CARPATHIAN TRIALS
ROMANIA
CARPATHIAN TRIALS RED MOUNTAINS
—TRIP RESUME
KEY POINTS
- LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY : LEVEL 3-4
- NUMBER OF RIDERS : 8-12
- MOTORBIKE TYPE : Own or rental
- ROAD : 70% off-road, 30% paved
- ACCOMODATION TYPE : Hotel & Local Stay
| DATE | AVAILABILITY |
|---|---|
| August 2023 | Request for information |
Riding abilities
Am I good enough to join this tour?
First of all, you don’t need to be a hard-core off-road/rally expert to join our tours. We have different levels and our Iceland tour is a level 2 tour (out of five). You’ll need some experience with travelling and with riding on gravel and preferably have joined a (two) day off-road course. The days can be long, depending on many factors, so you have to be comfortable in most situations in order not to suffer fatigue to quickly.
The pace is relaxed; it’s not a competition. We are traveling and will take a break frequently. There will be time enough to take pictures, movies, rest etc. On this tour we’ll have a resting days (optional) to enjoy all the local cultural highlights and to refuel energy. We do want to emphasize that for our off-road tours that you need to be healthy and in a good physical condition. The riding, in combination with the weather can make it challenging en strenuous.
ITINERARY
Week 1
1Day 1 : Arrival
Namaste and welcome to Kathmandu! Upon arrival, witness Nepali hospitality. You will be received
from the airport to hotel. We will meet at the welcome dinner in the evening and together with the
Nepali cuisine you will get the briefing of the tour and clear guidelines regarding what to expect along
the way!
- ACCOMODATION :
- KM :
- OFF-ROAD :
- RIVERS :
2Day 2 : Kathmandu
We will make a visit to Brahmasthai Awareness Society (BAS), the NGO that provides shelter to the
poor, helpless patients and children and adults with disability. This part is optional and you can
choose to take a free day instead. Meanwhile, our guides will process your application and acquire the
special permit to enter this region. Later in the day, we will hold a small ceremony to worship the bikes
to wish luck for the trip. Within dinner time, you will be handed over the special permit to Upper
Mustang.
- ACCOMODATION :
- KM :
- OFF-ROAD :
- RIVERS :
3Day 3 : Pokhara
Our adventure begins with a 5-6 hour ride to Pokhara, arguably the most beautiful city in Nepal. We
will stay in a cozy hotel in the lakeside and will explore the best of Pokhara in our time there with a ride
to Sarangkot, where one can witness majestic views of the Himalayas. The ride will also help in
adapting to left hand traffic for those coming from right hand traffic systems. We will make sure
everything we need is ready by evening and gear up for the adventure that waits!
- ACCOMODATION :
- KM :
- OFF-ROAD :
- RIVERS :
4Day 4 : Lete
On a clear day, our early morning start will be accompanied by the views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and the
surrounding mountains. We shall pass Nepal’s longest suspension bridge in Kusma before we bid
goodbye to the tarmac and welcome the dirt roads. A couple of hours riding along the Kali Gandaki
river will take us to Lete, a village reminiscent of the Alps, where we will stay in a local guest house.
- ACCOMODATION :
- KM :
- OFF-ROAD :
- RIVERS :
5Day 5 : Chele
Today you will ride through 8000m deep Kali Gandaki gorge (which happens to be the deepest one in this planet, just so you know!). With Dhaulagiri (Mt. 8167) and Annapurna I (Mt. 8091) by your side, you will witness breathtaking views that cannot be witnessed anywhere else in the world.
The terrain is moderate with occasional rides over rocky slopes. However, the waterfalls along the way are worth the rugged terrain. Our arrival in Jomsom will be followed by travel permit checks at Kagbeni, and then we’re off to Upper Mustang!
We will follow Kali Gandaki further upwards as we pass along a regional salt mine that was an integral part of the development of the region. We will cross the Kali Gandaki River via a bridge or through the river itself depending on the conditions and will stay at a local guest house that offers beautiful views of the mountains from the terrace.
The terrain is moderate with occasional rides over rocky slopes. However, the waterfalls along the way are worth the rugged terrain. Our arrival in Jomsom will be followed by travel permit checks at Kagbeni, and then we’re off to Upper Mustang!
