If you enjoy mountain biking and wish to experience as much of Nepal as possible in a week's holiday, this 'Around Kathmandu Rim Valley mountain biking' tour is an excellent option. This is a 5-day biking trip on the ridge-top trails which encircle the Kathmandu Valley's rim. We travel along little-used dirt roads away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Only a short bike ride away lies a delightful world of wooded slopes, small villages, hidden temples and views which include all of the principal peaks of the Nepal Himalaya - from Makalu to the Annapurnas, providing some excellent, easy to semi - technical single track riding along old jeep roads. During these five days we will experience all of the sights, sounds, tastes and smells that make up life in Nepal’s 'Middle Hills'. We will visit the historic cities of Patan and Bhaktapur, the hill resort of Nagarkot with its sunrise view of the entire Nepal Himalaya, and the temples, monasteries and picturesque villages tucked away in the forests along the way. We are so close to the bustle of Kathmandu, and yet so far off the beaten tourist trail. With the mornings spent cycling above a sea of clouds, it would not be an exaggeration to call this a heaven for mountain bikers! Throughout the trip, support vehicles carrying all our gear will either follow behind us or be with us at the end of the day. Whether you ride for fun, or take it more seriously, challenges lie around every corner.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives.

Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Day 02 : At leisure in Kathmandu (1334m), preparation for trip

Overnight: Hotel

Day 03 : Kathmandu to Nagarkot (2048m): Our first day's ride starts early after breakfast from Kathmandu. We pass the medieval town of Bhaktapur, which is the oldest ancient city and previous capital city of Kathmandu valley. “Kathmandu valley used to be one kingdom itself and later became three different kingdoms” until one of the king unified the country. We will visit four different squares in this city: Durbar Square (palace square), Tamaudi Square (public square), Pottery Square & Dattatre Square). After exploring Bhaktapur, we head northwest to Nagarkot (2048m) on Pitch road for 20 km passing steeply terraced rice field and houses. When we reach Nagarkot if the weather is clear, we will be able to see the Himalayan ranges of Langtang and Khumbu regions.

Overnight: Hotel
Riding Distance: 38 km
Riding Possibility: 100%
Difference in Elevation: +714m

Day 04 : Nagarkot to Namobuddha-Dhulikhel (1531m): We will get up early in the morning to have our breakfast after catching sunrise views over the Himalayas. Our day starts as we ride downhill leaving Nagarkot's peak to Nala, another Newari village. On the way, we pass the interesting villages of Chhetris and Barhamans where we can observe their daily lives in the fields. We head to Dhulikhel on a dirt trail ascending and descending small hills before reaching the holy Buddhist site of Namobuddha. According to a legend it was here that Buddha, in the previous incarnation, fed his flesh to a hungry tigers as an offering. A stone statue marks the site and there as an active monastery on top of the hill. We will continue by following picturesque views along tarmac and dirt roads to Dhulikhel.

Overnight: Hotel
Riding Distance: 35 km
Riding possibility: 95%
Difference in Elevation: -517m

Day 05 : Dhulikhel –Timal dada- Pauwa: The trip begins to the famous Timal dada, where the majority of Tamang people live. The first part of the ride takes us up to Bhakunde Besi on a fine pitched road. From here we start uphill with a full dust road up to Timalkot. From the top of the Timal dada you will see fantastic views of Himalayan ranges and Sun Kosi valley to the north and Mahabharat range to the south. From Timal Dada the ride continues with small ups and downs as we pass many Tamang villages up to Pauwa.

Overnight: Lodge
Riding Distance: 36 km
Riding possibility: 90%
Difference in Elevation: + 0m

Day 06 : Pauwa to Dhulikhel (1531m): Our ride today starts with Himalayan views to the north after breakfast. We will retrace the route we took up to Timalkot. From Timalkot we take a fantastic downhill dust road to Panchal valley and than cross Ghue Khola and follow a small track in the valley up to Tinpiple of Tamaghat. From here we continue on an easy uphill pitched road.

Overnight: Hotel
Riding Distance: 37 km
Riding possibility: 90%
Difference in Elevation: +955m

Day 07 : Dhulikhel to Kathmandu via Sisneri (1334m): Today is our final day of ride as we pass the ancient city of Panauti. Panauti is actually less known and rarely visited by tourists. Indresower Mahadev Temple in Panauti is the oldest surviving temple in Nepal, believed to be constructed in 1294 AD. Climbing west, we follow a small track along the Roshi River. Beyond the town of Madhban, we enter into a narrow pristine valley ascending 300m on a superb trail to reach the summit of Lakuri Vanjyang. The ethnicity of the people change as we descend from Tamangs, Thakuris and Chhetris to lowland Newari farmers. We then cycle the last part of our journey from Sisneri to Kathmandu.

Overnight: Hotel
Riding Distance: 33 km
Riding possibility: 95%
Difference in Elevation: -197m

Day 08 : Leisure in Kathmandu (1334m)

Overnight: Hotel

Day 9 : Transfer to the airport and departure

The tour price includes:

1. Transfers airport/hotel/airport
2. Hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing BB basis
3. Transport, guided visits & entry of the monuments in Kathmandu and Patan
4. A professional tour/ biking guide and support staff
5. Meals Full board during bike tour
6. Drinks (Tea and Coffee only)
7. Your international flight re-confirmation
8. All necessary documents and government tax
9. Insurance for all staff (including guide, support staff)

The tour price does not include:

1. International Flight
2. International airport tax in Kathmandu- approximately USD 20
3. Nepal entry visa fee USD 40. (Total 30 days from the date of issue) and you may easily obtain your visa upon your arrival in Kathmandu international airport
4. NOTE: You need 2 Passport size photos for the visa
5. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
6. Travel Insurance (compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident/repatriation helicopter/medical care)
7. Personnel biking equipment
8. Personal expenses such as cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone, hot shower, etc
9. Emergency evacuation rescue charge, if needed
10. Personal medical supplies
11. Alternative transportation, in case of flood, landslide, heavy rain, strike, road blockade etc
12. Tips for staff

Special Note:

This Itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. The bike tour can be operated with Lodge/tea house and/or camping accommodation, based on your preference. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.