Testimonials

Bart Selbeck, Oirsbeek, Netherlands

This trip is really great. You see the variety in Nepal landscape and culture. Visiting monasteries on a non touristic way learns you about the life in a budist monastry.

The cycling is demanding but worth wile. You get to know the meaning of a dancing road and what Nepali flat means. It is breathtaking from the scenery and from riding uphill towards Muktinath at 3750 m. Crossing bridges on a bike (dont look down) is a fantastic experience.

The Nepali team takes excelent care so you can enjoy the tour, you only have to cycle yourself. I can recomand this tour to anyone.

Peter Dahlhus, Stenlose, Denmark

This was my third trip with redspokes. I really enjoyed how we were introduced to Nepal. It is a beautiful country with lots of strong colours and very friendly people. And the scenery is outstanding.

I would warn future guests that some basic mbt skills need to be in place. Because it is a hilly trip you need some physical preparation before the tour in order to fully enjoy it. But it should not hold you back from exploring this beautiful country with redspokes - you just need to know this beforehand.

Jemma Southall , Shrewsbury, England, UK

Very impressed with Redspokes as a tour Company. The trip really was an excellent adventure from start to finish. We saw such amazing scenery and places and the Nepali people were so welcomming and grateful for you coming to their country.

The quality of bikes and hotels were good and much better than i expected(this is my first Redspokes holiday). Guides are very attentive and could not do enough for you to make this trip comfortable and enjoyable. Any problems raised were resolved straight away. The trip is very extensive across many diverse areas if Nepal and you will not be disappointed by the scenery. Food was good and sufficient in volume. Water provided and nuts and bananas etc during cyling. Bikes had a few mechanical issues but only after days of muddy tracks which is expected and they were fixed straight away.

Standard of the cycling as difficult grading is very accurate. You need to be an experienced cyclist and train for the hills if you dont already. No one was left out as the guides always cycled front and rear and there was not pressure on other cyclist if other finished before.Everyone was made to feel compfortable with the pace we went to accomodate.

Nepal is a fantastic place if you have not been and the cycling will provide you with off the beaten track experience which cannot be replicated on a tourist holiday. I loved visiting the temples and morning coffees with masala tea and the array of nepalese food. Lots of Dal Bat which was good food for cycling and always plenty to go round.

I would absolutely recommend this tour for anyone who wants experience the real Nepal and loves cycling - you will not be disappointed and remember this trip for years to come.

Muriel Thomson, Aberdeen, Scotland

This has to be one of the best cycle trips I've done. It's a very well put together trip that gives you a full flavour of the country of Nepal. It was 20 years since I last visited Nepal and I'd always wanted to go back and it sure was worth the wait to experience this amazing trip.

The scenery was fabulous, taking in rural life in the Kathmandu valley then climbing over a number of passes with great views then after a superb flight to Jomsom on to the grand finale of the wilds of Mustang. Every day just got better and better. The cycling was rough and tough in places with a number of challenging climbs but some great downhills too.

Don't expect much tarmac, the roads are rough but if you enjoy mountain biking it's a fabulous cycle from start to finish. I'm not an experienced mountain biker and I found it tough in places it's very doable - all you need is a good level of fitness and a 'can do' attitude. Ox our Guide was a top class guide who went out of his way to ensure that the trip fulfilled everyone's expectations. He and his team were very efficient at getting things organised and he gave us all a great insight into Nepalese life and its cultures. This greatly added to the experience of the trip. The accommodation overall was much better than I expected.

If you're thinking of doing this trip - don't think any longer - JUST DO IT - IT'S AMAZING. Thank you Nepal & Redspokes - you delivered!

Janet Young, Central Otago, New Zealand

This was an EPIC adventure. All of us had an amazing grin on our faces at the end of each day. It was far from easy - you need to be fit or a regular cyclist to get the most out of this amazing trip because on some days the hills keep on giving!!

I loved the challenge, camaraderie and the wonderful Nepalese people who made this trip so special. Having a flexible attitude is imperative as Mother Nature throws curve balls so just going with the flow is the best approach. So ready for our next adventure with Redspokes. Can you top this???

Kate Mccoy , Chepstow, England, UK

This trip was an adventure from start to finish. It challenged me in so many ways- it was so much more than the cycling . Unexpectedly ox could not lead the trip due to Dengue fever however he made sure he had able deputiies in Rocka taking over as lead guide and Jiban .

We loved stopping off a little places you would never believe were a cafe and out of nothing tasty noodles or chicken thali would arrive. The guides ably supported the fastest and slowest riders- making sure no-one felt left out . They arranged for us to see Buddist monasteries, temples. Rocka even took us to meet his family where we experienced the culture of family at a time of family grieving.