We will follow Kali Gandaki further upwards as we pass along a regional salt mine that was an integral part of the development of the region. We will cross the Kali Gandaki River via a bridge or through the river itself depending on the conditions and will stay at a local guest house that offers beautiful views of the mountains from the terrace.
- ACCOMODATION :
- KM :
- OFF-ROAD :
- RIVERS :
6Day 6 : Ghami
After breakfast, we ride across vertigo inducing heights and through some of the toughest terrain on
the tour. While we look out for each other along these roads, we also look back and admire the beauty
of the mountains from the high altitude (4000m) passes such as the Dojori Pass. As the day progresses,
we descend down to Ghami, a village famous for its apple orchards and apple pie!
- ACCOMODATION :
- KM :
- OFF-ROAD :
- RIVERS :
7Day 7 : Lo Manthang
As we ride deep into the Buddhist country, we will pass Nepal’s longest Mani-wall north of Ghami
and ride up to Ghar Gumba, an 8th century Buddhist monastery. As we climb up the last pass, things
might get a bit dusty when we encounter some talk powder sand, but the sheer feeling of looking
down the valley at the old capital of the forbidden kingdom, Lo Manthang itself, outweighs anything
else!
- ACCOMODATION :
- KM :
- OFF-ROAD :
- RIVERS :
Week 2
1Day 8 : Lo Manthang (rest day)
Today, you can take a rest day or short rides in the nearby areas or drive all the way up to the Tibetan border. Arguably the most iconic sight would be the Chosur Caves. Carved high into the cliffs, the Chosur Caves are a labyrinth of small rooms and tunnels that have upto 5 floors and 85 rooms. Talk about architecture! The rest of the day will be spent drinking coffee and touring the actual village that was built inside the walls.
- ACCOMODATION :
- KM :
- OFF-ROAD :
- RIVERS :
2Day 9 : Geling
We bid farewell to Lo Manthang and descend towards the Himalayas from the Tibetan plateau. On
our way down, we will visit Tsarang, home of the King’s winter palace and one of the largest
functioning monasteries in the region. We ride those steep hills once again, but this time it’s downhill!
We’ll stay in a basic guesthouse south of Geling and call it a day there.
- ACCOMODATION :
- KM :
- OFF-ROAD :
- RIVERS :
3Day 10 : Kagbeni via Muktinath
Reaching Upper Mustang but missing out on Muktinath would mean a lifetime of regret! The ancient
Hindu temple has attracted thousands of pilgrims from the Indian subcontinent, who make it a point
to visit this shrine at least once in their lives (special emphasis on “at least”). Pilgrims believe that
passing through all 108 water fountains surrounding the temple and take a dip in each of the two
pools nearby clears you off you sins. After visiting this temple, we ride down to Kagbeni.
- ACCOMODATION :
- KM :
- OFF-ROAD :
- RIVERS :
4Day 11 : Tatopani
Tatopani.
- ACCOMODATION :
- KM :
- OFF-ROAD :
- RIVERS :
5Day 12 : Bandipur
On our way back to Kathmandu, we ride to Bandipur, a majestic Newari village on top of a mountain
and an ancient trading hub. Famous amongst domestic tourists these days, the ambience of the village
is simply unparalleled; with views of the very mountains we passed through a few days ago. The nostalgia may start to kick in already!
- ACCOMODATION :
- KM :
- OFF-ROAD :
- RIVERS :
6Day 13 : Kathmandu
The road to Kathmandu is full asphalt now. The traffic becomes thicker and we enter the bustling
capital during mid-day. We stay at our hotel in the evening and maybe have a drink at a local pub. It’s the last night of your unforgettable trip.
- ACCOMODATION :
- KM :
- OFF-ROAD :
- RIVERS :
7Day 14 : Kathmandu (rest day)
The rest day before you fly back home- you might want to spend shopping souvenirs for your friends
and family.
- ACCOMODATION :
- KM :
- OFF-ROAD :
- RIVERS :
8Day 15: Home
As you are seated on your flight back home, you are not just leaving with the luggage you brought with
you, or even the camera full of photos. You leave with memories you will cherish for the rest of your
life. You can now go home and proudly say that you rode through places not many have even dared to
go.
