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Highlights
Discover Nepal's scenic landscapes and rich culture on this 8-day guided cycling tour
Explore Kathmandu’s cultural gems, including Durbar Squares in Basantapur, Bhaktapur, and Patan, along with ancient temples and historic villages.
Ride through diverse Himalayan landscapes, from lush paddy fields and forested trails to scenic jeep tracks, with unforgettable sunrise views over Nagarkot.
Experience authentic Nepalese culture, from tasting local trout and visiting sacred sites like Budhanilkantha and Godavari, to a traditional farewell dinner.
Imagine exploring the Kathmandu Valley by bike on a guided cycling adventure, where every turn reveals peaceful villages, open landscapes, and incredible Himalayan views. Just beyond the energy of Kathmandu, the valley opens into a quieter world of traditional hillside communities, forested trails, and timeless culture. This is where Nepal’s Middle Hills come to life, rich with heritage, daily rituals, and welcoming local villages.
On this journey, you’ll cycle through a mix of scenic dirt roads, flowing single-track, and old mountain routes, all framed by panoramic views of the Himalayas. Along the way, discover historic towns, ancient temples, and hidden corners of the valley that most travellers never reach.
With moments of stillness in nature, encounters with local culture, and unforgettable sunrise or sunset viewpoints over the mountains, this biking experience captures the true spirit of adventure in Nepal, raw, scenic, and deeply immersive.
Imagine exploring the Kathmandu Valley by bike on a guided cycling adventure, where every turn reveals peaceful villages, open landscapes, and incredible Himalayan views. Just beyond the energy of Kathmandu, the valley opens into a quieter world of traditional hillside communities, forested trails, and timeless culture. This is where Nepal’s Middle Hills come to life, rich with heritage, daily rituals, and welcoming local villages.
On this journey, you’ll cycle through a mix of scenic dirt roads, flowing single-track, and old mountain routes, all framed by panoramic views of the Himalayas. Along the way, discover historic towns, ancient temples, and hidden corners of the valley that most travellers never reach.
With moments of stillness in nature, encounters with local culture, and unforgettable sunrise or sunset viewpoints over the mountains, this biking experience captures the true spirit of adventure in Nepal, raw, scenic, and deeply immersive.
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Kathmandu Valley Rim Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive at Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where our representative will warmly welcome you holding an Ace the Himalaya signboard. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle. Settle in and relax as your adventure in Nepal begins.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kathmandu
Distance: Max. Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Meals: None
Day 2 Ride to Kakani via the Scenic Trout Highway
A pre-trip meeting is held at your hotel in Kathmandu for a final briefing and trip preparation. After getting ready and packing your gear, you begin your ride out of the city, passing through the lively backstreets of Thamel and onto wide, rolling jeep tracks along the Nagarjun Forest.
Along the way, you stop to taste locally farmed trout on the famous “Trout Highway” before continuing the steady climb toward Kakani. The ride is mostly uphill, rewarding you with fresh mountain air and a real sense of adventure.
At Kakani, you are welcomed with incredible views of the Ganesh and Langtang Himalayas, a perfect first day in the saddle.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Kakani
Distance: Max. Altitude: Kakani (2,100 m)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle to Chisapani
An early breakfast prepares you for a full day on the trail. You set off from Budanilkantha toward Shivapuri National Park, starting on a paved uphill road that soon turns into an off-road jeep track as you enter the park. From there, the route continues through Mulkharka, following a mix of climbs and descents deep into the heart of the national park.
Part of the journey follows the famous Helambu trekking trail, adding a true wilderness feel to the ride. Your destination is Chisapani, a rewarding finish after a challenging day on the bike.
This hillside village is home to a mix of Brahmin, Gurung, and Sherpa communities and offers sweeping views of the Himalayan range. As the sun sets, the mountains glow with a magical light, marking an unforgettable end to the day.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse in Chisapani
Distance: Max. Altitude: Chisapani (2,215 m)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle to Nagarkot
After an early breakfast, you set off toward Nagarkot, riding along a 12 km jeep trail that winds through forests and mountain landscapes with the northern Himalayas as your backdrop. The route continues to a junction where you pause for lunch before descending onto smoother paths for about 7 km.
From there, you begin the final climb uphill to Nagarkot, a beautiful hill station known for its sweeping Himalayan views. As you arrive, you are rewarded with breathtaking mountain scenery and a stunning sunset over the horizon.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Nagarkot
Distance: Max. Altitude: Nagarkot (1,932 m)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle to Namobuddha
Today you ride along narrow mountain roads toward Dhulikhel, descending through lush forests and passing charming hillside villages along the way. The route continues to Nala before connecting to the historic town of Dhulikhel.
From Dhulikhel, you follow scenic trails toward the sacred Buddhist monastery of Namobuddha, a peaceful and spiritual destination surrounded by beautiful Himalayan views, where you stay for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Namobuddha
Distance: Max. Altitude: Namobuddha (1,750 m) & Dhulikhel (1,550 m)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Cycle to Balthali
Today you continue your ride from Namobuddha to the traditional village of Balthali, where ancient architecture and countless temples create a rich cultural atmosphere. The route offers excellent sightseeing opportunities as you pass through peaceful farmland and lush greenery, making for a relaxing and scenic ride.
