Nepal Mustang: The Legendary Expedition
TRAVEL DESIGNER Stephane Gautronneau FRANCIS Francis is a biker always venturing out on the road to uncover new routes with as much passion as he has telling stories. And stories, he has collected a whole lot of them since he joined Vintage Rides team around a decade ago. He is an enthusiast and knows our itineraries like the back of his hand. Take a legendary motorcycle, the Royal Enfield, throw in some adventure-hungry bikers, and unleash them on Mustang s rugged trails for a motorbike raid like no other! 2
MAP A TRIP WITH UNIQUE SENSATIONS An exceptional, action-packed motorbike tour in the land of Buddha and Everest. Survey a string of very different landscapes, as you discover the rich diversity of Nepalese culture. It s hot to begin with: you steer close to the Terai jungle, visit superb Newar temples, and ride between rice fields and terraced crops. Then you begin to sense nearby Tibet: Annapurna and Dhaulagiri display their purity. And now you re on the rough trails of Mustang, in Buddhist lands. Royal Enfields are easy-to-drive machines that can go everywhere. Look after them and they ll carry you to great heights. A motorcycle expedition for seasoned riders out to test their limits and experience the ultimate. 3
AT A GLANCE 6-8h riding a day Unexpected events on the road Remote regions Period April to May / October to November Duration 14 days including 12 days riding Level Demanding English-speaking tour leader Accommodation Standard From 3200 4
YOUR TRIP IN 14 STAGES STAGE 1 Arrive in Kathmandu (Patan): (1300m) Reception at the airport according to your flight schedules, transfer to Patan (about 30 minutes). Your room is available from 12 am. This "city of beauty" as the Nepalese call it, is authentic and full of life, and is the ideal place for a first day of acclimatization. Overnight at the hotel. Located on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Patan, also known as Lalitpur, has a long Buddhist history, and the four corners of the city are marked with several stupas from all periods. As in Kathmandu, the former Royal Palace of Patan faces the central square. The numerous temples that have withstood the earthquake of 25 April 2015, which adorn the Durbar Square, undoubtedly the most remarkable set of Newar architecture in Nepal. Patan - Chitwan [170 km* - 5h riding]: (230m) Stephane Gautronneau STAGE 2 First day of the motorcycle trip, we head south west of Kathmandu, where we truly begin to appreciate the rural regions of Nepal. The landscape changes from one valley to the other, we ride a winding road through the traditional villages and terraced fields until we reach the Terai region: cereals granary of the country with troubling similarities to neighboring India. In the afternoon, we stroll through the jungle park where fauna and flora is abundant, featuring a contrast with the mountainous landscapes of the Himalayas. Night in Eco-lodge. 5
YOUR TRIP IN 14 STAGES Chitwan: (230m) We start the day riding astride some elephants, to explore this beautiful area. A guided safari will provide one-horned rhinos, monkeys, crocodiles, and maybe if you re lucky, an unforgettable encounter with a royal Bengal tiger, leopard or bear. In the afternoon, we venture into the hostile jungle, discovering crocodiles from Asia, and embark on a boat along the Narayani River to watch them in their natural habitat. Overnight at the hotel. Listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1984, the Chitwan National Park is one of the most significant tourist destinations of Nepal. The nature reserve protects 932 km2 of Sal forests (tree similar to South Asian Teck), swamps and rolling grasslands. With the snow-capped Himalayas in the background, it's no wonder why this is a popular place to visit. Chitwan is considered to be the "heart of the jungle", it is known to be the main National Park in Asia to observe wildlife. STAGE 3 Chitwan - Tansen [190 km* - 5h riding]: (1300m) STAGE 4 We make our way out of the jungle, heading north west, up winding mountain roads, onwards to Tansen. Here our Royal Enfields are in their element, and will thrive in their favourite playground. We visit a small town, hidden from the eyes of tourists, built on the mountainside where the quaint charm of the streets, and agitation offers a relaxing setting after a long days ride. Overnight at the hotel. 6
