Top 5 Cycling Routes in and around Kathmandu Valley

Even the idea of exploring a novel destination arouses our hearts. Nepal a country where each and every place has something unique to offer, and this is what everyone seeks for in the visited destination. Therefore, this beloved country is an ideal place for you to visit every nook and corner and must be on the top of your destination wish list this year.

Here are some of the famous cycling routes in and around the Kathmandu valley that offers magnificent views.

1. Kathmandu - Nagarkot 

2. Balaju - Kakani 

3. Chobar - Champadevi

4. Patan - Lakuri Bhanjyang

5. Satdobato - Lamatar - Lakuri Bhanjyang - Panauti - Banepa - Kathmandu

Kathmandu - Nagarkot 

At an elevation of 2,175 m (7,136 ft) and more or less 28 km from Kathmandu, a cycle ride to Nagarkot View Tower is not a bad idea. Good for both intermediate and pro riders, this bittersweet journey takes you through a slow uphill ride along the newly constructed highway and a couple of minutes of gruelling steep climbs. The best place to learn about different cultures (especially Newari) and the best seat in the house for the popular sunrise view from the view tower.

Related Package: Kathmandu Hike

Balaju - Kakani 

This is another scenic cycling route around the valley. The ride to Shivapuri from Kathmandu starts at Balaju (about 5 kilometres north of Thamel) and heads towards the road to Kakani, which is about 23 kilometres away. At an altitude of 2,030 m (6,660 ft), the road passes through the twists and turns of the Nagarjuna Forest Reserve.

Once you reach the peak of the ridge, after going through the initial pass to the valley, take the road to the right instead of going down the road leading to Trishuli Bazar. The T-junction is clearly marked. After riding another 4 kilometres of a steep hill, you reach Kakani. With lots of tea houses around, it is a centre of gathering for a number of visitors. Having lunch along with the splendid views of the mountains and forests is what one seeks.

Chobar - Champadevi

Chobhar Hill, situated about 10 km south of Kathmandu, can be reached by mountain bike in about 50-60 minutes. Chobhar Gorge and Jal Vinayak Temple are the main attractions of this place. More or less, an 8km ride through Chobar village takes you to a rugged road leading to Champa Devi.

This is an ideal place from where you can observe the whole valley and the great mountain range, even Mt. Everest, on a clear day. There are two different routes while returning. You can take the same route as the previous one or head towards Pharping and from there, make your way back to Kathmandu. It’s a rough, bit hard ride up and down the hill.

Patan - Lakuri Bhanjyang

A more or less 18km long trail connecting Patan to Lakuri Bhanjyang is categorized as an intermediate-level cycling trail. This journey starts in Patan, one of the famous cities in Nepal. After a few minutes rides through the crowded Lubhu city, your interesting ride soon peters out, and you ride along the rugged jeep track and then, finally, commence on a more or less 500m risky switchback ascend to Lakuri Bhanjyang.

Lakuri Bhanjyang Cycling Trail

On a clear day, the view of Kathmandu Valley and the mountains surrounding the place is definitely a sight for sore eyes. The second half of your journey is a mere sweet descend through the rural valley of Bebar Khola, famous for the settlers belonging to ancient Newari, Tamang and Chhetri civilizations. From Lakuri Bhanjyang, it's feasible to slant to Godawari or Bishanku Narayan on a track that branches off to the left. On the other hand, it's possible to decline to the right as well, towards Panauti.

Satdobato - Lamatar - Lakuri Bhanjyang - Panauti - Banepa - Kathmandu

Take the road to Lamatar from Gwarko (Satdobato), a network of offshoots that emerge from the southern end of Ring Road. From there, it’s a steady climb up to Lakuri Bhanjyang, which is the highest point on the trail.

There are at least two options for getting to Panauti from Lakuri but it’s an easy downhill, although quite muddy during monsoon until you reach the town on the other side of the ‘Bhanjyang’, which can be literally translated to a mountain pass, or a saddle. Banepa, an important town on the Araniko Highway that connects China, is around 8 km far from Panauti.

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