Annapurna Circuit MTB
Experience the thrill of biking along the legendary Annapurna Circuit trail, which winds through the picturesque Marsyangdi Valley and ascends to Thorong La Pass at 5,416 metres before descending into the stunning Kali Gandaki Valley known as the deepest gorge in the world.
This adventure takes you along breathtaking trails that explore two distinct river valleys, encircling the majestic Annapurna Massif. A highlight of your journey will be Tilicho Lake, often regarded as the highest lake in the world, known for its vibrant turquoise hue set against a rugged landscape.
As you tackle one of the highest passes accessible to mountain bikers, you'll also immerse yourself in the rich cultures of local Buddhist and Hindu villages. Interact with welcoming communities, discover their traditions, and witness the colorful prayer flags and ornate monasteries that punctuate the landscape.
Riding the Annapurna Circuit promises an unforgettable adventure filled with stunning sights and cultural experiences, culminating in the breathtaking beauty of Tilicho Lake and the majestic Thorong La Pass.
- Starts In: Kathmandu
- Ends In: Kathmandu
- Duration: 13 Days
- Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Highlights
- Cross the Thorung La pass at 5,416 metres.
- Visit the world’s highest lake with stunning turquoise waters.
- Explore the scenic Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki river valleys.
- Experience the traditions of local Buddhist and Hindu communities.
- Ride amazing trails through lush forests and alpine landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Day in Kathmandu with Bazaar Walk and Durbar Square
As you fly into Kathmandu you’ll have beautiful views over the city, the Himalaya, and the terraced fields below. After you make your way through customs, you’ll meet one of our team who will guide you through Kathmandu’s narrow, winding streets and get you settled into your hotel.
In the afternoon we head out on a walking tour of the city’s vibrant, ancient bazaar. Explore the secret alleys and courtyards of old Kathmandu, dotted with Buddhist stupas and Hindu temples. You’re sure to be dazzled by the lines of tiny stalls selling fruit and vegetables, spices, fabric, brass kitchenware, and so much more.
In the evening, consider grabbing the first meal of your trip in Thamel, a vibrant tourist hub offering eateries with a variety of Western and local Nepali dishes.
Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu
Meals included:
Dinner
Day 02: Bike fitting and Ride in Shivapuri
This morning, we’ll assemble our bikes and embark on an exhilarating ride in Kathmandu before we set off for the Annapurna Circuit. This ride serves two purposes: to ensure our bikes are in top condition and to have some fun shaking off any jet lag before venturing into the high mountains.
We’ll transfer to Shivapuri National Park and head to the top of a hill on the northern rim of the valley, where we’ll explore some of the valley’s most iconic trails, including Heaven and the Helipad Trail. As we ride through the jungle, we’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Kathmandu Valley, followed by a brief ascent on a jeep trail. The trail then follows a delightful ridgeline that leads us right into town. While not overly technical, the trail is engaging and provides a perfect introduction to our Nepal adventure. We’ll ride all the way to the iconic Stupa at Boudhanath, where we’ll stop for lunch.
After lunch, we’ll navigate through charming alleyways as we make our way back to our hotel. In the evening, we’ll enjoy one last dinner at a restaurant before heading into the mountains.
Ride Distance: Approx. 25 km
Accommodation: Hotel Manaslu
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03: Drive to Tal [1700m]
We will depart from Kathmandu early in the morning in a comfortable, air-conditioned jeep, heading to the town of Besisahar, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. Upon our arrival, we’ll enjoy lunch and have a chance to pick up some fresh fruit and snacks for the remainder of our journey. Don’t expect pavement, from here we’ll be navigating rough dirt roads. This adventurous route takes us along the historic Annapurna Circuit, winding through breathtaking gorges and passing stunning waterfalls. We’ll reach Tal by mid-afternoon, where we can relax and enjoy a hearty meal in a cozy lodge.
Driving time: Approx. 8 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Ride to Chame [2670m]
This morning we start our mountain biking adventure for real, tackling the thrilling yet challenging stretch of road between Tal and Chame. This section is steep and rocky, we might occasionally have to push our bikes over the trickier parts. As we navigate through the rugged terrain, we’re treated to breathtaking views of the towering peaks and lush valleys around us.
Small villages dot the landscape, and we’ll spot local folk going about their daily routines, while colorful prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze. We also come across a stunning waterfall cascading down the rocks, a perfect pit stop to cool off in its refreshing waters. We’ll keep a steady, relaxed pace today to allow our bodies to acclimatise as we gain altitude, all while soaking in the majestic surroundings that make this journey truly unforgettable. We reach our tea house in Chame at 2670 metres by mid afternoon, with plenty of time to relax and maybe even try the hot springs.
Ride Distance: Approx. 26 km
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Ride to Manang [3520m]
We set off from Chame, gradually climbing higher into the Annapurna region. The altitude gain is evident with every pedal stroke, challenging our endurance. The trails wind through forests and narrow valleys, and we navigate several suspension bridges which is a bit of a buzz on a bike.
