If you prefer your vacation to be a bit more active and hands-on, then we offer you Nepal Bike Safari. Nepal has been widely acclaimed as one of the best mountain biking destinations in the world taking take you deep into the culture and lifestyle of the diverse indigenous people living across the country and show you the best trails to explore the country’s magnificent landscape & living heritage.
There are plenty of dirt roads and trails in the country to meet the expectations of the casual cyclists to the masochistic adventurers. You will ride through heart-stopping downhill of hairpin turns, lush green rice fields, through hamlets, along with the river gorges, around religious sites, past the streets in towns and along the highways. Biking tour could be just for the day or it could last for one to two weeks, visiting at various scenic spots across the country.
From the bustling city of Kathmandu, your biking holiday tour begins experiencing immense contrasts that Nepal has to offer making the tour-of-a-lifetime. Our 12-day guided mountain biking safari in Nepal takes you from the capital city of Kathmandu to the immensely beautiful Lake city of Pokhara, through Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha and to Chitwan National Park where you will actively involve in various jungle activities. Your accommodation will be provided at a hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lumbini to jungle resort in Chitwan, guest houses in other places with meals that include Nepalese, Chinese and Continental. This trip could be the perfect vacation for you as well as help you to convince a partner or friend to share your passion for mountain biking!
Visit World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, wander through narrow streets and alleyways, Scenic flight to Pokhara, cycling around the Phewa Lake, Explore ethnic Villages, Caves and Monuments in Pokhara, Enjoy sunset view over the Annapurna Mountain, Cycling to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, pedaling through Chitwan National Park, Cycling along the river, visit a beautiful hill station at Daman, downhill ride to discover cultural secrets in Dakshinkali, Explore Godawari and meet the locals
The above itinerary is a guideline pattern which we offer biking tour of this type. But, unforeseen events such as mountain weather, local politics, transportation etc., is beyond Trek Himalayan’s control could be resulted in a change of program. It is very unlikely to have such circumstances occurs but our effort is to minimize its effect, however Trek Himalayan is not responsible for the result of delays or changes.
Arrive at the (TIA) Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel if you have booked Airport Pickup facility at the time of booking your trip. Otherwise our representative will meet you at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until evening when you’ll enjoy a welcome drinks with your guide and introduce each other.
Hotel Accommodation (Kathmandu)
Harati Manor Inn [or similar standard]
This is an example of the hotel we may use in Kathmandu city. Your actual hotel will be specified when your booking is confirmed. Please check your email or booking confirmation.
Today our representative will work on all necessary permits such as Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit and Mountain biking permit. In the meantime you will be engaged in Half day Kathmandu sightseeing tour on the mountain bike visiting Pashupatinath, the biggest holy temple of Lord Shiva , Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa and Swayambhunath, the monkey temple. Your guide will help you organizing everything during the tour. Overnight in hotel
There are early departure to the small domestic airport, where things often seem hectic. We have a short but beautiful flight ahead of us – in clear weather in the course of half an hour experience the most of the spectacular Himalayan mountain range. A sight that goes straight to the heart.
Upon arrival at Pokhara we run the short walk to the hotel, where our bikes waiting, and before long we are heading out on our first trip in Nepal. We walk along the large and beautiful lake Phewa Tal, Pokhara which lies on the eastern cliff. We follow the old road out of town, and soon are the first fishing boats in the lake. Here you can catch fish in the same way as the Nepalese fishermen ‘always’ have done and the little fascinating both often come to shore to land their catch. Around lunch we find a suitable location close to the beautiful lake where we can eat our packed picnic. The ride on this first quiet day takes 1.5 – 2 Hours each way – including plenty of photo stops along the way. For those who want an extra challenge offered a trip up to the Japanese Peace Pagoda on the other side of the lake. O/N – Temple Tree & Spa Resort (BB Plan) – Pool Available
After breakfast we will ride north out of town, and runs above the rushing Senti-river to the small town Charmi Dihi. City is perhaps not the right word, but it’s a nice little spot where the few locals working in the field or with their animals.
