Classic Nepal Ride

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Ian Knight

  CLASSIC NEPAL RIDE

  

  Written November 2010

  A good combination of cycling, cultural experiences and impressive landscapes packed into a very busy and absorbing two weeks. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Watching the sunrise over the Himalayas.

  An exhilirating 60km downhill ride which took nearly a whole day.

  The friendliness of all the Nepali people we met wherever we went.

  Wonderfully diverse landscapes.

  The old buildings in Kathmandu's Durbar square.

  The elephant-back safari and dugout canoe trip in Royal Chitwan National Park.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Kumar is an exceptional leader.  He was able to 'make things happen' in a country where this is probably not very easy and ensured that the tour operated smoothly.  His local contacts and knowledge were evidently very useful and he ensured that all of our needs and requests received immediate attention.  At times he was in restaurant kitchens making sure food appeared on time, sometimes helping to serve it, supervising baggage handling at the airports, acting as a first aider and nurse when people needed help, mustering hot water bottles on a cold night in the hills, and so on.  All done with a ready smile and good humour.  Oh yes, and he's pretty good on a bike too !

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  A good level of fitness and bike handling is desirable as some of the Nepalese roads and tracks used can be quite demanding.  The first couple of days are quite tough, but these are balanced by rides in easier terrain later in the tour.  Taking your own saddle or gel saddle cover is a good idea, especially for women as the supplied bikes don't have women-specific saddles.  Quite a wide range of cycling apparel could be useful if you experience the full range of Nepali conditions as we did (cold pre-dawn risings on hilltops, hot days down on the plains, cool and long mountain descents, and heavy rain). Torches are useful for night-time forays to bars and restaurants.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The bikes were of a good standard, ideally suited to the terrain, and the standard of bike maintenance by the tour crew was very high.  We saw the guide's assistant, Mangal, and the bus crew preparing and checking them at the start of each day, and washing them down at the end of each ride, which was a lot of work on top of the job of riding with us and accompanying us out in the evenings.  Mangal is also a leading Nepali mountain biker and offered a lot of help to many in our group, including helping to push them uphill on some of the harder sections. 

  The hotels we used are quite variable with some being of a very high standard (Pokhara and Godavari), and others being less memorable (Hetauda). Food generally was reasonable, if a little repetitive, and more often than not was tepid by the time it reached the table.

  Although the distances covered in Nepal are not very large, it is difficult to average more than about 30kph by bus bcause of the standards of the roads, so even shortish transfers seem to take quite a time, so expect to spend a fair amount of time on the bus - it was comfortable with our group of 14, but would be a bit more cramped with 16 + 4 staff.

  I can't praise the tour leader and crew from Dawn til Dusk highly enough.  Not only did they do an excellent job of running the trip but they also made us all feel very welcome in their country.

   
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  Andy Gibbins

  CLASSIC NEPAL RIDE

  

  Written November 2010

  Such a fantastic way to see a country - and what a great country Nepal is, so very hospitable and friendly with stunning scenery. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The 50km day of downhill, starting at around 2500m - stunning views all the way down (just remember to keep an eye on the road and your fingers on the brakes too)!

  Rhinos in Chitwan National park, viewed whilst riding on Elephant back

  The ever-friendly Nepalis coming out to wave as you ride through the small villages and towns

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The leader (and the whole crew - assistant leader, driver and drivers mate) were all brilliant. Kumar always had a smile on his face, was there to help at every moment - including serving meals in restaurants at some points! He really could not have done more to make sure everyone enjoyed the trip.

  Mangal (assistant leader) was always there to support and even pushed a couple of people up the more steep climbs on a couple of occasions! He's one of Nepal top mountain bikers so try to get some tricks out of him if you are lucky enough to have him on your trip!

   

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Whilst this is graded Moderate/Challenging, then challenging part is the first three days, though dont let this put you off, they are certainly manageable - besides, if it all gets too much you can just hop on the support vehicle which is always nearby.

  The roads in Nepal are not of a good quality, expect some bumpy days and dirt roads - some well padded cycling shorts are a must!

  Take some warm clothes for the night in Daman, and light long sleeves for Chitwan.