The weather ! Hot, sunny, humid and showers . The end of the Monsoon season was delayed so as we reached Chitwan a 16 hour rain storm signalled adventure time. Not that we cycled in it just witnessed the power of water. Our guides did a fabulous job hiring locals to assist us safely across swollen rivers- the Nepalese community spirit very evident. Frequent climbing over landslides and broken tarmac roads - I was pleased I had my own hardtail bike to navigate - nothing too technical just comfy. The weather gods continued to hamper us- no flight to Jomsom - contingency in place to get there in a jeep. Caution Nepalese roads in the Monsoon season are not for the faint hearted. Amazing skills witnessed in our drivers and in the local bus and truck drivers. None of us will forget that drive . Having arrived late at night north of jomson,in Kabeni ,the highlight of the trip was waking up to clear blue skies, to the big mountains. The long jeep ride temporarily forgotten cycling up to Muktinath followed by down hill to Marpha where a welcome change to itinerary meant we sampled the local apple pie, cider and brandy. Cycling the road back to Beni was fun - road in the loosest sense - 65km down hill ! Yes it would have been lovely to have drier weather but I would not swap that adventure we had. Nepal is full of extremes, mountains, rivers, roads, dodgy electrics yet wifi everywhere, physical poverty evident but not in spirit .

Paul Bullen-Smith, Saffron Walden, England, UK

Excellent thoughtful ‘bespoke’ tour of all that Nepal has to offer- you see both crocodiles and yaks in the same country in the same 2 week tour.

Doug Pulleyblank, Vancouver, Canada

This was my first cycling tour ever and I had an amazing trip. I think the only hard thing about the entire trip was some of the cycling itself -- going up and down some of those Nepali 'flats' was sometimes a challenge. But the cycling challenge was exactly what I was looking for. It's why I signed on! Apart from that, Ox, Sunil, Ram and others made everything easy, from pick-up at the airport, to getting set up in hotels, to seeing parts of Kathmandu, to experiencing all kinds of things in the parts of Nepal we were able to visit. They dealt with both expected problems (like the occasional flat tire) and unexpected problems (like airline complications) efficiently, occasionally creatively, and with good humour. The tour was marked by flexibility.

I was definitely more of a mountain biker by the end of the tour than I was at the beginning. Great tour! Great team! Thanks, Ox, Ram & Sunil -- I'd recommend your team to anyone!

Dana Hansen, Calgary, Canada

This trip far exceeded our expectations - and we expected nothing short of amazing! The itinerary is full of variety and unforgettable experiences. Our guide, Ox, took such great care of us. We were well fed and the accommodations were wonderful. Each day brought a new journey of discovery in a beautiful country with friendly locals. Ox worked very hard behind the scenes to ensure that all we had to worry about was simply pedaling our bikes and he took care of everything else.

This was our first tour with redspokes, but it certainly won't be our last!

Richard Penny, Barnet, England, UK

An amazing trip due to the jaw- dropping scenery, exhilarating cycling and determination of our guide, Ox to give us an understanding of the history and life in Nepal. Truly unforgettable!

Alan Goddard, Hertford, England, UK

What an amazing experience. I feel very lucky to have been part of a brilliant and supportive group - led expertly by our local guide “Ox”. The cycling was continuously varied, exhilarating and often very challenging - but the group made the whole experience enjoyable and memorable. The “uphills” were tough, but the “downhill” sections required high levels of sustained concentration to ensure safe passage - given the mixture of road conditions encountered.

Ox was a fantastic group leader, who provided information, advice and support when required. His local knowledge was fantastic and he was always looking out for the health and well being of the group. The location and quality of the accommodation was amazing and almost always exceeded my expectations. I would thoroughly recommend this trip, but don’t underestimate the technical riding skills required to fully enjoy and appreciate this amazing part of the world.

Mark Coleman, Norwich, England, UK

Never in my wildest dreams could I have dreamt just how incredible this adventure to Nepal would be!

Although I’ve been a cyclist for many years, I’ve never been on a guided tour before so this was something entirely new. Knowing that support, food and water was never far away helped no end and the sight of Mr Mamalay and his van in the distance was a blessed relief on several occasions! Although I thought I was reasonably fit, I think I underestimated the effort required; this was some seriously tough mountain biking. Most nights after dinner we were tucked up in bed by at least 9 o’clock if not earlier; utterly exhausted!

For me, the trip wasn’t all about the cycling. Some moments during the long days will stay with me forever; one of the girls in the group planting rice in a paddy field, being able to sit in on a Buddhist ceremony, sharing the ‘Holi’ festival with countless, happy, smiling, painted children, one of the boys in the group ploughing a paddy field behind 2 confused cows, goats on a bus; dancing at a wedding and flying by the seat of our pants through the mountains up to Jomsom. So many memories! All of these little ‘extras’ were made possible by one man; the legend who is ‘Ox’. The hardest working, most patient and happy, tough guy I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. Don’t ever call this a holiday; it’s an epic adventure that will push you to your limits and be etched on your memory for ever more. Book now!!

