Trip Detail at-a-Glance
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- Trip Code: ATH344
- Best Season: January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November & December
- Country Visited: Nepal
- Trip Start: Kathmandu
- Trip Ends: Kathmandu
- Trip Route: Kathmandu-Kakani–Nagarkot– Dhulikhel–Balthali–Bhaktapur –Godavari–Kathmandu
- Trip Style: Mountain Biking
- Activity: Mountain Biking
- Max. Altitude:
2,175 m /7134 ft - Group Size: Min. 2 pax pax
- Activity Per Day: Approximately 4 to 6 hrs mountain biking per day
- Trip Category: Mountain Biking
- Sightseeing in and around Kathmandu, including the three primary Palace (or “Durbar”) Squares in Basantapur, Bhaktapur and Patan
- Tasting the delicious trout fish (locally farmed) available throughout the route to Kakani
- Sunrise from Nagarkot with magnificent view of the Himalayas
- Riding along the lush paddy fields and traditional plantation and harvesting
- Visiting ancient temples, palaces and villages to experience the local culture and age-old traditions on single trails and jeep tracks
- Sightseeing at Budhanilkantha of Sleeping Vishnu, a Hindu deity
- A relaxing time in the outskirt town of Godavari and visiting the pleasant Godavari Botanical Garden
- A farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant on the day before departure to celebrate our trip success
Trip Highlight
The Kathmandu valley offers some great mountain biking trails. 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 the 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. Throughout the trip, 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 Basantapur, Bhaktapur and Patan; 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 chaos of Kathmandu, yet so far off the beaten tourist trail.
This is a fun but challenging trip, suitable for those with some off-road biking experience, since a couple of trails are technical. There are also some long climbs rewarded by even bigger descents. With the mornings spent cycling above a sea of clouds, it would not be an exaggeration to call this a heaven for all levels of mountain bikers!
Itinerary Overview
- Day 01- Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal (1,345m). Overnight at Hotel.
- Day 02- Pre-trip meeting and ride from Kathmandu to Kakani (2,100m). Overnight at Guesthouse.
- Day 03- Ride from Kakani to Budanilkantha (1,630m). Overnight at Hotel.
- Day 04- Ride from Budanilkantha to Nagarkot (2,175m). Overnight at Hotel.
- Day 05- Rest day at Nagarkot. Overnight at Hotel.
- Day 06- Ride from Nagarkot to Palanchowk (820m). Overnight at Guesthouse.
- Day 07- Ride from Palanchowk to Dhulikhel (1,600m). Overnight at Hotel.
- Day 08- Ride from Dhulikhel to Balthali (1,445m). Overnight at Hotel.
- Day 09- Ride from Balthali to Suryabinayak (1,360m), via Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Overnight at Guesthouse.
- Day 10- Ride from Suryavinayak to Godavari (1,545m). Overnight at Hotel.
- Day 11- Ride from Godavari to Kathmandu (1,345), via Patan Durbar Square. Overnight at Hotel.
- Day 12- Sightseeing in Kathmandu (on a private vehicle). Overnight at Hotel.
- Day 13- Final departure from Nepal.
The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. Our trip can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.
NOTE: During the trip; weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors, that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delay.
Please note that in this types of rides where you usually pedal along the whole trail without lift access or shuttle and don't need any extraordinary equipment to complete the ride. This means bikes are light, not too much travel in the suspension, and usually hard-tails (only front suspension). The terrain can be fairly rough, but not extreme. These trips require more endurance as well as some skills, depending on the region we offer, so can be enjoyed by riders of all levels. Vehicle support is provided where possible to make your journey safe and stress-free.
