Mountain Biking
Ride the Himalayan Singletrack
Nepal's vast network of pony trails, jeep tracks and high-Himalayan passes makes it one of South Asia's finest mountain biking destinations. Cross 5,400m passes on a fat-tyre bike or carve berms above the Kathmandu Valley.
All Mountain Biking trips
2 hand-crafted mountain biking itineraries — from short tasters to multi-week expeditions.
From Valley Singletrack to High Passes
Mountain biking in Nepal divides into two worlds. The Kathmandu Valley rim — Phulchowki, Shivapuri, Nagarkot — offers a vast network of pine-forest singletrack and old monastery trails, all accessible on day rides from the city.
The bigger prize is the Annapurna Circuit by bike: a 12-day ride that crosses Thorong La Pass (5,416m), making it one of the highest passes ever ridden on a mountain bike. Other classic routes include the Mustang Trail, the Upper Dolpo to Lower Dolpo crossing, and the Friendship Highway from Kathmandu to the Tibet border.
Find your level
- TREKKING PEAKS
Valley Day Rides
Under 2,500m · 3–6 hours · No prior MTB neededEasy-to-moderate rides on the Kathmandu Valley rim. Forest singletrack, monastery climbs, and rural village loops.
- Shivapuri Loop
- Nagarkot Descent
- Phulchowki Forest
1,400m – 2,500m - TECHNICAL
Multi-Day Tours
Up to 3,500m · 4–7 days · Intermediate MTB skillsLong days on jeep tracks and trails, with overnight stays in villages. Combines riding with cultural experience.
- Pokhara to Kathmandu (7 days)
- Annapurna Foothills (5 days)
1,000m – 3,500m - ★ HIGH ALTITUDE
High-Altitude Expeditions
5,000m+ · 10–14 days · Strong rider onlyMulti-week tours crossing high passes. Demands strong fitness, altitude acclimatisation and willingness to push (or carry) a bike for hours.
- Annapurna Circuit (12 days)
- Upper Mustang (10 days)
- Dolpo crossing (14 days)
3,000m – 5,416m
Featured mountain biking sites
Skills & gear checklist
Required skills
- Confident Descender
Comfortable braking hard on loose surfaces — Himalayan trails are rarely smooth.
- Bike Maintenance Basics
Tube replacement, chain repair, and brake-pad adjustment on the trail.
- Altitude Awareness
Same AMS rules apply on a bike — acclimatise above 3,500m before pushing higher.
- Endurance Riding
Ability to ride 4–6 hours/day for a week-plus, often climbing 1,500m in a session.
Essential gear
- Full-Suspension MTBRecommended
- Cycling HelmetEssential
- Padded Shorts (multi-day)Essential
- Spare Tube + PatchesEssential
- Multi-Tool + Chain ToolEssential
- Hydration Pack (2L)Essential
- Windproof Shell JacketAbove 3,000m
- Sun Cream SPF 50+Essential
Best season & permits
When to go
Permits
- $20TIMS CardRequired for trail rides outside the Kathmandu Valley
- $30ACAPFor Annapurna Circuit, Mustang foothills
- $500Upper Mustang Restricted PermitRequired for any Mustang ride north of Kagbeni