Mountain Biking in Nepal

Nepal is one of the world’s great mountain biking countries. Home to Everest, the Annapurnas and eight of the fourteen highest peaks on earth, it packs an extraordinary range of riding into a small country, from gentle valley trails to Himalayan passes above 5,000 m.

Most riders start in the Kathmandu Valley, where the valley rim holds a dense network of singletrack, jeep track and old trade routes, all within easy reach of the city. Trails climb through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, past Buddhist monasteries and Newar villages, to ridge lines like Nagarkot with the Himalaya on the horizon.

Beyond the valley, the riding gets bigger. Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region, where experienced riders take on the Annapurna Circuit by bike, crossing the Thorong La pass at 5,416 m. North of it, the high desert of Mustang and the Kali Gandaki gorge offer some of the most striking riding anywhere, on old caravan routes through a rain-shadow landscape that stays dry when the rest of the country is under monsoon. In the south, the flat Terai and Chitwan add gentler rides through farmland and jungle.

The main seasons are spring and autumn, and most visitors ride with a local guide and a support vehicle, which handles navigation, permits and the logistics of remote areas. Wherever you ride, expect temples, prayer flags and tea shops along the way, and a glimpse of daily life that is hard to match on two wheels.

What’s New in 2026

• The prime riding seasons are spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, with clear skies and mountain views. Avoid the June-to-August monsoon in most of the country, though the rain-shadow districts of Mustang and Upper Dolpo stay dry and ride well right through the summer.
• Permits depend on where you ride. The Kathmandu Valley trails through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park cost foreign visitors around NPR 1,000, and the Annapurna region, including the Annapurna Circuit and Jomsom, needs an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit at NPR 3,000, arranged in Kathmandu or Pokhara or online before you travel.
• Upper Mustang’s restricted-area permit changed at the end of 2025. Instead of a flat 500 US dollars for ten days, it now costs 50 US dollars per person per day, counted only for days spent north of the Kagbeni checkpoint, with the conservation area permit on top. It must be arranged through a registered agency in Nepal.
• Nepal requires foreign trekkers on routes through national parks and conservation areas to travel with a licensed guide from a registered agency, and most riders on the big multi-day routes go with a local operator anyway. Short rides around the Kathmandu Valley that stay outside the protected areas are unaffected. Check the current rules with your agency when you book.

TYPES OF MOUNTAIN BIKING IN NEPAL

Mountain bikers who visit Nepal will find trails for riders of all abilities and interests. There are easier rides that are suitable for beginners, rugged and strenuous trails that will challenge even the most experienced mountain bikers, and everything in between. Whichever type of trail you are looking for, you know you can expect spectacular views and astounding natural beauty to surround you wherever you go.

In addition to stunning nature, mountain biking in Nepal also gives you a unique glimpse into the cultural diversity of this special country. A variety of indigenous people groups call this nation home, and several different religions coexist peacefully here in close proximity to each other. As you ride through the countryside, you’re sure to encounter monuments, statues, and temples, as well as vibrant prayer flags. Included in your adventure is a chance to learn about traditional cultures and get a taste of daily life. Nepal is a spectacular place to go mountain biking!

Best Easy Mountain Biking Trail in Nepal

Mudkhu to Tokha: This trail blends adventure and cultural experience on a fun route that’s quite suitable for beginners. Tokha is a popular tourist destination thanks to the Tokha Chandeshwori temple and the beautiful Jhor waterfall located there. Though you won’t climb any peaks, you can still get an incredible panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley from the viewing tower near Mudkhu.

Best Family Mountain Biking Trail in Nepal

Kirtipur Circuit: Kirtipur is ideal for families with younger and less experienced riders since it is a short loop trail that avoids climbing mountain trails. The route passes through several villages where you can get a glimpse of the culture and daily life of the indigenous Newar people. Since a stretch of this route follows a highly-trafficked urban road, this route is not recommended for young children.

Best Challenging Mountain Biking Trail in Nepal

Kakani Scar: The Kakani Scar trail traverses more than 50 km through the Kathmandu Valley, featuring steep climbs and fast descents. This route leads you through the remote Shivapuri National Park on a trail that is densely forested at times and passes some breathtaking waterfalls. The biggest challenge on this ride is a 13 km ascent, which gains nearly 1,000 m climbing from Tinpiple to Kakani.

