Despite Nepal's Himalayan mystique, the Kathmandu Valley's slopes are generally gentle, and the Terai is as flat as a pancake. The lengthier and more beautiful routes do necessitate a high degree of fitness, and there are some monster ascents (and descents) for those who enjoy it, but there are also plenty of relaxing village-to-village rambles and downward rides. Mountain bikes are pretty much the only option: even major routes, where a hybrid or strong tourer might otherwise suffice, are riddled with potholes and broken parts.

Cycling to Everest

Although mountain bikes are still prohibited in Sagarmatha National Park, they will be allowed to cycle to Everest's gates one day - probably very soon. The classic Everest approach road, which was once paved all the way to Jiri, is now slipping and sliding at least as far as Bhandar. To the east, the massive Lamjura pass, with its never-ending stairwell of a trekking track, would deter any but the most determined mountain bikers. However, other, rough roads are rapidly approaching from the southeast, from Dharan and the Arun valley, and a well-built new road is currently approaching from the south. This exciting new option branches off the East-West Highway 37 kilometers east of the Janakpur turnoff and heads north through vast and densely populated hills to the thriving district capitals of Okhaldunga and Salleri, as well as the tiny Phaplu airstrip, which is just a few hours' walks south of the Everest walk-in trail at Junbesi.Junbesi is located on the other side of the massive Lamjura pass... Linking any of these routes as a circle or with the walk north to the high Everest territory would now necessitate a significant amount of portage, but Nepalese roads are rapidly developing.

Equipment

Because good (and not-so-good) motorcycles may be rented in Nepal, unless you expect to do a lot of riding, you'll probably be better off not bringing a bike from home. Clothing and certain accessories, on the other hand, are worth bringing, especially if they may be used for trekking or rafting.

The Seti Nadi

Unpaved roads wind their way downstream along the churning Seti Nadi, offering magnificent canyon views and mountain views. The road on the south side of the canyon continues for several kilometers downwards and leads to some more distant trails to the southeast. One good circle from Pokhara takes a route south from the main road to Chhorepatan, stopping just short of Kristi Nachana Chaur, then turning east to Nirmal Pokhari; from here, you descend to the Seti, crossing at Dobila, below the massive Fulbari Resort, and riding up the Seti towards Lakeside.