A diverse group of tourists pose for a selfie in front of a red sandstone Mughal heritage building with domed chhatris

The Kathmandu Trail

About this journey

Travel overland from the historic heart of India into Nepal, journeying through sacred cities, ancient traditions and wild landscapes—from the spiritual energy of Varanasi to the jungles of Chitwan and the Kathmandu Valley.

Delhi → Agra → Lucknow → Varanasi → Sunauli Border → Lumbini → Chitwan → Kathmandu

Crossing into Nepal with the whole group cheering — we had cycled for days to earn that moment. Nothing about it felt touristy. It felt real.

Duration12–16 days
PaceActive & adventurous
RegionIndia & Nepal
StyleOverland cycling

Perfect for

  • Adventure cyclists
  • Himalayan dreamers
  • Cross-border explorers
  • Groups who love the open road
  • Travellers seeking something beyond the usual

See it for yourself

Real moments from our tours — not stock photography. Scroll through and imagine yourself in the frame.

What you will experience

You will cycle from the Indian plains through terraced foothills and river valleys, crossing into Nepal with your support vehicle never far behind. Days blend exertion with wonder — village chai stops, monastery visits, lakeside viewpoints, and evenings in guesthouses where the Himalayas feel close enough to touch. This is overland travel as it should be: unhurried, supported, and unforgettable.

High-altitude viewpoint in the Himalayas
Local men in traditional dress at a rural gathering
Cultural exchange with villagers on a rural road
Safari group on a morning canter excursion
Panoramic lake view from rocky hilltop

Highlights

  • Supported cycling from India across the border into Nepal
  • Himalayan mountain passes and switchback roads
  • Kathmandu — temples, stupas, and old-city bazaars
  • Village encounters and cultural exchanges along the route
  • Lakeside viewpoints and monastery visits in the foothills

Fresh from our latest journeys

Recently captured on tour — real travellers, real moments, adding even more life to every itinerary.

Suggested itinerary

Days 1–2 — India departure

Arrive, bike fitting, and briefing. Begin cycling through the northern plains with your support crew, building rhythm on quiet rural roads.

Days 3–5 — Foothills

Climb into terraced hill country. Village stops, monastery visits, and guesthouse nights as the landscape grows steeper and greener.

Days 6–8 — Border & Nepal

Cross into Nepal overland. Celebrate the milestone, then continue through river valleys toward the Kathmandu Valley.

Days 9–11 — Kathmandu

Explore the capital — Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and the old city’s narrow lanes. Time to wander, shop, and absorb Nepal’s unique energy.

Day 12 — Farewell

Final morning at leisure. Departure from Kathmandu with legs tired, spirit lifted, and stories that will last a lifetime.

Good to know

  • Best season: September to November and March to May for clear mountain views
  • Fitness: moderate cycling fitness required; daily distances adjusted to the group
  • Includes: bikes, helmets, support vehicle, guides, and border assistance
  • Visas: we provide guidance for India and Nepal entry requirements

The Kathmandu Trail is for travellers who want more than a flight into a capital city. It is for those who believe the journey itself — every hill, every border, every cup of chai at a roadside stall — is the destination.

Interested in This Journey?

Speak with us to customise dates, accommodation, and experiences — or explore our other curated journeys.