Kathmandu to Pokhara

A Spin Through Nepals Midhills

A gentle yet rewarding gravel journey linking Nepal’s cultural heart, Kathmandu Valley, to the scenic lakeside city of Pokhara. This route flows through quiet backroads, terraced hills, and timeless villages, showcasing the essence of Nepal’s mid-hill landscapes. It’s designed for riders who want authentic adventure at a relaxed pace, where every climb, descent, and village stop offers a new window into rural life and Himalayan views.

Expect a mix of gravel, tarmac, and dirt tracks with varied terrain including smooth climbs, rolling ridges, river valleys, and forested descents. As you approach Pokhara, the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges dominate the skyline, creating a spectacular finale to this mid-hill to mountain journey. This journey can also be done in reverse, starting in Pokhara and ending in Kathmandu.

Ride from Kathmandu’s pine-clad ridges to Pokhara’s serene lakes.
Visit the historic towns of Nuwakot and Gorkha.
Explore authentic hill villages and quiet rural valleys.
Daily views of the Himalayas dominating the horizon.
Finish your adventure with a scenic ride through Kristi Village to Pokhara.

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Day by Day

Itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal. Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Thamel. Depending on arrival time, we’ll have a relaxed trip briefing and bike fitting in the evening.

Day 02Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Nuwakot (600 m) | Distance: 47 km | Elevation Gain: 1,100 m

We leave the bustle of Kathmandu behind, pedalling uphill on peaceful roads through pine forests and small farming villages toward Kakani. The air feels cooler here, and on clear days we get wide views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges. Small teahouses along the ridge offer fresh tea and biscuits, perfect for a short rest. The descent toward Trisuli is long and winding, passing orange groves and quiet roadside shrines. From the river, a short backroads climb brings us to Nuwakot, once the seat of Nepal’s unification. We explore the old royal fort and watch the sun fade over the valley before settling in at the Famous Farm, a restored heritage homestead known for its gardens and slow, peaceful rhythm.

Day 03Nuwakot (600 m) to Dhading Besi (800 m) | Distance: 45 km | Elevation Gain: 1,600 m

Rolling hills and ridge-top tracks set the tone for the day. After an easy descent to the Trisuli River, we cross into a landscape of terraced fields, small thatched homes and curious children waving from the roadside. The climb to Samari Bhanjyang is steady, with time to soak in views of green valleys and distant snow peaks. The route from here undulates through authentic mid-hill villages where life still moves to the rhythm of farming seasons. Dhading Besi greets us as a bustling market town, with evening chatter, street stalls and that unmistakable Nepali hospitality.

Day 04Dhading (800 m) to Gorkha Bazaar (1,100 m) | Distance: 39 km | Elevation Gain: 1,500 m

A scenic day through the heart of Nepal’s hill country. The morning ride winds along a ridgeline lined with rice terraces, fruit trees and small family farms. We stop for local tea before descending to a broad river valley, where water buffalo cool off in the shallows. The final climb to Gorkha is steady and full of views, with the historic Gorkha Durbar, once the seat of powerful kings, perched high above the town. For those with the energy, a walk to the palace steps reveals both history and incredible vistas of the Himalayas stretching across the horizon.

Day 05Gorkha (1,100 m) to Sundar Bazaar (760 m) | Distance: 51 km | Elevation Gain: 1,200 m

We roll out of Gorkha with morning mist rising from the hills. The route follows a quiet valley road toward the Marsyangdi River, winding through small villages where locals dry corn on rooftops and greet us with smiles. The ride is smoother today, with gentle climbs and long rolling stretches that follow the contours of the land. By afternoon, we reach Sundar Bazaar, a relaxed riverside town surrounded by fields and warm light from the setting sun, we make a short climb up to Riepi Village, where we will find a well managed and authentic homestay.

Day 06Sundar Bazaar (760 m) to Begnas Lake (650 m) | Distance: 42 km | Elevation Gain: 1,600 m

This is one of the most beautiful days on the route. We ride through a mosaic of farmland, rhododendron forest and small settlements before a flowing descent toward Begnas and Rupa Lakes. The scenery is peaceful, with mirror-like water reflecting the sky and the mountains beyond. We finish the day at Rupakot Resort, perched high above the valley with panoramic views and an infinity pool overlooking the twin lakes, a well-earned moment of rest and luxury.

Day 07Begnas Lake (650 m) to Pokhara (850 m) via Kristi Village | Distance: 35 km | Elevation Gain: 1,000 m

Our final riding day captures the easy rhythm of Pokhara’s countryside. The road winds through Kristi Village, a patchwork of rice terraces and red-roofed homes with the Annapurnas gleaming above. It’s a relaxed day on mixed terrain with a few punchy climbs to keep things interesting. We roll back into Pokhara feeling accomplished, finishing by the lake where cold drinks and mountain reflections await.

Day 08Pokhara (850 m) to Kathmandu (1,400 m) | Flight: 25 mins

A short scenic flight brings us back to the capital with the Himalayas spread below the wing. The afternoon is free for exploring, shopping or visiting Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. In the evening, we gather for a relaxed farewell dinner and a toast to the road we’ve travelled.

Day 09Departure from Kathmandu

We’ll transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, taking home the warmth, colors, and unforgettable rides of the Himalayas.