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E-MTB Tour Kathmandu to Pokhara: A 13-Day Mid-Hills Adventure
Tour Information
Overview
Ride Kathmandu to Pokhara off the tourist highway, across Nepal's oldest trade corridor through the green mid-hills, once used to move salt, wool and goods between India, Nepal and Tibet. This 13-day e-bike tour links the two cities through terraced farms, river valleys and hill villages most travelers only fly over.
Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
Tour | E-MTB Tour Kathmandu to Pokhara |
Duration | 13 days (8 riding days) |
Start / Finish | Kathmandu / Pokhara |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Highest Point | ~1,750 m (Dhampus), no altitude-sickness zone |
Daily Distance | ~40 to 65 km (about 4 to 6 hrs riding) |
Route | Kathmandu → Shivapuri → Trishuli → Dhading → Arughat → Gorkha → Sundar Bazaar → Begnas → Dhampus → Pokhara |
Terrain | Dirt roads, jeep tracks, singletrack, and some highway sections |
Cultures | Newari, Tamang, Gurung |
Accommodation | 3-star hotels in the cities; best available accommodation in hill towns |
Meals | All meals on riding days |
Group | Guided group; private tour available on request |
After a day exploring Kathmandu's UNESCO sites, the route climbs through Shivapuri National Park to the Trishuli River, then rolls west through the Tamang hills to Dhading and Arughat (gateway to Manaslu) before reaching Gorkha, the hilltop fort where King Prithvi Narayan Shah began uniting Nepal in the 1740s and the origin of the name "Gurkha."
From Gorkha, the trail crosses Gurung country via Lamjung and Sundar Bazaar, includes an off-road stretch to Mirkot, and descends to Begnas Lake. A final climb to Dhampus offers views of Annapurna, Fishtail and Manaslu before the descent into Pokhara. The route passes through three living cultures, Newari, Tamang and Gurung, in their own villages.
Nepal MTB Adventures has run this route since 2004. Pedal-assist e-bikes handle the steep climbs, keeping the ride manageable while staying under 1,750m, with no altitude concerns. A guide and support vehicle travel with you throughout, carrying gear so you can just ride.
What makes this ride different?
Most visitors to Nepal ride or trek the same few famous routes. This tour goes the other way, into the working countryside between the two big cities that most tourists only fly or drive past.
The history. Gorkha is not just a stop; it is the birthplace of modern Nepal. From this hilltop fort, King Prithvi Narayan Shah set out in the 1740s to unite dozens of small kingdoms into one country. The word "Gurkha" comes from here too.
The Manaslu gateway. At Arughat, on the powerful Budhi Gandaki River, you reach the doorway to the Manaslu region, an old trading town where goods once moved between the high Himalaya and the plains. You touch the start of that great corridor without needing to enter the restricted high mountains.
Three cultures in a week. The route moves through Newari, then Tamang, then Gurung country, each with its own language, faith, food and festivals. You meet them in their villages, not in a museum.
Almost no other tourists. These are backroads through rural Nepal. You share them with farmers and schoolchildren, not tour buses.
Why ride it on an e-MTB
Nepal's mid-hills never sit still. The land climbs and falls all day, and some days add well over a thousand metres of climbing across forty or fifty kilometres. On a normal mountain bike, that is a serious workout that would leave most riders too tired to enjoy the villages and views. The pedal-assist motor changes that. It gives you power exactly when you push hard on a steep pitch, so you clear the climbs that would otherwise force you to walk, and you keep enough energy for thirteen days of riding, not just three. It also lets riders of different fitness levels travel together, since anyone who needs more help simply turns up the assist. You still pedal the whole way, and you still get a real workout. The motor removes the grind, not the ride.
Is this trip right for you?
Fitness: you need moderate fitness and a willingness to ride several days in a row. Distances are manageable, around 40 to 65 km a day, and the e-assist handles the steep climbs, so endurance matters more than raw power.
Skill: With pedal assist, beginners and returning riders can do this trip. Some comfort on dirt roads and rough descents helps, since parts of the route are genuine off-road, but you do not need to be a technical mountain biker.
No altitude worries. This is a low- and mid-hills route. The highest point is the Gurung village of Dhampus at about 1,750 m, so there is none of the altitude sickness risk that comes with high trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit. That makes it a gentler, more accessible way to see the Himalaya by bike.
Good for a wide range of ages who are reasonably active and want culture and countryside more than extreme adventure.
Where you stay, eat and charge
Accommodation: comfortable 3-star boutique hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and the best available local hotels in the hill towns such as Dhading Besi, Gorkha, Sundar Bazaar and Begnas. Expect city comfort at each end and simple, clean rooms in the countryside.
Charging the e-bike: this is a common worry, and the answer is reassuring. Nepal has been free of scheduled power cuts since 2022, and every overnight town on this route is connected to the national grid, so your battery charges fully overnight at the hotel. The battery is also removable, so it can go straight to a room socket, and the support vehicle carries backup for the rare rural outage.
Meals: all meals on riding days are included, from local hill fare to hotel breakfasts, along with drinking water.
