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TRAILS OF DALAT
This is a real treat for mountain bikers because this trip has it all-- technical sections, hill climbing, single track, and breathtaking views of fields, forests, and mountains. The Trails of Dalat tour is a scenic journey through the jewel of the central highlands. The trip starts in the north of the city and takes us is over Victory Lake into some forest single-track. The ride features magnificent views of Langbian, the highest mountain in the area at 2,169 m. This trip has many climbs. But what goes up must come down, so there are some great descents as well, but be careful.
This tour takes us into the countryside where few Westerners are ever seen. We will certainly encounter the hill tribe people (Montagnards), many of whom still don traditional dress. As is culturally polite, be prepared to smile and wave as we pass.
We stay in the wonderful city of Dalat (river of the Lat Tribe), which is well known in Vietnam as the place to honeymoon. It also has a thriving community of artists that makes for a varied and interesting city well worth exploring. This city is also known as the City of Eternal Spring, and its temperate climate makes it pleasant year round.
TRIP PROFILE
We ride approximately 90 km., mostly on off-road tracks, forest paths, and single-track. This is a challenging mountain bike trip with tough climbs and spectacular descents. It is suitable for people who are fit, have off-road experience, and enjoy a mountain bike challenge in a beautiful environment.
Our guides are knowledgeable on the local area and customs, and they explain the history, culture, and local way-of-life each time we stop.
| ITINERARY (4 days / 3 nights Starting and finishing in Saigon.) | |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive/meet in Saigon and catch morning flight to Dalat. Cycle through small country farms and pine forest, and climb to Truc Lam Meditation Pagoda and its gardens. |
| Day 2 | Ride over Victory Lake through forest paths along the highest mountain in the area, LangBian (2169 m top summit). |
| Day 3 | Ride through rose farms, pine forested valleys and 2 minority villages, Dangit and Pan Tin. Continue to cycle through jungle to Ta Nung. Transfer back to Dalat. |
| Day 4 | Transfer to the airport for flight back to Saigon. |
| FACTS & FIGURES | |
|---|---|
| Tour Cost |
Option 1: USD $490 - Mercure Dalat du Parc / Single Supplement USD $130 Option 2: USD $875 - Sofitel / Single Supplement USD $450 **Travel must be completed within October 31, 2010 only** |
| Bike Hire | Included (Quality Western Mountain bikes) |
| Total Distance | 88 km |
| Number of Days | 4 days / 3 nights |
| Number of Cycling Days | Two full days and one half-day |
| Road Surface | This tour follows a mix of single track, off road tracks roads and forest paths. Since there are technical sections, off-road experience is required. |
| Support | Due to the nature of the trails it is not possible for a support vehicle to follow on any part of the route, but can easily be summoned if the need arise. The guide will bring spares and tools to make the trip self sufficient. |
| Group Size | Minimum 2. Maximum 16. |
| Staff | English-speaking guide, drivers and assistants. For groups of 10 or more an extra local bike guide also joins. |
| Food | All meals are included except for dinner on Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4. |
| Biking Grade |
(three out of five)
|
| Scenery |
(four out of five)
|
Excellent value for money overall.
~Robert Challis
Trails of Dalat May 2009
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