Mountain biking has always remained popular among the youth. With their high energy levels, the youth, who yearn for pleasure and adventure, want to discover nature in the most exhilarating way.
Mountain biking has grown in popularity with bikers in Kathmandu in recent years. What was once a modest biking community has evolved to include many MTB (Mountain Bike) aficionados, who spend their weekends riding throughout the valley. From downhill and back enduro terrain to trails that stretch over the city’s tranquil outskirts, Kathmandu is a mountain biker’s paradise. There are several areas across the city where you can spend a day shredding the tracks and enjoy the scenery on your bike.
Here are few places you can go on sightseeing on your bike:
Godawari
If you want to check out different types of trails, Godawari is a great location to visit. Godawari mountain bike trails are particularly well-known for their steep and challenging routes that are ideal for downhill and adventure riding. Phulchowki Hill has some of the greatest downhill trails. These paths are not appropriate for novices. Beginners will, however, have a good day riding up to Godawari from Satdobato. Godawari has several interesting sites to visit, which are best done on a mountain bike. You can also extend your journey by connecting the Lakuri circuit from Godawari. This one consists of a series of steps, switchbacks, and single trails that lead to paddy fields.
Hattiban
Hattiban is a downhill rider’s dream, with several courses featuring large jumps, berms, and gaps. Cyclists will also be happy to find out that there is a brief rock section at the start of the course. You can push yourself by riding through the different paths available here with their ascent and descent. The path begins at Hattiban Hill and continues downward all the way to Pharping. This place is so popular with mountain bikers that it also hosts the National Downhill Championship and several other downhill events. These routes are unique stretches from Hattiban to Pharping.
Khokana to Bhaisipati
Bhaisipati trails are considerably different from the others in this list. The Khokana to Bhaisipati is ideal for those seeking a nice and leisurely ride while taking in the landscape. This path is largely a single track and should not be ridden during the rainy season. This route extends from Bhaisipati to Sikali in Khokana. The routes here are lush and go through calm paddy fields, where you can see villagers growing their crops from October to November. This is an excellent path if you want to visit a traditional village and taste the best local cuisine while also getting away from the metropolis.
Chovar to Champadevi
Chovar Hill, about 10 kilometres south of Kathmandu, can be reached on a mountain bike in 50-60 minutes. The main attractions of this place are Chovar Gorge and the Jal Vinayak shrine. A roughly 8 kilometre cycling from Chovar leads to a hilly route that is Champadevi. On a clear day, the entire valley and the enormous mountain range can be seen from Champadevi hill, including Mount Everest. While returning, there are two options- you can follow the same route as before, or you can go to Pharping and then return to Kathmandu. The journey up and down the slope is no piece of cake, making it all the more irresistible for mountain bikers, who seek some adventure.
Budhanilkantha to Tokha
During the Budhanilkantha to Tokha cycling trip, you will bike over beautiful landscapes and see key attractions such as Jhor waterfall, Chandeshwari temple, and Budhanilkantha temple. First, you will ride along a black topped road, passing through places such as Gangalal Hospital and Hattigauda. After arriving in Budhanilkantha, you will bike across the rugged terrain to Tokha. From Budhanilkantha to Tokha, the path has single trails and jeep trails with a few steep rises until you reach Tokha’s major bazaar. After enjoying the scenery at the Jhor waterfall, continue down the hill to Samakhusi to complete the tour.
Compiled By: Rebika Bishokarma
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