Nepal

Mustang: The Legendary Expedition

©Stephane Gautronneau

Francis is a roaming biker is always venturing out on the routes to uncover sublime paths with as much

fervor as when he is sharing his stories. And stories, he has collected a whole lot of them since he joined

Vintage Rides team around a decade ago.

“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!”

FRANCIS

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TRAVEL DESIGNER

A TRIP

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.

WITH UNIQUE SENSATIONS

3

MAP

AT A GLANCE

3450 €From

4

6-8h riding a day Unexpected eventson the road

Remote regions

Period

April to May / October to November

Duration

14 days including 12 days riding

English-speakingtour leader

AccommodationStandard

LevelDemanding

©Stephane Gautronneau

©Elisabeth Fieujan

©Elisabeth Fieujan

YOUR TRIP IN 14 STAGES

5

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.

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.

©Elisabeth Fieujan

STAGE 1

STAGE 2

Arrive in Kathmandu (Patan): (1300m)

Patan - Chitwan [170 km* - 5h riding]: (230m)

©Elisabeth Fieujan

©Elisabeth Fieujan

YOUR TRIP IN 14 STAGES

6

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.

STAGE 4

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: (230m)

Chitwan - Tansen [190 km* - 5h riding]: (1300m)

©Elisabeth Fieujan

YOUR TRIP IN 14 STAGES

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STAGE 6

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.

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 5

Tansen - Pokhara [130 km* – 4H riding]: (800m)

Pokhara - Tatopani [120 km* – 4H riding]: (1200m)

©Elisabeth Fieujan

©Elisabeth Fieujan

YOUR TRIP IN 14 STAGES

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STAGE 8

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.

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 7

Tatopani - Marpha [45 km* - 3H riding]: (2700m)

Marpha - Jharkot [55 km* – 3H riding]: (3550m)

©Elisabeth Fieujan

©Elisabeth Fieujan

YOUR TRIP IN 14 STAGES

9

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.

STAGE 10

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

Jharkot - Tukuche [35 km* – 3H riding]: (2500m)

Tukuche - Tatopani [40 km* - 3H riding]: (1200m)

©Stephane Gautronneau

©Elisabeth Fieujan

©Elisabeth Fieujan

YOUR TRIP IN 14 STAGES

10

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!

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.

©Elisabeth Fieujan

STAGE 11

STAGE 12

Tatopani - Begnas Lake [130 km* - 4H riding]: (500m)

Begnas Lake - Nuwakot

[200 km* - 5H riding]: (1000m)

©Elisabeth Fieujan

©Elisabeth Fieujan

YOUR TRIP IN 14 STAGES

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STAGE 14

Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport. End of services.

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 13

Nuwakot - Katmandou [70 km* - 2/3H riding]: (1300m)

Kathmandu - International airport:

*Riding distances are indicative.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO GO?

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Create a new group

3450 € / pilot*Pillions:

Strongly not advised

From 2 to 3: 5040 €From 4 to 5: 3850 €From 6 to 8: 3450 €

From 9 to 10: 3230 €From 11 to 12: 3130 €

From 08/04/18 to 21/04/18

From 24/03/18 to 06/04/18

Book your trip and join a group

Book now : contact@vintagerides.com* Prices are indicative. Please refer to our general terms & conditions.

And enjoy

5% off your second trip

10% off your third trip and more

Always in the limit of 300 €

From 01/04/18 to 14/04/18

From 22/04/18 to 05/05/18

From 13/05/18 to 26/05/18

Personalise your motorbike trip by creating your own dates and group ! ''A la carte'' trips don't depend on the number of bikers in the group

- you can even set off in a duo!

From 21/10/17 to 03/11/17

From 03/11/17 to 16/11/17

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● 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

● 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

PRICE INCLUDES

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

MORE INFO

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Appropriate equipment is a component of a successful journey!Travel lightly, TRY TO STAY UNDER 45LBS (20 KGS)

PERSONAL MEDICINE:

CLOTHES AND PERSONAL

EQUIPMENT:

❏ 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

❏ Motorcycle boots are strongly advised or trekking shoes (waterproof)

❏ Warm motorbike jacket (synthetic preferred)

❏ A rain suit (just in case!)❏ Gloves❏ Helmet❏ Bandana

❏ Sunscreen lotion❏ Lip balm❏ Broad-spectrum antibiotic❏ Paracetamol❏ Anti-diarrhoea❏ Elastoplast❏ Skin disinfectant❏ Bandages and special blisters bandage

SPECIAL MOTORCYCLE

EQUIPMENT:

❏ 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.

BAGS:

MY CHECKLIST

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.

CONTACT US

©Elisabeth Fieujan

15

CONTACT@VINTAGERIDES.COM

www.vintagerides.travel

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