5 Best Mountain Bike Tours in Nepal
Are you looking for the best mountain bike tours in Nepal? If yes then you are in the right place. Mountain bike tours are popular all over the world and Nepal is on the list of the top 10 mountain bike tour destinations.
Mountain Biking is an adventure activity that is now becoming popular in Nepal. This adventure activity offers more thrills, especially in the Himalayan region. A mountain bike tour in Nepal can be a rewarding and memorable experience for many people.
Nepal is the land of the Himalayas hence it is a great destination for many mountain biking lovers. You can find a variety of terrains including rugged high mountains, lush forests, and meandering rivers.
The country offers challenging singletrack to scenic dirt roads for mountain biking. The combination of mountains and cultural experience is unique. Mountain biking in the Himalayan region of Nepal is a great option for outdoor adventure lovers.
Nepal offers a choice of routes for mountain biking from easy to challenging. You can also choose a day tour or a multi-day tour. Enjoy mountain biking on hills, remote villages, beautiful valleys, single tracks, etc. Food and lodging facilities are available on most trails.
Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of mountain bike tours in Nepal can vary depending on the trail. Some routes are more challenging and are more suitable for experienced riders. There are also some easier routes that may be more accessible to beginners.
Infrastructure in Nepal is not as developed as in other countries so even some famous trails are difficult and challenging. However, rugged terrain and high-altitude trails can also be a rewarding experience for experienced and well-prepared riders.
It is important to be aware of the risks associated with mountain riding so having a sturdy bike with proper gear is essential. It is a good idea to go with a professional guide who is familiar with the area to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Mountain bike tours in Nepal can be physically demanding so a good fitness level is required. Altitude and rough terrain can also stress the body which is why it is important to be in good physical shape before starting the trip.
There are many places and trails for mountain biking in Nepal. You can choose according to your interest and physical fitness. Following are Nepal’s 5 most popular mountain bike tour trails and packages.
1. Upper Mustang Bike Tour
Trip Facts
Region: Upper Mustang
Trip Type: Mountain Biking
Trip Start: Kathmandu
Trip End: Kathmandu
Duration: 14 Days
Highest Elevation: 4,280m
Trip Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
Meals: Full board during the trip
Accommodations: Hotels, Lodges, and Teahouses
Best Time: Autumn (Sep – Nov) and Spring (Mar-May)
Transportation: Flight and Private Vehicle
Upper Mustang Mountain Bike Tour is a popular adventure activity in Nepal. This is an off-road bike trip for thrill seekers in remote mountain areas. Upper Mustang is also a famous area for trekking. This is a restricted area and a special permit is mandatory for the trip.
This trip is a journey to mysterious places that will make you feel like a treasure hunt. Enjoy snow-capped mountains and barren hills in Lo-Manthang, the capital of the desert. The challenge of riding is nothing compared to the incredible views that the journey has to offer.
Start Trip
The journey starts in Kathmandu. On the first day, you will reach the tourist city of Pokhara after a 7 to 8-hour drive from Kathmandu. The next morning, a 20-minute scenic flight will take you to Jomsom. From Jomsom, your journey will proceed via Kaligandaki River towards Kagbeni on a flat, stone jeep track.
From Kagbeni the trail leads to Muktinath, the holy temple of Lord Shiva. Muktinath temple is a popular spiritual site for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. For Hindus, Muktinath is a sacred place of salvation. They believe that bathing in its water leads to salvation. From Muktinath, the trail follows the forbidden land of the Upper Mustang.
You will reach Lo-Manthang, a dry and barren place, passing through Chele, Syangboche, and Tsarang villages. Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow area of the Himalayas, making it a semi-arid desert. Until 1992 this area was closed to foreigners hence it is also known as the “Forbidden State”.The people of this region practice Buddhism so along the trail you will find gompas, prayer flags, and monasteries.
As this area is restricted, a special permit must be obtained for the trip. To get a special permit, you have to pay USD 500 per person and at least 2 people are required. This special permit is for 10 days. If you want to trip for more than 10 days within this restricted area, you have to pay an additional USD 50 per person per day.
Itinerary
1st Day: Kathmandu to Pokhara (900m) Drive
2nd Day: Fly Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m) and biking to Kagbeni (2,810m) – 12km.
3rd Day: Kagbeni to Muktinath (3,800m) – 20km.
