Kathmandu Valley Rim biking, A pleasant, fabulous ride takes you to the medieval civilization in and around the vicinity of Bhaktapur, with time.
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The Kathmandu valley rim biking 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, and hidden temples. The views include all of the principal peaks of the Nepal Himalaya – from Makalu to the Annapurnas. The ride provides some excellent easy to semi-technical single-track riding along old jeep roads.
Throughout the Kathmandu valley biking 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 Panauti and Bhaktapur. Along with the hill resort of Nagarkot with its sunrise view of the Himalayas. We will witness 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!
Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal (1,345 m). Overnight at Hotel.
Pre-trip meeting and drive to Kakani (2,100 m) and ride to Dandaganun (Budanilkantha). Shivapuri Retreat.
Ride from Budanilkantha to Chisapani (2,430 m). Overnight at Guesthouse.
Ride from Chisapani to Nagarkot (2,175 m). Overnight at Hotel.
Ride from Nagarkot to Namobuddha via Dhulikhel (1,550 m). Overnight at Namobuddha Resort.
Ride from Namobuddha to Balthali (1,445 m). Overnight at Resort.
Ride from Balthali to Panauti village and drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. After sightseeing and lunch at Bhakatopur drive to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner Overnight at Hotel.
Final departure from Nepal.
Our standard itinerary might differ slightly due to unpredictable happenings and events out of our control. Factors such as flight cancellation/delay, unfavorable weather, natural calamities, newly implemented government rules, political affairs, health conditions, etc., are possible. In these times, we look for your cooperation and flexibility. Read more
Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by private tourist vehicle.
Twin sharing accommodation in a two or three star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
Twin sharing accommodation in a two or three star hotel in Nagarkot, breakfast included.
Twin sharing accommodation in a two or three star hotel in Budhanilkantha, Dhulikhel, Balthali and Godavari, breakfast included.
Twin sharing tourist standard guesthouse accommodation in Kakani, Chisapani and Suryabinayak, breakfast included.
A farewell dinner in traditional Nepali restaurant with some cultural dance program.
All ground transportation by tourist car / van / minibus, depending on the group size.
Guided city tour in Kathmandu on a private vehicle, including monument entry fees.
Ace the Himalaya’s licensed English-speaking mountain biking guide(s). The number of guides and assistant guides is dictated by the group size.
Mountain bike for the number of days riding. The brands include Cube, Trek and Giant hardtail or full-suspension bikes, depending on your choice.
Free Ace the Himalaya duffel/kit bag and sunhat (yours to keep).
Lunch and dinner for entire trip– about USD 15 to 20 per person per day.
All items of personal nature like drinks, laundry etc.
Biking attire and other personal gears.
Tips for biking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected)
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
We host a pre-trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu which includes a final briefing and preparations for the trip. After the meeting, we prepare our equipment and backpack and then ride off to Kakani. We head through the bustling back streets of Thamel and on to good wide undulating jeep tracks alongside the Nagarjun forest. On the way, taste the delicious trout fish farmed locally – which gives the route the name “Trout Highway”. We bike mostly uphill to Kakani, which is at 2,100m in elevation. Once at our destination, we enjoy the stunning views of the Ganesh and Langtang mountains.
The early morning breakfast prepares us for the long day ahead. We head out on the trail from Budanilknatha toward Shivapuri National Park. The paved uphill road will give way to an off-road jeep track once we enter the Shivapuri National Park and then we head towards Mulkharka from where we follow the jeep track up and down into the heart of the national park.
Part of the route is on the Helambu trekking trail. Our final destination is Chisapani which rounds off a challenging day. The village is a mixed settlement of Brahmins, Gurungs, and Sherpas. The village also commands a beautiful view of the large section of the Himalayan range, which emits an ethereal glow in the setting sunlight.
Early morning after having breakfast, we now move towards Nagarkot riding down the jeep trail 12 km and passing through the jungle and mountains on the North as a backdrop till the next junction where we rest for lunch—descending down up to a jeep trail onto a smooth path for 7km. Riding upwards we reach Nagarkot, another hill station with a splendid view of the Himalayas and sunset in the background.