David Richards, Swindon, England, UK

This was without doubt an exceptionally well organised and managed trip, largely due to the unflagging dedication of the lead guide 'Ox' and his support team, all of whom worked tirelessly to ensure every member of the trip enjoyed an amazing experience. The balance of demanding cycling on and off road, and in-country experiences interacting with locals and the local way of life was perfect.

Our group was of mixed ability, yet the guides ensured we all got what we wanted out of the trip and were very well looked after throughout. They could not have done more, and I am really grateful to Ox and team for making my trip everything that I had hoped for, and much more! Thank you.

Karl Debenham-Eccles, Norfolk, England, UK

Amazing trip. Nepal really was the trip of a lifetime, very well organised and action packed with stunning scenery and varied terrain.

Our guide Ox was fantastic and was keen to make sure every one was happy and well looked after. Don't think about it, just book it now you wont regret it!

Lorna & John Forsythe, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

This tour was incredible, there was so much to it: challenging cycling, breathtaking scenery, which changed from the plains, to the hills and then amazing mountains. But it was the personal aspect of it that was most amazing: our guide Ox was superb, he really showed us Nepali life. He clearly balances the clients' needs with the local community and was always keen that we saw what rural life in Nepal is about.

We loved the fun of having a go at planting rice, watched by the entire village, and trying ploughing with oxen. I felt as if we really saw Nepal, from the craziness of Kathmandu, through the stunning rural aspects to the mountains and bleak beauty of the Himalayas.

Harri Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland

The Nepal tour far outstripped my expectations on every level. The food was all excellent, and none of us ever got sick (our guide, Ox, was extremely careful and conscientious - even cooking some of our food himself when we stopped at roadside kitchens - and we had very very good food from places you would never have picked yourself, thanks to his local knowledge). The accommodation was much better than I expected - we had electricity every night, and everywhere was clean even when it was very basic. I am a competitive road rider with little mountain biking experience, and although the distances were low the routes were technical enough to be very challenging in many places, but with enough variety that it was still enjoyable. I would say you need at least one of fitness and skill for this trip, but not necessarily both - our group was of mixed backgrounds but we all managed fine. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking too!

The real highlight for me was the Nepali people - everyone was incredibly welcoming and friendly, and even as a female travelling alone I never felt unsafe exploring big cities such as Pokhara and Kathmandu. It was a lovely feeling to connect with and be welcomed by so many people as we cycled through the villages. Where we cycled on bigger roads (not very often), the traffic was fine and generally well behaved. There were plenty of times we all ended up on foot due to the challenging terrain, so if you are in road cleats (as I was) I'd definitely recommend carrying and using a set of cleat covers. High SPF suncream is a must, particularly for the high altitude days. A buff or pollution mask helps with the dusty roads and for walking around in the cities. A swimsuit for the hot springs came in handy too! We were very well fed, and I didn't use much of the cycling food I brought with me, but I did use electrolyte tablets - it was very hot on some days. If I did this trip again, I would only bring a small micro fleece towel as backup (rather than a full size one - they were always available), and I would bring more transitional clothes - short sleeved jerseys with arm warmers, shorts with leg warmers etc were used a lot more than the softshell jackets etc that I took. A decent waterproof cycling jacket was very useful too. I bought cheap baggy shorts in Kathmandu and wore them over lycra instead of expensive mountain biking shorts - there is plenty of knock-off gear for sale. Overall, this trip was a fantastic experience that was only possible with the level of knowledge and experience provided by the guides, and I'd absolutely recommend it to people with a solid cycling or mountain biking background

Roger Hill, Crawley, United Kingdom

The trip included more than other tour companies did and yet the price was still very competitive. The trip included the amazing internal flight and cycling up to Muktinath which none of the others did, so that's why I chose it.

The trip was made so enjoyable by Ox. He had a great sense of humour and worked so hard to help all of us with any problems we had. He helped get my suitcase when it arrived a day late on my arrival. He arranged to get an sd card for my go- pro. Ox helped make it the best adventure holiday ever.

Jo & Tim Johnson, Burley in Wharfedale, UK

From day 1, Ox confidently led us through the chaotic Kathmandu streets and continued to thoroughly plan an excellent adventure. Ox and Rocca took it in turns to lead the group and ensure we cycled as a close knit team. We all became firm friends over the two weeks and grew to love the friendliness of Nepal - even the ‘Nepali flat’!

Whilst this is a challenging cycling holiday, those who are mtb beginners should not be put off. Ox and Rocca were both patient and encouraging.

Nepal is a lovely and diverse country. This 2 week adventure gives the opportunity for many different experiences and as ever, cycling is a great way to see it.

