Mountain biking holiday in Nepal
Mountain biking holiday in Nepal: in the shadow of the Himalayas
Many mountain bike routes lay claim to the title of the World’s Greatest, but only the Kali Gandaki Valley trails in the Mustang region of Nepal can claim to be surrounded by five-mile-high peaks, where every night you stay in teahouses run by local villagers and stocked with good food and cold beer.
The Kali Gandaki Valley – the deepest valley in the world – marries natural grandeur, local culture and relative luxury in a union found nowhere else. On this mountain biking holiday in Nepal, on the roof of the world, you’ll experience some tough climbs, technical descents, fast, flowy singletrack, and the most spectacular views you can imagine.
You’ll also experience one of the most dramatic flights in the world as you travel between Pokhara and Jomsom, mountain biking in Nepal: the roof of the world.
Riding the trails of the legendary Annapurna Circuit and the lower Mustang region, at altitudes of between 1,500m and 4,000m, this mountain biking holiday in Nepal will take you to some of the most beautiful and unexplored places on the planet, where you will experience the most emotional mountain biking of your life.
Our mountain biking holiday in Nepal is for intermediate mountain bikers with level 4 fitness, and to find out what this means read the explanation of our skill and fitness levels.
Read the inspirational write-up, “Prayer Flags and Pathways,” in IMBike Mag on our sensational mountain biking holiday in Nepal.
Tour dates 2013/2014
- 7 – 18 October 2013 NEW DATE!
- 18 – 29 November 2013 ONLY 2 PLACES REMAINING!
- 14 – 25 April 2014
- 6 – 17 October 2014
Please contact our expert tour team if you have different dates in mind and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.
Want to know more? Ask us a question about our mountain biking holiday in Nepal, and read more about why you should choose H&I Adventures for your next adventure.
Mountain biking holiday in Nepal itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu
On the first day of your mountain biking holiday in Nepal you’ll be welcomed by our guide at Kathmandu airport and then transferred to your accommodation at the beautiful Shivapuri Hill Cottage, a traditionally designed cottage on the edge of the Shivapuri National Park. Here, we will be briefed on the mountain bike adventure ahead of us, and introduced to our support crew.
Day 2 – Nagi Gumba to Kopan
Mountain biking into the lush Shivapuri National Park we will climb up to Nagi Gumba at 1,900m, before peeling off the main trail onto a fast and flowy descent that is lined with traditional Nepalese prayer flags. After today’s ride we will visit the world famous Buddhist Stupa, called Boudhanath, but remember to walk around it in a clockwise direction. On returning to our accommodation at the Shivapuri Hill Cottage from our day’s mountain bike adventure we will be treated to a delicious evening meal on the terrace.
Distance: 15km
Elevation gained: 476m
Elevation lost: 635m
Day 3 – Kakani to Shivapuri
After our terrace breakfast high above Kathmandu, we will shuttle up to the hill-top town of Kakani at 2,200m. From there we will ride on a winding technical singletrack that offers glimpses of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains in the distance, before popping us out high above the Shivapuri Cottage. We descend to our cottage accommodation and settle in for the night around the fire, reliving the day’s mountain bike trails.
Distance: 22km
Elevation gained: 438m
Elevation lost: 819m
Day 4 – Tarebhir to Sundarijal
Today we pack our kit and bikes into the van, leave our hill-top home behind and ride into the Nagi Gumba area for another spectacular trail. This trail signifies the end of our mountain bike adventure in the Kathmandu valley and the start of our riding in the mountains. You will be rewarded with a fast-flowing trail down to the town of Sundarijal. Accommodation tonight is in a fabulous local teahouse.
Distance: 19km
Elevation gained: 660m
Elevation lost: 775m
Day 5 – Flight to Pokhara
Today we will take an early morning flight to the lake city of Pokhara, where upon arrival we will get breakfast, before heading out to explore Pokhara and its lively markets, and maybe a pedal boat race! Today is a free day.
We will stay in a small hotel in Pokhara this evening.
