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Tours / Cycling Tour / Kathmandu Valley Rim

The Kathmandu valley offers some great mountain biking trails. We travel along little-used dirt roads away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Only a short bike ride away lies a delightful world of wooded slopes, small villages, hidden temples and the views which include all of the principal peaks of the Nepal Himalaya - from Makalu to the Annapurnas providing some excellent, easy to semi - technical single track riding along old jeep roads. Throughout the trip, we will experience all of the sights, sounds, tastes and smells that make up life in Nepal’s 'Middle Hills'. We will visit the historic cities of Basantapur, Bhaktapur and Patan; hill resort of Nagarkot with its sunrise view of the entire Nepal Himalaya and the temples; monasteries and picturesque villages tucked away in the forests along the way. We are so close to the chaos of Kathmandu, yet so far off the beaten tourist trail.

 

This is a fun but challenging trip, suitable for those with some off-road biking experience, since a couple of trails are technical. There are also some long climbs rewarded by even bigger descents. With the mornings spent cycling above a sea of clouds, it would not be an exaggeration to call this a heaven for all levels of mountain bikers!

 

This Biking tour takes you around the rim of the valley that contains capital city Kathmandu. It transverse to the northern rim of the valley taking in all the high points for spectacular mountains views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang and Everest. Not only does this route take in the mountains but also Kathmandu’s exotic and sometimes erotic architecture, holy-men, temples and culture. It may a unique experience not to be found anywhere else in the world. A lot of the trails are challenging and for the serious for recreational riders. The biking tour passes through a nun’s monastery and continues riding through the thick jungle of Shivapuri towards Nagarkot. Further, we go to an old Newari town and re-enter the valley through a high pass called Panouti and ending our tour in the Kathmandu. We “Nepal Mother House Treks” are glade to arrange this tour itinerary on your own design also.

  • Itenary
  • FAQs
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  • Departure Date
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Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu Upon arrival at international airport, meet, assist and transfer to Hotel (star category, a very nice centrally located at Thamel), rest and free at afternoon. Stay overnight at Hotel.


Day 02: Kathmandu to Kakani (2,073m) - ride 22km After breakfast we will start our bike cycle tour through to Nagarjun forest (the queen’s forest) which is way up the drive to Trishuli Bazaar via Langtang Trek and 22km north of Kathmandu. Where we head off the road we will be seen green hills with local village of great scenery of Himalayan range of Annapurna from on the way and continues ride on the Kakani Dada (Dada is a Hill) is one of the spectacular views of over the valley and a superb single-track and fine trail descent down the backside of the mountain and numerous picnic spots and small village en route. When you are lucky you can catch to Sunset at the Himalayan of the Annapurna region, Ganesh Himal, Lanagtang Region and valley of Likhu Khola. Stay overnight at Hotel.


Day 03: Kakani to Nagi Gompa - ride 28km Early morning wake up and catch to sunrise of Himalayan ranges. After breakfast our journey head off on one of the best single tracks in the valley (which was used as the Mountain Bike Championship course) down towards of the Budhanilkantha. Following the valley ridge we stay high above Kathmandu and continue on single away to downhill and traverse towards of Nagi Gompa, a Buddhist Tibetan Nunnery and we can see the Tibetan culture at evening. Overnight at nearby the Nagi Gompa.


Day 04: Nagi Gompa to Chisapani (2,194m) - ride 33km After breakfast our tour continues ride on a mixture of jeep trail through the Shivapuri Reserve. Part of the way is on the Helambu trekking trail. Our final journey destination in Chisapani (chisapani is the cold water in Nepali), which rounds off a challenging day. Again today’s lodge enjoys outstanding views of the Annapurna range, Ganesh Himal and Langtang region of the best outlooks within the valley region. Overnight at Chisapani


Day 05: Chisapani to Nagarkot (2,163m) – ride 35km After breakfast we ride down from Chisapani into the NE corner of the KTM valley, and then through to a mix of single and jeep track to wind our way to Nagarkot, our trail will depend on the condition of the ways. The comfort and peaceful surrounding of hotel on the valley rim reward a short steep climb into Nagarkot and this is one of the most popular to the view point. When you are lucky you catch to the sunset Himalayan range. We will stay overnight at Nagarkot.


