Kathmandu Valley Rim Biking- 8 Days

TripAdvisor Reviews

Ride through the ridges of the Kathmandu Valley, where mountain views, forest trails, and timeless villages spread across your journey. This 8-day biking tour binds together off-road adventure, cultural gems, and hilltop escapes that take you into tranquility; all just a short ride from the capital.

Country

Nepal

Trip Duration

8 Days

Trip Grade

Advanced Beginners

Highest Altitude

Chisapani (2,215 m / 7,267 ft)

Best Season

Jan-June, Sep-Dec

Accommodation

Hotels, Guesthouses, and Resorts

Meals

Included

Start/End Point

Kathmandu

Trip Highlights

  • Cycle along the forested rim of the Kathmandu Valley with sweeping HImalayan views
  • Ride through traditional villages, terraced hills, and ancient trade routes.
  • Explore hidden gems like Kakani, Chisapani, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, and Namobuddha
  • Witness sunrises over snow-capped peaks from scenic hilltop towns.
  • Experience a mix of technical trails, jeep tracks, and peaceful countryside roads
  • Visit sacred Buddhist monasteries and timeless Newari towns off the tourist radar
  • Immerse yourself in local culture while staying in cozy village lodges and homestays.

Trip Overview

The Kathmandu Valley Rim Biking Tour offers a true cross-section of Nepal; where ridgelines carry you from pine forests to centuries-old towns, and each day reveals a different side of the valley. Starting from the cool hills of Kakani, the trail loops around the valley’s edge, threading through national parks, terraced slopes, and timeless villages that still live by the sun and seasons.

One moment you’re climbing singletrack through the deep greens of Shivapuri, the next you’re cruising downhill past waving schoolkids and rows of prayer flags fluttering above mustard fields. Along the way, you’ll stop at places like Namobuddha, where silence still lingers among monastery walls, and ride through communities where life is unhurried and welcoming.

It’s not just a ride; it’s a full-body experience of the land and its rhythm. Technical in parts, peaceful in others, this journey gives you Nepal not from the highway, but from its quiet backroads and forest trails.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft): 1-2 hrs

You’ll be welcomed at Tribhuvan International Airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. Settle in, relax, or explore the neighborhood at your own pace. Depending on your arrival time, you might want to stroll around the streets of Thamel or grab a coffee at one of the local cafés. In the evening, we’ll do a quick check-in to make sure you’re set for the ride ahead.

Max Altitude

: Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)

Overnight

: Kathmandu

Accomodation

: Hotel

Day 2: Drive to Kakani and Ride to Budhanilkantha (2,100 m / 6,889 ft): 4-5 hrs

We start the day with a trip briefing. Then a scenic drive takes us to Kakani, where we hop on our bikes and ride along the famous “Trout Highway,” tasting locally farmed fish en route. The ride is mostly downhill and winding, with terraced hills and pine forests all around. As we near Budhanilkantha, the foothills of Shivapuri open up to us with views of distant peaks and calm surroundings.

Max Altitude

: Kakani (2,100 m / 6,889 ft)

Trip Duration

: 4-5 hrs

Meals

: Breakfast

Overnight

: Budhanilkantha

Accomodation

: Guesthouse

Day 3: Budhanilkantha to Chisapani (2,215 m / 7,267 ft): 6-7 hrs

Today’s ride enters Shivapuri National Park. A steep paved ascent leads to rugged jeep tracks as we pass through Mulkharka and forest trails. You’ll likely hear the calls of birds and maybe even spot some wildlife as we ride deeper into the forest. The final stretch is challenging but rewarding, with Chisapani offering dramatic sunset views over the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges.

Max Altitude

: Chisapani (2,215 m / 7,267 ft)

Trip Duration

: 6-7 hrs

Meals

: Breakfast

Overnight

: Chisapani

Accomodation

: Guesthouse

Day 4: Chisapani to Nagarkot (1,932 m / 6,339 ft): 5-6 hrs

Descend from Chisapani through forest trails and jeep roads with the Himalayas on your horizon. After a lunch stop, ride steadily uphill to reach Nagarkot which is one of the most popular hill stations for sunrise and sunset views over the mountains. The trail undulates through small hamlets, where you might stop to chat with curious local kids. Nagarkot’s fresh air and sweeping mountain panorama make a beautiful end to the day.

