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None of the listed dates work for me, are other dates available?
Yes, many other departures are available on request. Please note departures are guaranteed for 2 or more people. In the case of 1 person being on a departure, you will have the choice to rebook on a different departure or continue on their trip and pay a $500 single supplement to be paid directly to Ace the Himalaya.
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Do I need travel insurance?
While it is not required, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, theft and/or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads, as they also include a pandemic clause to coverage.
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Can I upgrade my hotels?
Yes, $300 extra per person if you want to upgrade the accommodation to a five-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara. This option is unavailable for guesthouses in the Annapurna Circuit route.
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Do I need a visa to enter Nepal?
You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (A multiple-entry 30-day tourist visa can be obtained for $40 or equivalent. Similarly, a multiple-entry 90-day tourist visa costs $100. Please have 2 passport-size photos. USD in cash is handy)
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Can I book single rooms?
Yes. Single occupancy rooms may be available at an additional cost of $600. Please contact us if you are interested.
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What physical fitness level is required for this ride?
The Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Trip should only be undertaken by those with some previous mountain biking experience. You should be physically fit to brave the effects of higher altitudes as you ascend over 16,000ft which involve some steep climbing against headwinds. Biking at this level lasts for several weeks. A gradual ascent through a green river alley will lead you up to a number of high passes, where you will reach the altitude of 17,770 ft at the Thorung-La Pass.
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Do we need to be experienced long distance cyclists for longer tours?
No. The guide will carefully pace the ride to include rest and refreshment along the way. Where available, the support vehicle will accompany you and you can always hitch a ride if you need a break.
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What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu, Pokhara and along the bike route?
We use standard rooms at three-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast included. Along the biking route, teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a bed and a blanket. We can also offer you Ace the Himalaya sleeping bag and down jacket, if needed (to be returned after the trip) but it is a good idea to always have your own sleeping equipment. We usually provide single and double rooms, and occasionally a dormitory. In tea houses, food will be prepared in the kitchen which you should not enter without permission. The toilet in tea houses provides essential and basic facilities and are always outside the room.
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What kind of food can I expect in the mountains?
Most teahouses (lodges) in the Annapurna Circuit biking trails cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, potatoes, eggs, dhal bhat, bread, soups, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. In many larger villages, you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and chips. Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you’ll stay at while lunch will be taken on the way to destination.
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What is the best season for this trip?
The best time for the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking is from March to May and from September to November. It is not very advisable to bike during the monsoon season from June to August except for Lhasa to Kathmandu mountain biking.
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Can I bring my own bike and accessories?
You definitely can! It is highly recommended that you have your bike thoroughly serviced before coming on the trip. Spare parts are available in Kathmandu, but may not always be compatible with your bike. Most airlines are quite used to people traveling with bikes, and if a bike is properly boxed and within the luggage allowance, it is a relatively hassle-free experience. Please check with your airline for specifics. On arrival at your destination, you will be met by your leader, and you will just need a baggage trolley to take your bike as far as the transfer vehicle. Make sure the bikes are properly packed. You may do it yourself, or if you’re not sure, you could have a local bike shop pack it for you. *Ace the Himalaya takes every care to ensure your bike is well treated, but it is normal for a bike to sustain minor scratches, resulting during the daily ride as well as loading and unloading from support/transport vehicles.
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Can I rent a mountain bike?
Yes you can rent a Trek, Giant or Specialized full-suspension mountain bike from Ace the Himalaya for $75 per bike per day.
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Can I bring my own saddle and pedals?
Yes. All the bikes are compatible with customized bike parts. The support team accompanying the group will be able help with any bike alterations or damage to the bike along the entire trip. Please inform us in advance if you plan to bring your own saddle and pedals.
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Are there any bike maintenance and repairs while on the trip?
The support vehicle (where available) and the guide will carry the required repair tools and spares. We do recommend you carry some basic tools and spares (like a puncture kit and Allen keys). Our guides are also qualified mechanics and have ample experience maintaining bikes on the trips.
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Can I charge my digital camera or other equipment on my trip?
These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters!
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Are there any communication facilities during the trip?
There are telephones in some villages along the biking routes from which you can make international calls. Internet and international calls are readily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
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Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in the mountain?
In the cities, yes – to some extent. Once you are out of the cities, you need cash.
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How much additional money do I need per day?
It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can allocate USD 20 for a lunch and a dinner. USD 7 to 10 a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates and a few drinks during the trekking.
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Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide.
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Is the water fine to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter?
In most places bottled water is readily available. If you wish to drink normal water, you need to use purifying aid, which you need to bring with you.
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What essential documents do I need to bring with me on tours?
Valid Passport – must be valid for up to 6 months after you return from your tour, keep a separate photocopy. Travel insurance, keep a separate photocopy. Flight tickets. Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s, banks, insurance, family contacts.
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Can I add extra days to my trip?
A holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.
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What immunizations will I need?
No vaccinations are compulsory for traveling in Nepal, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. We also recommend: A dental check-up prior to travelling. That you know your blood group in case of emergency. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Ace the Himalaya at the time of your booking.
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Is my departure guaranteed?
Please note, each departures requires 2 or more guests to run. Please do not book flights until trip confirmation has been given by ACE the Himalaya.
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What is the maximum number of guests on this trip?
There is a 12 person maximum.
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Can I cancel my trip?
evo upholds Ace the Himalaya’s policies regarding cancellation. Cancellation notice is required minimum 20 days prior to trip departure and must be made in writing, such notice commences from the day notice is received. Cancellation shall be valid with approval from the company after receiving documentation. The Trip shall then be termed as canceled and a cancellation charge of 30% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid. There will be no refund to clients that provide less than 20 days notice, before trip departure and if a passenger leaves a trip for any reason whatsoever, either voluntarily, involuntarily or if you commit any unlawful act after the trip has commenced. We will make no refunds for any meals, accommodation or services not used.
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Can I postpone or change my trip dates?
evo upholds Ace the Himalaya’s policies regarding postponement. Date changes and postponements are only allowed 30 days or more from your trip departure date. You must notify us in writing of your wish to change or postpone your booked trip dates. A fee of 200 per person will be charged if you postpone or prepone or transfer your trip to another person no less than 30 days prior to the trip departure date. The client is responsible to find another person for transferring their trip.