Kathmandu To Pokhara Biking Trip Content

Trip Overview

Embark on the ultimate Kathmandu to Pokhara biking route, a unique adventure that takes you through remote villages, historic towns, and extensive farmlands. This off-road alternative route, unlike the crowded and risky main highway, offers a thrilling escape. The uneven trail through dispersed villages and terraced farmlands not only provides a fun ride but also a chance to connect with the locals, making it a truly unique experience.

The ride starts from Kathmandu towards Mudkhu, heading towards Kakani, which is a gradual paved road and jeep track climb. You will begin to experience the range of Himalayas from Kakani. From Kakani, the trails follow downward towards Trishuli Bazar alongside Trishuli River. You can spot rafts and kayaks in the river. You will start to ride through the core villages from Day 4. While riding through Dhading Besi, you will see many wheat and rice farms and small livestock farms. This journey is a unique opportunity to indulge in the diverse culture of Brahmin and Chhetri in the south and Ghale, Gurung, and Tamang in the north, with much of the center Newari in Dhading Besi—also an opportunity to drink the fresh milk of cows and buffalos. 

On Day 5, you’ll reach Gorkha, home to the majestic Gorkha Durbar (Palace), a historical landmark that carries the rich history of unified Nepal. It’s also the birthplace of Nepal’s unifier, Prithvi Narayan Shah. The last 2 days of the ride allow you to enjoy the peaceful Begnas and Phewa Lakes, with the stunning 360 view of Pokhara from the top of World Peace Pagoda. This journey is not just about the ride, but also about experiencing the historical and cultural landmarks that dot the route, including the ancient King’s Palace (Gorkha Durbar) at Gorkha.

Transportation

Flight/Jeep-Bus

Per Day walking:

5 to 7 hours

Best Season

Sep-Dec / Mar-May

Group Size

1 Min - 14 Max

Accomodation

Hotel/Guest House

Trip Grade

Moderate

Max Height

2030M

Start/End

Kathmandu

Trip Highlight

  • Cherish the fresh strawberries from Kakani farms.
  • Ride along the shallow Trishuli and Budhi Gandaki Rivers.
  • Ride between the rural villages of Nepal.
  • Get close to the diverse culture and lifestyle of locals.
  • Devour fresh vegetables and milk from the farm.
  • Visit the ancient King’s Palace (Gorkha Durbar) at Gorkha.
  • Ride alongside the peaceful Begnas Lake.
  • Meditate at World Peace Pagoda.
  • Enjoy the stunning view of Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna Range from World Peace Pagoda.
  • 360-degree view of Pokhara Valley.
  • Chill beer or your favorite drink in front of Phewa Lake in Pokhara.

Download Complete Trip PDF

Detail Itinerary

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), a company representative or a guide will welcome you and ensure a seamless transfer to the hotel. Rest assured, our hotels in Kathmandu are hand-picked with great care, focusing on top-notch hygiene and cleanliness to provide you with a comfortable and pleasant stay. A guide and a driver will be assigned according to the day's plan for shopping, side strolls, and welcome dinner, ensuring your needs are met.

Kathmandu, with its rich culture and vibrant lifestyle, can be a fascinating experience, especially for a first-time visitor to Nepal. As you explore the city, you will be captivated by the diversity and unique customs of the Nepalese people. However, it's important to be cautious while navigating the streets and alleys, and to avoid unsolicited interactions. To fully appreciate your visit, we recommend learning about Kathmandu's culture and customs in advance, which will enhance your experience and prevent any culture shock or inconvenience.

Welcome Dinner

The first day of the ride starts with a gradual climb towards Kakani via Balaju Bypass and Mudkhu. The trail to Kakani is quite vibrant, showcasing the local lifestyle. On a clear day, you can enjoy the beautiful Langtang Range on the way. From Kakani, we head towards Trishuli, following a little bit of gravel and a long black-topped road. You will be welcomed by the amazing Trishuli River, a hotspot for rafting and kayaking, ensuring an adventure-filled experience.