Soon we come out on the small dusty and hilly roads that wind their way through the countryside and along the way we visit the Bats’ Cave. Back in pokhara is a short pause before the afternoon outing. Late in the afternoon we take the bus up to the big and beautiful vantage point at Sarangkot of 1,600 meters above sea level to enjoy the sunset – a sight that overwhelms most when Annapurna mountains lets the sun’s rays hit its high beautiful peaks. For extra fresh, it is possible to continue the day’s bike ride cycling way up to Sarangkot. O/N – Sherpa Resort (BB Plan)
Today we leave Pokhara, and take the bus up into the highlands, we get ready for the first long descent on a bicycle. Small towns and hidden valleys whiz by while you cycle down into the area’s major and new land. For lunch we find a small tea shop or enjoy our lunch at a vantage point. The bus picks us up at the river in the city Ramdi and drive us the last steep 800 vertical meters up to Tansen. The afternoon we back on the bike, and for those who have extra energy, there are challenges in reaching all the way up to the beautiful stupa on top of the city – by bicycle. The tour goes along small forest paths where the light barely breaks through the branches and foliage. Here is the big soft swing on the descent and beautiful vistas. The coffee or cold drink enjoyed on the rooftop terrace while the sun turns off the light and activity in the otherwise bustling city. O/N – White Lake. (BB Plan)
Note: Also can travel on accompanying vehicle upon tired.
We start the day with another great and long descent. A trip that takes us through a landscape where the densely vegetated slopes and the beautiful river follows us down. From the small town of Dumai at the bottom of the valley, we jump for a well-deserved cup of tea on the bus. After a short drive we are again ready for the bikes, and this time we head to Lumbini through one of the most-lush landscapes throughout Nepal where agriculture, quaint villages, a variety of colors and happy kids stands for great entertainment all the way. Lumbini Garden in Nepal is the place where Buddha was born. Legend has it that he was born on a day when Maya Devi, his mother, was traveling to his parents’ home. When she reached Lumbini, she decided to take a rest under a tree, and she was so mesmerized by the beauty of this place, she gave birth to a baby boy.
In addition, Lumbini arguably the most important historical city in Nepal – here are some of the most important archaeological treasures, some of which dates back to 300 BC. Late in the afternoon we cycle off to explore the vast territory of Lumbini – for those who want to take a little less on the pedals, a bicycle taxi also be an option. Around sunset we roll back to our beautiful hotel and enjoy dinner after great experiences for both body and soul.
O/N – Buddha Maya garden Hotel (BB Plan)
Note: Also can travel on accompanying vehicle upon tired.
We jump early on the bus and running this morning for a few hours to get to the city Narayangadh and the beginning of the jungle and the open, flat area along the river Rapti Nadi. The bikes tightened by our team, and we are now ready for one of the most beautiful and challenging days on the trip. The road to Chitwan is not straightforward – even the tour leader and local guides must sometimes might ask the area’s local for directions! We cycle now in Chitwan National Park on the gravel roads in a very beautiful scenery. There is an opportunity to experience some wildlife along the way. We eat lunch at the area’s largest lake, with the ability to spot crocodiles. Sauraha is our destination this day and also the gateway to a new world – Chitwan National Park.
Overnight in bungalows in a cozy resort quite close to the jungle. An experience that offers adventurous an extra kick while we prepare for tomorrow’s possible activities. If time permits, we take hold of the program in Chitwan, for example. A small hike with a visit to a village. O/N – Narayani Safari Resort (Full Board)
Full day is spent exploring the many opportunities offered by the National Park can offer. Our resort has organized an exciting program for us. A walk in the jungle on elephant with the opportunity to spot crocodiles is just one of the great experiences. We also go canoeing with good opportunities to spot crocodiles and a very rich bird life. Toilet area’s elephants are also on the program and a walking safari. Back at the tents, we enjoy around the campfire and share experiences of the day, while the night and the forest sounds are present – animals and nature comes up close. O/N – Narayani Safari Resort (Full Board)
The ride today is in small and unfamiliar roads down to the river, which will accompany us most of the trip. We pass fields, arable and through open countryside, while we enjoy the fresh air and being out of the dense forest. Along the river is a road that is only used by local cyclists – so they smile and laugh both surprised and friendly when we roll up with helmets and thick bicycle tires. The tour offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of an otherwise hidden and isolated local population. After a tea-stop and maybe tasting of local fish specialties we rise on the bus and drive to Hetauda (Headquarter of Province 3), the afternoon can be used in the hotel and the hotel’s garden or to explore the exciting city with many local markets.
