Thinking about a cycling holiday in Nepal? You'll ride a mountain bike or an e-bike on village trails and old trading routes below the Himalaya. Holidays run from a single day to more than two weeks, and you sleep in a hotel or a family-run lodge every night.
We're Nepal MTB Adventures, a local team that has guided riders from Pokhara since 2004. We wrote this guide for riders travelling from the UK. It helps you choose the kind of holiday, the region and the month. Then it shows you how to fit the trip into your annual leave and plan the journey.
Cycling holidays in Nepal in brief
What you ride: a mountain bike or an e-bike, on natural trails, dirt roads and jeep tracks
Kinds of holiday: guided, e-bike, family, group, self-guided day rides, enduro, and hike and bike
Length: from one day to 17 days
Best months: October and November, then March and April
Where: Pokhara, the Kathmandu Valley, the middle hills, the Annapurna region, Mustang and Chitwan
Height: from about 800 m (2,600 ft) around Pokhara to 5,416 m (17,769 ft) on Thorong La
Getting there: a connecting flight to Kathmandu and a visa on arrival, for UK and US passport holders
What is a cycling holiday in Nepal?
It's a trip built around riding. You travel to Nepal, ride most days with a local guide, and stay in hotels and lodges along the way.
In the UK it's called a cycling holiday. In the US you might call it a bike trip, a bike tour or a cycling vacation. They all mean the same thing here.
The basics | In Nepal |
|---|---|
What you ride | A mountain bike or an e-mountain bike |
What you ride on | Village footpaths, dirt roads, jeep tracks and forest singletrack |
How long it lasts | One day to 17 days |
Who leads it | A licensed local guide |
Where you sleep | Hotels in the cities, family-run lodges on the trail |
How your bags travel | With a support vehicle or porters; you carry a day pack |
What's included | Your guide, bike, permits, transport, hotels, lodges and meals on riding days are all included in our package |
Who it's for | Anyone from first-time visitors on an e-bike to experienced mountain bikers |
A cycling holiday here isn't a road-cycling trip. Nepal's best riding is off the tarmac, so a mountain bike or an e-bike is the right tool. If you ride gravel at home, the easier routes will feel familiar.
Why choose Nepal for a cycling holiday
You ride among the highest mountains on earth, on trails that people have used for centuries, and you can do it at almost any level of fitness.
You ride below the highest mountains on earth
Eight of the world's fourteen peaks above 8,000 m stand in Nepal. On some of our routes you ride through a gorge with Dhaulagiri on one side and Annapurna on the other. No other bike ride looks like a Himalayan bike tour.
One holiday takes you from rice terraces to high desert
Nepal rises from warm lowland plains to the high Himalaya in a very short distance. On a single holiday you can start among rice terraces, climb through pine and rhododendron forest and finish in dry high desert. The Annapurna Circuit by bike alone passes through five climate zones.
The trails were made by people, not machines
Nepal has no purpose-built bike parks. The trails were made by villagers, traders and mule trains, and later by jeeps. That gives you natural, varied riding: stone steps, forest singletrack, dirt roads and wide jeep tracks.
The descents last an hour or more
Some descents here last an hour or more. The drop from Thorong La to Muktinath falls about 1,600 m (5,250 ft) in one go.
You ride through villages, monasteries and living culture
The trails pass through working villages. In the valleys you meet Hindu farming communities. Higher up you ride into Tibetan Buddhist country, past monasteries, prayer flags and walled towns. Along the way you pass through Newari, Tamang, Gurung and Thakali homelands.
There's a bed and a hot meal every night
You don't camp. In the cities you stay in hotels. On the trail you stay in tea houses, which are family-run lodges with simple rooms and fresh food.
There's somewhere to ride in every season
Autumn and spring suit the whole country. In winter the low valleys are dry and clear. In the summer monsoon, Upper Mustang stays dry behind the mountains.
You ride with a local team that has guided here since 2004
We've guided Nepal biking and cycling trips from Pokhara since 2004, and riders rate us 4.9 on Tripadvisor. Our guides grew up on these trails. Read more about our team.
How riding in Nepal compares with the UK and the US
Nepal is higher and wilder than the riding most of us know at home. The easy routes are closer to home riding than you might expect, and the big routes are like nothing in the UK or the US.