YOUR TRIP IN 14 STAGES Tansen - Pokhara [130 km* 4H riding]: (800m) STAGE 5 Beautiful stage to Pokhara, the road is good and goes up to the green valley of the river Aadhi Khola. We remain vigilant to the entrance of Pokhara, where the traffic begins to increase. Arrival near the Phewa lake in the afternoon. Some free time. Overnight at hotel. Nothing better embodies the splendid natural setting of Pokhara as the majestic Phewa Tal, the second biggest lake in the country. Weather permitting, the Annapurna mountains are reflected to perfection in its calm waters, making it ideal for an outing by boat or kayak. The hike to the Pagoda of Peace offers breathtaking views of the lake and mountains in the background. STAGE 6 Pokhara - Tatopani [120 km* 4H riding]: (1200m) The ride to Mustang begins! After around 80 kilometres, we pass through Beni, where we leave the paved roads behind us, and the real fun begins... The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River, where the valley gradually narrows, and we finally see the first snow-capped mountain Annapurna appear before us, towering more than 8000m above sea level! After our first section of off-roading, we reach Tatoponi, welcomed with some hot springs for us to sit back and relax in. Night in a lodge. 7
YOUR TRIP IN 14 STAGES Tatopani - Marpha [45 km* - 3H riding]: (2700m) STAGE 7 After this short stage of around 45 km, Mustang will try to prove to us that it reins king! The first section to Ghasa (18 km) is the most difficult, for both man and machine: the track is rock-strewn, very steep in places, and features many fords to cross! The landscape on this day is truly spectacular, and will supply us the energy to push on and move forward! Arrival in the early afternoon at a splendid traditional Buddhist town of Mustang, called Marpha. Night in a lodge. STAGE 8 Marpha - Jharkot [55 km* 3H riding]: (3550m) Today we take the measure of the ancient kingdom of Mustang, a masterful territory of rocks and deep canyons, dominated by the highest peaks of the world! We cross Jomsom, the largest village in the valley, and we gain altitude, until 3500m. Making our way through this amazing azoic environment, we reach Jharkot, a medieval Buddhist village perched on a rocky outcrop. Check in at the lodge around lunchtime. In the afternoon, we take a ride up to Muktinath, climbing higher (3700m) to visit the famous temple dedicated to Vishnu, one of the holiest destinations for Hindus, whom flock there from all over India and Nepal during the spring and autumn months. Back to Jharkot, overnight at the lodge. 8
YOUR TRIP IN 14 STAGES Jharkot - Tukuche [35 km* 3H riding]: (2500m) Early breakfast. We descend into the Kali Gandaki valley, through a baron landscape, we ride along a track carved along the mountainside. The view of the summit of Dhaulagiri, at over 8000m, provides an incredible sight that almost seems impossible to be real. We drink tea in the picturesque village of Kagbeni. Back on the same road as the previous day, heading in the opposite direction to reach the conifers, and the village of Tukuche. Night in a lodge. STAGE 9 Tukuche - Tatopani [40 km* - 3H riding]: (1200m) STAGE 10 We go for the descent. It s hard to believe that we have already been down this track everything looks so different when one looks to the South! Once again, man and machine will be strained to reach Tatopani; where we can finally enjoy a nice chilled beer whilst relaxing in the hot and refreshing hot springs. Night at the lodge. 9
YOUR TRIP IN 14 STAGES STAGE 11 Tatopani - Begnas Lake [130 km* - 4H riding]: (500m) We enjoy 25 kilometers of dirt tracks, before returning to the comfort of asphalt! A tasty traditional meal awaits us at Sarangkot, a spot that is well known by paragliders, which offers an exceptional view of Pokhara and Phewa Lake. We make another 20km stint to reach lake Begnas, a quiet and beautiful oasis. To end the day: swimming, massage, and a BBQ! Begnas Lake - Nuwakot [200 km* - 5H riding]: (1000m) Stephane Gautronneau STAGE 12 A beautiful long day's ride takes us back towards Kathmandu. Along the Trishuli river, our path is strewn with various meetings with the locals, all in a landscape ranging from abundant rice fields, pine forest and imposing gorges. We stop in the charming village of Bandipur for lunch before continuing to Nuwakot. We stay in a charming traditional home in the splendid view of the valley. 10
