Major highlights of mountain bike tour in Nepal
- Experience the stunning mountain scenery of Nepal in Mountain Bikes
- Challenging high-altitude trails like the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour.
- Exploration of culture, lifestyle, and history of Nepal’s ancient villages and cities.
- Find out the exclusive views of Annapurna Ranges, Dhaulagiri Ranges, and other several peaks while riding.
- Visit the famous Muktinath Temple after crossing the challenging Thorang La Pass at 5416 meters.
Introduction to Mountain Biking in Nepal
Mountain Biking in Nepal is the ultimate adventure, combining breathtaking landscapes with a thrilling biking experience in the Himalayas. Nepal is a paradise for mountain bike lovers, offering adrenaline-pumping downhill rides to peaceful countryside trails. Cyclists can explore the world’s most unique and thrilling biking trails like a one-day Kathmandu Valley Tour and a challenging multiday biking tour in Annapurna Circuit and Upper Mustang.
These mountain biking trails take you through stunning landscapes, lush green forests, and ancient villages. Mountain Biking is gaining popularity in Nepal, attracting all levels of riders from beginners to experienced ones. The diverse landscapes of Nepal make biking and cycling a paradise for two-wheel riders. It provides different experiences through the rocky trail, steep path, and stunning views of the mountains during the mountain biking tour in Nepal. Similarly, the cultural experience along with the challenging topography of Nepal make it thrilling.
Similar to other adventure sports in Nepal, such as Bungee Jump, Paragliding, and Rafting in Nepal, mountain biking is the perfect opportunity for adventure seekers to experience the thrill, natural beauty, and culture in this Himalayan paradise. Overland Trek Nepal has crafted a special biking and cycling trip into the Himalayas of Nepal from Kathmandu, Annapurna, to Upper Mustang. Feel free to contact us via email or What’s App at +9779851138871 if you have more queries regarding this trip.
Top Mountain Biking Trails in Nepal
Nepal’s diverse landscapes make it one of the best destinations in the world for mountain biking. It offers some of the best mountain biking tours from scenic valleys to high-altitude landscapes. Some of the best mountain biking in Nepal are:
Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking
Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking is a 200 km+ biking adventure that takes you deep into the heart of the Himalayas. This epic biking tour in Nepal takes you to an altitude of 5416m, Thorong La Pass, the highest mountain pass in the world. The Annapurna Circuit cycling route offers spectacular views mountain peaks such as Mt. Annapurna(8091m), Mt. Fishtail(6993m), Dhaulagiri (8163m), Annapurna South(7219m), Tilicho Peak(7134m), Nilgiri(7041m), Tukuche Peak(6920m) and many more, passing through the traditional small settlements. It also takes you to the Muktinath Temple, a holy site for Hindus and Buddhists. The Bike-packing trip to the famous Annapurna Circuit Trekking route is a perfect gateway for adventure lovers to experience a unique local lifestyle, snowcapped mountains, and natural landscapes.
Roadmap of Annapurna Circuit Bike Packing Tour
The Annapurna Circuit Bike Packing Tour begins with a warm-up ride around Kathmandu’s major landmarks such as Swyambhunath, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. The following day, early in the morning drive for around 7-8 hours to Besisahar, the gateway to various trekking destinations such as Manasalu Circuit Trekking,Annapurna Circuit Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, and Tilicho Lake Trek.After spending a night at Besisahar, the biking tour in Nepal begins riding along the bumpy and rugged road towards Tal, Chame, and Manang. Acclimatize yourself in Manang village exploring the nearest attractions like Gangapurna Lake and ancient monasteries. Afterward, continue paddling to Throng Phedi, preparing for the big challenges of crossing the world’s highest Throrong La Pass the next day. After crossing the pass, descend towards Muktinath Temple and explore the Temple complex. Continue biking towards Marpha, a charming rest stop popular for its apple orchards and traditional architecture.
Afterward paddle towards Tatopani, a natural hot spring, and relax your tiredness before continuing your journey to Beni. From Beni, drive to Pokhara for 3-4 hours and continue towards Kathmandu before your departure.
Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour Cost
Annapurna Circuit Mountain Bike Tour Package cost ranges from $1499 to $2499 depending upon the services, group size, means of transportation, and customization. Food and accommodation throughout the trip, a Guide fee, an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit fee, required ground transportation, and all the government taxes are included in our package.
However, our Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Package doesn’t include the mountain bike (cycle), which you’ll need to manage by yourself. If you don’t have your bike, we will help to arrange a rental bike to ensure your adventure is convenient and memorable. Also, note that gear repairs and exchanges are not included in the package.