In Nepal | In UK terms | In US terms |
|---|---|---|
The country covers about 147,500 km² (57,000 sq miles) | A little larger than England | About the size of New York State |
Pokhara sits at 820 m (2,690 ft) | Lower than the summit of Snowdon | About half the height of Denver |
Kathmandu sits at about 1,400 m (4,600 ft) | A little higher than the summit of Ben Nevis | A little lower than Denver |
Nagarkot, the top of the Kathmandu Valley rim, is 2,175 m (7,136 ft) | More than one and a half times Ben Nevis | About the height of Santa Fe, New Mexico |
Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang is 3,840 m (12,600 ft) | Almost three times Ben Nevis | Higher than Leadville, Colorado |
Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit is 5,416 m (17,769 ft) | Four times Ben Nevis | About 1,000 m (3,300 ft) above Mount Whitney |
Trails are natural, with no bike parks | More like Lake District bridleways than a trail centre | More like backcountry trails than a bike park |
Grades are Green, Blue, Red and Black | The same colours as UK trail centres | Green circle, blue square and black diamond; our Red sits between blue and black |
Best months are October, November, March and April | Autumn and early spring, when trails at home are wet | Fall and early spring |
Traffic drives on the left | The same as home | The opposite of home |
Nepal time | 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of London | 10 hours 45 minutes ahead of New York |
The flight to Kathmandu | 12 to 16 hours with one connection | Usually 20 to 30 hours with one connection |
The low routes are closer to home than you think
Pokhara is lower than many British hilltops and far lower than Denver. Kathmandu is about the height of Ben Nevis. Around both cities you breathe normally and ride as you would at home. If you can ride a blue trail at a UK trail centre or a blue square trail in the US, you can ride here.
The high routes are higher than anything in the UK or the contiguous US
Nothing in the UK or the contiguous United States comes close to Thorong La. At 5,416 m it stands four times the height of Ben Nevis and about 1,000 m above Mount Whitney. That is why the high routes include rest days, and why they are for experienced riders.
The trails are natural, not built
There are no bike parks or trail centres in Nepal. The trails were made by people on foot, so the surface is rougher and less predictable than a built trail. Riders who enjoy natural trails in the Lake District or the Scottish Highlands, or backcountry riding in Colorado or Utah, will feel at home.
Nepal's best months fall when trails at home are out of season
Nepal's best months are October, November, March and April. Those are the months when trails at home are wet, cold or closed. Many riders use Nepal to stretch their season at one end or the other.
The kinds of cycling holiday you can take in Nepal
Most riders choose a guided mountain bike holiday or an e-bike holiday. There are also family, enduro, hike and bike, and self-guided options.
Kind of holiday | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
Guided mountain bike holiday | A multi-day journey with a guide, a support team and lodges | Regular mountain bikers |
E-bike holiday | The same trails with a motor to help on the climbs | Mixed-ability groups, older riders, first visits |
Day ride | One guided day from Kathmandu or Pokhara | Anyone on a wider Nepal adventure holiday |
Self-guided day rides | A hire bike and your own route | Independent, experienced riders |
Enduro holiday | Gravity riding on natural descents | Confident descenders |
Heli-biking | A helicopter lift to a high start, then a long descent | Riders who want the descent without the climb |
Hike and bike holiday | Trekking and riding on one trip | Riders who also walk |
Cross-border journey | A long ride that links Nepal with Tibet or Bhutan | Experienced riders with more time |
Guided mountain bike holidays: the classic journey across Nepal
This is the classic mountain biking holiday in Nepal. You travel from place to place over one or two weeks. A guide leads the way, a mechanic looks after the bikes and a support team moves your bags. All of it is included in our package. The best-known mountain bike trips cross the Annapurna range and climb into Mustang.
Choose this if you ride regularly at home and want the full journey. See all our guided mountain bike tours in Nepal.
E-bike holidays: the same trails with help on the climbs
An e-bike changes who can come. The motor helps on the long climbs, so you reach the top with energy left for the descent. You still steer, brake and choose your line.
Charging is rarely a problem. In the towns on our lower routes, batteries charge overnight from the mains. On the high routes our support vehicle carries spare batteries where the road allows.
