Mountain Biking in Kathmandu Valley: Best activity to try
Kathmandu is a buzzing city south of Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park and is surrounded by perfect countryside for hardy mountain bikers.
The mountainous terrain in 35 degrees of heat was a tricky mix and it certainly challenged my poor legs! Having said that, I gave this activity a good bash and can’t tell you what a feel-good day it was to be mountain biking in Kathmandu Valley.
Mountain Biking In Kathmandu Valley
Preparing To Go Mountain Biking In Kathmandu Valley
The mountain bikes arrived at our hotel in Kathmandu, We had a moment to get to know our bikes, checking the seat was at the right height and gears were in working order.
I was handed an anti-pollution mask, I thought it was so I looked badass on my bike but apparently, Kathmandu has ranked 5th in Pollution Index 2023 so you’ll find them commonplace in the capital city.
Stop Off At Swaymbhunath Stupa
Heading through the city towards Swaymbhunath Stupa, also known as Monkey Temple, we followed single file and I was surprised at how we weaved our way across lanes of busy traffic without any issues. We were greeted with 365 steep stone steps to reach the top, no rest for these legs today, however, we were rewarded with tremendous panoramic views of Kathmandu.
The Swaymbhunath Stupa, one of the 7 UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley, is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises (Swayambhu means “self-existent one”).
As we walked around the temple we were faced with a few hundred monkeys on the ground, we took pictures and admired how cute they were, some were carrying babies, and some cleaning each other. Then two bigger monkeys came and they all seemed to group off, there was a stand-off happening and we were caught in the middle.
It was time to exit but the monkeys ran in the same direction. Two people in our group were scratched on the legs by monkeys which led to Rabies injections at the local hospital that evening!
Cycling In Kathmandu Valley
Our lunch stop at Bhimdhungga looking down over the city was just beautiful, the leg work was very much worth it. Getting in the shade was much needed, that sun was certainly helping bring on the sweaty red-faced look. Home-cooked Nepalese momos (stuffed dumplings) were delicious, followed by a huge plate of noodles and rice bringing on a food coma.
The cycling was not too steep to start with then it began, I had to cycle with all my might to beat these ascents, and mountain biking in Kathmandu Valley was a challenge. Stopping to admire the stunning views secretly gave me a chance to rest for a moment. We cycled by local farms, workers busy in the rice fields, and general village life.
Downhill To Thamel
I loved the downhill trails, many school buses were driving past and the school children were walking past holding hands or waving at us. There were lots of strange items being carried or wheeled along holding up the traffic, all part of the experience.
We reached our final turn off the main busy street, this was a head-scratcher as to how we interrupted the traffic to cross the road, it seems if you just start moving then the cars and motorbikes will stop for you… phew! We did our final weave through the back streets to complete our 23km mountain bike adventure.
I was looking forward to a cheeky massage in Thamel to relieve the sore muscles and a city tour of Kathmandu on foot!
Book your mountain biking in Kathmandu
Whether you are a beginner or a pro in mountain biking, trails in Kathmandu range from easy paths to challenging tracks. Find the right tour in the hills to fit your needs.
More Adventurous Inspiration In Nepal
Nepal offers so many mind-blowing and challenging treks. Read my blog on why I didn’t complete the Everest Base Camp and had to be flown to the hospital. For a drama-free 2-day hike filled with majestic views of Kathmandu Valley, try the trek from Changu Narayan to Nagarkot.
If you’re heading to Pokhara, try paragliding over Phewa Lake, or rappelling down a 45m waterfall. Both were incredible experiences!
PLANNING ON MOUNTAIN BIKING IN KATHMANDU? PIN IT!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. It comes at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.
Wauw, it must be amazing to do this! I must admit I am not that much of a sportive person, but it does look really adventurous to do this!!
Sign me up for anything on a mountain bike! This sounds awesome! I can’t wait for my kids to be old enough to join me on these types of adventures.
23 kilometers of cycling along mountain roads, with views of rice fields, villages and temples must have been quite an experience. Downhill would have been a breeze, literally and figuratively.
II am not much of a biker myself, but nice to read about your experience! Sounds like a great thing to do in Nepal for active travelers.
What a great adventure. My legs would have been shaking like crazy until the downhill. Would love to visit there one day.
What an adventure! Love how you could feel a bit more of the culture that way — weaving amongst groups of schoolchildren and such. Much more organic than riding in a taxi or tour bus!
I do wish I was young enough and fit enough to try something like this. I certainly wouldn’t tackle a 23 km mountain ride. I’m guessing from the facemasks it was quite dusty? even the home-cooked Nepalese momos wouldn’t have tempted me – though I do love them!
Wow must have been so amazing to cycle Kathmandu valley, I have not been to Nepal but I know it is gorgeous. I cannot personally imagine cycling that much but I am not in great shape haha. The views would have been breathtaking, would’ve loved to see more pictures 🙂
Had no idea that Kathmandu has such bad pollution, that’s an eye opener right off the bat! Still, protected with the anti-pollution filters, cycling seems a great way to get around between the sites. I would love to see the Swaymbhunath Stupa but not sure I can handle the climbing!
Looks like an awesome ride! I would have to workout so much before I’d be able to do this! Biking uphill is my kryptonite, even though I’m in pretty good shape.
Your monkey scratch story is pretty scary. I’ve heard rabies injections are quite painful.