Ride 550km across Nepal from Kathmandu through Chitwan jungle, mid-hill gravel roads, and the Kali Gandaki gorge to Muktinath with full support throughout
Subtropical jungle to high Himalayan plateau in a single supported ride
Carries your luggage the entire route so you ride with a light daypack only
Two nights full package at Chitwan plus a genuine mid-hill homestay at Dubung
Experienced guide with end-to-end route knowledge across all five terrain zones
The Nepal Cross-Country Biking Adventure covers 550km from the forested hills south of Kathmandu to the sacred plateau of Muktinath at 3,800m in 13 days. The route runs through Pharping, Daman, Hetauda, Chitwan National Park, the mid-hill gravel roads to Pokhara, and then by flight to Jomsom for the high-altitude finish. A dedicated support vehicle travels the entire route. No two days feel the same.
Roughly 60 percent of the route is paved road. The remainder is gravel track and compacted dirt through the mid-hills. The most physically demanding days are the climb to Daman on Day 3 and the gravel section from Chitwan to Dubung on Day 7. The only altitude section is the Jomsom to Muktinath ride on Day 10, which climbs to 3,800m on fully paved road. Reduced oxygen at this elevation makes the section feel significantly harder than the distance suggests. This trip is rated challenging and suits riders who are comfortable covering 60 to 80km per day on mixed surfaces over multiple consecutive days.
MountainKick runs this trip with a licensed biking guide and a dedicated support vehicle throughout. If you need to skip any section the vehicle is there. E-bikes are available and work well on this route. Kumar answers personally if you have questions before booking.
For a more technical high-altitude option see our Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking trip. For the pure descent experience see the Muktinath to Pokhara Downhill Biking Adventure.
A MountainKick representative meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. Your guide runs a pre-trip briefing covering the full 13-day route, daily distances, road conditions, and what to expect over the coming days. Bike fitting and equipment checks are done this evening if you are renting a bike through us
The first day in the saddle winds through busy Kathmandu valley traffic before the roads quiet down heading south toward the forested hills. Pharping is a small religious town on the southern rim of the Kathmandu Valley known for its Buddhist and Hindu shrines carved directly into the rock face. A short day by design to find your rhythm before the longer sections ahead
One of the most rewarding riding days of the entire trip. The route climbs away from Pharping on a mix of gravel and paved road, passing above the Kulekhani reservoir with views across the water to forested ridgelines. The final push to Daman at 2,322m rewards with one of the widest Himalayan panoramas accessible by road in Nepal, from Dhaulagiri in the west to Everest in the east on a clear day
A long descent dominates the morning, dropping nearly 1,800m from the Daman ridge toward the Terai foothills on mostly paved road with a consistent gradient. The vegetation shifts from temperate hill forest to tropical Terai flora as you lose altitude. Hetauda is a mid-sized town at the edge of the plains and marks the transition to flat lowland riding toward Chitwan the following day
A fast flat ride across the Terai plains into the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s most visited wildlife reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The last section of the route passes through the jungle fringes of the park where elephant sightings along the roadside are not unusual. Sauraha village sits on the Rapti River facing the park with mountains visible to the north on clear days
A full day inside and around Chitwan National Park with no riding. The package includes a morning jeep safari into the core park area, a guided nature walk through the buffer zone, and a canoe ride on the Rapti River. Chitwan is one of the best places in Asia to see one-horned rhinos and gharial crocodiles in the wild. The evening closes with a traditional Tharu stick dance performance
The route follows the highway for the first 35km before turning north into the mid-hills on gravel hillside roads. This is where the character of the trip shifts most dramatically. The gravel climb to Dubung is demanding but the overnight is one of the most genuine on the whole route, a local family homestay with home-cooked Nepali dinner and a traditional cultural program in a community well off the tourist trail
A long varied riding day finishing in Pokhara, Nepal’s adventure capital. The route mixes gravel and paved road through the mid-hills before dropping onto the highway for the final approach into the Pokhara valley. On a clear day the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre appear ahead as you descend and the final kilometres into town with the mountains filling the northern horizon are a genuinely memorable stretch of road
A rest day from riding beginning before dawn with the drive to Sarangkot for sunrise over the Annapurna range, one of the most celebrated mountain views in Nepal. The rest of the day is at a relaxed pace on the lake and around town. The evening is free for a lakeside dinner on your own before the flight to Jomsom the following morning
