Saroj SurkhetiI don’t know what it is about two wheels that makes my heart race. Ever since high school, cycling has been my escape, my therapy, my thrill. Back then, I would ride for hours, sometimes aimlessly, sometimes chasing sunsets, and often just looking for muddy trails with a group of friends. My parents weren’t always thrilled about it; they worried. Roads in Kathmandu aren’t always the safest, and two wheels can be a gamble. But for me, it was love. Still is. Even now, a day cycling route in Kathmandu holds the same magnetic pull—part adventure, part nostalgia. The chaos of the city, the winding back roads, the sudden stretches of calm countryside just beyond the urban sprawl—they all call to something deep in me every time I pedal forward.
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is surrounded by hills in every direction. And these hills? They’re not just beautiful, they’re full of secrets—hidden trails, quiet temples, and chirping forests. For those of us born in the valley, these hills are our refuge. A quick escape for fresh air, the rustle of leaves, the sound of distant streams, and the chorus of birds.
Our Cycling Route Start From Thamel
It was late October—Kathmandu’s golden month. Neither too hot nor too cold. The perfect time to breathe, ride, and sweat. That morning, three of my friends and I left Thamel at 9:15 AM with nothing but bikes, backpacks, and a whole lot of excitement. The plan? A full-day cycling loop: from Thamel to Budhanilkantha, then climb the hills toward Sundarijal, and loop back into the city before sunset.
Cycling From City Roads To Uphills
The first stretch was simple. City roads, some traffic, some honking—the usual. But as soon as we passed Budhanilkantha, the concrete turned to dust, and the ride got real. The hills loomed ahead, and soon, we were climbing. Not just any climb—a brutal, never-ending, leg-burning kind. Almost four hours of non-stop uphill. Some paths were so rough we had to create our own. The tires slid, the gears groaned, and our breath became heavier with each push.
I’ve done long rides before, but watching my friends—newer to this kind of madness—was half comedy, half concern. Their backs ached, their faces were red, and the occasional complaint was… entertaining. “Whose idea was this?!” someone shouted between gasps. (Spoiler: it was mine.)
Lunch with A Local Villagers Named Ram
Hunger hit us hard after that climb. But there were no shops, no hotels, no restaurants in sight. Just hills, forest, and a few scattered village homes. So we did what any tired, hungry cyclist would do: we asked a villager if we could pay for lunch.
Ram, a local with a warm smile and a tiny stone house, welcomed us in. His wife prepared fresh, organic vegetables straight from their backyard. The rice was fluffy, the curry spicy, and the taste? Beyond words. It was probably the simplest meal I’ve had all year—and definitely the best. There’s something about food made with kindness and grown from the soil beneath your feet that no city restaurant can ever match.
Sounds Of Stream Cools And Fresh Air
As we pushed higher, the valley opened up beneath us. From one of the highest ridges, we paused to catch our breath and were rewarded with a sweeping view of Kathmandu. The entire city, spread out like a tiny map, with its temples, chaos, and charm, looked peaceful from up there. It was quiet, except for the wind and the occasional rustle of leaves. Whether I am in my home country or Japan, I love to hike or search for a peaceful area to be with nature.
We filled our bottles from cold, fresh springs—water that tasted like it came straight from the clouds. For a few moments, we just stood there, letting the wind cool our sweat and the silence sink in.
The Downhill Rush
After all that uphill struggle, the descent felt like flying. Dust flew behind us, brakes squeaked, and we yelled and laughed all the way down. Some turns were sharp, others bumpy, but all of it was pure fun. Eight hours after we started, we rolled back into Thamel—muddy, tired, hungry again, but filled with stories.
Why This Route For Cycling?
This isn’t your usual cycling path. It’s tough. It’s raw. And most people outside the villages never bother to explore these routes. But if you love adventure, if you crave something beyond paved roads and city buzz, this route is gold. The trails are rugged, the views are epic, the water is fresh, and the people are kind. Just don’t try it unless you’ve built up some stamina—the uphill alone will test your limits.
Final Thoughts
Some rides stay with you. This one will stay with me for a long time. Not because of the difficulty or the view—but because it reminded me why I fell in love with cycling in the first place. Freedom. Challenge. Nature. Connection.
If you’re in Kathmandu and you’re a cyclist with an itch for adventure, go for this route. But pack well, ride hard, and most importantly, be kind to your legs.
Highlights And Tips
- Best Season: Autumn (Oct-Nov)
- Duration: ~8 hours
- Recommended Gear: Mountain bike, padded seat, gloves
- Food & Water: Carry snacks and water; ask locals for lunch
- Difficulty: High (not for beginners)