Today we ride past the narrow roads toward Dhulikhel. Passing through the different jungles and riding downhill, along beautiful small villages head off to Nala from where the road leads you to the historical town of Dhulikhel. From Dhulikhel, we ride on the route to the sacred Buddhist monastery Namobuddha where we stay the night.
Today, we continue biking from Namobuddha to the traditional village of Balthali with ancient architecture of the houses and innumerable temples welcome us. This definitely allows for a great spot for sightseeing. The greenery and the farms make our ride very pleasant. The village of Balthali is tucked away behind the forest of Panauti and is considered as a naturally and culturally rich destination. The cozy hotel you’ll be at sports a bird’s eye view of green terrace field, massive surrounding hills and faint streaks of the Himalayas to the north.
We descend on the mixed jeep tracks and paved road to Panauti, another ancient village, then ride down to Bhaktapur. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a collection of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The main attractions include the Lion gate, the Golden gate, the Palace of fifty-five windows, art galleries, and the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla. You get to experience the culture of Nepal at its finest in Bhaktapur and also the legendary “Jujudhau,” locally made yogurt. After sightseeing here, we head to Kathmandu.
The trip concludes – our airport representative will drop you at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
The following gives you a general idea of the items you can bring for this biking trip. The personal items are of individual interest and choice. The most important fact that one should keep in mind is that one should have enough clothes to tackle the cold weather in the Himalayas.
During your biking trip, a support vehicle will carry the required repair tools and spares. We do recommend you bring some essential tools and spares (like a puncture kit and Allen keys). Personal belongings that you may need for the day like money, a water bottle, rain gear, a camera, sun cream, toilet paper, etc. should be carried by you. So you are briefed to pack items in two different bags.
We will supply a windproof duffel bag you can use on the trip.
If you’re bringing your own bike:
Please note: If you’re bringing your own bike, you must make sure that you have it professionally serviced before the trip, and ask your bike shop to use dry lube on your chain.
This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipments can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu for cheaper prices.
Ace has a reputation for successfully leading treks with knowledgeable leaders and staff taking care of all your travel needs. We are a certified sustainable travel company that also endorses the idea of giving back to the community by participating in various philanthropic activities. Here are 17 reasons to hike with Ace the Himalaya.
Indeed, Nepal is entirely open. Fully immunized travelers are welcome in Nepal without restriction. Arriving travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at the Kathmandu airport as well. Please visit Covid-19 travel protocols 2022 for up-to-date information.
We suggest you look at the Nepal immigration site https://www.immigration.gov.np for the most up-to-date information.
Here are some documents that you will need to carry with you:
The best course of action is to add a day or two before and after your intended trek days in case of flight delays or cancellations. It also gives you time to buy clothing equipment and gear required before your trip. Please be aware that Ace the Himalaya is not responsible for any inconveniences or missed international flights resulting from unforeseen events like airport changes, flight delays or cancellations, etc.
Our guides are fluent in English. All the guides that we assign speak and understand English. They’ll share with you the fascinating stories, traditions, and folklore of the mountains. The guides will also help you communicate with the locals since many shopkeepers and hosts of teahouses don’t speak English.
We suggest you have a dental checkup before your trip and know your blood type. It is helpful if you inform us of any medical condition that is relevant so we may convey this information in the event of an emergency. Ace the Himalaya keeps your medical condition confidential unless treatment is necessary.
Either hard-tail or full suspension mountain bikes will do fine. In some parts of the routes, you can take downhill shortcuts for which we strongly recommend full suspension bikes. (Your guide will let you know if there are any shortcuts you can take.)
All the brands we provide are properly serviced and fully functional standard hardtail rentals best suited for the trips. We provide full suspension bikes (if preferred by our clients) for an additional charge.
Bikes are hired at the time of booking and are included in the price. The frame size of the bike has to be matched with your height, and since there is a limited number of each size, we strongly suggest you provide us with this information well ahead. In case, of any damage incurred to the bike or the equipments, the client will be liable to pay for the repair and/or replacement, depending on the nature of the damage.
