Overview

Region :- Uttarakhand 
Duration :- 7 Days 
Grade :- Moderate To Difficult 
Max Altitude :- 7,382 Ft. 
Approx MTB Km :- 294 Kms. 

“May your trails be crooked, winding, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds” – Edward Abbey

Get on the wheels: Mountain biking in the Himalayas 

Mountain biking as an adventure sport has gained tremendous popularity in India owing to the scenic and rugged landscape of Indian Himalayan regions that provide ample opportunities to ardent bikers to satisfy their adrenaline desire. India boasts of having one of the most amazing mountainous terrains in the world. India is full of rough and craggy terrains, steep ascents and narrow single tracks, the mountain biking trails in India are exciting and challenging to get the adrenaline rushing down through the bodies of mountain bikers.

Why mountain biking? 

Mountain biking in India is not only about satisfying your hunger for challenges but it is also about enjoying the beauty of nature that India has to offer. As you get on with a mountain biking expedition with Trek the Himalayas, be prepared to be awed by the mesmerizing beauty of Snow caped Himalayan peaks, lush green meadows, relaxing rides around mountain lakes, vigorously gushing waterfalls, crystal clear rivers, sparkling streams and aw-inspiring flora and fauna. The trails are designed to take you through alpine villages and thick forests, giving you an insight into the culture and lifestyle of the local people living in that region of India. A moderate level of fitness and a desire to seek out the back roads of rural India is all that you need. To view our recommended fitness training regime, click here >> 

Be ready to experience the majestic Uttarakhand you might otherwise miss. Go Mountain-Biking with us to let the level of adrenaline rush pump up as you live your ultimate dream of paddling through India’s most incredible trails. Trek the Himalayas Mountain Biking Expeditions are for explorers with a keen sense of adventure and a desire to explore the real world far from the confines of city life. 

Mountain biking is an exciting challenge to outdoor adventurers. We will take you on a 7 days road trip loaded with adventure, exploration and challenges which is guaranteed to give you a sense of achievement and an urge to go for more!

About the trail: Nainital Corbett MTB 

The route is specially mapped through the most scenic views and challenging trails of Uttarakhand. Through the level is moderate-challenging, the trail offers ample opportunities to test your endurance levels and will power. Gaining an altitude of maximum 7382 feet, you will cover approx 335kms in 7 days. Starting at the beautiful city of Nainital it moves on to Jageshwar through the Binsar Sanctuary culminating at Jim Corbett National Park. It is just not possible to explain the beauty of the expedition in words! One has to do it to feel it.

The trail is one of the most demanding ones getting you closer to extreme challenges and of course, the rewards of picturesque views of the mighty Himalayas. You will also encounter a number of road riding experiences that will keep you wanting for more. The trail combines ever changing panoramas of Himalayas on rough terrain and challenging weather conditions. The extremes of the cycle ride trail intensify the aesthetics of landscape, the vibrant culture and beliefs of local communities.

TTH’s nainital Corbett MTB is rich in experiences and will give you a great insight into the awe inspiring terrain and views, all from the unique vantage point of a bicycle.

Brief Itinerary

Day 01 - Kathgodam to Pangot

Altitude: 6375 ft.
41 kms drive, approx 2 hours
Pick-up from railway station and drive to pangot campsite through Nainital city
Meet the biking leader and support staff
Orientation, briefing and fix up the bikes, small hike around the forest
Accommodation at a wooden cottage
No ATMs; Only Vodafone and Idea network
Forests of Oak, Rhododendron, Maple, Deodar
Over 580 bird species have been recorded in the area
Animals spotted: Leopards, yellow-throated Himalayan martens, Himalayan palm civets, ghorals, barking deer and sambhar.
Temperature: In summer (March July) 25 °C in the day to 12 °C at night
In winter (December– February) 18 °C in day to 8 °C at night

Day 02 - Warm Up Day

Pangot(6375 ft.) to Kwarab(3575ft.) 
Distance: 69 kms, approx time 5 hours 
Uphill and downhill route, reach campsite before lunch
Pangot- Nainital: Gradual ascent at first stretch of 8.3 Kms till Himalayan Viewpoint (7382 ft) and then 7 kms steep descent to Nainital mall road
Nainital – Bhawali: Gradual descent of 11.8 kms
Bhawali- Kwarab: Steep, gradual ascent with flat rides, approx 41 Kms
Overnight camping at Bank of Kosi River