4th Day: Muktinath to Chile (3,562m) – 18km.
5th Day: Chile to Syangbochen (3,800m) – 20km.
6th Day: Syangboche to Charang (3,560m) – 22km.
7th Day: Charang to Lo Manthang (3,810m) – 20km.
8th Day: Explore Lo Manthang
9th Day: Lo Mantang to Ghami (3,520m) vis Ghar Gumba – 30km.
10th Day: Ghami to Samar (3,660m) – 32km.
11th Day: Shamar to Marpha (2,670km) – 30km.
12th Day: Marpha to Tatopani (1,190m) – 45km.
13th Day: Tatopani to Beni (830m) – 18 km. and drive to Pokhara
14th Day: Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,350m)
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2. Jomsom-Muktinath Bike Tour
Trip Facts
Region: Lower Mustang
Trip Type: Mountain Biking
Trip Start: Kathmandu
Trip End: Kathmandu
Duration: 7 Days
Highest Elevation: 4,200m
Trip Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
Meals: Full board during the trip
Accommodations: Hotels, Lodges, and Teahouses
Best Time: Autumn (Sep – Nov) and Spring (Mar-May)
Transportation: Flight and Private Vehicle
Jomsom-Muktinath Mountain Bike Tour is another famous trip in Nepal. It is one of the most followed routes, an incredible experience in the Himalayan region. An adventure tour of local and traditional villages, beautiful mountains, and a holy temple will give you the best time of your life.
This mountain bike tour takes you through the beautiful landscapes of the Annapurna region. Jomsom is a culturally rich beautiful valley that sits at an altitude of 2,743 meters above sea level.
Nestled in the lap of Dhaulagiri Himal (8,167 m), this place remains dry most of the year. The mountains are dry and steep because of the rain shadow. Excellent for cycling, the Jomsom Muktinath Trail is also the gateway to Upper Mustang.
Start Trip
On the first day of the trip, you will travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara. There are 2 options – fly or drive. If you travel by flight, you can reach Pokhara in 25 minutes and if you drive, it takes 7-8 hours.
Next morning you will fly from Pokhara to Jomsom. It is a thrilling 20-minute flight that offers you breathtaking mountain views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. After landing at Jomsom, your mountain bike tour will continue to Kagbeni. After 1 night of Kagbeni stays you will ride uphill to Muktinath at an altitude of 3,900 meters.
The trail leads through Jhong village on a dusty jeep track. In Jhong you can explore an old monastery with stunning mountain views. After a short ride from Jong, you will reach Muktinath and explore the local village with monasteries and temples.
The next day’s trip will start for the Supra Pass at an altitude of 4,200 meters. After that, you will return to Marfa to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. From the top of the pass, you will have a quick downhill ride to the river valley and from there it is a flat 6 km. to Jomsom. From Jomsom to Marfa, the route follows the river.
The trail from Marfa to Tatopani is mostly downhill. Your journey goes through pine forests and beautiful small villages. The next day after reaching Beni from Tatopani, your mountain bike trip will end and from there you will drive to Pokhara. The next day you will fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
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Itinerary
1st Day: Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (9,00m)
2nd Day: Fly Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m) and bike to Kagbeni (2,810m) -12km.
3rd Day: Kagbeni to Muktinath (3,800m) -20km.
4th Day: Muktinath to Marpah (2,670m) -22km.
5th Day: Marpha to Tatopani (1,190m)-36km.
6th Day: Tatopani to Beni (830m) – 39km. and Drive to Pokhara
7th Day: Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,350m)
3. Around Kathmandu Valley Bike Tour
Trip Facts
Region: Around Kathmandu Valley
Trip Type: Mountain Biking
Trip Start: Kathmandu
Trip End: Kathmandu
Duration: 6 Days
Highest Elevation: 2,175m
Trip Grade: Moderate
Meals: Full board during the trip
Accommodations: Hotels and Lodges
Best Time: Autumn (Sep – Nov) and Spring (Mar-May)
This trip is a great option to enjoy mountain biking around Kathmandu Valley, the capital of Nepal. On this week-long cycling tour, you’ll travel on little-used dirt roads away from the crowds. This trail offers views of lush green forests, beautiful small villages, temples, monasteries, and the majestic Himalayas.