O/N – Orchid Resort (BB Plan)
Note: Also can travel on accompanying vehicle upon tired.
Road to Daman is the old route into the Kathmandu Valley, and since this is rarely used today, traffic is extremely limited, making it a perfect bike lane for us. The first piece we follow the valley and river below us. We make a little stop along the way to enjoy a cup of fresh tea before the ascent to Daman starts. An exciting and varied road where the view just gets better and better the higher we get up.
Our lunch eaten by the wayside while we were enjoying the sun. Daman is situated at 2,300 meters above sea level, and upon arrival you will understand well why the city was originally founded. Here one of the Himalayas most beautiful and breathtaking views of the great mountains – from Dhaulagiri to Mount Everest – the world’s highest mountain. A view to thrill and stored in the backpack along with tour other good experiences. The bus follows again with us all day, so the ascent to Daman course there is the opportunity to get off the bike and instead enjoy all or part of the ascent from the mode.
O/N – Everest Panorama Resort (BB Plan)
Note: Also can travel on accompanying vehicle upon tired.
From early morning, when the light only when the beautiful snow-capped mountains, we enjoy the view of the Himalayas.Bicycles are ready, and on this chilly morning starts the adventure of good wide roads. Soon the landscape changes as the roads are getting smaller and we are again all alone in this unique landscape. The prospect of the world’s largest mountains following us all day with glimpses of the snow capped peaks when we bike through the forest and the many small villages. Soon up and down soon, the day offers several challenges for both body and soul.
The destination for the ride today is Dakshin Kali – site with many great and important monasteries. We visit the Hindu temple of Dakshinkali, famous (or infamous, if you will) for animal sacrifices, and here victims continue to the bloodthirsty goddess Kali. In Dakshin Kali is Buddhist and Hindu temples side by side – there is room for thought and diversity. We spend the afternoon in the city, and may take the bikes to explore. The rest of the day can be used in the city or to rest after 2 long bike days.
O/N – Daskshin Kali Village Inn – BB Plan
Village of Godawari is the goal of this amazing day on the bike. Godawari located in the foothills, which is bounded by the Kathmandu valley, and provides here a beautiful sight over rivers and the great mountains on the horizon. The tour goes first at a small but good roads to the river, which we then follows. We cycle through small villages in the hilly terrain and experiencing again the openness among people who are familiar signatory on the whole trip. People who do not seem to have much, stop and send us the big, sincere smile. We spend most of the day on the bike – stop and enjoy tea, while curious children and adults looking puzzled to.
O/N – Godawari Village Resort (BB Plan) – Pool Available
This last day on the bike starts early. We drive along small, secluded paths and trails to the river at the bottom of the valley, where we stop and drink tea. Here, several rivers, and there is a lot of activity by locals. The small towns are replaced by open fields and long, deep valleys, and we are soon entering the Kathmandu valley, where the adventure started. Slowly increase the traffic and the people around us becomes more – quietly, we funneled back into civilization. The metropolis is approaching and we cycle past many of the beautiful buildings, such as the exciting culture has given as return.
We end our cycling trip in a place where it all began perhaps – namely near Bouddha stupa – one of the largest and most impressive. Here Buddhists flock to year-round in search of peace of mind. A beautiful and spectacular sight – and a symbol of our own journey and the insights we have gained in a culture of colors and smiles. We jump on the bus that takes us safely through the busy city and back to the familiar hotel. O/N – Royal Singe (BB Plan)
Early morning in Kathmandu’s streets is something special – the city wake up early, so early risers of you are here at the last moment still some great experiences to be had back home. We eat the night together at a restaurant in Thamel and say goodbye to each other and Nepal. O/N – Royal Singe (BB Plan)
Our representative will transfer you to the International Airport for your onward journey…
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the airport or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph.
* Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).
On arrival in Kathmandu, our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our pre-booked hotel if you have booked airport pick up facility. There won’t be any activity on this day. We will host a pre-trip meeting at the hotel lobby on the 2nd day of your itinerary in the evening. It will be an opportunity for you to meet your mountain biking guide and introduce each other. The guide will brief you about the bike ride and check your gear to ensure the smooth running of your adventure trip.
