Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking - 14 Days

Welcome to Nepal. You may be filled with excitement and anticipation for your Himalayan adventure as you arrive in the vibrant capital, Kathmandu. When you are trying to leave the airport area, you may encounter honking taxis, glimpses of temples, hustle and bustle of traffic, all welcoming you for your adventure. Don’t worry. You don't have to wander around, as our friendly representative will be welcoming you and transporting you to the hotel at the tourist hub, Thamel. 

You can check into your hotel rooms and rest for some time to cope with your jet lag. Then, you can have a first impression of Nepal by strolling around Thamel. There are many cafes where you can chill and rest for the day. Otherwise, you can visit the trekking shops and buy essential gear and equipment. 

During the evening, you will be called for a group trip briefing. Our representative will explain the route, terrain, and safety protocols. Moreover, they will answer your question that you are curious about. You don't have to stress on the first day since it's all about adjusting, preparing, and low-key exploration before you start the journey. So have a good and sound sleep. 

Dinner Included

Today you will be taking an on-road drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar. After breakfast, you will hop on and drive towards the west, approaching the Annapurna region. You will pass by lush forests, charming villages, and meandering streams before you start witnessing glimpses of snow-clad peaks. As you gradually gain altitude, you can breathe in more fresh air and enjoy the scenic ride. 

After long hours of land journey, you will arrive at Besisahar in the afternoon. This lively riverside, lying between the steep hills, will give you a first taste of the Himalayan life. Since you have to be ready for tomorrow's big day, you can rest at the lodge and replenish your energy. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included

Today, you will finally hit the trail of your Annapurna Circuit Biking trip. After having breakfast, you must be pumped up to pedal into the heart of the Annapurna Himalayas. During the first phase of the ride, you’ll saddle up and begin pedaling along the rugged jeep track, accompanied by the Marsyangdi River. The fresh air of the morning raises your anticipation, and the biking trail boosts such excitement with the first dose of the adventure. 

The biking trail will never be the same and even. Up in the Himalayas, you will come across the smooth and fast rolling section, accompanied by rocky and technical climbs in no time. To overcome such rocky terrain, you should get off the bike and walk for a short distance. Now, the landscape shifts towards the cascading waterfall tumbling down from the high cliffs. As you ride, cool droplets from the waterfall splash onto you, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized. 

With the trail winding deep into the mountains, you will find yourself biking between the forested trail towered by big trees with no seeping of sunlight. During the last leg of the day, you will hear the gurgling of the rivers, marking an elevation gain of 900 m before you finally reach the picturesque village of Tal. 

The lake is called Tal in Nepali. This beautiful village feels like a hidden sanctuary carved out of the mountains. The effort for today’s ride was real, but the views more than make up for it. Now, you will rest at a local house, ending your day with a hearty meal and excitement for tomorrow. 

Distance: 37km

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included

Today, you will gain about 1000 m in elevation, but worry not. The ride will be quite stable as you will ascend the forested trail filled with pine trees. Sometimes you will have to cross the wooden bridges and waterfalls. As you approach the highlands near Chame, you will be welcomed by prayer wheels and chortens.

Amidst the joy of riding, you will find yourself waving back to the local children, who increase your confidence with this small yet heartwarming wave. Now, you will reach the district hub of Chame, Manang. The stunning view of Lamjung Himal looming in front of you will undoubtedly remove the exhaustion of today’s ride.  

Distance: 22 km

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included

Moving from Chame, you will pass by the quaint villages of Pisang and Humde. You will definitely stop by these villages to catch a quick glimpse of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and other towering peaks. Today, you will notice the contrasting difference in the terrain. The lush, tall pine forest slowly starts to disappear, and you will find yourself between the open alpine meadows. This shows that you are above the tree line. 

As you reach Manang, you will witness the Tibetan culture through the decorated prayer walls and flat-roofed stone houses. Manang will be the last stop for today, and even the crucial acclimatization stop before tackling the higher passes ahead. 

Distance: 30 km

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included

Now that you have come above 3500 m, you should let your body properly acclimate to the thin air of the high altitude. So, today you will spend most of the time acclimatizing. You can go on short hikes to explore the side highlights like Gangapurna Lake, a viewpoint, and even a 500-year-old monastery above town. 