Paul Mansfield, Poole, England, UK

I'm an avid cyclist and lead many local groups on MTB and road rides although i have never been on a cycle tour before. Our team lead by Ox were exceptional at managing and satisfying the needs of the whole group which inevitably have different requirements and abilities.

The balance between being a cycling challenge and a cultural inside to an extraordinary country where also planned and managed exceptionally well.

Katja Stille, London, UK

I have had yet another great experience on this red spokes trip!!! This tour through Nepal gives a very good insight into the varied landscape this beautiful country has to offer, from rainforest to majestic mountain terrain of the Himalayas - we saw it all.

Ox made this trip even more special through many little treats, such as random stops to learn about local craft, impromptu meditation lessons in a temple and opportunities to taste the local food cooked by Ox himself. Ox’s flexibility ensured that we saw a lot. Our group was amazing and very supportive of each other as we tackled some challenging terrain.

Thank you Redspokes and everyone in the group !

Weland Mahar, Australia

This tour is intelligently structured and well planned. Lowland heat and mountain cold, lots of climbing and some very long days. Every day was different, and the tour has so much more than just riding. Our group was from many countries and the banter was funny - a great bunch.

You'll need to be reasonably fit and confident on a mountain bike over rough terrain to get the most out of this ride, we trained a little bit by doing some long climbs at home and it really helped. Our guide Ox, was very experienced, flexible and funny - he did a lot of work behind the scenes, and it showed, as everything went smoothly. I'd recommend this tour to anyone. Great fun, you see so much and it left me wanting more.

Joanne Bradley, Bexleyheath, UK

Ox and his amazing team made our two week bike ride through Nepal magical. They were so friendly, helpful, fun and supportive, they were just perfect!

Nepal is such a colourful, fascinating country full of friendly, caring people. The scenery is beyond beautiful and the tour takes in a perfect combination of all Nepal has to offer. Thank you to Ox and his team for a very special two weeks!

Trish and Darren Whitaker, Darwin, Australia

We both loved this trip and will remember the adventure forever- we have done about 5 other organized cycling trips as well as independent extensive world cycle trips.

Of course every trip is different and it is hard to compare but we will remember our time in Nepal forever and the feedback from friends about our photos has been amazing. Thanks again.

Bernie Raverty, Surrey British Columbia, Canada

I can highly recommend the redspokes Nepal bike tour.It offered a good overview of Nepal with the Kathmandu Valley region,the Chitwan and of course the Annapurna region.Tour guide "Ox" is the hardest working person I have ever met. He is a great guide and seems to know every person we met in the small villages.I enjoyed our visits as we climbed from the back of the pack-he is also the first person to call me "Canada" for two weeks.

Hayley Mann, Albuquerque, United States

Amidst the colorful culture, chaotic streets and overwhelming beauty, our guide, Ox, made our Nepalese experience personal and memorable! He always had perfectly timed stops with tea and food in small tea houses along the way. It felt as if everyone we met along the way was his friend and happy to share their time with us

Michael Hargreaves, Blackpool, England, UK

This trip fulfilled all my expectations ,the cycling,culture and scenery were amazing. Ox the tour leader was very proactive in making sure every one in the party got the maximum out of this trip.

The bikes were brand new and stood up to the job in hand very well.I would not hesitate to recommend this tour and redspokes to anyone.

Robert Thomson, Western Australia

This was an amazing experience and a really worthwhile tour. We rode on every kind of surface possible from smooth roads to almost impassable rutted stony tracks. Ox was a great leader with very good local knowledge and everywhere we went people knew and admired him. The scenery was often just so spectacular and quite unforgettable.

The Nepalese people seem blessed with the happiness gene, and were friendly everywhere, no matter how poor (and there is a lot of poverty). Any mechanical issues were sorted out on the road by the support crew - no problem. Thanks redspokes!

Paul Massie, Hatfield, England, uk

This was an unforgettable trip. The cycling was challenging over different surfaces, inclines and traffic conditions. Each day brought a new experience and was unique in its own way. Ox is a legend. Supported by Milan and Marmalay, he did so much to make sure we got to know the real Nepal, as best we could in two weeks, and that we got the most from our visit.

Robert Armitage, Huddersfield, UK

I had a great time on the Nepal tour, it was an amazing experience and I hope to cherish the memories for some time.

Nepal is hard to put in to words, the people are friendly and the scenery of is outstanding, including many of the ordinary houses and buildings. One of the enduring images is the smiling happy children that love to wave and say 'Namaste', 'Hello', or 'Bye Bye' as you cycle past, many of them wanting to run to keep up with you or try to beat you!

redspokes is a well organised outfit, all the logistics were handled really well and all our group of 8 people really enjoyed our time spent on and off the bike. I would definitely recommend a trip with redspokes to Nepal. It's highly likely I will be choosing another trip next year. - Robert Armitage (NEP 9)

Keith and Pat Green, Dudley, England , UK

Each day was challenging and interesting. Suresh, our leader, managed to cater for all our cycling abilities by using the other guides wisely. Even the rest days were packed full of fun. Ambir the driver could sing and dance Nepali style very well and with the good voices of the 4 guides we received great entertainment around the camp fire.

