Mountain Bike Rentals in Nepal: Hire a Trek, Scott or E-MTB in Pokhara and Kathmandu

Nepal is one of the few places on earth where you can ride from a lakeside town at 800 meters up to Himalayan passes above 5,000 meters, on trails that villagers have walked for centuries. In a single trip, you can pedal past rice terraces and old Newar towns, climb through rhododendron forest, cross the high desert of Mustang, and finish in the jungle lowlands of the south.

Most riders who come here do not bring a bike. Flying with one is expensive and awkward, and the roads and trails here are hard on equipment. Renting a good bike once you arrive is simpler, cheaper and, if you choose the right shop, just as reliable as riding your own.

Riders have been hiring mountain bikes from our Pokhara shop since 2004. Our fleet is made up of Trek, Scott and Bergamont bikes: hardtails for day rides and long touring days, full-suspension trail bikes for rough descents, and electric mountain bikes for riders who want help on the climbs. Every bike is checked by our own mechanics before it goes out and again when it comes back.

Why Rent a Mountain Bike in Nepal?

Renting a mountain bike is the best way to see Nepal at your own pace. You choose where to stop, how far to ride, and which trail to take next. A day that starts on a quiet lakeside road can end on a ridge with the Annapurna range in front of you, and a bike gets you to villages that tour buses never reach.

Renting instead of bringing your own bike also saves you a lot of trouble:

• No bike box, no airline fees. Most airlines charge heavily for bikes and oversized bags, and you have to pack, fly and rebuild the bike at both ends.

• The right bike for the terrain. Nepal's trails range from smooth tarmac to loose rock and river crossings. Renting lets you pick a bike built for where you are actually riding, not the one you happen to own.

• Local mechanics and spare parts. When you rent from a shop with its own workshop, help and spare parts are close by. If you bring your own bike, you carry every spare yourself.

• Local advice. A rental shop that rides these trails every week can tell you which routes suit you, how long they take and what the trail is like this season.

Renting is also flexible. You can hire a bike for a single afternoon, for a few days of day rides, or for several weeks on a long route. And if you would rather not ride alone, you can rent a bike and ride with one of our guides, or join a guided tour with a support vehicle carrying your bags.

Rent or Bring Your Own Bike?

For most riders, renting is the better choice. Bringing your own bike makes sense in a few cases.

Rent a bike if you:

• are riding in Nepal for a few days or a few weeks

• do not want to pay airline fees for a bike box or rebuild the bike at both ends

• want a full-suspension bike or an e-MTB without flying one halfway around the world

• want a bike that is already set up for Nepal's roads, with spare parts close by

Bring your own bike if you:

• are riding in Nepal for many weeks or months, where the rental cost adds up

• need a custom fit or a specific setup you cannot do without

• are coming to race and want your own race bike

If you do bring your own bike, bring a good set of spares, because parts for some models are hard to find in Nepal.

Why can't you bring your own e-MTB to Nepal?

If you ride an electric mountain bike at home, plan to rent one here. The problem is the battery.

The airline rules for lithium batteries:

What that means for you:

• You could fly the bike frame, but not the battery that makes it work.

• Shipping a battery separately as cargo is slow, expensive, and complicated.

• A battery that arrives damaged cannot be used safely.

The simple answer is to rent one here. Our Trek Rail 5 Gen 3 and Bergamont E-Trailster are ready to ride, with charged batteries and mechanics who know the motor systems.

Our Rental Fleet and Daily Prices

These are our current daily rental prices in US dollars. You can see every bike, check the specifications, and book online on our mountain bike rental page.

Hardtail mountain bikes

A hardtail has front suspension only. It is lighter, climbs well, and needs less maintenance, which makes it the right choice for most day rides, lake loops, and long days on jeep roads.

Full-suspension mountain bikes

A full-suspension bike has shock absorbers at the front and the back. It is heavier but far more comfortable and controlled on rocky descents, loose singletrack, and long days in the mountains.

Electric mountain bikes (e-MTB)

An e-MTB has a motor that adds power when you pedal. You still ride it like a normal mountain bike, but the climbs take far less out of you. Our e-MTBs run on Bosch motors and batteries.