As we push forward, impressive Himalayan peaks come into view on the horizon, tempting us to pause and take in the breathtaking scenery. The trails are primarily well-maintained jeep tracks, making them fully ridable and enjoyable.
As we venture on, we must remember to pace ourselves, allowing our bodies to acclimatise to the higher altitude. The route takes us over a little pass and down into the wide Manang valley, where we ride past the little airport at Humde. Along the way, we encounter several monasteries, with Braga Monastery standing out as a worthwhile stop.
As we reach Manang at 3520 metres, we experience a notable change in the landscape and vegetation. This ancient village offers a glimpse into a rich culture and lifestyle, and one of the unique communities we encounter along our journey.
Ride Distance: Approx. 33 km
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06: Rest day in Manang [3520m]
In order to acclimatise to the higher altitude, we’ll spend the day at Manang, situated at 3,520m. The air thins out at this point, and it is necessary to let our bodies adjust to the change in order to avoid high altitude sickness.
For those feeling good, we will go for a ride back down the valley, exploring some single tails to the villages of Ngawal and Gyaru. This loops ride will help you acclimatise for the days ahead and you will have some serious fun!
Manang has plenty to offer for sightseeing, so for those who prefer to pass on the ride you can explore this amazing village, visit Hundred Rupees Lama Monastery and hike to Gangapurna Lake. There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post in the village which makes an interesting and educational visit.
Ride Distance: Approx. 30 km
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07: Ride to Tilicho Base Camp [4150m]
After acclimatising in Manang, we set off on the trail toward the stunning Tilicho Lake. Exiting through the western gates of Manang, we follow the path leading down to the river. We cross the Khangsar Khola (river) via the bridge below Khangsar and then ascend the slope to the village, known as the ‘last village of Nepal’ and still maintaining its old Tibetan style.
From Khangsar, we continue along a wide, newly constructed path that takes us past a Gompa (monastery) and up toward a high ridge. We arrive at an intersection where the new trail meets the old. We choose the new trail, climbing to a high crest before descending along switchbacks carved into the scree slopes. After reaching a side valley, we cross a small stream at the bottom and arrive at the buildings that make up Tilicho Base Camp.
As we have pushed our altitude further, we need to take it easy for the rest of the day and stay well-hydrated. If anyone starts to feel unwell in any way, it’s critical to inform your guide – an option is to simply head back down to Khangsar for the night to allow full acclimatisation before continuing.
Ride Distance: Approx. 13 km
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08: Visit Tilicho Lake, Ride to Yak Kharka [4050m]
We begin our day early, facing a long and rewarding hike and bike ahead of us. It’s about a 3-hour trek to Tilicho Lake, an incredible body of bright turquoise water that is said to be the highest lake in the world. As we make our way through the high alpine landscape, characterized by bare rock and snow, the vibrant color of the lake stands out brilliantly against the otherwise muted surroundings.
Our time at the lake will depend on our hike time and energy levels; we need to make sure we don’t linger too long since we have an exciting ride ahead. If you’re up for it, feel free to hike your bike up the trail, as much of it is rideable on the way back down.
On the descent to Khangsar, we take a slightly different route, choosing a higher trail that skirts around the hill and leads us into the valley toward Thorung La. We’ll keep a steady, comfortable pace, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the otherworldly landscape and the towering Himalayan mountains. As the settlements become more sparse in this region, we might spot large numbers of grazing yaks along the way, as well as an old mani wall, which features Buddhist prayer engravings. After a fulfilling day of navigating mostly single tracks, we arrive at Yak Kharka village in the late afternoon.
Walking time: Approx 3 hours to Tilicho
Ride Distance: Approx 20 km
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 09: Ride to Thorung Phedi [4500m]
After a demanding day yesterday, today is shorter but still involves significant climbing to Thorung Phedi. Our route begins by dropping down to the Jorsang River at 4,310 metres before ascending steeply. As we ride through the charming village of Tenki Manang, we’re treated to stunning views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Tilicho.
Along the way, we navigate several small wooden bridges over streams and follow a narrow path that leads us toward Thorung Phedi. The term “Phedi” refers to the base of a hill or mountain, and Thorung Phedi serves as the base for the imposing Thorung La (Pass), which we will cross tomorrow.
Ride Distance: Approx 9 km
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Ride to Muktinath [3800m] - via the Thorung La Pass [5416m]
We set out very early in the morning to avoid the strong winds that often sweep across the Thorung La, at an altitude of 5,416 metres. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the pass is a memory to cherish for a lifetime, as we take in the breathtaking panoramic views of a chain of pristine, snow-capped mountains.
After taking in our surroundings, we begin our descent toward Muktinath, encountering trekkers and pilgrims who have traveled from as far as India to visit this revered Hindu temple. Once we arrive at Muktinath, we’ll take some time to explore the sacred site, including the eternal flame fueled by a natural gas source. “Mukti” translates to liberation, and “nath” means a holy temple, which is why Muktinath is considered a place of soul liberation. Along with Hindu hermits and pilgrims, we may also encounter Tibetan traders in this vibrant spiritual hub.
