Mountain Biking / Cycling Tour
Explore the hills around Kathmandu on this 10-day guided cycling expedition from Panauti to Nagarkot, Godawari, Daman and back. Enjoy mountain views, medieval towns and cultural villages across the Kathmandu Valley rim.
Country
Nepal
Duration
10 Days
Difficulty
Hard
Trip Type
Mountain Biking
Max Altitude
2175m/7135ft
Best Season
Dec-Mar
Accomodation
3***hotel/ twin sharing bed basis during the tour
Meals
All meal (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast) with hot drinks during the tour.
Start/End Point
Kayhmandu
Highlights & Overview
Week-long ride through historic towns like Panauti, Bhaktapur & Ghandruk-style villages.Scenic hillside trails and downhill descents offering Himalayan panoramas from Nagarkot (≈ 2175m/7135ft)Ride across ridges, terraced fields, pine forests and heritage sites.Cultural stops: Indreshwor Mahadev Temple in Panauti, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Surya Binayak and more.Mix of road cycling and off-road jeep/single-track sections for varied terrain and experience.Final day descent to Kathmandu with sweeping views of the valley and mountains.
Experience the Kathmandu Valley like never before on our Kathmandu Valley Hill-Cycle Expedition – 10 Days. This immersive journey is designed for adventurous cyclists keen to explore the lesser-seen hills, forests and historic towns just beyond Nepal’s capital. Starting in Kathmandu, you’ll be introduced to your bikes and briefed on the week’s plan before heading out to uncover the cultural and natural richness that surrounds the valley.
Your route begins with a ride to Panauti (≈ 1440m/4724ft) , a medieval town steeped in Newar architecture and river-junction temples. From there the trail leads to Dhulikhel (≈ 1550m/5085ft), where panoramic views of over twenty Himalayan peaks await. Next you’ll cycle to the iconic Nagarkot (≈ 2175m/7135ft), perched on the eastern rim of the valley, offering sunrise vistas of Everest, Langtang, Ganesh Himal and beyond.
The adventure continues via jeep tracks and single-track trails through Lubhu, Surya Binayak, Godawari and the Kulekhani dam area, traversing pine forests and tranquil villages. You’ll explore agricultural terraces, historic temples, and authentic Newar and Magar settlements. Each day brings a new terrain: downhill rides, climbs, timeless heritage and striking mountain scenery.
The final push takes you from Daman, descending back to Kathmandu with unforgettable valley views, concluding in the bustle of the city. This expedition is perfect for intermediate cyclists who seek a blend of cultural immersion, off-road riding and Himalayan views—not high-altitude trekking but high in scenic and cultural value.
With elevations mostly between 800m and 2200m, the ride is manageable yet exciting. Journey with experienced guides, well-maintained bikes and local support for a smooth and enriching ride through the heart of Nepal’s hill country.
Your route begins with a ride to Panauti (≈ 1440m/4724ft) , a medieval town steeped in Newar architecture and river-junction temples. From there the trail leads to Dhulikhel (≈ 1550m/5085ft), where panoramic views of over twenty Himalayan peaks await. Next you’ll cycle to the iconic Nagarkot (≈ 2175m/7135ft), perched on the eastern rim of the valley, offering sunrise vistas of Everest, Langtang, Ganesh Himal and beyond.
The adventure continues via jeep tracks and single-track trails through Lubhu, Surya Binayak, Godawari and the Kulekhani dam area, traversing pine forests and tranquil villages. You’ll explore agricultural terraces, historic temples, and authentic Newar and Magar settlements. Each day brings a new terrain: downhill rides, climbs, timeless heritage and striking mountain scenery.
The final push takes you from Daman, descending back to Kathmandu with unforgettable valley views, concluding in the bustle of the city. This expedition is perfect for intermediate cyclists who seek a blend of cultural immersion, off-road riding and Himalayan views—not high-altitude trekking but high in scenic and cultural value.
