The Venue: Lake Tilicho, Nepal
The Dates: April till July or August till November
The Price: From £895 to £1350 for Heli biking
 A variety of expeditions to suit every pocket and time constraint to the highest lake in the world, Lake Tilicho in the Manang district of Nepal, each involving one of the ultimate 2000m MTB descents around. The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world so it goes without saying that this is where some of the worlds most ultimate MTB downhilling is to be found.
We have put together a number of packages catering for every budget and time limitation but all provide a fullon once in a lifetime opportunity to descend on breath taking trails from some of the mightiest mountains on earth.
Option 1: HELI BIKING (6 Days) This 6 day package is for those with limited time that want to experience some of the best downhill trails in Nepal. The first 2 days of this tour are designed to allow for acclimatisation before flying into the high altitude camp. With the limited time however it would not be safe to sleep at the height the helicopter drops at so we must descend the same day. Day 01 | Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to a guesthouse in Thamel, Kathmandu's tourist area. | Day 02 | After an early breakfast we will ride out of the city on narrow cobbled back streets to the medieval town of Bhaktapur. We can explore many ancient temples and experience Newari culture. From here we will head northeast to Nagarkot (the highest point in the Kathmandu valley) along a quiet tarmac road. The 20km climb will take us to over 2000m and from the summit above Nagarkot we can get excellent views of the Himalayas including Mt Everest on a clear day. We stay at an excellent guesthouse on the ridge with commanding views over the valley. Total riding distance 38km with 650m altitude gain.
| Day 03 | After breakfast the day starts with a fast and exciting off road descent along 4WD jeep tracks passing through many small villages along the way. After passing through the ancient village of Shanku we continue on sealed road towards the Boudhanath stupa where we will lunch and then continue back to Kathmandu. Total riding 40km with altitude drop of 650m. | Day 04 | Transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport where we will board the helicopter for a 1:15hr flight to Northern site Kharka. During the flight we will enjoy outstanding views of the Annapurna mountain range. The helicopter will drop us at 4940m and after enjoying excellent views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri we will then embark on a 3-4 hour descent along a fast and 90% rideable trail dropping 2200m. Along the way we will pass Yak herdsmen settlements and small villages before finally reaching our destination of Jomsom at 2720m. Although the trail is extremely fast, this is a rare oppurtunity to pass through this rarely visited area and time outs from descending should be taken to enjoy the spectacular scenery and let the brakes cool down! Overnight in guesthouse. | Day 05 | A short early morning flight will take us to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city with an ambient climate. The rest of the day can be spent sightseeing, boating on Lake Phewa or simply gorging in any of the numerous lakeside cafes. Overnight in guesthouse. | Day 06 | Arrive Kathmandu. Pickup from airport and transfer to hotel in Thamel O/N Hotel. |
This package is only available for a group of 6 riders. If your group is below this number please contact us and we will try to put you in contact with others wishing to do this tour. The tour is available anytime between late March and late June or late August and late November. Please contact us to enquire if your desired date is available. The tour cost of £1350 includes: Experienced English speaking qualified MTB guide, trekking and biking permits for the Annapurna region, all ground transportation, all accommodation, 3 meals a day during biking days only, bed and breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara, 3 porters, helicopter flight from Kathmandu to Northern site Kharka, flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The tour fee does not include: bike hire or bike accessories, bottled water or soft drinks and beer, insurance, private medical services or emergency medical treatment including emergency evacuation fee, entry visas or immigration services, international flights. An excess baggage fee of approx 0.80 US$ is payable on all baggage over 15 kilos on domestic flights. Comprehensive insurance covering participants for taking part in this extreme event and facillitating emergency helicopter evacuation is compulsory and evidence of this must be produced on arrival in Kathmandu.