Deepak the cook and his helpers gave us more variety than we had expected. They never failed to amaze us with the type of meals and the quantities they could turn out from inside a tent. Loca kept the logistics running smoothly so all we had to do was cycle eat and sleep. All in all it was a great tour and we will find it difficult to top it.

Kieran Kelleher, Kanturk, Ireland

Another great trip with redspokes with fantastic scenary & a great group of people with good support from Ox & his crew.

This is challenging tour with at least half of trip more associated with technical mountain biking than road biking as tarmac to rough rocky roads is about 50/50 with tough climbs.

Steve Lahey, Scarborough, Australia

Nepal is a fabulous place and Ox and his team go out of their way to show you everything the country has to offer. They want you to experience all of their culture, if you want something they haven't thought of they will try and get it for you but don't be too harsh if it is not the Nepalese way it is what will bring us back again and again. Enjoy the Nepalese Flat!

Phil Turner, Middlesbrough, England, UK

As with my previous red spokes tour the trip was brilliant it was a great group of people from differing backgrounds who where up for a laugh and some great cycling i cant thank ox and the team enough for making it a very memeorable trip with too many highlights to mention including the iffy flight to jomsom ,nathanthiels birthday meal(thanks to the hotel staff at pokhara) and introducing irwin(rotterdam) to the very english beans on toast,you had to be there!!!!!

Again many thanks for some great memeories and a wonderful trip.

Christian Clausing, Narrabundah, Australia

The trip was amazing. Problems when visiting countries is that you do not get to see anything that is not a tourist attraction. On this trip, while we visited some major tourist attractions, we also were able to roll through some very small towns and meet some of the locals, mostly children who were more than happy to say hello and race you by foot. Ox and the other support guides go beyond to help.

Over the trip several of us had bike issues and they would hardly let us help, jumping straight into the problem and fixing it for us, even if it was our personal bikes that were breaking down. The ride itself was at times quite difficult and I was glad that I spend most of my riding on a mountain bike, dealing with uneven and difficult terrain. I would suggest that you are a confident with rock and dust downhill riding. I cannot recommend this trip enough, the people, the food, the sights and the culture was absolutely amazing.

Philippa & Rob Middleton, Poole, England, UK

We completed the redspokes Nepal Trip in Nov 2019 and can highly recommend it. There were 6 of us in the group with two guides and a driver. November was a perfect time to go, dry and warm but cold right at the highest point. The road surface was a mixture of tarmac, gravel and dried mud. Rough but not too technical. We hired bikes, through redspokes, which was the right thing to do. They were new standard Trek mountain bikes and did the job well. We normally take our own bikes abroad but with no spare parts available in Nepal and the punishment the bikes take, renting is the best option. The trip is a challenge but most fit people who can cycle 50 miles in a day would be able to do it. If you're not a cyclist, try something easier before attempting this particular trip. Some roads in the towns are busy, but we were mainly on quiet, unsurfaced roads. The views were incredible. Accommodation and food were better than we expected, several good hotels and simple guest houses in the hills. Food was good in most places and we kept well for the fortnight. You do have to be strict about hygiene (take hand sanitiser/wipes). Bring a water bottle with a cap for the mouthpiece as it gets dirty while cycling. Pollution and smog is bad in the towns, there is a fine dust everywhere. Not to put you off but it may not be suitable for asthmatics or people with other lung conditions.

The tour was led by OX, an experienced and capable guide. He sorted out all the logistics and ensured smooth running of everything. He and his team went the extra mile for us. Overall we had a great adventure, good company, excellent back up and would recommend you go.

Paul Goulding, Merseyside, United Kingdom

This trip is adventure, and a trip of a life time. We were taken from the the lowlands and tropical warm air, to the highlands of majestic mountain peaks all from the seat of a bicycle, and the one man who made so many things happen was our leader Ox. More than a guide, simple a man who never stopped from making sure we had a great time putting the customer first time and time again truly a diamond of a asset to Dermot and redspokes. 

Dyson Pendle , Norwich, UK

A very good insight of Nepal and the Nepalese people and culture.

Christine Versteegden, Amstelveen, Netherlands

Memorable, on this tour a lot of Nepal has been shown: mountains and 'hills', beautiful landscapes and nature, accompanied with the guide's interesting stories, the delicious variety of food. We cycled with good support and nothing to worry about. I have very good memories about this tour.

