Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour-5 Days Itinerary and Cost

Quick Overview
Duration5 Days
Trip GradeEasy
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude2,175 m / 7,136 ft
Group Size2-20
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesCycling
Best TimeSpring and Autumn

Join the Kathmandu multi-day mountain biking tour to see Nepal’s countryside away from the city crowds. The ride is suitable for both expert and novice riders and is led by experienced guides. Immerse yourself in Nepalese culture by trying authentic Nepalese cuisine in local cafes, tea houses, and hotels. Although available all year, the greatest weather and views are best enjoyed during spring and autumn. Explore lush forests, terraced farmland, and authentic Nepal. The trip is flexible, so you can make it fit your needs, whether you want to rest or push yourself. This unique tour allows you to discover Nepal’s culture and Beauty.

Highlights

  • World-Class track Diversity: Ride famous routes like the "Scar Trail" in Kakani, which Lonely Planet spoke about. The track has exciting drops and vistas of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal peaks.

  • Exploring Shivapuri National Park: Spend the whole day riding through the protected woods of Shivapuri, going up and down hills, and eating a typical Nepali lunch at Mulkharka.

  • Himalayan Views from Hill Stations: Spend the night in beautiful mountain towns like Chisopani (2100m) and Nagarkot, which are known for their views of the dawn over peaks like Langtang, Gaurishankar, and Dorje Lakpa.

  • Cultural and Spiritual Immersion: Go to Namobuddha Monastery, a holy Buddhist site, and stay in a traditional house in the quiet village of Balthali.

  • Ride the famous and flexible Nagarkot routes. Before you ride across the countryside, test your abilities on Nagarkot's famed single-track network, which has five designated trails for mountain biking.
  • Full Support Adventure: You get an expert mountain biking guide, a jeep to help you, an e-mountain bike rental, all your meals (B/L/D), a place to stay, and permits for Shivapuri National Park.
  • The route is great for cyclists of all skill levels because it has optional tough loops and everyday distances that are easy to handle (30–45 km each day).
  • Get away from it all: End your trip by cycling through the Godavari Ecological Sanctuary, which is a birdwatcher's heaven, before going back to Kathmandu.

Overview of Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour-5 Days

Take an unforgettable Kathmandu mountain biking tour to see the countryside of Nepal.

Join our best multi-day mountain bike vacation from Kathmandu to get away from the city and see the real beauty of Nepal's countryside. This skillfully led trip is perfect for both beginners and experienced riders. It lets you go at your own pace, so you can match your ability and endurance. Ride through gorgeous woods, terraced farms, and traditional villages while learning about Nepalese culture. You may do this by eating real local food in teahouses and staying with locals.

You may go there any time of year, but spring and fall are the greatest times to go since the weather is nice and the mountains look great. This trip makes sure that adventure, culture, and comfort all go together well by providing complete logistical assistance, such as an e-mountain bike and a jeep backup. This is the best guided mountain biking tour in Nepal for finding the real heart of the Himalayas, whether you want to go down steep hills or explore beautiful rural areas.

Reminder

For a smooth and stress-free start, we highly recommend arriving in Kathmandu by 4 PM the day before we leave. This gives you enough time for a final gear check, a trip briefing with your guide, and to make sure you have everything you need before heading to the tour. 

Online briefing 

This online meeting is similar to having our first coffee together before the trip!  This online meeting is our chance to show you everything that will happen on the trip.  We'll discuss what to bring and what each day will be like, and answer any questions.  After you book, we'll send you an email with a couple of times when we can talk. Once the booking process is complete, we will arrange the meeting. Also, our Kathmandu mountain biking tour itinerary does not include your hotel stay in Kathmandu. During the online meeting, please share your preferences, budget, and the standard of the hotel you would like to stay at in Kathmandu. We will arrange it for you accordingly. 