Choose this if your group has mixed fitness, if you're coming back to cycling, or if you want the views without the hardest climbs. See our e-MTB tours in Nepal, or read our guide to e-MTB tours.
Day rides and self-guided riding from Pokhara and Kathmandu
You don't need a guide for day rides around Pokhara or the Kathmandu Valley. You can join one of our guided day rides in Pokhara, or hire a bike from us and set your own pace.
Self-guided holidays with signposted routes and luggage transfers aren't how Nepal works. For anything high, remote or restricted, come with a guide. Part 6 shows where a guide is required, and our guide to guided or self-guided mountain biking in Nepal explains the rules.
Enduro and heli-biking: holidays built around the descents
If you ride for the descents, Nepal has plenty. Our enduro holidays use vehicle lifts to reach natural descents around Pokhara and in Lower Mustang. Heli-biking in Mustang takes this further: a helicopter lifts you and your bike high into the mountains for one very long ride down.
Hike and bike holidays and cross-border journeys
Some riders want to walk as well. A hike and bike holiday mixes trekking days with riding days in the Annapurna region. We also run two long cross-border journeys, one from Lhasa in Tibet to Kathmandu and one in Bhutan.
> Guide's tip: if you can't decide between a mountain bike and an e-bike, think about the slowest rider in your group. A holiday is only as good as that person's day. Our guide to choosing between a mountain bike and an e-MTB in Nepal goes deeper.
Who a Nepal cycling holiday suits: solo riders, couples, families, groups and teams
Almost everyone. Every holiday can run privately for your group on your dates, so we shape it around who is coming.
You are… | How it works | What to choose |
|---|---|---|
A solo rider | Book a private holiday, or join a scheduled group on the Annapurna Circuit | A guided holiday |
A couple | A private holiday at your pace | E-bikes if your fitness differs |
A family | Short days, small bikes and a private guide | Pokhara or the Kathmandu Valley |
A group of friends | One private trip, with a lower price per person as the group grows on many holidays | Any region that fits the least experienced rider |
A cycling club | A private departure built around your club's level | A two-week journey |
A company or team | A private trip planned around your dates and goals | Day rides or a short break |
A mixed-ability group | E-bikes for some, with harder options for stronger riders | A route with a support vehicle |
Solo riders: book a private trip or join a group
You don't need to bring a group. You can book a private holiday for one, or join a scheduled group departure on the Annapurna Circuit and ride with other travellers.
Couples and friends: a private holiday at your own pace
A private holiday means the pace is yours. If one of you rides more than the other, put the less experienced rider on an e-bike. On many of our holidays the price per person falls as your group grows.
Family cycling holidays: planned around your youngest rider
A family holiday works when everything is planned around the youngest rider. For families, our package includes:
Extra-small bikes and correctly sized helmets, and child carriers for toddlers
E-bikes for parents, so a tired adult can still help a child
A support vehicle for bags, snacks and anyone who needs a break
Short days with plenty of stops
A private guide, so the pace is set by you
Pokhara is the easiest family base. You can ride the flat path beside Phewa Lake and easy loops near the World Peace Pagoda and Begnas Lake. Longer mountain routes are for fit families with teenagers. Read our family mountain bike tour guide.
Groups of friends and cycling clubs: one private departure
For a group of friends or a cycling club, we plan one private departure. The route can be adjusted so stronger riders get more technical options while everyone shares the same villages, viewpoints and meals.
Corporate and team trips: a day ride or short break for your company
A day on the trails works well for a team. We can plan a private day ride or a short break around Pokhara or Kathmandu for a company group, with bikes, guides and transport arranged. Tell us your group size and what you want from the trip.
Where to go: the best regions for cycling in Nepal
Stay low around Pokhara or Kathmandu for an easy first holiday. Go to the Annapurna region or Mustang for a big mountain journey.