Annapurna Circuit Mountain biking tour itinerary
- Day 1: Preparation/ test ride around Kathmandu(1324m)
- Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar(760m, 7-8 hours)
- Day 3: Biking from Besisahar to Tal (1700m, 38km ride, 5-6 hours)
- Day 4: Biking from Tal to Chame(2670m, 23 km ride, 5-6 hours)
- Day 5: Biking from Chame to Manang (3540m, 30km ride, 4-5 hours)
- Day 6: Acclimatization/rest day at Manang
- Day 7: Biking from Manang to Throng Phedi(4525m, 19km ride, 4-5 hours)
- Day 8: Biking from Throng La Phedi to Muktinath(3760m) via Throng La Pass(5416m) (22km, 6-7 hours ride)
- Day 9: Biking from Muktinath to Marpha (2690m, 18km, 5-6 hours)
- Day 10: Biking from Marpha to Tatopani (1190m, 42km ride, 5-6 hours)
- Day 11: Biking from Tatopani to Beni (760m, 22km ride, 4-5 hours) and drive to Pokhara (900m) in Private Jeep (3 hours)
- Day 12: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Can I also do Upper Mustang Mountain Biking after Annapurna Circuit?
The Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Expedition is the perfect adventure for those who want to explore spectacular landscapes and the ancient kingdom of Mustang, Lo Manthang on a mountain bike. Similar to the Upper Mustang Jeep TourandUpper Mustang Bike Tour, this mountain biking tour offers spectacular natural landscapes, ancient heritage, a local Tibetan lifestyle, and panoramic mountain peaks. Along the way witness the stunning views of mountain peaks such as Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Gangapurna(7455m), Tilicho Peak(7134m), Tukuche Peak(6920m), Dhaulagiri(8167m), Nilgiri(7061m), Annapurna south(7219m) and so on.
Beyond the natural wonders, this cycling tour takes you to ancient heritage such as the Royal Ancient Palace, Ghar Gompa, Jampa Monastery, Namgyal Gompa and the 800 BC Shija Jhong Cave carved into the cliffs. Another highlight of the journey is a visit to the Muktinath Temple, a sacred site for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.
Since the Upper Mustang lies in a rain shadow area, this bike packing trip is accessible year-round. Its favorable weather conditions make it a popular destination for activities like trekking, jeep tours, and Motorbike tours.
Route overview of Upper Mustang Bike packing Tour
The bike Packing tour to Upper Mustang starts with a preparation ride around Kathmandu. The following day, embark on a scenic 7-8 hours drive through the Prithivi Highway taking you to Pokhara, the tourism capital of Nepal. Spend the leisurely evening enjoying the vibrant lifestyle of Lakeside before taking an early morning 20-minute flight to Jomsom, the gateway to Mustang.
From Jomsom, the Upper Mustang biking adventure begins and heads towards the holy site, Muktinath Temple. The next morning visit the Muktinath Temple complex, then paddle continues towards Chele, Syangboche, Tsarang, and finally reaches Lo Manthang(3840m) along the Kali Gandaki Corridor. Along the way, enjoy the spectacular landscapes, and immerse yourself in the local culture, and snowcapped mountains. Upon reaching Lo Manthang, explore the stone wall city of Lo Manthang and its attractions such as the Royal Ancient Palace, Ghar Gompa, Jampa Monastery, Namgyal Gompa and the 800 BC Shija Jhong Cave carved into the cliffs.
After enjoying the time in Lo Manthang, the return journey begins following the same trail through Ghami, Samar, Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Marpha. The paddle continues towards Beni via Tatopani, where your Mountain biking ends. From Beni, drive back to Pokhara the same day and continue the return drive towards Kathmandu the next day.
Cost of Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Expedition
The Upper Mustang Mountain Bike Tour Package cost ranges from $2299 to $3499 depending on the services, group size, transportation options, and customization. The cost includes food and accommodation throughout the trip, a professional mountain biking guide, an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, a Restricted area Permit, a one-way flight ticket from Pokhara to Jomsom, and all the government taxes.
Mountain bike (cycle) and maintenance gear costs are excluded from our package, as the riders need to bring the cycle. If you don’t have one, we are here to assist in arranging a mountain bike.
Upper Mustang Mountain biking tour itinerary
- Day 1: Preparation/warm-up ride around Kathmandu(1324m)
- Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (760m, 7-8 hours)
- Day 3: Morning flight to Jomsom (2830m, 20-minute flight) and Biking to Muktinath(3710m, 17km ride, 4-5 hours)
- Day 4: Biking from Muktinath to Chele (3050m, 18km ride, 5-6 hours)
- Day 5: Biking from Chele to Syangboche(3800m, 20km ride, 5-6 hours)
- Day 6: Biking from Syangboche to Tsarang(3560m, 22km ride, 4-5 hours)
- Day 7: Biking from Tsarang to Lo Manthang(3800m, 20km ride, 5-6 hours)
- Day 8: Explore around Lo Manthang and Chhoser area
- Day 9: Biking from Lo Manthang to Ghami (3560m, 30km ride, 6-7 hours)
- Day 10: Biking from Ghami to Samar (3620km, 31km, 5-6 hours)
- Day 11: Biking from Samar to Marpha (2670m, 30km ride, 5-6 hours)
- Day 12: Biking from Marpha to Tatopani (1190m, 42km ride, 5-6 hours)
- Day 13: Biking from Tatopani to Beni(760m, 22km ride, 4-5 hours) and drive to Pokhara(900m) in Private Jeep (3 hours)
- Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Beginner-friendly Mountain Biking Routes
Kathmandu Valley offers various beginner-friendly mountain biking routes. The short one-day cycling around Kathmandu is perfect for beginners and those with short periods in Nepal. These one-day rides are a great introduction to mountain biking, combining off-road adventure with breathtaking views, rich local culture, and natural beauty.