We provide a helmet, a pump, a spare tube, a water bottle and a repair kit with a rental bike.
Cycle computer and a GPS unit for USD 2 and USD 5, respectively, per day per person.
You definitely can! It is highly recommended that you have your bike thoroughly serviced before coming on the trip. Spare parts are available in Kathmandu, but may not always be compatible with your bike.
Most airlines are quite used to people traveling with bikes, and if a bike is properly boxed and within the luggage allowance, it is a relatively hassle-free experience. On arrival at your destination, you will be met by your leader, and you will just need a baggage trolley to take your bike as far as the transfer vehicle.
Make sure the bikes are properly packed. You may do it yourself (here’s a guide or if you’re not sure, you could have a local bike shop pack it for you.
We take every care to ensure your bike is well treated, but it is normal for a bike to sustain minor scratches, resulting during the daily ride as well as loading and unloading from support/transport vehicles.
Your bike is part of your baggage allowance on the plane, details of which are shown on your flight ticket, and maximum weights are usually between 20 and 25 kgs. A boxed bike weighs around 16 kg, so you need to pack carefully. Put heavy items in your hand baggage, wear your heavy/bulky jacket when you check in. Ace the Himalaya will not be liable for any excess baggage charges brought by the airline as a result of your exceeding the baggage allowance, whether you have a hire bike or take your own bike. In practice, excess luggage charges are rare for those who pack sensibly, even if you are a little over the specified limit.
A few airlines impose specific standard bike carriage charges. All such charges are beyond our control, and to be paid by the client. Where we know of a bike carriage charge in advance, this will be added to the relevant trip notes. In the unlikely event of any of your luggage and or bike being misplaced or damaged while in the care of the airline, a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) must be filed with the appropriate airline on arrival. This is essential if you subsequently wish to make a claim against the airline or on your travel insurance. This must be done at the airport where your baggage arrived or should have arrived.
The support vehicle (where available) and the guide will carry the required repair tools and spares. We do recommend you carry some basic tools and spares (like a puncture kit and Allen keys). Our guides are also qualified mechanics and have ample experience maintaining bikes on the trips.
Safety and comfort are what you’re looking for here. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need for the trip:
It is recommended that you carry a backpack with your valuables like camera and passport. Panniers are not suitable for the trips.
Yes. All the bikes are compatible with customized bike parts. The support team accompanying the group will be able help with any bike alterations or damage to the bike along the entire trip. Please inform us in advance if you plan to bring your own saddle and pedals.
The best time for Kathmandu Valley Rim Mountain Biking is from September to June. It is not very advisable to bike during the monsoon season from June to August except for Lhasa to Kathmandu mountain biking.
Yes, you can obtain a Nepal visa upon your arrival at the airport. There are kiosks in the arrival hall that you use to complete the necessary forms. The cost is USD 30 for a 15-day tourist visa, including numerous entries, or USD 50 and USD 125 for a 30-day or 90-day tourist visa including numerous entries respectively. You should carry cash (USD) with you to pay your visa fees quickly and easily, as digital payments are frequently unavailable.
Our staff will be waiting for you outside the airport terminal with our signboard (Ace the Himalaya). You will be accompanied to a hotel in a private tourist vehicle.
It depends on your spending habits. Generally, you can allocate USD 15 to USD 20 per day for a lunch and a dinner.
In Kathmandu, yes – to some extent. Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash.
When you book, you must pay a 30% deposit to secure your itinerary. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival at Kathmandu or before arrival. US Dollars cash and credit cards (Visa, Master, and American Express) are accepted once in Nepal. Please note a 4% transaction fee will be added for all credit card transactions.
You can make payments via US Dollars cash or credit card (Visa, Master, and American Express). A 4% transaction fee is added if paying with a credit card. Thus, we encourage you to pay with USD cash if you are planning to pay upon your arrival in Kathmandu. We prefer you pay with larger bills (USD 50 or 100). Please note that the cash should not be older than 2009 and in good condition, as banks do not accept worn, torn, or crumpled bills.