Option 2: TILICHO (10 Day) This itinerary gives those with a slightly longer time to enjoy the splendours of Lake Tilicho, the highest lake in the world. The 2 day climb from Manang to Tilicho is arduous and we will be spending 1 night camping at over 5000m so this tour is only reccommended for experienced and fit MTB'ers only. Manang - is a beautiful remote area high in the mountains. It consists of 7 villages - Manang, Braga, Pisang, Ghyaru, Ngawal, Tenki and Khansar. Each of these villages offer magnificent views of the mighty Himalayas including the Annapurna Range, Gangapurna, Pisang Peak, Lamjung Himal and many more. To the north of Manang stretches the desolate Tibetan plateau and flowing through the valley is the spectacular Marshyangdi river. The area is blessed with an abundance of temples and monasteries and has its history and traditions influenced by the Buddhist Religion. Lake Tilicho - is the highest lake in the world at over 5000m. The lake lies to the north of the Annapurna Himal just below Tilicho peak at 7134m. Reaching it is not easy as the route rises to the Mesukantu La at 5300m. It is however an exciting and beautiful route and well suited to mountain biking for those with good skills. It is very technical, particularly the downhill section from the pass and we do not reccommend it for beginners. With views of many 8000m+ mountains and a variety of landscapes, plants and animals this tour is well worth the extra effort. Day 01 | Arrive Kathmandu and transfer from airport to a guesthouse in Thamel, in the heart of Kathmandu's tourist area. | Day 02 | Kathmandu to Humde. Early morning transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for a 45 minute flight to Humde. Humde is reputedly the highest commercial landing strip in the world at 3330m and is the only airport in the Manang area. After checking into a guesthouse we will check the bikes and have a short ride around the area to aid acclimatisation. As we have flown into over 3000m the effects of altitude will be very noticeable and it is reccommended not to exert ourselves to much at this early stage. Overnight guesthouse 3330m altitude. | Day 03 | Humde to Manang. After breakfast we start biking along a wide track with several river crossings. We will stop at Braga village for luch and to enjoy the panorama of the flat roofed houses seemingly perched on the cliff face that forms a semi circle around a large meadow. We can also visit Braga Gompa (over 500 years old) and view ancient Buddhist statues, thankas and manuscripts. In the afternoon we wil continue our ride to Manang. Overnight in guesthouse. Ride 10km 95% rideable. 3540m altitude. | Day 04 | Manang. A rest day in Manang. To aid acclimatisation we recommend riding or trekking to a higher altitude. One of our guides can show you many interesting and exciting trails. Manang is the largest village in the area and is the last place to stock up on any last minute supplies you may need. Overnight in guesthouse. | Day 05 | Manang to Tilicho base camp. Today we head out up the valley for Tilicho base camp. The trail is steep and rocky and it will involve a lot of push and carrying of the bikes. It will take 5-6hours to reach Tilicho base camp. There is only 1 basic lodge here with limited facilities where we will spend the night. Distance 18km 30% rideable. 4150m altitude. | Day 06 | Tilicho base camp to Lake Tilicho. The trail is more condusive to riding today but the effects of the high altitude will make it very hard going. It will take 3-4 hours to reach the lake. Take time to enjoy the spectacular scenery at this amazing site and explore the flat meadow that stretches along the right hand side of the lake. At the end of the lake lies a 700m long glacier that provides an excellent photo opportunity. We camp in the meadow beside the lake. Distance 12km rideable 40%. 5010m altitude. | Day 07 | Tilicho lake to Northern campsite Kharka. Leaving the lake we must cross a 5300m pass which is very steep and unrideable. The pass is also sometimes snow covered. From the top of the pass we can start descending on the technical trail to Tilicho high camp and continue our ride through the Eastern pass (5340m) until we reach the Northern campsite Kharka at 4920m. From here we can see the distant Tibetan and red landscapes of Upper Mustang. The enormous wall of Nilgiri and the 7th highest mountain in the world, Dhaulgiri (8137m) can also be seen from this vantage point. Overnight camping. 40% rideable. 4920m altitude. | Day 08 | Northern campsite Kharka to Jomsom. Today we will embark on a 3-4 hour descent along a fast and 90% rideable trail dropping 2200m. Along the way we will pass Yak herdsmen settlements and small villages before finally reaching our destination of Jomsom at 2720m. Although the trail is extremely fast, this is a rare opportunity to pass through this rarely visited area and time outs from descending should be taken to enjoy the spectacular scenery and let the brakes cool down!! Overnight in guesthouse. 90% rideable. 2720m altitude. | Day 09 | Jomsom to Pokhara. A short early morning flight will take us to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city with an ambient climate. The rest of the day can be spent sightseeing, boating on Lake Phewa or simply gorging in any of the numerous lakeside cafes. Overnight in guesthouse. | Day 10 | Pokhara to Kathmandu. An early morning flight of approx 45 mins will return us to Kathmandu and we will then transfer back to the guesthouse. |