Region | Height | What it feels like | Best months | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pokhara | About 800 to 1,800 m (2,600 to 5,900 ft) | Lake, ridges and views of the Annapurna range | October to May | Not needed for day rides |
Kathmandu Valley | About 1,400 to 2,200 m (4,600 to 7,200 ft) | Forest singletrack and temple towns on the valley rim | October to May | Not needed for day rides |
The middle hills | Up to about 1,750 m (5,740 ft) | Village-to-village riding between Kathmandu and Pokhara | October to November, March to May | Recommended |
Annapurna region | Up to 5,416 m (17,769 ft) | Five climate zones and the Thorong La pass | October to mid-November, late March to May | Required on paper since 2023 |
Lower Mustang | From about 2,700 m (8,900 ft) | Dry valleys, long descents and the Kali Gandaki gorge | October to November, March to May | Not required |
Upper Mustang | Up to about 4,280 m (14,040 ft) | High desert and the walled town of Lo Manthang | March to November, including the monsoon | Required by law |
Chitwan | Low plains | Warm, low-level riding in the south | December to February | Recommended |
Pokhara: lakeside trails and the easiest place to start
Pokhara is the easiest place to begin. The town sits beside Phewa Lake at about 820 m (2,690 ft), with the Annapurna range filling the northern sky. Trails leave from the edge of town, so you can ride a full day and be back at your hotel for dinner. It's also our home. Read our guide to mountain biking in Pokhara.
Kathmandu Valley: forest singletrack on the valley rim
Most visitors see only the valley floor. The riding is on the rim above it, through forest and farm terraces, with temple towns along the way. The highest point is Nagarkot at 2,175 m (7,136 ft), so altitude isn't a concern. It suits a first visit or a short break. See our Kathmandu page and our guide to cycling in the Kathmandu Valley.
The middle hills: village to village between Kathmandu and Pokhara
Between Kathmandu and Pokhara lies a band of green hills and old trading towns. A holiday here is a journey from one city to the other, with a different town each night. The route stays below about 1,750 m (5,740 ft), so it's a good point-to-point holiday without altitude. We ride it on our Kathmandu to Pokhara e-MTB journey.
The Annapurna region: the Annapurna Circuit and Thorong La pass
This is the big one. The Annapurna Circuit climbs from warm valleys to alpine country and crosses Thorong La pass at 5,416 m (17,769 ft), then drops into Mustang. It's a hard holiday at high altitude for fit, experienced mountain bikers. The pass is closed by snow in winter. It usually opens by late March and becomes unreliable after mid-November. Read more about the Annapurna region.
Lower Mustang: dry valleys and long descents around Jomsom and Muktinath
Lower Mustang lies north of the Annapurna range, around Jomsom, Kagbeni and Muktinath. It's dry, wide and open, with long descents and the Kali Gandaki gorge running through it. Strong wind builds in the valley late in the morning, so riding days start early. Our Lower Mustang mountain biking guide has the detail.
Upper Mustang: high desert and the walled town of Lo Manthang
Upper Mustang is high desert with a Tibetan culture. The trails lead to Lo Manthang, a walled town at 3,840 m (12,600 ft) that was once the capital of the kingdom of Lo. It's a restricted area. You need a special permit, a licensed guide and a registered agency, and all three are included in our package. It's the one region you can ride in July and August. Read our Upper Mustang mountain biking guide.
Chitwan: warm, low-level riding on the southern plains
Chitwan is on the southern plains, far below the mountains. It's warm when the high country is frozen, so it's at its best in winter.
Read more about each place on our destinations page.
When to go: the best time of year for a cycling holiday
October is the best time to visit Nepal for a cycling holiday. March and April are close behind and less busy.
Season | Months | Weather | Trails | Where to ride |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Autumn | October to November | Cool and very clear | Dry and firm | Everywhere |
Winter | December to February | Cold and dry | High passes closed by snow | Pokhara, Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan |
Spring | March to May | Warm, clear turning hazy | Dry and firm | Everywhere; high passes from late March |
Monsoon | June to September | Wet and humid | Muddy, with landslide risk | Upper Mustang only |
Autumn. After the monsoon the air is clean and the mountains are sharp. In October, daytime temperatures sit between 22 and 25°C (72 to 77°F) in the main riding areas, and every trail is open. It's also the busiest month.
Winter. The high passes close, but the low valleys are dry and quiet. Pokhara stays around 18 to 20°C (64 to 68°F) by day in December.
Spring. Rhododendron forests flower in March, and the high passes reopen towards the end of the month. April is warm and reliable everywhere. By May the lower valleys are hot and hazy.