YOUR TRIP IN 14 STAGES Nuwakot - Katmandou [70 km* - 2/3H riding]: (1300m) STAGE 13 After a hearty breakfast served in the roof garden of our guest house, we hit the road for the final day of motorcycling. We follow a narrow and beautiful road, we head towards Shivapuri National Park, before returning to the capital for lunch. Its bid farewell to our steel-horses. In the afternoon, there is a possibility of visiting the stupa of Boudhanath, or a religious site of Pashupatinath. We spend our last evening at Kathmandu, in the Thamel district, which is famous for its bars, restaurants, and live music! Overnight stay at a hotel. STAGE 14 Kathmandu - International airport: Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport. End of services. *Riding distances are indicative. 11
YOUR FORMULA Join a fixed departure 3450 / pilot* Book at 4 and more: 3200 / pilot* To know the dates of our upcoming fixed departures. go to www.vintagerides.com - tab "Our Trips", or contact one of our travel advisors at: contact@vintagerides.com. *These rates are indicative, please refer to our General Terms & Conditions. Want to leave in a closed group? Ask us for a quote for a private tour. And enjoy 5% off your second trip 10% off your third trip and more Always in the limit of 300 12
MORE INFO PRICE INCLUDES A Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle is provided with full mechanical assistance and all spare parts Domestic transfers as appearing in the program, by private vehicle An English speaking Tour Leader (from day 2 to day 13) Fuel expenses An expert mechanic of Royal Enfield motorcycles A support vehicle with driver for groups with 4 or more participants; side luggage carrier for groups of less than 4 participants Lodging in standard hotels, on a twin (two single beds) or triple-sharing basis (three single beds). If you wish to stay in a single room (extra), please inform your travel advisor at the time of registration. Meals: Full board meals during riding days (except during days of transfer: day 1 and day 14) Activities at Chitwan national park, as mentioned in the program Individual permit to enter into Mustang Third party motorcycle insurance PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Compulsory insurances, including repatriation assistance which covers you in case of a motorbike accident in India and legal assistance International flights and airport taxes Visa fees A refundable security deposit of 400 for every motorcycle Dinners and meals during days of transfers (day 1 and day 14) Admission fees to various monuments, temples etc. Souvenirs and personal expenses Drinks Tips 13
MY CHECKLIST Appropriate equipment is a component of a successful journey! Travel lightly, TRY TO STAY UNDER 45LBS (20 KGS) BAGS: A sailor bag would be perfect, a walker's bag too (without steel bar). You can close it with a padlock if you want to. Don t forget to tag it before leaving with your address. Also with the address of Vintage Rides in India. A small backpack of 20 litres is advised for daily necessities such as camera, sunscreen lotion, etc. SLEEPING BAG: For people sensitive to the cold: a warmer sleeping bag, e.g., suitable for -10 ºC, or an extra duvet. Sleeping bag liner (recommended). To know: beds, mattresses and duvets will be provided on the site. Other sleeping material is optional and depends on the individual needs of every traveller. SPECIAL MOTORCYCLE EQUIPMENT: CLOTHES AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: Motorcycle boots are strongly advised or trekking shoes (waterproof) Warm motorbike jacket (synthetic preferred) A rain suit (just in case!) Gloves Helmet Bandana PERSONAL MEDICINE: Sunscreen lotion Lip balm Broad-spectrum antibiotic Paracetamol Anti-diarrhoea Elastoplast Skin disinfectant Bandages and special blisters bandage 2 light pants 4 shirts (including some with long sleeves, to protect yourself from the sun) 2 warm sweaters or jackets Sunglasses Hat Sport shoes or trekking shoes 1 liter canteen (flask) and a flashlight (don t forget the battery) Some sweets and cereal bars 14
CONTACT US Copyrights photos: Francois Combes - Marie-Pierre Wickert - Geraldine Shandilya - Jean-Paul Pache - Jean-Marie Fabre - Jean-Pierre Vacher - Catherine Bradefer VINTAGE RIDES INDIA C-65 Okhla phase 1 New Delhi - 110020 Tel: +339 70 44 01 30 VINTAGE RIDES FRANCE 98 Rue Baudin - 92300 Levallois-Perret By appointment only Tel: +337 68 13 89 07 CONTACT@VINTAGERIDES.COM www.vintagerides.travel 15