The Government of Nepal has officially announced a pilot cycling tourism project in Gandaki Province, marking a new step toward diversifying the country’s adventure tourism industry beyond trekking and mountaineering.
Introduced under the fiscal year 2083/84 budget, the initiative aims to develop dedicated cycling routes across Kaski and Tanahun districts, two of Nepal’s most scenic tourism corridors.
The project is designed to attract both domestic and international cyclists while promoting sustainable travel, local economic development, and cultural exploration.
Nepal Launches Pilot Cycling Tourism Project in Gandaki Province
Two Major Cycling Routes Planned in Gandaki Province
As part of the pilot program, the government has identified two key cycling corridors that will serve as flagship routes for the initiative.
Prince Charles Route Revitalization
One of the proposed routes includes the historic Prince Charles cycling route, a trail already known among cycling enthusiasts for its scenic landscapes, rural settlements, and cultural diversity. The route is expected to be upgraded to support organized cycling tourism with improved signage and basic infrastructure.
Vyas–Bandipur–Devghat Cycling Corridor
The second major route connects Vyas, Bandipur, and Devghat, forming a culturally rich cycling circuit through the hill regions of Tanahun.
- Bandipur offers preserved Newari architecture and panoramic Himalayan views
- Devghat is a sacred religious site at the confluence of major rivers
- Vyas region connects historical and geographical tourism points
Together, this corridor blends adventure cycling with cultural and spiritual tourism experiences.
Cycling Tourism to Diversify Nepal’s Adventure Industry
The cycling tourism in Nepal Gandaki Province initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand Nepal’s tourism portfolio. While Nepal is globally famous for trekking routes such as Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, officials are now focusing on alternative adventure products.
Cycling tourism is growing rapidly worldwide as travelers seek eco-friendly, slow-paced, and immersive travel experiences. Nepal’s diverse terrain, especially in Gandaki Province, offers ideal conditions for this emerging tourism segment.
Economic Opportunities for Local Communities
The project is expected to create significant economic benefits for rural communities along the cycling routes.
Local residents may gain new income opportunities through:
- Homestay and lodge services
- Bicycle rental and repair shops
- Local guiding services
- Food and hospitality businesses
- Cultural tourism experiences
By integrating communities into the tourism value chain, the initiative aims to ensure that tourism revenue is distributed more evenly across rural areas.
Gandaki Province Positioned as a Cycling Hub
With its proximity to Pokhara, a major tourism gateway, Gandaki Province is well-positioned to become Nepal’s first structured cycling tourism hub. Experts believe the region’s combination of hills, cultural towns, river valleys, and Himalayan views makes it ideal for both beginner and advanced cyclists.
The government also expects the project to complement existing adventure tourism activities such as paragliding, trekking, and rafting in the region. The launch of the cycling tourism in Nepal Gandaki Province pilot project marks an important milestone in Nepal’s tourism development strategy. By developing the Prince Charles Route and the Vyas–Bandipur–Devghat corridor, Nepal is expanding its adventure tourism offerings while promoting sustainable travel and local economic growth.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could position Nepal as a rising destination for global cycling tourism in the coming years.