Monsoon. Rain falls most days from June. Upper Mustang, behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, stays dry.
Where to ride in your UK or US school holidays
When you're free | Season in Nepal | Where to ride |
|---|---|---|
February half term (UK) | Late winter | Pokhara, Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan |
Spring break (US) and Easter holidays (UK) | Spring | Everywhere; the Annapurna pass from late March |
Summer holidays | Monsoon | Upper Mustang |
October half term (UK) | Autumn | Everywhere |
Thanksgiving week (US) | Late autumn | Everywhere below the highest passes |
Christmas and New Year | Winter | Pokhara, Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan |
Nepali festivals to plan your holiday around
Festival | When | What it means for your holiday |
|---|---|---|
Dashain | Late September or October | Nepal's biggest festival. Transport is busy and many people travel home, so book early. Trails near Pokhara are quieter than usual. |
Tihar | October or November | The festival of lights. Villages are decorated with oil lamps and marigolds. Rides run as normal. |
Holi | March | The festival of colours. Cities get lively; riding outside them is unaffected. |
Nepali New Year | Mid-April | Chariot festivals in the Kathmandu Valley, with minor transport delays there. |
Month-by-month detail is in our guide to the best time to mountain bike in Nepal.
How hard it is: grades, fitness and altitude
As hard as you choose. The lower regions suit anyone who rides regularly. The high routes need fitness, off-road skill and time to adjust to altitude.
How we grade our routes: Green, Blue, Red and Black
Grade | Meaning | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
Green | Easy | Occasional cyclists and families |
Blue | Moderate | Regular riders; anyone on an e-bike |
Red | Hard | Fit riders with off-road experience |
Black | Challenging | Experienced mountain bikers on high or remote routes |
Difficulty here comes from gradient, surface, distance and altitude together. The same trail is far harder at 4,000 m than it is near Pokhara. If you're unsure, pick one grade lower than you ride at home. Our guides adjust the route on the day.
How fit you need to be
For the lower regions, you need to be comfortable riding for a few hours on mixed surfaces. An e-bike makes this easier still. For the Annapurna Circuit and Upper Mustang, you should be able to ride for several days in a row, with long climbs and rough descents. Our guide to mountain biking tours in Nepal has a training plan.
How altitude affects your ride, and what we do about it
Altitude sickness becomes a risk above about 2,500 m (8,200 ft). Pokhara, the Kathmandu Valley and the middle hills are all below that. On the high routes we plan rest days and a gradual climb. On the Annapurna Circuit we also check each rider's heart rate and blood oxygen twice a day once the route goes high.
Read how we grade in our trail grading guide.
What a guided cycling holiday includes
Everything you need inside Nepal is included in our package. You only arrange your flights, visa and insurance.
Included in our package | Not included |
|---|---|
Your licensed guide | International flights |
Permits | Your visa on arrival |
Your bike | Travel insurance |
Mechanical support and spares | Vaccinations |
Transport inside Nepal | Your riding clothes and shoes |
Hotels and lodges | Tips and personal spending |
Meals on riding days |
For what to pack, use our mountain biking checklist for Nepal.
What a riding day looks like
Most multi-day holidays mean 4 to 6 hours of riding a day. Days get shorter as you go higher. In the high valleys we start early, to finish before the afternoon wind. Your arrival day is for a briefing and a bike fit, not a ride.
Your support team: guide, mechanic and support vehicle
You ride with a licensed local guide. On the big routes a mechanic travels with the group, and a support vehicle follows wherever the road allows. On the Annapurna Circuit, porters carry the bikes over the highest pass. All of this support is included in the package.
Where you stay: city hotels and tea houses on the trail
Your accommodation is included in the package. In Kathmandu and Pokhara you stay in 3-star or boutique hotels. If you're looking for a luxury cycling holiday, our Annapurna Circuit holiday has a Premium package with 4 or 5 star city hotels.
On the trail you stay in family-run tea houses. Rooms are simple and clean, with thick blankets. Most have Western-style toilets and hot showers, and they become more basic above 4,000 m (13,100 ft).
What you eat on the trail
Meals on riding days are included in the package. Tea house food is fresh and cooked to order. The staple is dal bhat: lentil soup, rice, greens and curried vegetables, with refills until you say stop. Menus also offer eggs, porridge, pasta and potatoes. Tell us in advance if you're vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free and we'll brief the lodges.
