Cycling Tour In Kathmandu

Cycling here just means riding a bicycle through Kathmandu Valley instead of getting driven around in a car or van. You pedal at your own pace along the actual streets, alleys, and dirt lanes that make up the valley, rather than watching it go by through a window. That's slower than driving but it means you can duck into a courtyard, stop for a photo, watch someone at a shop, or just ride past daily life happening around you, things a vehicle tour would drive straight through. It also opens up routes a car can't take, like narrow village lanes or hillside tracks up toward Nagarkot. A guide rides with you the whole way, so it's not a race or a fitness test, more a way of covering ground on two wheels while still being able to stop and look around whenever you want.

Why Cycle Instead of Drive

A bike lets you stop when something catches your eye, whether that's a temple courtyard, a street vendor, or a good photo. Riders can also cover routes that aren't practical by car, including village lanes and hillside tracks.

Routes in Kathmandu Valley

The valley has several routes at different distances and difficulty levels. Your guide can adjust the route based on your fitness and how much time you have.

Kathmandu to Swayambhunath. Ride through old Kathmandu to the hilltop stupa, one of the oldest religious sites in the valley, with views over the city.

Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. This route passes Pashupatinath, Nepal's most important Hindu pilgrimage site, then continues to Boudhanath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the country and a center of Tibetan Buddhist life.

Gamacho. Ride towards Gamacho through quieter roads, local neighborhoods, and less crowded sections of the valley. The route gives you a chance to see everyday life, traditional settlements, and the changing landscape around Kathmandu.

Kathmandu to Bhaktapur. Heading east through farmland and small settlements, this route ends in Bhaktapur, known for its old squares and brick architecture.

Khokana and Bungamati. South of Kathmandu, these two Newari villages have their own temples and traditional houses, and see far fewer visitors than the main sites.

Kathmandu to Nagarkot. The hardest of the routes, with real climbing through the hills around the valley. On a clear day you can see the Himalayan range from Nagarkot.

When to Go

March to May and September to November are the best months: mild weather and clearer skies, with better mountain views in autumn. Winter, from December to February, works for daytime rides, though mornings and evenings can be cold. June to August is monsoon season, and rain can make some routes muddy and slippery.

After the Ride

The tour ends back at your accommodation in Kathmandu. Contact Alpine Club of Himalaya – Walk of the Himalaya with any questions about this trip or others.