track, flat for the most part but a few up and down hills. The valley opens up near Beni and we cross the river for the last time, rejoining the main road and heading to meet our rafting team. We have lunch, get a briefing on river safety and the basics of rafting and then Hit the River.

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.

Accommodation: 2 Nights in River Camps

Included meals:  Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner

Day 10: Rafting to Take Out and Drive to Pokhara

Our last day on the river involves a bit more paddling as we cross the still water to the Dam where we end our rafting trip and make the 3 hour drive to Pokhara. On arrival in Pokhara we have a dinner to celebrate the success of our trip.

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

Included meals: Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner

Day 11: Rest Day In Pokhara

Take a free day in Pokhara to enjoy this chilled out lakeside vibe with dramatic views of the Himalaya looming above the town. You can join in some other adventure activities like Stand Up paddle boarding on the lake, Paragliding, Zip Line or Yoga/Meditation.

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu

Today we transfer you to the Pokhara airport for the short 23mins flight to Kathmandu. A member of our team will collect you from the airport and transfer you to the Hotel. Take some time for last minute shopping or exploring this vibrant city.

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Departure from Nepal

Today we say farewell and transfer from the hotel to the airport for your outbound flight.

Accommodation: None

Included meals: Breakfast


VISA INFORMATION

Entry visa to Nepal can be obtained either from the relevant embassy or consulate prior to your departure or at the airport on arrival to Nepal.

Visa on arrival can be applied for via the Immigration website. Just fill in the details online and then print a copy and bring it with you. Payment is made on arrival.

Visa on Arrival Fees:-
15 Days – US$30
30 Days – US$50
90 Days – US$125 

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

The international airport in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan is located about 7km from the city center. Most of our package tours include an airport pick up. Other options are to get a pre paid taxi from the desk at the airport. The rates are fixed and fair.

INSURANCE

Travel Insurance that covers evacuation from above 5000m is required for this trip. The current entry rules to Nepal also require your insurance to cover Covid related issues. Personal travel insurance is compulsory for you to join this trip. You must present a copy of your policy upon arrival in Nepal. Two companies we recommend for travel insurance are World Nomads and Covermore.

FOOD/MEALS

The food on the trail is pretty good. Menu items vary for the local staple Dhal Bhart (Rice, Lentils, Veg Curry, Spicy Pickle and optional Meat Curry) to Noodles, Pasta, Rosti, Eggs and all kinds of soups and locally made flat breads, Oats and Potato dishes. Fresh Fruit is generally limited in these areas.

Vegetarians and Vegans are not a problem at all, there are multiple menu items for both requirements that are filling, nutritious and high energy. Though we do recommend you to pack nuts, dried fruit and relevant energy items. If you have any dietary requirements, please contact us before the trip.

A note on food related Illness:- Most people coming to Nepal get some form of stomach upset. But there are ways to avoid this, in most cases it is not from the food in the teahouses, here are our tips to stay healthy:-

Stay away from oily food in the mountains. Most of us are not used to lots of oily food for every meal and combined with the physical exhaustion, cold and altitude it can lead to upset stomachs. Try and choose light options like Dhal Soups, Soups, boiled and poached eggs, hearty porridge, pasta and rice (non-fired) dishes. Be careful with your hands, wash, sanitize and wash again!

DRINKING WATER

This is an important topic, the tap water in Nepal is NOT SAFE to drink and mineral water bottles are an environmental hazard and we do not like our clients to use them. HST is trying our best to eliminate the need for disposable water bottles.

Our office in Kathmandu has free water refills. You should bring along some form of water purification. HST will not be purchasing bottled water for this trip.

ACCOMMODATION

During the biking leg of the trip you will be accommodated in TEA HOUSES which are a form of mountain lodge. Standard varies from place to place, rooms are simple in some cases we get attached bathrooms, in others bathrooms are shared. Rooms are not heated, but are clean and comfortable and have the following:-

• Limited Internet and 3G is available in 70% of the areas. The signal may not always be fast but it is there.

• Power and access to charging – All teahouse have this and you can charge phone, cameras and lights. In some teahouses a small charge is applicable for this (100nrs). But the electricity is very limited. Carrying a Power Bank or spare batteries is recommended on this trip.

• Hot water is available in all teahouses, but can vary depending on sunshine (some places is solar). Hot water is not automatic so please tell the guide you need it and he will make sure the hotel provides it.

Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara are 3 star with all facilities.

CURRENCY

The NPR – Nepalese Rupee and it comes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Notes with 1 and 2 paisa coins. Most places in tourist areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara will accept USD, EURO, POUNDS and other major currencies.

For travel in more remote regions like Annapurna and Upper Mustang you should carry local currency in smaller denominations.

ATM’s withdrawing up to 30,000nrs at a time can be found everywhere in the tourist centers of Kathmandu and Pokhara and also there is one ATM in Jomsom and Manang. Beware the local banks charge 300nrs to 500nrs per transaction above any charges your own bank may charge you.

MONEY EXCHANGERS

Can be found all over the tourist areas and you can negotiate a little for better rates. On The street money exchangers give a much better rate than banks and hotels.

CREDIT CARDS are accepted in bigger hotels and business, the local service charge is normally 4%.


What is the risk of Altitude Sickness?

Our itinerary is set up to allow for acclimatization. As long as the riders take it steady, most people only suffer mild symptoms which are manageable. 

What Happens if I get Sick?

If you get sick, you have options that include, returning to either Pokhara or Kathmandu with a member of our support team, staying and resting in place for a day or using a support vehicle to travel to next destination. It depends on severity of sickness and options available to the group at the time. For serious illness or accident, immediate Helicopter evacuation will be undertaken. 


What level of training do the guides have?

All our guides hold the Government regulation trekking guide license as per the Law of Nepal. On top of this, as per our own company policy, Himalayan Single Track is the ONLY mountain bike company in Nepal to have international licensed mountain bike guides either through the MBLA Scheme or the MIAS Schemes. This is because to date Nepal Tourism sector does not have a safety regulation standard for mountain bike guides. On top of this all our guides have Valid wilderness first aid certification. 

Is tipping expected in Nepal?

Tipping is not compulsory but it is expected and very much appreciated. 

What sort of food is on offer in the guest houses?

Teahouses have a wide variety of simple and hearty foods like Momos, Chow Mein, Rice dishes, pasta, eggs, vegetables and curries as well as breakfast items, porridge, cereal, omelets and local breads. 

Do you cater for Vegetarian’s/Vegans and Specials Diets?

Yes we do. Options are many in Nepal. Please inform us prior to the trip so we can make sure your dietary needs are properly looked after.

Should I take Diamox?

Taking Diamox (medication for altitude) is a personal choice, though it is a good if idea you are worried about the affects of altitude. It should be taken in advance of the trip. Please consult your Doctor before taking any medications. 

Do you take pictures of the trip?

Most of our guides will take photos of the trip for you. We also have specialized photographers/Videographers you can book for the trip if you need to. (Extra Charges Apply)

Do I need a sleeping bag?

In most cases a sleeping bag liner is sufficient. In the colder months its a good idea to bring one. Blankets will also be available at the teahouses. We will send you a packing list relevant to the trip with full details once you have booked.

Do I need rafting experience for this trip?

No pervious rafting experience is required for this trip. 

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