There are ATM and money exchange facilities almost every few meters in Thamel, where you will be staying in Kathmandu. So, you can easily use your cards to cash out limited sum of money to which a minimum charge is deducted by the ATM facility itself. You can easily exchange your foreign currencies in currency exchange centers for an exact rate.
For the Kathmandu Valley Rim Mountain Biking Trip, you need to be in good health and reasonably fit. Moderate trips are ideal for cycling enthusiasts who enjoy nature and culture, as well as occasional climbs and mud. Some experience is recommended for the Kathmandu Valley Rim biking trip. There are several ups and downs in this trip as you soar through some the most ancient Nepalese, popular hilltops with stunning views of the Himalayas, religious sites and serene gardens. Moderate biking trips include a mixture of paved roads, jeep tracks and single tracks. The highest elevation we’ll reach in Kathmandu Valley Rim trip is Nagarkot at 2,175m above sea level.
No. The guide will carefully pace the ride to include rest and refreshment along the way. Where available, the support vehicle will accompany you and you can always hitch a ride if you need a break.
After making the deposit, one of our staff will email you for further information. We will require a copy of your passport photo page and your arrival/departure flight details. We will also provide you with additional trip information.
You can find the necessary items to pack for the trip on the Equipment section. Gear and equipment can be bought or rented upon your arrival in Kathmandu. If you plan on buying or renting gear in Kathmandu, please allow extra time.
Bring copies of your passport, insurance papers, and other essential items in your carry-on during your flight. If you need to take medications daily, keep them in your daypack with your other essential possessions. You can store other non-trekking essentials in the office of Ace the Himalaya or at the hotel in Kathmandu.
We use standard rooms at three- or four-star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Along the biking route, decent hotels are available but in more remote spots, guesthouse/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We can also offer you Ace the Himalaya sleeping bags if needed (to be returned after the trip). We usually provide single and double rooms.
Breakfast is included with the hotel, guesthouse but lunch and dinner is not included in the package price.
All the restaurants that we dine at cater for Continental, Chinese, Mexican, American-based cuisine with some local influences, always plenty to choose from.
In most places bottled water is easily available. If you wish to drink normal water, you need to use purifying aid, which you need to bring with you.
These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring travel adapters!
We provide licensed trekking guides with fluent English. Our guides are certified by the Hotel Management and Tourism Center after receiving 45 days of training. Similarly, the guides receive high-altitude training from Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP).
Our guides are well trained and certified in first aid. Throughout the journey, our guides will evaluate your condition and your oxygen level using an oximeter. Our head office receives continuous updates on your condition and location through the guides. In places without a phone signal, your situation will be updated through a satellite phone during emergencies.
Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa, and porters. Please browse through our legal docment page to view insurance details.
We suggest you have a dental checkup before your trip and know your blood type. It is helpful if you inform us of any medical condition that is relevant so we may convey this information in the event of an emergency. Ace the Himalaya keeps your medical condition confidential unless treatment is necessary.
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide.
There are telephones in most of the towns/villages along the routes from which you can make international calls. Internet and international calls are available at the hotel in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Godhavari and Budanilkhanta.
All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.
A holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek, we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.
Yes, you can extend your holiday. Ace the Himalaya offers many options and alternatives for your holiday extension. For more information, you can visit our Day trips pages.
Yes, you must book your international flights. We are a local agency and do not make international flight arrangements. You can easily browse through flight tickets in airlines sites to book ones most feasible for you.
Ace the Himalaya is all about providing you with local insights, lifestyle as well as adventure. We provide you only those options which enhance your local experience while allowing you to bike comfortably and efficiently. We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus, vans or alternatively 4WD jeep, more maneuverable in traveling along the narrow and bumpy roads of Nepal. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are traveling in cooler areas. Vehicle support will be available at accessible spots.We use our own Fleet Service for transportation.
These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Ace the Himalaya previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.