10 Best Mountain Biking Trails in Kathmandu

1. Shivapuri National Park

The northern rim of the Kathmandu Valley is forested by Shivapuri National Park, which offers some outstanding opportunities. The sparsely traveled network of dirt roads begins at the entrance to Budhanilkantha. The road to the left winds generally westwards for at least 15 kilometers, after which the hill resort of Kakani is just 2 kilometers east along the ridge via a trail with challengingly technical sections (some carrying required). This journey from Kakani to Budhanilkantha is more enjoyable. For a shorter round beginning and ending at Budhanilkantha, ride to the Tokha Hospital and then down a steep, sandy route.

The road to the right (east) of the Budhanilkantha gate curves and ascends out of the valley, past the Nagi Gompa monastery and reaching the easternmost point of the watershed at Jhule after around 20 kilometers. From Jhule, you can cycle south to Nagarkot or make a 45-minute descent on a stone-paved path to the valley floor at Sankhu. Alternately, you can continue on the park road for an additional 8 kilometers beyond Jhule, around the Shivapuri ridge, to Chisapani, a town on the main Helambu trekking trail, from whence you can ride to Nagarkot. Mulkharka, Chisopani, Chauki Danda, and, of course, Nagarkot offer accommodations along this route.

2. Lakuri Bhanjyang

The 30 km stretch of road between Patan and Panauti is an excellent intermediate-level route that can be traveled in either direction. Leave Patan through the route that passes Sundhara and the Eastern Stupa. The first part to Lubhu, a brick-making and hand-loom center 6 kilometers beyond the Ring Road, is crowded and dull, but the pavement quickly peters away and the road climbs as a jeep track before beginning a challenging 500-meter switchback slope to the Lakuri Bhanjyang. On a day with clear skies, the view of the valley and mountains is magnificent. You can spend the night in Panauti after a pleasant descent through the rural valley of the Bebar Khola and its scattered Tamang, Chhetri, and Newar communities. On paved or unpaved roads, you can connect with Dhulikhel and Namobuddha area rides.

3. Shivapuri to Heli Pad

This trail is ideal for novices due to its large, easily-located paths. Although the majority of the track is uphill, the height is not increased too quickly, making it ideal for a leisurely, all-day ride. The path begins at Budhanilkantha. Once you've reached the gate, travel southeast down a gravel road via Shivapuri heights to reach Helipad. You can choose to turn around here, or if you're up for some difficult drops, you can continue into the upcoming descent. This is a severe descent, therefore only experienced cyclists should attempt it. This portion of the path also has the infamous Widow Maker, a steep, tricky descent. This walk gives numerous panoramic views of the city amidst lush vegetation. However, keep a look out for jeeps and large cars when riding, as portions of this trail serve as a road.

4. Nagarkot Hill Station

From Nagarkot, your options are virtually limitless. Rough roads and trails radiate in all directions: to the northwest, Sankhu; to the southwest, Changu Narayan; to the south, Nala and Banepa; to the east, Hiuwapati, Sipaghat, and Panchkhal; and to the north, Chisopani and the Helambu paths. However, there are an infinite number of forks, many of which lead to dead ends or perilous descents; hence, you should not bike alone.

Unless you're a particularly strong rider, the ascent to Nagarkot is probably all you'll want to do in a day, and you'll want to spend the night to enjoy the sunrise the next morning. The majority of bike tour operators offer two-day itineraries that include transportation to the summit, an overnight stay, and a breathtaking descent back to the Kathmandu Valley through more pleasant back roads.

5. Hattiban

Hattiban is a heaven for downhill riders due to the abundance of trails with large jumps, berms, and gaps. Riders will also be pleased to learn that there is a brief rock part at the trail's beginning. You can challenge yourself by riding the different uphill and downhill trails featured here. The trail begins at Hattiban Hill, from where you may ride all the way downwards to Pharping. This location is so famous with mountain bikers that it also hosts the National Downhill Championship and numerous other downhill competitions. These routes are varied and stretch from Hattiban to Pharping.

6. Kakani to Helipad

This trail is ideal for an all-day ride. This trail is difficult because you will be climbing and descending throughout. Therefore, it is ideal for a cardio-intensive weekend ride. The trail from Kakani to Helipad passes through Shivapuri National Park and its surrounding forests before arriving at the Helipad. Begin your journey from Balaju Chowk, from whence you will proceed to Trishuli Highway. From Trishuli Highway, you will make your way to Kakani. Riding via Kakani will lead you to Shivapuri National Park, where the woodland track continues once you enter. This trail has more descents than ascents, so it will be a relaxing and enjoyable ride as you pass through forests and occasionally encounter breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

7. Dhulikhel to Namobuddha

Dhulikel is the traditional starting point for a popular circuit to the Namobuddha Buddhist stupa and (optionally) the Newar settlement of Panauti. Given the rising urbanization in the vicinity of Dhulikhel, Panauti may be the preferable starting place nowadays. Additionally, the so-called Namobuddha circuit provides several hours of cycling.

8. The Lele Valley

The Bungamati, Chapagaun, and Godavari roads form the basis for a number of simple loops in the southern valley (see The square). For something a bit more difficult and longer, continue east from Chapagaun past the Bajra Barahi temple (this path ultimately meets the paved Godavari road), then turn south on a tiny route that traverses a high, forested slope and enters the Lele Valley. From there, a number of routes lead south into the hill region, which is little explored. Just south of Tika Bhairab, a rocky road ascends to about 2,000 meters at Tinpani Bhanjyang before descending to Hetauda and the Terai through Bhattedanda and Makwanpurgadhi. During the monsoon, conditions are exceedingly unpredictable, and there is no bridge over the Bagmati, thus passage will be difficult.

9. Nagarjun Ban

Nagarjun Ban, an annex of Shivapuri National Park, allows riding in the style of the wilderness behind a gorgeous canopy of trees; nonetheless, there have been a few attacks on tourists, and solo riding is generally discouraged for safety reasons. Consult with locals before committing to the following park rides.

You begin a hard 18-kilometer rise on a jeep trail after entering through the southern gate; the final two kilometers increase in grade to reach a maximum elevation of 2096 meters. The trail leading back to the northern gate is an extra 12 kilometers long.

From Sitapaila, a village west of Swayambhunath, a beautiful trail segment leads to the western entrance of Nagarjun. This occasionally tight single-track, which contours high above the Mahesh Khola, offers superb riding for intermediate and experienced cyclists. The road past Ichangu Narayan, a temple to the north-northwest of Swayambhunath, connects to this path beyond the settlement of Baralgaun. Once within the forest park, continue to the left to reach the northern gate on the main road to Kakani.

Tokha, a well-preserved village accessible by trail from Gongabu on the Ring Road, offers an alternative route to or from Nagarjun. All the way to the southern gate from Tokha is a north-northwest arc via great undulating dirt routes and through traditional villages. Even if you skip Nagarjun, this is a fantastic cycling day that may be extended all the way to Budhanilkantha to the east (roughly 1hr 30min from the southern gate).

10. Chitlang Village

Near Kathmandu, Chitlang is a popular weekend destination for locals and a beautiful location for cycling and mountain biking. The Chitlang Cycling Tour will provide insights into nature, the local community, and farm house stays — a typical flavor of a rural cycling excursion.

Place with picturesque village life, close to the Kathmandu valley, and green contrast to breathtaking vistas has the ideal path for your mountain bike journey. If you follow our advised route, cycling will not need much effort.

As the initial portion of the path we've designed is uphill, the trail eventually becomes either level or descends. Chitlang village could be a wonderful destination to escape the city's bustle and take in the natural scenery.