A bike ride to Chitlang sounds adventurous. It has almost become a tradition, especially among youngsters to travel to this small hilly town on bikes and scooters with their friends. A bike ride from Kathmandu to Chitlang will offer you every bit of the natural beauty located between these two places.
You have the freedom to stop wherever you want and take a break or enjoy time with your friends. Plus Chitlang is not that far from the capital which makes your bike trip short and fun. But is it safe? Absolutely. Thousands of people take a bike ride to Chitlang and the roads are mostly good.
A rider has to take care of his riding skills, road conditions, weather, etc. When done right with every safety measure, it leaves you with a fun yet safe trip to Chitlang and gives better scenic views. If you do not have a bike, there are loads of bike leasing stations – more than a few for complete day and 1/2 day rentals and even more than that.
How long will it take to reach Chitlang on a bike?
Running out of places where people are not? Here is a beautiful spot respectful of the least possible human contact two dozen miles away from Kathmandu, called Chitlang.
It takes on average about 2 hours to ride from Kathmandu to Chitlang. But it all depends on various factors that we have mentioned below:
- Traffic conditions: Traffic can be a factor in slowing down your journey sometimes. That is mostly for areas in the valley before you enter Chitlang.
- Road conditions: The main road from Kathmandu to Chitlang is mostly paved and in good condition and that will give you a smooth ride. But there are also off-road with uneven surfaces and difficulties like loose gravel and potholes which can delay your travel.
- Weather: A good rider must take a weather check before travelling. A bike ride in rain or fog can be very challenging. You can imagine the condition of off-road during monsoon. That is sure to damage the roads, make them all muddy and slippery, and invite potential hazards like landslides in some areas.
- Physical Fitness: There are some uphill climbs and difficult roads to go which can be physically demanding.
- Breaks and rest stops: During the ride, you might want to have a meal, enjoy the scenery, or rest for a while. That can push back the time too.
How to have a safe and fun bike ride to Chitlang?
- Choose the right bike: There isn’t a must-have bike to travel to Chitlang but it is nice if you choose a mountain bike that is good for the terrain and the off-road parts. That said, you can get any bike or scooter of your choice. Just make sure they are in good condition and won’t trouble you during the ride.
- Gear up: A helmet during the ride is a must. Also, wear appropriate clothes according to the season and wear gloves, glasses, and other protective gear. You can also get a GoPro helmet to record the trip.
- Plan your route: Decide which route you want to go. For that, you can use a map or GPS device.
- Emergency preparedness: Bike travel can be the most dangerous so you should always prepare for the inevitable event. Always have a first aid kit and a mobile with you during an adventure in case of any unpolite surprise.
- Respect local customs: You should be careful with the customs and traditions especially when you are in contact with the locals.
What are the routes to travel from Kathmandu to Chitlang?
Mainly, two routes have been widely popular to travel from Kathmandu to Chitlang. You can either travel through the Thankot-Godam way or take a route from Pharping.
1. Thankot-Godam
The quickest way to reach is to take the Thankot-Godam way. Thankot connects Kathmandu to Chitlang. As you move away from the city, the scenery appears to be more calming and you can smell fresher air. The further you go, the better the natural views get.
The trip normally takes 2 hours but it depends on what means of transport you choose. You can also stop by and enjoy local meals or interact with the locals. Your bike ride will be very smooth and convenient.
2. Pharping
You can take your bike ride through another route from Kathmandu to Chitlang i.e. Pharping. This route can be longer but extremely scenic. On the Dakshinkali path — over flattish stretches and rolling hills sown with terraces, towards almost Scottish highland-like corners of hills bounded by steady swathe-spaces of minuscule settlements creeping into innercity margins. You should take this route if you are OK with riding a longer loop to see more of nature. The highway is maintained well. En route, you can also stop by the famous Dakshinkali Temple which is one of the most powerful temples in Nepal.
What other transportation can we take to reach Chitlang?
Luckily, there are various transportation available from Kathmandu to Chitlang. Some of them are:
1. Bus
Most people travel to Chitlang via a local bus. You can either take a bus from Kalanki Bus Park or Naya Bus Park, according to your convenience. And don’t worry if you miss a bus because you can get one in frequently. The ticket prices are also affordable meaning you won’t have to trouble your pockets to fulfill your travel needs.
2. Jeep, taxi, or private car
In case you are unwilling to travel, via bike, many alternatives exist i.e. taxi, jeep, or a private vehicle. These alternatives are more comfortable and are also generally quicker than local buses where a lot of people can fit in and make the surroundings noisy.
For small families and a small friend circle, a taxi, car, or jeep would be convenient. They can enjoy their privacy as well as enjoy quality time. Travellers can also control their schedule or take breaks, something they can not do with local buses.
While these private vehicles can be expensive in comparison to buses, the comfort and flexibility it offers is worth every penny.
3. Cable Car ride
You can spice up your journey and taking the cable car from Chandragiri and hiking down to Chitlang. No doubt but one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the place. You can enjoy this hike until you get to the picturesque town.
At the same time, you also give yourself sufficient room to talk to locals, pass temples and cultural sites, and actually travel. If you really wish to make the trip more thrilling and real, hike to Chitlang on foot.
Where should I stay in Chitlang?
You will find plenty of resorts and hotels at Chitlang; select one that fits your budget and preference. There is no problem with accommodation in the town as the amount of tourists has significantly increased this past decade. You can moderately book, lodgings, homestays, and lodges for your loved ones to have the best occasions.
You can opt to stay with locals or enjoy an eco-friendly resort. In terms of food, you can taste a traditional Newari dish, real Thakali, or your favourite continental dish.
At an altitude of 1,550 meters above sea level, Chitlang gives travellers a great view of the surrounding hills and valleys. Also, the culture, history, and people of this town are welcoming.
Conclusion
Travelling to Chitlang on a bike is a pleasant experience. It is generally faster and the views are clearer than that of a bus or a jeep. A bike ride gives you full flexibility since you can move or take a break whenever you wish. That needs to be followed with a proper knowledge of the weather and road conditions which can be a problem if taken lightly.
With good preparation, a bike ride to Chitlang is very safe and full of fun. If there is more that you want to learn about a trip to this amazing town, feel free to contact Chitlang Organic Village Resort or visit our website.
FAQs
1. Can I take a bike ride to Chitlang in monsoon?
Ans: It is possible to travel to Chitlang in the monsoon on a bike but unless it is an emergency we would not suggest that. There are two reasons for this. First, some parts of the roads are not properly developed which can be quite messy in the rain. The roads can be very slippery, creating more chances of accidents. And rains in the hilly areas often invite landslides.
Second, travelling while it is raining won’t give you a proper view of the surroundings. Most of the time, you’re snuggled up inside a raincoat so enjoying the view is almost impossible. Also, there is a chance that you might catch a fever or a cold.
2. Is there a famous food in Chitlang?
Ans: Markhu near Chitlang is very famous for its tasty fish items which it gets from its nearby, popular Indrasarobar Lake. Chitlang is also very popular for producing goat cheese, the first in the entire country, and also local plum wine. These different culinary offerings attract visitors from all over the country and the world.
3. What is the best time to travel to Chitlang by bike?
Ans: Spring, summer, and autumn are the only best seasons to enjoy a bike ride to Chitlang. Spring is the beginning of everything new. Nature shows its best colour and form in spring so you have the best view during this time.
Summers are hot in the city but since Chitlang is a hillside town, the weather remains moderate and fun. Autumn is when the air gets chilly and the leaves start turning red and brown. A break during the ride to sip a cup of tea would be something else.
