Annapurna Circuit Bike Tour

14 Day(s)

Overview The Annapurna Circuit Bike Tour is a thrilling adventure that takes cyclists through some of the most stunning landscapes of the Himalayas in Nepal. Spanning approximately 300 kilometers, this iconic route offers a diverse and challenging experience, blending breathtaking mountain views, charming villages, and cultural encounters. The journey typically begins in the bustling city of Kathmandu, where bikers make their way to Besisahar, the starting point of the circuit. The initial stages lead through lush lowland forests and terraced fields, gradually ascending towards the towering peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. As cyclists pedal upward, the scenery transitions…

Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Bike Tour is a thrilling adventure that takes cyclists through some of the most stunning landscapes of the Himalayas in Nepal. Spanning approximately 300 kilometers, this iconic route offers a diverse and challenging experience, blending breathtaking mountain views, charming villages, and cultural encounters.

The journey typically begins in the bustling city of Kathmandu, where bikers make their way to Besisahar, the starting point of the circuit. The initial stages lead through lush lowland forests and terraced fields, gradually ascending towards the towering peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. As cyclists pedal upward, the scenery transitions from subtropical vegetation to alpine forests, and finally, to arid landscapes at higher altitudes.

The trail passes through quaint Himalayan settlements, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture and hospitality of the Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi communities. Teahouses dot the route, providing a comfortable resting spot for tired bikers, as well as an opportunity to savor traditional Nepalese cuisine.

The highlight of the journey comes when reaching the Thorong La Pass, standing at a staggering altitude of 5,416 meters. Conquering this high mountain pass is both physically demanding and rewarding, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks that are second to none.

After the pass, the descent begins, leading to the serene and sacred Muktinath Temple. From there, the landscape changes dramatically as riders traverse the arid Mustang region, with its unique barren terrain and ancient monasteries.

As the trip draws to a close, the route eventually loops back to Besisahar, where the adventure started. Along the way, cyclists will have created memories of a lifetime, captivated by the majesty of the Himalayas and the warmth of the Nepalese people.

Conclusion and Summary

The Annapurna Circuit Bike Tour is not for the faint of heart, requiring a good level of fitness, determination, and an appreciation for the raw beauty of nature. The best time to undertake this epic journey is during the spring and autumn seasons, when the weather is most favorable, and the views are at their breathtaking best. Whether you are an avid mountain biker or an adventurous soul seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Annapurna Circuit Bike Tour is a bucket-list adventure that promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

Trip Highlights

The Annapurna Circuit Biking Tour is an exhilarating adventure that takes cyclists through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. Here are the trip highlights that make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience:

  1. Stunning Himalayan Views: The tour offers breathtaking vistas of towering peaks, including Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and more. The ever-changing panorama of snow-capped mountains provides a constant source of awe and inspiration.
  2. Thorong La Pass: The ultimate challenge of the tour is conquering Thorong La Pass, situated at 5,416 meters above sea level. Crossing this high mountain pass is an achievement in itself and offers unforgettable 360-degree views of the Himalayan giants.
  3. Rich Cultural Experience: Along the route, cyclists encounter diverse ethnic communities, including Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi people. The opportunity to interact with locals, experience their unique cultures, and witness traditional rituals enriches the journey.
  4. Charming Himalayan Villages: The tour passes through picturesque villages nestled in the mountains. These settlements offer a glimpse into the traditional Himalayan way of life and are an excellent opportunity to experience genuine Nepalese hospitality.
  5. Ancient Monasteries: Cyclists get to visit and explore ancient Buddhist monasteries that dot the landscape. These serene and spiritual places provide a peaceful retreat amid the rugged mountain terrain.
  6. Diverse Landscapes: The biking tour encompasses a wide range of terrains, from lush forests and terraced fields in the lowlands to arid and rocky landscapes at higher altitudes. The constantly changing scenery keeps the journey exciting and engaging.
  7. Authentic Nepalese Cuisine: Throughout the trip, cyclists can indulge in local delicacies served at the teahouses. Traditional Nepalese dishes like Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice) and momo (dumplings) provide sustenance and a taste of Nepalese flavors.
  8. Muktinath Temple: The holy site of Muktinath is a significant religious destination for both Hindus and Buddhists. Visiting the temple and its surrounding sacred water springs is a spiritually enriching experience.
  9. Challenging Yet Rewarding: The Annapurna Circuit Biking Tour is physically demanding but also immensely rewarding. Overcoming the challenges and pushing one’s limits against the backdrop of breathtaking beauty creates a sense of accomplishment.
  10. Unparalleled Adventure: Biking through the Annapurna Circuit is an adventure of a lifetime, allowing cyclists to immerse themselves in nature’s grandeur, connect with local communities, and create lasting memories that will stay with them forever.