 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Hotel Water Tower

Today, the trail is almost equally downhill and uphill.We start with some nice flat ride on the paved road till Devighat which is also a historical and religious place in Nuwakot district.At Devighat we cross a suspension bridge over Trisuli river and start riding on the other side of the river gradually start climbing to the hilly switchback jeep tracks.There is no proper lunch spot today till our overnight destination so we are going to take pack lunch with us however we can stop at some local tea shops and have some masala tea while taking some leg breaks. Enjoy an acceptable pace while crossing several terraced farmlands and dispersed villages, each more beautiful than the last. At the second part of the day after lunch time it is a pleasant ride that allows us to experience the local lifestyle and amazing downhill for about 14km till the overnight stop. We arrive at Dhading Besi in the evening.

 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Hotel Janajibika

Today's journey will be a feast for the senses as we traverse a variety of trails. We'll start with a black-topped road, then transition to gravel roads in a few sections, and at some section, a muddy road that winds through paddy farms and settlements. The day will be framed by the beauty of small hills and the serenity of the Budhi Gandaki River. Our destination, Gorkha, is home to the majestic Gorkha Durbar (Palace), a historical landmark that carries the rich history of unified Nepal. Gorkha is also the birthplace of Nepal's unifier, Prithvi Narayan Shah.

 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Hotel Gorkha Bisauni

Today's trail will be longer, with decent climbing and many flat and gradual pedalling sections. We will ride a mix of gravel and paved roads while passing through the Daraudi River. Riding along the hills and jungles, we arrive at Sundarbazar via Chhepetar.

 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

  Guest House

Today's ride will be longer than other days but rewarding with the views of Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna Range with a beautiful Begnas Lake. You can enjoy the delicacy of fresh fish at Begnas. We will be exploring some gullies and narrow trails to reach Pokhara. Once we get to our destination, you can celebrate the ride with your favorite drink, enjoying the view of Phewa Lake, a sight that will bring you a sense of peace and tranquility. You will be awed by the naturally rich Pokhara.

Breakfast,Lunch

Raniban Arcade or Similar

World Peace Pagoda, one of the peaceful hill stations in Pokhara, offers a broad-angle view of Pokhara and Phewa Lake, with a backdrop from Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna Range. The sight of giant eagles flying over the lake adds to the experience. The journey, mostly on smooth, some off roads and uphill climb, circling Phewa Lake anticlockwise. But fear not; a moderate pace will easily take you to your destination, ensuring a comfortable and reassuring journey. And what better way to savor the moment than by enjoying a leisurely lunch with this breathtaking view as your backdrop.

Breakfast

Raniban Arcade or Similar

After morning breakfast we fly back to Kathmandu.You have free afternoon and evening to explore Kathmandu town on your own.

Breakfast

Hotel

After breakfast, if you have time according to your flight time, you can enjoy a city tour once again, then transfer to Kathmandu Airport and return to the departure point from Nepal.

Breakfast

 

Pick A Month You Prefer To Ride kathmandu-Pokhara

What's Included In The Package

What's Excluded In The Package

Fixed Departure Dates For 2024/2025

05 Jan 2025 - 14 Jan 2025

14 Spaces Left

07 Feb 2025 - 16 Feb 2025

14 Spaces Left

13 March 2025 - 22 March 2025

14 Spaces Left

17 April 2025 - 26 April 2025

14 Spaces Left

02 May 2025 - 11 May 2025

14 Spaces Left

15 Sep 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

14 Spaces Left

05 Oct 2025 - 14 Oct 2025

14 Spaces Left

17 Nov 2025 - 26 Nov 2025

14 Spaces Left

11 Dec 2025 - 20 Dec 2025

14 Spaces Left

Essential Information

Before booking

  • Choose the right trip, considering your health, physical ability, and experiences.
  • Read the terms and conditions properly.
  • Make sure the payment is delivered to ensure the final confirmation.

