Cycling On The Apple Brandy Trail

Name: Cycling On The Apple Brandy Trail
Brand: Himalayan Single Track
SKU: BM-17737
Price: 690 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (1 reviews)

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highlights

Ride down 2800m in 3 days
Enjoy cycling on an epic single track in the Lubra Valley
Sample the famous apple brandy of Tukuche
Fly to Jomsom from Pokhara

Be part of one of the most spectacular mountain biking holidays in the world during this guided cycling trip in the mountains. Far and away the most ridden trail in Nepal, the Apple Brandy Trail takes you into the heart of the Himalayas and acquaints you with some of the best trails in the Lower Mustang region, including the famous Lubra Valley Trail.

Start your trip with a flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. See Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchare mountains from your airplane seat if the weather permits. Spend your first night in Kagbeni. Follow the raging Kali Gandaki River, which splits the mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and forms the deepest gorge in the world, all the way up to Muktinath, a holy shrine of both the Hindus and Buddhists.

Your journey is mostly downhill from this point onward. Reach Tukuche on the third day. Explore this quaint town on the banks of the mighty Kali Gandaki and get the chance to learn more about Thakali culture. Enjoy a soothing bath in a hot spring in Tatopani before heading for Pokhara, where your trip comes to an end.

See the magnificent Himalayas and enjoy the rich and vibrant culture of Nepal while traversing some of the best bike trails in the world during this 5-day trip. Please go through the itinerary below for more details.

customer reviews

5.0 - Excellent Based on 1 review

so much fun, I've done it twice!!

Bronwyn At Aug 20 2018

5 - Excellent

“I was lucky enough to live in Nepal for several years, and got to experience a lot of the incredible mountain biking the country has to offer, and I have to say, this is one of the very best trips!!! In fact, I enjoyed it so much that even though there are a million different things to see in the country I used some of my precious leave time to go BACK and do it AGAIN!

The culture of Mustang is one of the biggest draws for people coming to the region, and you get a big dose of it on this trip, even though you don't actually enter the "forbidden kingdom" itself (saving lots of money). The trails are a mix of single track and jeep track, swoopy and fun. If you ride up to Muktinath (as we did), it is a bit killer, but the ride back down is worth every pedal stroke up the road. the scenery takes your breath away around every turn... but because you never go THAT high, the altitude doesn't (which is a good thing).

One thing I will say is how important it is to go with a good company, and Himalayan Singletrack is definitely the best! You see a lot of people "going it alone," and while it is possible (though technically not allowed, you must have a guide in the conservation area), you would end up on main roads, and never find the sweet bikeable trails. You also would certainly never find the hidden gems of tea houses and hotels. Even if you did book a local guide, most of them have no biking knowledge, and would have no idea where these tracks and trails are. Mountain biking is also, as we all know who do it and love it, risky. An unexpected rock or sudden corner could result in a serious accident. You want to be with someone who a) is trained in how to respond to accidents and injuries, b) knows the lay of the land, and can advise you on the risks of the day to reduce potential for accidents, and c) can help fix your bike so you can get back to riding!

Himalayan Singletrack planned fun-filled days that were tailored to my group's riding ability. Our guide was savvy and flexible enough to make last minute itinerary changes as conditions changed. they made sure we were booked into the best hotels (even in high season, when places get booked out early), and made sure we were looked after every step of the way.

one final thought - do NOT miss out on the hot springs at Tato Pani... it isn't the prettiest spot, but man that warm water is wonderful on your sore muscles!

PS - the apple brandy is a bit of an acquired taste...”

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Pokhara - Kagbeni

3 hours Guest house

Wake up early in the morning to catch the glimpse of the mountains at dusk. Head for the airport. Board the flight that takes you to Jomsom, located above the Pokhara Valley (the flight takes approximately 22 minutes).

Have your breakfast in Jomsom and prepare for the journey. Go for an easy, 14km acclimatization ride to the beautiful Tibetan village of Kagbeni. The road is mostly flat and traces the Kali Gandaki River right up to the boundary of Upper Mustang.

