Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking - 14 Days

Starting from

USD 1850/person

Activity

Mountain Biking

Duration

14 Days

Difficulty

Challenging/Demanding

Arrival City

Kathmandu

Departure City

Kathmandu

Best Season

March, April, May, September, October, November

Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Highlights

Ride your bike on the terrain mix of rugged jeep tracks, singletrack, and high-altitude paths
Peddle your bike on diverse landscapes including lush river valleys, windswept highlands and alpine deserts
Lead your two wheels on the trail of legendary Annapurna circuit that follows the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki rivers
Soak in panoramic Himalayan views including Annapurna II, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak
Conquer one of the highest and most challenging passes in the world, Thorong La Pass on bike.

Overview of Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking

The Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Trip is a thrilling journey where each stroke on the pedal takes you close to breathtaking and diverse landscapes of the Annapurna region. The terrain is unpredictable however, with your willpower set against the thin air and difficult landscapes, you will undoubtedly win the entire Annapurna on bike. You will pass subtropical valleys, alpine forest, challenging passes and arid deserts where you will be treated with astonishing views of Himalayan giants like Annapurna, Macchapuchre, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri.

Your exhilarating Annapurna Circuit cycling tour starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar on the black topped Prithvi Highway. From here on, you will take control of the bike in your hand and ride on two wheels around the Annapurna massif anti-clockwise. First, this mountain biking in Nepal will gradually incline you to the Marshyangdi valley passing various highlights such as picturesque villages of Tal, Chame, and a freshwater lake of Gangapurna until you reach your first and last acclimatization point at Manang.

Then, with your strong determination and real effort, you will cross the formidable Thorung La Pass at 5,416 meters, surrounded by some of the world’s most stunning mountain scenery. Taking a descent route downhill through the pass, you will explore sacred Muktinath and finally wind your bike towards the Lupra Valley to reach Marpha following Jomsom. After Jomsom you will be peddling for the last day until you reach Beni. With tons of memories around the Annapurna range, you will now make your way towards Pokhara and finally to Kathmandu by road.

This demanding route, with rugged terrain and technical trails, is best suited for experienced mountain bikers ready for a tough but deeply rewarding Himalayan adventure.

Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Itinerary

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.

Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Includes

All Airport Transfers
Fully Qualified Mountain Bike Guide
Full Vehicle Support
All meals as per Itinerary
All accommodation as per Itinerary
All permits and Entry Fees
All Domestic Flights as mentioned in itinerary
Duffel bags, T- Shirt (Yours to keep)

Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Excludes

International Airfare and taxes
Travel Insurance with rescue and emergency evacuation
Nepal Entry visa (Visa is obtained in Nepal Airport immigration on arrival. USD 25 per visa for 15 days, USD 40 per visa for 30 days and USD 100 per visa for 90 days. All the visas are multiple entry visas. Please carry 02 passport sized photographs
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
All items of personal nature like telephone bills, laundry, drink etc.
Items such as hot water for shower/drinking; Mobile phone and camera charging etc will be extra during trek which can be paid to the tea house/lodge owner directly.
Tipping to guide, porter and driver
Any other item that is not mentioned in the Cost includes list

Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking - 14 Days (Map) & Route Details

Essential Packing List for Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking

Make sure to pack the following clothing and accessories for comfort and protection:

Bike gloves (3 pairs recommended
Chain oil( All weather one)
Pair of Brakepad,bike Spare parts( Derailleur,chain,hanger)
Cycling shoes( Flat or Clipless)
Biking glasses
Padded cycling shorts (enough to last at least 5 rides)
Long-sleeved base layers
Short-sleeved and long-sleeved cycling tops
Biking socks (at least 5 pairs)
Warm hat and non-biking gloves for cold weather
Head torch (for early starts or emergencies)

Am I Suitable To Go On Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking?

Since Annapurna circuit Biking route is considered a moderately challenging trail, you will need a good level of physical fitness and mental endurance to successfully complete the journey.
So, you have to be physically and mentally well prepared and pack your gear and equipment before actually hitting the trails. A right mindset and travel companion like Mountain Adventure Trekking will not only boost your confidence but ensure great memories up in the Himalayas.

What Kind of Accommodations and Food will be available on the Annapurna Circuit Cycling Route?

Previously when the trails of Annapurna Circut were not well developed, cyclists usually stayed in camps and made their own food. However, with Annapurna Circuit Trek being one of the main stream trekking routes in Nepal, you can find numerous teahouses and lodges dotted alongside the trail. So, you can get rooms in the teahouses to stay and eat 3 meals in these teahouses.
They will have Nepalese food, regional food and even some foreign cuisines that will suit your taste palate. During the journey, staying hydrated is also essential. So, you have to carry the reusable water bottles and refill it in the teahouses. However, some teahouses can charge you if you want boiled or lukewarm water.

When is the Best Time for Embarking on a Mountain Biking Tour to the Annapurna Circuit ?

Spring(March to May) and autumn(September to November) are considered favorable times to peddle the trail of the Annapurna Circuit. These months provide great weather, dry trails and stunning views, making outdoor activities like biking tours an exciting journey.
Biking the Annapurna Circuit is totally doable during off season like monsoon and winter however, you will need to be properly geared and should adhere to more preparation to enjoy the adventure full of cultural richness and natural beauty to the fullest.

Do You Need to Acquire Permits for the Annapurna Circuit Biking Tour?

Yes, you will have to acquire two permits in nepal, the same as trekking in the Annapurna Circuit. First, you will need to acquire Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to access the trails inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. Next you will need to obtain a Trekkers' Information Management System(TIMS) Card.

FAQs section

You will need full suspension mountain bikes for this journey. If you have hard tail mountain bikes then it will also work perfectly.