Day 03- Strenuous Day

Kwarab (3575 ft.) to Jageshwar( 6037 ft.) 
Distance: 50 Kms (8 hours)
Mostly uphill ride, reach campsite by late afternoon, packed lunch on the way
Kwarab - Almora Bypass: Steep & gradual ascent of 10 kms
Almora Bypass – Zoo: Gradual ascent of 9.3 kms
Zoo- Chitai Temple(The temple of bells): Gradual ascent of 3 
Chitai temple– Petshal: Steep descent of 7 Kms
Petshal – Barechhina: A mix of steep and gradual ascent for 4.4 Kms
Barechhina – Aartola: Steep ascent till Panwanaula town, then descent till Aartola for 13 Kms
Aartola – Jageshwar: Gradual descent for 3 kms
Rides through mostly pine & oak forests
Overnight at Deodar Dense forest before Jageshwar temple
Evening: Sightseeing walk to Jageshwar temple. The temple city comprises a cluster of 124 large and small stone temples, dating back to 9th to 13th century AD

Day 04- Off-road Day

Jageshwar(6037 ft.) to Binsar (6800 ft.) 
Distance: 35 kms, off-road biking through forest road (4.5 hours)
Note: Since the route is off-road, from Artola to Dhaulchhina no backup vehicle will be available.
Jageshwar – Aartola: 3 Kms uphill ride; on road
Aartola – Dhaulchhina: Off road, gradual descent of 11 kms
Dhaulchhina – Gairar Golu Temple: Off road ride in forest area; gradual ascent and flat ride for 15.7 kms
Gairar Golu Temple – Binsar Campsite: Gradual descent of 5 kms
Overnight Camping

Day 05- Scenic Day

Binsar(6800 ft.) to Sauni Binsar(5600 ft.) 
Distance: 66 kms (6 hours)
Binsar – Kosi: Mostly steep & gradual descent of 15kms
Kosi –Ranikhet: Mostly gradual & steep ascent of 32Kms
Ranikhet – Sauni Binsar: Mostly descent till Tarikhet village & approx. 3 kms gradual ascent to campsite
Overnight stay in a camp

Day 06- Corbett day

Sauni Binsar (5600 ft.) to Jim Corbett National Park (1180 ft.) 
Ride into the Corbett forest
Distance: 74 kms, mostly down hill (5.5 hours)
Sauni Binsar – Bhatrojkhan Top: Gradual ascent & descent of 9 kms
Bhatrojkhan Top – Mohan: Mostly gradual & steep descend 36 kms
Mohan – Corbett: Mostly flat ride of 29 Kms
Debriefing and certificate distribution
Overnight stay in Jungle Resort/Camp

Day 07 – Depart from Jim Corbett National Park

Check out after breakfast
You may take train or bus from Ramnagar (15 mins drive) or Kathgodam Railway Station or Haldwani Bus stop (1.5 hours drive) 
Drop can be arranged till Ramnagar/Kathgodam railway station at extra cost

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Kathgodam to Pangot
Altitude: 6375 ft.
Distance: 41 kms, 2 hours approx.
Temperature: In summer (March July) 25 °C in the day to 12 °C at night
In winter (December– February) 18 °C in day to 8 °C at night

On arrival at Kathgodam Railway Station at 05:30 am , you will be received by our team and driven to Pangot. We will drive through the scenic city of lakes – Nainital. The vicinity of the route is lined by forests of Oak, Rhododendron, Maple, Deodar and many more Himalayan trees. If you are interested in bird watching, you can spot over 580 species of birds. These forests are known to be home to animals like leopards, yellow-throated Himalayan martens, Himalayan palm civets, ghorals, barking deer and sambhar.
After checking-in the comfortable cottages at Pangot, a casual session of introduction and briefing will follow. You can talk to the biking leader and other support staff and get all your queries answered. Next, you can fix up you bikes and get ready for an exciting 7-day adventure. Our guides will also guide you through a small hike around the forest for a glimpse of the upcoming adventure.
Once you’re back at the cottage, you can retire in your rooms after a supple dinner for an exciting next day.
Please note: No ATMs are available in the camping area; Only Vodafone and Idea network have signal strengths here.

Day 02: Pangot to Kwarab - Warm up day
Altitude: 3575 ft.
Distance: 69 kms, 5 hours approx.

The day begins at with a spread of breakfast. Be ready in your cycling gear and your cycle to leave Pangot. The day is a warm-up day with gradual descents through the trail till Kwarab.
Start your cycling for the day with approx 8.3kms stretch towards Nainital to reach Himalayan Viewpoint (7382 ft). You can enjoy spectacular views of the snow laden Himalayas at this point. Our guides can help you identify some of the peaks of the Himalayas.
Moving on, you will experience steep descent of approx. 7kms till you reach Nainital Mall Road – a road famous for tourists visiting Nainital. After a small break at the mall road, if needed, we continue our ride towards Bhowali through a descending route for almost 12kms. Famous for its fruit orchards, Bhowali offers you scenic vistas and unobstructed views of the Himalayan ranges.
Next comes the longest cycling stretch of the day from Bhowali to Kwarab. But it is fairly easy with steep and gradual descents with flat rides for you to enjoy the views, totaling up to 41kms.
At Kwarab, take rest in the serene campsite on the banks of Kosi River and recharge your body for a challenging day ahead.