All accommodations will be on a twin sharing basis during the ride in family-run teahouse (lodge), with a large sociable central dining area and a cozy chimney burning fire. We recommend you to use your own sleeping bag. In general lodge along the journey offers muesli, porridges, Pancakes, bread with jam or eggs, fried eggs on toast, tea/coffee in breakfast and in dinner Dal, Bhat, lentil soup and other cuisines.
Most lodges offer hot showers and in the ones that don’t a bucket of water. In the trail, we find many western toilets and in some places there are usually just the Asian squat type toilets.
Small groups provide a more intimate atmosphere allowing you to get to know your Biking guides better and to develop lifelong friendships. Therefore, the maximum group size for this ride is 16 people. The minimum is 2 people.
If you are planning on longer rides, then you should have a good level of fitness and some biking experience. If you have never ridden long distances or consecutive days before then it can become quite difficult and painful for you. So, we strongly recommend you to have some biking fitness and gain certain degrees of experience before doing the mountain biking tour in Nepal..
Riding around the Kathmandu valley, the first part of the ride, you should expect to be riding in heavy traffic. Once across the ring road the trails will vary for bumpy jeep tracks, quite paved country roads and single tracks through rice paddies. In the national park areas the trails will be unused and very rough jeep tracks and single walking tracks. When you are going up into the mountain regions you should expect to carry your bike quite a bit. The trails are mainly single walking track with very rocky section and steep stair cases. Some parts of the country, there are plenty of four-wheel size tracks which make your rides enjoyable.
Trek Himalayan will supply you with a top quality world class bike with all the necessary gears. Just make yourself available!
The guides are all highly qualified and expert at their profession. They will lead you to all the best trails & ways as per the proposed itinerary.
All our Mountain Biking Guides are well- versed in bike- mechanics and can fix any problems that occur on the trails. They are very friendly and on top of that extremely fun loving people.
An ideal time of the year for biking in Nepal is from early February to mid-June and Mid-August to December. Though, you can also enjoy the ride even in winter until or unless you have got some warm sporting clothing.
Annapurna (8091m) Nilgiri(6940m), Tilicho peak(7134m) Dhulagiri (8167m),Manaslu (8156m), Lamjung Himal (6983m),Machhapuchhare(6993m), Tukuche peak (6920m)
We strongly recommend you to leave your passport, air tickets, credit cards, cash and other valuable items before mountain biking trip begins. Many of hotels in Nepal have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage
The climate in this region varies from subtropical to alpine. The southern slopes of the area has the highest rainfall rate in the country- 3000mm per year, whereas the northern slopes lying in the rain shadow has the lowest rate – less than 300mm per year. The difference in the climatic conditions in this region is responsible for its varied flora and fauna.
Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November
This is the main trekking season in Nepal. While riding in mountains weather will be sunny and mild with clear mountain views. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as to negative 8o C (7.6o F) at the highest altitudes.
Winter: December to end February
Even it is cooler conditions this is an ideal time to ride in Nepal. Skies are usually very clear especially in December and the mountain views are at their best. Nights will be very cold with temperatures down to negative 10o C (14oF) to negative 17o C (1.4oF) at the highest altitudes but days are pleasant and sunny. The trails are also much less busy at this time of year
Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May
Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but cloudiness will be occurred up in the afternoons. Seasonal flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to ride in spring.
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take out a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. Please send us the following details such as your full name, policy number and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number prior to departure. We also strongly recommend that your policy must cover personal liability, flight/trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
Though we hope for the best trip, you sometimes might be in need of rescue or evacuation in case of a serious sickness or a personal prolonged health issue. During such emergency you will be rescued by a helicopter. You are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation services. We request you to make sure when you purchase insurance from your country that your policy must cover these expenses or you should remain prepared to pay or sign on Helicopter Evacuation Form before you get on the Helicopter.
If the main highway along the trail is blocked by a landslide or any natural calamity during the transfer, in such a situation the extra cost for food and accommodation has to be borne by the clients.
Here is some recommended Equipment’s List for Biking in Annapurna region