This package is available for groups of 6 to 15 riders. If your group is below this number please contact us and we will try to put you in contact with others wishing to do this tour. The tour is available anytime between late March and late June or late August and late November please contact us to enquire if your desired date is available. The tour cost of £895 includes: Experienced English speaking qualified MTB guide, trekking and biking permits for the Annapurna region, all ground transportation, all accommodation on twin share basis, 3 meals a day during biking days only, bed and breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara, 1 porter for each 2 riders, charter flight from Kathmandu to Humde, flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The tour fee does not include: Bike hire or bike accessories, bottled water or soft drinks and beer, insurance, private medical services or emergency medical treatment including emergency evacuation fee, entry visas or immigration services, international flights. An excess baggage fee of approx 0.80 US$ is payable on all baggage over 15 kilos on domestic flights. Comprehensive insurance covering participants for taking part in this extreme event and facilitating emergency helicopter evacuation is compulsory and evidence of this must be produced on arrival in Kathmandu.
Option 3: TILICHO (12 Day) This itinerary is for riders without time constaints that would still like to ride adrenaline fuelled downhills but also take time out to experience the less hurried Nepali way of life along the Annapurna trail. Days 01-08 | are as per the Tilicho 10 day tour (please see above) | Day 9 | Jomsom to Kalopani. Leaving Jomsom we continue downhill on a 100% rideable newly constructed jeep track. Initially the route follows the Kali Gandaki river through Thakali, Marpha, Tukuche and Larjung. The trail is less technical than previous days but allows for some very fast descending. Overnight guesthouse. Rideable 100%, 25km distance, 2530m altitude. | Day 10 | Kalopani to Tatopani. The day starts with a fast downhill section but then turns rocky and technical as we cross a suspension bridge and ride through a pine forest to reach Ghasa. From here the trail drops steeply down to Rhupse Chhahara waterfall where we will stop for lunch. From here the trail flattens out and it is turns into a pleasant afternoon ride to Tatopani. It is here that we can enjoy a relaxing dip in the thermal hot spring alongside the Kali Gandaki. Overnight guesthouse. Rideable 75%, 23km distance, 1190m altitude. | Day 11 | Tatopani to Beni to Pokhara.The trail follows the Kali Gandaki over undulating terrain through the worlds deepest gorge. We will pass the trail heading up to Ghorepani (not for bikers, with over 1000 steps!!). After reaching the quiet town of Tipylang the trail widens and it is a fast and exciting descent into Beni, a bustling town. Here our coach will be waiting to transfer us to Pokhara. Overnight hotel. 95% rideable, 23km, 830m altitude. | Day 12 | Pokhara to Kathmandu. An early morning flight of approx 45 mins will return us to Kathmandu and we will then transfer back to the guesthouse. |
This package is available for group of 6 to 15 riders. If your group is below this number please contact us and we will try to put you in contact with others wishing to do this tour. The tour is available anytime between late March and late June or late August and late November. Please contact us to enquire if your desired date is available. The tour cost of £1050 includes: Experienced English speaking qualified MTB guide, trekking and biking permits for the Annapurna region, all ground transportation, all accommodation on twin share basis, 3 meals a day during biking days only, bed and breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara, 1 porter for each 2 riders, charter flight from Kathmandu to Humde, flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The tour fee does not include: Bike hire or bike accessories, bottled water or soft drinks and beer, insurance, private medical services or emergency medical treatment including emergency evacuation fee, entry visas or immigration services, international flights. An excess baggage fee of approx 0.80 US$ is payable on all baggage over 15 kilos on domestic flights. Comprehensive insurance covering participants for taking part in this extreme event and facilitating emergency helicopter evacuation is compulsory and evidence of this must be produced on arrival in Kathmandu.