The bike you ride
A bike is included in the package. We keep Trek and Scott mountain bikes and full-suspension e-bikes. If you'd like to bring your own, see Part 12.
Our Nepal cycling holidays at a glance
We run holidays from one day to 17 days. Choose a length first, then a region.
Length | Where | Style | Grade | See |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 day | Pokhara or the Kathmandu Valley | Guided day ride, mountain bike or e-bike | Green to Blue | |
2 to 3 days | Around Pokhara | Short break with a night or two in village lodges | Blue | |
About 1 week | Kathmandu Valley rim | E-bike journey with a support vehicle | Blue | |
About 2 weeks | The middle hills, Kathmandu to Pokhara | Point-to-point e-bike journey without altitude | Blue | |
About 2 weeks | Annapurna Circuit or Upper Mustang | High mountain expedition | Black | |
Up to 17 days | Annapurna region | Hike and bike | Black | |
1 to 3 days or more | Pokhara and Lower Mustang | Enduro and gravity riding | Red to Black |
Every holiday is a complete package, with everything you need inside Nepal included. Each holiday page has the full route, the full list of inclusions and the price.
How much a cycling holiday in Nepal costs
The price depends on how long you ride, where you go and how many of you there are. The package price includes your guide, bike, permits, transport, hotels, lodges and meals on riding days. Flights, your visa and insurance are extra.
What shapes the price of your holiday
Factor | How it changes the price |
|---|---|
Length | More days cost more |
Region | Restricted areas such as Upper Mustang carry a government permit fee, which is included in our package price |
Group size | On many holidays the price per person falls as the group grows |
Package | Standard or Premium, mainly a difference in hotels and bikes |
Bike | An e-bike or a full-suspension bike can cost more than a hardtail |
Season | October is peak season for flights and hotels |
What you pay for separately: flights, visa and insurance
Cost | Good to know |
|---|---|
International flights | Your biggest extra cost |
Nepal tourist visa | USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days |
Travel insurance | Required on our highest route; see Part 12 |
Tips and personal spending | Carry cash in the mountains |
Our prices are in US dollars. You'll find the current price on each holiday page.
How to plan your journey from the UK or the US
Book flights and insurance as soon as your holiday is confirmed, see a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you fly, and bring US dollars in cash for your visa.
How much annual leave or vacation time you need
Holiday length | From the UK | From the US |
|---|---|---|
1 to 3 riding days | None extra, if added to a wider trip | None extra, if added to a wider trip |
About 1 week | 5 days of annual leave | About 6 vacation days |
About 2 weeks | About 10 days | About 11 or 12 days |
These are examples. Your flight times decide the exact days.
Time difference. Nepal is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of London in winter. It's 10 hours 45 minutes ahead of New York and 13 hours 45 minutes ahead of Los Angeles. Take one hour off each during summer time.
Flights to Kathmandu from the UK and the US
There is no non-stop flight to Kathmandu from the UK or the US.
From | Usual connection | Journey time |
|---|---|---|
The UK | Doha, Dubai, Istanbul or Delhi | About 12 to 16 hours |
The US | Doha, Dubai or Istanbul | Usually 20 to 30 hours, sometimes longer |
Qatar Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines fly to Kathmandu through their hubs. From the UK, check regional airports such as Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham as well as Heathrow.
Your Nepal visa on arrival
UK and US passport holders can buy a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Pay in US dollars, in cash. For a two-week holiday, choose the 30-day visa so a delayed flight doesn't cause a problem.
Health and official travel advice
UK riders: check Foreign Office (FCDO) travel advice for Nepal. Many insurance policies are invalid if you travel against it.
US riders: check the State Department travel advisory for Nepal.
See your doctor or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you fly. Hepatitis A, typhoid and a tetanus booster are commonly advised for Nepal.
If your holiday goes above 2,500 m (8,200 ft), ask about altitude.
Tell us about any health condition when you book.
Travel insurance for a cycling holiday in Nepal
Take out travel insurance on the day you book. A standard policy is often not enough for a cycling holiday in Nepal.
UK riders: your GHIC card doesn't work in Nepal.
