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Nepal Heritage by Bicycle
Duration
10 days
Site savings
$81
From
$2,619 USD
Nepal's mountainous terrain isn't an obvious destination for those seeking a leisurely cycle trip, but the lowlands of the Terai offer just that along with a rich religious heritage of Buddhism and Hinduism, medieval towns, quaint hillside villages and protected wildlife.
- CategoryEasy-going & Leisurely
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration10 days
- Culture LevelOut There
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainRugged
- Distance167.8 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance23.6 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration10 days
- Main DestinationNepal
- Distance167.8 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance23.6 miles
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainRugged
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital city! Arriving a day or two early is recommended to explore iconic landmarks such as the white-domed Boudhanath Stupa and the Monkey Temple, or to wander through the bustling bazaars. On arrival day, the group meets at the tour hotel in the afternoon for a bike fitting, trip briefing, and a welcome dinner. Assistance with airport transfers and pre-tour hotel bookings is available upon request.
- Hotel Tibet
- Dinner
- Day 2Kathmandu - Kulekhani Reservoir - Daman
Leaving behind the bustling streets of Kathmandu, the journey continues with a two-hour transfer south to the countryside cycling start point. From a ridge in the Himalayan foothills, the route follows winding gravel roads through lush forests, terraced rice fields, and quaint Nepali villages.
After 5 km, the trail descends gently toward Kulekhani Reservoir, then transitions to undulating paths carved into the hillsides, tracing the serene, clear waters. At the 20 km mark, a lakeside lunch awaits in the village of Markhu. The final stretch winds through the foothills, presenting a few challenging climbs before reaching a national highway. Here, the bikes are packed up for a one-hour transfer to a scenic mountain resort in Daman, offering breathtaking Himalayan views. On clear days, even Mount Everest may appear on the horizon.
- 19.3 miles
- -101.7 ft
2,673.9 ft
2,775.6 ft - Everest Panorama Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 3Daman - Hetauda
The day begins with a brisk hike to a small Hindu temple hidden in the surrounding forest. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple features intricate stone carvings, a sacred spring, and vibrant prayer flags, reflecting the spiritual essence of the Himalayan foothills. The three-hour hike concludes back at the resort, just in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, the adventure shifts to the bikes for an exhilarating downhill ride into the Terai Plains, transitioning from the cool highlands to Nepal’s subtropical lowlands. The descent covers over 2,000 meters along a winding national road lined with dense pine forests and panoramic mountain views. The route challenges riders with steep gradients, loose terrain, and sharp curves before spilling onto the plains. The ride ends in Hetauda, a city nestled among rolling hills at the meeting point of three rivers.- 33.6 miles
- -6,551.8 ft
2,326.1 ft
8,878 ft - Avocado and Orchid Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 4Hetauda - Chitwan National Park
The day starts with a one-hour transfer west to the cycling start point near the Rapti River, a lifeline of the Terai plains. This vital waterway meanders through a fertile landscape of subtropical forests and farmlands. A network of dirt roads radiates from the lush surroundings, providing the perfect setting for an exhilarating 30 km ride. The route follows the river’s floodplain, winding through rice paddies, shaded forests, and vibrant agricultural communities. After passing through the town of Sauraha, it’s a short distance to a tranquil eco-resort on the edge of Chitwan National Park. Exploration of this wildlife haven awaits tomorrow, leaving the rest of the day for relaxation—whether by the pool, in a hammock, or delving into the rich Tharu culture, the indigenous heritage of Nepal’s Terai region.
- 19.3 miles
- -255.9 ft
311.7 ft
567.6 ft - Green Mansions Jungle Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 5Chitwan National Park Exploration
Today is dedicated to exploring Chitwan National Park, Nepal's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved ecosystems of the Terai region. Spanning 932 sq km, the park features a diverse landscape of sal forests, marshes, and sweeping grasslands. It is home to endangered species like the one-horned Indian rhino, Bengal tiger, mugger and gharial crocodiles, and over 350 bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
The morning begins with a tranquil drift along the Rapti River in a traditional wooden dugout canoe, offering the chance to spot wildlife along the riverbanks. After the hour-long cruise, the day is free to spend at leisure or to join optional activities such as jeep safaris or jungle walks (not included and payable locally). Guests interested in these additional tours are encouraged to coordinate with the guide in advance.- Green Mansions Jungle Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 6Chitwan - Lumbini
The journey westward continues today, beginning with a ride from the resort into the Tikauli Jungle, a community forest and wildlife corridor connected to Chitwan National Park. The peaceful gravel road winds through dense trees, leading to a stop at the "Twenty Thousand Lake," a favorite spot for migratory birds.
