Gravel Bike Journey
Kathmandu to Pokhara
Best time to go
Why these dates? Responsible Adventures selects departure periods based on weather, trail or road conditions, high-pass accessibility and the overall quality of your experience — not simply whether the destination is technically accessible.
Overview
This gentle yet rewarding gravel journey links Kathmandu to the lakeside city of Pokhara through quiet backroads, terraced hills and timeless villages. Designed for riders who want authentic adventure at a relaxed pace, it mixes gravel, tarmac and dirt tracks with daily Himalayan views, finishing with spectacular vistas of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges. Short and engaging, it's perfect for the casual gravel biker.
Highlights
The ride
Distance
~260 km over 6 riding days
Elevation gain
~8,000 m
Daily rides
35–51 km
Terrain
Gravel, tarmac & dirt tracks
Bike
Gravel or touring bike
Style
4WD vehicle-supported
Day by day
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Welcome and hotel transfer, followed by a trip briefing and bike fitting.
Kathmandu to Nuwakot (600m) · 47km, +1,100m
Ride through pine forests and villages with cooler air and Himalayan views, then descend to Nuwakot to explore its fort.
Nuwakot to Dhading Besi (800m) · 45km, +1,600m
Rolling hills and ridge-top tracks through terraced fields and villages, with steady climbs and snow-peak views, ending in the market town of Dhading Besi.
Dhading to Gorkha Bazaar (1,100m) · 39km, +1,500m
A ridgeline ride past rice terraces and farms, down to a river valley and a steady climb to Gorkha, where the historic Gorkha Durbar offers panoramic Himalayan vistas.
Gorkha to Sundar Bazaar (760m) · 51km, +1,200m
A smoother ride on a quiet valley road along the Marsyangdi River, past villages and fruit trees, to the riverside town of Sundar Bazaar.
Sundar Bazaar to Begnas Lake (650m) · 42km, +1,600m
Farmland and rhododendron forest, then a descent to Begnas and Rupa Lakes, finishing at Rupakot Resort with panoramic views.
Begnas Lake to Pokhara (850m) via Kristi Village · 35km, +1,000m
A relaxed final riding day through Kristi Village's rice terraces and red-roofed homes, ending by the lake in Pokhara.
Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu
A scenic 25-minute flight back to Kathmandu, a free afternoon for sightseeing and a farewell dinner.
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Gallery
Price by group size
- 2 riders$3,325.30 pp
- 3 to 6 riders$2,479.73 pp
- 7 to 8 riders$2,348.81 pp
- 9 ridersNot priced
- 10 or more riders$1,985.32 pp
Good to know before you ride
- Perfect for the casual gravel biker: a relaxed pace, but expect steady climbs most days (1,000–1,600m of climbing).
- Ride a gravel or touring-style bike. Your bike is fitted at the briefing on day one.
- A 4WD support vehicle carries your luggage and is there if you want a break from the saddle.
What's included
- 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu
- 5 nights rural hotels
- 1 night hotel in Pokhara
- Meals as per itinerary
- Drinking water and tea/coffee with meals
- 4 airport transfers
- Fully supported with 4WD vehicles
- 8 days qualified cycling guide
- Domestic flight Pokhara to Kathmandu
- All permits and entry fees to sites visited
Not included
- International airfare
- Personal insurance
- Visa fees
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Activities outside the programme
- Drinks other than those listed
- Additional accommodation
Kathmandu to Pokhara
9 days · Moderate
No obligation — Raj & team reply personally
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