
Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Kathmandu, Nepal
1. Thamel
Central hub for shopping and backpacking with a vibrant nightlife; offers bike-friendly roads and walking trails.
- Variety of Bike Shops: Multiple bike shops in Thamel offer rentals, repairs, and accessories.
- Cycling Routes: Well-marked bike routes connect Thamel to nearby attractions like Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa.
- Pedestrian-friendly Streets: Major roads have dedicated pedestrian paths, ensuring a safe walking experience.
2. Patan Durbar Square
Historic city with a rich Newari culture and numerous temples; bike parking available for easy exploration.
- Bike Parking Facilities: Secure bike racks and dedicated areas for storing your bicycle while you tour the square.
- Walking Trails: Paved walking trails connect various monuments and temples within Patan Durbar Square.
- Scenic Rides: Ride along the Bagmati River for a scenic journey to Patan from Kathmandu.
3. Bouddhanath Stupa
One of the largest stupas in the world, surrounded by monasteries and shops; offers peaceful bike rides and walks.
- Quiet Cycling Trails: Cycling trails surrounding Bouddhanath are quieter, offering a serene biking experience.
- Circumambulation Path: Walk around the stupa on a dedicated path for peaceful meditation and exploration.
- Bike Rentals Nearby: Bike rental shops are available in the area, making it easy to explore on two wheels.
4. Phulchoki Hill
A popular cycling destination with stunning valley views; offers both leisurely and challenging bike rides.
- Challenging Climbs: Phulchoki Hill's winding roads offer a challenging climb for experienced cyclists.
- Scenic Routes: Ride along the ridge of Phulchoki Hill for breathtaking views of Kathmandu Valley.
- Cycling Events: Join cycling events organized by local clubs, meeting fellow enthusiasts and exploring new routes.
5. Nagarjun National Park
A natural escape with hiking trails and bike-friendly roads; offers a chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.
- Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, deer, and various bird species while biking or hiking.
- Bike-friendly Trails: Dedicated bike trails wind through the park, offering a scenic ride.
- Picnic Spots: Rest at one of the numerous picnic spots throughout the park and take in the beautiful scenery.
6. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Historic royal palace complex with temples and courtyards; bike parking available for easy access.
- Bike Parking Facilities: Secure bike racks are located near the square, allowing you to explore on foot.
- Walking Trails: Paved walking trails connect various attractions within Kathmandu Durbar Square.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of each attraction in the square.
7. Godavari Botanical Garden
Lush garden with over 2,500 plant species; offers bike rides and walking paths.
- Botanical Diversity: Explore various plant species from Nepal and around the world.
- Bike-friendly Paths: Cycling paths wind through the garden, allowing you to enjoy the flora at a leisurely pace.
- Peaceful Environment: Enjoy a peaceful environment away from the bustling city streets.
8. Swayambhunath Monkey Temple
An ancient religious site with stunning valley views; offers a challenging bike ride and walking trails.
- Challenging Climb: The steep climb to the top of Swayambhunath is suitable for experienced cyclists.
- Monkey Encounter Opportunities: Meet the resident monkeys that inhabit the temple area.
- Scenic Routes: Ride along the ridge of the hill for breathtaking views of Kathmandu Valley.
9. Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH)
A major hospital in Kathmandu with a park; offers bike rides and walking paths.
- Green Space: Take a break from the city by visiting the green space surrounding TUTH.
- Bike-friendly Paths: Cycling paths connect the hospital to various parts of Kathmandu.
- Public Amenities: Find public restrooms, food vendors, and other amenities within the park area.
10. Budanilkantha Temple
A 5th-century Hindu temple with a serene atmosphere; offers bike rides and walking paths.
- Rich Cultural History: Learn about the ancient Vishnu statue and the temple's rich cultural significance.
- Bike-friendly Paths: Cycling paths lead to Budanilkantha Temple, making it an easy destination to reach by bike.
- Peaceful Environment: Enjoy a peaceful environment surrounded by nature and tranquility.
11. Pashupatinath Temple
A sacred Hindu temple on the banks of the Bagmati River; offers walking paths and bike rides.
- Religious Significance: Witness religious rituals and cremation ceremonies along the Bagmati River.
- Bike Parking Facilities: Find bike racks and parking areas near Pashupatinath Temple for a hassle-free visit.
- Scenic Ride: Bike along the banks of the Bagmati River, taking in the sights and sounds of this sacred site.
12. Pulchowk Campus
A college campus with a vibrant atmosphere and various food stalls; offers bike rides and walking paths.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Experience the youthful energy of Pulchowk Campus, home to Tribhuvan University.
- Bike-friendly Paths: Cycling paths connect Pulchowk Campus to various parts of Kathmandu.
- Food Stalls and Shops: Enjoy local Nepali cuisine and shop for souvenirs at the various food stalls and shops.
13. Kumaripati cremation ground
A historic cremation ground with architectural significance; offers walking paths.
- Cultural and Historical Significance: Learn about the unique architecture and historical importance of this cremation ground.
- Walking Paths: Take a guided tour to walk along the paths within Kumaripati Cremation Ground.
- Peaceful Environment: Enjoy a peaceful environment surrounded by nature and tranquility.
14. Khokana Village
A traditional Newari village known for its mustard oil production; offers bike rides and walking trails.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the traditional Newari way of life in this charming village.
- Bike-friendly Paths: Cycling paths lead to Khokana Village, making it an easy destination to reach by bike.
- Mustard Oil Production: Witness the process of mustard oil production, a traditional art in this village.
15. Lagankhel Ground
A popular recreational ground with sports facilities and food stalls; offers bike rides and walking paths.
- Sports Facilities: Play cricket, football, or other sports at the well-maintained facilities.
- Bike-friendly Paths: Cycling paths connect Lagankhel Ground to various parts of Kathmandu.
- Food Stalls and Shops: Enjoy local Nepali cuisine and shop for souvenirs at the various food stalls and shops.