The breeze on your air, an off-beat trail, and the sense of adventure that comes with being on your own. Yes! That's the thrill of mountain biking in Nepal. With challenging mountain roads that climb up to spectacular views, and adrenaline pumping descents, with quaint villages off the main roads, Nepal is virtually a paradise waiting to be discovered on your mountain bike.

Tools & Equipment

• Allen Keys
• Chain Link
• Extractor
• Multiple Bike Spanner
• Pump/ Puncture Repair Kits
• Spoke Key
• Oil Can
• Tube Of Grease

Spares

• 1 Rear Brake Cable 
• 1 Rear Gear Cable
• 2 Inner Tubes
• 5 Spare Spokes
• Brake Blocks
• Headlamp & Spare Bulbs/Batteries
• Plastic Tire Levers
• Spare Chain Links

Personal Gear

• 2 Water Bottles & Cages or a Camel Back-type hydration system
• Basic First-aid Kit
• Toiletries Wash
• Towel Medium-sized
• Money Bag
• Camera
• Rain Gear
• Cycling Shoes/ Cross-training Shoes
• Fingerless Biking Gloves
• Fleece Jacket/ Pullover
• Lightweight Gloves
• Lightweight Hiking Boots/Shoes
• Lightweight Socks & Heavy Socks
• Lightweight Thermal Long Johns
• Lightweight Trekking Pants
• Lightweight, Long-sleeved Shirt
• Lightweight, Long-sleeved Thermal Shirt
• Padded Cycling Shorts
• Spare Shoe/ Boot Laces
• Sunglasses
• T-shirts
• Underwear
• Warm Cycling Tights/Pants
• Warm Gloves
• Warm Hat
• Waterproof (breathable fabric) Shell Jacket & Shell Pants.

• Make sure your bike is fully serviced just before leaving.
• For foreigners, traffic in Nepal can be chaotic. So keep your eyes open all the time.
• In peak seasons, avoid following popular trekking routes as you will end up carrying your bike for most of the time.
• Always keep to the trails.
• Leave no trace.
• Never spook animals.
• Plan ahead.
• Respect trail and road closures; avoid trespassing on private land.
• Take special care from TATA Trucks in the highways.
• Always ride on the left-hand side of the road following the traffic rules.
• Take extreme care near villages as young children play on the trails and roads.
• Don't forget to warn them by ringing your bell attached to your handlebars; or you may also call aloud "cycle aayo!" (Cycle is coming).

The Scar Road

A 70km round trip, this is one of Kathmandu Valley's classic mountain bike adventure. This trip gives you a magnificent view of the valley, taking you past the Nagarjun Forest Reserve also known as Rani Ban. Enroute you get an awesome view of the Ganesh Himal. There are several restaurants on the way for a well deserved rest or a quick bite.

Dhulikhel

If you are looking for a prime selection of the valley sights, head for the road leading from Bhaktapur to Dhulikhel. From Bhaktapur you could take the highway, which by itself offers a great view or alternatively take the compacted track which will take you to Dhulikhel via the rural village of Nala.

Namobuddha

A day tour this starts and finishes at Dhulikhel, offering you a breathtaking view of the Himalayas.  A 12km journey gets you to Namobuddha which is a major pilgrimmage site of the Kathmandu Valley. From here you can head to the historic Newari town of Panauti. From here you can either return to Kathmandu via the highway or back to Dhulikhel.

Kodari and Tibetan Border

A 3-4 days return trip from Dhulikhel, an 82km tour takes you to the Friendship Bridge at Kodari. For most of the trip you have the river, Bhote Kosi as your constant companion. You will also pass the hot springs called Tatopani which is a mere 5km from the border post of Kodari. If lucky, you could cycle up to 11km beyond the Friendship Bridge to the Chinese customs checkpoint at Khosa. You have the option of returning back to Kathmandu or Dhulikhel.

The Rajpath

Rajpath is the popular name for the Tribhuvan Highway. Light-traffic, incomparable views, and a ride over a 2488m pass on a rough sealed road, make this ride simply unforgettable. It will take you via the pass at Tistung, the breathtakingly beautiful Panang Valley and finally to Daman, perched at a height of 2322m. On a clear morning you can see from Dhaulagiri to Everest from Daman! You come back via Hetauda, from where you can either continue on the Rajpath towards India or head towards the Royal Chittawan Park.

Hetauda - Narayanghat

On this route the trail is mostly flat and you can enjoy the lush subtropical scenery. From Narayanghat you can return to Kathmandu or Pokhara via Mugling.

Pokhara

Though the trips around Pokhara are shorter, there is no denying the spectacular views and the laid-back atmosphere unique to Pokhara. Amongst relaxed and tranquil rides, you can treat yourself to a panoramic view of the Annapurnas and the Mansalu Himal.

Sarangkot

Sarangkot is visible directly north from Pokhara Lakeside, and makes for a wonderful day trip. This trip gives you a mind blowing view from the ridge at Naudanda. On a clear day you can see Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, the Annapurnas and the Machhapuchhare from Naudadnda, and even look down over Pokhara and Phewa Tal.

From Naudanda

From here you can head towards Lumle, a popular start-off point for treks to the Annapurna region.

If you are interested in mountain biking and you would like me to obtain quote(s) for you from reputable operator(s), then please email me here with any dates you had in mind.