Start trip
The journey will start from Kathmandu. After breakfast, you depart from Kathmandu for Tokha village from where the off-road starts. Nagi Gompa is a beautiful Buddhist Tibetan monastery from where you can enjoy the best view of Kathmandu. From Nagi Gompa, the route goes through Shivpuri National Park to Mulkhark and you will spend the night in a guest house.
The journey continues through the National Park till Chisapani. Mulkhark to Chisapani is also a trail within Shivpuri National Park. It offers magnificent views of the Annapurna range which is one of the best views within the valley region. At Chisapani you can interact with the local people and learn about their rural lifestyle which will add another wonderful experience.
The next day morning you will ride from Chisapani to the northeast corner of the valley for Nagarkot. Nagarkot is an excellent destination near Kathmandu to experience true nature with spectacular sunrise and sunset views. This place offers a panoramic view of the mountains including Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang, etc.
From Nagarkot, you will reach Dhulikhel through terraced paddy fields and small villages. Dhulikhel is an old small town inhabited by the Newar community. This place is great for visiting historical sites and learning about culture, traditions, festivals, and language.
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Visit famous monastery
From Dhulikhel, you will reach Namobuddha by following the jeep track. At Namobuddha you will visit a large and famous Buddhist monastery which is a holy place for Buddhists. The monastery is located on a hilltop that offers 360-degree views of the valley below. This monastery is also suitable for doing meditation and yoga activities.
After enjoying the beautiful scenery for some time at Namobuddha, the route will continue to Balthali. On the last day of the trip, the journey will be from Balthali to Panauti. Panauti is an old historical town with temples and monuments. From Panauti the journey will continue to Lakuri Bhanjyan. You will gradually ride uphill.
From Lakhuri Bhanjyang you can see the beautiful view of Kathmandu valley and mountains. You will arrive at Kathmandu via a downhill dirt road to Lubhu and a paved road from there.
Itinerary
1st Day: Kathmandu to Mulkhark (1,788m) – 15km.
2nd Day: Mulkhark to Chisapani (2,150m) -12km.
3rd Day: Chisapani to Nagarkot (2,175m) – 22km.
4th Day: Nagarkot to Dhulikhel (1,550m) – 16km.
5th Day: Dhulikhel to Balthali (1,730m) via Namobuddha -27km.
6th Day: Balthali to Lakuri bhanjyang (2,100m) to Kathmandu
4. Annapurna Circuit Biking Tour
Trip Facts
Region: Annapurna
Trip Type: Mountain Biking
Trip Start: Kathmandu
Trip End: Kathmandu
Duration: 11 Days
Highest Elevation: 5,416m
Trip Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
Meals: Full board during the trip
Accommodations: Hotels, Lodges, and Teahouses
Best Time: Autumn (Sep – Nov) and Spring (Mar-May)
Transportation: Flight and Private Vehicle
Annapurna Circuit is a popular trekking route in Nepal. This route circles the Annapurna massif. Annapurna Circuit is a mountain biking paradise that takes you on a thrilling adventure. The trail passes small villages, alpine meadows, subtropical forests, and high-altitude deserts. The tour also offers stunning views of some of the world’s highest snow-capped mountains, suspension bridges, and remote mountain villages.
This high-altitude trail is not specially designed for mountain biking which makes the journey challenging. Riders will have to deal with rocky terrain, steep inclines, and loose gravel. A good level of fitness, experience, and technical skills are required to complete this challenging journey. Biking on the Annapurna Circuit is not recommended for beginners as it is challenging and difficult.
A mountain bike tour of the Annapurna Circuit usually takes 11-14 days depending on the performance. The trail covers a distance of about 210-220 km. You should be aware of the possibility of altitude sickness, and take the necessary precautions to acclimatize before attempting high altitudes. Mountain biking on the Annapurna Circuit can be a great way to explore the Himalayas for experienced riders.
Start Trip
On the first day of the trip, you will drive for about 6 hours from Kathmandu to Besi Shahar. The next day you will continue from the Besi Shahar, encountering several small stream crossings. From the Taal, the trail goes up a steep and rocky jeep track.
After a 36 km ride, you will reach Chame which is a famous village in the Annapurna region situated in a narrow valley. From Chame to Manang, the trail goes up through the pine forest. Depending on the weather, you may also encounter a lot of mud and snow in this section.