US riders: many US health plans give little or no cover abroad, and Medicare gives none.
Your policy should cover:
Mountain biking, named as an activity
The highest point of your holiday
Emergency medical treatment
Emergency evacuation, including by helicopter
Cancellation, from the day you book
Your bike, if you bring your own
Where you ride | Highest point to declare |
|---|---|
Pokhara, Kathmandu Valley, the middle hills | Under 2,200 m (7,200 ft) |
Upper Mustang | About 4,280 m (14,040 ft) |
Annapurna Circuit | 5,416 m (17,769 ft) |
Many mountain bike travel insurance policies stop at a set altitude. Check yours before you buy.
Flying to Nepal with your own bike
A bike is included in our packages, and you can also hire a mountain bike from us for self-guided days. If you bring your own:
Check the sports equipment rules and weight limit for every airline on your ticket.
Book the bike on to each flight in advance.
Use a proper bike box or bag and pad the frame.
Bring spares that are specific to your bike. There are no bike shops in the high valleys.
Money, plugs and driving on the left
Currency: Nepali rupees. Cash machines are easy to find in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
In the mountains: carry cash. There are no cash machines beyond Jomsom.
Plugs: Nepal uses round-pin sockets at 230 V. Bring an adaptor. US riders should check that their chargers accept 230 V.
Roads: traffic drives on the left.
How to ride responsibly in Nepal
Stay local, carry less plastic and ride with respect.
Your money stays in the valleys. On the trail we use family-run, locally owned tea houses.
Refill, don't buy. We provide boiled and filtered drinking water on our high routes, so you don't need plastic bottles.
Local guides. Our guides come from the regions you ride through.
Give way. Villagers, porters and animals use these trails every day. Slow down and let them pass.
Read about our community and CSR work.
How to choose and book your cycling holiday
Answer five questions, then send us your dates and group size.
Five questions that choose your holiday for you
How much time do you have? A day, a few days, one week or two.
Who is coming? Solo, a couple, a family, friends or a team.
How do you want to ride? Mountain bike or e-bike; easy days or a hard journey.
When can you travel? Check Part 7 for where to ride that month.
How high do you want to go? Stay below 2,500 m for an easy first holiday.
How to book with us, step by step
Choose your holiday and your dates.
Check availability with us.
Send your details: group size, riding level and any special requests. For restricted areas we also need passport details for your permits.
Confirm and pay.
Receive your confirmation by email.
Your countdown from booking to departure
As early as you can: choose your holiday. October and Easter fill first.
The day your holiday is confirmed: book flights and buy insurance.
Six to eight weeks before: see your doctor or travel clinic.
Two weeks before: check official travel advice and your airline's baggage rules.
Travel day: passport, insurance details and US dollars in cash.
Browse our Nepal cycling holidays and mountain bike tours, or read how booking works. Have a question first? See our FAQs or contact us.
Frequently asked questions about cycling holidays in Nepal
Is Nepal good for cycling holidays?
Yes. Nepal is a little larger than England and about the size of New York State, yet eight of the world's fourteen highest peaks stand here. That means the scenery changes every day you ride. You follow natural trails through villages, sleep in a hotel or lodge each night, and can choose anything from an easy day ride to a two-week mountain journey. It suits mountain bikers and e-bike riders more than road cyclists.
Is cycling in Nepal safe?
Yes, with a guide and a sensible plan. Our routes follow trails, dirt roads and jeep tracks, and a licensed local guide rides with you. Traffic drives on the left, which UK riders will find familiar and US riders should keep in mind. The main risk is altitude on the high routes. We manage it with rest days and a gradual climb, and on the Annapurna Circuit we check every rider's heart rate and blood oxygen twice a day.
What is the best month for a cycling holiday in Nepal?
October. Daytime temperatures sit between 22 and 25°C (72 to 77°F), much like a warm British summer day, with almost no rain and every trail open. March and April come next and are less busy. Our best time guide covers every month. If you can only travel in the school summer holidays, ride Upper Mustang, which stays dry while the rest of Nepal has its monsoon.
How long should a cycling holiday in Nepal be?
One week is enough for the Kathmandu Valley or Pokhara. From the UK that uses the same five days of leave as any week away. Allow two weeks for the Annapurna Circuit or Upper Mustang. From the US, add a travel day each way, because the flights take 20 to 30 hours.
