The Road: East to West

Ride the length of a nation, from wild west hills to the rolling tea country in the east.

Fitness Level: MID BURN

Good legs required, but still plenty of smiles. For riders who love a solid day out, a mix of long hills and rewarding descents.

Technical Level: A BIT SPICEY

Just enough to keep it interesting. Expect some rough patches, loose gravel, and short steep bits — nothing wild, just fun, flowy riding that keeps you alert

Comfort Style: CHILL BASIC

Simple stays, hearty food, real local flavor. Guesthouses, warm smiles, shared stories, adventure as it should be.

Days

33 days / 32 nights adventure Daily departures avalible year round

Departure

Daily departures available year-round

Trip Overview

This is a big one. The Road follows an old trade route across Nepal, from the pine forests above Dadeldhura in the far west to the tea covered hills of Phidim in the east. It is over 1,700 kilometres of mixed terrain and more than 40,000 metres of climbing, a journey for strong riders who love long days, quiet roads and the feeling of really travelling through a country, not just visiting it.

Along the way you pass through forgotten forts, small market towns and villages where tourism is still a rare curiosity. You share sweet chia on roadside benches, dal bhat in simple kitchens and stories with people who have lived their whole lives in these hills. The landscapes change every few days, from pine ridges to red earth valleys, river gorges, jungle heat and finally the cool mist of the eastern tea estates. This is Nepal in full.

Trip Highlights

Ride from west to east across the entire width of Nepal
Follow a historic trade route that sees more locals than tourists
Experience huge variety in landscape, food and culture
Stay in character filled hill towns, villages and small local hotels
Finish among the lush, rolling tea hills of the far east

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

We meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. The day is kept flexible for rest, bike building and a short wander through the narrow lanes of Thamel or the courtyards of old Kathmandu. In the evening we gather for a trip briefing over dinner and talk through the journey ahead.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu | Meals: Dinner

Day 02: Kathmandu to Dadeldhura via Dhangadi

In the morning we take a scenic flight to Dhangadi on the western plains, watching the Himalayas rise to the north. From Dhangadi we drive up into the hills to Dadeldhura, the starting point of our ride. The climb by vehicle gives a first taste of the gradients to come and a sense of how far from the tourist trail we already are. In the afternoon we check the bikes, stretch the legs and settle into the rhythm of a small hill town.

Accommodation: Local hotel, Dadeldhura | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03: Dadeldhura (1,840 m) to Silghadi (1,340 m) | Distance 72 km | Elevation Gain 1,224 m

Our first riding day heads straight into classic far west terrain. The road rolls along a forested ridge, passing pine, rhododendron and small Magar and Chhetri settlements. The traffic is light and the views open out to layered hills in every direction. We break for tea in simple roadside stalls, then enjoy a long, winding descent toward Silghadi, a quiet town perched above the Seti valley.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04: Silghadi (1,340 m) to Sanfebagar (900 m) | Distance 63 km | Elevation Gain 1,820 m

Today is a mix of climbing and descending on a road that feels wild and remote. Terraced fields cling to steep slopes, and we share the route with farmers walking to market and school kids on foot. The climbs are steady and the descents are long enough to relax into the flow. We reach Sanfebagar in the afternoon, a busy little crossroads town that feels like a meeting point between hills and plains.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05: Sanfebagar (900 m) to Mangalsen (1,270 m) | Distance 32 km | Elevation Gain 1,610 m

Short in distance, big in effort. The road leaves the river and ramps up into the Achham hills, climbing through tight switchbacks and small settlements. There is time to stop for chai and chat with locals who rarely meet riders from outside. Mangalsen sits high above the valley, an old administrative centre with a strong sense of history and a fine view back over the route we have just climbed.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06: Mangalsen (1,270 m) to Sigaudi (1,500 m) | Distance 57 km | Elevation Gain 1,740 m

We drop from Mangalsen on a twisting road before picking up a rolling pattern of climbs and descents. The route passes through villages where terraced fields step right up to the roadside and drying crops hang from wooden balconies. The hills feel untouched and quiet. A final climb brings us to Sigaudi, a small community where the evening is spent around simple food and clear air.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07: Sigaudi (1,500 m) to Dailekh (1,400 m) | Distance 68 km | Elevation Gain 2,320 m

A long day of serious climbing and big views. The road rises and falls along the ridge, with sections of smooth tarmac and patches of rougher surface. As we approach Dailekh the landscape opens and we begin to feel the influence of the Karnali region. Dailekh itself is an atmospheric hill town with narrow streets, small shrines and a strong sense of place.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08: Dailekh (1,400 m) to Dashera (1,300 m) | Distance 62 km | Elevation Gain 2,440 m