We only have a few e-MTBs, so book early if you want one.

Prices are per bike, per day, and the same rates apply whether you ride from Pokhara or Kathmandu. Multi-day hires cost less per day, which is covered further down this page.

Which Bike Should You Rent?

The right bike depends far more on where you plan to ride than on your riding level. A beginner on a rocky high-altitude descent is safer on a full-suspension bike, and an expert riding around Phewa Lake does not need one. Use this as a starting point, then tell us your plans when you book, and we will confirm the choice.

Choose a hardtail if you are:

• riding around Pokhara for a day or two, including Phewa Lake, Pame Valley, and the village roads

• riding the Kathmandu Valley rim or the flat trails of Chitwan

• covering long distances on jeep roads, where a lighter bike saves energy

• new to mountain biking and want a simple, reliable bike

• on a tighter budget, since hardtails start at USD 30 a day

Choose a full-suspension bike if you are:

• riding steep or rocky descents, such as the trails down from Sarangkot or the World Peace Pagoda

• heading into the mountains for several days, where comfort on rough ground matters every hour

• riding the Annapurna Circuit or into Mustang, where the descents are long, loose and rocky

• riding Pokhara's enduro trails or other technical singletrack

Choose an e-MTB if you:

• want to ride further and climb more than your fitness allows on a normal bike

• are riding with a partner or friend who is fitter than you and want to keep pace

• would rather spend your energy enjoying the descents than grinding up the climbs

Brands in Our Fleet

We are the official dealer for Trek and Scott bikes in Nepal. The bikes we rent come straight from the brands, and the spare parts we fit are genuine Trek and Scott parts, not copies.

We rent three brands. We chose them because they are strong enough for Nepal's roads and trails, and because we can keep spare parts for them in our workshop.

• Trek. Most of our fleet is Trek, from the Marlin hardtails through to the Remedy and Fuel EX full-suspension bikes and the Rail electric mountain bike. Trek bikes suit a wide range of riders and trails, and parts are easy for us to keep in stock.

• Scott. Our Scott bikes cover both ends of the fleet: the Aspect hardtails for day rides and the Genius full-suspension bikes for technical and high-altitude riding. Riders who have hired our Scott Genius for the Annapurna Circuit tell us the bike comes into its own on the long descent from Thorong La.

• Bergamont. Our Bergamont E-Trailster is an electric trail bike with pedal assist, and it sits alongside the Trek Rail as one of our two e-MTBs.

What Comes With Your Rental

Included with every rental:

• the bike, serviced and checked by our mechanics

• a fitted helmet

• a basic repair kit with a pump, a spare tube and tire levers

• a quick fit and adjustment before you leave

Available on request: knee and elbow pads, gloves, a rear rack or panniers, a phone or GPS mount, a lock and key, and an extra spare tube for longer days.

Not included: trail and park entry fees where they apply, jeep transport to a trailhead, and your own travel insurance.

If you are planning a multi-day ride, tell us your route when you book. Riders who have hired from us for the Annapurna Circuit have left the shop with a multitool, a first-aid kit, and extra tubes as well, so we can prepare the right kit for your route.

Things to bring yourself:

• Clipless pedals and shoes. If you ride clipped in, bring your own pedals and shoes. We keep a small stock of pedals, but it is limited.

• Your own saddle, if you are riding for many days and have a saddle you know is comfortable.

• Padded shorts and your own gloves for long days. Gloves you already know will be more comfortable than borrowed ones.

Charged separately:

• Jeep shuttles to the start of a ride

• Chain lube and replacement parts used on the trail, such as a rear derailleur hanger

How Renting Works

This is our process for renting a mountain bike in Nepal, from choosing your bike to bringing it back.

1. Choose your bike and dates. Pick a bike on our rental page or send us your plans and we will suggest one.

2. Tell us your height and riding plans. This lets us have the right frame size ready and, for longer trips, the right tools and spares.

3. Collect your bike in Pokhara, or have it ready for you in Kathmandu. We fit the bike to you, set the saddle height and suspension, and show you how everything works.

4. Take a short test ride. Ride it around before you leave and tell us if anything feels wrong. It is far easier to adjust a bike at the shop than on a trail.