Ride Distance: Approx 11 km
Accommodation: Tea House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: The Lupra trail and down to Kalopani [2525m]
Today’s descent will truly test your biking skills! We start by climbing to a small pass overlooking the Lupra Valley. At the pass, we pause to take in the breathtaking views of Mt. Daulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri, and the upper Mustang Valley.
Then the excitement begins as we drop into the valley on technical trails filled with rocks, sand, and some thrilling switchbacks. After a short hike up to another pass, we descend toward Seuli Bhatti, eventually making our way to Jomsom for lunch.
For the first few kilometres after Jomsom, we navigate along small jeep tracks, climbing for about 1.5 kilometers to a hill that provides excellent views of Jomsom, Marpha, and the surrounding mountains. Next, we hit a 5-kilometre stretch of super single track that is technically challenging yet incredibly fun! We’ll even tackle some short sections of steps before reaching a flatter area that leads us to the bridge to the charming Thakali village of Tukuche.
After crossing the river, we explore this stunning village and might even sample their famous apple brandy while enjoying a snack. We then cross back over the river and continue down the valley, tackling another 14 kilometres of fantastic single trails in the deepest gorge in the world. While there are a few short, non-rideable uphill sections, the overall ride is fast and exhilarating!
Ride Distance: Approx 40 km
Accommodation: Kalopani Guest House
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Back to Pokhara [800m]
We have a big day ahead, but the promise of a hot shower and drinks by the lakeside in Pokhara makes it all worthwhile. We start by following the jeep trail down to Rupse Chhahara (waterfall), and we quickly lose altitude.
At Rupse Chhahara, we’ll cross the valley again and spend about half an hour walking our bikes uphill, but the effort is well worth it. From there, the single trail drops for the next 3 kilometres to Dana, where it flattens out and picks up speed. After an exhilarating 17 kilometres of riding, we reach Tatopani just in time for an early lunch.
Following lunch, we’ll ride another 8 kilometres along the jeep trail to Galeshwor, where we can wash off the mud and enjoy a beer before hopping into the cars for our journey back to Pokhara. The drive takes a couple of hours, and we’ll arrive in time to catch the sunset and unwind with a few cold beverages by the lake.
Ride Distance: Approx 42 km
Accommodation: Temple Tree
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Back to KTM and Depart for Home
Today we take that awesome flight back to Kathmandu and pack for the journey home. The rest of the day is free for shopping, relaxing, checking out the mad street life, or optional sightseeing of Kathmandu. If you book a late afternoon or evening flight, you can depart this same day.
Accommodation: None
Meals included:
Breakfast
Gallery
Included In Price
- Accommodation as per the detailed itinerary above based on standard rooms on twin share with local tea house accommodation on the trail
- Meals as per the detailed itinerary above, including all meals on the ride, with filtered drinking water, plus locally available snacks along the way
- Entrance fees and biking permits the Annapurna Conservation Area
- International arrival and departure transfers in private vehicles
- Transfer by private vehicles from Kathmandu to Tal.
- Transportation by private jeep to Pokhara from Beni
- Flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu.
- Accompanying vehicle for luggage and support on cycling days (4-6 and 11-13)
- Luggage transportation by porters on days (7-10)
- Your biking guide and 1 luggage support person with all their transport, equipment, insurance and including their meals and accommodation
- A first aid kit with basic supplies appropriate for the group size and route – if you require specific medications it is critical that you discuss this with us prior to your trip departure
Note: The local tea houses are basic but clean and they do not have attached bathrooms or hot showers. The price is based on twin share and does not include any extra charge that lodge owners may levy for single rooms, or hot showers (if these facilities are even available) or for battery charging. We can’t know in advance what they may charge for such things in the different lodges along the way, so we prefer to leave this cost out, rather than pass along an estimated charge to you.
The meal inclusions on the trek are breakfast (one set breakfast and tea or coffee), lunch (one main meal and tea or coffee) and dinner (soup, main and dessert with tea or coffee)
Not Included In Price
- Services and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any gear or equipment that you may need to rent/buy – please ask us if you would like any advice about gear to bring/buy/rent
- Bike hire
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fees and international airport taxes
- Any excess baggage charges
- Comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and rescue evacuation should this be required for any reason (we require this as the minimum insurance cover)
- Additional nights, optional trips and sightseeing tours outside the detailed itineraries above
- Any extra charge that tea house owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms, or hot showers (if these facilities are available) and charging of batteries
- Personal expenses (eg mineral water/soft drinks/bar bills, entrance/photography fees at monasteries, laundry, telephone calls, postage, donations, extra snacks, etc)
- Tips for your guide, drivers, etc (please ask if you would like guidance about appropriate tips)
- Costs incurred due to changes in programs and reservations due to unforeseen events (eg caused by natural disasters or poor weather, adverse road conditions/flight delays, labor strikes, fuel shortages, extreme exchange rate changes, etc)