The route today feels wild and adventurous. We leave Dailekh on a road that wraps around steep hillsides and dives into narrow valleys, crossing streams and passing clusters of houses clinging to the slopes. There are fewer towns and more quiet stretches where it is just you, the bike and the road. We reach Dashera ready for food and rest.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09: Dashera (1,300 m) to Jajarkot (1,200 m) | Distance 76 km | Elevation Gain 1,655 m

Rolling terrain dominates this stage. Long climbs are followed by playful descents, and the scenery keeps changing between forest and open hillside. Jajarkot appears gradually, its stone houses and old buildings stacked up the slope above the river. It is a characterful town with a traditional feel, a good spot to soak up evening life in the bazaar.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Jajarkot (1,200 m) to Musikot (1,500 m) | Distance 43 km | Elevation Gain 1,654 m

A compact but punchy day that moves us further into the middle hills of Nepal. The gradients bite in places, but the road is quiet and the views help the metres pass under the wheels. We top out on a series of ridges before dropping slightly into Musikot, a small town with a friendly local vibe.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Musikot (1,500 m) to Rukumkot (1,550 m) | Distance 37 km | Elevation Gain 1,476 m

Today we cross into Rukum, a district known for red earth, patchwork fields and wide valleys. The road links together small hamlets where goats sleep in the shade of stone walls and life still follows the rhythm of the fields. Rukumkot lies beside a calm lake, surrounded by soft hills that glow in the late afternoon light.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Rukumkot (1,550 m) to Bertibang (1,450 m) | Distance 85 km | Elevation Gain 1,925 m

A big endurance stage that feels like the backbone of the journey. We pass through a series of valleys and over several passes, with plenty of climbing and fast, flowing descents. There are long sections where the only company is the wind and the occasional herder. By the time we reach Bertibang we have a real sense of having moved across the map.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Bertibang (1,450 m) to Galikot (1,300 m) | Distance 42 km | Elevation Gain 770 m

The gradients ease slightly and the scenery turns greener. The road follows rivers and lower ridges, passing Magar villages and terraced fields that roll down toward the valley floor. It is a good day to spin the legs, enjoy the sunshine and settle into an easier rhythm.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Galikot (1,300 m) to Kushma (1,200 m) | Distance 68 km | Elevation Gain 780 m

We continue our gentle approach toward the central region. The hills become more rounded and the road gradually improves. As we draw closer to Kushma we catch the first glimpses of bigger river valleys and distant peaks. Kushma itself sits above the Kali Gandaki with its famous suspension bridges, an indication that we are closing in on the Annapurna region.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Kushma (1,200 m) to Pokhara (850 m) | Distance 59 km | Elevation Gain 918 m

The ride into Pokhara feels like rolling into a base camp for adventure. The route undulates through villages and farmland before dropping toward Fewa Lake. The first sight of the water and the reflection of Machhapuchhre makes every climb worth it. In the evening we enjoy lakeside food, cold drinks and the novelty of a town that feels busy after our time in the wild west.

Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Pokhara (850 m) to Paudi Bazaar (1,450 m) | Distance 23 km | Elevation Gain 1,604 m

Short but steep, this stage takes us out of the valley and back into hill country. We leave the bustle of Pokhara behind and climb on quieter roads that snake up above the lake, giving changing perspectives on the city and the mountains. Paudi Bazaar is a compact hill town with traditional houses and a calm, local atmosphere.

Accommodation: Local lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Paudi Bazaar (1,450 m) to Gorkha Bazaar (1,100 m) | Distance 47 km | Elevation Gain 1,296 m

We move through classic middle hills, picking up ridgeline roads and descending into fertile valleys. Gorkha appears on a spur above the river, famous as the birthplace of modern Nepal. If time and legs allow, a walk up to the old Gorkha Durbar gives us history and far reaching mountain views in one hit.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Gorkha Bazaar (1,100 m) to Gumdi (900 m) | Distance 56 km | Elevation Gain 1,073 m

A real taste of everyday rural life. We follow smaller roads and jeep tracks through fields of maize, millet and rice, passing schools, shrines and village teashops. The Himalayas play hide and seek between the ridges as we work our way east. Gumdi is a small, friendly settlement where the evening feels relaxed and simple.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Gumdi (900 m) to Trishuli Bazaar (600 m) | Distance 51 km | Elevation Gain 1,506 m

Today we combine a solid climb with a long descent toward the Trishuli River. We climb out of Gumdi on a ridge that offers views back toward Gorkha and forward to new valleys. The descent winds down through warmer air and thicker vegetation until we roll into Trishuli Bazaar, a busy town on the river that feels like a central meeting point for the region.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: Trishuli Bazaar (600 m) to Melamchi (850 m) | Distance 66 km | Elevation Gain 1,846 m