  Its a very busy itinerary, I would suggest staying on an extra day or two in Kathmandu at the end - you can take a mountain flight over the Himalayas or just wander around Kathmandu - a crazy yet enticing city!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Nepal is a wonderful country and a bike is a definately a great way to see it and its people, the group were great and the leaders were brilliant - its hard not to have a great time with that combination!

  I'll definately be going back to visit the mountains of Nepal soon, just trying to decide on Annapurna or Everest region......

   

   
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  Rita Fasler

  CLASSIC NEPAL RIDE

  

  Written October 2010

  It was an ideal mix of culture - biking - hiking and exploring. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The sunrise, discovering the Himalayas and admiring its beauty and grandeur.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  He was a super person, always paying attention, being helpful and reliable, has a great knowledge about the country.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Have a little more than just reasonable fitness, get prepared

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I wish all trips were as well organized by the tour leader!!

   
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  Nader Cowasjee

  CLASSIC NEPAL RIDE

  

  Written October 2010

  Fabulous adventure holiday, great sceanic view, Excellent company and food. Most of the Nepalese people were very hospitable and went out of their way to help and assist oversea visitors. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Flying into KTM mountain ranges on your side.

  Sunrise at Daman 0530 Hrs temperature was cold. The view of all the mountain ranges was breath taking.

  Chitwan was also amazing, the elephant ride into forest, the canoe [boat], the village and how they live.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our Group leader Kumar and his co-workers went out of their way to educate us on the historical sites visted.

  Went over next day route and program.

  Their support in every capacity was excellent.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you are able to cycle.. Go for it.. An experience of a life time. Lots of up and down hills. Poor roads. Cycles provided by your representatives M/S Dawn till Dusk were excellent condition and were checked and maintained daily prior departure.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I would surely visit Nepal again either cycling another route or hiking to the Everest Base Camp. My experience with Exodus was excellent and surely join another group/tour again.

  A mountain flight from KTM or Pokara should be included in this tour also a day white water rafting would be great. 

   
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  Victoria Chamberlain

  CLASSIC NEPAL RIDE CYCLING HOLIDAY

  

  Written March 2010

  The 2 weeks weeks flew by.  I felt there was a great balance of cycling and other activities - sight seeing, elephant rides etc.  I am not completely convinced that this should be classed as a road ride - if you are expecting road then you will be disappointed.  There really needs to be another classification as it's not really off road either - it is a bit of both and helps if you have done some off road riding.  It was a fantastic way to see Nepal and  beautifull weather. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I don't feel I can narrow it down to one moment - but highlights for me included seeing the sunrise over the Himalayas, our stay in Chitwan (with all the activites that brought), our few days in Pokhara and the flight back to Kathmandu with the amazing view of the mountains.  I also really enjoyed the sightseeing on our penultimate day in Kathmandu.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our leader Kumar was fantastic.  He quickly worked out what sort of group we were and tailored the trip very slightly in places to suit our needs. Absolutley nothing was too much trouble for him, he never sat still and he did all he could to make sure we had all we needed and that everyone was happy.  He was also very thoughtful and  sensible when people were not feeling well.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Like I said, be aware that this is not a tarmac road ride.  Maybe 50% on potholed tarmac? the rest on rough wide tracks.  Be aware that Nepal does not have electricity 24 hours a day so bring a torch and don't always expect hot water at the times you want it.  It will come, but if you want a shower immediately on arrival it may be a cold one.  Be prepared for the occaisional hard bed and basic accomodation, but overall I thought accomodation was much better than I had been expecting and it was always clean.  (The "SH" and "CH" descriptions of the accomodation in the trip notes does not really fit reality.)   My only disappoinment was the amount of rubbish you see - who invented plastic anyway??

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The support staff were also excellent.  The driver was brilliant.  The bus was never very far away and there was never a problem if some wanted to get on the bus or have a day not cycling.  Bottled water and snacks were provided (though I would still take a few of your own).  The first aid kit was very impressive!  The bikes were exceptionally well looked after and Sanjeev seemed to be an excellent mechanic.  The hot water bottle at Daman was much appreciated!!

   

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