• Riding Skill Level Intermediate & above
  • Daily riding hrs 5-7 hrs
  • Best Season Mar-May & Sep-Nov
  • Group Size 2 to 16 people
  • Max. Altitude 5416 meters
  • Difficulty https://himalayanexcursionnepal.com/img/difficulty.jpg https://himalayanexcursionnepal.com/img/difficulty-angle.png

Starting Price

$1950

Print this trip

Share and spread


Annapurna Circuit Mountain Bike Tour

Annapurna circuit mountain bike tour is one of the most thrilling and scenic biking adventures in the world. This iconic trail in the Annapurna region of Nepal offers a mix of incredible Himalayan scenery, cultural encounters, and challenging trails. This Annapurna circuit trail known for its dramatic landscapes, cultural diversity, and high altitude challenges, this mountain bike tour is a dream come true for experienced mountain bikers. During this tour travelers get chance to experience stunning views of glaciated peaks, barren high-altitude landscapes and vibrant prayer flags along the trail.

 

Trip Highlights 

 

  • Ride through lush green valleys, alpine forests, arid deserts, and snow-capped peaks.
  • Pass by iconic peaks including Mount Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and Manaslu.
  • Explore traditional Tibetan-influenced villages.
  • Interact with locals from diverse ethnic groups, including Gurung, Thakali, and Manang communities.
  • Visit ancient monasteries and temples along the way.
  • Relax and rejuvenate at natural hot springs in Tatopani after long days of biking.
  • Ride through diverse terrain including single tracks, jeep roads, rocky ascents, to thrilling downhills. 

 

Important things to bring:

Cycling Gear

  • Helmet: A good quality properly fittd helmet.
  • Gloves: Padded, full finger cycling golves for protection and grip.
  • Cycling shorts: Padded shorts for long rides.
  • Cycling jersery: Breathable, moisture wicking tops.
  • Shoes: Stiff-soled cycling shoes compatible with your pedals.
  • Sunglasses: UV-protective, preferably polarized.
  • Knee and elbow pads: For extra safety on rough trail. 

 

Clothing (Layering)

  • Base Layers: Thermal, moisture-wicking tops and bottoms.
  • Mid Layers: Insulating fleece or wool layers.
  • Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants.
  • Neck gaiter/Buff: For warmth and dust protection.
  • Beanie/Hat: To wear under your helmet for warmth.
  • Socks: Wool or synthetic for warmth and moisture control.
  • Down jacket: For morning and evening time weather get cold.

 

Health

  • Sunscreen with high SPF 50+ for uv protection. 
  • Good quality Lip balm.
  • Hand sanitizer.

 

Other Essentials

  • Sleeping bag: Rated for -10 degree (some guesthouse might not provide adequate blankets).
  • Dry bags: To protect your important electronics and clothing from rain or snow.

 

Itinerary

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, our company representative will greet you at airport and transfer to pre-booked hotel. After short rest in hotel you can explore Thamel (tourist hub) and prepare for your tour. Evening time orientation and trip briefing by the tour guide. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

Drive hours: 6-7 hours  

Road condition: Mixed-paved and some bumpy sections as you approach Besisahar  

Drive distance: 175 km approx. 

Today, after breakfast you will drive to Besisahar, Besisahar also known as gateway to Annapurna Circuit. We will start early from Kathmandu city to avoid traffic. On the way you will enjoy scenic views of lush hills, terraced fields, and small villages along the Prithvi highway. We will stop several places for short tea/coffee break. Upon arrival in Besisahar you will check into your guesthouse. After long drive take short rest. After short rest assemble and inspect your mountain bikes for the tour. If you have free time left you can explore the small beautiful town. Overnight stay at Besisahar. 

Ride Time: 5-6 hours    

Elevation Gain: 880 meters  

Trail Type: Rocky paths, rough jeep tracks, suspension bridges and some uphill sections. 

Ride Distance: 37 km 

Today, we begin our mountain bike adventure from Besisahar and passes through several beautiful villages including Bhulbhule, Ngadi, Jagat etc which offers unique glimpses of Nepalese culture. We will stop at local teahouse for lunch, likely in Jagat or Syange depending on your pace. The trail becomes rockier and steeper as you approch Tal village. Tal is a picturesque village set in a wide river valley, marker by cascading waterfalls and a peaceful ambiance. Overnight stay at Tal village. 
 

Ride Time: 5-6 hours   

Elevation Gain: 970 meters   

Trail Type: rocky paths, jeep tracks and steep ascents. 