We cross from the central valley system toward the Helambu region. The road rises away from the river and up toward the northern rim, with long stretches of steady climbing. Views of the Ganesh Himal and Langtang ranges appear if the weather is clear. Melamchi is a river town with a relaxed, lived in feel and the gateway to the Sherpa and Tamang country above.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21: Melamchi (850 m) to Kartike Deurali (1,200 m) | Distance 62 km | Elevation Gain 1,527 m

An undulating day that threads through Tamang villages and terraced slopes. Gravel sections and backroads make the riding interesting, and there are plenty of chances to stop for noodles, tea and village life. Kartike Deurali sits on a shoulder with wide views of surrounding hills and valleys.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22: Kartike Deurali (1,200 m) to Khurkot (950 m) | Distance 60 km | Elevation Gain 685 m

The gradients ease and the landscape opens. We spend more time rolling than grinding and the day has an easy, connecting feel as we move steadily toward the eastern midlands. Khurkot lies close to the river and offers a warm, lowland evening.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23: Khurkot (950 m) to Ghurmi (600 m) | Distance 61 km | Elevation Gain 1,064 m

We ride through increasingly warm valleys, crossing bridges and following the contours of the hills. Banana trees and orange groves appear along the roadside and the villages take on a slightly different character as we edge east. Ghurmi is a small junction town surrounded by farmland and low hills.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24: Ghurmi (600 m) to Halesi (1,250 m) | Distance 46 km | Elevation Gain 1,775 m

A strong climb takes us up to Halesi, a sacred cave temple shared by Hindu, Buddhist and Kirati pilgrims. The road winds steadily up through forest and scattered houses before the town appears, built around the temple complex. In the evening we can visit the site and watch pilgrims circling the shrines.

Accommodation: Local lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 25: Halesi (1,250 m) to Diktel Bazaar (1,570 m) | Distance 35 km | Elevation Gain 1,115 m

Short but steep, today’s ride is full of switchbacks, chestnut groves and small roadside tea stalls. Diktel is a compact hill bazaar with a lively market and views stretching out over a sea of ridges.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 26: Diktel Bazaar (1,570 m) to Bhojpur (1,600 m) | Distance 87 km | Elevation Gain 2,111 m

One of the biggest and most satisfying stages of the trip. We link ridge to ridge, town to town, with long climbs and flowing descents in between. Bhojpur is known for its traditional metalwork and old style houses, a classic eastern hill town full of character.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 27: Bhojpur (1,600 m) to Jarayotar (1,300 m) | Distance 62 km | Elevation Gain 1,149 m

A rolling day that feels like a deep dive into everyday eastern hill life. We pass small markets, tea stalls and family farms, with kids running to the roadside to shout namaste. The riding is mixed but never dull, with enough climbing to remind the legs what trip we are on.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 28: Jarayotar (1,300 m) to Hile (1,940 m) | Distance 32 km | Elevation Gain 1,732 m

Short in distance but big in vertical. We climb steadily into cooler air and greener, mistier hills. Hile marks the edge of the tea region and often sits wrapped in cloud, giving it a quiet, mountain station feel.

Accommodation: Local lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 29: Hile (1,940 m) to Myanglung Bazaar (1,700 m) | Distance 47 km | Elevation Gain 852 m

We ride through forest and farm country, gradually moving deeper into eastern Nepal. Myanglung is a colourful market town, lively and full of small shops, street food and people from surrounding villages who come to trade.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 30: Myanglung Bazaar (1,700 m) to Sankranti Bazaar (1,600 m) | Distance 56 km | Elevation Gain 2,397 m

A high energy climbing day that rewards us with big views and a real sense of height. The road traces the contours of steep hillsides and passes through remote settlements that see very few visitors. Sankranti feels like a proper hill crossroads, with people, animals and goods moving in every direction.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 31: Sankranti Bazaar (1,600 m) to Phidim Bazaar (1,100 m) | Distance 39 km | Elevation Gain 1,304 m

The final riding day of The Road. We climb and roll through dense green hills before descending into a landscape of tea gardens and soft ridges. Phidim sits in the middle of this scenery, a relaxed eastern hill town surrounded by tea estates. We celebrate the end of the ride with local food and a quiet moment to take in what we have just done.

Accommodation: Local hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 32: Phidim to Biratnagar, Fly to Kathmandu

We load the bikes and drive down from the hills toward the plains, watching the terrain change from cool tea slopes to warm lowland fields. At Biratnagar we board a short flight back to Kathmandu, arriving in time for a shower, a final group meal and perhaps one last walk through the city in the evening.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 33: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast we transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. The legs may be tired but the head and heart are full. You have ridden the length of Nepal.

Accommodation: None | Meals: Breakfast