Day 01
Kathmandu to Kakani (2,100m), we discuss about trip & we prepare our equipment and backpack, and then ride off to Kakani. We head through the bustling back streets of Thamel and on to good wide undulating jeep tracks alongside the Nagarjun forest. Your efforts are rewarded by spectacular mountain views. On the way, taste the delicious trout fish farmed locally – which gives the route the name “Trout Highway”. We bike mostly uphill to Kakani, which is at 2,100m elevation. Once in our destination, we enjoy the stunning views of Ganesh and Langtang mountains and the valley of Likhu Khola 1,000m below. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 02
Kakani to Budanilkantha (1,630m) Head off on one of the best single tracks in the valley down towards the Budhanilkantha Temple (Sleeping Vishnu), passing through the Shivapuri National Park. Budhanilkantha is a remarkable 5th century statue of the Lord Vishnu, reclining on the coil of giant king snakes in the middle of small pond. Your efforts are rewarded by spectacular panoramic mountain views of Ganesh and Langtang Himal on the way. Moreover, the hotel you’ll be staying at in Budhanilkantha is true resort established in a rural setting with culturally rich and naturally pristine environment whose garden harbors nearly 75 species of birds and 2,000 flowering trees and shrubs. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 03
Budanilkantha to Nagarkot (2,175m)Today we head off towards Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Following the tarmac past Boudhanath, we take in clearer views of Kathmandu. We continue on ride to the Sankhu village and we stop here for lunch and explore this ancient town. From here we cycle along a jeep track road to wind our way up with a two-hour climb to Nagarkot – one of the most well known hill stations of the country. The views of the Himalayan mountain range from Nagarkot, especially from the Tower, more than compensate this arduous ascent. On a clear day, even Mt. Everest can be seen! We stay in Nagarkot at a guesthouse from where we can enjoy the sunset. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 04
Rest day at Nagarkot. We take time to explore the numerous biking trails around Nagarkot, or just take some rest and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere at Nagarkot. You may also wish to visit Changu Narayan, a culturally rich temple not far from here. The temple complex includes one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Kathmandu valley and has intricate statues and stone tablets depicting ancient Hindu folklore. From here you can also enjoy good views of the valley and surrounding hills. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 05
Nagarkot to Palanchowk (820m). We will head down hill on a mix of single and jeep tracks. We descend through terraced paddy fields and small farming villages. We turn off to Phalanchowk and ascend 9km on a paved road .You'll visit the Bhagawati Temple, which houses one of the most beautiful and worshipped Bagawati goddess’ images in Nepal. The stunning image is carved of black stone and bedecked in jewelry. From your hilltop vantage point you'll have a spectacular view of the Himalaya and the surrounding valleys. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 06
Palanchowk to Dhulikhel (1,600m). After a wonderful night at Palanchowk, we start the day with an off-road descent. This stretch is technical but there is an easier option further west, which merges with the same trail. We cross the main road and continue 20km uphill to Dhulikhel and our hotel for the night. We have lunch here and for those who haven’t had enough rides, there is time in the afternoon to explore the local trails or the well-preserved town. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 07
Dhulikhel to Balthali (1,445m). From Dhulikhel, we ride on the flat mostly-paved route to Balthali. The traditional village with ancient architecture of the houses and innumerable temples welcome us. This definitely allows for a great spot for sightseeing. The greenery and the farms make our ride very pleasant. The village of Balthali is tucked away behind the forest of Panauti and is considered as a naturally and culturally rich destination. The cozy hotel you’ll be at sports a bird’s eye view of green terrace field, massive surrounding hills and faint streaks of the Himalayas to the north. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 08
Balthali to Kathmandu (1,345), via Patan Durbar Square. We spend time exploring some exciting trails near Godavari then onto excellent off-road trails close to Kathmandu, a pleasant conclusion to our thrilling biking session! On the way, we will pay a visit to the Patan Durbar Square, which is an enchanting combination of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. The former royal palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone. We return to the hustle and bustle of Thamel on tarmac roads and celebrate our completion of this rewarding trip. Overnight at a hotel.