Itinerary

Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying a signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Overnight at Hotel.

Join us on a warm-up ride exploring some of the best trails in the Kathmandu Valley; test your bikes and your gear to make sure everything is ready for the journey ahead. In 3 to 4 hours of riding, we will cover around 40km at a steady pace exploring the rural parts of the valley, single tracks, and sightseeing at some temples and return to Thamel for lunch, last minute bike adjustments and shopping for the trip. Overnight at Hotel.

Early morning we meet at our office for tea and then load up the bikes for the 5-hour drive to Besishar. We stop along the way to enjoy the views and take some lunch. On arrival in Besishar, we take some time to explore the town and we also meet our porters and finalize our trip preparations. Overnight at Hotel.

Today we ride, a little more than a 1000 meters of uphill takes us along the river, it’s a beautiful section of the ride and 100% rideable along Marsyandi River. In Tal, there is some nice scenery with steep-sided valleys terraced with farms and small villages. Tal is situated in a deep gorge and you can see cascading waterfalls along the way. Overnight at Hotel.

A challenging climb makes this one of the longest and hardest sections along the trekking trail. The terrain is rugged but fun. There is a great jungle and river scenery so take this stage steady and enjoy the ride. Overnight at Hotel.

The trail still climbs but becomes more rideable today as it widens back into a jeep track. The jungle opens up into the arid mountain region and you can get great views of the Himalaya as you ride. It’s a good idea to take it steady to allow your body to acclimatize. Overnight at Hotel.

Take a day to acclimatize and prepare for the hard days to come. Short hikes can be taken to explore the nearby area, visit high altitude lakes, rest relax and chill out in Manang, maybe you will not want to leave! From here you will be heading into the true mountain wilderness. Manang is home to the Matangi people and here you can sometimes see the ancient sports of archery and pony racing. Overnight at Hotel.

A short and gentle climb today from Manang to Yak Kharka, take time to admire the mountain views. There are a couple of sections to carry your bike but for the most part, the trail is rideable. Overnight at Hotel.

Early in the morning, you have to make the long haul carrying and pushing your bike up more than 1300 meters to Throng La, this is one of the most challenging parts of the ride that will define the true spirit and passion of any mountain biker as you battle the altitude and the cold. But you will not just be gasping from the altitude, but also gasping in awe as this section of the journey proffers excellent rewards with magnificent views from Throng La of the snow-capped mountains and superb technical downhill on the other side that will have you grinning from ear to ear, or if you’re a bit nervous perhaps browning your trousers! Alas, you will arrive to a warm welcome and rest at Muktinath. Overnight at Hotel.

Leaving behind Muktinath we traverse the hill side along a small, little-used trekking trail, there is a small section of push as we reach up to Dhangladanda from where you get spectacular views of the Himalaya. What follows is an awesome section of switchback single tracks that takes you down to the river bed in Lupra Valley. Re-join the main trail and head to Jomsom for lunch. In the wind, this can be a bit tough riding but stop and enjoy the views along the way. The trail rolls into Tukuche, a lovely old village on the riverside. Take some time to explore the cobbled lanes and explore the Thakali culture of the area. We stay overnight in the well furbished German Bakery. Apple Brandy is a local product and a good nightcap to relax your mind and body after the day’s ride. Overnight at Hotel.