Option 4: TILICHO (15 Day) This itinerary is for those with all the time in the world that don’t like flying!! Day 01 | Arrive Kathmandu and transfer from airport to a guesthouse in Thamel, Kathmandu's tourist area. | Day 02 | Transfer to Besi Sahar by coach (approx 6 hours). Overnight guesthouse. | Day 03 | Besi Sahar to Bahundanda. Approx 2km of sealed road starts the race along Besi Sahar main street. The trail soon turns to rough jeep track, which can be quite muddy along the first predominantly flat 14km. Competitors will travel through many small villages and cross numerous suspension bridges crossing the Marshyangdi River. At these lower altitudes the temperature can reach upto 30c and the final 6km can prove to be a long hot climb upto Bahundanda. Overnight guesthouse. Rideable: 95% Altitude: 760m—1310m Distance: 20km | Day 04 | Bahundanda to Taal. A steep rocky and technical downhill starts day 2 out of Bahundanda. After dropping 500m its then time for the riders to push/carry their bikes up a long, steep and hot climb over the hill, before a final rocky downhill ride into the village of Taal. Overnight guesthouse. Rideable: 15% Altitude: 1310m—1700m Distance: 7km | Day 05 | Taal to Chame. Leaving Taal, there is a Mani wall (stone wall inlaid with Buddhist prayer slates) in the middle of the path. These should always be passed on the left. After going by barley fields the valley becomes narrow again. From Taal to Dharpani the trail will be mostly push or carry for bikers although it does become more rideable through Barachap, Tanagyung, Latamrang and Koto. After a hard day’s work to reach Chame, competitors can relax in the hot springs on the other side of the Marshyangdi Khola. Overnight guesthouse. Rideable: 33% Altitude: 1700m—2570m Distance: 16.5km | Day 06 | Chame to Manang. The route today takes competitors through a dense forest in a steep, narrow valley and crosses a river via two bridges, one at 2910m and then another at 3030m. The trail continues along the river to Pisang, where the altitude is enough to bring on the first symptoms of altitude sickness or AMS. From Pisang, the route roughly follows the contours of the land. You will reach a wall of prayer wheels and Mani stones before travelling through Ghyaru and Ngwal to reach Manang. Overnight guesthouse. Rideable: 75% Altitude: 2570m—3540m Distance: 33km | Day 07 | Rest day in Manang. To aid acclimatisation we recommend riding or trekking to a higher altitude. One of our guides can show you many interesting and exciting trails. Mamang is the largest village in the area and is the last place to stock up on any last minute supplies you may need. Overnight guesthouse. | Day 08 | Manang to Tilicho base camp. Today we head out up the valley for Tilicho base camp. The trail is steep and rocky and it will involve alot of push and carrying of the bikes. It will take 5-6hours to reach Tilicho base camp. There is only 1 basic lodge here with limited facilities where we will spend the night. Distance 18km 30% rideable. 4150m altitude. | Day 09 | Tilicho base camp to Lake Tilicho. The trail is more condusive to riding but the effects of the high altitude will make it very hard going. It will take 3-4 hours to reach the lake. Take time to enjoy the spectacular scenery at this amazing site and explore the flat meadow that stretches along the right hand side of the lake. At the end of the lake lies a 700m long glacier that provides an excellent photo oppurtunity. We camp in the meadow beside the lake. Distance 12km rideable 40%. 