About this trip.
Cycling the back roads of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is one of the most photographed corners of India, and the standard coach circuit through Jaipur and the Taj Mahal can feel like queueing through a postcard. A bicycle changes the equation. Pedal Nation's ten-day tour links the headline sights — Jaipur, Bharatpur, Ranthambhore, the Taj — by stitching them together with quiet back roads that most visitors never see. The riding is rated easy: this is touring at the pace of villages waking up, not a sportive.
Days unfold through barren desert and lush oasis country, past spice markets and roadside chai stops, and through villages where daily life has changed very little in generations. Local route knowledge is used to keep clear of Rajasthan's busier highways, which can be chaotic and best avoided on two wheels. Refreshments, fruit and water are provided as you ride.
From the Aravali Hills to Jaipur
The route begins with a climb up through the Aravali Hills, the low ridge that separates desert Rajasthan from the plains. From there you cross back-country flatlands towards the holy town of Karauli, then on towards Jaipur. The Pink City sits beneath the hilltop Amber Palace, one of the more atmospheric of Rajasthan's hill forts and a fitting reward at the end of the cycling.
Bharatpur, Ranthambhore and the Taj
Two of the trip's most distinctive non-cycling stops are built into the itinerary. Ranthambhore National Park is one of the better places in India to see wild Bengal tigers — the safari is by jeep rather than bicycle, sensibly enough. Bharatpur is a different proposition again, more wetland than wilderness, dense with migrating birds. The tour closes with a visit to the Taj Mahal at Agra. Photographs do not really prepare you for it.
Bookings, accommodation and what's included
The trip runs over ten days, with departures spread across the cooler winter and early spring months: listed dates include 13 March 2026, 6 November 2026, 22 January 2027, 12 March 2027 and 5 November 2027. The price is £1,595 per person sharing, with a £295 single supplement on request. Accommodation is in standard hotels with twin en-suite rooms — comfortable rather than boutique.
Breakfast is included throughout, alongside some dinners as set out in the day-by-day itinerary. On cycling days you also get refreshments and light local snacks en route. Other meals are paid locally; budget around £40 for the trip overall, with a typical sit-down meal running INR 600 to 800, excluding drinks. Pedal Nation operates this tour with sister company High Places, who have been running activity holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan for decades; the itinerary was put together by their on-the-ground manager, Sunny Wattel.
The tour suits riders who want their first taste of India on two wheels, are comfortable with warm weather and unfussy hotels, and would rather see the country at handlebar height than from a bus window.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
