Annapurna Circuit Mountain Bike Tour

13 Days
  • Strenuous
  • Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu
  • Annapurna Manang, Mustang
  • Adventure/Active
  • 12+
  • Private and Group
  • Fully Guided
  • Instant Booking
  • 5416m
  • March-May and Sep-Nov

Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Biking Holidays is an alternative adventure option for those who want to explore the Annapurna region in a unique way. The tour involves cycling through the rugged mountain roads, reaching the Manang valley, crossing the Thorong
La Pass at an altitude of 5545 meters, and riding through the mystical Kaligandaki valley. The tour also includes a visit to the Muktinath Temple and Jomsom town and a ride through the world’s deepest gorge, making it an ultimate experience for mountain biking enthusiasts.

This biking tour is another option for travelers who want to witness the incredible highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trail, but in a different way. Although a small number of visitors have ridden the entire route by mountain bike, this pedaling adventure around Annapurna is an extreme riding challenge that requires sound physical fitness and a
hunger to sustain the toughest geographical conditions.

The biking route of the Annapurna circuit trail offers a variety of landscapes and Himalayan panoramas, including Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Manaslu, and Mt. Dhaulagiri, as well as the Himalayan territory just above Upper Mustang. During the Annapurna bike tour, you will be able to ride over the 5416m high Thorong La Pass, visit authentic Buddhist villages, sacred Monasteries, and Temples. The biking trip will also give you the opportunity to explore the high plan lifestyle with a view of Annapurna 1, 2, 3, and 4, the world’s deepest gorge, and part of the kingdom of Mustang, the rain shadow area of Nepal.

The tour is truly a strenuous activity, but the top-notch biking gears and expert guides will make the two-wheeler adventure around Annapurna more wonderful. Throughout the biking tour, you will have nature, culture, and adventure as the highlights.

Best Seasons
The optimal period for cycling on the Annapurna Circuit trail is from mid-March to the end of May, as well as from September to the end of November.

Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Mountain Bike Tour

  • Pass by the yak pastures
  • Natural hot springs at Tatopani where you can choose to take a dip
  • Jomsom - the headquarter of Mustang
  • A day at tourist hub Pokhara
  • Spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West, and Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
  • Visit the beautiful Manang district
  • Magnificent lakes, glaciers, deep gorges, and stunning waterfalls
  • Visit Muktinath (a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists) known for 108 stone faucets, and eternal flame
  • Cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters
  • Visit Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in the Manang district

Itinerary

Altitude: 1,350m/4,428ft.

Upon arriving in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, we will welcome you with warm greetings. Therefore, you will be transferred to the hotel. We will have a briefing session in the evening and preparation for the tour followed by a good rest.

A jeep drive starts from Kathmandu. On the way stop for lunch and take in the mountains that are following you on the other side of the river! The journey is an interesting one as it travels along a winding road above the Trishuli River flowing far below. Overnight in Besishahar.

After having a morning meal, you will depart from Besi Sahar and soon start riding on dirt trails with several small stream crossings. The first 5km of the ride is relatively level, but then the path begins to ascend and continues to climb for the rest of the 30km journey to Taal, a place located near the Marshyangdi river.

The ride from Chame to Timang Guest House is a 35km journey where the first two hours are a challenging uphill climb to the Timang village, offering stunning views of mountains and snowy peaks. After that, the trail becomes easier and continues through Koto Village and Annapurna pine forest to reach Chame, a large village with guest houses for visitors.

As you gain altitude, the riding distances become shorter but the terrain becomes more difficult. The path goes through pine forests and up an open valley towards Manang. The weather can greatly affect the conditions of the trail, with the possibility of mud and even snow. However, it could also be a smooth and fast-paced ride. Keep in mind that the Himalayas are known for their unpredictable weather, and conditions can change quickly.

On the sixth day, the itinerary includes a break in the town of Manang for acclimatization and rest. This is crucial for adjusting to the high altitude and for giving participants a break from cycling. While in Manang, there are a variety of scenic and engaging hikes available, as well as the option for shorter bike rides for those who are feeling up to it. Additionally, the town offers a selection of delightful bakeries, coffee shops, and local dining options for visitors to enjoy during their downtime.

Today's stage is relatively short in terms of distance, clocking in at just 17km. However, riders should expect the journey to take longer than usual due to the challenging altitude. The finish line sits at an elevation of 4450m, making it one of the highest points in the race. Along with the altitude, riders may also encounter snow and freezing temperatures. Despite the difficulties, the views during the stage are truly breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks visible in every direction

Riders must begin the stage at Thorong Phedi early in the day to avoid high winds that can arise later. The stage includes a 5km hike-a-bike through snow and freezing temperatures to the highest point of the trip, Thorong La, which stands at an elevation of 5416m. This 5km journey can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, but the feeling of accomplishment at the top is well worth the effort. If luck is on their side, riders will be able to enjoy a clear descent from the summit, down to 3800m over 9km, which leads to the warm destination of Muktinath, known for its temple of the eternal flame.

Today's stage starts with a brief ride on the road before heading into the renowned Lubra Valley trails, known for their grippy and flowing singletrack. Riders will then follow the Kaligandaki river, passing through the town of Jomsom. The stage concludes with a 7km descent on a main jeep track to Marpha, a charming village paved with cobblestones and famous for its delicious apples.

The trail from Marpha leads mostly downhill to Tatopani. The route starts out gently and flat, passing through pine forests and small villages as riders follow the river. On clear days, the views of the snowcapped peaks are stunning. The stage will stop for lunch at the flowing waterfalls of Rukse Chaahara. After lunch, riders will diverge from the main jeep track to ride around pine forests and the beautiful Titi Lake, before the final 20km descent from Kalopani to Tatopani, which is a rapid and thrilling ride. Tatopani is a charming village paved with cobblestones, famous for its hot springs, where riders can relax and soak their tired muscles.

Today marks the final stage of the trip. With the majority of the challenging riding behind you, the stage will be a more leisurely ride to the end of the trails. The lower altitude will make the riding feel easier, and the trail will have gentle undulations throughout the way to Maldhunga. The first 21km to Beni will be on a jeep track and then our team will pack everything on the jeep and transfer you to Pokhara by jeep.

Early in the morning, we will drive back to Kathmandu. After that, we will transfer to our hotel in Kathmandu. At hotel, you can just relax or go for last minute shopping. Overnight in hotel.

Lastly, Enjoy your last moment in Kathmandu with a stroll or souvenir shopping. Therefore, Marking the end of your trek, we will drive you to the Tribhuvan International Airport at the scheduled time for your flight home. or if you have extra days for other activities you can reach us.

Includes/Excludes

Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop by car/van/bus
  • Biking guide, bike and helmet
  • Entry permit
  • Meals during tour (breakfast/lunch/dinner)
  • All accommodation during the tour.
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit)

Excludes

  • Any food, deserts and accommodation during your stay in Kathmandu.
  • Travel medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost.
  • Nepal entry visa fee and International air fare.
  • Personal biking equipment.
  • Support, trsnsport and clothing
  • Tips for guide (Tipping is expected)
  • Personal expenses such as: Alcoholic beverages, hot shower, water bottle,
  • cold drinks, hot water, battery charge and donation. etc.

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Annapurna Circuit Mountain Bike Tour
From $1,650
/ Adult
  • Professional Local Guides
  • Customised Trip