Biking Around Kathmandu Valley

Overview
Itinerary
What's included
Reviews
Do's & Don'ts

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8 days
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
10 people

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes that frame the Kathmandu Valley. This mountain biking trip takes you along peaceful ridges and little-traveled dirt roads, far from the noise and chaos of city life. Just a short bike rides outside of Kathmandu, you will find yourself in a fascinating world of forested hills, quaint villages, historic temples, and breathtaking scenery that takes in the Nepal Himalaya Mountains, including the towering peaks of Makalu and the majestic peaks of the Annapurna Range.

During this trip, you will experience a full and immersive experience in the sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas of Nepal’s “Middle Hills.” You will also experience the cultural wealth of historic cities like Patan and Bhaktapur, famous for their centuries-old buildings, temples, and bustling city centers. You will also experience the hill resort of Nagarkot, where a sunrise view over the Himalayas creates an awe-inspiring view that takes in the highest peaks of Nepal. Along the way, you will pass hidden monasteries, peaceful shrines, and quaint villages tucked away in verdant forests that offer a glimpse of real life far from the usual tourist routes.

The morning will begin cycling above a blanket of clouds, making it a heavenly experience for mountain bike enthusiasts. Throughout the journey, our vehicles will provide a seamless experience by carrying your gear and providing assistance whenever needed, either by following behind you or waiting at the endpoint of the day's journey.

Regardless of whether the purpose of the journey is for pleasure or to test one's skills on technical terrain, the experience is one of discovery and adventure each day. This is not merely a bike journey; it is the discovery of the beauty, heritage, and thrill of the trails in one of the most spectacular parts of the world.

Activities: Mountain Biking, Sightseeing

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Kathmandu - Gateway to the Himalayas

Kathmandu is a gateway to the Himalayas, and landing in Kathmandu on a clear day is a breathtaking experience. As you look out of the window of the airplane, you can see a range of snow-capped mountains stretching out to the horizon. As you arrive, a local representative and driver will be there to receive you at the airport and bring you to your hotel. Here, you will be given a detailed brief on your itinerary and daily activities.

Stay: Hotel
Day 2

Exploring the Cultural Treasures of Kathmandu

After having your breakfast at your hotel, today is scheduled for a full-day sightseeing tour to some of the iconic landmarks in Kathmandu. You will be visiting the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, exploring the ancient architecture in Patan Durbar Square, and experiencing the spiritual atmosphere in Swayambhunath Stupa, also commonly referred to as Monkey Temple. The day promises to be an interesting mix of history, culture, and spirituality, which will definitely enlighten your understanding of Nepal’s cultural richness.

Stay: Hotel
Day 3

Scenic Ride to Danda Gaun

Today is the first actual riding experience, which promises to provide the perfect blend of exciting rides and breathtaking beauty. Leaving the city behind, the ride will take you through the narrow streets and neighborhoods, providing a glimpse into the unseen aspects of the city. As the ride progresses, leaving the valley behind, the route passes through picturesque villages and colorful rice fields, culminating at Kakani, a hilltop village situated at 2,075m, providing breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range.

The ride progresses further into Shivapuri National Park, which is a unique ecosystem characterized by the transition zone between subtropical and temperate forests. In this region, thick forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron trees provide habitat for the Himalayan black bear, leopard, jungle cat, deer, and the resident rhesus monkey species. Over 177 species of birds, including nine threatened species, make this park their habitat.

Stay: Hotel
Day 4

Ridge Ride to Mul Kharka

After leaving your picturesque guesthouse, today’s ride promises an invigorating start with a short climb before hitting one of the region’s best single tracks, dubbed “Heaven”. The single track is an absolute thrill ride with an excellent mix of challenge and beauty. The excitement is sure to set you up for an action-packed day.

After your single track fix, you will be back on the jeep track for some climbing. The route takes you past one of the region’s best-known monasteries, Nagi Gompa, a Buddhist nunnery. The ride takes you high on the ridge with plenty of ups and downs to keep your senses alive.

For an extra single track fix, the Helipad Ride is an alternative route with spectacular views. Be prepared for an extra climb at the end of the day to reach your guesthouse in Mul Kharka. The balance of riding challenge, cultural insight, and Himalayan scenery is just right for today.

Stay: Hotel
Day 5

Forest Trails to Chisapani

Today’s ride is through beautiful jeep trails as you navigate the Shivapuri Peak (2,400 m), passing through beautiful forest landscapes. The ride is through beautiful and serene forest trails, offering a peaceful yet exciting experience. In the spring season, the rhododendron trees are in full bloom and offer a beautiful sight of the forest in full color.

As you arrive in Chisapani, the beautiful Himalayan range stretches out before your eyes, offering a beautiful reward for the day’s ride. This small but lively village is on the way to the popular Helambu trekking destination and offers a beautiful and welcoming environment. For the night, you can stay in a beautiful local lodge.

