With cycling becoming increasingly popular in the capital, Moin Uddin lists four cycling routes around the valley where adventure is guaranteed
Shivapuri National Park
The national park is a cycling enthusiast’s delight. The 23 km short trail from Shivapuri to Kakani which starts from Balaju will have you cycling on snaky roads for atleast 15 kms. On the way you will find lots of tea shops where you can stop for snacks and enjoy serene views of the mountains.
Another popular cycling route is the one from the Budhanilkantha gate to the beautiful village of Jhule with a total of 20 kms. From there you can cycle to Sankhu which is a 45 minute ride. Difficulty level: Average
The Nagarkot Ride
The uphill climb to Nagarkot starting from Bhaktapur is backbreaking but equally rewarding is the downhill from there, and every day you can see hundreds coming for the same. Located at an elevation of 2,150 m and 30 kms from Kathmandu, the trail is good for both intermediate and professional riders. Also the route from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel is an excellent cycling route but this path is quite tough, an overnight stay at Nagarkot is recommended. Difficulty level: Average
Helipad Ride
The route gets its name from the helipad in Kapan which falls on the trail. The three to four kilometre route is a mix of flats, rocks, uphills and downhills starting from Narayanthan. Venturing into The Helipad ride at Kapan is tough and the short uphill ride from Buddhanilkantha demands high level of stamina, skills and technique. You can pause at the helipad after climbing for three kilometres to regain your breath and while doing so you can enjoy some excellent scenery of the valley. Once you gain energy, start the intense rocky downhill sections from the helipad of Kapan through the jungle. The trail is narrow with a cliff on the right side.
The last few hundred metres of the trail is composed of scary rocks, recommended only for professionals. There isn’t any shop or house when you start uphill, so carry your own foodstuffs before you start your trail. Be careful as the downhill part is very technical. Difficulty level: Average
The Rajkulo Route
The single track Rajkulo route starts from Chapagaun and ends at Tika Bhairab temple. The 12 kilometre trail mostly passing alongside a canal is tricky at places and it is technical too. The funny part being that you would fall right into the canal and get totally wet if you lose focus, it is better to carry some spare clothes. The journey takes you through the old parts of Lalitpur including Bungamati and Khokana where you can observe the ancient heritage, culture and daily lives of Newari people. Difficulty level: Challenging
A version of this article appears in print on April 23, 2015 of The Himalayan Times.
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