Introduction
Cycling in my hobby and guiding is my profession. I love to cycle and Mt. bike every day. Cycling in Kathmandu you might feel not be so comfortable as there are many traffic. Too busy road and polluted. But then there are ways to skip and be away from hustling and bustling city. As soon as we cross ring the traffic is less. We see country side, greenery, farm and field within Kathmandu valley so, why not to see it with own eyes and also do Mt. biking. We can stop anywhere we like to see view and take the pictures. One day Adventure cycling leads to natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich culture.
Setting the Scene
As my cycling journey is early in the morning after breakfast. We will assemble in our office at Paknajol. We will do trail here. We will provide two guides in Kathmandu valley cycling tour. It makes us easy on riding. One guide will be leading in front and one in behind. This makes us easy on riding when we are on traffic. As the weather is little cooler when we go towards National Park and hilly area. The air is pure. The landscape is different than that of city. The road is less busy after crossing ring road, it is calm and peaceful. Later we come across Newari Town as well. We can try Newari food.
The Route/Itinerary
From the office, after we finish our trail. I set off towards north, way to Kakani. First section of trail is a bit busy with vehicles and after crossing bypass it is quiet. We get the shade of trees. The trail is paved and narrow and for about 2-3 km, it is going steady up. We will have one break at Fulbari gate. Slowly ascending trail leads to Mudkhu Bhanjang, where we I had lemon tea at local shop or we have option of stopping at Osho Tapoban meditation centre. Coffee is available here. On your interest we can visit the meditation center too. From here onwards the trail is pretty much flat. We see terraced fields and mountains. Some section of the trail is not paved. So, we need to be really careful especially on downhill. We will still see lots of farm with various crops. We will have local food for Lunch at Tokha which is traditional Newari town. Or we can carry the packed lunch. Towards the end again we have to pass through busy traffic and end the mountain bike trip at Paknajol.
Personal Experience and Reflections
Immediately after 15 minutes of my ride, I felt cool breeze. It was refreshing air of Nagarjun forest. The trees also gave me shade in this very short period of pedaling that was unique to me. After we stop for tea break at local tea shop. We came across the countryside the scenery was beautiful. We could see the terrace farming. We also meet the people of the villages. They dress simple, smiled and greeted us with Namaste! It touch my heart. When people greeted with us, felt like we are connected to each other, I feel there is heart to heart connection, more over soul to soul connection in between us and local people. It gave me more energy and felt I should do and be same. On clear weather day I could see the Kathmandu valley from certain point. It was nice too, as we didn’t gain much height but still the valley view was nice in clear weather day. As we will be visiting local temples of Hindu, we can gain knowledge of Hinduism. As there are few restaurants we will have local Nepali food. Rice, Lentil and Vegetable or pack lunch.
Practical Tips and Recommendations
- It is good to greet to Nepali in friendly way saying Namaste!
- We will provide you Bike and helmet, helmet is compulsory.
- Gloves if you have it is good to bring.
- It is good to wear comfortable dress.
- Fitted Trouser would be better. (chain might get hold of cloth if the trouser is flare.)
- Please carry the day pack with water bottle. You need to drink lots of water when you do mt. biking.
- Sunscreen lotion
- Snacks (energy bar, Chocolate)
Conclusion
This trip is mostly on the nature but off course we meet people and we can observe culture. Temple visit will give positive energy in a spiritual way. You will get unforgettable out standing experience as we will see rural area/ landscape. It energize you for years. I would love to do this trip again and again as I can skip from hustling and bustling city. So, don’t miss it out this adventure while you are in Kathmandu.
Final Thoughts
It is very good idea to spend cycling around Kathmandu valley at least for a day. You will defiantly enjoy cycling around Kathmandu valley. Please contact us we will provide you best service and make your trip joyful, safe and memorable.
