Kathmandu Day Biking
Spend a day riding the Kathmandu Valley by mountain bike. Choose from seven routes of 33 to 57km, from easy farm trails to Tokha to hard single track through Shivapuri, with a guide, bike and helmet provided.
Kathmandu Day Biking: What to Expect
Seven routes from 33 to 57km, starting at your hotel
Hardtail or full suspension, with helmet
First-aid trained and English speaking
Newari towns, temples and Himalayan views from the valley rim
The Kathmandu Valley is one of the easiest places in Nepal to get on a mountain bike. Within half an hour of the city you are on dirt roads between rice terraces, riding through old Newari villages and climbing into the forested hills that ring the valley. On a clear day the Himalaya sits along the northern skyline. We run seven day routes, from an easy farm trail loop to steep technical descents off Shivapuri. You pick the one that suits your riding, and we start and finish at your hotel in Kathmandu.
Mudkhu to Tokha (easy, 33 km, about 4 hours)
The gentlest ride. Farm tracks through fields and small villages to Tokha, an old Newari town with narrow brick lanes. Good for families and beginners.
Changunarayan to Gokarna (moderate, 41 km, about 5 hours)
A hill trail up to Changunarayan, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal and a World Heritage Site, then single track down to Sankhu and on to Gokarna.
Jamacho to Mudkhu (moderate, 42 km, about 5 hours)
Switchback forest tracks through Nagarjun with mountain views, then down to Mudkhu village. Shady and cool on a warm day.
Chapagaun to Chobhar (moderate, 47 km, about 5 hours)
The best route for village life, through Khokana and Bungmati, finishing at Chobhar hill with a wide view over the valley.
Balaju to Budhanilkantha (moderate, 47 km, about 5 hours)
Winding trails between paddy fields and villages, with a few short steep climbs, ending at the reclining Vishnu statue at Budhanilkantha.
Budhanilkantha to Kapan (technical, 47 km, about 6 hours)
A long climb into Shivapuri National Park past Nagi Gompa, then a steep, loose descent that needs good bike handling.
Kakani to Budhanilkantha (hard, 57 km, about 6 hours)
The toughest day. Single track through Nagarjun forest up to Kakani for big Himalayan views, then through Shivapuri National Park.
Good to know
- Trails are a mix of dirt roads, farm tracks and forest single track, with busy city roads for the first and last few kilometres
- The valley sits at about 1,300 to 1,400m, so altitude is not an issue
- Rides start early to beat the traffic and the midday heat
- Lunch is not included. You stop at a local cafe on the route and pay there
- Best months are February to May and September to December
Want a longer ride? See our Nepal biking trips, including the Muktinath to Pokhara downhill and the Annapurna Circuit by mountain bike.
Includes & Excludes
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Licensed biking guide English speaking, wilderness first aid trained. More guides for larger groups
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Mountain bike and helmet Cube, Trek or Giant, hardtail or full suspension
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All entry fees on your route Temples, parks, monasteries and heritage sites
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Support vehicle For emergencies on the route
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Hotel start and finish From your hotel in Kathmandu
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Lunch, snacks and drinks Paid locally at a cafe or teahouse on the route
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Tips For your guide and driver, customary in Nepal
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Travel insurance Recommended for any adventure activity
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Personal expenses Souvenirs, extra drinks and anything not listed above
We Handle the Details — At No Extra Cost
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Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be?
For the easy Mudkhu to Tokha route, if you can ride a bike comfortably for a couple of hours you will be fine. The moderate routes need reasonable fitness for a few steep climbs. Kakani and the Budhanilkantha to Kapan descent are for fit, confident mountain bikers.
Which route should I choose?
Choose Mudkhu to Tokha for an easy ride, Chapagaun to Chobhar for village life, Changunarayan to Gokarna for temples and history, and Kakani to Budhanilkantha for the hardest riding and the best mountain views. Tell us your experience and we will suggest the right one.
What bikes do you provide?
Cube, Trek or Giant mountain bikes, in hardtail or full suspension depending on your choice, plus a helmet. Tell us your height when you book so we can bring the right frame size.
Can beginners or children join?
Yes, on the easy route. Children who already ride confidently can join with a parent. Let us know their ages and heights when you book so we can arrange suitable bikes.
Is lunch included?
No. You stop at a local cafe or teahouse on the route and pay for lunch and drinks there. Bring some Nepali rupees.
Can I add a day ride to my trek?
Yes. It works well on a spare day before your trek. We can add it to any MountainKick trip or book it on its own.
When is the best time to ride?
February to May and September to December. Rides run in the monsoon too, but trails are muddy and views are often hidden by cloud.
Departure Dates & Pricing
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
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20% Deposit — Due on booking Secures your place on the departure. Refundable within cancellation window.
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80% Balance — Due on arrival Pay the remainder in Kathmandu before the trip begins. Bank transfer, card, or cash accepted.
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Bhutan & Tibet — Full payment 20 days prior Full balance required at least 20 days before departure for Bhutan and Tibet tours.
| 30+ days before departure | Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full |
| 15–29 days before departure | 50% of total trip cost charged |
| Under 15 days | No refund |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
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Packing List
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sports clothes | Padded cycling shorts if you have them | |
| Closed shoes | 1 pair | With good grip, no sandals |
| Light rain or wind jacket | 1 | Weather can change in the hills |
| Sunglasses and sunscreen | The sun is strong at altitude | |
| Water bottle | 1 litre or more | We can refill on the route |
| Cycling gloves | 1 pair | Optional but more comfortable |
| Nepali rupees | For lunch, drinks and tips | |
| Phone or camera |
Bikes and helmets are provided. If you want your own cycling gloves, padded shorts or a hydration pack, you can buy them in Thamel before the ride.
Kathmandu Day Biking
Kumar and the team have guided this route for over a decade. Ask anything — gear, fitness, altitude, private groups — before you commit.
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