5. Ride. If something goes wrong or you want to ride for longer, contact us while you are out on the trail.

6. Return the bike. Bring it back to the shop at the agreed time. We check it over with you, and you are done.

Deposit, ID and Age

• No security deposit. We do not take a security deposit on our rentals. You do not need to leave cash, a card, or your passport with us.

• ID. You need a valid identification document to rent a bike.

• Age. Renters must be at least 16 years old.

Damage, Loss and Insurance

Check the bike before you ride. Every bike leaves our shop in good working order. We do not keep a security deposit, so we trust you to look after the bike: please inspect it yourself and tell us straight away about any problem you find.

• Small adjustments are fine. You can pump up tires or fine-tune the gears yourself. Tell us immediately about any major repair or damage.

• Normal wear is on us. Crash damage is not. Normal trail wear is expected, and we do not charge for it. Crash damage, such as a bent brake rotor or a torn tire, is charged at the cost of the part, and we will show you the part before we charge for it.

• While the bike is with you, you are responsible for it. Treat it as your own and follow local laws. If the bike is lost or stolen, you pay the cost of replacing it or any missing parts. Ask us for a lock, and never leave the bike unlocked outside a restaurant or shop.

• Accidents. We take every precaution to keep riders safe, but we are not responsible for accidents, injuries or damage to you or the bike during the rental.

• Insurance. We do not insure rented bikes. Before you ride, check that your travel insurance names mountain biking, not just cycling, and that it covers bike rental, medical costs and emergency helicopter evacuation. This matters most if you are riding at high altitude on routes like the Annapurna Circuit or in Mustang.

• Late returns. Your rental runs until the bike is back at our shop. Late returns may be charged, so if you want to keep riding, contact us and extend the hire.

Daily, Multi-Day and Long-Term Hire

You can rent a bike for a single day, for a few days around Pokhara, or for a week or more for a longer route.

Multi-day hires cost less per day, and rentals of 10 days or more get our long-term rate. Send us your dates and route and we will price the whole hire rather than the day.

Long hires are how most self-guided riders tackle the big routes. Riders regularly rent from us for the Annapurna Circuit and for rides from Jomsom and Muktinath down through the Kali Gandaki valley. For a longer ride, we can help with getting the bike to the start by jeep and bringing it back at the end, and we can advise on the route before you set off.

Cancellation

If you need to cancel a rental, tell us as soon as you can.

• 10 days or more before the start: full refund

• 3 days before the start: a cancellation fee of up to 50% may apply

• On the rental day: no refund, but we can move your rental to the next day or to your next trip

Where to Ride a Rental Bike in Nepal

Most renters collect their bike in Pokhara and ride straight out of town, or take it further by jeep or bus. If your trip starts in Kathmandu, we can have your bike ready there.

• Pokhara. Easy rides around Phewa Lake and the flat Sweet Pame trail, harder climbs to Sarangkot and the World Peace Pagoda, enduro trails for technical riders, and full-day loops to Begnas and Rupa lakes.

• Annapurna Circuit and Manang. Nepal's most famous long ride, crossing Thorong La at 5,416 meters. From Manang, you can ride to Gangapurna Lake, and towards Tilicho Lake as far as Shree Kharka; the last stretch to the lake is on foot. Since April 2023, a guide has officially been required on the Circuit, although checks on riders are generally relaxed. Ask us before you plan to ride it on your own.

• Lower Mustang. Take the bike up to Jomsom or Muktinath by jeep and ride back down the Kali Gandaki valley through apple orchards and stone villages. Lower Mustang is open to riders with the standard conservation permit.

• Upper Mustang. A restricted area. You need a special permit and a licensed guide through a registered agency, so it cannot be ridden alone on a rental bike. You can ride it on one of our guided trips.

• Kathmandu Valley. The hills around the Kathmandu Valley have day rides to Nagarkot, the Shivapuri Nagarjun trails, Sundarijal and Bhaktapur. We rent hardtails, full-suspension bikes, and e-MTBs for Kathmandu rides at the same rates, sized and set up before you arrive.

Chitwan and Gorkha. Flat forest and village trails around Chitwan's buffer zones and Tharu villages, and hill trails up to the old Gorkha Durbar palace.

