We are returning to Nepal for our mind-blowing adventure ride along the Manang Highway. We ran two, back-to-back sold-out groups in October 2023 and many of the riders on the trips are still buzzing from it two months later
Sideburn has co-promoted a number of unforgettable sold out trips in the Himalayas and once again we are partnering with Indian-owned tour company Helmet Stories.
The trip that have designed and researched the ideal mix of challenge, duration, culture, natural beauty and value for money.
You'll be riding tough and capable air-cooled Royal Enfield Himalayans in the mountains the bike was named after.
Read the report from one of our paying punters in Sideburn 39.
The itinerary for each trip is identical, and outlined below, only the dates differ.
SIDEBURN NEPAL OPEN TO ALL - 29 September- 8 October 2024 LIMITED PLACES NOW AVAILABLE
Day 1 - Arrive in Kathmandu
Check in to hotel and relax after the flight and get into the groove of Nepal.
Day 2 - In and around Kathmandu
While the necessary permits get issued we rest up, and get to know each other as we take in a few of the incredible sights of Kathmandu, including the Boudha Stupa Buddhist temple and the ancient Durbar Square UNESCO heritage site. The hotel is a great place to hang-out, with a secluded terrace bar and pool.
Day 3 - Kathmandu - Besisahar
We ride out of Kathmandu in the morning as the city wakes up and escape all the chaos and craziness of the capital. We head towards Pokhara on the Prithvi highway before turning off into back country roads to Besisahar. Away from the city and into what feels more like jungle, cruising alongside the Trishuli & Marsyangdi Rivers.
Day 4 - Besisahar - Tal
This is where the tarmac ends. Today we pass through tiny remote villages, a million miles from most of our everyday experiences, and deal with lots of water crossings and pass (and kind of through) majestic waterfalls. A section of switchbacks leads to the overnight stay, a village rebuilt after catastrophic floods in 2020.
Day 5 - Tal - Braga
Jaw-dropping views of the Annapurna mountain range towards the Braga, and the end of the road. It's not a long ride but the ever-changing views make it hard not to stop and stare and take photos. There was also a great coffee shop and bakery on this section.
Day 6 - Braga
The village of Manang is one of the main stopover point for trekkers and cyclists on the Annapurna circuit. However, we prefer the charms of Braga, close on the banks of the Marsyangadi river. This is a relaxed day that you can use to explore further on the bikes and/or on foot.
Day 7 - Braga - Bhratang
We start our ride back down the way we came. This seems less than ideal, but the view is completely different and it's like you are riding a whole different road as you descend. Only one word to sum up the views: epic.
Day 8 - Bhratang - Kurintar
We ride back towards civilization enjoying a day of trails to Kurinter and a smart hotel.
Day 9 - Kurinter - Kathmandu
It's an intense ride back to Kathmandu from here. As the crow flies it's not far, but the road and traffic make it unforgettable, especially after the open spaces of the previous week's adventure. This is where the ride comes to an end. We have one final grand evening.
Day 10 Kathmandu
Leave for home.
INCLUDED
• Transfers to and from Kathmandu Airport
• Twin sharing rooms with breakfast on all days
• A traditional Nepali welcome dinner on the first day
• Motorcycles
• Fuel for the trip
• Light lunch on the road
• Mechanic
• Back-up vehicle for luggage and mechanic
• Anapurna Conservation Area Project fee
• TIMS Permits
• Sideburn rep on the tour
• Local English-speaking road captain and back-up guides
• Helmet Stories Team
• Medical Kit
EXCLUSIONS
• Flight to Kathmandu
• Visa to Nepal
• Dinner (even staying in tourist accommodation, it is inexpensive to eat and drink in Nepal)
• Alcoholic drinks
• Drinks and snacks on the road
• Riding kit
• Personal Insurance and evacuation charges (this is mandatory)
• Personal expenses
• Insurance against or for accidents/ loss of life etc
• Tips to staff
• Costs incurred due to natural calamities, strikes and things beyond the control of Helmet Stories Adventures and its associates.
• All repairs and damage to the bikes will be on cost basis.
COST
£2860 (GB pounds)
We can accommodate a maximum 12 people for this ride as all the home stays and spots we like to stay in are small and can take just about that many people.
A 30% non-refundable and non-transferable deposit is to be paid at the time of booking and is accepted as part of the total cost of the tour. The deposit will not be refunded unless the applicant cannot be offered a place by Helmet Stories. The balance of the total cost for the tour must reach Helmet Stories no later than EIGHT weeks before the tour date.
RIDING LEVEL
None of the days are high mileage, but some of the trails are rocky and lined with very, very steep drops. If you are not a confident trail rider then you either need to get some concerted practice in, or admit it's not for you. It is very important to be honest about your riding experience. If you are not up to it, you will not enjoy it, and could put yourself in harm's way.
You must not be afraid of riding rocky trails or heights (look at the photos above). You must also be happy riding in the maddest of city traffic.
It is an incredible, mind-blowing, journey of a lifetime, in a really friendly country, staying with some local families in their bed and breakfasts. Magical.
DATES
OPEN TO ALL - 29 September- 8 October 2024
TO BOOK
If you have any questions or to secure your place, email us for details on how to pay your deposit. Remember, there are only 12 places.
sideburnmag at gmail dot com
(we spell it out like that to try stop the nefarious spam bots finding us)
As with all the Sideburn trips, we partner with experienced and trusted local tour companies and we send a Sideburn representative. The benefit of a Sideburn tour is you are (almost) guaranteed to be on the same wavelength with the rest of your great group.
Helmet Stories, who we have worked with for years, take all the payments and run the trips. Sideburn is a co-promoter, not the tour leader or organiser.
Photos: Samson Hatae, Andrew Neri, Helmet Stories