Day 03 : Kwarab to Jageshwar - Strenuous Day
Altitude: 6037 ft.
Distance: 50 Kms, 8 hours approx.

After our overnight stay at Kosi river, wake up refreshed and start your day after a healthy breakfast. Before you leave, ensure that you carry your packed lunch for the day, as we will reach the next campsite by late afternoon.
Today, is a challenging day with mostly uphill rides.
We start cycling via the Kwarab - Almora Bypass which is steep and gradual ascent of 9.3kms to reach the Almora zoo. The trail passes through green vistas of farms and villages. Next, the small stretch of 3kms from the zoo takes you to the famous Chitai Temple or the Bell Temple – a shrine of Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be built in 12th century and is renowned for its collection of brass bells of varied sizes, gifted to the Lord by devotees since its inception.
Moving on, a steep descent of approx. 7 kms proves to be a break for you and leads you to a small village Petshal. From Petshal we ride to Barechhina famous for the two pre-historic painted rock shelters. These caves have paintings of animals and humans painted with fingers in black, red and white colours and engravings of trishul and Swastika. The ride from Petshal – Barechhina is a mix of steep and gradual ascent for 4.4 Kms. The trail now takes you to Panwanaula town through a steep ascent and rewards you with a descent till you reach Aartola. To end the day, we enjoy a gradual descent from Aartola to our campsite at Jageshwar for approx. 3 kms.
At the campsite, you can relax and share your challenges with your team mates. Once reenergized, you can take a guided walk to the famous Jageshwar Temple – one of the 12 Jyotirlings India. The temple city comprises a cluster of 124 large and small stone temples, dating 9th to 13th century AD, with many preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Retire for the night at Deodar Dense forest in tents.

Day 04: Jageshwar to Binsar - Off-road Day
Altitude: 6800ft.
Distance: 35 kms, 4.5 hours, off-road biking

Note: Since the route is off-road, from Artola to Dhaulchhina no backup vehicle will be available.
Get ready for the much awaited day for the 7 day cycling trip. Today, you will experience an off-road biking adventure through the deep forests. Our guides will brief you beforehand to make your journey more enjoyable. To start, we cycle from Jageshwar to Aartola – a 3 km uphill ride on the road.
We move to off roads at Aartola till Dhaulchhina, a gradual descent of approx. 11 kms through forests. From Dhaulchhina we ride to Gairar Golu Temple through a gradually ascending trail and flat ride for 15.7 kms. Our campsite for the night at Binsar is just 5 kms from the temple and is an easy descent.
At Binsar, stay in tents and share your experiences of the off-road cycling trips.

Day 05: Binsar to Sauni Binsar Scenic Day
Altitude: 5600ft.
Distance: 66 kms (6 hours)

This is one of the most scenic days of your cycling trip. We start at the beautiful vistas of Binsar and descend till Kosi via a steep and gradual descent of 15 kms. The next stretch of over 32 kms leading us to Ranikhet will be a bit challenging with mostly gradual and steep ascent. From Ranikhet it is an easy descent till Tarikhet Village from where you are just 3 kms away from the campsite at Sauni Binsar.

Day 06 : Sauni Binsar to Jim Corbett National Park - Corbett day
Altitude 1180 ft.
Distance: 74 kms, mostly downhill (5.5 hours)

Today is the last riding day of our expedition. And we have kept the best for the last – a ride through Jim Corbett National Park – a site established to protect the endangered Bengal Tiger.
We start from Sauni Binsar to reach Bhatrojkhan Top via a gradually ascending and descending trail of approx 9kms. Moving on, we ride to Mohan which is mostly a descent of 36 kms. And you can enjoy a flat ride of 29 kms in the lush green forests till you reach the campsite at Corbett.
In the evening, a debriefing session will end with a certificate distribution. You can share your feedback and experience of the ride. You can retire for the night at a jungle resort.

Day 07 : Depart from Jim Corbett National Park

We check out of the resort after breakfast. You may take a train or bus from Ramnagar (15 mins drive) or Kathgodam Railway Station or Haldwani Bus stop (1.5 hours drive). Drop can be arranged at extra cost and prior intimation.

Note Cycle Renting:

We highly recommend you bring your own bicycle (Hybrid/MTS). The expedition fee does not include the bicycle charges. Don’t worry!! If you do not intend to carry your own bicycle you can inform us 20 days prior to the commencement of the trip. We can arrange bike hire for you at a very cost effective rate of Rs 5,000/- (entire trip).