After Booking

Mountain biking activities in Nepal are not just physically demanding, they are a test of your fitness. It’s not a suggestion, it’s a necessity to ensure you’re physically ready for these adventures. By committing to physical training, you’ll not only be prepared, but you’ll also be confident and ready to take on the challenge.

For Mountain Biking:

A good quality bike hire would cost US$50-$70 per day.
Support vehicle/luggage drop would cost US$120 per day.

 

  • For multiple days of mountain biking in Nepal even from one city to another, ensure you have trained yourself well.Nepal’s biking terrains are a mix of everything, and for many people, uphill climbs make them challenging and hard. So having enough uphill riding practice would help you a lot
  • Feed on the right nutritious food rich in protein, healthy fat, and carbohydrates.
  • Keep yourself focused and determined, which helps to strengthen your willpower for the next challenge ahead.

International Flights arrangements:You are responsible for arranging the international flight ticket and travel insurance, which can cover emergency evacuation and medical treatment. Our package doesn’t include this service.

Route Map-Working on It.

Altitude chart (represents only overnight stops) - highlights key overnight stops but omits detailed elevation changes between them.

Frequently Asked Question

The optimal times for this trip are from September to December and from March to May.

This trip is in the mid-hill region of Nepal, where temperatures do not become extremely cold or hot. From December to March, you’ll need a light down jacket for the mornings and evenings. During the rest of the year, a regular pullover over a T-shirt should be sufficient.

 On all of our trips, we provide local Nepali guides who have previously ridden the trail. They are familiar with every nook and cranny of the route, know the owners of the tea houses, possess basic bike repair skills, and hold first aid or WFA training certificates.

We have never had any incidents of losing bikes on our trips, so we can assure you that your bike will be safe. Our guides and ground staff understand how important your bike is to you and take great care of it.

For mountain biking in Nepal, you will need a mountain bike with 12-speed gears, 27.5 to 29-inch wheels, and tires with a width between 2.25 and 2.40 inches. A dropper seat post and either a full suspension or hardtail bike will provide a great riding experience in Nepal.

 Yes, you can rent a mountain bike in Kathmandu. Renting a good hardtail bike costs around US$50 per day, while a full suspension bike costs around US$70 per day. You will need to bring your own SPD pedals (if you use them), helmet, and other biking gear.

 If you are bringing your own bike, that's a great decision. You will need to bring:

  • Spare tubes
  • Chain link
  • 3-4 spokes
  • Brake pads
  • Brake fluid
  • Derailleur Hanger

Make sure you have new tires on your bike (or recently replaced ones). If your tires are tubeless, bring tubeless sealant just in case. Please go through our complete checklist for more details.

You will have plenty of choices from the menu, and they can prepare almost everything listed. Portions are large, so avoid ordering two meals at once, even if you're very hungry. For lunch, we usually limit the options to 3-4 items to save time, helping us reach our next destination before dark. For dinner and breakfast, you can choose freely from what's available. However, some extremely remote and isolated tea houses might have limited food options for lunch, dinner, or breakfast.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can expect tourist-standard hotels with breakfast included. In the mountain areas or along the trail, accommodation will be in basic guesthouses featuring 2-3 clean single beds. Bathrooms and toilets (usually squat-type) will be communal. Dining will be in a common large hall with a central wood-burning stove, which will help keep the dining area warm.

 On most of our trips, when possible, we include luggage drop facilities. When luggage drop is available, you will need to carry only essentials such as water, chocolates or energy bars, gels, nuts, a wind stopper, and a warm jacket for the trail. Keep your cash, passport, and other valuable documents (e.g., insurance documents) with you each day.

Every lodge offers Wi-Fi (for a fee), and it's generally reliable. Local SIM cards provide phone connectivity in about 95% of areas, but be prepared for limited data communication.

Charging facilities are available at tea houses, but they may charge a fee. It's advisable to bring a power bank and extra batteries.

 

 No, it is not possible to buy biking gear or parts once you have left the main towns like Kathmandu,Pokhara and Gorkha.

Yes, it's highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking, medical emergencies, and evacuation.