Day 06: Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Early in the morning catch to sunrise from the Mt. Everest side and Langtang region as local village of river side. After breakfast our journey through the ‘Retread’ Trails. This is a jeep track descent through terraced paddy fields and small local of villages that lead us to the Indrawati River. We will stop to take photos as the Himalayas are right behind us all the way down and also makes offerings at the local temples to help ensure that we remember those technical skills when we need them. After 1000m of downhill a jeep road leads us to the Freedom of Arany Highway of the Tibet and china. We will lunch in a secret spot by the river before the long climb back up to the valley rim and most of the best done support by vehicle, ride 65km. Overnight at Dhulikhel.


Day 07: Exploring in Dhulikhel Early in the morning start our journey through up to climb on wide jeep trail to the temple of Namo Buddha with views of Ganesh Himal with Langtang rgion. The Stupa here is an important Tibetan Pilgrimage site, where the Buddha reputedly fed himself to a hungry tigress! Lunch here is the traditional Dal Bhat or the packed lunch, fortunately not the tigers left-over! From the temple there’s a choice of wide tracks through pictures villages and forests, or some newly discovered single track. We rejoin the wide trails and then a road for the last 8km back to our hotel. Ride 32km. Overnight in Hotel in Dhulikhel


Day 08: Dhulikhel to Exploring in Panauti via Drive back to Kathmandu After breakfast last day of our journey through on jeep track to the ancient city of Panauti where Lord Buddha lived as a prince prior to his offerings to the hungry tigress. This city is truly lost in time and is rarely visited by tourists. The Indresara Mahadev Temple is the oldest surviving dated temple in Nepal and believed that it was built in 1294 AD. Climbing towards west, we follow a jeep track along the meandering Roshi River. Beyond the town of Madhoban we enter a narrow pristine valley, ascending 300m on a superb single trail to reach the summit of a hill on Kathmandu Valley’s rim. This is probably the oldest route east out of Kathmandu Valley, known as Lakhure Bhanjung. What a grunt! But the views of the Himalayas more than compensate! From here we descend 500m via switch back jeep track to Sinseri, a quiet village. The ethnicity of the people change as we descend from Tamangs in the hills to Thakuris, Chhetris to valley bottom Newari farmers. A short distance beyond Sisneri is our pickup point for the drive back to Kathmandu.


Day 09: Departure After breakfast Departure to International Airport for your flight schedule to your onwards destination.

How fit do I need to be for this biking trip? Is this trip for me?

Long cycling days and tougher terrain (for both on- and off-road trips) require a certain degree of experience of more demanding and technical riding for the upper mustang  Biking Trip. Vehicle support may be limited. You should be very confident of your physical condition and bike-handling skills.

Will somebody come to pick me up at the Airport upon my arrival?

Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Glory Nepalsign-board. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu, Pokhara and along the biking route?

We use standard rooms at three star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast .

Along the biking route below Upper Mustang (Kagbeni, Muktinath, Tatopani), teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We usually provide single and double rooms, or occasionally a dormitory. Dining will be around a bon fire when possible. In tea houses, food will be prepared in the kitchen which you should not enter without permission. The toilets in tea houses provide essential and basic facilities.

While in camping in Upper Mustang area, we provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two person tents with good mattresses. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents, chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. We usually camp in or near a village, which allows you to buy sweets and drinks, which we do not carry with us. We provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two-person tents with mattresses. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents, chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. We provide toilet paper and other essential toiletries. You will also get a small bucket of hot water each morning in your tent for a quick scrub up.

