Essential Information - Nepal

Before booking your holiday with us, please check the status of your chosen tour. We strongly advise against booking any flights or making other travel arrangements until the tour is marked as Guaranteed. 

To confirm your place, simply pay the deposit. This deposit can be refunded at any time until the tour status changes to "Guaranteed". Your final balance will be due 56 days before the tour start date. 

When you book, you are agreeing to our booking conditions – please take a moment to read them in full. 

Each tour requires a minimum number of participants to go ahead. As bookings come in, the status will update from Available, to 2 More to Guarantee, and finally to Guaranteed once the minimum is met. You can always check the current status on the ‘Dates and Prices’ section of the tour page. 

Tour status definitions: 

✅ Guaranteed – The tour is confirmed and open for booking. 

✅ Guaranteed – Limited – Confirmed to run, but only a few spaces left. 

⏳ Available – 2 More to Guarantee – Tour is open but needs just 2 more bookings to confirm. 

🟢 Available – Open for booking but not yet confirmed to run. 

📩 Contact – Please get in touch if you're interested in this tour. 

❌ Fully Booked – This tour is no longer available. 

Once a tour is marked Guaranteed, you can confidently go ahead with booking your flights and making travel plans. We don’t cancel trips once they reach guaranteed status, except in very rare and exceptional circumstances.

🚐 Support Vehicle – Full vehicle support throughout the tour
🏨 Accommodation – All overnight stays included
🍽️ Most Meals – Refer to trip notes for specific details
🚰 Snacks & Mineral Water – Provided during cycling days
✈️ Airport Transfers – On the first and last day of the tour
🧑‍🏫 Local Professional Guides – English-speaking cycling and cultural guides
🌳 Chitwan National Park Fees – Entry fees included
🏔️ Annapurna Conservation Permit – Included for relevant sections of the tour

✈️ International Flights
🛩️ Domestic Flight ($165 — contact us for details)
🍷 Alcoholic Drinks
🍽️ Meals Not Stated on the Itinerary
🛂 Visa Fees
🛡️ Travel Insurance
💰 Tips for Guide(s) and Support Staff
🚲 Bike Hire (available if required)

The tour starts in Kathmandu, and you will need to arrive on Day 1 of your itinerary. Your return flight home at the end of the trip should be booked from Pokhara, not Kathmandu, on the final day of the itinerary. Please feel free to book your flight for any available time on the last day, as you will have completed your tour and will be in Pokhara the previous night.

The local flight from Pokhara to Jomsom costs approximately $165. Details on how to book this flight will be sent to you once we receive your booking form.

We appreciate that people join redspokes tours from all over the world. Whatever time you arrive at the airport on the trip start date, you and your luggage will be transferred to the joining hotel. Please bear in mind that if you arrive before midday, you may have to wait for your room to be made available.

If you decide to arrive early or stay on after the tour, redspokes can assist you in booking extra accommodation and airport transfers at an additional cost.

Please note that our tour price does not include your international flight or the local flight from Pokhara to Jomsom.

If flying from the UK Gulf Air and Qatar Airways appear to be the favoured airlines by our customers.  Check out www.kayak.com or www.opodo.co.uk for an idea of times and prices.

The official currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). All transactions must be made in rupees—foreign currency is not accepted in shops, restaurants, or markets.

What to Bring

Bring a Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card for ATM access

Travellers from the UK, Europe, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand should bring USD, EUR, or GBP

Bring clean, undamaged notes—torn or worn currency may be refused

Cash is essential in rural areas where card use is limited

Where to Exchange

At Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu:

Currency exchange booths and ATMs are available in the Arrivals area

✅ Exchange a small amount (e.g. NPR 5,000–10,000 / £30–£60) on arrival for immediate use

❌ Airport rates are less competitive—better rates are available in Thamel and other tourist areas

✔ Your redspokes guide will help you find trusted exchange offices and ATMs during the tour

💸 Spending Money

We recommend budgeting around £200 / $250 for personal expenses, including snacks, drinks, and souvenirs throughout the trip. 

🧭 Helpful Tips

Cash is key, especially in mountain regions and small towns

Notify your bank before travelling to avoid card blocks

Carry small denominations for convenience

Not all ATMs are reliable—your guide will point out the best options

Prices in tourist areas may be higher than in rural villages

💁‍♂️ Staff Tipping

Tipping is customary and appreciated as a way to thank the local crew for their efforts.

💷 Recommended: £60–£80 per person
💵 Or $80–$100 equivalent

Tips are usually pooled at the end of the tour and distributed fairly by your guide.
redspokes ensures all staff are paid fairly—tips are an optional, personal thank-you for exceptional service.

For this tour we have Trek Marlin 7 bikes and similar, in a range of sizes. 