Jonathan Pearce, Marrickville, NSW

This was a challenging tour as accurately described by redspokes. The cycling both on and off- road was hard but rewarding.

The guide Ox was tremendous, often in quite difficult situations - strikes, etc. He was able to manage the differing abilities within the group excellently and coped with any emergencies that arose with calmness, patience and humour.

If you're bringing your own bike, make sure it's up to the task- it'll take a hammering. White water rafting was awesome, great shopping, too. We had a fantastic group- Brits, Kiwis and an Aussie

Andre Schmid, Gattikon, Switzerland

Brillant trip, as the weather and the views couldn't be any better. Ox as a tour leader did very well, he's very well connected everywhere. Nice combination of the cycling with the safari in chitwan.

Trip is definitely tougher than other "6" ratings, technically as well as physically.

Richard Matheson, Leeds, England, UK

As good as any of the 7 tours I've done, one of the best! Ox and his crew were superb, good humoured and worked tirelessly to make the trip enjoyable. A great group of people/ fellow cyclists who were a pleasure to ride with.

Food was local and tasty, the mountains as I'd always dreamed they'd be, dramatic and striking. The terrain is challenging but never dull. And finally the Nepali people are kind and welcoming. A highly recommended trip.

Justin Pearce, Dunbar, Scotland, UK

We had a very small group but that allowed us to greatly experience the culture of Nepal and Ox was a great catalyst in making this happen. The rides were often quite technical, but nothing that we couldn't overcome...eventually.

Ox ensured that the balance between sampling village life in Nepal and time in the saddle worked perfectly. If I were to repeat this trip, I would spend time practising cycling over rocks and I would definitely take a GoPro - the crazy descents would be worth experiencing again.

Piero Tassinari, Meldola, Italy

Four days have passed since I left Nepal, nevertheless its stunning sceneries are hovering in my mind while driving my car or walking within the familiar surroundings. This trip has bewitched me!

Since the first finding the redspokes website I had the feeling the people involved in the trip organization knew their job pretty well; then I had a long talk on the phone with Dermot, and my enthusiasm grew up to the point of signing up. In Nepal I have experienced an unforgettable adventure, thanks also to our tour leader Ox. He proved not only very efficient, coping with all the needs related to the tour organization, but was also a pretty delightful person and we had great fun and so much laughing ... this helped a lot to elate our spirits when the road had worn us out!

I'm 61, I try to keep in shape cycling all the year round ... but guess what? I thought it would be easier, just a piece of cake. Well, some stages proved very demanding, especially the sections off road ... but I always could rely on our guide's assistance, always close, always helpful ... and in the evening, warming up our bodies and spirits around the bonfire, I could say:

"I did it, it was worth it, what a scenery!" Piero, the Italian of the Nepal tour crew

Nathaniel Lloyd, Zurich, Switzerland

Ox and his team exceeded my expectations, they were extremely professional and did everything in their power to make the tour run as smoothly as possible. Whenever something went wrong, such as when Tobi and I had our flight to Jomsom cancelled for two days in a row due to bad weather, Ox would pour limitless energy into resolving the problem. In the case of the Jomsom flight problem, we watched other tour groups turn sour as their prospects of getting on a flight vanished. We were lucky to have Ox, while the other groups were arguing with the airline he was quietly booking us on the next helicopter up.

Ox was also extremely good at understanding what each person in the group expected out of the tour. He had guides to go ahead with the fast riders, he made sure the slow riders were ok and encouraged them to take their time and enjoy, he always made sure the end of the day was as organized as possible and he was always up in the morning making sure the bikes were ready and the plans for the day organized. On our days off he was also busy working and his boys busy cleaning bikes.

Without Ox this trip would have been much less enjoyable, he socialized extremely well with all people in the tour, and has an extremely large Nepalese social network to draw help from when something needs to be resolved or fixed. Ox and his team were absolutely committed to making the most out of the tour, his guides and driver were also extraordinary.

In conclusion - I don't think there is another Ox, or team as strong as his, in Kathmandu.

Chris Cammidge, Leigh on Sea, England, UK

The attention to detail of the tour leader Ox was very impressive. There was a lot of thought and care put into this trip and it made it a very good one. I loved interacting with the Nepalese, cooking, dancing, ploughing, rice planting, monks prayers and tours of the temples made you feel as though you really got to know Nepal. The Himalayas were truly amazing.

A thoroughly enjoyable tour.

Joseph Lee, Toronto, Canada

Cycling the back half of the Annapurna circuit was incredible. Easily some of the most spectacular cycling I’ve ever done. And the ride from Daman down to Hetauda, with 50 kilometres of almost uninterrupted freewheeling will never be forgotten. This is an incredible tour!