Tucked away behind the forests of Panauti, Balthali is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Upon arrival, you can enjoy stunning views of terraced fields, rolling hills, and distant Himalayan peaks from your accommodation, a perfect place to unwind after a rewarding day on the bike.
Overnight Location: Resort in Balthali
Distance: Max. Altitude: Balthali (1,445 m)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Cycle to Panauti Village, Bhaktapur Sightseeing & Return to Kathmandu
You descend along a mix of jeep tracks and paved roads toward Panauti, an ancient Newari village rich in culture and history. From there, you continue your ride to Bhaktapur, one of Nepal’s most iconic heritage cities.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning complex of pagoda and shikhara-style temples surrounding the famous fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. Highlights include the Lion Gate, Golden Gate, the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows, art galleries, and the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.
Here, you experience Nepalese culture at its finest, including the chance to taste the legendary “Juju Dhau,” Bhaktapur’s famous traditional yogurt. After sightseeing, you return to Kathmandu for the evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kathmandu
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 Departure from Kathmandu
Your trip comes to an end today. Our airport representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your onward flight, marking the end of your Nepal adventure.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Kathmandu Valley Rim Cycling 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.The starting price for two people sharing a double room is USD2250 per person.
Accommodation on Kathmandu Valley Rim Cycling Tour
This tour is based in a combination of hotels and guesthouses along the route. These accommodations are comfortable and welcoming, offering a great opportunity to experience the local culture and hospitality.
Rooms are typically private or twin-share, depending on your booking, and most properties provide en-suite or shared bathroom facilities. Amenities vary by location, but accommodations generally offer comfortable beds, linens, and basic services to ensure a pleasant stay after each day of cycling.
In some cases, the accommodations listed below may need to be substituted with other comparable hotels or guesthouses of a similar standard.
What’s included in the Kathmandu Valley Rim Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included on this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for all 7 nights are included. It is highly recommended that you book additional nights in Kathmandu before the trek to get used to high altitudes (you can do this during the booking process).
Transportation during the Tour
- All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
- All ground transportation by Private tourist vehicle.
Also Included
- Licensed English-speaking mountain biking guide
- Luggage Transfer
- Mountain Bike
Not included
- 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 staff
- Personal costs such as charging batteries or hot showers
- Biking attire and other personal gears
- How hard is the Kathmandu Valley Rim Cycling Tour?
- Do I need a visa to visit Nepal?
- Are meals included on the Kathmandu Valley Rim Biking tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Kathmandu to start this tour?
- Is the Kathmandu Valley Rim Cycling Tour in English?
- Where does the tour end?
- What should I pack?
- Can I charge my phone / camera / other device?
- How much spending money will I need?
- Do I need any vaccines to travel to Nepal?
- Are there any travel restrictions for this country?
- When is the best time to travel to Nepal for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. Sections of the trail are strenuous, but at higher elevations, even easier sections of trail become more challenging. Consult your doctor if you have concerns about mountain biking at high altitudes.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included on this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
The Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal. If arriving in Nepal by air, you must fly to this airport.
Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.
The tour ends where it begins, in Kathmandu.
You will be given a complete packing list for your trek upon booking. Plan to layer your clothing to be comfortable in different temperatures. You should be able to add a waterproof layer (jacket and trousers) to stay dry, as well as protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunglasses. A headlamp with extra batteries is also recommended. You should also have a sleeping bag, dry bags, a padlock (to lock your trek bag) and a basic first aid kid. Don’t forget cycling clothes such as padded cycling shorts, warm cycling tights, and a helmet. Please respect the traditional Nepalese culture by dressing conservatively (avoid bare shoulders and keep legs covered)
You may need an outlet adapter for any electrical items. To find more information, PRESS HERE. Electricity may not always be available along the tour. Some lodges will have solar powered charging facilities for an additional hourly fee.
Plan to have cash, exchanged into Nepali rupees. It is possible to withdraw rupees from ATMs in Kathmandu but not outside the city. An estimated $400-600 USD per person should be sufficient for meals in Kathmandu, drinks, snacks and other personal expenses such as showers and charging batteries in the mountain lodges. This should also cover tips for your guide, porters, and other staff.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
This tour is available year-round. For the best cycling conditions, we recommend traveling between January and June and September through December, when the weather is generally dry, temperatures are pleasant, and trail conditions are at their best.
The monsoon season typically occurs from July through August, bringing heavier rainfall that can affect trail conditions and visibility.
Customer Ratings
Ace the Himalaya is a locally owned adventure travel company based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Founded in 2006, the company specializes in trekking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, wildlife safaris, cultural tours, and customized journeys across Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.
With experienced local guides and thoughtful planning, Ace the Himalaya creates authentic Himalayan adventures while supporting responsible tourism, local communities, and the protection of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
