UNSUPPORTED BUT COORDINATED BIKEPACKING EVENT

GRAVELPACKING
Nepal

FROM bandipur to pokhara

30 March – 10 April, 2026

UNSUPPORTED BUT COORDINATED BIKEPACKING EVENT

GRAVELPACKING
NEPAL

FROM BANDIPUR TO POKHARA

30 March – 10 April, 2026

days

Bandipur – Pokhara

TOTAL ASCENT

TOTAL DESCENT

GRAVELPACKING NEPAL

We’ll meet at Kathmandu, transfer to start in Bandipur, ride into Manang, cross the mighty Thorong La Pass, and descend into Mustang before finishing in Pokhara.

This is not a guided tour; it’s an event for bikepacking enthusiasts.

It’s a real high-mountain expedition, with stage locations that may shift as the journey unfolds.
Nights will be spent in traditional tea houses, and we’ll walk you through the full plan during the arrival-day briefing.

THIS IS THE EXPERIENCE YOU’VE BEEN
LOOKING FOR IF:

  • You want to try bikepacking at high altitude for the first time.
  • Nepal is on your bucket list.
  • You want to experience bikepacking across one country with a group.
  • You’re craving adventure.
  • You’re seeking a challenge.
  • You want to travel in a unique way.
  • You don’t want a guided tour.

Itinerary

We’ll meet at Kathmandu, transfer to start in Bandipur, ride into Manang, cross the mighty Thorong La Pass, and descend into Mustang before finishing in Pokhara.
Nepal bikepacking Route

MANANG VALLEY & THE LOST KINGDOM OF MUSTANG

Click on the image for more information about each day

Arrival & Meeting

Kathmandu

1400 m

The adventure begins!

You’ll arrive in Kathmandu, meet the rest of the team, and settle in before we kick things off with a full briefing about the itinerary, bike assembly, gear setup, and what to expect in the Himalayas—along with some time to soak in Kathmandu’s vibrant energy.

Day 1

Transfer Kathmandu - Bandipur

1030 m

From the energy of Kathmandu to the tranquility of Bandipur’s heritage town.

A day of travel, views, and getting into expedition mode.

*Bikes & Participants

Day 2

Bandipur - Besisahar

51 km | +837 m / -1061 m

From the calm ridge-top streets of Bandipur, the ride dives into the winding valleys toward Besisahar, carving through terraced hills, forested slopes, and lively village trails.

Day 3

Besisahar - Tal Phedi

35.6 km | +1928 m / -988 m

A relentless uphill day from Besisahar, climbing steadily into a narrowing Himalayan gorge. Expect long, grinding ascents, rocky tracks, and sections that test both lungs and legs—rewarded at day’s end by the dramatic cliffside village of Tal Phedi.

Day 4

Tal Phedi - Chame

23.7 km | +1612 m / -650 m

From Tal Phedi’s dramatic canyon setting, the route climbs hard into cooler highlands, weaving through forests, cliffs, and rushing rivers before rolling into Chame—an unforgettable blend of effort, elevation, and mountain beauty.

Day 5

Chame - Manang

30.2 km +1,118 m / -262 m

From Chame’s alpine forests, the route climbs steadily into wider, drier terrain, passing ancient stone villages, prayer walls, and open valleys before arriving in Manang—an unforgettable blend of altitude, culture, and expansive mountain views.

Day 6

Manang - Yak Kharka

8.1 km +442 m / -100 m

A steady, high-altitude approach takes you out of Manang and along narrowing paths toward Yak Kharka. The terrain mixes smooth riding with brief pushes through rocky pinch points, unfolding into a calm, elevated landscape of grazing yaks and open ridgelines.

Day 7

Yak Kharka - Thorong La Pass - Kagbeni

32 km +1,441 m / -2,552 m

From the quiet slopes of Yak Kharka, the route makes a long, determined push toward the 5,416 m crest of Thorong La, where thin air and rugged switchbacks mark the final ascent. From the pass, a dramatic, sweeping descent drops into the dry, windswept landscapes of Mustang, ending in the ancient village of Kagbeni—a day defined by effort, altitude, and unforgettable contrasts.

Day 8

Kagbeni to Kalopani

36.7 km +496 m / -875 m

A scenic, mostly downhill day begins in Kagbeni’s stark desert surroundings and gradually transitions into greener slopes and calmer forests. Rolling climbs punctuate the descent toward Kalopani, offering a refreshing mix of pace and scenery.

Day 9

Kalopani to Gaundakut/Baglung

56.8 km +863 m / -2,631 m

A big day of movement begins in Kalopani’s alpine forests and unfolds into a long, sweeping descent toward warmer mid-hill villages. The terrain alternates between fast downhill sections and gentle climbs, guiding you toward the vibrant foothills of Gaundakot/Baglung.