Trevor Andrews, Hampshire, England, UK

A very good trip that provides a varied selection of rides that cover all the main terrains that Nepal has to offer. The eleven days of cycling provide everything from a city tour of Kathmandu to the extremes of cycling at over 3,500 metres in the arid and barren Himalayan landscape that is so visually impressive that it's hard to describe to people who haven't experienced it.

In between you explore the hills (2,500 metres at Damam) and the flat of the Terai. All of this combined with very friendly and helpful locals and fabulous food. A trip that should not be missed.

Michael Glodowski, Wisconsin, USA

Ox and his team were wonderful, removing any support concerns allowing our group to fully enjoy this wonderful country. The Nepal tour is my seventh Redspokes tour. My wife and I truly enjoy these wonderful experiences!

Victor Pulleyblank, Vancouver, Canada

Ox and his team. Sunnil, Ram. Were awesome. They made it very easy for us to enjoy ourselves. They kept us on track, well fed, informed. It was an amazing trip. Got to see remote Buddhist Temples, Rhinos, bike in the Himalayas, eat lots of Dal Bat, and bike in all types of climate. Wild. I already want to go back.

My flight time changed last second and I found out 25 minutes before departure and somehow Ox and Sunnil got me to the flight on time. We were in the middle of Kathmandu. Good work. I would highly recommend taking a trip with Ox and his team.

Linda Hoff, Malmo, Sweden

Amazing tour with lots of variation and new challenges every day. Very well planed itenerary and excellent guide and staff.

Tony Onwood, Cape Town, South Africa

The riding with 15 of the nicest people i've ever met in the most fantastic place i've ever been............ PRICELESS
well done to Ox ................ you made it happen "Ka-Chang"

Stephan Barnett, Kent, England, UK

You are going to have to train hard but it's worth it. The landscape is spectacular and our group was great fun, full of characters.

Loads of laughs and a real sense of achievement.

Jo Reaves, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

A fantastic and challenging experience. Enhanced by the like minded people on the tour and calm efficiency of Lee and Ox.

Lots of highs and a few lows but great support and oh how we laughed! A brilliant trip.

Graeme Guilford, Matmata, New Zealand

I had a wonderful trip, with a wide variation in accommodation which gave us a real feel for Nepal. Ox our guide was really excellent and coped withevery situation calmly and efficiently.

From the cities to the little villages to the amazing scenery, a trip to remember.

Paul Noonan, New Zealand

I thought the trip was very well organised, and good value for money. The food and accommodation were better than expected- we were in Nepal after all.

I thought Ox did an outstanding job- his networking and interpersonal skills were exceptional.

I like the redspokes philosophy of combining cycling and travel with assisting the local economy by spending with the locals.

Kathryn Mayne, Boulmer, Northumberland, England , UK

Enjoyed the cycle ride through Nepal in April. So much varied scenery from the green rice fields in the south to the spectacular mountain landscape further north. Also varied rides from the bustle of Kathmandu using small tracks linking local villages to those fabulous downhill switchbacks and not forgetting the more challenging off road sections in the mountains.

I felt supported throughout the tour and encouraged when my energy began to run out, probably should have eaten more dhal bhat.

Thanks for a memorable adventure.

BeeJay, Cowes, Isle of Wight, England

Great trip, very diverse and well organised. The balance between hard and easy days worked really well and I never felt tired or over stretched on any of the days..

Ox was a great people person and always had a smile on his face no matter what situation was thrown at him..

Really good guide, great team and brilliant holiday so thank you redspokes.

Ian James, Cornwall, England

Having never been on an organised tour before or even on a cycling holiday I found this trip to be very enjoyable. Quite a sociable holiday and I got to see places in Nepal which I would not have got too normally.

Ox the guide with his team were very capable and I felt they could handle any situation thrown at them. Overall a great time and I felt good value for money.

Dean Murray, San Jose, California, United States

Great opportunity to see Chitwan NP plus the west side of the famed Annupurna circuit trek from the seat of an mtn bike on very challenging terrain and dirt track. Loved the stops for tea and lunch in the villages. Ox was friendly and encouraging.

Tobi Grimminger, Zurich Switzerland

What a wonderful trip! Thanks for supporting us so much for the Thorung La attempt and organizing flights/helicopter, guide, hotels... These were the best mountains I ever did on my bike.

And Ox and the guides were such a fantastic team to explain Nepal and help in every situation (plus teaching us how to eat with hands properly). 11/10 points!

Clive Smith, Bexley, England

A great tour - varied and value for money.

Ox is a cool guy and looked after the group well - the bike was really good - far better than I expected.

The whole team were good and I would recommend them...

Dave Macfarlane, Mt. Maunganui New Zealand

Great trip all round and up to expectation for a developing country.

Thanks for the enriched experience and I look forward to the next redspokes adventure.