🔧 Our support vehicle carries a complete toolkit, spare parts, and a track pump to handle any issues along the way.

⚙️ Customise Your Ride - All bikes come with standard flat pedals. If you prefer using SPD or clip-in pedals, feel free to bring your own. Similarly, if you have a personal saddle you’d like to use, you're welcome to bring it along. Our guide will be on hand to fit your pedals and saddle to your hire bike.

🪖 Helmet Policy - Please note that cycle helmets are not included in the bike hire.

🛑 You must bring your own helmet — helmet hire or purchase cannot be guaranteed on location.

✅ Wearing a helmet is mandatory while cycling. Failure to do so is at your own risk and may impact the validity of your travel insurance.

You will have the full support of a back-up vehicle throughout the tour, providing peace of mind as you ride. The support vehicle will:

🚐 Transport your main luggage between overnight stops

🪑 Offer a lift if you need a break from cycling

🛠️ Stop roughly every 12 miles (20 km) to offer assistance and refreshments

Our tour leaders carry a comprehensive tool kit and will assist with common bike issues. All you will need to carry is a small daypack for essentials like a camera, snacks, or a light jacket.

If you are bringing your own bike, please make sure it is in good working condition before the tour. We strongly recommend a full service by a professional bike shop prior to travel, as we cannot guarantee we will have the parts or tools for repairs to your particular bike.

Your comfort and safety on the road are our priority — whether you're riding or taking a breather in the van.

🚵‍♂️ Bike Requirements & Prep
Only mountain bikes are suitable for this tour.
Although 65% of the route is on roads, many of these are rough, rocky or unpaved. A durable setup is essential for your comfort and safety.

🛠️ Pre-Tour Bike Check
We strongly recommend a full service before your trip. Ask your mechanic to:

🛞 Adjust wheel spokes

⚙️ Grease all bearings

🔧 Check and tighten gear and brake cables

🔩 Tighten all nuts and bolts

⛓️ Inspect and lubricate chain

💨 Fit new inner tubes

📏 Check tyres and wheel rims for wear

🔒 Inspect quick-release clamps

🧰 Recommended Spares & Tools
Bring these essentials in case of mechanical issues during the ride:

🛠️ Multi-tool

🪛 Tyre levers

💨 Pump

🔁 Spare inner tubes

🧵 Spare spokes

🛑 Check with your bike shop for compatible disc or brake pads

🔗 A few chain links

🧪 Spares for any unique features (e.g. hydraulic fluid, bleed kit)

🧳 Bike Transport
✈️ Your bike must be transported as part of your luggage allowance.

📦 A packed bike (in a cardboard box) usually weighs 15–20kg.

💼 Please check with your airline – you may need to pay an excess baggage fee.

If you wish to hire a bike or have a single room for the tour this can usually be arranged for you at extra cost. You will have the opportunity to request these extras at the time of booking or, subject to availability, at a later date, by emailing your request to us.

If you require additional accommodation or transfers in advance of the trip start date or at the end of your trip we can arrange this for you at extra cost.

We have a wide mix of cyclists on our tours from couples, friends to solo travellers. Our prices are based on twin shared accommodation. If you sign up for one of our tours as a solo traveller we will twin share you with another person of the same gender in your group. If you prefer to have your own room this is an option on most of our tours for an extra charge.

Most meals are included in your trip price apart from on non cycling days and some other exclusions. Please check the itinerary for full details. If you have a special dietary request, please advise us at the time of booking. Most diets can be catered for, but it is always important to advise us in advance.

Nepalese cuisine is strongly influenced by both India and Tibet.  A typical dish in Nepal is Dal Bhat, a rice and lentil soup.  Many Nepalese will eat this twice a day.  There are many variations on the dish, the most popular is dal bhat tarkari which comes with curried vegetables.  The indigenous people of the Kathmandu valley are the Newar they have their own cuisine which is influenced by Tibetan and Chinese cuisine.  Popular dishes are Chatamari: a snack similar to pizza. Swo, similar to Scottish haggis and Choee which tastes like salami.

Nepal is a Hindu country, it is illegal to kill a cow here. Chicken, pork, mutton, buffalo and lamb are eaten and there are many vegetarian dishes such as Dal bhath, Alu dum is fried potato in gravy, Alu acchar (pickled potatoes), Golveda ra dhaniya ko achaar (tomato and coriander) pickle.  Popular Nepalese desserts are yoghurt and milk based. Chay, the local tea is served with milk. It is also drunk with ginger or other spices. Suja is a salty tea mixed with milk and butter.  Lassi, made traditionally from curd or sometimes yoghurt, is churned and chilled. Popular alcoholic drinks include Raksi made from rice or millet and similar to tequila. (often served on festival days).  Jaand is sometimes referred to as Nepalese beer, but it is similar to a rice wine and not as strong as Raksi.  It is customary to dilute it with water.  