What sort of food can I expect in trekking?

Most teahouses (lodges) below Upper Mustang (Kagbeni, Muktinath, Tatopani) cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, dhal bhat, bread, soups, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you'll stay at while lunch will be taken on the way to destination.

During the camping our expert cook can prepare specially requested food if you advise. In any case, you will have similar fare to teahouses. You can eat as much as you like. If you have any special dietary requirements please advise us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

What mode of transportation do you use?

Glory Nepalis all about providing you with local insights, lifestyle as well as adventure. Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicular transportation. You have the option of flying to Pokhara from where we again take a flight to Jomsom, which is the starting point of our biking trip. We provide you only those options, which enhance your local experience while allowing you to bike comfortably and efficiently. We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus, vans or alternatively 4WD SUVs, more maneuverable in travelling along the narrow and bumpy roads of Nepal. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are travelling in cooler areas.

While in the mountain we use vehicular transportation whereas possible. We also use porters, Yaks and Donkeys to carry the equipment and meals during the camping trip.

We use our own Fleet service for Transportation...Click to know more about our fleet service!

What is the best season for this trip?

The best time for the Upper Mustang Mountain Biking is from March to November. It is not very advisable to bike during the winter season (December, January and February)

What type of bike is required for this trip and what brands are available for hire?

Either hard-tail or full suspension mountain bikes will do fine. In some parts of the routes, you can take downhill shortcuts for which we strongly recommend full suspension bikes. (Your guide will let you know if there are any shortcuts you can take.)

All the brands we provide are properly serviced and fully functional standard hardtail rentals best suited for the trips. We provide full suspension bikes (if preferred by our clients) for an additional charge.

Trek: 3-, 4-, 6- and 8-series
Cube: Comp, LTD, CMPT, Reaction
Giant: ATX, Tralon
Other brands: Capic and V-Ket

Are hired bikes guaranteed for the trip?

Bikes are hired at the time of booking, and are included in the price. The frame size of the bike has to be matched with your height, and since there is a limited number of each size, we strongly suggest you provide us with this information well ahead. In case of any damage incurred to the bike or the equipments, the client will be liable to pay for the repair and/or replacement, depending on the nature of the damage.

What equipment and tools are included with the bike hire?

We provide a helmet, a pump, a spare tube, a water bottle and a repair kit with a rental bike.

 What additional equipment is available upon request for an additional cost?

Cycle computer and a GPS unit for USD 2 and USD 5, respectively, per day per person.

Can I bring my own bike and accessories?

You definitely can! It is highly recommended that you have your bike thoroughly serviced before coming on the trip. Spare parts are available in Kathmandu, but may not always be compatible with your bike.

Most airlines are quite used to people travelling with bikes, and if a bike is properly boxed and within the luggage allowance, it is a relatively hassle-free experience. On arrival at your destination you will be met by your leader, and you will just need a baggage trolley to take your bike as far as the transfer vehicle.

Make sure the bikes are properly packed. You may do it yourself (here's a guide or if you're not sure, you could have a local bike shop pack it for you.

We take every care to ensure your bike is well treated, but it is normal for a bike to sustain minor scratches, resulting during the daily ride as well as loading and unloading from support/transport vehicles.

What is the procedure of checking in with a bike and what luggage weight allowance do I have?

Your bike is part of your baggage allowance on the plane, details of which are shown on your flight ticket, and maximum weights are usually between 20 and 25 kgs. A boxed bike weighs around 16 kg, so you need to pack carefully. Put heavy items in your hand baggage, wear your heavy/bulky jacket when you check in. Glory Nepalwill not be liable for any excess baggage charges brought by the airline as a result of your exceeding the baggage allowance, whether you have a hire bike or take your own bike. In practice excess luggage charges are rare for those who pack sensibly, even if you are a little over the specified limit.

