Mountain Biking in Nepal

Bringing mountain bike from home

If you are travelling for a short mountain biking trip, bringing a bike from home is not really necessary. There are number of places in Kathmandu and Pokhara to rent a quality mountain bike in fare price. But if you are planning for a challenging and long trip, we highly suggest you to bring your own bike from home.

Mountain bike rental in Nepal

Mountain bike rental service is available almost in every big city in Nepal but we highly suggest you to rent a mountain bike from a specialist bike shop or mountain biking tour operator. There are number of bike shops and biking tour operator in Kathmandu and Pokhara and you can rent a real mountain bike from them. Renting a hard trail mountain bike cost you around US $ 12 to 15 a day and renting a full suspension bike cost you around US $ 35 to 50 per day. It all depends on which bike you are renting and for how long.

When you rent a bike we highly suggest you to check it over before setting off. Check brakes and pads, test spoke tension, ensure that tyres have sufficient tread and are properly inflated, test the chain for tautness, and work the bike through its gears to see that the derailleurs function smoothly.

Buying a mountain bike in Nepal

There are Chinese and Indian made bikes are easily available in every bike shop. They are cheap but not good for long term use and confirtable ride. So buying a good quality bikes is highly recommended. There are good-quality bikes from manufacturers such as Trek, Giant, Specialized or Commencal can be bought in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Price for good quality bikes in Nepal is similar to your home country. You can also buy a good quality but used bike from a departing traveller, especially towards the end of the autumn or spring seasons.

4. Ranikot Hill Station

Ranikot is two of the most beautiful hill stations of Bhaktapur. It is an impressive destination for family tours, adventure activities, and hiking. There are many routes to hike to this place. Some of these are Suryabinayak-Ranikot-Aashapuri, Suryabinayak-Ranikot-Phulchoki and Suryabinayak-Ranikot-Lankuri Bhanjyang, making Ranikot the midpoint. Also, from here, one can enjoy the surreal view of the Langtang mountain range and the Kathmandu valley.

Clothes and other equipment

There are some stores where you can buy quality good clothes and other necessary equipment in Nepal for mountain biking trip. But if you are planning for a day trip or short mountain biking trip, you don't need much other than a helmet and water bottle. If you want to take your own sandal, pedals and shoes, it is up to you. And a face mask is really necessary specially if you are cycling in Kathmandu valley.

Cycling Independently

If you are planning for a day trip around popular destinations like in Kathmandu or Pokhara, you can go on cycling on your own but if you are going on a multi-day adventure and want to experience the best of the any destinations, going with a guide is highly suggested. When you buy an organized tour or when you are with a guide, you don't need to worry about accommodation, food, finding the best route and more. You can fully experience the best of the trails.

Best time for mountain biking in Nepal

The period between end of September to end of December is the best time for mountain biking in Nepal. It is a post monsoon season so there is not much rain and visibility is good. Days are sunny and it never gets very cold during that time so mountain biking during the months of October to December is highly recommended.

If you are not planning for biking in high elevation, January to mid of February is also good months for mountain biking in Pokhara and other places in the Terai. From the beginning for March to May is also ideal time for mountain biking in Nepal but days are lengthening and grow warmer, the road conditions dustier but still it is a good time for mountain biking in Nepal.

From end of May to September is monsoon season in Nepal, the mountains are usually hidden by clouds, and the trails are wet or muddy. But this is the best time for mountain biking in Tibet and Mustang region.

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