Day 6 – Flight to Jomsom/ acclimatization ride
We start today with what is described as the world’s most dramatic plane journey, a spectacular mountain flight into Jomsom – the heart of the Kali Gandaki Valley (the world’s deepest valley). Once we collect our luggage we settle down to some breakfast, then embark on one of the most emotional mountain bike rides of your life to the town of Kagbeni at 2,900m, and our accommodation in another family-run teahouse.
Distance: 15km
Elevation gained: 700m
Elevation lost: 425m
Day 7 – Kagbeni to Muktinath to Kagbeni
This is our climbing day in the Mustang region! We spend today gaining height from Kagbeni at 2,900m to Muktinath at 3,800m. Once there we have lunch before undertaking a stunning singletrack descent that sees us weave through Nepalese villages before dropping us out onto a fast, open descent back down to Kagbeni.
Accommodation tonight is in a family-run teahouse.
Distance: 25km
Elevation gained/ lost: 1,025m
Day 8 – Kagbeni to Jharkot to Marpha
Today starts with a shuttle up to Jharkot, which lies just short of Muktinath, we off-load the bikes and start a 300m ascent to the breath-taking trail through the Lubra Pass at 4,100m. After a series of photo calls we will descend one of the main trail highlights of the trip to Marpha (2,700m), the apple growing region of the Mustang valley.
We will stay in another traditional teahouse tonight.
Distance: 25km
Elevation gained: 300m
Elevation lost: 1,360m
Day 9 – Marpha to Tatopani
We ride through Kali Gandaki, the world’s deepest valley today, between the two 8,000m giants Mount Annapurna and Mount Dhaulagiri. We criss-cross the valley on perfect singletrack and huge suspension bridges that link village after village in the Mustang region, providing the inhabitants with a trade route and means of communication. We end today’s ride in the hot spring town of Tatopani, a great way to unwind after a week of mountain biking.
Accommodation in a local teahouse.
Distance: 46km
Elevation gained: 270m
Elevation lost: 1,650m
Day 10 – Tatopani to Beni /transfer to Pokhara
Riding on dirt trails today, these are our last few hours on the bike in the Mustang region of Nepal. It may be a dirt road, but we are mountain biking in Nepal, a place where dirt roads are fun! Upon reaching the town of Beni we pack the van and transfer to Pokhara. Once we have checked into the hotel we have a free afternoon to pick up all the last minute presents and sample the renowned night life.
Accommodation tonight will be the lovely hotel we stayed in previously in Pokhara.
Distance: 21km
Elevation gained: 40m
Elevation lost: 365m
Day 11 – Flight to Kathmandu
Today we catch an early flight back to Kathmandu, transfer to our hotel, pack bikes and bags and hit the town for our final farewell dinner and drinks, before retiring for the night.
Day 12 – Departure day
We will transfer you to Kathmandu airport in plenty of time for your flight, and say our farewells!
£1,800 / $2,880 USD per person (ex. flights, based on two people sharing a room)
A supplement of £220 / $352 per person is payable should a single room be requested
Price includes:
- All meals starting with dinner on day one and ending with breakfast on day 12
- 11 nights’ accommodation
- Services of English-speaking, fully qualified and experienced mountain bike guides for the duration of your trip
- National park and trekking permits
- All ground costs
- Back-up vehicles and luggage/ bike transfer (as required) for duration of your mountain bike trip
- Three internal flights
Price excludes:
- Flights to and from Nepal
- Bike hire – we can arrange bike hire for you at a cost of £270/$432 USD for the duration of the trip
- Travel and activity insurance
- Nepalese visas
- Emergency evacuation
- Alcoholic/ non-alcoholic beverages
- Personal safety and cycling equipment
- Any other items not mentioned as included
Arrival and departure details
Your mountain biking holiday in Nepal will start and end in Kathmandu. Your guide and/or driver will meet you in the arrivals area of Tribhuvan International Airport, which is the only international airport in Kathmandu, and he/she will be holding an H&I Adventures sign.
On your arrival day we will transfer you by private shuttle (included in holiday price) to your accommodation at the Shivapuri Hill Cottage high above the Kathmandu valley.
