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Mountain Biking in the Tamang Heritage Trails of Rasuwa, Langtang

Wednesday - 11th April 2007

One of the nearest destinations from Kathmandu, Langtang, Rasuwa, is one of the most beautiful destination Nepal has to offer. Its easy access, close proximity to the capital and unparalleled beauty of majestic mountains dotted with quaint villages rich in culture makes it a nature lover’s delight. The mountain bike race is the first of its kind in a region that has remained untouched for decades. Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Program (TRPAP) has been a frontrunner at using a ‘hands on approach’ to transform tourism as a proactive force to bring about a change. Himalaya Expeditions is also guided by the same principle “development through tourism”. The mountain bike race is a joint effort of TRPAP, Himalaya Expedition and Nepal Tourism Board in promoting the Rasuwa and highlights the riches of this area. The race will start from Syabrubeshi and end in Goljung. The race course passes through typical Tamang settlements that have remained untouched by the trappings of modernity. The route showcases the rich cultural heritage of this region. The elaborate costumes, rich architecture and ancient way of life add to the excitement. The route offers wilderness experience as it snakes through beautiful landscapes of alpine terrain, flat meadows, and verdant forests, green terraced fields dotted with stone roofed houses. The residents of this area, the Tamangs have a rich cultural heritage which is reflected in their flamboyant and colorful costumes. The route offers a unique peek into the lifestyle of these highlanders who have remained unchanged for generations.





OBJECTIVE OF THE RACE

The main objectives of the race are:

1. Promote the Tamang Heritage Trail of Rasuwa as one of the premier sports tourism destinations



2. Generate awareness regarding sustainable community based tourism as well as garner support and encourage such projects



3. Tourism a tool for poverty alleviation - encourage local participation





SUGGESTED ITINERARY

28st April: Early morning drive from Kathmandu - Dhunche – Syabrubeshi.

Evening welcome to all the participants

Orientation regarding the route, facilities en route and regulations

Overnight Hotel



29th April: Race day. Morning distribution of numbers and tee shirts to all the participants

Morning race from Syabrubeshi to Goljung

Afternoon prize distribution ceremony

Overnight Homestay at Goljung



30th April: Interested people can take an early morning hike up to the view point above Goljung at 2320 meters for a view of the majestic mountains before driving back to Kathmandu. As an option interested participants can trek until Syabru from where they can join the others for the drive back to Kathmandu.



RACE DESCRIPTION

The race starts from the playground at Syabru Beshi at an elevation of 1460 meters and passes through small hamlets, terraced green fields. The first section of the race follows a motor able dirt road and is fairly easy passing through verdant midlands of Nepal. However there is a steep uphill gradient passing through lush green forests. We pass through a small pass of Rongga Bhanjyang at 2187 meters. We continue ascending through terraced fields until we reach the first check point at Chaurhattar at 2271 meters. We continue on the motor able road and reach the tiny settlement of Godam at 2436 meters. We have our first medical team on hand here supported by the local health post for and eventualities. From here we leave the dirt road and head north following a walking trail towards our 2nd check point at Gatlang. The route passes through terraced fields as it snakes downhill until it reaches the sleepy hamlet of Gatlang at 2238 meters which boasts of a school, post office and hotels. From here the trail descends dramatically. It is a steep downhill ride and the most challenging part of the whole race following a narrow but well beaten path. It is a technical ride that entails navigating rocky staircases and steep downhill inclines on highland trails. En route due to very steep inclines, the participants will have to carry their bikes on their backs for a short while to negotiate the steep slopes. We follow terraced fields across beautiful landscape dotted with chortens along the Bamdang Khola until we reach a bridge where our 3rd check point is set before entering the village of Thambuchet at 1768 meters. Thamuchet is a small village on the banks of the Chilime Khola where the Chilime hydro project is based. We have another medical team on hand here supported by the local health post workers. From here we again continue to climb on a motor able dirt road towards our final stop at Goljung spread over an open valley. We have our final medical team on hand to monitor all the participants at the end of the race.



RACE FACTS:

Starting point: Syabru Beshi

1st Check point: Chaurhattar

1st Medical team: Godam



2nd Check point: Gatlang



3rd Check point: Thambuchet

2ndMedical team: Thambuchet



End Point: Goljung

3rd Medical team: Goljung



AREA: Tamang Heritage Trail, Langtang Region



TOTAL ROUTE DISTANCE: Approx 28 Kms



GRADING: Strenuous



QUALIFICATION: Anyone above the age of 18 years with a sound health and mind can participate in the race. Previous biking not mandatory but experience is an added bonus.



ESTIMATED RACE TIME: 3 hrs



ALTITUDE VARIATION: 1460 -2436m



RACE DATE: 29th April



PARTICIPATION FEES: Rs. 500 for Nepalese and US$ 99 for foreigners



MINIMUM PARTICIPANTS: 50



REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 25th of April



RACE: The race has been categorized into two categories.

Open: Open to all both male and female above the age of 18 years

Female: For all Females above the age of 18 years



PRIZES

Winners of the race will receive prizes in cash. All the participants will receive a tee shirt as well as participation certificates.



ACCOMMODATION

Tourist facilities are available all along the race route. Accommodation on the first day in

Syabrubeshi will be in normal hotel or guesthouse with meals. The accommodation on the

second night will be home-stay with meals.



SAFETY

Safety of participants is very important to us. All our staff are experts in their field and

are well trained and experienced to handle clients' individual needs. To facilitate sound

medical team back up, three medical teams manned by a medical expert, one local health

worker and one personnel from Himalaya Expeditions will be set up along the route so

that any injury, illness or unexpected incidents are dealt with immediately.



HEALTH AND INSURANCE
Since the race entails negotiating different types of gradients each participant will be required to furnish a Health Certificate from his/ her stating that he/she is physically fit to participate in the event. The Health Certificate will have to be attached to the application form.

Foreign Participants are required to submit their personal travel insurance that covers the following things that covers trip cancellation, medical emergency /evacuation.


SIGN UP PROCEDURE

Application forms are available at TRPAP, NTB and Himalaya Expeditions Office, Kathmandu Guesthouse or it can be downloaded online from the NTB website www.welcomenepal.com

The completed forms can be deposited at the Kathmandu Guesthouse, TRPAP Office or Himalaya Expedition. Or the applications can be sent via e-mail to steven@adventuresports.com.np

A non-refundable sign up amount of US$ 99 for non – Nepalese and Rs. 500 for Nepalese participants will be levied for each participant. Applications for participants will be accepted until the 25th of April. Apart from the signing amount non Nepalese participants will have to submit their passport copies (for the national park permit), Rs. 1000 per participant as national park fees for Langtang National Park, health certificate and personal travel insurance along with their application forms.


WHAT IS INCLUDED
The sign up cost includes:

1. 1 night accommodation in hotel/ guesthouse with all meals at Syabru Beshi

2. 1 night homestay at Goljung with all meals

3. Tee shirt

4. Transfer Kathmandu – Syabrubeshi – Goljung – Kathmandu by bus

5. Support staff during the race including the medical teams

6. Transportation cost for the mountain bike

7. First aid kit

8. Participation fees

9. Participation Certificate

10. Refreshments during the race

11. Cultural program on the last night



WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
The sign up cost excludes:

1. Visa fees for Non – Nepalese

2. Heath and travel insurance

3. Rescue and evacuation

4. Personal gear

5. Bottled water and beverages

6. Personal expenses

7. National Park Fees of Rs. 1000 for Non Nepalese

8. Mountain bikes. All participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes. Non Nepalese participants can hire the mountain bikes at Nrs. 750 per bike per day.


Source TAAN