Discover Nepal's scenic landscapes and rich culture on this 9-day guided cycling tour
Imagine exploring the Kathmandu Valley by bike, on a guided cycling tour? What better way to explore the highlights of cycling in Nepal, with peaceful villages, great views and lots of incredible Nepali culture.
Kathmandu is the vibrant and exciting capital city of Nepal. But the Kathmandu Valley extends beyond the hustle of the city, out into peaceful mountain villages where native people groups live life according to their traditional customs and culture.
This guided Kathmandu Valley Rim Biking tour lets you experience the fullness of both city and countryside as you explore this amazing region by bike. You’ll visit important centers of religion and culture and surround yourself with breathtaking Himalayan scenery. Interact with monks in the Buddhist temple of Namobuddha, as well as local villagers that you encounter along the way. You’ll never forget the beauty of the sunrise or sunset from a scenic mountain overlook in the Kathmandu Valley. Book your Kathmandu Valley Rim Biking tour today and let the adventure begin!
Highlights of The Kathmandu Valley Rim Biking Tour
Prices
- No Booking or Credit Card Fees
- Save Money
- Happiness Guaranteed
Kathmandu Valley Rim Biking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu
Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal! When you arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport, an airport representative from your tour will meet you. At the hotel, your guide will brief you with more details about your tour. Enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome dinner to celebrate your arrival.
Overnight Location: Mandala Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Explore Kathmandu
After breakfast and a quick, pre-trip meeting, take a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu and experience the wonders of this vibrant city. Visit the famous Buddhist temple Stupa Swayambunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. The temple is high on a hill, and you’ll enjoy an inspiring view of the mountains and the surrounding valley. Stupa Swayambhunath is an ancient and mysterious shrine that attracts tourists and Buddhist visitors from all over the world with its distinctive white dome and sparkling gold spire. Next, visit renowned the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and the crematorium beside it. Finally, your tour also takes you to Patan Durbar Square where you can see notable temples and palaces from centuries past, each an intriguing example of traditional Nepalese architecture.
Overnight Location: Mandala Boutique Hotel (1,400 m/4,593’), Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Ride to Nagarkot
Begin your bike ride today after breakfast. Cycle through a beautiful pine forest then follow the ridgeline where you’ll have a magnificent view of the valley and some monuments in the area. When you reach the beautiful hilltop town of Nagarkot, enjoy a wonderful view and a fantastic sunset.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Nagarkot (2,175 m/7,136’)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle to Namobuddha
Today’s cycling route takes you from Nagarkot to Namobuddha. About 60% of the trail will be downhill today, using off-road trails, unused Jeep roads, and some stretches of better highway as you approach Namobuddha. You’ll pass through some native Tamang villages and the historic village of Dhulikhel. When you arrive in Namobuddha, visit the large and beautiful Buddhist monastery where you can interact with monks and learn more about Buddhist culture.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Namobuddha (1,660 m/5,446’)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle to Balthali
As you leave Namobuddha today, your path takes you through orchards and fields. Cycle along a dirt road where you can experience charming village scenes and terraced fields, always against the backdrop of picturesque mountain panoramas. Stop along the way for a picnic lunch, then enjoy more beautiful views all the way to Balthali, where you’ll stop for the night.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Balthali (1,520 m/4,987’)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Bike to Khopasi then to Panauti
Wake up early today and watch an amazing scenic sunrise before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Today’s ride takes you downhill to the Koshi River, which you will cross via suspension bridge to reach the town of Khopasi. Continue riding through picturesque surroundings until you arrive in the Newari village of Panauti. Spend the night here and learn more about the native Newar people.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Panauti (1,500 m/4,921’)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Return to Kathmandu
Today is your last day of cycling as you return to Kathmandu by bike. Before leaving Panauti, take advantage of the opportunity to interact with the local Newari people to learn more about their culture, daily life, and religion. Conclude your cycling tour with a beautiful stretch of trail through the countryside.
Overnight Location: Mandala Boutique Hotel (1,400 m/4,593’), Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Kathmandu
Today is a free day in Kathmandu. You can decide how to spend your time, whether you would like to do some souvenir shopping or continue sightseeing and exploring the city on your own. Your guide can advise you and help you plan your day according to your interests.