5010m altitude. | Day 10 | Tilicho lake to Northern campsite Kharka. Leaving the lake we must cross a 5300m pass which is very steep and unrideable. The pass is also sometimes snow covered. From the top of the pass we can start descending on the technical trail to Tilicho high camp and continue our ride through the Eastern pass (5340m) until we reach the Northern campsite Kharka at 4920m. From here we can see the distant Tibetan and red landscapes of Upper Mustang. The enormous wall of Nilgiri and the 7th highest mountain in the world, Dhaulgiri (8137m) can also be seen from this vantage point. Overnight camping. 40% rideable. 4920m altitude. | Day 11 | Northern campsite Kharka to Jomsom. We will embark on a 3-4 hour descent along a fast and 90% rideable trail dropping 2200m. Along the way we will pass Yak herdsmen settlements and small villages before finally reaching Jomsom at 2720m. Although the trail is extremely fast, this is a rare opportunity to pass through this rarely visited area and time outs from descending should be taken to enjoy the spectacular scenery and let the brakes cool down!! Overnight in guesthouse. 90% rideable. 2720m altitude. | Day 12 | Jomsom to Kalopani. Leaving Jomsom we continue downhill on a 100% rideable newly constructed jeep track. Initially the route follows the Kali Gandaki river through Thakali, Marpha, Tukuche and Larjung. The trail is less technical than the previous days but allows for some very fast descending . Overnight guesthouse. Rideable 100%, 25km distance, 2530m altitude. | Day 13 | Kalopani to Tatopani. The day starts with a fast downhill section but then turns rocky and technical as we cross a suspension bridge and ride through a pine forest to reach Ghasa. From here the trail drops steeply down to Rhupse Chhahara waterfall where we will stop for lunch. From here the trail flattens out and it is a pleasant afternoons ride to Tatopani. It is here that we can enjoy a relaxing dip in the thermal hot spring alongside the Kali Gandaki. Overnight guesthouse. Rideable 75%, 23km distance, 1190m altitude. | Day 14 | Tatopani to Beni to Pokhara.The trail follows the Kali Gandaki over undulating terrain through the worlds deepest gorge. We will pass the trail heading up to Ghorepani (not for bikers, with over 1000 steps!!). After reaching the quiet town of Tipylang the trail widens and it is a fast and exciting descent into Beni, a bustling town. Here our coach will be waiting to transfer us to Pokhara. Overnight hotel. 95% rideable, 23km, 830m altitude. (The tour can be extended by another day by riding the last 80km to Pokhara, with the majority of this being on sealed, undulating road, please enquire for details). | Day 15 | Pokhara to Kathmandu. After an early breakfast we will depart by coach for the 8 hour journey back to Kathmandu. |
This package is available for groups of 4 or more. If your group is below this number please contact us and we will try to put you in contact with others wishing to do this tour. The tour is available anytime between late March and late June or late August and late November please contact us to enquire if your desired date is available. The tour cost of £950 includes: Experienced English speaking qualified MTB guide, trekking and biking permits for the Annapurna region, all ground transportation, all accommodation on twin share basis, 3 meals a day during biking days only, bed and breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara, 1 porter for each 2 rider. The tour fee does not include: Bike hire or bike accessories, bottled water or soft drinks and beer, insurance, private medical services or emergency medical treatment including emergency evacuation fee, entry visas or immigration services, international flights. An excess baggage fee of approx 0.80 US$ is payable on all baggage over 15 kilos on domestic flights. Comprehensive insurance covering participants for taking part in this extreme event and facilitating emergency helicopter evacuation is compulsory and evidence of this must be produced on arrival in Kathmandu.
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