Few airlines impose specific standard bike carriage charges. All such charges are beyond our control, and to be paid by the client. Where we know of a bike carriage charge in advance, this will be added to the relevant trip notes. In the unlikely event of any of your luggage and or bike being misplaced or damaged while in the care of the airline, a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) must be filed with the appropriate airline on arrival. This is essential if you subsequently wish to make a claim against the airline or on your travel insurance. This must be done at the airport where your baggage arrived, or should have arrived.

Are there any bike maintenance and repairs while on the trip?

The support vehicle (where available) and the guide will carry the required repair tools and spares. We do recommend you carry some basic tools and spares (like a puncture kit and Allen keys). Our guides are also qualified mechanics and have ample experience maintaining bikes on the trips.

What cycling gear do I need?

Safety and comfort are what you're looking for here. Here's a quick list of what you'll need for the trip:

    Cycling helmet (included with the bike rent)
    Touring shoes
    Cycling gloves
    Cycling shorts (1 to 3 pair)
    Socks - wool or synthetic (2 or 3 pair)
    Leg warmers or tights for riding
    Short-sleeved shirts (2)
    Light, long-sleeved shirt for layering and sun protection
    Windcheater, rain gear, jacket and pants
    Waterproof shoe covers

It is recommended that you carry a backpack with your valuables like camera and passport. Panniers are not suitable for the trips.

Can I bring my own saddle and pedals?

Yes. All the bikes are compatible with customized bike parts. The support team accompanying the group will be able help with any bike alterations or damage to the bike along the entire trip. Please inform us in advance if you plan to bring your own saddle and pedals.

Do we need to be experienced cyclists for longer tours?

 No. The guide will carefully pace the ride to include rest and refreshment along the way. Where available, the support vehicle will accompany you and you can always hitch a ride if you need a break.

Can I charge my digital camera or other equipments on my trip?

These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel/lodge reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring travel adapters!

There will be very limited charging facilities during your camping so please bring the enough spare batteries.

Are there any communication facilities during the trip?

There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. Internet and international calls are readily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?

 In the cities, yes - to some extent. Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash.

 How much additional money do I need per day?

It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can allocate USD 20 for a lunch and a dinner. USD 7 to 10 a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates and a few drinks during the trekking.

Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide.

Is the water fine to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter?

In most places below Upper Mustang, bottled water is readily available. If you wish to drink normal water, you need to use purifying aid, which you need to bring with you.

During the camping we will serve boiled and purify water to drink.

Are the Glory Nepal's staff insured?

Our company insures all our staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpas and porters. Please browse though Company Information pages to view insurance details.

What essential documents do I need to bring with me on tours?

 Here are some documents that you will need to carry with you:

    Valid Passport – must be valid for up to 6 months after you return from your tour, keep a separate photocopy.
    Travel insurance, keep a separate photocopy
    Cash and Traveller’s Cheques, keep numbers and proof of purchase separately
    Flight tickets
    Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s, banks, insurance, family contacts.

Can I add extra days to my trip?

A holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.

I would you like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?

Yes, there are a plenty of options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip. Please go into our trip extension page for further information.

What immunizations will I need?

No vaccinations are compulsory fro travelling in Nepal, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.

We also recommend:

    A dental check-up prior to travelling.
    That you know your blood group in case of emergency.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Glory Nepalat the time of your booking.

Entrance Fees

• All the entrance fees while sightseeing in the city.
• Guided Katmandu sightseeing tour by Car.
 All accommodation on B/B basis.
• 13% government tax where applicable.

International Flights

• International flights, visa and departure taxes
• Airport pick up and drop.

Personal Expenses

• Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry

Other Expenses

• All the expenses in except mention in the include section

Domestic Airport Tax

• Domestic airport tax

Costs from unforeseen events

• Costs arising from unforeseen events outside our control

All the entrance feels for sight seeing in the city

International flights, visa and departure taxes

Tips for gratuities

Drink, Posatage, Laundry for Personal Expenses

Domestic Airport Tax