Best cycling routes in Kathmandu.
Cycling in Kathmandu can be both challenging and rewarding. The city is known for its chaotic traffic, narrow streets, and steep hills, but it also has many interesting cultural sites and scenic routes to explore.
Here are some tips for cycling in Kathmandu:
Balaju-Kakani: it is 5-6 hour cycling route in Kathmandu valley depending upon the speed of the group. The route takes you through the busy junction, i.e., Balaju, to the beautiful hill station, i.e., Kakani. The entire trip offers a magnificent view of the valley along with the fresh and peaceful atmosphere of the hills. The route passes through forests, waterfalls and meadows. As the trip ending point at Kakani, there are several restaurants and small shops, you can take a rest and get some snacks before you head back.
Lakuri Bhanjyang: It is a 30 km long, intermediate-level cycling trail from Patan to Lakuri Bhanjyang. We start our journey from Patan and head towards Sundhara, followed by a 6 km journey to Lubu. After a few minutes’ ride through the crowded Lubhu city, you ride along the rugged jeep track and then, finally start on the risky ascend to LakuriBhanjyang. The view of Kathmandu valley and the mountains from Lakuri Bhanjyang is definitely a sight for your eyes. The second half of your journey is a mere sweet descent through the rural valley of Bebar Khola, which is famous for ancient settlers Newar, Tamang and Chhetri civilizations, leading to Panauti from where, it’s a straight road ride back to Patan.
Chobar to Champadevi: Chobar hill is situated 6 km south of Kathmandu. After a 15 minute ride from Kathmandu, you’ll reach Chobar hill which is acclaimed for Chobhar Gorge and the Jal Vinayak temple. From there, you follow the dirt road to the right. On reaching Bansbari, hike for two hours through forest area to reach Champa Devi. This is an ideal place from where to view the whole valley.
Kathmandu to Nagarkot: it is a 30 km ride from Kathmandu to a small hill station i.e Nagarkot. It is best for both beginners and pro-rider. The trail takes you through sealed roads to the terraced hills, fields and villages into Bhaktapur for a tour of this ancient Kingdom. The trail is slow uphill ride along the newly constructed highway and a couple of minutes of grueling steep climbs. From kamalvinayak, it is 5km slow ascend along the pitched road leading you to Nagarkot.
Kathmandu Valley Rim: It is a bit challenging cycling trail which takes you through the Panoramic Nagarkot, Chisapani, Shivapuri National Park along with some historical Hindu temples like Changunarayan,famous monastery of Namobuddha and 3 major cities; Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.
