Highlights
Ride through picturesque Nepali villages and landscapes
Explore ancient temples and palaces in Kathmandu and Patan
Experience local culture and cuisine
Admire stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains
Challenge yourself with varied terrain and elevations on each ride
Relax and recharge on a rest day in Nagarkot
Visit lesser-known sites like the Palanchowk Bhagwati Temple
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Nepali countryside
Take in the vibrant energy and history of Kathmandu city
The Complete Guide to Kathmandu Valley MTB
The Kathmandu Valley Mountain Bike Tour is a fantastic way to explore the cultural and natural wonders of Nepal's capital city and the surrounding region. With its stunning mountain scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture, Kathmandu is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.
During this tour, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most iconic sites in Kathmandu, including the famous Monkey Temple, the bustling streets of Thamel, and the historic Patan Durbar Square. You'll also have the chance to venture beyond the city limits, exploring nearby villages, forests, and hillsides on some of Nepal's best mountain biking trails.
This tour is not just about mountain biking, it's about experiencing the rich culture and natural beauty of Nepal. So what are you waiting for? Join us for the adventure of a lifetime on the Kathmandu Valley Mountain Bike Tour!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345 meters).
Upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the vibrant city, tasting local cuisine, and getting used to the Nepalese culture.
Day 2 - Pre-trip meeting and ride from Kathmandu to Kakani (2,100m)
Today, you will have a pre-trip meeting with our tour guide, where you will discuss the itinerary, get introduced to the other team members and have a briefing about the necessary equipment. Afterward, we will start our biking tour and head towards the hill station of Kakani, situated at an altitude of 2,100 meters. The ride will take us through beautiful countryside landscapes, small settlements, and lush green forests. We will stay overnight in a local lodge in Kakani.
Day 3 - Ride from Kakani to Budhanilkantha (1,630m)
After a hearty breakfast, we will continue our journey towards Budhanilkantha, a sacred Hindu site famous for its magnificent statue of Lord Vishnu lying on a bed of serpents. The trail will take us through small villages, terraced fields, and dense forests, and we will have ample opportunities to witness the lifestyle and culture of the Nepalese people. Overnight stay in a local lodge in Budhanilkantha.
Day 4 - Ride from Budhanilkantha to Nagarkot (2,175m)
Today, we will be riding towards the scenic hill station of Nagarkot, located at an altitude of 2,175 meters. Nagarkot offers stunning views of the Himalayan range, and on a clear day, you can witness the majestic Mt. Everest. The ride will take us through beautiful landscapes, terraced fields, and charming villages. Overnight stay in a local lodge in Nagarkot.
Day 5 - Rest day at Nagarkot
Today is a rest day, and you can spend it relaxing, exploring the area, or indulging in some local activities. You can hike to the nearby viewpoint to get a closer look at the Himalayas, visit the nearby temples, or try some local delicacies.
Day 6 - Ride from Nagarkot to Palanchowk (820m)
Today, we will be riding towards Palanchowk, famous for its ancient temple of Goddess Bhagwati. The ride will take us through the scenic countryside, charming villages, and small streams. Overnight stay in a local lodge in Palanchowk.
Day 7 - Ride from Palanchowk to Dhulikhel (1,600m)
We will be riding towards the ancient town of Dhulikhel, famous for its ancient temples, stupas, and cultural heritage. The trail will take us through small settlements, farmlands, and lush green forests. Overnight stay in a local lodge in Dhulikhel.
Day 8 - Ride from Dhulikhel to Balthali (1,445m)
Today, we will be riding towards the beautiful village of Balthali, located at an altitude of 1,445 meters. The ride will take us through picturesque landscapes, traditional villages, and small streams. Overnight stay in a local lodge in Balthali.
Day 9 - Ride to Lakure bhanjyang to (1,545m)
Today's ride will take us to Lakure bhanjyang, situated at an altitude of 1,545 meters. The trail will take us through traditional villages, terraced fields, and scenic countryside. Overnight stay in a local lodge in Lakure bhanjyang.
