CATEGORIES

Self-guided

These are easy-going trips where there is no group or leader, so you are free to spend as much time as you like cycling, admiring the view or relaxing. You simply follow the route notes provided, adding your own detours as you wish. Luggage is transported for you each day, and you can travel by yourself, with just one or two friends, or with your children.

Road

Itineraries are based at least 90% on tarmac, which may be in perfect condition or potholed and broken. There may be occasional short sections on unsurfaced routes to visit a particular point of interest or to avoid having to transfer in the support vehicle.

Cross Country

These trips follow mainly vehicle-width dirt roads, which may be smooth, gritty, stony, rocky, rutted, loose or hard-packed. The tracks will rise and fall over undulating, hilly and mountainous terrain, but single-track riding will not be included in the main itinerary (optional bits are often possible). Some experience of off-road riding is advisable before booking, but the amount recommended will vary from trip to trip.

Mountain Biking

For those who know what they're doing on single-track. You don't have to be an expert, though, and these are often good trips if you want to develop your skills. Fast, technical, narrow trails make up a large amount of the itinerary, though there will also be plenty of vehicle-width stuff as well, and some short tarmac linking sections. There is usually much less vehicle support than on the cross-country rides.

GRADES

Factors affecting grading include: degree of up/down, difficulty of the surfaces to be ridden, amount of bike handling skill required, distances covered and other factors such as heat, altitude or remoteness. All our trips require basic fitness, preferably acquired through riding your bike and please remember that any cycling involves some physical exertion, so you cannot expect that you will not feel tired on an 'easy' trip.
NB: Conditions for a particular holiday may vary from one month to the next. The main benefit of grading is to provide an overall indicator to compare one trip against another.

A. Easy - Suitable for anyone who can ride a bike and can manage a bit of exercise. No routes are 100% flat, so expect some climbs and descents.

B. Moderate - Ideal for occasional cyclists and above, or a relaxing trip for better riders. Reasonable fitness required such as cycling, hard walking or similar once or twice a week.

C. Strenuous - Suitable for fit & confident riders. Fitness is more important than ethnical ability for trips of this level, and some specific training or preparation is recommended, e.g. running, cycling, swimming or aerobics two to three times a week (preferably cycling!)

D. Tough - Long cycling days and tougher terrain (for both on- and off-road trips) requiring specific experience of more demanding and technical cycling. Vehicle support may be more limited. You should be very confident of your physical condition and bike handling skills.

E. Very Tough - Experienced, fit cyclists and above who are happy to undertake a more expedition-style tour. Off-road experience is essential, including riding on rough, steep surfaces and single-track. Itineraries will include long cycling days in hot conditions with basic facilities; altitude may also contribute to this grade. High level of fitness required, achieved through regular aerobic training.

NEPAL TOURS GRADING