With elevations mostly between 800m and 2200m, the ride is manageable yet exciting. Journey with experienced guides, well-maintained bikes and local support for a smooth and enriching ride through the heart of Nepal’s hill country.
FAQs for this Trip
- What do I wear? Helmets are compulsory. We recommend polystyrene helmets complying with ANSI Z90/4 or SNELL standards. Cycling shoes, shorts and jerseys are also recommended for your safety and convenience but you can wear what you like and are comfortable with. Many dress up to make it a really fun day.
- Where can you cycle in Nepal? Biking in Nepal doesn’t mean the equivalent of climbing Everest as tours are available for the casual cyclist through to the masochistic adventurer without compromising on the beauty of the trails and terrain. Many rides include heart stopping downhill’s with kilometers of hairpin turns, lots of single tracks (off-road trails) that thread through emerald-green rice fields, remote village sanctuaries, river & gorge verges, pilgrimage power centers and sacred Hindu/Buddhist sites of the region. Itineraries lead you on secret trails and by-pass the trekkers trails whilst enter rarely visited pockets of Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Chitwan and beyond. Keep your eyes open and camera ready as you enter a time warp to capture images of timeless farming villages, hidden temples, ancient kingdoms teeming with gods, and the Terai jungles teaming with wildlife. Festivals and colorful ceremonies abound throughout the year given there are more than 50 languages and 70 ethnic groups in Nepal alone
- What should i bring? Much of what you should bring depends upon the type of tour your will choose. A one to three day trip around Kathmandu Valley with an agency will usually have all gear provided. Keep in mind, there are no ‘real’ biking shops or outfitters in Nepal; only agencies for trips. These places may be able to help you with parts and tune-ups, but supplies will be limited. For longer trips, bring the gear you would use in your own country to make your trip a more pleasant experience.
- Can i rent bikes? Many bikes are available for rental in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Prices vary according to bike quality and rental time. Bargaining is appreciated. A deposit is usually required but you are not required to give your passport (and this is not recommended). You can simply give scan copies of your passport in order to hire a mountain bike.
- Can i get my bike through customs? Yes, you can bring your own bicycle to Nepal. Note: shipping any expensive item into any Asian country can be a lesson in patient; like the fellow that received his bike minus the seat!
Mountain Biking / Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Smooth Arrival in Kathmandu (Approx Altitude: 1350m/4429ft)
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. After the clearance of customs and luggage’s, exist from the Airport Departure lounge and as soon as you exist you can see number of peoples outside holding a placard. Among them one of the representative of Nature Trail Travels & Tours, Trekking & Expedition will be holing a placard with your name in it. So, closely look at them. He will then transfer you to your respective hotels. Or else, you can visit our office and after full description about your trip, you will be driven to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Max Altitude
1350m/4429ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Day 2: Cycle from Kathmandu to Panauti – (≈ 1440m/4724ft / 32 km)
You’ll be assigned to your bike for the week and receive important information about the daily schedule and ride options. We begin our tour from Kathmandu and head towards the beautiful town of Panauti. Panauti is a historical city found in Nepal, as it was originally a small state given by King Bhupatindra Malla as a dowry to his sister. At the end of the 13th Century, Panauti was finally integrated into the unified kingdom of Nepal, along with Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, which are all former capital cities of the Kathmandu valley. Panauti, consists of a variety of Buddhist and Hindu religious monuments, and is considered to be one of the most important medieval sites.
Panauti is located 32 kilometers South-East of Kathmandu. Our journey begins from Kathmandu to Patan, another historically enriched site. Further cycling, we reach a quiet Newari village of Sisneri. Regardless the fact being near to capital city, this village is still off the beaten path by tourist. For a photographer, this place is a true paradise offering a natural lush green hillside and a natural pool. With the contrast of richly colored villages against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains, we further ride on an ascending trail 500 meters ahead. This is probably the oldest route east out of Kathmandu Valley, connecting the ancient cities of the valley with Panauti. It is wild trail downhill to Panauti. Indreswor Mahadev Temple in Panauti is the oldest surviving temple in Nepal, believed to be constructed in 1294A.D.
