Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour - 14 Days

This amazing 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 rainforests, deep valleys and cultivated fields, to wooded alpine and high deserts. We visit an array of villages, meeting the local hill tribes and enjoying frequent spectacular views of imposing 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. To top it all, the crossing of the Thorung La pass (5,416 m) is a challenging ascent, surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountain views in the world.

First we reach Besi Sahar via ground transportation, from where we begin biking anti-clockwise around the Annapurna massif. The trail climbs gradually, allowing us to acclimatize to the high altitude, as we travel along the Marsyangdi Valley. After the crossing of the Thorong La, we descend to Muktinath, one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites. We descend down the valley reaching the Kali Gandaki River and Tatopani (Natural hot spring). We finally we reach to Beni then drive by public bus or private transportation to Pokhara then next day catch private, tourist bus or flight to Kathmandu then your trip will be end.

ITINERARY:

DAY 01  ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
We will arrange pick for you at the airport in Kathmandu and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel

DAY 02  BACK ROADS AND TRAILS OF KATHMANDU
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

DAY 03  KATHMANDU TO BESI SAHAR BY VEHICLE
Early morning guide will meet you in your hotel then load up the bikes for the 5 hour drive to Besi sahar. We stop along the way to enjoy the views and take some lunch. On arrival in Besi sahar we take some time to explore the town and finalize our trip preparations. Overnight at teahouse


DAY 04 BESI SAHAR (760m) TO TAL (1700m) Distance:-37.4km
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% ride able 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 teahouse

DAY 05 TAL (1700m) TO CHAME (2670m) Distance: - 22.6km
A challenging climb makes this one of the longest and hardest sections along the trekking trail. The terrain is rugged but fun. There is great jungle and river scenery so take this stage steady and enjoy the ride. Overnight at teahouse

DAY 06 CHAME (2670m) TO MANANG (3540m) Distance:- 29.7km
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 acclimatization overnight at teahouse

DAY 07 MANANG REST, EXPLORATION AND ACCLIMATIZATION
Take a day to acclimatize and prepare for the hard days to come. Short hikes can be taken 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 Manangi people and here you can sometimes see the ancient sports of archery and pony racing. Overnight at teahouse

DAY 08  MANANG (3540m) TO THRONG PHEDI (4450m) Distance:- 19km
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 teahouse

DAY 09 THORUNG PHEDI (4450m) TO MUKTINATH (3760m) VIA THORUNG LA (5416m) Distance: - 22km
Beginning from around 5am in the morning, you have to make the long haul carrying and pushing your bike up more than 1300 meters to Thorung 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. 50% Carrying, 50% rideable. Overnight at teahouse

DAY 10 MUKTINATH (3760m) TO TUKUCHE (2590m) VIA LUPRA VALLEY Distance – 32km
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 switch back 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 river side. 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 night cap to relax your mind and body after the days ride. Overnight at teahouse

DAY 11 TUKUCHE (2590m) TO TATOPANI (1190m) Distance:- 42km
Again we are going downhill today. 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 teahouse

DAY 12  TATAPANI TO BENI AND BACK TO POKHARA
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. Overnight at hotel

DAY 13 TRANSFER TO KATHMANDU
Flight or drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Check into the hotel and have an afternoon of shopping and then get ready for your last night in Nepal. Overnight at hotel

DAY 14 DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

(NOTE: WE CAN MAKE THIS TOUR SHORTER AND LONGER WHICH SUITS YOU)

Mountain Biking in Nepal