The magical kingdom of Nepal has got to be the mountain biker's paradise. Whilst many of the more popular trekking areas may prove to be too extreme for enjoyable mountain-biking (as they involve arduous bike-a-hiking and are too difficult to support), this tour may just be the answer.
Kathmandu at 1350-m altitude lies in a valley surrounded by hills that rise to 2400m and form the middle ranges of the Himalayas before you advance towards the 8,000-m white peaks.
From the city, we set off on a 4-day tour of these ridge-top trails which encircle the valley rim. A short bike ride away from down-town Kathmandu lies a delightful world of wooded slopes, small villages and hidden temples. We follow ancient jeep roads and single-track before a most spectacular backdrop of Himalayan peaks where 8 of the world's top 10 peaks can be seen. These form the principal peaks of the Nepal Himalayas - from Everest to the Annapurnas and into Tibet.
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu - Temples, Temples, Temples!
Day 03: Ride to Kakani
Day 04: Ride to Sundarijal
Day 05: Ride to Chisapani
Day 06: Ride to Nagarkot
Day 07: Ride to Kathmandu via Panauti
Day 08: Depart Kathmandu
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu We will have your flight details and will be at the airport to meet you and take you to your hotel in Thamel, the heart of Kathmandu city. The rest of the afternoon is free for last-minute checking of your bikes or just taking in the sights and sounds of this unique and bustling ancient-city
Day 02: Kathmandu - Temples, Temples, Temples! There are many ways of seeing Kathmandu. Well, how's this for a great theme? Temples, Temples, Temples! It was once said that in Kathmandu, "There are more Temples than Houses and more Gods than People." This is still true today; they're all out there, it's just that you haven't seen them all. We will show you the Temples and Gods of the cities of Kathmandu and Patan for the entire day which makes a great start to your week.
This is your first day with your mountain-bike Guide. You will visit at a leisurely pace the famous temples and monuments of Kathmandu and Patan city in the Kathmandu valley. Designed to capture the imagery of Kathmandu since the 15th century till the present, this tour gives you a sense of being in living museum. The juxtaposition of old and new architectures, the colourful tribal & cast groups, the market places, the temples will all be visited on two wheels and in Nepal there is no better way.
Day 03: Ride to Kakani After breakfast, ride along & into The Queen's Forest (Rani Ban) to Kakani, 30 km north of Kathmandu, which is at an altitude of 1900m. A nice and smooth gradual climb mixed with a challenging climb inside the forest that will take us to the first of our unbeatable scenic lookouts. The views will encompass the whole of the Valley and way beyond. We stop for the night at in Kakani at our fully supported camp to enjoy the sunset of the Ganesh Himal and the opportunity to have morning tea at sunrise.
Day 04: Ride to Sundarijal From our camp we traverse the hills of the Shivapuri Reserve on the renowned Himalayan Mountain Bike Championship Course which is challenging but achievable by all. Along the way we pass and have the chance to enter, a famous Buddhist Ani-Gompa on our way to our evenings Lodge. Staying high on the ridge we maintain our altitude for the day but with plenty of ups & downs in the offering.
Day 05: Ride to Chisapani We ride to Chisapani by circling Shivapuri (2400m) on forest jeep trails. A good forested trail with Rhododendrons blooming in the Spring adding a magical appeal, whilst the Himalayas again manifest also in full bloom as we enter Chisapani. It's a quiet and peaceful village on the way to Helambu. Stop for the night at a local lodge.
Day 06: Ride to Nagarkot A long off-road downhill ride to Jarsing Pauwa could be quite exhilarating in the morning. Picnic lunch before the winding uphill trail to Nagarkot would be very much appreciated. Nagarkot is situated at the height of 2170m and is another vista point on the Kathmandu valley's rim. As sunset approaches, the sky‚s red, orange, and violet light penetrates the billowing clouds, setting the stage for a spectacular sunset. Stay at hotel.
Day 07: Ride to Kathmandu via Panauti Set a date with some of the tallest and most beautiful mountains on earth for a hearty breakfast. A good mix of 'on & off-road' rides lead you through villages and rice fields to Panauti at the confluence of two rivers and bountiful in stories of when the Buddha visited this region. This is yet another vista point which offers the same mountain views but from a different perspective. It is amazing to see how the same mountains look so different when viewed from a different angle.
Day 08: Depart Kathmandu Prepare and pack your bikes this morning. Exchange tall stories of awesome climbs and heart-stopping descents. For those less intrepid, there‚s time for last-minute sightseeing and shopping before your flight back home.