David Gardener & Tamasine Tasker, South East, England, UK

We both had a fantastic time on this trip. Ox & his team are great fun, and are very good at what they do. The rest of the group were a great bunch, and we'll all stay friends for a long time.
A trip full of wonderful memories with fantastic people, and a country so beautifully varied in landscape and cultures..... Not to mention the 'Nepalese Flat' ;)

David Harris, Luz-Lagos, Portugal

I can hardly imagine a better local team: Omniscient omnipotent Ox - shepherding us (mostly) Nepal neophytes through a diverse voyage of discovery. The ever grinning, ever encouraging Turek - ready for any eventuality. And Lama, always there with great snacks & water, water, water. And, check out his 'stealth' mode: filling our bike bottles without anyone noticing - amazing. 3 of the hardest working guys I have ever seen!

This tour has some of the most spectacular bicycling on the planet interwoven with a broad range of rich cultural experiences. Spent with a great group of open-minded, inquisitive and enthusiastic fellow cyclists, this became a truly life-affirming adventure.

And the Nepalese? The poverty of these people will break your heart but their nobility will lift it up again!

So many thanks redspokes.

JP CHARON, Troon, Scotland

A great journey with stunning scenery and sometimes challenging cycling over varied 'undulating' terrain. 

Our leader, Ox, dealt very well with the logistical difficulties thrown up by the late monsoon; flights were rearranged, landslides were bypassed and beer was supplied. I had been to Nepal twice before trekking in the high mountains, but this tour was no less enjoyable for it, staying away from the main tourist areas for days at a time and showing a different side to the country.

Ros Lawson, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

The Nepal cycling trip completely exceeded my expectations & it was challenging in many ways (not just the terrain, suspension bridges, rivers & hills but the toilets too!).

Our guide Lee was excellent, striking the right balance between being in charge & joining in. Nepali guide Ox was always keen to make things happen & provided great local support. Food would get a 9/10, accommodation mostly 8/10 (on a Nepali scale) although a couple of nights' accommodation could be improved upon.

The scenery was breath-taking & the locals very friendly. Not once did I feel intimidated as I have done in some other countries. I would not hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone. Go for it!

Brett Smith, London, England, UK

The Nepal tour was excellent and an extremely enjoyable 2.5 weeks. Ox was a fantastic guide; he and his team were very helpful and did everything they could for us. His knowledge of all the different areas was great and he was always willing to spend time with group and answer any questions that they had. He dealt well with the differing levels of ability in the group and also took care of food and drink stops.

James Attree, London, England, UK

Fantastic country, glorious scenery, wonderful people and amazing cycling - very hard to beat either the 45km climb or the 4 hour descent! redspokes has a brilliant itinerary that shows off this tiny but varied country to the full. Ox (our guide) and his crew were simply brilliant - nothing too big that couldn't be sorted and nothing too small that it got overlooked.

Just go - you know you want to!

Scott Chesney, Hampshire, UK

My wife (Judy) and I were really looking to do something very different with our holiday. The Nepal cycling trip was everything we were hoping for. The people were so friendly, the scenery and landscapes breath taking, the cycling tough but enormously rewarding and finally the great people we shared this experience with.

I can't speak more highly of our guide Ox and his team. Please pass our thanks onto him as he wasn't just helpful but was a real character in our group and made some of the tougher days easier to get through.

I would recommend redspokes and this trip to anybody (and have) with a sense of adventure. Thank you!

Bobby Buck, Swindon, England, UK

I had an excellent time, the variety of rides, challenges, terrain and scenery coupled with unsurpassed support and service from all the guides and supporters made for a great holiday despite problems encountered with my own bike. May have ruined biking back home in the UK as I can't see me being able to get the sense of achievement or exhilaration that was got from everyone involved.

Looking forward to giving the Tibet trip a go in the near future with Suresh hopefully as guide.

Thomas Preston, South East, England, UK

Having been on many supported trips in Asia, the situation of lodging and food is always somewhat of an adventure; but usually wonderful, and this trip was no exception. Regardless, the best or worst accommodations and/or food quality become secondary when the guide is a caring and enthusiastic person, such as Mr. Ox in Nepal. No matter the distance, weather, conditions, lodging, food, or whatever, Ox was always there to be a positive force in every aspect of our trip!

Eliza Wolfson, Bristol, UK

Fantastic riding every day, which was sometimes quite challenging, and the right amount of rest days. What really made this trip stand out and be so rewarding was the variety of landscape and terrain. Definitely more mountain biking than touring, but in the best possible way.

Nepal was not what I expected, it was dustier and busier and more full of life. Definitely worth it - just book it. Then get training!

Jesse Dudley, Pennsylvania, USA

An excellent trip with fellow travelers who became friends along the way. The mountain biking in Nepal is still inspiring me back at home. Good wishes to Ox, Milan, Sunil, and our driver who took good care of us along the waY.