The fifth day will be a rest day in Manang. Manang is at an altitude of about 3520 meters so it is necessary to allow the body to acclimatize to the high altitude. On this acclimatization day, you can take interesting and scenic short hikes around Manang.
The next day the journey continues from Manang to Thorang Phedi. This day trip distance is short but challenging. Thorang Pedi is 4,450 meters above sea level where you may face snow and extreme cold. But the snow-capped mountains in all directions are breathtaking.
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The highest point of the trip
The seventh day is the most challenging and difficult of the entire trip. This day you cross the 5,416-meter-high Thorang La Pass and descend to Muktinath. It takes 3 to 6 hours to reach the highest point of the trip from Thorang Pedi through snow and cold temperatures. You will descend from the highest altitude of 5,416 meters to 3,800 meters of Muktinath.
On the eighth day of the trip, the trail takes you through the town of Jomsom to Marfa, the village of excellent apples. From Marfa to Tatopani and from there to Beni your mountain bike trip will end. From Beni, you will drive to Pokhara and the next morning you will arrive at Kathmandu by flight.
Itinerary
1st Day: Drive Kathmandu to Besishahar
2nd Day: Besishahar to Taal – 30km.
3rd Day: Tall to Chame – 36km.
4th Day: Chame to Manang – 30km.
5th Day: Rest in Manang
6th Day: Manang to Thorang Phedi – 17km.
7th Day: Thorang Phedi to Muktinath via Thorang La Pass – 14km.
8th Day: Muktinath to To Marpha via Lubra Village – 30km.
9th Day: Marpha to Tatopani – 32km.
10th Day: Tatopani to Beni – 18km. and drive to Pokhara
11th Day: Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu
5. Chisapani-Nagarkot Biking Tour
Trip Facts
Region: Around Kathmandu Valley
Trip Type: Mountain Biking
Trip Start: Kathmandu
Trip End: Kathmandu
Duration: 3 Days
Highest Elevation: 2,175m
Trip Grade: Moderate
Meals: Full board during the trip
Accommodations: Hotels and Lodges
Best Time: Autumn (Sep – Nov) and Spring (Mar-May)
Chisapani Nagarkot Mountain Biking Tour is a famous route in Nepal. This short and sweet mountain bike tour is a favorite of many enthusiasts. Chisapani Nagarkot Trip is designed for all mountain biking lovers. Chisapani and Nagarkot are famous for their views of mountain ranges, landscapes, and rhododendron forests.
It is also popular for exploring ancient villages, their culture, and traditions. Chisapani Nagarkot Mountain Bike Tour is an excellent option to explore the natural and cultural beauty of Nepal. This trip includes steep inclines, rocky trails, and winding single-track routes.
Start Trip
On the first day of the trip, you will reach Chisapani from Kathmandu. Chisapani is one of the famous tourist destinations which is located in Shivpuri National Park. It is also the gateway to Nagarkot and Langtang trekking.
Chisapani is a popular destination near the Kathmandu Valley to explore the scenic mountains and national park with its traditional Nepalese village. In the beautiful ancient settlement of Chisapani, you will experience true natural beauty away from the crowded city.
The village provides an opportunity to interact with the local people and learn about their rural lifestyle which will add another wonderful experience to your trip. After one night stay in Chisapani, the next day your journey will go towards Nagarkot. The trail passes through forests with stunning Himalayan scenery.
Nagarkot Hill is another excellent and famous tourist destination. Situated at an altitude of 2,175 meters above sea level, this small town is an excellent place to enjoy sunrise and sunset views with stunning mountain views.
On the last day of the trip, you will proceed towards Changunarayan after enjoying the sunrise view. From the cliff of Changunarayan temple, you can see a panoramic view of Sankhu village on the right and Bhaktapur on the left. It is considered to be the oldest Hindu temple in the valley.
After visiting Changunarayan Temple, you will continue cycling to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Malla kings between the 12th and 18th centuries, this durbar square is considered the best-preserved example of traditional Newari architecture. Finally, after reaching Kathmandu from Bhaktapur, your Chisapani Nagarkot mountain bike tour ends.
Itinerary
1st Day: Kathmandu to Chisapani
2nd Day: Chisapani to Nagarkot
3rd Day: Nagarkot to Kathmandu via Bhaktapur
Food and accommodation during the mountain bike tours in Nepal
During a mountain bike tour in Nepal, food and accommodation vary depending on the route and itinerary. Many tours include food and accommodation at the cost of the package. Depending on the location, camping, homestays, and budget hotels are used for accommodation.