Overnight Location: Mandala Boutique Hotel (1,400 m/4,593’), Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Departure Day
Your Kathmandu Valley Rim Biking tour has come to an end. After an exciting and memorable experience, an airport representative will escort you to the airport and bid you a fond farewell. Have a wonderful journey.
Overnight Location: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Kathmandu Valley Rim Biking Tour Dates and Prices
This guided biking tour in Nepal is run either as a private tour for your group only, however, sometimes there are options to join other groups (please enquire for more information). The pricing depends on the number of people on your group.
Pricing below is per person:
- Guided Group of 2-5: $895 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 6+: $825 USD per person
Accommodation on Kathmandu Valley Rim Biking Tour
This tour is based in mountain lodges, also called tea houses, along the route. These accommodations are simple, since there is no road access to reach them, but they are also friendly and full of atmosphere. Most lodges have dining areas that are heated, but the bedrooms are typically unheated. Wooden beds with foam mattresses are provided, but you will need a sleeping bag. Washing and toilet facilities are shared, and some have solar showers available for an additional charge.
Before and after the cycling tour, stay in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travellers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $250 USD to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travellers up, where possible. Private rooms are not available in the trekking lodges.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Mandala Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu ★★★★
Located in a quiet corner of the Thamel area of Kathmandu, this hotel has easy access to shopping and other tourist attractions. It is clean and air-conditioned for your comfort.
Mountain lodges along the trail
Stay in cozy mountain lodges along the trail. These lodges are simple and amenities are basic, but they are full of atmosphere.
Mandala Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu ★★★★
Located in a quiet corner of the Thamel area of Kathmandu, this hotel has easy access to shopping and other tourist attractions. It is clean and air-conditioned for your comfort.
What’s included in the Kathmandu Valley Rim Biking Tour?
Meals
8 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included on this tour. This includes special welcome and farewell dinners.
Accommodations
Accommodations for all 8 nights are included. Along the cycling tour, stay in simple mountain lodges (tea houses). Before and after the Annapurna Circuit, stay in a 3.5-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Transportation during the Tour
Domestic flights and land transportation described in the itinerary is included, as well as a guide on the flight and all airport taxes. Airport transfers between the Kathmandu Airport and your hotel are also included.
Also Included
- An experienced, insured, and equipped English-speaking guide
- Guided sightseeing and entry fees in Kathmandu
- Luggage transfer
Not included
- Bicycles (Available to rent for an additional fee)
- Flights to/from Kathmandu
- Visa to enter Nepal
- Meals not listed as included (lunches and dinners in Kathmandu)
- Personal drinks / alcohol
- Additional costs due to illness, rescue, force majeure, flight/itinerary changes
- Tips for guides and other trekking staff
- Personal costs such as charging batteries or hot showers
Optional Extras
Bicycle rental:
- Single suspension - $12 USD per day
- Dual suspension - $35 USD per day
Frequently Asked Questions about Kathmandu Valley Bike Tour
Trekking Team Group is a Travelife and FTA certified tour operator creating trips in the Himalayas since 1991. They are consistently highly-rated online and garner impressive word of mouth recommendations.
Trekking team focuses on a sustainable method of operation. They work with highly professional guides and offer clients flexibility and 24/7 service.
The company uses local guides, serves local food, and makes use of local homes and lodges to give back to the community. They support the local environment and in turn see many repeat customers.
Learn MoreKathmandu Valley Bike Tour Map
Click map for a larger version
Is this tour for me?
Local Guide
Ask a Question
Hari has been guiding since 2009 and never gets tired of meeting new people from all around the world. He is an experienced mountaineer and a great teacher to his guests. He enjoys playing games, laughing, and having as much fun as possible with his groups.
- Q: What is your favourite trip to do and why?
- A: Almost all of my trips are the best in different ways. However, the one I think about all the time is my 2017 Annapurna base camp trip with an American family. It was an amazing trip. They were a great family and we had perfect weather from start to end. We spent our entire time like one family with lots of fun, laughing, playing games etc.
- Q: What is one local dish or drink that any tourist has to try while visiting Nepal?
- A: While trekking in the HImalayas, the local dish dal bhat (the national food of Nepal) is a must-try. Also, Momo, a famous dumpling, is a food everyone should try. For drinks, rice wine or Tsongba, made from millet, is a special warm drink for the winter that makes your body warm.
- Q: What has been the most challenging adventure you’ve had?
- A: The Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake in the wintertime.