Max Altitude
1440m/4724ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 3: Ride from Panauti to Dhulikhel – (≈ 1550m/5085ft / 35 km)
After breakfast, we set off our ride towards Dhulikhel. Dhulikhel is the administrative center of Kavre palanchowk District, Nepal. The people in the village are Newars, Brahmin, Chhetris, Tamang and Dalit. Dhulikhel has been for centuries an important trading center on the commercial route linking Nepal to Tibet. More than twenty Himalayan peaks including Mt. Annapurna (8091 m), Mt. Ganesh Himal (7429 m), Mt. Lang tang (7234 m), Mt. Phuribichyachu (6637 m), Mt. Gaurishanker (7134 m), Mt. Lhotse (8516 m) and many others can be seen from Dhulikhel.
Today, you have two choices; either you cycle of the road and climb up to Dhulikhel, or you can ride in a more adventurous track, which goes more steeply up through terraced fields to the Buddhist pilgrimage temple of Namo Buddha and then descend down to Dhulikhel. This involves a ride of about 35 kilometers. Upon your arrival at Dhulikhel, check-in to the hotel and graze a fantastic sunset view.
Today, you have two choices; either you cycle of the road and climb up to Dhulikhel, or you can ride in a more adventurous track, which goes more steeply up through terraced fields to the Buddhist pilgrimage temple of Namo Buddha and then descend down to Dhulikhel. This involves a ride of about 35 kilometers. Upon your arrival at Dhulikhel, check-in to the hotel and graze a fantastic sunset view.
Max Altitude
1550m/5085ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 4: Cycle to Nagarkot via Bhaktapur Sightseeing (≈ 2175m/7135ft)
On the following day, after breakfast at hotel you will commence your cycling tour towards Nagarkot. Nagarkot is a hill station located 32 km east of Kathmandu valley. Nagarkot thrills visitors with its unrestricted view of the mountain range from Annapurna in the west to the mighty Everest in the East. Historically, Nagarkot was a place for the royals of Nepal to escape the scorching heat of summer and a hectic city life. In the 60’s explorers would battle the shivering winds and sleepless nights to see the stupendous sunrise and sunsets. Today, still people from all over World, from different walks of life, travel to Nagarkot, to enjoy the picturesque rural scenery of terraced rice fields, green pastures, the sunrise and sunsets.
We have to ride through a downhill trail on a little-used tarmac road towards the mediaeval town of Bhaktapur in order to reach Nagarkot. Bhaktapur literally means place of devotees is an ancient Newari city. Bhaktapur has the best preserved palace courtyards and old city center in Nepal, and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. The most famous ancient historical sites like: 55 window Palace, Batsala Temple, Statue of Bhupatindra Malla, Nyatapola Temple, Golden Gate, etc. are located in Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
We have to ride through a downhill trail on a little-used tarmac road towards the mediaeval town of Bhaktapur in order to reach Nagarkot. Bhaktapur literally means place of devotees is an ancient Newari city. Bhaktapur has the best preserved palace courtyards and old city center in Nepal, and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. The most famous ancient historical sites like: 55 window Palace, Batsala Temple, Statue of Bhupatindra Malla, Nyatapola Temple, Golden Gate, etc. are located in Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Max Altitude
2175m/7135ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 5: Rest Day at Nagarkot
Changu Narayan Temple is situated at the top of the hill surrounded by forest of Champ tree and is also known as Changu or Dolagiri. The temple complex includes one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Kathmandu valley and has intricate statues and stone tablets depicting ancient Hindu folklore. The two-storey roofed temple stands on a high plinth of stone. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Visnu and held in especial reverence by the Hindu people. Unlike other temples of Nepal, this temple is neither in Shikhara Style nor the Pagoda style. It has an architectural style which describe as a traditional Nepali temple. The temple is surrounded by forest of Champ tree which has a myth too. It remains a milestone in Nepali temple architecture with rich embossed works.
