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Kathmandu Valley Mountain Bike Tour

The Kathmandu Valley mountain bike tour is a one-day ride away from the traffic, along back roads, village lanes and farm tracks in the south of the valley. Ride up to the hilltop Newar town of Kirtipur, drop down to Chobhar Gorge, where legend says the valley's ancient lake drained away, and pedal on to the traditional villages of Bungamati and Khokana, famous for woodcarving and mustard oil.

Graded moderate, it suits anyone comfortable on a bike for a few hours, with some short climbs and rough tracks. A quality mountain bike, helmet, experienced bike guide, lunch and a support vehicle where needed are included.

CountryNepal
Duration1 Days
DifficultyModerate
ActivityMountain biking
Max. AltitudeAbout 1,450 m / 4,757 ft
Best SeasonOct–May
AccommodationNone (day trip)
MealsLunch
Group size1–10 people

Trip highlights

  • Hilltop Newar town of Kirtipur
  • Chobhar Gorge and its legend
  • Traditional villages of Bungamati and Khokana
  • Back roads and farm tracks away from traffic
  • Quality bike, helmet and experienced bike guide

Kathmandu Valley Mountain Bike Tour overview

Quick answer: the Kathmandu Valley mountain bike tour is a full-day guided ride of about 30–40 km on mixed roads and tracks, visiting Kirtipur, Chobhar, Bungamati and Khokana. It costs from US$75 per person, including bike, helmet, guide and lunch.

The Kathmandu Valley looks very different from a bicycle. Within half an hour you leave the main roads behind for lanes between rice fields, brick kilns and old Newar settlements where life still moves at walking pace. Your bike guide knows the back routes and the best places to stop. For longer rides, see our mountain biking guide.

At a glance

FactDetails
DurationFull day (about 6–7 hours)
DistanceAbout 30–40 km
TerrainBack roads, village lanes, dirt tracks
GradeModerate
Best timeOctober–May
CostFrom US$75 per person

Day-by-day itinerary

Day1
Meet at the bike shop in Thamel for fitting and briefing. Ride south to Kirtipur, then to Chobhar Gorge, and on through rural lanes to Bungamati and Khokana. Lunch in a village, then return to Kathmandu via Patan by bike or with the support vehicle.
5–6 hours riding 1,450 m Lunch Mountain biking 35 km

What’s included

Included

  • Quality mountain bike and helmet
  • Experienced, English-speaking bike guide
  • Lunch
  • Support vehicle where needed
  • Entry fees in the villages
  • All government and local taxes

Not included

  • Drinks and snacks
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for your guide

Useful info

Who can join?

You should be comfortable riding a bike for several hours, including short climbs and rough tracks. No mountain biking experience is needed.

Safety

Helmets are compulsory. Your guide sets the pace, chooses quiet roads and briefs you on traffic.

What to wear

Comfortable sports clothes, closed shoes, sunglasses and a light jacket. Padded shorts and gloves help.

Packing list

  • Comfortable sports clothes
  • Closed shoes
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Light jacket
  • Water bottle
  • Padded shorts and gloves (optional)

Add-ons & trip options

Padded shorts and gloves rentalUS$5
Private guide for your group (per group)US$40

Choose add-ons and quantities on the booking form.

More options, quoted on request:

  • Nagarkot downhill ride.
  • Multi-day rides around the valley rim.
  • Private tour for families.

Frequently asked questions

A full day, with about 5–6 hours of riding and 30–40 km.

No, but you should be comfortable on a bike for several hours.

From US$75 per person, including bike, helmet, guide and lunch.

Kirtipur, Chobhar, Bungamati and Khokana.

Yes, with helmets and a guide who chooses quiet roads.

October–May.

Older children who ride confidently can join; ask us.

Yes, where needed.