In teahouses, you can find many trekkers and bikers, enjoying their rest day. This is also a perfect stop to create new friendships over a cup of tea. Exploring the side highlights surrounded by a panorama of mountains, you will spend your acclimatization days in Manang.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included

Today will be a comparatively shorter day on your Annapurna Circuit mountain biking trip. However, the ride gets challenging as you are exposing yourself to more thin air. As you are riding your bike, your trail will lead you towards the grassy and rugged stretch. Living up to the name of Yak Kharka(Yak Pasture), you will witness grazing animals and yak herders. 

Distance: 10km

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included

Above from Yak Kharka, you will gradually approach the mighty Thorong La pass. As you are peddling on the steeper and rocky terrain, you will first come across Thorong La Phedi, the base camp for Thorong La Pass.  With each pedal stroke in the thin air towards the Thorung La High Camp, it takes real effort. 

However, once you reach the high camp just a few metres below the top of the Thorung La Pass, you will be surrounded by towering snow-covered mountains. You will spend the crisp and chilly night under the stars that are shining brighter like never before. 

Distance: 11km

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included

Today is the big day when you are actually climbing the Thorung La Pass(5,416 m). So, you will all gear up before dawn and ride the steep and icy pass slowly yet steadily. Reaching the top of the pass will definitely be an unforgettable triumph. 

Now, you will descend towards Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. By the end of the day, you will be super exhausted; however, you will be proud of yourself after this incredible day.

Distance: 20km

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included

Today’s ride is a balance of cultural richness and nature’s beauty. The first section provides you with a deep spiritual connection while the later trail provides you with natural grandeurAfter pushing yourself hard yesterday, you will be quite relaxed today. In the morning you will visit the sacred Muktinath and cleanse your soul with the spiritual vibe of the place. 

Then, you will make your way towards the lower Mustang. As you ride your bike, you will notice the landscapes shifting to more arid and desert like terrain. This may feel almost otherworldly to you. Passing by flat roofed stone houses, prayer wheels and fluttering prayer flags, you will descend the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge. 

The last destination for today will be the charming village of Marpha. This village is best known for the apple orchards. You can enjoy the dried apples or even brandy at the local teahouses in Marpha

Distance: 30km

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included

As you descend more than 1,400 meters through shifting terrain today, you can feel the noticeable drop in elevation. With each peddle down the lower elevation, you will feel the warmth of the air. Passing the roaring waterfalls and lush, green forests on a winding trail, you will finally come to Tatopani, a natural hot spring. 

After 11 days of continuous riding, you can unwind and soak weary muscles in the hot spring. Before further continuing the Annapurna Circuit mountain biking itinerary, the warm waters will provide a welcome respite and the ideal reward for your hard work.

Distance: 43km

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included

Today will be the last day on the bike, so enjoy your ride as much as you want. You will be taking mostly downhill trails on the mountain road towards Beni. This final stretch will offer you one last chance to soak in the rugged beauty of the Himalayas before you switch gears.

After arriving at Beni, you will rest for some time and then board the jeep that will drive you to Pokhara. The drive will be pretty scenic as you will retrace the lush subtropical region of the lower Annapurna region after spending many days on the high mountain trails. 

As you arrive at Pokhara, the lakeside charm and modern comforts feel like a gentle welcome back to the world beyond the mountains.

Distance: 23km

Breakfast & Lunch Included

Now, you will retrace your path back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. The changing landscapes offer a peaceful backdrop as you wind your way toward the capital.

Once back in Kathmandu, you can enjoy the war shower and devour delicious cuisines. Or perhaps you can raise a toast  with your fellow riders to celebrate the completion of this great adventure. 

Breakfast & Dinner Included

Today you will head towards your home. But before leaving for home, don't forget to pick up traditional handicrafts, prayer flags, pashmina scarves, and souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones. 

Even though you are going home today, you have collected unforgettable memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. Goodbye for now but let’s promise to meet again in your next Nepal visit. 

Breakfast included