The first and last days of your mountain biking holiday in Nepal are dedicated traveling days and, since most flights arrive via the major Asian cities, we can accommodate most flight plans for pick-up and drop-off.
If you wish to extend your trip to Nepal please contact us and we can help you to organise this.
Travelling to Nepal
Passengers traveling from Europe, Africa, and the Atlantic coast of North/South America are advised to travel via Middle East Asian cities (namely Doha, Bahrain, or Abu Dhabi). Major airlines that fly this route are Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Gulf Air.
Passengers traveling from the Pacific coast of North/South America, and Australia or New Zealand are advised to travel via South East Asian cities (namely Bangkok, Singapore, or Hong Kong). Major airlines for this route are Thai Airways, Silk Air, and Dragon Air.
You must book your bike on to your flight in advance, otherwise you could face a heavy charge at the airport. Here are some handy hints and tips on travelling by air with your bike.
Please note: Included in your mountain biking vacation in Nepal are three internal flights in small, light aircraft to transfer you up into the Himalayas. If you are not a good air traveller, then this mountain biking holiday is not for you.
Preparing yourself and your bike for the trip
Please read the full kit list before you start packing for your mountain biking holiday in Nepal, so that you have everything you need!
Our mountain biking holiday in Nepal is for intermediate mountain bikers with level 4 fitness, and to find out what this means read the explanation of our skill and fitness levels.
The ideal bike for mountain biking in Nepal is a good quality full-suspension mountain bike with around 120mm of travel front and rear. We can arrange hire of a good quality full-suspension mountain bike for the duration of your trip at a cost of £270/ $432 USD.
To get the most out of your mountain biking holiday in Nepal you should plan some training in advance of your tour, and it is essential that you ensure that your bike has been properly serviced before the trip.
For more information on our mountain biking vacation in Nepal, and travelling in Nepal in general, read the full trip brochure.
Mountain bike vacation Nepal
Tough climbing & exhilarating down-hills, coupled with an immersion into a fascinating and amazing cultural, this trip has to be one of the most memorable vacations we have ever taken!!! Thank you Mandil and H&I Adventures for an experience that will never be forgotten.
Mountain bike tour Nepal
Thank you H&I Adventures. We had the best time in Nepal. Epic scenery, rich culture, wonderful food, remote villages, historical cities, hot springs, great company. The mountain biking was thrilling and challenging and off the beaten track. A bit of everything from prayer flag strewn valleys and jungle to breathtaking Himalayan moonscapes. We would never have made it as far as Kagbeni without your extra help arranging bespoke travel arrangements for us so thank you all for making this trip of a lifetime possible for us.
Mountain bike Nepal
What a great way to do a trip in Nepal! We did our share of sucking air on the high elevation climbs, but the trip is set up so well to acclimatize it wasn't such an issue. And the descents made those thin air climbs well worth it. We went lured by stories of awesome mountain biking in a beautiful place and those stories proved to be right on. But it wasn't just about great fun on mountain bikes. The cultural experiences added so much and made for such a full, well rounded trip. A trip of a lifetime for sure!
Nepal Tour
If you love the idea of riding some awesome trails in the Himalayas then this is a must. If you also love the thought of mixing this with a cultural experience unlike any other then even better. Every day is special in its own different way making this without a doubt one of the best adventure experiences you'll ever have.
Mountain biking in Nepal
Ride in the shadows of the Himilayas from rainforest to baron wastelands it feels like riding on mars. If you really want to see all that Nepal has to offer and I mean ALL book it!
The most amazing trip you will ever do!
Here is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for our mountain biking holiday in Nepal
- Q. How many people will be in the group?
A. We only run small group adventures to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible, and there will generally be between eight and ten people in each group. The minimum number of people we require to run a trip is four.
Q. What’s the age range of people who come on this trip?
A. Our mountain biking holiday in Nepal caters for a wide age range; typically between 30- and 55-years-old, but age is simply a state of mind, as they say, and we welcome anyone over the age of 18! As long as you have a good level of physical fitness you will enjoy this mountain bike tour no matter what your age.