Some of the best beginner-friendly mountain biking routes around Kathmandu Valley are:
Kathmandu Valley Biking Tour
The Kathmandu Valley Biking Tour is an ideal choice for beginners, taking you on a relaxed ride through the various attractions of Kathmandu Valley. This cycling tour around Kathmandu takes you to the UNESCO heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyambhunath, Boudhanath, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square.
Along with this heritage site, you can explore the charming ancient small settlements like Kirtipur, Khokana, and Bungmati. The combination of easy trails and cultural exploration make this tour perfect for those new to mountain biking.
Price of cycling tour in Kathmandu Valley
The price for the Kathmandu Valley cycling Tour is $99, which includes the mountain bike guide and all the government taxes. Our one-day tour around Kathmandu Valley doesn’t include the mountain bike rental, food, and entry tickets to UNESCO heritage sites.
Shivapuri National Park Cycling
Mountain biking inside the trails of Shivapuri National Park is an ideal opportunity to experience nature, wildlife, tranquility, and light off-road trails. Just like the Shivapuri day hike, mountain biking in Shivapuri is a perfect gateway for a quick escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The cycling through the deep lush green forest of Shivapuri passes through peaceful villages offering stunning panoramas of the mountain range. Along the way, immerse yourself in the spirituality of serene Nagi Gumba. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned riders, the Shivapuri mountain bike tour is also accessible throughout the year.
Shivapuri Cycling Tour cost
Shivapuri National Park Cycling costs $149, which covers the service of an experienced mountain bike guide and requires government taxes. The Shivapuri National Park entry tickets, mountain bike, and meals should be arranged by yourself.
Why Mountain Bike Tours in Nepal?
Mountain Bike tours in Nepal are the perfect way to explore Nepal's diverse geography, mountains, and culture. The land of the Himalayas, Nepal promises a unique experience for mountain biking enthusiasts, from a peaceful short one-day ride around Kathmandu Valley to cycling in the high altitude of Manang and Mustang.
Reason to Choose Mountain Biking Tour in Nepal:
- natural scenery: Probably, Nepal offers the most scenic and diverse landscape in the world. From scenic valleys like Kathmandu to high-altitude valleys like Manang and Mustang, Nepal offers stunning natural scenery for mountain bikers. Riding through the countryside roads passing lust green forests, small rivers, waterfalls, and terrace farmlands makes Nepal a must-go place for mountain biking.
- Suitable for all skill levels: Nepal is the perfect place for all levels of mountain bike lovers, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced one. Nepal’s diverse terrain offers mountain biking routes for all skill levels. You can enjoy the short and scenic one-day ride around Kathmandu Valley or challenge yourself with the high-altitude trails on the Annapurna Circuit and Upper Mustang.
- Cultural exploration: Mountain biking tours in Nepal are not only about the adventure but also Nepal’s rich cultural experience. The mountain biking trail passes through the ancient villages, where you can interact with locals and experience their unique traditions and rural lifestyle.
- Year-round adventure: With its varied geography, Nepal offers mountain biking opportunities throughout the year. Although the best seasons are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), destinations like Upper Mustang are possible all year round. Likewise, cycling around Kathmandu Valley is also possible throughout the year.
- Combine with other Adventures: Nepal is a hub for thrill seekers. You can combine your mountain biking tour with other exciting activities like trekking, paragliding, bungee jumping, rafting, or even a scenic flight over Mount Everest.
Choose Overland Trek Nepal of mountain biking in Annapurna Circuit
It is essential to choose the best tour operator in Nepal that can be trusted and provides you with relishing facilities during the adventure tours on the bike. Overland Trek Nepal prides itself on being a standout trekking and tour company that delivers top-notch logistic and hospitality services. Here are the reasons why you should choose us for your next adventure on the mountain bike:
- Knowledgeable biking tour guide with an experience of more than 10 years.
- Tour map during the entire journey.
- Complimentary Duffel Bag, T-shirts, and Sun Hat of Overland Trek Nepal
- Nepali SIM Card.
- Free Luggage Store at our Office throughout the trip.
- First Aid Kit carried by the guide.
- Necessary arrangement of Helicopter rescue if needed.
- 24-hour communication with tour leaders.
- Trekkers Massage for an hour after the end of the trek.
- Repair and Maintenance kit for the bicycle carried by the guide.
