The ultimate MTB experience in Nepal: 8 days in search of the Yeti

When you arrive, we'll pick you up at the airport and take you to the Hotel Timila. After a rest and a drink, we'll build up the bikes and ease into the experience with a short warm-up ride, some sightseeing in Phaplu or a relaxing yoga session in the afternoon to recover from the journey.

The rides begin in the hills around Phaplu, starting at about 2,400 metres and climbing to 3,200 metres. This area offers an exceptional trail network, considered by many to be one of the best in Nepal. On clear days, Everest is visible from the highest viewpoints. Here we have developed Nepal's first dedicated trail centre, the Ratnange Trails Centre, with 15 downhill trails and more than 70 km of trails purpose-built for mountain biking.

One of the highlights is a 9 km descent on newly built singletrack. Starting at 3,600 metres with panoramic views of the Himalayan range, the trail drops to 1,500 metres. It's a long, continuous and unforgettable descent that combines flow, technical sections and pure mountain terrain.

Another day takes us towards Chiwong Monastery, built in the early 20th century. A steady climb of around an hour leads us to a serene, timeless setting. There we attend a traditional puja ceremony and receive an introduction to Buddhist philosophy, offering a rare insight into local spiritual life. From the monastery, a beautiful technical descent takes us back to Phaplu.

After the ride, we spend the night at the monastery, sharing meals and daily life with the monks of Serlo Monastery. This very special night adds a deep cultural dimension to the trip, far beyond an ordinary bike holiday.

The next morning we attend the puja ceremony at Serlo Monastery and set off for the Lamjura Pass, a climb of about 2 hours by bike. From there we push or carry the bikes for just under an hour to a summit of just under 4,000 metres, where a long ridge descent begins, with stunning, uninterrupted views of the Himalayan range, taking us back to our base in Phaplu: one of the most scenic and rewarding descents of the whole journey.

Early in the morning we drive to Dhap (about 3,000 m) to start the last ride of the trip. From here we descend to the Sunkoshi River, at 300 metres, completing a long and rewarding ride that showcases Nepal's spectacular elevation range. At the river a vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Kathmandu (about 4-5 hours).

On the last day, a free day in Kathmandu lets you relax and reflect on the trip. Options include shopping for local crafts, attending yoga or wellness sessions, sightseeing or even riding a bit more if you wish.