How to Reach

The Kathgodam station is one of the main stations in the district and it is an old station. It has good connectivity to many places and these include Lucknow, Delhi, and Howrah. Tickets from Delhi to Kathgodam by train cost around Rs. 150 for a second class sleeper ticket and Rs. 400 for a third A/C sleeper ticket. It is essential to book the tickets at least one month in advance as this route is always in demand.

By Train :- 
From Delhi take the Ranikhet Express (5014) Dep. Delhi at 10:40pm arrival Kathgodam at 5:30am (Overnight Journey) or the Uttar sampark kranti (5035) Dep. Delhi at 4:00pm arrival Kathgodam at 10:40pm (6 hrs.40min.Journey)

From Dehardun take the Doon Express (4120) Dep. Dehardun at 10:30 pm arrival Kathgodam at 7:10 pm (8hrs.journey)

By Bus :- 
Regular buses ply from ISBT Delhi Anand Vihar station to Kathgodam. Buses that go to Nainital stops at Haldwani which is a twin town of Kathgodham (8 hrs. Journey).

Cost Terms

Inclusions :- 
1. Accommodation. (Guest house, Camping) 
2. Meals while on trip (Veg.+ Egg) 
3. Trip equipments (Sleeping bag, mattress, Kitchen & dinning tent, utensils, tent) 
4. All necessary permits and entry fees. 
5. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder. 
6. Mountaineering qualified & professional trip Leader, guide and Support staff. 
7. Services from Kathgodam to Corbett Resort. 
8. Cycle mechanic and repairing Kit. 
9. Backup vehicle 
10. TTH Staff insurance.

Exclusions :- 
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Cycle accessories
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.

Cycle Renting 
The expedition fee does not include the bicycle charges. We highly recommend that you bring your own bicycle (Hybrid or MTB). In case you do not wish to bring your own bicycle, you may rent it from us, at Rs. 5,000 /- for entire trip. Note: If you wish to rent the bicycle, you have to inform us 20 days in advance before the departure date.

Paying the Trip/ Adventure activity fee: 
The fee can be paid by online transfer/check deposit/ demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.

When to book: 
It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organising your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking)

In the event of cancellation of trip/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: -

Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trip

Book any other trip till one year or get 95% refund
(Note: If the trip charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)

Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trip
Choose to go for the same trip, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund

Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trip
Choose to go on the same trip, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.

Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trip
Transfer your trip (same trip, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.

Cycling Essential

Fitness

Fitness regime for:

• Easy Level MTB:  View | Print | Download
• Moderate Level MTB:  View | Print | Download
• Difficult Level MTB: View | Print | Download
• Exercise-For-Mountaineering:  View | Print | Download

Calculate Your BMI 

If your BMI is normal, you can plan your fitness regime as mentioned. If your BMI is not normal, consult your trusted physician before you plan your fitness regime.
If you're suffering from any chronic illnesses consult a medical practitioner.

Map

FAQ

Risk & Respond

High Altitude Treks: Risk and Response A high altitude Cycling calls for an adventurous attitude, but embarking on an adventurous trip without calculating the risks is utter stupidity. That’s why we have listed a few risks and the response planned by TTH to minimise or address the risks in the best possible way.

Risk: Altitude Before you start the trip, it is important to understand the implications of high altitude on your body. Be aware of symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) like mild headache, nausea and general discomfort.

Response: If you feel any of these symptoms, inform the trip leader on priority and follow his instructions. Every campsite has as stretcher, fully equipped first aid kit, oxygen cylinders to address the situation.

Risk: Weather Weather is unpredictable in the Himalayas. Though we are always observant about the changing weather, no one can guarantee a snowfall, rain or Sun. Do understand that your security is of utmost importance to us and we will not proceed any further from the campsite if the weather is not favourable.

Response: The decision of the Trip Leaders and Guides to proceed or wait for the weather to get better will be final.

Risk: Injuries Often, while cycling over difficult terrains, you might have minor injuries like leg sprain, bruises etc. Serious injuries like fractures or major cuts are very rare.

Response: All our Trip Leaders are Certified Wilderness First Aid responders. They are trained to handle emergencies and can tackle minor injuries with a well-equipped first aid kit. In case of serious injuries, the patient is carried on a stretcher to the nearest road-head and is led to nearest medical centre.

Risk: Lack of communication devices In the remote areas of the Himalayas, mobile networks do not reach. On a trip, one is cut off from the world of calls, SMSs or watsapps.

Response: We rely on walkie-talkies and runners to communicate between the campsites and the base camps.