Ride Distance: 22 km approx. 

We will begin our ride through the scenic valley of Tal. We will cross suspension bridges and ride along the Marsyangdi river, passing through Dharpani and continue to Bagarchhap, known for its traditional Tibetan style houses and prayer flags. During our ride we will encounter steeper sections as you move toward Timang village.  This is a great spot to take a short tea break and enjoy beautiful views of Mount Manaslu and Lamjung Himal. While approaching Chame village we will ride through pine forests and enjoy the changing landscapes as the elevation increases. Chame is a bustling village and the district headquarters of Manang. If offers incredible views of Mount Annapurna and Lamjung Himal. Overnight stay at Chame. 

Ride Time: 5-6 hours  

Elevation Gain: 870 meters  

Trail Type: mix of dirt trails, some paved and some rocky sections  Ride Distance: 32 km approx. 

After breakfast, we start our ride through stunning pine forests and along the beautiful Marsyandi river. Our initial stretch is a combine of gentle climbs and descents, allowing you to warm up for the day. We will cross through the apple orhards and take a short tea break at Bhratang, from where you will enjoy incredible views of Pisang peak and the surrounding valleys. After short break, a steady climb leads you to Dhikur Pokhari, where you'll reward with the breath taking views of mount Annapurna and other snow capped peaks. We will pass through the Humde and enjoy a relatively flat section before reaching Braga. From Braga to Manang village ride is relatively easier. We will arrive by late afternoon, check in tea house and take short rest. If you have free time you can explore Manang village. Overnight stay at Manang.

Today is acclimatization day which help your body adjust to the high altitude and reduce the risk of altitude mountain sickness before ascending to higher elevations. Manang village offers stunning views, cultural exploration and short hike for acclimatization. After breakfast we will hike an hour to Gangapurna glacier lake. The trail offers panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks. If we have time we will explore the charming village of Manang, known for its traditional houses and unique Tibetan culture. We will hike back to tea house and take rest, enjoy a nutritious meal and check our mountain bikes and gear to ensure everything is ready for the  
challenging trail ahead. Overnight stay at Manang.

Ride Time: 4-6 hours  

Elevation Gain: 1000 meters    

Trail Type: Mixed trail with rocky paths, technical climbs and high altitude conditions. 
Ride Distance: 14 km approx. 

Today, we start early to take advantage of good weather and avoid afternoon winds. As ascend, we may feel decrease of oxygen level in our body. While approaching Yak Kharka we will follow a moderate climb through alpine meadows and grazing areas with majestic views of Mount Annapurna and Gangapurna peaks. We will have lunch break at Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka is a famous point where we will encounter herds of yaks and a beautiful traditional mountain villages. After lunch break we will resume our ride towards Thorong Phedi. While approaching Thorong Phedi our trail becomes steeper, rockier and more challenging, with narrow sections requiring careful maneuvering. Thorong Phedi serves as the base camp for crossing the Thorong La Pass the next day. Overnight stay at Thorong Phedi.

Ride Time: 7-8 hours   

Elevation Gain: 900 meters                

Distance: 16 km approx.  

Trail Type: Steep, rocky and technical 

Today, we start early around 4:00 AM to avoid strong winds at the pass. Our first section invloves a steep climb to high camp. This ascent might require you to push or carry your bike due to the challenging gradient and rocky terrain. While reaching Thorong La Pass trail is steep, rocky and technical with stunning views of snow-capped peaks including Mount Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. After while we start descent toward Muktinath which is long and steep with a mix of losses gravel, rocky paths and smoother dirt trails. After approx. 2-3 hours descent, we will reach famous sacred pilgrimage site Muktinath. Overnight stay at Muktinath.

Ride Time: 5-6 hours  

Distance: 35 km   

Trail Type: Downhill, rocky trail and some jeep tracks 

We begin our day with a visit to the sacred Muktinath temple, a revered pilgrimage site for both Buddhist and Hindu people. After breakfast ride down through the beautiful Kaligandaki valley, enjoying majestic views of the Mount Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. We will pass through beautiful village Kagbeni. Experience a mix of technical descents, jeep trail and smoother sections as we approach Jomsom, the administrative hub of the Mustang region. We will take short tea break at Jomsom and resume our ride to Marpha village, famous for fresh apple, delicious apple cider, dried apple and traditional Thakali hospitality. Once we arrive Marpha check in guesthouse and take short rest. Evening time we will visit the Marpha monastery and stroll through Marpha's cobblestone streets and sampling fresh apple products. Overnight stay at Marpha.