An early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom takes you into the lower Mustang valley in roughly 20 minutes with close views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri on approach. From Jomsom the ride to Muktinath follows fully paved road up the Kali Gandaki valley through the unique arid landscape of the Mustang rain shadow. The altitude makes this section considerably harder than the distance suggests so take your time and ride slowly
The reward for yesterday’s climb. The descent from Muktinath through the Kali Gandaki gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna is one of the great downhill rides in Nepal, losing 2,610m on mostly paved road. Marpha village with its famous apple orchards and Tukuche with its historic trading houses are both worth stopping at. Natural hot springs wait at Tatopani at the end of the day
The final riding day follows a paved road south through the Modi Khola valley to Kushma, known for Nepal’s highest bungee jump at 228m above the Kali Gandaki gorge. After the ride the support vehicle transfers the group to Pokhara in approximately two hours. The evening in Pokhara is free for a last lakeside dinner on your own before the flight back to Kathmandu
Morning flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu with Himalayan range views on a clear day. Transfer to your hotel or directly to the airport depending on your departure time. Farewell dinner in Kathmandu for those with evening flights, a good chance to look back at the route and appreciate how much of Nepal you covered in 13 days
In Kathmandu you stay in a 3-star hotel in Thamel on twin-sharing basis with breakfast included. In Pokhara you stay in a lakeside hotel on twin-sharing basis with breakfast included on both Pokhara nights. Along the riding route from Pharping to Hetauda you stay in clean local guesthouses with private or shared bathrooms, hot water, electricity, and basic Wi-Fi. The Chitwan stay is a full resort package for two nights with all meals and activities included. Dubung is a genuine local homestay and the most basic overnight of the trip, which is also what makes it one of the most memorable. Rooms at Muktinath and Tatopani are simple teahouse guesthouses with basic facilities. Hot showers are available at most stops for a small extra charge. Single supplement is available on request throughout but cannot be guaranteed at small village guesthouses.
Breakfast is included at all accommodation stops throughout the trip. All meals are fully included during the Chitwan package, the Dubung homestay, and on all riding days at guesthouses along the route. The only exceptions are dinners in Pokhara on Day 8 and Day 12 which are on your own, and meals in Kathmandu where only breakfast is included at the hotel. A farewell dinner is included on the final evening in Kathmandu. The Terai and mid-hill sections have good local restaurants serving dal bhat, noodle soups, fried rice, and Nepali thali. At Muktinath and Tatopani expect standard teahouse menus with limited but adequate choices. Budget for personal drinks, snacks, and any extras outside the included meals.
| Personal drinks and snacks | $5 to $15 per day |
| Hot shower | $2 to $5 |
| Wi-Fi | $2 to $5 per day |
| Battery charging | $1 to $2 per device |
| Pokhara dinner (Days 8 and 12) | $8 to $20 per meal |
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You should be comfortable riding 60 to 80km in a day on mixed road surfaces including gravel. You do not need racing fitness or technical mountain biking skills, but multi-day riding experience makes a real difference to your enjoyment. Several consecutive riding days occur without a full rest day in between, so regular cycling in the weeks before the trip is strongly recommended. The Jomsom to Muktinath section on Day 10 is the most altitude-demanding day, not necessarily the hardest in terms of gradient, but the elevation at 3,800m requires a slower and more deliberate pace.
No. Bikes are available to rent through us in standard hybrid, mountain bike, or electric bike options. If you prefer to bring your own bike that is absolutely fine. Let us know in advance so we can arrange bike transport on the domestic flight sections of the trip. All rental bikes are checked and adjusted at the pre-trip briefing on Day 1.
The support vehicle travels with the group throughout the entire trip for exactly this reason. If you need to skip a section or cut a day short due to fatigue, injury, or weather you ride in the support vehicle for that stretch with no pressure and no judgement. The itinerary is designed with flexibility and no one is left behind because of a rough day.
The flight operates in the morning when wind conditions in the Kali Gandaki gorge are most stable. It is generally reliable but can be delayed or cancelled by afternoon winds or low cloud. If the flight is cancelled we travel by road via Beni instead and adjust the riding day accordingly. We always have a backup plan in place and this situation is not unusual on this route.
es, and e-bikes work very well on this route. The gravel climbs to Daman and Dubung are the sections where electric assistance makes the biggest difference. Charging is available at all accommodation stops. Electric bike rental is available as an add-on to the trip cost at $100 per day.