Max Altitude

: Nagarkot (1,932 m / 6,339 ft)

Trip Duration

: 5-6 hrs

Meals

: Breakfast

Overnight

: Nagarkot

Accomodation

: Hotel

Day 5: Nagarkot to Namobuddha via Dhulikhel (1,750 m / 5,741 ft): 6-7 hrs

A scenic downhill route takes us through small villages and farmlands as we make our way to the heritage town of Dhulikhel. From here, we continue riding through pine forests and open hillsides until we arrive at the sacred Namobuddha Monastery. Along the way, you’ll pass prayer flags, rice paddies, and colorful hillside homes. The monastery sits in a peaceful corner of the valley, where you can soak in the calm and spiritual energy.

Max Altitude

: Namobuddha (1,750 m / 5,741 ft)

Trip Duration

: 6-7 hrs

Meals

: Breakfast

Overnight

: Namobuddha

Accomodation

: Hotel

Day 6: Namobuddha to Balthali (1,445 m / 4,741 ft): 3-4 hrs

A relaxing and scenic ride through traditional villages, forested trails, and terraced hillsides. Balthali welcomes you with its quiet charm, ancient temples, and views of green valleys with faint outlines of the Himalayas in the distance. The trail today is less technical and offers a chance to truly enjoy the landscape. Once you arrive, you can wander around the village or unwind with a book in a peaceful setting.

Max Altitude

: Balthali (1,445 m / 4,741 ft)

Trip Duration

: 3-4 hrs

Meals

: Breakfast

Overnight

: Balthali

Accomodation

: Resort

Day 7: Balthali to Panauti and Bhaktapur, Drive to Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft): 5-6 hrs

We descend to the ancient town of Panauti, then continue by vehicle to explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, an architectural gem of medieval Nepal. After sightseeing and lunch, we return to Kathmandu for a farewell dinner. The biking today is gentle and scenic, passing mustard fields, temples, and quiet village roads. Bhaktapur’s cobblestone alleys and carved wooden windows reflect our rich architectural history.

Max Altitude

: Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)

Trip Duration

: 5-6 hrs

Meals

: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Overnight

: Kathmandu

Accomodation

: Hotel

Day 8: Final Departure from Kathmandu

Today marks the end of your journey. An Ama Adventure representative will transfer you to the airport for your flight home. We hope to see you on the next adventure.

Max Altitude

: Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft)

Meals

: Breakfast

What is included

Accommodation

  • Twin-sharing in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu
  • Twin-sharing in 3-star hotels in Nagarkot, Namobuddha
  • Twin-sharing in standard guesthouses in Budhanilkantha, Chisapani, and resort in Balthali

Meals & Drinking Water

  • Daily breakfast throughout the trip
  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the biking route
  • One hot drink per meal and seasonal fruits
  • Farewell dinner on the final night in Nepal
  • Purified drinking water throughout the trip (via water filter or purification tablets)

Transportation

  • All airport transfers (domestic) by private tourist vehicle.
  • Private vehicle transfers and support

Guide & Support Staff

  • Professional Guide and Assistant Guide/Trainee Guide
  • All staff’s wages, accommodation, meals, insurance, gear, and medication

Permits & Entry Fees

  • Shivapuri National Park entry fees
  • Entry permit and fees for all cultural and historical sites, temples, and monasteries

Health & Safety

  • Comprehensive first aid kit
  • Daily health checks with a pulse oximeter to monitor altitude-related symptoms

Extras & Souvenirs

  • Duffel kit bag, and a trip completion certificate

Administrative

  • All government taxes and administrative fees

What is Excluded

  • Mountain bike rental (USD 40–50/day if hiring)
  • Lunch and dinner in the trip (except the farewell dinner in Kathmandu)
  • Trip cancellation cost
  • International airfare and airport departure tax
  • Travel insurance- Must include high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
  • Alcoholic beverages, cold drinks, and bottled juices
  • Tips for guides, porters, and drivers
  • Bike repair kit (recommended if bringing your own)
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Single room supplement- Available on request at an extra cost
  • Any expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section
  • Nepal Entry Visa

Trip Departure

We book both solo and group for amazing experiences along with people from all over the world. Before departure, we reconfirm how many clients are recently in your group before sign up for the trekking. When a person signs up for the expeditions we guarantee all the group departure dates even if there is a single person of Upper Mustang Biking Tour.

Difficulty Level

The Kathmandu Valley Rim biking trip is ideal for advanced beginners. Expect a mix of dirt roads, forest trails, and single tracks with moderate ascents and descents. Some sections can be technical, so prior off-road biking experience is helpful. Daily distances and terrain require decent fitness, and mornings often start above the clouds.