Max Altitude
2175m/7135ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 6: Ride from Nagarkot to Godawari via Surya Binayak & Lubhu
After a rest day at Nagarkot, we continue our bike ride towards Godawari via Lubhu (Lalitpur), Surya Binayak (Bhaktapur) and Phulchowki. Lubhu is known for its handmade cloth and text tile production. The temple’s religious architectures date back to the Malla periods, according to stone inscriptions. There are altogether five layers of gold-plated masks of the above mentioned deities enshrined in the template. Thus, the name of the place “Lubhu” is derived from “Lunbhu” which means golden plate. En route, we pass by the Surya Binayak temple too. Surya Binayak is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Ganesh. This temple is known as the temple of rising sun. The temple is believed to have been originally built over 1500 years ago in the time of the Lichhavi King Vishnu Dev Barma. Leaving Bhaktapur behind, we head towards north-west on jeep tracks and single tracks, passing paddy fields along the gorgeous and serene forest of Phulchowki on our way to Godawari. Godawari is one of the popular hiking destinations in Nepal for its rich wildlife and splendid environment. It is also popular for its Botanical Garden which hosts a wide range of exotic and indigenous plants in its famous garden. It has been of prime importance for scientific research and observation, and is popular among both the locals and tourists because of its pleasing landscape surrounded by evergreen natural forest. You can feel a sense of tranquility and refreshment in Godavari.
Max Altitude
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 7: Cycle from Godawari to Dakshinkali via Bungamati
On the following day, we continue our cycling tour on the jeep track into Chapagaon village which offers excellent views of Kathmandu Valley and is also the home of the Vajra Varahi. Leaving Chapagaon behind, we head South Crossing Over Lele River and head up on a short steep climb up on a jeep track and down toward Bungamati. Bungamati is famous village for agriculture, livestock and fishing. It is the hometown of the deity Machhindranath, regarded as the patron of the valley and has large Shikhara-style temple. Machhindranath is regarded as the compassionate god of agricultural prosperity, who is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. We then approach to the Ganesh Temple (Elephant God Temple) after crossing the suspension bridge over Bagmati River. The sealed Dakshinkali road strings together some fascinating cultural sights and while the ride out is largely uphill, it’s gradual. Dakshinkali temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali. Animal sacrifices, particularly of cockerels and uncast rated male goats, are the main way that the goddess is worshipped, and this is especially seen during the Dashain festival as well as Saturday.
Max Altitude
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 8: Ride from Dakshinkali to Daman via Kulekhani Dam – (72 km)
After having breakfast at the hotel, we move ahead sampling some exciting trails that lead up and across the valley rim to the south and on to the Kulekhani Dam Site. We ride through the pine forest and pass by many small villages like; Pharping, Hudu, Humane Bhanjyang, Purandi, Fakhel and Kalanki. The slightly longer and rougher road is better for bikers. It heads broadly west and uphill from Pharping, making for the dam on the Kulekhani Reservoir. Kulekhani Dam was completed in 1982 and is the first reservoir Hydropower system of Nepal which is enormous. It is a peaceful place where the beauty of the water reservoir adds up even more beauty to the area. This picturesque lake side is a paradise for a photographer. This route is also known as the ancient trade route from India.
Leaving Kulekhani Lake behind, we take the road north along the eastern shore to Markhu (1600m), a small, newly built village (with lodges) at the reservoir’s northern extremity. From Markhu, a rough spur road heads northeast for Thankot, on the Prithvi Highway; a longer but better-graded route heads 13km northwest on a good, pine-shaded road to join the Tribhuvan Raj path 15km north of Daman. We pass through different small villages; Taukhel, Bajra Barahi, Palung, Thana Bazaar and Shikarkot Bazaar. This road is a Prithvi Highway which links Nepal to India. Anyone fancying an introduction to Himalayan hill climbing (14km) can spin all the way up to Simbhanjyang. Daman is famous for its View Tower fitted with long range telescopes from where one can see widest panoramic views of the Himalayas. It has a great view of the mountains from Dhaulagiri to Mt Everest. For the view of the Breath taking grandeur of the world’s highest peaks extending in one glittering are from far-east of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) there is no better place than Daman.