Support: a certified local guide and a support vehicle travel with you throughout. The vehicle carries your luggage and acts as backup, so you ride with only a day-pack.
Tour Highlights
- Ride the historic Kathmandu-to-Pokhara mid-hills corridor, an old India-Nepal-Tibet trade route far from the tourist trails
- Climb out of the city through the forest of Shivapuri National Park
- Stand at Gorkha Durbar, the hilltop fort where Prithvi Narayan Shah began uniting modern Nepal
- Reach the Manaslu region gateway on the Budhi Gandaki River at Arughat
- Cross three living cultures in a week: Newari, Tamang and Gurung
- Take on real off-road riding on the Palungtar to Mirkot jeep trail
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Kathmandu Airport
Welcome to Nepal! The land of Mount Everest, and the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Our representative will warmly welcome you at Tribhuwan International Airport and guide you to your hotel in Thamel. After you are done with the check in procedure, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of Thamel, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere. As the sun sets, prepare for an exciting briefing, where you'll be meeting our tour guide and briefed about the thrilling adventure that you have dreamed have become real.
Day 2
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our adventure by starting on a leisurely sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. A warm and friendly guide will accompany you to explore exciting attractions such as the Swyambhu Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and either the Boudhanath or Pashupatinath Temple, all arranged in a private vehicle. We will take the opportunity to have lunch at a restaurant located within one of these remarkable sites.
Day 3
Bike from Kathmandu to Trishuli via Shivapuri (663m)
Kick off on a thrilling adventure as you pedal from Kathmandu to Trishuli, passing through the scenic beauty of Namo Buddha and Shivapuri Hill along the way. Start your journey by ascending from Kathmandu to the heights of Shivapuri Hill, where you will feast your senses with the stunning panorama of snow-capped peaks perfectly aligned before you. After we have enough time to cherish the beauty of Shivapuri, we will start descending down to Thanapati and continue pedalling towards Trishuli. We will have lunch on the way.
Distance: 54 KM
Time: 6-7 Hours
Physical: Moderate/Hard
Technical: Moderate
Day 4
Bike from Trishuli to Dhading (620m)
Mountain biking from Trishuli to Dhading Besi is an adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers and a great way to experience Nepal's culture and nature up close. The journey features rugged terrain, winding roads, and steep inclines as it passes through lush forests and traditional villages before reaching Dhading. This ride across the Mid-Hilly region of Nepal offers cyclists a unique blend of culture, nature, physical challenge, and reward. This trip gives a very close glimpse into the Nepalese lifestyle and offers the best views of terraced fields. We will have lunch on the way as per your wish.
Distance: 41 Km
Time: 5-6 Hours
Physical: Moderate/Hard,
Technical: Moderate
Day 5
Bike from Dhading to Aarughat (700m)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will be set on our mountain biking adventure from Dhading Besi to Arughat. This is a thrilling experience filled with magnificent mountain views, winding roads, steep inclines (from Dhading to Gol Bhanjyang), and enchanting views of lush forests. Throughout the journey, you will get the opportunity to immerse in the local culture, encountering traditional Newari and Tamang villages, as well as traversing through dense forests, providing opportunities for wildlife encounters. The presence of the Budhi Gandaki River along this route adds an extra touch of reward to the adventure. Mountain bikers seeking a challenge will undoubtedly find the ride from Dhading Besi to Arughat immensely enjoyable and gratifying.
Distance: 40 Km approx.
Time: 5-6 Hours
Physical: Moderate
Technical: Moderate
Day 6
Bike from Aarughat to Gorkha (1200m)
Kicking off on an exciting mountain biking adventure from Arughat to Gorkha is a thrilling experience that begins at the starting point of the renowned Manaslu Trek. After a satisfying breakfast in Arughat, we will set off on our journey that shortly begins with an intense yet gratifying climb to Tandrang. As we pedal through remote villages nestled in isolation, we will be treated to awe-inspiring views and valuable opportunities to deeply immerse ourselves in the culture and traditions of the local community. Interacting with the friendly locals using signs and body language, we will forge connections and gain unique insights into Nepal's rich heritage. Riding along this less-travelled path and exploring these remote communities will undoubtedly leave an enduring impression, offering a distinctive perspective of Nepal that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Distance: 40 KM
Time: 4-5 Hours
Physical: Moderate/ Hard
Technical: Moderate
Day 7
Bike from Gorkha to Sundar Bazaar (1406m)
After having a delicious breakfast at the hotel in Gorkha, we will kick off on our biking adventure from Gorkha to Sundar Bazaar, where adrenaline-fueled moments await! Be prepared for rugged and mountainous terrain, including the thrilling Palungtar-Mirkot off-road trail. Your journey begins with a descent via the Aanbu Khaireni-Gorkha Highway to Chhepetar and a mix of short intense and gradual climbs to Mirkot. Along the way, be prepared to witness incredible landscapes and experience the serene beauty of Nepal, uncovering hidden gems throughout the route. This demanding yet highly rewarding biking trip will test your endurance, offering an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Nepal. Embrace the challenge and immerse yourself in the unparalleled wonders that await you!