Ride Time: 5-7 hours 

Distance: 44 km approx.  

Trail Type: Mixed trails, downhill jeep tracks, suspension bridges and some technical rocky sections 

Today, we start our ride from picturesque Marpha village, riding along the world's deepest gorge Kaligandai. We passes through traditional Thakali villages including Tukuche and Kokhethanti, where we will get chance to experience the warm hospitality of the locals. As we descend climates get warmer. We will ride through lush forests, cascading waterfalls and terraced farmlands as the landscapes transitions from alpine to subtropical. On the way we will cross suspension bridges and navigate technical sections, keeping the ride adventurous and exciting. Once we reach Tatopani, we will relax and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs. Overnight stay at Tatopani.

Ride Time: 3-4 hours   

Ride Distance: 25 km approx.  

Trail Type: mix of off road and dirt paths  

Drive Distance: 96 km approx. 

Drive Time: 3-4 hours 

Today, we start our day with breakfast and begin our ride descent along a mix off roads and dirt trails. We will ride through traditional villages, terraced fields and lush green forests. We will enjoy views of the Kaligandaki river as we follow its course downstream. We will arrive Beni market at early afternoon and enjoy lunch at local restaurants. After lunch board a private jeep or van and drive to Pokhara city. Once arrive Pokhara check-in at your hotel and rest, take shower and evening time relax by the lakeside and enjoy dinner. Overnight stay at Pokhara.

Today, after breakfast drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by private vehicle. The drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu is a scenic journey that takes about 6-8 hours depending on road and traffic conditions. After driving 3-4 hours we will stop at Kurinatr for lunch break. After short lunch break resume our ride to Kathmandu. Once we reach Kathmandu check-in hotel. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

Our company representative will meet you and transfer to airport for final departure (End of the tour). If you have free time you can go for souvenir shopping in Thamel market.

Includes/Excludes
    • Airport pickup and drop off services.
    • 2 nights 3 star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis.
    • 1 night 3 star hotel accommodation in Pokhara on twin sharing basis.
    • En route to Annapurna circuit accommodation at lodges/Guest house on twin sharing basis.
    • Breakfast during stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara city.
    • Daily breakfast, lunch & dinner en route to Annapurna circuit.
    • 4wd backup support vechile to carry luggage, spare parts and riding gears.
    • Vehicle transfer Kathmandu to Besisahar, Beni to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu.(optional flight Pokhara to Kathmandu for an additional fee)
    • Professional english sepaking guide with an additional mountain bike and supporting staff.
    • Porters to carry luggage (upto 15kg per person).
    • Annapurna conservation area permit and TIMS card.
    • Insurance for guide, porter and supporting staff.
    • Emergency first aid medical kit box.

     

    • International air ticket and tourist entry visa fee (30 USD for 15  and 50 USD for 30 days).
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
    • Personal travel insurance which cover emergency evacuation charges.
    • Bike rental charges (you can hire a good quality full-suspension cycle for 50-70 USD per bike per day in Kathmandu.
    • Personal riding gears including boots and helmets.
    • Sightseeing in Kathmandu.
    • Medical expenses of clients due to accident or illness during trip.
    • All alcholic, cold drinks and cigrattes.
    • Extra night accommodation due to bad weather or political strike.
    • Zip lining, Bungee jump or any other adventure activities.
    • All personal expenses such as laundry, mobile top up, drinks etc.
    • Tips for the staff and crew members (expected).
    • Any other expenses which are not mentioned on 'price includes' section.
Trip Map
Annapurna circuit mountain bike tour
Faq

Yes, prior experience with mountain biking and technical trails is essential.

A hardtail or full suspension mountain bike with strong brakes and good tires is recommended.

You can bring your own bike, but rentals are often available in Thamel market.

A high level of fitness is required, as the tour involves steep climbs, long days of cycling and high elevation conditions.

Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara is nice hotel with good amenities but en route accommodation is typically in lodges and teahouses with basic facilities.

Yes, a backup vehicle is often available for transporting luggage, bike gear and spare parts.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and mountain biking is necessary for emergency evacuation.

Riders can use the backup vehicle if they cannot continue ride.

Our guides are professional and well trained in first aid and emergency evacuation procedures. Chopper rescue can be arranged if necessary (insurance required).

Review and Ratings