Can I bring my own bike? Does HMB rent bikes?
Sure! Not only can you bring your own, HMB will help you with customs at the airport and provide shuttle service to your hotel. HMB also provides the latest grade equipment of international standard. (see about us)
What level of biker should consider a tour?
HMB tours are arranged into 4 riding levels for casual, intermediate, intermediate +, and advanced. All tours are categorized into these four levels and the pop-up boxes in our calendar will give you an easy 'click & see' reference. Groups are arranged according to your requests.
Is a support
vehicle available? Do we have to peddle uphill?
HMB tours are arranged with qualified guides on roads and trails very familiar to us. Support vehicles are provided in non remote areas whenever possible and detailed itineraries are provided prior to departure to help determine your level of comfort for the uphill journey's. Of course you're welcome to the ride in the van at any time. Safety is a big concern and HMB has 100% safety record on the trails. Be careful getting in and out of the support vehicle though!
Can we bike
to Everest Base Camp or on the Annapurna Circuit?
With over 12 years experience in the Himalayas, HMB can take you anywhere you want to go. Although Everest BC (Tibet North Face) and Annapurna Circuit are popular trekking destinations, biking them are part of our full-on expeditions that are reserved for experienced mountain bikers. If you want to get remote, just inquire here and we'll give you plenty of challenging options.
What will
happen if I get sick?
Either you will get better, or if it seems serious you will be taken to an American operated medical clinic, were you'll get excellent attention. On most trips we have a support vehicle available for you. Our staff are well versed in medical and emergency care and carry a reasonably comprehensive first aid kit.
What will
happen if I get injured?
If it is serious (this has never happened). You will again be transferred to the Kathmandu CEWEC International Clinic. If evacuation is required this will be arranged by HMB and the clinic. It's advised that if you have any personal doubts you should have evacuation insurance arranged. HMB can advise you on this.
Will I get
sick?
Not likely. The worst is you may get some diarrhea or temporary stomach upset. Follow the health advice given in our briefings and you'll be fine.
What is the
accommodation like?
This varies
between the various styles of our tours. At minimum it will be comfortable,
clean and basic 'tea house' accommodation, much like a cottage. These offer
basic facilities, many with hot water and showers, good but simple foods and
a chance to experience local culture.
There's also deluxe tented accommodations with all services provided and which
Nepal is renouned for.
HMB has it's own full range of camping and cooking equipment to be sure our
standards are maintained Others accommodation includes Hotels and Lodges that
vary from Tourist Class to five star resorts. HMB always likes to offer accommodations
that blend & complement the nature of your tour and do not have that generic
'blah' feeling about them. It also depends on price!
Is there
a problem with altitude sickness?
For our Nepal tours there is little likelihood of being subject to altitude sickness, unless you are taking one of our more extreme adventure tours. Kathmandu rests at an altitude of only 1350-m (4430ft) and at this altitude there is no likleihood of altitude related sickness. We'll be advising you well in advance if altitude is an issue. Our Tibet and Ladakh tours do require acclimatization periods and any of our tours needing acclimatization has it built into the itinerary and that comes from 12 years of experience and the best medical advise….. so don't worry.
What is the
food like?
Vegetarian and non-Veg. Good and exactly what you need for energy. The cook will provide anything from pizza to curry, and scrambled eggs to chocolate cake. In hotels you'll have a full menu available to choose from. You will not go hungry and we welcome suggestions.
How cold
will it be?
Depends on the season of course and generally it's comfortable riding. Check our 'when to ride' heading and ask for more details based on the tour of your preference. You could be cycling in a T-shirt or with a wind breaker, but mostly the days are fine and the evenings cool to chilly. The Lonely Planet Travel guide also offers a good guide to tempuratures throughout the year over a variety of locations in the country
Can I call
home or the office?
Kathmandu and many places we visit are linked to a phone system with STD and ISD facilities. In KTM there are all the facilities you need including fax and full internet / e-mail. Mobile & cellular phones are not yet operable in Nepal. The HMB office can always be used to dispatches messages.
How much
money do I need?
Hard to say! You may need money for a taxi fare, for a beer, presents and tips. If you do not intend to buy lots of gifts and are not intending to extend your stay, then for a week US$100 should be ample. But have contingency plans (credit card?) just in case. It also depends on your HMB tour package and what's included.
How hard
is it?
You will not like it if you are grossly unfit. However any normal healthy person can manage and ENJOY a HMB tour. As long as you feel comfortable on a bike we have a tour to suit your seat……….. even if you want it ALL downhill!
Can I arrange
an extension?
Yes, and there is a huge range of great activities that HMB can introduce you to. We can assist with trekking and all adventure activities in the region. HMB also runs "Adventure Centre Nepal" and as such have the facilities for rafting, trekking, canyoning….. you name it. What's most important is that you can manage your departing flights, especially in the peak season when flights are mostly full.
Do I need
insurance?
Yes it is advisable to get travel insurance. We can arrange it for you but you must let us know if you want us to. Insurance cover is not automatic and insurance is not included in the trip cost.
What will
I need to carry on the ride?
Very little. The crew will follow in one of the support vehicles. The most you will need is water, maybe extra clothing (windbreaker) if the weather is changeable and your camera etc. You should check on this when booking your tour as tours vary and the shorter tours (2 to 3 days) can often operate without vehicle support..
What else
do i need to know?
Once you've booked HMB will provide a comprehensive "pre departure letter" that will fill in all the gaps plus a 'kit list' and usually a detailed itinerary before your arrival. Please advise us of your special dietry needs, flight details. If you are hiring a HMB Bike and wish to use your own saddle, peddles (SPD's) or helmet then bring them along and we'll fit them to our bike.
See our list of the 100 most asked tour questions also, which should leave you totally prepared.
See ya in Nepal!
"A man in a car see's more than he can take in whilst a man on a bike takes in more than he can see"
Ph
: 977-1-4212860
Fx : 977-1-4212861
P.O.Box: 12673
Kathmandu, Nepal
