Overview
Pokhara is regarded as the tourist and adventure capital of Nepal. Drawing thousands of travelers each year, Pokhara is home to some of the most unique adventure sports. The beautiful landscape, weather, food, and culture of Pokhara makes it a must-visit place in Nepal. Located in the lap of the Annapurna range, Pokhara is one of the most scenic and beautiful places in the world. This picturesque city offers tourists with a variety of activities like hiking, trekking, mountain biking, and boating.
However, due to the growing trend of biking and cycling, Pokhara also has an array of routes perfect for bikers. Whether you’re an experienced biker wanting to take on the toughest road conditions or want to enjoy a peaceful ride, Pokhara has variety of routes. From tranquil lakeside roads to the rugged treacherous mountain roads, these routes cater to all kinds of riders and adventurers. During the ride, you can witness Nepal’s cultural and natural beauty upclose. This article features some of the best scenic biking routes beginning from Pokhara.
Pokhara-Sarangkot (20 km round trip)
- Distance: 10.4 km (one way)
- Duration: 40-45 minutes (depends on your stops and riding pace)
- Road Type: Paved road with some steep inclines and turns
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
This is one of the most famous biking route beginning from Pokhara. This short yet scenic bike ride is a thrilling journey that takes you away from the bustling streets of Pokhara. Your journey begins from Lakeside, Pokhara, the heart of the city. As you head towards Sarangkot, the road starts ascending gradually. 10-12 minute into the ride, you can glimpse the magnificent Phewa Lake and the surrounding lakes of Pokhara.
As you start ascending you’ll cross places like Nadipur, Deurali Chautari and so on. The last stretch up to Sarangkot is a series of sharp curves and steep inclines, which may require careful riding. The road condition is fairly good, so you don’t have to worry about it. Along these sharp curves, you’ll encounter various viewpoints, where you can stop for a break. These viewpoints provide an excellent scenery of the valley below.
40 minutes into the ride, you shall reach Sarangkot, a famous place known for its magnificent sunrise and sunset views. You can also glimpse mountains like Annapurna, Machchapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri from Sarangkot. If you like, you can also choose to paraglide over Pokhara, which is another famous adventure sport. To avoid traffic and witness beautiful sunrise, it is advised to start your ride early in the morning. You can easily return to Pokhara in less than 30–minute from Sarangkot.
Pokhara-Begnas Lake (27 km round trip)
- Distance: 13.4 km (one way)
- Duration: 40 minutes (depends on your stops and riding pace)
- Road Type: Paved road with very few stops and inclines
- Difficulty: Easy
After the Phewa lake, Begnas is Pokhara’s second famous and a beautiful lake located on the outskirts of the city. This bike ride is a relaxing journey that combines serene landscapes, peaceful surroundings, and the beauty of Nepal. Unlike Phewa Lake, Begnas is a much more quieter and serene lake. The ride starts from the busy streets of Pokhara. As you head east from Lakeside, you’ll be connected to the main highway.
7 km into the ride, you’ll cross the Bijaypur bridge, which offers beautiful scenery of Pokhara. Along the way, you will cross small settlements, farmlands, and local vendors. The road condition is fairly good. As you’ll be traveling on the main highway, you shall encounter a lot more traffic on this ride.
The final stretch up to Begnas Lake is a slight descent. The road winds through dense forested part and you may witness local fishing and farming. As you approach the lake, you will see boating and fishing going on. You can spend an entire day at this lake. There are small vendors and stalls selling snacks. To enjoy the golden hour, you can travel to the Begnas Lake late in the afternoon. The return journey is also fairly easy which can be completed in 30 minutes. Be cautious on narrower roads and be careful to avoid potholes. Ensure your bike/ scooter is in a good condition and fueled up, as there are few repair shops and petrol pumps.
Lower Mustang ( 140-160km)
- Distance: 145km (one way)
- Duration: 8-10 hours (depends entirely on your riding skills)
- Road Type: A mix of paved highway, gravel roads, and off-road.
- Difficulty: Challenging
The bike ride from Pokhara to Lower Mustang is a challenging yet scenic route which takes you through Nepal’s beautiful landscapes. From lush green hills to rugged terrains, this bike ride can be a tough one if you’re not well-prepared. Starting from Pokhara, via the Hemja road, you will head towards Beni, Myagdi. The road up to Beni is scenic and the road condition is smooth. You will ride alongside the Kali Gandaki river. Beni serves as a gateway to Mustang, and a perfect stop for you to refuel your bike and have a meal.
From Beni, the road conditions worsens as you have to be cautious throughout the route. This part of the journey is adventurous with steep cliffs and views of waterfalls. 25 km from Beni, you will reach Tatopani, a natural hotspring, perfect for relaxation. From Tatopani, the route ascends gradually, and you will gain altitude. On the way to Lete, Mustang, you will encounter one of the most majestic waterfalls in this region, Rupse Falls. From Rupse, Myagdi, the road condition remains the same, and you will reach Lete, Mustang in 40-45 minutes.
Lower Mustang has varieties of scenic destinations. Lete, Marpha, Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Muktinath are some of the most notable ones. You can easily spend a day or two in Mustang, and then return to Pokhara. The road condition is fairly tough, so it is advised to rent a adventure or an off-road bike from Pokhara. Commuters and normal bikes can also make it to Mustang, however, it can affect your experience massively due to the tough road conditions.
Also Read: A Refreshing Escape Near Kathmandu: Tarebhir Hike
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