Do I need to be very fit to cycle in Nepal?
Not for the lower regions. If you can ride for three or four hours on a blue trail at a UK trail centre, or on a blue square trail in the US, you can enjoy Pokhara, the Kathmandu Valley and the middle hills. An e-bike makes them easier still. The Annapurna Circuit and Upper Mustang are different. There you ride for several days in a row at high altitude, so you need good fitness and real off-road experience.
Can beginners take a cycling holiday in Nepal?
Yes. Start around Pokhara. The path beside Phewa Lake is flat, as gentle as a canal towpath in the UK or a rail trail in the US. From there you can move up to our Green and Blue day rides, or choose an e-bike holiday. Our guides adjust the route on the day to suit you.
How do Nepal's trail grades compare with UK and US grades?
Our colours are the same as UK trail centres: Green, Blue, Red and Black. For US riders, Green is a green circle, Blue is a blue square and Black is a black diamond, and our Red sits between blue and black. There is one difference. Trails here are natural, not machine-built, so a Blue in Nepal is rougher than a blue at a trail centre or bike park. Altitude adds to it, which is why every grade also carries an altitude band. Our trail grading guide explains each grade.
Can I do a cycling holiday in Nepal on an e-bike?
Yes. We run e-bike holidays from single days to two weeks, including in Mustang. You ride a full-suspension e-mountain bike with a Bosch or Shimano motor. Batteries charge overnight where you stay, and Nepal has had no scheduled power cuts since 2022. On the high routes our support vehicle carries spare batteries where the road allows.
Is a cycling holiday in Nepal suitable for families?
Yes. Pokhara is the easiest family base, with flat riding beside Phewa Lake and easy loops near the World Peace Pagoda and Begnas Lake. Our family package includes small bikes, child carriers for toddlers, e-bikes for parents and a private guide, so the pace is set by your youngest rider. October half term and Easter in the UK, and spring break in the US, all fall in Nepal's best riding seasons.
Can I travel to Nepal alone or join a group?
Both. You can book a private holiday for one and ride with your own guide. Or you can join a scheduled group departure on the Annapurna Circuit and ride with other travellers. The departure dates are listed on the holiday page.
Do you run trips for cycling clubs and company teams?
Yes. We plan private departures for cycling clubs, groups of friends and company teams. The route can be adjusted so stronger riders get harder options while everyone shares the same villages and viewpoints. On many holidays the price per person falls as the group grows. For a company team, a guided day ride from Pokhara or Kathmandu fits into a single day.
Can I do a self-guided cycling trip in Nepal?
For day rides around Pokhara and the Kathmandu Valley, yes. Hire a bike from us and set your own pace. For longer trips it's harder. Nepal has nothing like the signposted Coast to Coast route in England or the Great Allegheny Passage in the US, so you need your own maps and route notes. In Upper Mustang a licensed guide is required by law, and on the Annapurna Circuit one has been required on paper since 2023.
Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Yes. UK and US passport holders can buy a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. It costs USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days and USD 125 for 90 days. Pay in US dollars, in cash.
Is altitude a problem when cycling in Nepal?
Only on the high routes. Kathmandu sits at about 1,400 m (4,600 ft), a little higher than the summit of Ben Nevis and a little lower than Denver. Pokhara is lower still, at 820 m (2,690 ft). Altitude sickness becomes a risk above about 2,500 m (8,200 ft), roughly the height of Vail in Colorado. Thorong La on the Annapurna Circuit is 5,416 m (17,769 ft). That is four times the height of Ben Nevis and higher than any mountain in the contiguous United States, which is why that route is for experienced riders and includes rest days.
Do I need to bring my own bike to Nepal?
No. A bike is included in our packages, which saves flying with your own. We keep Trek and Scott mountain bikes and full-suspension e-bikes. If you prefer your own bike, fit tough tubeless tyres and bring spares that are specific to your frame. There are no bike shops in the high valleys.
Can I combine cycling with trekking in Nepal?
Yes. Our 17-day hike and bike holiday in the Annapurna region mixes trekking days with riding days. If you already have a trek planned, you can also add a guided day ride or a three-day break around Pokhara at the start or the end.