October to early December and March to May are the best windows. Post-monsoon autumn gives the clearest mountain views and the most stable road conditions. Spring is slightly warmer at lower elevations but still excellent for riding. The monsoon months of June to September are not recommended as gravel sections become very difficult and mountain views are largely obscured. The Jomsom area can have strong afternoon winds at any time of year which is why the flight is always scheduled in the morning.
The two-night Chitwan stay is a full package covering accommodation, all meals, a jeep safari into the national park core zone, a guided nature walk through the buffer forest, a canoe ride on the Rapti River, and a Tharu cultural program in the evening. It is one of the highlights of the trip and gives you a genuine introduction to Nepal’s extraordinary lowland wildlife. If you want to extend your time in Chitwan we also run a standalone Chitwan National Park Safari.
Dubung is a small mid-hill community well off the tourist trail. The homestay is with a local family in a traditional home with home-cooked Nepali dinner, breakfast, and a cultural program in the evening. Rooms are basic with shared bathrooms. It is the most basic overnight of the trip and also one of the most memorable. Single rooms are not available at the Dubung homestay.
All meals are included on riding days at guesthouses, during the Chitwan package, and at the Dubung homestay. The only exceptions are dinners in Pokhara on Days 8 and 12 which are on your own, and meals in Kathmandu where only breakfast is included at the hotel. A farewell dinner is included on the final evening in Kathmandu. Budget for personal drinks, snacks, and extras outside the included meals.
No trekking permits are required for this biking route. The Chitwan National Park activities are handled as part of the full package. All government taxes and fees are included in the trip price. You will need a valid passport at all times and Nepal visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Travel and medical insurance is mandatory for all participants. Your policy must cover cycling on mixed terrain and should include emergency helicopter evacuation, which is the standard medical evacuation method in remote areas of Nepal. We will ask for proof of insurance before departure. The Muktinath section at 3,800m is the highest point and most remote section of the route.
es. Common customisations include extending the Chitwan or Pokhara stays, adding a rest day, or combining this trip with a trekking extension in the Annapurna region. We also run a full range of other Nepal biking trips including the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking and the Upper Mustang Biking Adventure. Use our trip customisation page or contact us directly to discuss options.
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
| 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 give you the power to choose the departure date that suits your group best. A private trip is a perfect solution if you can’t find a published departure date that you and your companions agree on. You can set up a private departure for most of the trips we offer. Contact us with your group size.
Ready to go? Request your preferred dates or message Kumar directly on WhatsApp — he'll confirm availability within a few hours.
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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| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain bike, full-suspension or hardtail | 1 | Full-suspension ideal for gravel sections to Daman and Dubung. Hardtail with 2.2 inch tyres acceptable. Rentable through us. |
| Bike helmet | 1 | Mandatory. Bring your own for fit and safety. Confirm rental availability with us in advance. |
| Padded cycling shorts or bibs | 3 pairs | Minimum 3 pairs for 11 riding days. Comfort on gravel depends on this more than any other item. |
| Cycling gloves, full finger | 3 pairs | 3 pairs |
| Full finger only. Lose one pair and you still have two. Essential for rocky terrain. | 2 each | One short sleeve for lower sections, one long sleeve for above Manang. |
| Windproof cycling jacket | 1 | For descents above 3,500m. The Kali Gandaki gorge descent can be very cold. |
| Bike shoes, clipless or flat pedal | 1 pair | Compatible with your pedal system. Must be broken in before arrival. |
| Bike repair kit | 1 set | Inner tubes x3, tyre levers, multi-tool, chain tool, chain lube, patch kit. |
| Bike pump or CO2 cartridges | 1 | CO2 is lighter. Carry both if possible. |
| Bike lock | 1 | For overnight security at guesthouses. |
| Hydration pack or water bottles | 2L minimum | Carry on the bike. Drink constantly above 3,500m. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture-wicking base layer tops | 2 | Merino or synthetic. No cotton at any altitude. |
| Thermal base layer bottoms | 1 | For Thorong High Camp night and Tilicho Lake hike. |