Meals

Throughout our trek, you’ll savor authentic Nepalese dishes alongside international cuisines such as Tibetan, Continental, Italian, and Indian. Breakfast and dinner will be served at the tea houses or lodge menus where we stay overnight, while lunches will be provided en route to our next destination. During the trek, all meals are included. Breakfast is provided throughout the trip, and farewell dinner will be arranged for our guests.

Lodging

We’ll be accommodated at Hotel Manaslu, and the best available 3-star hotels, guesthouses, and resorts during our trip. Accommodations are based on twin sharing. For those requesting a single room, there will be an additional cost of USD 100. While we aim for rooms with attached washrooms, please note that some guesthouses may only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu, and lower-elevation trekking areas, but availability might be limited at higher elevations.

Weather Information

Temperatures range between 46°F to 70°F during the day, depending on elevation and season. Mornings and nights can be crisp, especially in Chisapani and Nagarkot, where temperatures may drop below 40°F. Rhododendrons bloom in spring, while clear skies dominate winter months.

Packing List

Here’s a streamlined packing list for your trek. Adjust according to the season. Ama Adventure provides a 75-liter duffel bag for the trek, and riding kit, sleeping bags or down jackets can be rented in Kathmandu for USD 35 each.

 General

  • Duffel or rucksack bag
  • Daypack (20–35L) with rain cover
  • Lightweight suitcase (optional for city stays)

Upper Body

  • Sun hat or cap
  • Knitted hat / Beanie (only for winter)
  • Scarf / Neck Gaiter / Buff (highly recommended)
  • Headlamp
  • Sunglasses

Torso

  • 2 short-sleeve technical shirts
  • 1 waterproof/windproof jacket (especially for rainy season: June–Sept)
  • 1 lightweight fleece or thermal pullover
  • Base layer top (synthetic or wool for winter)
  • Optional insulation layer (for colder evenings)

Lower Body

  • 1-2 pairs of breathable cotton pants or riding trousers
  • 1 pair of biking shorts or hiking shorts
  • 1-2 pairs of thermal base layer bottoms (for cold season)
  • Waterproof overpants (for riding in rain)
  • Comfortable pants for evenings

Hands

  • Wool or synthetic thin liner gloves
  • Insulated hard-shell gloves for colder months

Feet

  • 2 pairs of wool or technical fabric socks
  • 1-2 pairs of synthetic or liner socks
  • Waterproof biking or hiking shoes (well broken-in)
  • Lightweight camp shoes or sneakers
  • Optional: sandals (for showers or rest stops)

Undergarments

  • Quick-dry technical underwear (laundry available during trip)
  • Sports bras (women)
  • Pajamas or sleepwear

First Aid Kits and Medications

  • Sunscreen (high SPF)
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Antiseptic or soothing ointment
  • Personal medications (for altitude, allergies, pain relief, etc.)

(Note: Our guides carry a basic first aid kit, but personal supplies are strongly recommended)

Other Essential Items

  • Valid passport
  • 2–3 passport-sized photos
  • Copy of airline ticket (leave one with Ama Adventure)
  • Waterproof pouch/dry bag (for money and documents)
  • Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (at least 2L capacity)
  • Water purification tablets or UV purifier
  • Toiletry kit (toothbrush, paste, deodorant, biodegradable soap)
  • Toilet paper (minimum 2 rolls)
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Snacks (protein bars, trail mix, etc.)
  • Outlet adapter

Optional

  • Toiletries
  • Guidebook
  • Trekking poles
  • Camera
  • Basic medicine (Pepto-Bismol, Advil, Imodium)
  • Bandana for dust and wind
  • Energy bars
  • Yaktrax (for fall/early spring)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Wet wipes or biodegradable cleansing wipes

Documents and Logistics

  • Flight Information
  • Original Passport
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Passport size photo for Tims and permit (4)
  • Medical Insurance Card
  • Airline tickets (leave a copy with our office in Kathmandu)

Dates & Prices

We ensure departures on all published dates. If these dates don’t align with your plans, we’re happy to assist in setting a customized date. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group seeking private trips, you can tailor-make your adventure. Reach out to us for pricing details or any other queries.

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Traveler Reviews

Tripadvisor Reviews

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    January 23, 2025
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    October 22, 2023

    star rating  Best choice for trekking in Nepal  - We were so lucky to come across Ama Adventure in a Facebook group, and specifically Goma Thapa, who's an experienced, educated, trekking powerhouse woman in charge of Ama trekking expeditions.... read more

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