Day 10

Gaundakut/Baglung to Pokhara

63.3 km +1,599 m / -1,531 m

From the warm foothills of Gaundakot/Baglung, the route rises into a series of tough climbs and sweeping ridgelines, followed by long, winding descents toward the lakeside basin of Pokhara. A full, varied day of effort and reward—ending in one of Nepal’s most iconic mountain towns.

Day 11

Resting / Visiting Pokhara
Domestic Flight
*If international flight requires.

A peaceful day in Pokhara to rest, recharge, and take in the lakeside charm of the city. Explore local temples, stroll along Phewa Lake, or just relax and enjoy the easy pace.

Day 12

Pokhara - Kathmandu

A quick but breathtaking domestic flight lifts us from Pokhara’s lakeside into the sky, tracing the contours of the landscapes below before touching down in Kathmandu for our final night.

The oficial jersey of the event

The GravelPackers Official Jersey front
The GravelPackers Official Jersey Back

UNSUPPORTED BUT COORDINATED CONCEPT

Our concept is simple: total freedom on the bike, with smart coordination running quietly in the background to keep the experience flowing. Riders choose their pace, their pauses, their effort, and their daily strategy — a pure unsupported style that keeps the journey authentic, personal, and fully self-reliant.

But unsupported doesn’t mean unorganized.
Behind the scenes, our team handles the essential logistics that make a high-altitude traverse like this possible, safe, and enjoyable. This includes coordinating tea-house availability along the route: making sure every rider knows the overnight villages, the lodging options in each place, and how to reach them at the end of their stage. You decide where to sleep — the structure is simply there when you need it.

Add to that our full route planning, GPS tracking support, altitude-aware checkpoints, and emergency coordination throughout the journey, creating the ideal balance: you ride free, while we keep the backbone of the event solid and reliable in the background.

This is what makes Gravelpacking Nepal special:
independence on the bike, coordination off the bike — the spirit of Himalayan adventure, elevated.

Services

INCLUDED:

  • Accommodation & dinner/breakfast at every stage, supporting local family-run tea houses.
    (From dinner & accommodation on 30 March in Kathmandu to dinner & accommodation on 10 April in Kathmandu.)

  • Bike and participant transfer by vehicle from Kathmandu to Bandipur.

  • Domestic flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu.

NOT INCLUDED:

  • International flights & visa

  • Travel insurance

  • Any meals not listed as included

Travel & Support Local Development

At The Gravelpackers, we believe that meaningful travel goes beyond the adventure itself. That’s why each of our trips is designed not only to offer unforgettable experiences, but also to contribute directly to the communities we visit. We work hand-in-hand with local partners, stay in family-run guesthouses, and collaborate with grassroots initiatives to ensure a positive impact on the ground.

10% of the profits from each event are dedicated to funding local development and/or charitable projects. Whether it’s supporting access to education, preserving cultural heritage, or contributing to causes that support underserved communities, our goal is to give back to the people and places that make our journeys so special.

Join us on a bikepacking adventure that not only challenges you physically, but also enriches the lives of others.
Travel with purpose - travel responsibly.

Travel & Support Local Development

At The Gravelpackers, we believe that meaningful travel goes beyond the adventure itself. That’s why each of our trips is designed not only to offer unforgettable experiences, but also to contribute directly to the communities we visit. We work hand-in-hand with local partners, stay in family-run guesthouses, and collaborate with grassroots initiatives to ensure a positive impact on the ground.

10% of the profits from each event are dedicated to funding local development and/or charitable projects. Whether it’s supporting access to education, preserving cultural heritage, or contributing to causes that support underserved communities, our goal is to give back to the people and places that make our journeys so special.

Join us on a bikepacking adventure that not only challenges you physically, but also enriches the lives of others.
Travel with purpose – travel responsibly.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Check our FAQs section

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE COST

STANDARD
PRICE

1,750

Bringing your own mtb/gravel & bikepacking gear

RENTING
MTB

2,150

Renting MTB & Helmet

RENTING
bikepacking gear

2,300

Renting MTB & Helmet & Bikepacking gear

Rental bike: Hardtail Trek or Scott
Full suspension
with 290€ extra 

Bikepacking gear: Bikepacking bags

The price does not include flights.
The trip is subject to a minimum group size of 10 people.

Kathmandu – Bandipur – Besisahar – Tal Phedi – Manang – Yak Kharka – Torong La Pass – Kagbeni – Kalopani – Gaundakut – Pohkara Kathmandu

Contact us

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We’re excited to share this incredible journey with you!