Day 10 - Ride from Lakure to Kathmandu (1,345), via Patan Durbar Square
Today's ride is an exciting journey through the beautiful countryside and into the ancient city of Patan, known for its stunning Durbar Square. After exploring the historic landmarks and temples in Patan, we will continue our ride to the bustling city of Kathmandu. As we approach the city, we will witness the stark contrast between the traditional architecture of the old city and the modern buildings of the new city.
Day 11 - Sightseeing in Kathmandu
After several days of cycling, we will take a day to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley. Our expert guide will take us to some of the most famous landmarks in the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. We will also have the opportunity to visit local markets and handicraft shops to purchase souvenirs and gifts for loved ones.
Day 12 - Final departure from Nepal
Today marks the end of our Kathmandu Valley Tour. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time in the morning to do some last-minute shopping or explore the city further. Our team will arrange for your transportation to the airport and ensure a smooth departure from Nepal. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of your cycling adventure in the Himalayas.
TRIP ENDS HERE!
Map
What's Included
All land transport in private vehicles including airport transfers, Support Vehicle.
All meals as per itinerary.
Professional and experienced guides with relevant qualifications
All permits and entry fees.
Porters for carrying your bags .
Comfortable accommodation during the adventure
Comprehensive support for all aspects of the trip
A detailed adventure information pack
Knowledgeable advisors to assist with trip planning
Regular updates about the adventure itinerary
Emphasis on safety and risk management
What's Not Included
Fees for visas to enter or exit the country
Travel & Medical insurance (compulsory and must include helicopter evacuation)
Medical costs that may be incurred during the trip
Lodging expenses before and after the adventure
Transportation to the adventure starting point
Rental fees for equipment needed during the adventure
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks consumed during the trip
Meals that are not part of the planned itinerary
Personal purchases made during the adventure
Optional additional activities that can be arranged for an extra cost.
Mandatory Documents
Identification document
Booking Receipt, if Booked Online (PDF will work)
Cancellation Policy
More than 30-days prior to departure - 50% refund.
In Between 15-30-days prior to departure - 25% refund.
Less than 15-days prior to departure - No Refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your tour guides for mountain biking in Nepal are seasoned professionals who are native to the region and have a genuine love for the country's culture and terrain. They prioritize your safety and strive to ensure that you have a memorable experience. Your guides will be readily available to assist with any inquiries or needs you may have during your journey.
Our priority is to provide the best experience to all participants, which is why we limit the size of our groups. Typically, our groups consist of 8 to 12 people. However, we require a minimum of 4 people to run our mountain bike tour in Nepal.
You are not required to carry all of your equipment with you. Instead, you only need to bring a 20-litre day pack while cycling. Our team provides a support vehicle and driver who will transport your luggage to your next lodging each day, ensuring that it is available for you upon arrival.
During your mountain bike tour in Nepal, if you encounter a trail section that seems difficult to ride, your guide will be pleased to provide you with some bike skills training to enhance your confidence and enjoyment. In case you do not feel comfortable riding a certain section, you can always dismount and walk through it. Remember, it is not a competition of biking skills, but a relaxing mountain biking vacation where everyone can take their own pace and enjoy the experience.
It is recommended to use a high-quality full suspension mountain bike with 120mm travel in both the front and rear. The terrain can be challenging in certain areas, and a full suspension bike will provide more comfort during the entire trip. However, it is still possible to ride a hardtail bike every day if that is your preference. Please keep in mind that the trails in Nepal can have thorns, so it's recommended to bring tubeless tires or tires with thicker walls and inner tubes. Bringing your own bike to Nepal is also advised.
To obtain a short-term tourist visa for Nepal, one can either buy it on arrival at the Kathmandu airport using cash in US dollars or purchase it in advance online through VisaHQ. It's important to note that personal checks, travelers' checks, and credit cards are not accepted as payment for the visa at the airport. Opting to buy the visa in advance can save time and hassle after a long flight.
In the event of injuries and emergencies, our guides are equipped with professional first aid kits to provide treatment for minor injuries. Additionally, health professionals are available at villages and camps throughout the journey. It is mandatory for travelers to have travel insurance which covers emergency rescue and evacuation expenses.