Best Cultural Experience on a Mountain Biking Trail in Nepal

Seto Gumba: With a moderate difficulty level, the Seto Gumba trail leads to a Buddhist pilgrimage site: the hilltop monastery called Seto Gumba (or White Gumba). Along the way, you’ll pass a Hindu temple, iconic Buddhist statues, and a variety of monuments and other religious structures. Discover the local culture and the blend of different religions that makes Nepal so special. If you choose to continue riding about 600 m past the monastery, you can visit the Gurung village of Kallaghari. Time permitting, you can arrange a homestay to spend the night in this village for an authentic experience of daily life, food, and culture in this region.

More Mountain Bike Trails in Nepal

• Nagarkot Enduro: a technical half-day descent along the ridges of Nagarkot hill, with sharp switchbacks, big drops and views over terraced farmland.
• Lakuri Bhanjyang Ride: a long, steep climb on jeep tracks to the highest point on the valley rim, with tea shops and wide views along the way.
• Budhanilkantha to Tokha: a moderate ride over mixed terrain that links temples and heritage sites, finishing at the bazaar in Tokha.
• The Helipad: a technical half-day route along narrow ridgelines in Shivapuri National Park, passing Kopan Monastery before a fast descent.
• The Marijuana Loop: a flowy moderate loop south of the city through forest and farmland, with Himalayan views on a clear day.
• Markhu: a huge day beyond the valley to Lake Indra Sarovar, with 4,834 m of climbing if you ride it in one push, or split it over two days.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO MOUNTAIN BIKING IN NEPAL?

The best time of year to go mountain biking in Nepal is during the spring and fall. Plan to visit during the months of March, April, May, September, October, or November for the best chance of enjoying ideal weather and scenery. In the spring, the valleys explode with color as the blooming rhododendrons put on a breathtaking show. The weather in fall is generally drier than spring, but you are likely to have clear skies during both seasons that allow you to take in the amazing views. Either season will allow you to experience traditional holiday celebrations so plan your dates accordingly. Fall is typically Nepal’s peak tourist season.

Summer monsoon rains make mountain biking dangerous, and we recommend avoiding the trails in June, July, and August when they are muddy and unreliable. Winter can be cold and snowy, especially at higher altitudes and mountainous areas, so winter is also not a good season for mountain biking in Nepal.

Other Outdoor Activities in Nepal

With so many spectacular mountains to choose from, Nepal offers some great options for hiking and mountaineering adventures. Just as with mountain biking, hiking trails are available with varying levels of difficulty so there is something for everyone. Novice hikers will find short, simple trails while experienced trekkers will find no shortage of more challenging treks. Hiking is a wonderful way to explore Nepal’s natural wonders.

For an easy hike that only takes a few hours, you can’t beat the trail to the Bosan Danda viewpoint in Kathmandu’s southern outskirts. For an all-day experience on one of the Kathmandu Valley’s most beautiful hikes, take the challenging trail to Phulchowki, the “hill of flowers.” For even more great hiking options, check out our list of the 10 Best Hikes in Kathmandu.

Book a Mountain Biking tour in Nepal

Leave the planning to the professionals and book one of these incredible bike tours in Nepal. Or, combine your bike trip with one of these Nepal Hiking Tours and explore the Himalayas!

For a wider planning overview, read our Nepal bike tours guide, which covers Kathmandu Valley rides, Annapurna mountain biking, Lhasa to Kathmandu routes, seasons, and guided options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Biking in Nepal

Where is the best mountain biking in Nepal?

The Kathmandu Valley rim is where most riders start, with a dense network of singletrack and old trade routes reached straight from the city, and it is where our route guides are focused. Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region, where strong riders take on the Annapurna Circuit and the Thorong La pass, and the high desert of Mustang and the Kali Gandaki gorge offer some of the most striking riding in the country.

Do you need permits to mountain bike in Nepal?

It depends on the region. Kathmandu Valley trails through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park cost foreign visitors around NPR 1,000. The Annapurna region needs an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit at NPR 3,000, arranged in Kathmandu or Pokhara or online. Upper Mustang needs a restricted-area permit, now 50 US dollars per person per day, which has to go through a registered agency in Nepal.

When is the best time to mountain bike in Nepal?

Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are the prime seasons, with clear skies and mountain views. Avoid the June-to-August monsoon in most of the country, though Mustang and Upper Dolpo sit in the rain shadow and ride well through the summer. Winter is cold with snow at altitude.