The trail starts out gentle and flat and meanders in and out of the valley sides, through pine forests and small villages. Following the river, there are good views of the snow-capped peaks. Stop at the impressive waterfalls at Rukse Chaahara for lunch. After here the speed picks up as the trail drops some 1000 meters with sweeping curves and plunges, rocky sections, and bumps that you will love. Arrive in Tatopani, the cobble lined village famous for its rejuvenating Hot Springs. Once in Tatopani, you can enjoy a soothing bath in the Hot Springs and perhaps a local massage will not go astray, or a cold beer for that matter!  Overnight at Hotel.

A ride of around 25 km on open jeep track, flat for the most part but a few up and down hills as we leave behind the Annapurna Region. From Beni we transfer by jeep back to Pokhara for a well-earned rest and perhaps a beer, a good meal and some fun times out and about!

Overnight at Hotel.

Midday flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Check into the hotel and have shopping in the afternoon and then get ready for your last night in Nepal. Overnight at Hotel..

 

 

Our Airport Representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal

What's Included

• Full board
• Airport Pick up on arrival and drop off after the trip
• Mountain bike and gears (please ask specification after letting us your bike size)
• An experience English speaking local Mountain Bike Guide
• Porters to support your luggage.
• Food and accommodations (first day dinner to final day breakfast)
• TIMS and Permit
• All the transportation
• Safe drinking water
• Food, accommodations, salary, insurance and transportation for supporting staff/crew.

What's Excluded

• Visa fee to Nepal
• Flight to and from Nepal
• Domestic flights Ktm to Pkr/ and Pokhara to Kathmandu.
• Dual suspension Mountain Bike
• Alcoholic drinks
• Beverage/soft drinks and mineral water in mountains
• Travel, activity, medical and emergency evacuation insurance
• Tipping for guides, porters and supporting staff

Trip Information

ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT MOUNTAIN BIKING TOURS:

This extraordinary trip takes you to some of the most stunning and exotic biking routes in Nepal. Annapurna Circuit mountain biking tour passes through a variety of different landscapes, from lush sub-tropical rainforest, deep valleys and cultivated fields, to wooded alpine and high deserts. We visit many different villages, meeting the local hill tribes and enjoying frequent spectacular views of massive Himalayan peaks, including the Annapurnas and Manaslu. We reach the lowland villages, dense oak forests, deep gorges and lovely isolated hamlets to the lap of the mighty high mountains and the Tilicho lake – one of the highest altitude fresh water lakes. To top it all, the crossing of the Thorung La pass (5,416m) is a challenging ascent, surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountain sceneries in the world.

Outline Itinerary

DAY 01:  Arrival in Kathmandu

DAY 02:  Back Roads and Trails of Kathmandu

DAY 03:  Kathmandu to Besisahar by Vehicle

DAY 04:  Besishar(760m) TO Tal( 1700m) Distance:-37.4km

DAY 05:  Tal (1700m) to Chame (2670m) Distance:- 22.6km

DAY 06:  Chame (2670m) to Manang(3540m)  Distance:- 29.7km

DAY 07:  Manang Rest, Exploration and Acclimatization

DAY 08:  Manang (3540m) to Throng Phedi (4450m) Distance:- 19km

DAY 09:  Throng Phedi (4450m) to Muktinath (3760m) Via Throng La (5416m) Distance:- 22km

DAY 10:  Muktinath (3760m) to Tukuche(2590m)  Via Lupra Valley Distance – 32km

DAY 11:  Tukuche(2590m) to Tatopani(1190m) Distance:- 42km

DAY 12;  TatapaniI to Beni and Back to Pokhara

DAY 13:  Transfer to Kathmandu

DAY 14:  Departure

GO ON 14 DAYS TRIP FOR
  • Best Price Guarantee
  • Hassle-Free Booking
  • No Booking or Credit Card Fees

Associated Partners

You will love all of the features in our theme. 100% guaranteed satisfaction.