After approximately 20 km, the scenery transitions from forested areas to farmlands, with bumpy village roads weaving through fields of rice, corn, and mustard. Reaching the city of Bharatpur, the ride concludes, and the journey shifts to a van for a road trip to Lumbini—the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a sacred site for millions of Buddhists worldwide.
The five-hour drive follows the Mahindra Highway, a vital route spanning Nepal’s east-west corridor, offering a glimpse into the diverse landscapes along the way.- 21.7 miles
- -3.3 ft
524.9 ft
528.2 ft - Lumbini Buddha Garden
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 7 Lumbini - Butwal - Tansen
The morning begins with a visit to the Sacred Garden of Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site revered as the birthplace of Lord Buddha in the 6th century BC and a cornerstone of Buddhist pilgrimage. At the center lies the Maya Devi Temple, marking the exact site of Buddha's birth, surrounded by notable archaeological treasures, including the Ashoka Pillar, a testament to the first Indian king to adopt Buddhism as a state religion.
After exploring Lumbini, the journey continues with a return to the hotel to prepare for the day's ride. The route winds through the fertile Terai lowlands, offering a scenic 40 km journey along rural roads dotted with rice fields and traditional villages. The ride concludes with a lunch stop in the bustling city of Butwal.
From Butwal, a two-hour van transfer along the Siddhartha Highway ascends into the highlands toward the hill station of Tansen. Cooler temperatures and breathtaking Himalayan views welcome the return to the mountains.- 24.9 miles
- 269 ft
666 ft
397 ft - Hotel Srinagar
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 8Tansen - Waling - Pokhara
The day begins with a ride through the narrow alleyways of Tansen, a historic town celebrated for its traditional Newar architecture and shophouses featuring the region’s renowned handwoven dhaka fabric. Leaving Tansen, the route joins the Siddhartha Highway for a thrilling 20 km descent into the Kali Gandaki River gorge, with winding roads offering dramatic views.
Crossing the river, the journey shifts uphill, with a mix of gentle gradients and occasional steep climbs. The slopes are dotted with coffee plantations, cornfields, and farms cultivating vegetables and spices, showcasing the region’s agricultural richness. Lunch is enjoyed in the village of Galyang Bazaar before continuing along a particularly scenic stretch of the highway, which hugs the slopes above a roaring river.
After approximately 60 km of cycling, the ride concludes, and a 2.5-hour van transfer brings the group to Pokhara. This picturesque lakeside city, framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range, serves as the ideal base for the final two nights of the journey.- 36 miles
- -2,267.1 ft
3,874.7 ft
6,141.7 ft - Mount Kailash Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 9Begnas Lake Hike & Bike
Pokhara, known as the "City of Seven Lakes," is home to Phewa Lake, the largest and most iconic, located right in front of the hotel. Today’s adventure takes us to Begnas Lake, the second largest, about an hour’s drive from the city.
From the serene lakeshore, the journey begins with a 1.5-hour hike into the surrounding rolling hills. The trail offers a peaceful atmosphere and sweeping views of the Annapurna Range. At the top of a ridge, the bikes await for an exhilarating ride along undulating gravel roads, passing terraced fields and picturesque landscapes. The ride concludes with a flat section leading to the Bijaypur River.
Afterward, a 30-minute transfer brings the group back to the hotel for a relaxed afternoon. In the evening, the journey concludes with a farewell dinner, celebrating the experiences and memories shared along the way.- 12.4 miles
- -1,223.8 ft
1,381.2 ft
2,605 ft - Mount Kailash Resort
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 10Pokhara Departure