Stay: Hotel
Day 6

Thrilling Ride to Nagarkot

The day begins with a thrilling long off-road ride down to Jarsing Pauwa. This ride is a real thrill, and you will enjoy a thrilling ride through rugged terrain. Following this, you will be able to enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch. Then, you will begin your ride on a long uphill trail to Nagarkot.

Located at a height of 2,170m, Nagarkot is one of the most popular viewing points on the rim of Kathmandu Valley. As you reach this place, you will be able to enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding areas, including the Himalayas. As the sun sets in, you can simply relax on your balcony and enjoy a stunning sunset.

Stay: Hotel
Day 7

Ride to Kathmandu via Panauti

Start the morning with a delicious breakfast accompanied by breathtaking views of some of the world's highest and most breathtaking Himalayan mountain peaks. Today's ride starts from Nagarkot, and the route promises a great combination of on-road and off-road riding as we go through the villages and rice fields to Panauti.

Panauti is a historic town situated at the confluence of two rivers. There are many legends associated with this place, including the fact that Lord Buddha visited this place. From here, the ride continues through a valley, gradually ascending for 15 km to Lakuri Bhanjyang, another beautiful view point where the Himalayas are seen from a completely different angle. It is very interesting to see the same mountain peaks viewed from a different angle.

Stay: Hotel
Day 8

Farewell Kathmandu – Departure

Breakfast will be served at your hotel, and then you will be driven to the airport for your further journey. As your tour comes to a close, we ensure that you leave with unforgettable experiences and a rich experience of a lifetime. You will be escorted to the airport by our representative, marking the end of your fantastic journey to the Himalayas.

What's Included

Arrival Assistance: Meet and assist on arrival in Kathmandu by our office representative.
Transfers: All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Accommodation in Kathmandu: 3 nights in twin/double rooms in a 3-star hotel including breakfast.
Mountain Biking Adventure: 4 nights/5 days mountain biking as mentioned in the itinerary including support staff, vehicles, and full board.
Park Fees: Entry fee for Sivapuri National Park.
Taxes: All hotel & govt. taxes included in the package (24.3%).

Not Included

Meals, except breakfast, in Kathmandu.
Rental of a mountain bike, which will cost about USD 50-55 each, depending on the type of bicycle.
Travel insurance.
Airfares to and from Nepal.
Personal expenses in general.
Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, snacks, laundry, telephone calls, internet, etc.
Any extra cost arising from a change in the itinerary due to landslides, political issues, strikes, and/or other unforeseen events.
Any other cost not specifically included in “Trip Costs Include.”
Tips and/or gratuities for guides, drivers, etc.

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Do's & Don'ts

NHV next heartily welcomes all of our valued guests. Either you are trekking in the mountains or touring the Kathmandu valley we suggest you that you treat the land and its people with care and respect. Below are some tips on how you can keep the environment clean and show appreciation for age-old culture and traditional religious beliefs. Nepal's Culture might be astonishing and surprising for newcomers therefore these tips are sometimes necessary.

To show gratitude and respect, use both of your hands rather than one when giving or receiving something, even money. It’s seen as a gesture of respect.
Remember not to point with a single finger but use a flat extended hand especially to indicate a sacred object or place.
Among Hindus, avoid touching women and holy men. In Nepal, people especially women, do not normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as "Namaste" greeting is preferable.
Do not eat with your left hand.
Never eat beef in front of Hindus and Buddhist because beef is strictly prohibited among both Hindus and Buddhists. Cows are sacred in Nepal.
Try not to step over or point your feet at another person, a sacred place or a heart.
Remove your shoes when entering a home, temple or monastery and leather items in Hindu temples and avoid smoking and wearing scant dress in religious settings.
Remember, some of the temples entrance may be prohibited for non-Hindus.
It is better not to touch offerings or persons when they are on way to shrines, especially if you are non-Hindu.
Do not offer food to a Nepalese after tasting it, nor eat from a common pot, and avoid touching your lips to a shared drinking vessel.
The sight of men holding hands is common, but men and women holding hands, and general acts of affection, are frowned upon. Do not do something that is totally alien to Nepalese culture.
Do walk around Stupas clockwise, so that the outer walls are always on your right. If you encounter a stone wall covered with Tibetan inscriptions, do the same: Walk past with the wall on your right (and don't take any of the stones).
Do not lose your cool. Raising your voice or shouting is seen as extremely bad manners in Nepal too and will only make any problem worse.
Do get a receipt of in authenticity when purchasing an antique replica. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to take it out of the country. And do not buy ivory or fur from endangered species. Your purchases encourage the trade in such illegal goods, and you would not be allowed to bring them back home anyway.
Do not give in to children who ask for just one rupee. Although a rupee is a small amount that anyone can spare, successful begging leads young children to drop out of school and take up panhandling as their trade. If you want to help, give to a trustworthy charity or a school.
Do not take photographs of locals, holy shrines and temples unless they have clearly given their consent.