Short Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu to Kakani
Day 02: Kakani to Chisopani
Day 03: Chisopani to Nagarkot
Day 04: Nagarkot to Balthali
Day 05: Ride Back to Kathmandu
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 01:

Experience a thrilling adventure in Kakani, one of Nepal’s top trails that has been highlighted in Lonely Planet. Kakani serves as the starting point for an adrenaline-fueled adventure. Begin the trip at Shivapuri National Park’s entrance, where the excitement unfolds. Roll into the Scar Trail, a legendary stretch with exciting downhill stretches and panoramic views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / DinnerDistance: 30 Km
Day 02:

This day is entirely inside the trails of Shivapuri National Park. The trail is complete offroad with gradual climbs and descents. Follow the exciting trails inside the national park, have a Nepali meal at Mulkharka before the climb towards Chisopani. A hillstation at2100m altitude with panoramic views of Langtang, Jugal, Dorje Lakpha, Gaurishankar, and Numbur Himal.

Distance: 45 km
Day 03:

Today, you traverse around the northern hills of Kathmandu. In the morning, we will have a stroll around Dhap dam, a reservoir made by the Nepal army, the best place to capture the mountain biking moments. A gentle traverse with some climbs will lead you to Jhule, a midpoint from where we will ride towards Jarsing Pauha towards Nagarkot, where you will relax for the day.

Distance: 38 km
Day 04:

In the morning, based on your skills, we will do some laps around the single trails in Nagarkot. Nagarkot is a heaven for the mountain biking community residing in Kathmandu Valley. It has 5 different mountain biking trails. After lunch in Nagarkot, we will ride towards Dhulikhel via the countryside roads towards Namobuddha, a spiritually important monastery in Buddhist culture. Today, most of the sections will be paved with moderate difficulty. For the night, we will stay in a traditional homestay in the peaceful village of Balthali

Distance: 40 km
Day 05:

With an early morning breakfast, we will start a gradual descent towards Khopase and explore the inner villages around the Kathmandu valley. Riding towards Kathmandu, most of the road sections will be well-paved and have less traffic. Just before entering the valley, we will climb upto Ranikot and traverse towards Lakuri Bhanjyang and Chapakharka and end the ride in Godavari, an ecological sanctuary for the birds and temperate vegetation.

Distance: 36 km
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Availability
Book your own private small group trip
No. of traveler
Price per person
2 - 4 pax
US$449
5 - 8 pax
US$399
9 - 12 pax
US$349
13 - 20 pax
US$299

Discounts are determined exclusively by the size of your group. We do not add additional members to your group.

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Cost Includes

Transportation

  • Airport Pickup and drop-off from Tribhuvan International Airport to the hotel of your choice by taxi or local Jeep transfer.

Accommodation and food

  • During the tour, Food or drinks are not included. 
  • You will stay at a Hotel in a shared room during the tour.

Experienced Guide

  • A professional, friendly, and experienced motorbike guide will be with you throughout the trip, ensuring your safety and providing valuable insights into the regions you visit.

Medical assistances

  • All riders are provided with first aid kits, including an oximeter to monitor blood oxygen levels at higher altitudes.

  • In case of any medical emergency, rescue operations can be arranged promptly, supported by the traveler’s own insurance coverage.

Complementary

  • Company's T-shirt and Cap before the trek.
  • At the end of your trip, you'll have a farewell meal at a restaurant in the area. At the farewell dinner after the Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour – 5 Days, we will give you a certificate of achievement.

Benefits

  • The Everest Holiday store offers free excess luggage storage for the duration of the trek.
  • We will arrange a SIM Card for trekker upon arrival in Kathmandu.
Cost Excludes

International Flight

  • International flight cost.

Nepali Visa

  • At Tribhuvan International Airport, you can pay the following fees upon arrival: $30 for a 15-day visa, $50 for a 30-day visa, and $120 for a 90-day visa. Alternatively, you can apply for and receive a Nepal visa from the Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country.

Mountain bike and Tools

  • Mountain bike and Tools are not provided

Insurances

  • Medical and bike insurance are not included in the tour and must be arranged by the rider.

Other expenses

  • A backup jeep is not included in the budget package and will incur an additional cost if required. For groups of more than 8 participants, a support van is provided to ensure extra comfort and assistance throughout the journey.
  • All non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water, hot water, soft drinks, juice, tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks are not included, etc.
  • Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances out of our control, like landslides, unfavourable weather, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc.