It is mandatory that you are well-insured for the full duration of the tour. This must include personal injury, medical expenses, death, repatriation, helicopter or aircraft rescue, loss of luggage or equipment, cancellation or curtailments.

You should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities included in your tour. Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance at the time of booking your trip to ensure that you are covered in the event of cancellation.

For people within the UK Snowcard Insurance Services specialize in all mountain sports holidays including mountain biking. Follow the link above to obtain full information and a quote.

For our high altitude itineraries please ensure that you are covered to the maximum altitude on the tour,  for the Nepal itinerary this is 3,825 m / 12,600 feet.

We choose accommodation on the basis of comfort rather than luxury. Our prices are based on sharing a twin room. Should you wish to have a room all to yourself there is a single supplement option on the majority of our tours. For more information on the additional costs please see dates and prices.

The accommodation for this trip has recently been reviewed and upgraded and all of the evening lodgings are in good quality hotels. 

Whilst we endeavour to provide correct and relevant information obtained directly from the relevant Embassies, High Commissions and Consulate Generals - this information is subject to frequent changes, without warning and at very short notice. Due to this, we cannot be held liable for any errors in the information provided on this site.  We strongly advised you to check all information with the relevant embassy for details on your visa/passport requirements.

You must be in possession of a valid passport and visa. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival or 1 month after expiration of visa and have 2 blank pages in your passport for each country that you visit. You can apply online for an e-visa.

Alternatively, visa application forms for UK residents can be obtained by clicking here.

Please ensure you check that all the details on the visa are correct prior to your departure.

We strongly recommend that you contact your doctor or local Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks before going on your trip for advice on the correct vaccinations required for your trip. Also please refer to advice from National Travel Health Network and Centre . 

The best time to travel to Nepal is October to December.  The weather brings beautiful clear blue skies and warm days.  In springtime (March and April) the weather is warm with light showers and brings a stunning array of rhododendrons to blooms. The hills turn lush and green during June till August as the monsoon season begins obscuring the stunning views of the mountains.

In terms of clothing, we have provided below a rough guide as to what to bring. This guide is entirely flexible and should be tailored to your specific needs. 

• Cycle Helmet (mandatory and to be worn at all times when cycling)
• Bike lights (front and rear)
• Sunglasses
• Water bottles or camelbak
• Base layer tops
• Fleece jacket/ pullover
• Waterproof/ Windproof cycling jacket (breathable fabric)
• Baggy padded cycling shorts
• Cycling shoes 
• Long trousers
• Thermal long sleeved top
• Lightweight socks & heavyweight socks
• Trekking Shorts 
• Trousers 
• T-shirts– lightweight 
• Long-sleeved shirt 
• Fingerless cycling gloves
• Warm gloves
• Warm fleece hat
• Buff
• Towel
• Lipbalm/ sunscreen
• Dust mask
• Headlamp & spare bulbs/ batteries
• Sleeping bag liner
• Essential items for rest day activities at Chitwan Park

Our guides carry first aid supplies, however we recommend you bring your own first aid kit which should contain the following item; 

• Paracetamol/ Ibuprofen (or whatever you prefer for headache)
• Lomotil or Diacalm
• Rehydration salts (Dioralite)
• Antiseptic cream
• Throat lozenges
• Plasters (band aids)
• Nasal spray
• Eye drops
• Ear plugs
• Anti bacterial hand wash
• Antiseptic wet wipes
• Insect Repellent

Miscellaneous

• Energy Bars (gels, power bars)
• Energy/recovery drinks
• Camera
• Passport photographs
• Colour photocopy of photograph page in passport
• Travel adapter (universal)

Tipping is an accepted part of everyday life, and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service.  $80-$100  for the guide and team at the end of the tour is recommended - payable in US Dollars. 

It's important to note that tips do not constitute a part of their wages. redspokes consistently ensures the highest pay rates for local staff. Any tips they receive are viewed as personal expressions of gratitude from group members.

It is customary for this to be collected up and given to your guide who will distribute it amongst the team. Unfortunately there is usually a hierarchy for the division between guides, helpers and drivers.

We recommend that you travel with US dollars and a small amount of local currency, which can be withdrawn from an airport ATM upon arrival. 

The amount of spending money you need will depend on your taste for restaurants, souvenirs, drinks etc.  We estimate that $250 (£200) will be more than enough to cover the duration of the tour. 

• Population 31 million

• Area 147,181 sq km (56,827 sq miles)

• Major languages Nepali

• Major religions Hinduism, Buddhism

• Life expectancy 68 years (men), 71 years (women)

• Currency Nepalese rupee