Q. What style of mountain biking vacation is it?
A.This Himalayan mountain bike adventure is a guided mountain biking holiday, ideal for intermediate mountain bikers. Riding here, on the roof of the world you’ll experience some tough climbs and descents, as well as some lovely flowing singletrack. You’ll take three internal flights to minimise the time required to travel between the most spectacular riding spots. Altitude is a factor in this trip and we have some tips for riding at high altitudes and managing the effects of altitude.
Q. How far will we be mountain biking each day?
A. The distances we cover each day range from 15km to 50km, in accordance with the altitude and height gain/ loss on each stage. We will gain height gradually over the course of the trip to ensure that your body becomes accustomed to the increased altitude. Each evening your guides will chat with you about the following day’s mountain biking and give you an idea of the sorts of trails you can look forward to. If there’s anything you feel anxious about, your guides will be happy to discuss it with you.
Q. Do we have to carry all our gear with us?
A. No, you only need to carry a day pack with you whilst riding. We have a support vehicle and driver who will transfer your luggage to your next accommodation each day, and have it ready and waiting for your arrival.
Q. What if I come across a section of trail that I can’t ride?
A. Your guide will be very happy to give you some bike skills training during your trip to help improve your confidence and your enjoyment of your Nepal mountain bike adventure. If there is a section that you would prefer not to ride, then you can simply hop off your bike and walk. You won’t be the only one to walk certain sections and it’s not a competition in biking ability; it’s a mountain biking holiday!
Q. Who will be guiding us?
A. Your mountain bike guides are local to Nepal and experienced professionals who have a real passion for mountain biking and for the culture and landscape of Nepal. Your safety is their number one priority, closely followed by your enjoyment of the tour. They will always be on-hand to answer any questions or requests you may have throughout your trip. You can meet your mountain bike guides on our ‘Why H&I Adventures?’ page.
Q. What will the weather be like in Nepal?
A. The weather during our mountain bike adventures in Nepal will typically be very dry and sunny, with daytime riding temperatures around 20C/68F. The temperature at night drops significantly to around 0C/32F, so make sure you bring warm clothing for the evening.
Q. What sort of accommodation will we be staying in?
A. On this mountain bike tour in the Kali Gandaki Valley of Nepal you will be staying in the best quality accommodation available in each area. This ranges from a hill-top cottage outside Kathmandu to local tea houses in the heart of the valley. Accommodation in the more remote villages up in the mountains is very basic, but you’ll often be staying in family homes, which gives you the chance to get to know the local Nepali people and understand something of their way of life.
Q. Which meals are included in the tour?
A. All meals starting with dinner on day one and ending with breakfast on day 12.
Q. What type of mountain bike is best for this trip?
A. A good quality full suspension mountain bike with 120mm travel front and rear will be ideal for this mountain bike tour. The terrain you will be riding is rough in places and you will feel more comfortable on a full suspension bike for the duration of the trip. It is possible to ride every day on a hard tail, so if this is your preference, then feel free to come with your hard tail. There can be thorns on the trails in Nepal so we recommend that you bring tubeless tyres or tyres with thicker walls and extra thick inner tubes. We do advise that you travel with your own bike to Nepal.
Q. What about tourist visas, how do I get those?
A. Short-term tourist visas can be purchased on arrival at Kathmandu airport and should be bought in cash in US Dollars. Travelers’ cheques, personal cheques and credit cards are not accepted as payment for your visa at the airport. Alternatively, to save time after your long flight, you can purchase your visa online in advance at VisaHQ.
Q. What clothes and kit should I bring?
A. The daytime and nighttime temperatures vary greatly in Nepal, so you must make sure that you have plenty of layers of breathable clothing to ensure that you are always warm enough and can remove a layer if you get too hot, and you should bring a down jacket for the evenings. You should also bring cycling shorts/trousers, gloves, padded undershorts, flip-flops, specific shoes for cycling, sun cream, insect spray, and Advil or Ibuprofen. Read the full kit list to find out what you need to pack for your mountain bike tour in Nepal.
Mountain bike vacation Nepal
Tough climbing & exhilarating down-hills, coupled with an immersion into a fascinating and amazing ...
read more