Biking
and Cycling Information in Nepal
Hey cyclers,
when you think of biking and think of downhills, have you ever pondered
where the biggest downhill in the world may be. We're sure you know
the answer already, if you stopped by this page for mountain biking
information in Nepal. We've provided a few Q&A highlights to
get you through the planning phase and hook your racing hearts on
the Himalayas.
introduction
Think of Himalayan
Mountain Bike tours as if trekking-by-bicycle except you get to
cover 3 or 4 times the territory in same time while maximizing your
vacation time and holiday experience.
The foothills of the Himalayas are a mountain
biker's paradise. World class rides are accompanied by breathtaking
mountain vista's. You'll be in touch with centuries-old culture,
fresh mountain air, great trails and of course the greatest range
of snow-capped peaks in the world.... from K2 to Everest and Kanchanjunga.
where
can you bike in nepal?
Biking in Nepal doesn't mean the equivalent of
climbing Everest as tours are available for the casual cyclist through
to the masochistic adventurer without compromising on the beauty
of the trails and terrain.
Many rides include heart stopping downhills with
kilometers of hairpin turns, lots of single tracks (off-road trails)
that thread through emerald-green rice fields, remote village sanctuaries,
river & gorge verges, pilgrimage power centers and sacred Hindu/Buddhist
sites of the region. Itineraries lead you on secret trails and by-pass
the trekkers trails whilst enter rarely visited pockets of Kathmandu
Valley, Pokhara,
Tibet
and beyond.
Keep your eyes open and camera ready as you enter
a time warp to capture images of timeless farming villages, hidden
temples, ancient kingdoms teeming with gods, and the Terai jungles
teaming with wildlife.
Festivals and colorful ceremonies abound throughout
the year given there are more than 50 languages and 70 ethnic groups
in Nepal alone.
what
should i bring?
Much of what you should bring depends upon the
type of tour your will choose. A one to three day trip around Kathmandu
Valley with an agency will usually have all gear provided. Keep
in mind, there are no 'real' biking shops or outfitters in Nepal;
only agencies for trips. These places may be able to help you with
parts and tune-ups, but supplies will be limited. For longer trips,
bring the gear you would use in your own country to make your trip
a more pleasant experience.
can
i rent bikes?
Many bikes are available for rental in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Prices
vary according to bike quality and rental time ($1 a day and up).
Bargaining is appreciated. A deposit is usually required but you
are not required to give your passport (and this is not recommended).
To be sure of the quality and maintenance of your rented bike we
recommend using one of our sponsors.
can
i get my bike through customs?
Yes, you may get you may bring your own bicycle
to Nepal. Note: shipping any expensive item into any Asian country
can be a lesson in patient; like the fellow that received his bike
minus the seat!
One way to avoid problems with customs officials
asking for import duty is to explain that you are a tourist and
the bike will leave the country with you. They may give you a receipt
to include in your passport to make sure you do not sell your bike
in the country, but rarely is this receipt asked for upon departure.
motorcycles
in nepal
Most of the motorbikes in Nepal are of the 100
to 150cc variety. If your looking to do the Enfield tour (made popular
in India), there are limited options although some bigger bikes
are available. Bring your local license or international license
to wave in front of the police. They'll have no idea what it is,
but may look impressive enough to help you haggle in case your stopped.
destinations
beyond nepal
Several reputable
companies run tours throughout the Himalayan range. These
expedition style journeys are available to remote parts of Tibet,
Ladakh - India, Sikkim, Pakistan, Sri-Lanka, Bhutan, Northern Thailand,
and Laos...
related
topics
|
|
other
topics viewed by visitors
|
|
|