6 hours

Mountain Biking

Shivapuri Trail

Overview

ABOUT THIS ADVENTURE

  • Distance: ∼36 km loop

  • Duration: 5-6 hours riding + breaks

  • Difficulty: Moderate – 1 main climb, 10km national park trail, fun downhill return

  • Start/End: Freewheel Adventure Nepal, Thamel

  • Highlights: Tokha old town, Gurju Bhanjyang climb, Dada Gaun viewpoint, Shivapuri National Park trails, Budhanilkantha Temple

Kathmandu Valley Rim Ride: Villages, Views & Newari Culture

Shivapuri Ridge & Budhanilkantha Loop

ITINERARY
STEP BY STEP
Hiking in Nepal Hiking Boots and Gear
1
8:30 AM
Meet at Freewheel Adventure Nepal, Thamel
Welcome & safety briefing.
Bike + helmet setup, water refill.
Route overview: “Today we climb to the valley rim!”
2
9:00 AM
Thamel to Tokha | 6 km
Easy city ride through Balaju to reach historic Tokha. Warm-up on paved backroads.
Terrain: Paved | Time: 45 min
3
9:45 AM
Tokha to Jhor & Gurju Bhanjyang Climb | 6 km
Leave Tokha, start the main climb. Switchbacks through villages and pine forest to reach Gurju Bhanjyang pass.
This is the day’s challenge – steady, but we ride at your pace with breaks.
Elevation gain: ∼450m | Terrain: Paved + jeep track
4
11:00 AM
Gurju to Dada Gaun | 4 km
Reward time! Flat ridgeline ride to Dada Gaun.
View Stop: Epic panorama of Kathmandu Valley on one side, Shivapuri National Park forest on the other. Rest + photos.
Total so far: 16 km
5
11:30 AM
Shivapuri National Park Trail | 10 km
Enter the Shivapuri National Park buffer zone.
Ride beautiful flat + flowing downhill trails inside the forest. Peaceful, green, monkeys and birds around. National park entry included.
Terrain: Forest jeep track/singletrack | Total: 26 km
6
1:00 PM
Descend to Budhanilkantha
Exit the forest, short ride to Budhanilkantha Temple.
Visit the famous sleeping Vishnu statue in the pond. Learn the legend. Quick snack break nearby – local tea or lunch option.
Total: ∼30 km
7
2:00 PM
Downhill Return to Thamel | 6 km
All downhill from here! Fun, easy cruise through Bansbari & Baluwatar back to Thamel.
We avoid main roads and use quiet lanes.
Total: 36 km
8
2:45 PM
Arrive Back at Freewheel Adventure Nepal
Return gear, cold drink, share highlight photos. Trip complete! Namaste!

What you get

What's included

Mountain bike rental

Quality hardtail + helmet

Permits: Shivapuri National Park entry fee

Guide: Govt licensed, first-aid trained local MTB guide

Water, Trail snacks, Guide photos, Packed Lunch

Basic mechanical support during the ride

before you go

instructions & requirement

Need Prior Cycling Experience

Wear comfortable sportswear, and sports or cycling shoes

Not technical, but 450m climb needs steady pedaling.

Wear sunglasses and sunscreen

Bring a lightweight jacket, and rain jacket during the monsoon

A small backpack with change of clothes is preferred

Ready for Mountain Biking?

Secure your spot on this unforgettable adventure. Our team is

ready to guide you through every step.