- ACCOMODATION :
- KM :
- OFF-ROAD :
- RIVERS :
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- 15 days holiday with 14 riding days
- Royal Enfield 500cc Motorcycle
- Petrol for Motorcycle
- Very experienced local English Speaking Tour Guide, Road Captain
- English Speaking Mechanic (in vehicle)
- 4x4 support-vehicle
- Emergency equipment: repair-kit for punctures, tools, medical kit
- Garmin inReach (GPs)emergency system
- Permit to Upper Mustang (US$ 500 per person)
- TIMS permit ( trekking permit you need for all treks in Nepal)
- ACAP permit (national park permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area)
- Accommodation on single (additional surcharge) or twin sharing basis with Breakfast and Dinner
- Road Taxes
- Garmin inReach (GPS) emergency system
- Bike Insurance (3rd party insurance)
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
- International flight tickets
- Visa for Nepal (US$ 25 for 15 days)
- Travel insurance (mandatory, including medical and high altitude rescue)
- Transfer to/from Airport
- Drinks/alcohol/lunch
- Personal expenses (i.e. laundry)
- Tips for local guides
- We will not be held responsible for loss or damage of materials due to reckless behaviour
WHAT TO BRING ?
This trip is fully supported but requires you to bring your personal riding gear, and some casual clothes. On tips on how to pack for an adventure see our blog PACKING LIGHT FOR AN ADVENTURE. Our support vehicle can carry one bag no bigger than standard carry on size. We recommend you can bring a small riding backpack BLOG ON MC BACKPACKS to carry snacks, some water and your camera, phone and documents.
1MOTORCYCLE GEAR
Bring your complete motorcycle gear (helmet, boots, gloves, armour including body & knee protector/back protector/neck brace). Hydration pack.
2CASUAL GEAR
Some comfortable clothes for the evenings. You don't need much and laundry facilities are available along the route.
3Documents
4Gear / Clothes
- Sleeping bag (and inflatable pillow) Please bring a sleeping bag and pillow for the nights in cabins. The cabins are heated, so a thick 4-season sleeping bag is not needed, a 2-season will do.
- Waterproof soft-bag. You’ll leave your big hard suit-case in the storage at KEX and bring a soft-bag (like 60 litre) for bringing your personal clothes during the tour. It might be transported on the roof-rack or trailer, so that’s why it needs to be water-proof.
- Protective riding gear (suit, helmet, gloves, etc.). The temperature can fluctuate between 5 Celsius and 25 C° (that’s a heat wave in Iceland!). Prepare for cold and wet weather.
- Boots. Bring hard (enduro)boots with ankle protection. It will safe your leg/ankle! (and your holiday). In combination with Sealskinz socks (see below) this works very well to keep your feet dry and warm.
- Warm/long woollen socks. Sealskinz socks are waterproof. Woollen socks keep your feet warm. Crossing rivers will make your boots wet. Changing socks often (in combination with a plastic bag) will do the trick and keep your feet warm.
- Rain gear /rain jacket. Staying dry is key to keep your body temperature stable. Gore-Tex gear is recommended.
- Warm/woollen underwear. Merino is great material to keep you warm when cold and cooler when hot (and it doesn’t smell bad after some days using!)
- Casual wear for evenings in the cabins and non-riding days. You don’t need much as we’re staying mostly up in cabins in the Highlands.
- Warm fleece and woollen beanie. Dress in layers, when riding and after during those cooler days/evenings.
- Camelbags/Hydration back-pack. Necessary very handy to prevent dehydration (even when it’s cold). Highly recommended!
- Camera. These magnificent views you want to capture!
- Headlight (like Petzl). Some of the cabins have no electricity.
- Power pack. Electricity is not always 24/7 available in the cabins so bring a battery pack as a back-up for charging you electronic equipment/phone. We can charge also in the car.
- Travel towel. Please bring a quick drying travel towel
- Swimming trousers/bathing suit You don’t want to miss having a beer in the hot-springs!
- Tank- or small (waterproof)tail-bag (when renting a bike). If you’d like to bring some stuff on your bike (camera, rain-gear), please bring a small bag which you can strap on the back, or you can bring your own small tankbag.
- ROK-straps/bungee cords. If you’d like to strap something on the back of your bike, please bring (16 mm) ROK-straps. They are the best!
- Your spirit for adventure!