Distance: 53 KM
Time: 6-7 hours
Physical: Moderate/ Hard
Technical: Moderate
Day 8
Bike from Sundar Bazaar to Begnas Lake (650m)
We will start our day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. As you start on your bike, prepare to be enchanted by the picturesque scenery that unfolds before you. You will be pedalling through amazing rice terraces and beautiful villages. As we reach the place known as Dipiple we will paddle through the meandering path of the Madi River to Bhorletar. As you pedal through the local villages, you will get the opportunity to witness the unique lifestyle of the people and delve in their culture. After lunch, at Bhorletar we will cross the River Madi and we will tackle the intense climb of the day till Thumki. Conclude your day in Begnas Lake, surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes that have earned it its rightful name. For those seeking a shorter yet adventurous route, there is also an alternative trail available, providing a direct path to your destination.
Distance: 55 KM
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Physical: Moderate
Technical: Moderate
Day 9
Ride around the Begnas Lake
We will start our day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel and prepare for an exciting bike ride around the scenic Begnas Lake area. Today your schedule for the day is going to be flexible, allowing you to tailor the experience to your wishes and requirements. We will start our day by exploring Rupa Lake and its picturesque surroundings, providing the perfect opportunity to embrace the serene and enchanting beauty of the area. We will also set aside some time to explore the fascinating Sita Cave, delving into its mysteries. As you pedal through, you will have the opportunity to observe the local lifestyle and witness the intricacies of farming in the region. If you're up for a longer ride, we can embark on a loop around Begnas Lake, venturing up to Kalikasthan, perched atop a hill. When you reach the top you will be amazed by the breathtaking views of Pokhara valley, snow-clad mountains and incredible landscapes. Whatever path we choose, this bike adventure promises an unforgettable experience filled with natural wonders and cultural insights.
Distance: 30 KM
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Physical: Moderate
Technical: Moderate
Day 10
Bike from Begnas Lake to Pokhara via Dhampus
Begin on an exciting mountain biking adventure from Begnas Lake to Pokhara via Dhampus! Admire the stunning beauty of the Pokhara Valley as you ride through scenic river valleys and catch glimpses of the magnificent Annapurna range, Fishtail, and Seti River. Take a break at charming Dhampus village and keep an eye out for local farm animals, wildlife, and birds. The route combines easy tracks with local roads, guiding you through lush tropical forests, fertile fields, and traditional villages, offering a glimpse into the customs and culture of the locals. After a 5-6 hour ride, unwind and recharge at a cosy guest house in Lakeside, recollecting the memorable adventure of the day.
Distance: 60-65 Km
Riding Time: 4-5 Hours
Difficulty: Physical: Moderate
Technical: Moderate
Day 11
Rest Day (The choice is yours!)
Today is all about you and your preferences. It is your day, so, you are free to decide on how you want to spend your day. You can opt to cruise around the serene beauty of Fewa Lake, taking in the tranquil atmosphere. If relaxation is what you seek, you can simply unwind and rejuvenate at the hotel. Whatever activities you decide to engage in, be confident that they will add genuine value to your day. If there is any special interests or specific requests that you want to accomplish, please let us know, so that we can try our best to sort them out. Your satisfaction is our utmost priority.
Day 12
Drive or Fly Back to Kathmandu (as per the package)
Immerse yourself in the perfect blend of experiences as you set on a 6-hour private Jeep expedition from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Soak in the awe-inspiring views and charming villages that beautify the Prithivi Highway. Pause at enchanting spots along the way to capture timeless photos or indulge in the flavors of local delicacies. Allow yourself to be swept away by the awe-inspiring panoramas, immersing your being in their splendor, while relishing a re-energizing riverside lunch. With a renewed sense of energy, start on the rest of your drive to the Capital City of Nepal, enveloped in an atmosphere of comfort and security. Cherish in the mesmerizing views and lasting memories that will forever drift in your heart and mind.
Day 13
Fly Back Home
We like to thank you for taking our service and wish you the safest flight back home. We will be looking forward to seeing you sooner in near future for more adventures!
What's Included and Excluded
Included
- Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off after the trip
- Full-suspension electric mountain bike, helmet and gloves
- Certified local mountain bike guide and a support vehicle throughout
- Boutique hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and the best available hotels in the hill towns
- Guided Kathmandu sightseeing, all required permits and local taxes
Excluded
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa
- Travel and personal accident insurance
- Personal expenses, tips, drinks and laundry
- Meals outside riding days and any optional activities
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Frequently asked questions
Of the 13 days, you ride on 8 of them. Day 1 is your arrival in Kathmandu and Day 2 is a guided city sightseeing day, so the riding starts on Day 3. From there you ride most days from Kathmandu to Pokhara, covering roughly 40 to 65 km a day, about 4 to 6 hours in the saddle with stops. Day 11 is a free rest day in Pokhara, and Days 12 and 13 are the return to Kathmandu and your flight home.
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