Classic Nepal Ride

My personal favourite is the Pashupatinath temple, to the north east of Kathmandu city centre. You know those photos you’ve seen of the sadhus or holy men, with the long dreadlocks and ash covered bodies? Well this is where most of them hang out!

Regarded as one of the holiest temples of Lord Shiva, it’s so old that nobody is certain when it was founded. Like Varanasi in India, cremation pyres line the banks of the Bagmati river and it’s one of the most fascinating places in the Kathmandu valley to people watch.

Joanna Zubr - Customer Operations

‘In-country’ bike hire should be arranged at the time of booking, and the cost will be added to your invoice. Please note that there are a limited number of bikes available locally. We always have to match a person's height to the bike frame size and, as there are a limited amount of each size, we cannot always guarantee availability of the correct frame. Therefore it is recommended you add the local bike hire as early as possible.

Andy Ross - Product Manager

Most of our clients choose to get their visas at Kathmadu airport. This may mean some time queuing, but the transfer bus won't leave for the hotel until all arriving passengers are through Immigration and have collected their bags. So if you have your visa in advance, you will avoid the visa queue but you wont get to the hotel any earlier. If you'd like to get your visa in advance, please contact Travcour or the Nepalese embassy direct.

It costs $25 for a 15 days visa and $40 for a 30 days visa. You will need a passport photograph if getting a visa on arrival. Please note if you are staying in Nepal longer than 15 days, you will need to ask for a 30 day visa.

Emma Garrick - Product Manager

No. The leader carefully breaks up the distances covered with refreshment stops and lunch. The terrain will vary but clients are always free to hop on the support vehicle that shadows the whole group, if they feel like a break. Saying that, you do cover more ground than you think, especially with a tailwind behind you!

Will Shoubridge - Agency Sales

Dal Bhat
Dal Bhat is the Nepali staple food. It consists of rice and lentils and a spicy vegetable or meat curry. Nepalis will eat this twice a day. A good lunchtime Dal Bhat is served at Nanglos restaurant 5 minutes walk from the Royal Singi Hotel, or try the Royal Dal Bhat at Kilroys.

Momos

This Nepalese version of dumplings/ wantons is a traditional delicacy and a must try local dish while you are in Nepal. Momo dumplings are either steamed or  fried with chicken/or buff (water buffalo) as well as stuffed with vegetables for vegetarians and have become the most famous fast food amongst Nepalese and can be found on the menus of most restaurants serving locals and tourists alike.   

Kwanti soup

This mixed bean soup is usually served during festivals and gatherings and now has made its way in many of restaurant menus. Goes well with Naan or roti bread. 

Choela

This is a typical Newari dish smoked meat (chicken; lamb or buffalo meat) tossed with spices and mustard oil. Easily available in most Nepalese and local restaurants in Kathmandu around Hotel Royal Singi and in sightseeing spots.

Niraj Chand Shrestha - Customer Operations

Head down to the Everest Steak House in southern Thamel for a mouth watering steak and chips, well earned if you’re just back from trek. Finish it off with a cocktail in the legendary Tom & Jerry bar up the road!

You can also head to Fire and Ice Pizzeria in Thamel, a great place with casual indoor and outdoor eating which is popular amongst travellers, and locals alike. This restaurant is a great place to meet for a morning cup of Italian espresso, or a hearty meal of delicious pizzas, pastas, ice cream and even a Grappa!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Synthetic, cotton or merino wool tops will be perfect for cycling , especially when it's hot . Shorts (could be padded) will also be great as it will almost certainly be too hot for cycling in trousers. Stiff sole shoes are in general better for cycling but you could also go for sandals. A lightweight windbreaker (or water-resistant/proof top) may come handy in the unlikely event of a spell of bad weather ; however, in case of rain you may well go for being wet because of the rain rather than because of your own sweat under a jacket.

Rachel George - Customer Operations

Yes. All the bikes are adaptable to be fitted with personalised bike parts. The support team accompanying the group will be able help with any bike alterations or damage to the bike along the entire trip.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

There is a real mix available and you won't be disappointed! The local cuisine is predominantly vegetarian, with lots of rice. You can enjoy everything from traditional spicy curries to stalls selling tasty sweets and deserts and even right the way to western style grub, if it all gets a bit too much. Vegetarians and 'non-spicy' food people are easily catered for, and the leader will make sure a wide range of dishes are ordered for each meal.

Charlotte Taylor - Customer Operations

The distances are manageable, the terrain can be rough and some of climbs are pretty steep. That said, anyone with a fair amount of fitness will be ok.

There are only a few ‘technical’ bits, all of which are pretty short – if you are not comfortable with it then just walk for a short while. If all you are used to is a gentle Sunday ride around the park then you will find this trip pretty challenging, but very rewarding should you take it on.

Day 2 is ok in terms of hills (though there are a few short, steep climbs), it is pretty rough terrain though – dirt tracks, sometimes pretty narrow (no support vehicle for a few miles but you are warned of this in advance). Scenery is fantastic, just take it slow, make use of all the gears (the bikes are good quality front suspension mountain bikes) and its certainly manageable.
Day 3 has some long climbs – the whole day is mainly uphill, also of course some really fun descents too – one of which is fairly technical, again some of the “roads” are pretty rough going. However, the majority is on tarmac, just don’t expect UK standards! You have all day to cover 20kms so there is no rush and plenty of stops to rest and refuel if needed.
Day 4 is the toughest day! The trip notes state that the distance ridden is 65km. However this is completely dependent on the group – for ours, we were in the bus for the first and last sections (about 22km). The last section is really hard going if attempted (15km ish of steep climb) – I remember the leader saying that only one group had attempted it previously. Even if some of the group want to give it a go (presuming the pace of the group during the day allows time for it), the rest can get on the support bus. By missing that final climb, we had a very nice 5/6kms of downhill to finish the day before getting on the bus for the final 15km.
Day 5 is all downhill, from here on out its definitely B grade. Though it is Nepal, don’t expect any days without a few climbs!

Andy Gibbins - Costings manager

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to Nepal where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.

Please download this PDF document to assist you in your preparation for flying with your bike.

You can view the Grading System for our Cycling programme online.

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!