same length can be completed within five hours by more seasoned cyclists.
Throughout the ride, there are possibly hundreds of off road or ‘off the beaten’ tracks, most of which will not be marked. However, if you stick close to the Arniko Highway, you will reduce your chances of going astray, though sometimes getting lost can work in your favor as you come across new tracks and with it; adventure.[break]
The beginning of Araniko High- way up to Bhaktapur is fairly easy with tarmac road. But once you begin to ride away from Bhaktapur, the trail will be curving dirt road with occasional pot holes which make for bumpy rides.
It is recommended to be picked up from either Dhulikhel or Namobuddha to return to Kathmandu for a one day trip as riding back to the capital can be too strenuous. You can also choose to stay in one of the easily available hotels or guest houses in each of the townships. Namobuddha Monastery has a guest house which charges Rs 400 to Rs 800 per night.
Getting there
After riding approximately one kilometer from the airport, take a left turn towards Gathaghar. Continu-ing through the same road, you will reach Bhaktapur Road and township of Thimi. From here you can choose to ride via Bhaktapur Road or revert to Arniko Highway and continue east towards Bhaktapur. From Bhaktapur you need to ride approximately 20 kil- ometers to reach Dhulikhel. You can choose to end your ride at Dhulikhel, or continue to Namobuddha. After covering a distance of 13 kilometers on the B.P Highway, turn right on to Dalinchok or Batase-Sankhu Road till you reach Namobuddha.
trail highlights
The road starting from the air- port is smooth and flat making it an easy ride till just after Bhaktapur, with slight inclines along the way. There are numerous climbs and descends espe- cially with the winding road from Dhu- likhel to Namobuddha.
The ride is pleasant and hilly land- scapes and vast rice fields in different hues and textures make for a perfect excursion on two wheels.
There are plenty of great rest points to choose from such as Thimi, just before reaching Bhaktapur – a small town renowned for its pottery, ceramics and various Jatras like the recent Bisket Jatra. This medieval town holds numerous ancient tem- ples and rich Newari culture, much of which can still be observed today. Bhaktapur would make for an excel- lent lunch stop and be sure to try their famed dairy products, especially the local curd, “Juju Dhau.”
Dhulikhel is an interesting hill station, popular for the panoramic views of the Himalayas, however a glimpse of the majestic moun- tains during this time of the year is unlikely. Namobuddha is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Nepal and for Buddhists, legend has it that Lord Buddha in a previous incarna- tion, offered his own flesh to a fam- ished tigress.
Bare essentials
Day pack/hydration pack Water bottle
Helmet
Cycling shorts/shirt or light weight clothing
Sun glasses Face mask Sun block
Bike hire
Bikes, helmets and hydro packs can be hired from various outlets in the capital.
Biking level
It is a moderate hike. You can also increase or decrease the level by con- trolling your speed during the trip.
Information courtesy: socialtours, Tridevi Marg, Thamel For details: call 4412508, or email at info@socialtours.com
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