Surrounded by five-mile high peaks, Nepal mountain biking holidays are some of the most spectacular on the planet. Ride grueling cross country, almost endless exhilarating downhill and unexplored wilderness trails with the fascinating Nepalese culture and Himalayas as a backdrop.
With legendary trails in places like the Annapurna Circuit and Kali Gandaki Valley – the world’s deepest – you’ll experience tough climbs, technical challenges and the most incredible views you can imagine. Everything about Nepal mountain biking holidays is big. And riding the trails between the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and Ganges plains of India is the best way to see it all.
Nepal: Dominated by the Himalayas
It’s not surprising that the mighty Himalayas dominate the landscape of Nepal. Few places on earth can claim such a diverse set of landscapes in such a small space. Which is of course great news for MTB lovers. High icy mountains, deep valleys, and subtropical jungle landscapes are dotted with medieval cities and ancient hillside communities.
Eight of the world’s top ten peaks are in Nepal, including the legendary Everest, which straddles the border with Tibet. There are also ten UNESCO world heritage sites, both natural and cultural. Never colonised, Nepal is truly unique and cycling from the Kathmandu Valley to Terai to the Chitwan National Park you’ll pass through ever changing cultures, languages and landscapes.
Nepal mountain biking holidays
Riding in the Kali Gandaki Valley is an absolute must. The world’s biggest valley found on the roof of the world, there is some incredible riding to check out. Long and nasty climbs will get the blood pumping and technical descents demand total concentration.
There’s some fast and flowing single track here too and as you might expect from such a mountainous region, some long and exhilarating downhills that last for hours on end. And if it’s just the downhill you’re after – minus the gruelling climbs -there are options out there for transport to the top via either planes, trains or automobiles (and some cable cars too).
The dirt trails that link the Kathmandhu Valley to the former principality of Gorkha and the lakeside region of Pokhara is another incredible ride. Trips across the border to the ancient city of Lhasa in Tibet are also popular.
Situated between 1,500 and 4,000 metres, the Annapurna Circuit and lower Mustang region offer some of the most unexplored mountain biking terrain on earth. Riding in these vast landscapes is a breathtaking experience – in more ways than one – that’s hard to explain with mere words. It simply has to be experienced.
As you might expect from the world’s most mountainous country, the riding in Nepal is tough and suitable for more advanced riders confident in a variety of terrains. Most of the riding is off road and on the mountains so it will be difficult. Although there are some combined MTB and touring options for those who like a bit of road cycling too.
Experience the single track of Shivapuri, mountain passes at nearly 4,000 metres at Muktinath, welcoming mountain hospitality and the world’s best scenery all on one trip. Nepal mountain biking holidays offer incredible diversity, challenging riding and unique cultural experiences.