Equipment Lists

The Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour is an exciting and unique adventure, where you feel the wind on your face, hear the roar of your bicycle, and share the experience with your group of riders. The following list offers you a good sense of the personal things you can carry on this bicycle journey. The personal objects are things that each person is interested in and chooses. The most essential thing to remember is that you should carry enough garments to keep you warm in the Himalayas.
The guide and a backup truck will provide the tools and spare parts you need for repairs on your bike journey. We do suggest that you carry some important tools and extra parts, such as a puncture kit and Allen keys.  You should carry your own items that you might need for the day, such as money, a water bottle, rain gear, a camera, sun cream, toilet paper, and so on. So you know to pack things in two distinct bags.

Riding Kit
If you’re bringing your own bike,

  • Bike

  • Brake pads specific to your bike x 2 sets

  • Rear mech hanger specific to your bike x 2

  • Bottle of dry lube

  • Four inner tubes, or spare bottles of fluid for

  • Tubeless tyres (two for each tyre)

  • Quick link to suit your chain

  • For 29” wheels, bring extra spare tubes; these are more difficult to find in Nepal

  • If you are hiring a bike, the above equipment can be bought around Kathmandu, the cost of which will be extra.

Other than that, you will need the following riding kits:

  • Bike gloves x 3 pairs

  • Biking glasses

  • Padded cycling shorts (to last at least 5 rides)

  • Long-sleeved base layers

  • Short-sleeved and long-sleeved cycling tops

  • Biking socks (at least 5 pairs)

  • Hat and non-biking gloves

(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.)

General

  • Four-season (zero-degree) sleeping bag (We have rental sleeping bags available for an additional USD 35)

  • Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for an additional USD 35)

  • Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover

  • Sleeping bag liner

  • Head torch

  • Helmet

  • Sun hat or cap

  • Knitted hat/Beanie

  • Scarf/Neck Gaiter/Buff (highly recommended)

  • Headlamp

  • Sunglasses

  • Wool or technical fabric liner gloves

  • Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)

  • Wool or technical fabric warm socks

  • Hiking socks

  • Liner socks (optional such as silk)

  • Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)

  • Casual shoes

  • Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)

  • Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)

  • Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts

  • Waterproof, windproof shell

  • Fleece jacket or pullover

  • Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)

  • Hiking pants (2)

  • Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses

  • Waterproof, windproof shell

  • Hiking shorts

  •  Passport

  • Extra copies of passport-sized photos

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Toiletry kits

  • Water purification tablets or UV water purifier (if you plan to treat water)

  • Hydration bladder

  • Towel

  • Pillowcase

  • Toilet paper (2 rolls)

  • High protein snacks (such as protein bars or nuts)

  • Waterproof/dry bags for carrying important documents and money

  • Airline tickets (Please leave a copy at our office in Kathmandu. This can be useful if there is a change in the date of the flight.)

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm

  • Ointment

(Note: Guides carry medications and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)

  • Power bank or extra batteries

  • Cameras and mobile phone

  • Cards/book

  • Binoculars

  • Trekking poles

  • Whistle

Essential Information

Arrival, welcome and tour start 

When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will greet you with Khada and arrange your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, you can take time to rest or head out to explore Kathmandu’s vibrant streets, local markets, and cafés at your own pace.

Later in the day or the following morning, you will meet your mountain biking guide for a detailed tour briefing. This session includes an overview of the Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour, route details, safety guidelines, and bike setup to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Before the tour begins, you will have time to adjust your bike, check gear, and get comfortable with the riding conditions. After breakfast the next day, your Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour officially starts, taking you onto scenic trails, quiet backroads, and hill tracks that offer stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding landscapes.

Accommodation and Meal

When you join our Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour, we handle all on-tour arrangements, including transportation and meals during the riding days, so you can focus on enjoying the ride.

Accommodation in Kathmandu is not included in the package. This gives you the flexibility to choose a hotel that matches your comfort level and budget. You are welcome to book on your own, or we can gladly assist with hotel recommendations or reservations if needed.

Meals during the riding days are arranged according to the itinerary. Breakfast is usually taken at your hotel before heading out on the bike. Lunch is enjoyed at local restaurants or small teahouses along the route, giving you the chance to taste authentic Nepali food as well as familiar options. After a day of riding, dinner is typically taken at a local restaurant, offering a relaxed setting to unwind and share the day’s experiences.

The food is fresh and filling, chosen to keep you energized throughout the ride. Drinking water is available during the tour, and your guide will help ensure that meal stops are clean and comfortable throughout the Kathmandu Valley.