Leaving Kulekhani Lake behind, we take the road north along the eastern shore to Markhu (1600m), a small, newly built village (with lodges) at the reservoir’s northern extremity. From Markhu, a rough spur road heads northeast for Thankot, on the Prithvi Highway; a longer but better-graded route heads 13km northwest on a good, pine-shaded road to join the Tribhuvan Raj path 15km north of Daman. We pass through different small villages; Taukhel, Bajra Barahi, Palung, Thana Bazaar and Shikarkot Bazaar. This road is a Prithvi Highway which links Nepal to India. Anyone fancying an introduction to Himalayan hill climbing (14km) can spin all the way up to Simbhanjyang. Daman is famous for its View Tower fitted with long range telescopes from where one can see widest panoramic views of the Himalayas. It has a great view of the mountains from Dhaulagiri to Mt Everest. For the view of the Breath taking grandeur of the world’s highest peaks extending in one glittering are from far-east of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) there is no better place than Daman.
Max Altitude
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 9: Descend from Daman to Kathmandu – (91 km)
Early in the morning wake up and proceed for a short hike towards Risheshwor Temple. About an hour walk from Daman leads you to this temple. This temple has a faces shaped carved in a stone. People worship this stone as Lord Shiva. Unlike various Shiva Temple, this temple does not have Shiva Linga but a face of the God Shiva. People from various countries and state visit this temple in a belief that their wish comes true. There is a very small pond where people worship and throw the coins on its hole making their wish. According to the locals, during the great festival of “Thulo Ekadashi”, there is a light enlightened automatically during mid-night above the Shiva’s statue. So, on this day there is a huge festival in this place and is crowded with the devotees offering their prayers. On the way to the temple, you can see many prayer flags which makes the environment a peaceful .You can also see a Tibetan Monastery where Lamas. Enroute, there is a sleeping stone where it is believed that whoever sleeps here for a moment won’t have any back pain problems.
After breakfast in the hotel, descend down to Palung valley retracing our foot steps back on the same trail. Then we follow a long broken tarmac road to Satghumti and further up to Naubise. From this small town we ride back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
After breakfast in the hotel, descend down to Palung valley retracing our foot steps back on the same trail. Then we follow a long broken tarmac road to Satghumti and further up to Naubise. From this small town we ride back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Max Altitude
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 10: Transfer to Airport for Departure
Depending upon you flight schedule, transfer to airport for departure. With the beautiful and a lifelong memory you will take your flight to your hometown. We wish to see you back again in future.
Max Altitude
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Price Includes
Will be briefed once you book the trip by our representatives.Price Doesn't Include
Will be briefed once you book the trip by our representatives.Packing Lists
Cloathing
Lightweight long-sleeve shirts and trousersCycling jersey and padded shortsWarm fleece or light jacket for early mornings & eveningsWaterproof/windproof shellComfortable cycling gloves and hat/capSunglasses with UV protectionClosed cycling shoes or trekking shoesGears
Helmet (mandatory)Day-pack for essentialsWater bottle(s) or hydration packBike repair kit (if self-guided)Headlamp and spare batteriesCamera with memory cards and chargerBinoculars (optional for views)Personal Items
Sunscreen (SPF30+) & lip balmInsect repellentPersonal medications and basic first-aid kitWet wipes/tissuesReusable shopping bagOther Items You Can Bring
Passport/ID & travel insurance copyCash in Nepalese Rupees for small vendorsPlug adapter & power bankSnacks/energy bars for ridesRain cover for day-pack