MTB in the Himalayas
Uttarakhand's diverse terrain — from the foothills of Shivalik to the high Himalayan passes — offers incredible mountain biking opportunities. Unlike the flat trails of plains, Uttarakhand MTB involves technical descents, river crossings, forest singletrack and high-altitude jeep tracks.
Top MTB Trails in Uttarakhand
1. Lansdowne Circuit – Garhwal Hills (Intermediate)
Lansdowne in Pauri Garhwal is one of Uttarakhand's most accessible MTB destinations. The 25–40 km loop through Tarkeshwar Mahadev forest and Bhim Pakoda offers beautiful forest singletrack with manageable elevation changes. Best from October to June.
2. Chakrata – Jaunsar Bawar (Advanced)
The Chakrata region offers technical riding through dense deodar forests and open ridgelines with views of the Yamuna valley. The Tiger Falls descent trail and Kanasar forest routes are favourites among experienced riders. Best from April to June and September to November.
3. Almora–Binsar–Munsiyari (Multi-day, Expert)
A multi-day expedition through the Kumaon hills — starting from Almora (1,638m), through Binsar wildlife sanctuary (2,420m), up to Munsiyari (2,200m). This 3–5 day route combines forest tracks, village roads and open mountain terrain with the Panchachuli peaks as the constant backdrop.
4. Pithoragarh Valley Trails
The Pithoragarh-Munsiyari highway and the Dharchula valley offer spectacular riding near the Nepal and Tibet borders. The Kalika-Chaukori-Berinag trail (80 km, 2 days) is one of Kumaon's finest long-distance MTB routes.
5. Mussoorie–Dhanaulti Loop
A popular 2-day loop connecting Mussoorie (2,005m) with Dhanaulti (2,286m) through Surkhanda Devi and apple orchards. Accessible to intermediate riders with well-maintained jeep tracks and forest paths.
MTB Season in Uttarakhand
- April–June: Best season — dry trails, blooming forests, manageable temperatures
- September–November: Post-monsoon, clear skies, crisp air, peak visibility of Himalayas
- December–February: Snow may block high-altitude routes; lower foothills accessible
- July–August: Avoid — heavy rain makes trails slippery and landslide-prone
Bike Rental & Guided Tours
| Service | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| MTB Rental (full suspension) | Rishikesh, Mussoorie | ₹800–₹1,500/day |
| Guided Day Tour | Lansdowne, Chakrata | ₹2,500–₹4,000/person |
| Multi-day Expedition | Kumaon Hills | ₹8,000–₹20,000/person |
| Shuttle + Bike Service | Mussoorie-Dhanaulti | ₹3,500–₹5,000 |
What to Pack for MTB
- Full-face helmet and knee/elbow pads for technical descents
- Hydration pack (minimum 2L water) — streams may not always be safe
- Basic tool kit: multi-tool, spare tube, tyre levers, pump
- Windproof jacket — mountain weather changes rapidly
- First aid kit and emergency contacts
- GPS or downloaded offline maps for remote trails