Most places in Nepal do not have separate trails for mountain bike rides, so you use trekking trails. Most of the trails have teahouses where food and accommodation are available. In Kathmandu valley and the Chisapani-Nagarkot trail you can find good quality hotels and lodges. But in most places of Annapurna and Mustang trail, only normal teahouses are available.
A tea house is a kind of small lodge with a simple room with beds, pillows, mattresses, and blankets. These teahouses are run by locals to provide food and accommodation to travelers. These teahouses usually offer local Nepali dishes like Dal Bhat, momos, chow mein, etc. You can also find continental food in some places.
Best seasons for mountain bike tours in Nepal
The best seasons for mountain biking in Nepal are usually autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). The weather during these seasons is generally dry and mild. Clear skies and comfortable temperatures make the ride ideal.
As the weather is clear, the view of the mountains and surroundings is clear. During these times it does not rain much and it is not too cold. The trails are also less muddy which makes them more suitable for cycling. This is the best and least risky time for adventure activities like mountain biking.
Note that monsoon (June to August) and winter (December to February) are not good seasons for mountain biking in Nepal. Mountain biking is risky during the monsoon season due to heavy rains, landslides, and poor trail conditions winter brings cold, dry weather and snow in the mountains. In the Himalayan region, the journey is difficult and risky due to extreme cold and high snowfall.
Difficulty in mountain bike tours in Nepal
A mountain bike tour in Nepal can be quite challenging. Nepal’s trails often have steep inclines, rocky terrain, and technical sections that make the journey difficult. Trails can also be quite rough due to loose gravel, ruts, and obstacles such as rocks and fallen trees. The high altitude of the mountains can make riding more difficult, as the thin air can make breathing difficult.
The difficulty level will also depend on the specific route of the tour and the itinerary. Not all trails are that difficult, some of the lower-elevation trails are relatively easy. Famous routes like the Annapurna Circuit and Upper Mustang require a high level of skill and experience. When planning mountain bike tours in Nepal it is important to consider your own skill level and physical fitness.
A good level of cardio fitness and physical conditioning is important for mountain bike tours in Nepal. If you are not a regular rider it is a good idea to start training and familiarize yourself with the bike before starting the trip. It is also important to consider the best season for mountain biking in Nepal.
Security during the trip
Before embarking on a mountain bike tour in Nepal, it is important to consider the potential risks and take steps to minimize them. It is important to have appropriate travel insurance that covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost or stolen gear.
Hiring a guide through a reputable tour company is important to ensure your safety on a mountain biking trip in Nepal. Guides are able to provide information about the local terrain, weather conditions, and any potential hazards.
It is important to take safety precautions during the tour. Wear appropriate safety gear such as helmets and protective clothing and ride only on designated trails. It is also important to follow local laws and regulations as well as respect the rights of local communities.
Altitude sickness and acclimatization during a mountain bike tour in Nepal
Altitude sickness is also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). Many trails in Nepal are at high altitudes so altitude sickness can be a concern during a mountain biking trip. Altitude sickness is common when traveling at high altitudes but can lead to serious problems if left untreated. At higher altitudes, there is only less oxygen so the body cannot adapt to the lower levels of oxygen at higher altitudes.
Symptoms of mountain sickness include headache, fatigue, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. But if you take some precautions, you can easily avoid this problem. It is important to allow the body to adjust by gradually riding to altitude to avoid altitude sickness.
When traveling to altitude you need to include acclimatization days in your schedule as this is a key way to avoid altitude sickness. Drink plenty of fluids, and avoid smoking and alcohol. When symptoms of altitude sickness appear, it is important to descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible.
Permit and entrance fee for a mountain bike tour in Nepal
Permits and entry fees for mountain bike tours in Nepal depend on the designated areas you visit. In general, most mountain biking routes require a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card. If you want to ride inside the restricted area, you need to get a special permit.
Additionally, if you enter certain protected areas or national parks, you will have to pay an entrance fee. The cost of permits varies depending on the specific area and duration of travel. It is recommended to inquire with local authorities or tour operators for information on permits and fees as these may change from time to time.
For more information about mountain bike tours in Nepal, you can mail our experts at [email protected]
