Rough Riding Below Mount Kanchenjunga

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

Book Now

11 days
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
10 people

Experience one of Nepal’s most exhilarating and least-explored cycling adventures with this 11-day journey below Mount Kanchenjunga. Designed for thrill-seekers and avid mountain bikers, this route takes you far beyond the typical tourist trail, offering a rare opportunity to explore the untouched beauty of eastern Nepal on two wheels.

Your adventure begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Taplejung via Biratnagar, setting the stage for an unforgettable ride. From Taplejung, the trail heads southeast, weaving through a dynamic mix of rugged dirt tracks and smooth paved roads. Over the first four days, you’ll descend through charming hillside villages, terraced farmlands, and vast golden fields of rice and wheat. This region remains largely undiscovered by mainstream tourism, giving riders a truly authentic glimpse into rural Nepalese life.

The highlight of this section is the climb to Pauwa Pass, the highest point of the journey. The effort is richly rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views that stretch from the majestic Kanchenjunga range all the way to Mount Everest on clear days. It’s a moment that captures the raw beauty and scale of the Himalayas one that few cyclists ever get to witness.

From Pauwa Pass, the route transitions into a thrilling two-day descent through the lush tea gardens of Ilam, widely known as Nepal’s tea capital. The rolling hills covered in vibrant green tea plantations provide a refreshing contrast to the rugged mountain terrain. Riders also get a well-deserved rest day in Ilam, with options to explore the tea estates, interact with locals, or simply unwind amidst serene landscapes.

Continuing further south, the journey leads into the Terai plains near the Indian border town of Charali. This region offers a completely different experience flatlands filled with colorful bazaars, fertile agricultural fields, and warm, welcoming communities. The Terai’s subtropical climate and cultural diversity add another layer of richness to the overall adventure.

In just the first five days, cyclists cover approximately 240 kilometers, including an impressive 5,000 meters of ascent and a thrilling 7,800 meters of descent. The constantly changing terrain—climbs, descents, twists, and turns keeps the ride both challenging and exciting throughout.

This cycling expedition is perfect for riders seeking a unique Himalayan experience that blends adventure, culture, and natural beauty. With minimal tourist traffic and untouched routes, the Rough Riding Below Kanchenjunga tour stands out as a truly off-the-beaten-path journey one that promises both adrenaline and unforgettable memories.

Activity: Sightseeing & Mountain Biking

Trip Type: Adventure

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a scenic drive through the vibrant capital city, where ancient culture meets modern life. After check-in, you will receive a detailed briefing about your upcoming cycling adventure.

Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 2

Kathmandu UNESCO Heritage Sightseeing Tour

After breakfast, explore three of Kathmandu Valley’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

Kathmandu Durbar Square: A historic royal palace complex showcasing ancient temples, courtyards, and intricate Newari architecture. Once home to Nepal’s monarchy, it remains a cultural heart of the city.

Swayambhunath Stupa: A sacred Buddhist stupa believed to be over 2,000 years old, offering panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley.

Patan Durbar Square: A masterpiece of art and architecture featuring temples, palaces, courtyards, and the renowned Patan Museum.

Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 3

Flight to Bhadrapur & Drive to Ilam

Take a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal, with possible views of the Himalayan range. From there, drive to Ilam, Nepal’s famous tea-growing region known for its lush hills, green landscapes, and agricultural beauty.

Overnight in Ilam
Day 4

Drive to Taplejung & Village Exploration

After breakfast, drive through scenic mountain roads to Taplejung (6–7 hours). Enjoy breathtaking views stretching from Sikkim to Makalu. Arrive at Taplejung and explore nearby villages before starting your cycling journey.

Overnight in Taplejung
Day 5

Cycling to Kabeli River

Begin your cycling adventure with an exhilarating 40 km downhill ride, dropping nearly 2,000 meters through a well-graded jeep track. Continue with a relaxed ride to the Kabeli River, where you will camp amid pristine natural surroundings.

Overnight at Campsite
Day 6

Ride to Jor Pokhari – The Big Climb

Today features a challenging ascent of 1,500 meters over 32 km. Ride through scenic ridges and lightly trafficked mountain roads with full support assistance available. Arrive at Jor Pokhari, a peaceful high-altitude campsite.

Overnight at Campsite
Day 7

Ride to Pauwa Pass (2,560m)

Start with a thrilling descent followed by a climb through terraced farmlands and forested valleys. Reach Phidim, a vibrant hill town, for lunch before continuing to Pauwa Pass (2,560m). Enjoy panoramic Himalayan views including Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.

Overnight at Ridge Campsite
Day 8

Ride to Ilam via Scenic Descent

Cycle approximately 55 km from Pauwa Pass to Ilam, passing through ridges, rivers, and rolling tea gardens. Enjoy a mix of downhill sections and gentle climbs before arriving in Ilam, surrounded by lush tea estates.

Overnight in Ilam
Day 9

xplore Ilam & Tea Garden Trails

A leisure and recovery day dedicated to exploring Ilam. Ride or walk through scenic tea plantations and local trails. This is a perfect opportunity to experience the peaceful countryside and local culture at your own pace.

Overnight in Ilam
Day 10

Drive to Bhadrapur & Return to Kathmandu

After breakfast, drive back to Bhadrapur (3–4 hours) and take a flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for rest and relaxation.

Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 11

Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. Your adventure ends with unforgettable memories of cycling through one of Nepal’s most remote and beautiful regions.

Note

For booking please e-mail us info@nhvoyages.com or complete the booking form at the bottom.

What's Included

Meet, assisted upon arrival at Kathmandu by our office representative.
All arrival / Departure transfers as per the itinerary by air-conditioned vehicle.
03 Nights twin/double room accommodation with breakfast at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu.
07 Nights / 08 Days mountain biking trip as per the itinerary with our guide and supporting staff, vehicle on full board basis.
National park fee.
Airfare for the sector Kathmandu / Biratnagar / Taplejung and Biratnagar / Kathmandu with domestic airport taxes and transfers.
Applicable hotel and government taxes presently 24.3%.

Not Included

Any meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu.
Cost for Mountain bike hire (US$ 50-55 per bike and depends on the type of bike).
Travel insurance.
International air fare to and from Nepal.
Items and expenses of personal nature.
Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, snacks, laundry, phone call, internet.
Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, landslides, political disturbance and strikes etc.
Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost inclusion.
Tipping amount.

Reviews

Write Your Review

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.