KATHMANDU: Away from all the problems and crisis for three days — what will you give for that? Some cash, time and the intent to let go — that is what it will take. All you need is to go to Hattiban Hills in Pharping as the 2015 Giant Kathmandu Mountain Bike Festival is going to be held from November 20 to 22. As per a press release issued by the organisers, The Fantastic Nepal, LifeCycle, and Everest Summit Lodges, “The main objective of the festival is to encourage the growing interest in mountain biking in Nepal and introduce the excellent trails of the Nepal’s hills and mountains to the rest of the world.”

It would be wrong to assume this fest is only for bikers as anyone who wants to relax, camp, ride, enjoy live music by Rohit John Chettri, Prajwal Parajuli, 1974 AD-The new Line Up, Belgian band FTR Collective among others, is welcome. Those who wish to stay have to book the tent or room of their convenience, and the ones interested to ride (professional, amateurs, or beginners) Down Hill need to register by November 20. For Cross Country race, the registration is open and on the spot.

“The concept is not only to race but incorporate a lot of things for everyone, even children. We will have stalls of major bike brands in the country and short mountain biking games like longest track stand, highest bunny hop, slowest rider,” elaborates Santosh Ranjitkar, one of the organisers.

Even if you want to have fun, distance can be a problem, but that is taken care of — shuttle service will be provided on November 22 at 8:00 am from Jhamshikhel and Thamel. The same shuttle will depart from the fest venue at 6:00 pm.