Riding distance: 14km

Day 2: Kagbeni - Muktinath

5 hours Homestay

Get up early to see sunrise. Have breakfast and prepare for the day. You will mostly be cycling uphill today. Leave behind the beautiful village of Kagbeni and start the climb. Follow the trail on the north of the Kali Gandaki Gorge (the deepest gorge in the world) that travels all the way to the Thorong La Pass.

Stop to explore an ancient monastery in Jhong. Have lunch while enjoying stunning views of the Himalayas. The final push is short and intense. Arrive in Muktinath, one of the holiest shrines of the Hindus, at around mid-afternoon.

Stay overnight in Muktinath, a bustling village in the mountains.

Riding distance: 18km

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Muktinath - Tukuche

6 hours Guest house

Our day kicks off on a fast, downhill track, a welcome relief after yesterday's uphill battle. The ride becomes difficult after 11:00 am, when it gets windy out here. There are single track options for experienced riders today.

Savour the moment as you whizz past trekkers while the icy cold Himalayan wind hits your face. Once you reach the river valley below, it’s 6 kilometers of flat stretch to Jomsom followed by undulating trails along the river to Marpha.

Stop for great views along the way. Have your lunch in the beautiful village of Marpha, famous for its apple orchards and brandy. The trail rolls into Tukuche, a quaint town on the banks of the Kali Gandaki.

Take some time to explore the cobbled lanes of Tukuche and learn more about Thakali culture. Stay overnight in the well furnished German Bakery who also produce their own brand of apple brandy in special-edition bottles.

Riding distance: 32km

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Tukuche - Tatopani

5 hours Guest house

Today's trail is mostly downhill again. The trail starts out gentle and flat, moving through pine forests and past small villages. Follow the river while enjoying some great views of the snow-capped peaks.

Stop to see Rupse Waterfall and have your lunch. Pick up the speed as the trail drops some 1,000 meters with sweeping curves and plunges. Reach Tatopani, a village famous for its rejuvenating hot springs. Take a soothing bath in a hot spring.

Riding distance: 36km

Meals

Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Tatopani - Galeshwor - Pokhara

6 hours

Ride on a 22km stretch of an off-road track that is flat for the most part. Cross the Kali Gandaki for one last time and take the road near Beni. Reach Galeshwor and drive to Pokhara. You also have the option to ride from Naudanda to Pokhara Lakeside.

Meals

Breakfast & Lunch

what’s included

Domestic flight tickets from Pokhara to Jomsom with airport transfers. A private vehicle transfer from Beni to Pokhara
Qualified mountain bike guides and porters to carry your luggage during the trip
4 nights' accommodation in teahouses with attached bathrooms
Sampling brandy made from apple. Meals as per the Itinerary
All the required permits (ACAP/TIMS)
A visit to hot springs

Optional Addons (Available during check-out)

Full Suspension MTB and Helmet
Hardtail MTB and Helmet
SPD Pedals and Shoes
G-Force Knee Pads

what's excluded

International airfare
Expenses that are personal in nature
Meals/drinks not mentioned on the itinerary
Anything note mentioned on the itinerary and the 'What's Included' section

Tour details

Availability Available Daily

Duration 5 days

Tour Type Private Tour

Age Requirement 13 +

guiding method Live guide/instructor

Guide Language British & nepalese

Meeting/Start Point Pick-up at your hotel or location in Pokhara, Nepal

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Good to know

Fitness factor: We accept weekend riders on this trip. Although there is just one big climb of over 1000 meters, jeep assistance can be deployed if your heart begins to pop out of your chest. Skill factor: Any confident cyclist can do this trail. There are many trail options, for all levels of riders, ranging from those who have just started out to advanced-level bikers. Other information: You will be staying in tea houses with hot water and WiFi facilities. A porter will carry your bags throughout the duration of the trek.

Cancellation Free cancellation up to 60 days prior departure, after which the deposit becomes non-refundable.

No of people

Price per person

1 - 1

US$ 910

2 - 4

US$ 690

5 - 10

US$ 600

11 +

US$ 590

No of people

Price per person

1 - 1

US$ 910

2 - 4

US$ 690

5 - 10

US$ 600

11 +

US$ 590

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