Rent a Bike, Ride With a Guide, or Join a Tour

Renting a bike does not mean you have to ride alone. There are three ways to ride with us, and you can move between them.

Rent and ride on your own. You take the bike, we give you route advice, and you ride at your own pace. This suits confident riders on day rides and on open routes.

Rent a bike and hire a guide. One of our guides rides with you. They know the trails, the villages and the conditions, and they can fix most problems on the spot. This suits riders who want to ride trails they could not find alone, or who are riding somewhere remote.

Join a guided tour. We plan the route, the guide rides with you, and on multi-day tours a support vehicle carries your bags, spares, and a mechanic. This suits riders who want to spend their time riding, not organizing.

Why Rent From Nepal MTB Adventures

We are a Nepali-owned mountain bike shop and tour company based in Pokhara. We started renting bikes in 2004, and in that time our team has ridden almost every route we send renters out on.

• Our own workshop and mechanics. Every bike is serviced in our Pokhara workshop, and we keep spare parts for every model we rent.

• Bikes built for Nepal. Trek, Scott and Bergamont hardtails, full-suspension bikes and e-MTBs, chosen for the roads and trails here.

• Help before and during your ride. Renters tell us the thing they value most is that we answer quickly when they need advice, a part or a change of plan on the trail.

• Jeep support. We run our own jeep transport, which can carry bikes to the start of a ride or bring them back at the end.

• Guides when you want them. If you would rather not ride alone, one of our guides can ride with you.

• Flexible hire. Rent for a day, a week, or a month, in Pokhara or Kathmandu, with a lower rate for longer hires.

When to Rent

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the busiest months, with dry trails and clear mountain views. Book ahead in these seasons, especially if you want a full-suspension bike, an e-MTB, or a large frame, because those bikes go first. Pokhara can be ridden year-round, and the green season from June to August brings quiet trails and fewer riders.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to rent a mountain bike in Nepal?

Our rentals start at USD 30 a day for a hardtail. Full-suspension bikes cost USD 70 to 75 a day, and electric mountain bikes cost USD 100 a day. Multi-day hires cost less per day. You can see every bike and price on our rental page.

2. Where can I rent a mountain bike in Nepal?

We rent mountain bikes in Pokhara, where our shop and workshop are, and in Kathmandu, where we have your bike sized and ready before you arrive. Pokhara is the best base for riding in Nepal because you can ride straight from town, and it is the natural starting point for the Annapurna Circuit and rides into Mustang. Other towns have rental shops too, mostly with basic bikes.

3. How do I rent a mountain bike in Nepal?

Choose a bike and dates on our rental page, or send us your plans and we will suggest a bike. Tell us your height so we can have the right frame size ready. You collect the bike in Pokhara or Kathmandu, where we fit it to you, and you take a short test ride before you leave.

4. What brands of mountain bike can I rent in Nepal?

We rent Trek, Scott, and Bergamont bikes. Our fleet includes Trek Marlin, X-Caliber and Procaliber hardtails, Trek Remedy and Fuel EX full-suspension bikes, Scott Aspect hardtails, Scott Genius full-suspension bikes, and two e-MTBs, the Trek Rail and the Bergamont E-Trailster.

5. What types of bike can I rent?

You can rent a hardtail with front suspension only, a full-suspension bike with front and rear suspension, or an electric mountain bike with a motor that helps you pedal. Hardtails suit day rides and jeep roads, full-suspension bikes suit rough mountain trails, and e-MTBs help with long climbs.

6. Should I rent a bike or bring my own to Nepal?

For most riders, renting is better. You avoid airline bike fees and the work of packing and rebuilding a bike, and you get a bike already set up for Nepal's trails, with spare parts close by. Bringing your own makes sense if you are riding for many months, need a custom fit, or are coming to race.

7. Can I bring my own e-bike to Nepal?

Not easily. Airlines do not allow lithium batteries over 160 watt-hours on passenger planes, and almost every e-MTB battery is between 400 and 750 watt-hours. You could fly the frame but not the battery, so renting an e-MTB in Nepal is the practical option.