| Fleece jacket | 1 | For cool evenings at Daman and Muktinath |
| Down jacket | 1 | For Muktinath nights where temperatures can drop below 5°C |
| Waterproof shell jacket with hood | 1 | For rain on lower sections and wind on the Muktinath approach |
| Warm trekking pants | 1 pair | For pushing and carrying sections above Manang. |
| Sun hat or cap | 1 | UV is extreme above 3,000m and on open trail sections. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bike shoes | 1 pair | For all rideable sections. Must be compatible with your pedal system. |
| Cycling socks | 5 pairs | For riding days. Enough for the full circuit. |
| Camp sandals | 1 pair | For teahouse evenings and guesthouse recovery. |
| Light trail shoes or sneakers | For off-bike days in Chitwan, Pokhara, and Kathmandu |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping bag liner | 1 | Optional but recommended for hygiene across 11 guesthouse nights including the Dubung homestay. All accommodation provides bedding. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Warm beanie | 1 | For cold mornings above Manang and Thorong High Camp night. |
| Neck gaiter or buff | 2 | Dust on lower trail sections and cold wind above 4,000m. |
| Liner gloves, thin | 1 pair | For trail use and cold morning starts on the bike. |
| Insulated gloves | 1 pair | For the Muktinath section and cool morning starts above Daman |
| Sunglasses, UV protection | 1 pair | For all riding and hiking sections. UV is extreme above 3,000m. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Daypack 25 to 35L with rain cover | 1 | Carries everything you need on the bike each day. Support vehicle takes the main bag. |
| Headlamp with spare batteries | 1 | For pre-dawn Sarangkot sunrise on Day 9 and early morning starts |
| Dry bags | 3 | Electronics and documents inside main bag and daypack |
| Water purification tablets or filter | 1 | Saves money and reduces plastic across 14 riding days. |
| Power bank 20,000mAh | 1 | Charging costs at high altitude guesthouses. Keep in sleeping bag overnight in cold. |
| Small padlock | 1 | For main bag at guesthouses. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen SPF 50 | 2 | Reapply every 2 hours above Namche equivalent altitude. Bring a spare. |
| Lip balm with SPF | 2 | Wind and altitude crack lips fast from Manang onward. |
| Electrolyte powder sachets | 20 | Mix into water daily on the Muktinath section. Less critical at lower elevations but good practice throughout |
| High protein snacks and energy bars | As needed | For the Muktinath section and long gravel days. Guesthouse food covers other days well |
| Personal first aid kit | 1 | Blister treatment, antiseptic, bandages, ibuprofen, Imodium, rehydration sachets. |
| Altitude sickness tablets Diamox | As needed | Consult your doctor before trek. Not a substitute for proper acclimatization. |
| Insect repellent | Essential for Chitwan and Terai sections. Apply before dawn and at dusk in the park buffer zone | |
| Chamois cream | For multi-day riding comfort. Apply daily before long gravel sections |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Microfiber towel | 1 | Guesthouses do not provide towels. |
| Hand sanitizer | 2 small | Not always water available before meals on trail. |
| Biodegradable wet wipes | 3 packs | Limited showers above Manang and at Tilicho Base Camp. |
| Toilet paper | 3 rolls | Guesthouses can run out. Always carry your own. |
| Earplugs | 2 pairs | Guesthouse walls are thin across 14 nights of shared accommodation. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Passport, valid 6 months | 1 | Keep a photocopy separate. Required at ACAP checkpoints throughout. |
| Travel insurance document | 1 | Must cover high-altitude mountain biking above 5,500m and helicopter evacuation. Printed copy required. |
| Cash, Nepali rupees | As needed | Budget $5 to $15 per day for personal extras. ATMs available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Hetauda, and Jomsom. No ATMs at Muktinath or Tatopani. |
| Permit copies | 1 set | We handle all permits. Carry your copies at all ACAP checkpoints. |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Rain poncho | Your daypack will get completely soaked on the gravel sections to Daman and Dubung during monsoon |
| Extra dry bags | Upgrade from standard for mud on gravel sections between Chitwan and Dubung |
| Leech socks | Active on lower trail sections between Besisahar and Chamje from June onwards |
Mountain bikes, electric bikes, and standard bikes can be rented through us. Sleeping bag liners are available in Thamel if needed. MountainKick connects you with trusted Thamel gear shops at the pre-trip briefing. A duffel bag is provided for the support vehicle to every rider as part of the package.
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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