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Nepal is one of the most mountainous areas of the world. Kathmandu, the Capital lies within a large valley and offers Nepal's best mountain biking, it's small enough to become familiar with, yet large enough to get lost in, making it ideal mountain biking adventure country.
We stop at the best locations for viewing the
mighty Himalayas from Kathmandu valley's northern rim. From various
vantage points we can see Dhauligiri in the west round to Everest
in the east, so you wont be missing what is arguably the world's
finest mountain scenery. The valley is also the historic centre
of Nepal, the place where kingdom's rose and fell.
The place where palaces & temples were built and rebuilt and
Nepalese art and culture were developed and refined.
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu. Pick up and transfer from airport to the hotel. The tour guides will brief the group on the MTB adventure that lies ahead.
Day 2 Kathmandu through Kakani to Shivapruri. (40Km approx). Departing from the northwest of Kathmandu the tour starts by cycling through the walled Nagarjun Forest Reserve, one of the last untouched forests in the valley. We exit through the upper gate on the way to Kakani (2,073m), our first objective is situated high up on the northwestern rim of Kathmandu Valley where our tour of the northern rim will really begin.
From here we travel on to the Shivapuri Reserve, in 1975, nearly 2,000 hectares were identified and designated as the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve and its buffer zones. The trail winds through mixed Oak, Rhododendron, Pines, Utis, and Wild Orchid forests. Along the trail, you can overview Kathmandu City and also admire the magnificence of the majestic Himalayan range. Shivapuri at 2732m is the second highest peak surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. From the peak of Shivapuri one can glimpse as far as Mt. Annapurna to the west and the Jugal range to the east.
We spend the night at the Shivapuri Village Lodge, the village stands at an altitude of 2000m, not far from Kakani.
Day 3 Shivapuri Village to Sundarijal (20 - 40km). Following the forest jeep trails or trekking single trails to the outskirts of the Shivapuri Reserve and the start of the Helambu Trek. There is the opportunity to ride DOWN to Budhanilkantha (1,400m) to see the great statue of the Hindu god Vishnu, there is a big festival here at the end of the monsoon season. The climb back up towards Nagi Gompa will be testing, particularly when we loose height to arrive at Sundarijal, which sits at about 1,400m. We spend the night at the Sundarijal Lodge.
Day 4 Sundarijal to Chisopani (30km). This trail follows either the forest jeep track or the Helambu trekking trail, the latter of which is more single track, shorter and most likely less riding. The Jeep track circles the Shivapuri Reserve and provides for good overall views. We spend the night at the Chisopani Guest House in the village of Chisopani (2,180m), which is not particularly pretty. But what a view, you had better get up to see the dawn.
Day 5 Chisopani to Nagarkot (40km). The chance to ride some excellent single track and jeep trails in undulating terrain and on into the hill-station of Nagarkot (1,950m). From a point a little way north of the village there is the opportunity to get a 360° view. We spend the night at the Nagarkot Farm House.
Day 6
Rest day at Nagarkot.
Optional off-road loop to Shivapuri Ridge (approx.
7 km) or Nagarkot summit (14 km). The guides will be ready to
go with you on the optional morning and afternoon rides that are
available on this so-called rest day. Alternatively, just take
a well-deserved rest at this very comfortable and serene spot.
Nagarkot Farm House. This might be a good time to make a call
to get confirmation of your return flight.
Day 7
Nagarkot
to Panchkhal and onto Sunkosi Adventure Retreat (37 km). What
goes up must come down! The day starts with an exciting 900m descent
by single-track trail and finishes with a 200m climb to the summit
of a long sharp ridge, known as Palanchowk, and our lodging for
the night at the spectacular "Sunkosi Adventure Retreat".
Note: As an option you can ride to Dhulikel this day if it appears
you are short of time and want to see the town of Bhaktapur on
day 9.
Day 8 Sunkosi Adventure Retreat to Panchkaal then on to Dhulikel (26km). We awake to stunning views of the Guarishankar Himal and the mist choked valleys of the Indrawati and Sunkosi rivers far below.
After breakfast, we ride east to the summit of Palanchowk, and the famous temple. Any direction you go from here is down. Leaving this hilltop, we plunge into the lush fields below, to a small village, before contouring the mountain on jeep track back to Dhulikhel, and our night's lodging. Once at Dhulikhel we can do a loop to Namo Buddha returning to Dhulikel (Loop 27 km). We spend the night at Dhulikel Lodge Resort
Day 9 Dhulikhel to Sisneri via Panauti then on to Bhaktapur (35 km). We ride on jeep track to the ancient city of Panauti, where Buddha lived as a prince prior his offering to the tigress. Tourists rarely visit this special village - truly lost in time. Indresara Mahadev Temple is the oldest surviving dated temple in Nepal, it is believed to have been constructed in 1294. The Bhaktapur Guest House is just to the south of Bhaktapur City.
Note: If we do not have time for Bhaktapur, then return to Kathmandu from Siserni.
Day 10 Bhaktapur Guest House to Kathmandu (30 km). In the morning the choices are to explore Bhaktapur City and /or continue riding into the south of the valley after which we return to Kathmandu where we'll check back into the Hotel.
Day 11 Transfer to Kathmandu Airport/Fly out. Two hours prior to flight time, you will be transported to Kathmandu International airport for the flight together with bikes. Our van will collect you from the hotel.
Dates: Choose the dates to suit you - March / April and October / November are best for dry trails and sun shine.
Please email, stating the dates that you require and the number in your party
Summary
Altitude Range: 1300 to 2200 meters.
Percentage
off-road: 75%.
Average daily distance: 45 - 50 KM (with optional extras).
Difficulty: 8 out of 10.
Cycling Hours
The day normally begins at around 09:00-09:30hrs and given the terrain and riding conditions for the day we plan to have clients at the next evenings accommodation by around 15:00-16:00hrs. This allows time for bike maintenance, a little extra exploration on your own, settling into the hotel and drink and relax before dinner. During the day our lunch break is approx. one hour at the most scenic spot available along the route.
Price Indication per person: GBP450 / USD900
The base currency is the US Dollar and payments in other currencies may need to be adjusted for changes in the exchange rate.
What is included
Hotel plus breakfast for two days in Kathmandu,
Local guide/ mechanic, (one guide per 8 clients) all lodging and
meals (plus tea and coffee) outside of Kathmandu, including rest
day, bag drops at all but one evening destination, own bikes,
entry fees and permits, T-shirt & Certificate, airport transfers.
What is not included
Bike & equipment (Helmet, day bag and water
bottle) (all can be hired for GBP32 / USD55 per tour), International
airfare, lunch and evening meals while in the Kathmandu hotel,
Personal extras and special request purchases , confirmation or
changes to flights. Faxes, e-mails and other personal correspondence.
Support vehicle, unless requested at extra charge. Drinks other
than tea / coffee as served with the meals. Visa fees (if required),
vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items
of a personal nature. Medical treatments, Emergency & Evacuation
Costs, Personal Travel Insurance. All costs associated with cancellations,
changes & unavoidable delays, beyond our control.
Please email, stating the dates that you require and the number in your party
Visas
A visa is required for Nepal and this will cost GBP30 / USD60.
We will send the form to you on receipt of your booking, if you live in the UK.
Personal Insurance
Comprehensive personal
insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip.
For UK clients we recommend
the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in
evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk
As Insurance is always
provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest
suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.