8. Should I rent a hardtail or a full-suspension bike?

Rent a hardtail for day rides, lake loops, and long jeep-road days. Rent a full-suspension bike for rocky descents, technical singletrack, and multi-day mountain routes such as the Annapurna Circuit. If you are unsure, tell us where you plan to ride, and we will recommend one.

9. Can I rent an electric mountain bike in Nepal?

Yes. We rent the Trek Rail 5 and the Bergamont E-Trailster for USD 100 a day, both with Bosch motors. We only have a few, so book early, especially in spring and autumn.

10. Do I need to pay a deposit?

No. We do not take a security deposit on our rentals. You only need a valid ID and must be at least 16 years old.

11. What comes with a rental bike?

Every rental includes the bike, a fitted helmet, a basic repair kit with a pump, spare tube and tire levers, and a quick fit before you leave. Pads, gloves, racks, a GPS mount and a lock are available on request. Tell us your route when you book so we can prepare the right kit.

12. Can I get gloves and pads with my rental?

Yes, on request. Knee and elbow pads and gloves are available when you book. Your own gloves and pads will fit better, so bring them if you have them.

13. Do I need to book in advance?

It is best to book ahead, especially from March to May and from September to November. Full-suspension bikes, e-MTBs and large frames are the first to go in busy months.

14. Can I rent a bike for the Annapurna Circuit?

Yes. Many riders rent from us for the Annapurna Circuit. Since April 2023, a guide is officially required on the Circuit, although checks on riders are generally relaxed, so talk to us about your plans. We will help you choose the right bike and get it to the start and back.

15. Can I rent a bike and ride Upper Mustang on my own?

No. Upper Mustang is a restricted area, and you need a special permit and a licensed guide through a registered agency to enter it. You can ride Upper Mustang on a guided trip with us, using a bike from our fleet.

16. Can I rent a bike for a multi-day tour?

Yes. You can rent a bike for as many days as you need and ride on your own, rent a bike and hire a guide, or join one of our guided multi-day tours with a support vehicle carrying your bags and spares.

17. What are the best places to ride a rental bike in Nepal?

Pokhara is the best place to start, with rides for every level straight from town. For longer trips, riders take their bikes around the Annapurna Circuit, down from Jomsom and Muktinath through Lower Mustang, into the Kathmandu Valley hills, or to the flat trails of Chitwan.

18. When is the best time to rent a mountain bike in Nepal?

Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, have the driest trails and clearest views. Pokhara can be ridden year-round, and the green season from June to August is quieter.

19. Do you have bikes for tall riders?

Yes. We keep a range of frame sizes, and some models are available in XL. Tell us your height when you book so we can reserve the right size, especially in spring and autumn when large frames are in demand.

20. Should I bring my own pedals?

If you ride clipless pedals, bring your own pedals and shoes. We have a small stock of pedals, but it is limited. Flat pedals come fitted to the bike.

21. Can I rent a mountain bike in Kathmandu?

Yes. We rent hardtails, full-suspension bikes and e-MTBs for Kathmandu rides at the same rates as Pokhara, with a helmet and repair kit included. Tell us your height and plans, and we will have the bike sized and set up before you arrive.

22. What happens if my bike breaks on the trail?

Contact us straight away. You can make small adjustments yourself, but report any major damage immediately. Normal wear is on us, while crash damage is charged at the cost of the part, and we show you the part first.

23. Is my rental bike insured?

No. We do not insure rented bikes. Check that your travel insurance covers mountain biking, bike rental, medical costs and emergency helicopter evacuation before you ride.

24. How old do I need to be to rent a bike?

You must be at least 16 years old and have a valid identification document.

25. Can I rent a bike for a week or longer?

Yes. We rent bikes for single days, several days, or several weeks. Multi-day hires cost less per day, and 10 days or more get our long-term rate, so send us your dates for a quote.

26. What is your cancellation policy?

Cancel 10 days or more before your rental for a full refund. If you cancel 3 days before, a fee of up to 50% may apply. There is no refund on the rental day itself, but we can move your hire to the next day or to your next trip.

Ready to Ride?

Choose your bike, check the dates, and book online on our mountain bike rental page. If you are not sure which bike suits your plans, send us your route and dates, and we will help you choose.