Lakuri Bhanjyang Ride Mountain Biking Trail

Get to Gwarko Chowk, the southeast point along the Kathmandu Valley’s main ring road just outside of Patan. Though the 5km stretch from Gwarko to Lubhu is busy with traffic, the road is straightforward and passes through towns like Imadol and Mahalaxmi. Keep to the asphalt-covered Gwarko-Lamatar road where you’ll soon arrive in Lubhu. A small town with numerous brick-making centers, Lubhu’s handloom centers employ the majority of the locals and is the town’s main source of income.

It is only after leaving Lubhu that the road traffic begins to disappear, and the lush greenery takes hold. After reaching Lubhu Bus Park, take the first left to stay on Gwarko-Lamatar. Continue riding for close to 1.6mi to reach Lamatar Bus Park, where you will encounter a fork in the trail. Take the left road from there, moving further away from the settlements, to get a real sense of being out of the city.

Pedaling for another 0.6mi, you will reach another diversion. Take a left to go toward Lakuri Bhanjyang. This section of the trail becomes narrow and the trees become denser as you work your way to the top. Used as a jeep track, you’ll want to take the occasional break as it is a steep 3.1mi uphill jaunt all the way to Bhanjyang. En route, there are decent tea shops where you can enjoy a hot cup of tea or refreshments. Bhanjyang literally translates to “the highest altitude place in the hill.” So, climb slowly as it is a staggering 2192ft to the summit. About 80% of the roads are blacktopped with only the last section of the climb being graveled. If the weather is clear, you will enjoy amazing views of the valley on the way up.

Lakuri Bhanjyang is famous for being a hill station in Lalitpur District, near Kathmandu Valley. Though Lakuri Bhanjyang is easily reached by vehicle, riding your bike is an excellent way to take in the stunning sights and local color. The vantage point of Lakuri Bhanjyang is about 623ft climb in a northerly direction. Here you can see stunning views of the whole Kathmandu Valley and a few of the snow-capped Himalayas. Celebrate your arduous climb with a delectable lunch in one of the local restaurants. For an alternative view of the Kavre Valley, consider having a picnic lunch at a nearby park, 623ft from the main village. Soak in the beauty as you relax in the tranquil environment.

Upon your return, you will come down the same trail you climbed up to where the descent from Bhanjyang proves to be much more fun. You will continue along the same route all the way back to Kathmandu.

For an alternative option to return to Kathmandu, follow the main trail south Lakuri Bhanjyang to Panauti. The ride is a lovely descent through the valley where you’ll have the opportunity to experience the culture of the Newar community. From Panauti, you’ll make your way to Banepa and then on to Bhaktapur to eventually arrive in Kathmandu.