Safety and Support 

The Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour is meant to be a good mix of adventure, comfort, and safety.  While most rides follow scenic trails and quiet roads around the Kathmandu Valley, some sections include rough tracks and off-road paths that require focus and controlled riding. Our team takes care of all essential arrangements so you can ride with confidence and peace of mind.

You will be guided by an experienced, English-speaking Nepali mountain biking guide who knows the local trails, terrain, and riding conditions well. The guide provides clear instructions, route guidance, and safety tips throughout the tour, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable riding experience for all participants.

Well-maintained mountain bikes and safety gear are used during the tour, suitable for gravel paths, forest trails, and uneven terrain. Our support team remains available throughout the ride to assist with any issues, route adjustments, or unexpected situations.

With professional guidance and local support in place, you can focus on enjoying the natural landscapes, traditional villages, and cultural highlights of the Kathmandu Valley while experiencing an exciting and safe mountain biking adventure.

Why Choose Our Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour Package?

Our Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour offers the right mix of adventure, comfort, and local experience, all handled with care and attention to detail. You ride through the scenic hills and backroads of the Kathmandu Valley, passing terraced farmland, forests, traditional villages, and ancient temples, with wide views of the surrounding mountains. The routes are fun and varied without being overly technical, making the tour suitable for both experienced cyclists and confident beginners.

Everything is well organized so you can focus on enjoying the ride. From route planning and daily support to bike setup and meal stops, our team takes care of the essentials. You ride with an experienced, English-speaking local guide who knows the trails, traffic conditions, and the safest routes around the valley.

Safety always comes first. Our guides set a comfortable pace, give clear instructions, and adjust the ride to suit the group’s ability. There is plenty of time to stop, explore local villages, visit cultural sites, and enjoy Nepali food along the way, rather than rushing from point to point.

How Difficult Is the Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour?

The Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour is a moderately challenging ride, suitable for cyclists with basic to intermediate riding experience. Most of the routes follow quiet backroads, gravel paths, and forest trails around the Kathmandu Valley. While many sections are smooth and enjoyable, there are some uneven trails and short uphill climbs that add variety and adventure to the ride.

Daily cycling distances are comfortable, with regular breaks for rest, meals, and sightseeing. Riders should be prepared for changing trail conditions, light traffic in some areas, and gradual elevation changes. Good balance, basic bike-handling skills, and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended, but no technical mountain biking experience is required.

With an experienced local guide leading the way and support available throughout the tour, the ride is well organized and safe. This makes the Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour an enjoyable option for those looking to explore the valley’s landscapes, culture, and villages by bicycle.

Best Time for the Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour

The best time to join a Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour is during spring and autumn, when the weather is stable and riding conditions are at their best. These seasons offer clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and excellent visibility across the Kathmandu Valley.

Spring, from March to May, brings mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. The trails are dry, the countryside is green, and views of the surrounding hills and mountains are especially beautiful. This season is ideal for riders who enjoy pleasant weather and colorful scenery.

Autumn, from September to November, is another excellent time for mountain biking in Kathmandu. After the monsoon rains, the air is fresh, the trails are clean, and mountain views are clear. Days are warm and dry, making long rides comfortable and enjoyable.

Winter, from December to February, is also possible for cycling, especially for riders who prefer cooler temperatures. While mornings and evenings can be cold, daytime riding is usually pleasant. Higher trails may be chilly, but conditions remain manageable.

The monsoon season, from June to August, is generally not recommended due to heavy rainfall, muddy trails, and reduced visibility. However, experienced riders who do not mind wet conditions may still enjoy short rides during this time.

Important travel information

Visa

Most nations may get one when they arrive at Kathmandu Airport. You need a passport that is valid for at least six months, one photo, and a fee (USD 30/50/125 for 15/30/90 days).

Travel insurance

Your coverage must cover medical costs, emergency evacuation from high altitudes up to 5,000 meters, and adventure cycling and hiking. You need proof to get permission.

Currency Exchange

The Nepali Rupee (NPR) is the country's official currency; one US dollar is equivalent to around 130 NPR.  In Kathmandu, you may find banks and approved money exchange centers where you can exchange major foreign currencies. ATMs are widely available to withdraw NPR, but extra service fees may apply.

Personal Expenses

Plan on spending between $25 and $30 a day on extras like bottled water, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, souvenirs, and gratuities for guides and staff.