Annapurna Circuit by Bike Tour

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a friendly airport representative will be waiting for you just outside the terminal, holding a clear “Ace the Himalaya” signboard for easy recognition. From there, you’ll be warmly welcomed and escorted to your hotel in a comfortable private tourist vehicle, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free start to your journey.

In the morning, a pre-biking briefing will be held where you will meet your biking guide and fellow team members. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions and get fully prepared for the journey ahead.

After the briefing, you set off on a scenic six-hour drive to Besisahar, the official starting point of your biking adventure. Upon arrival, you will complete final preparations and meet the support crew, including porters who will assist with carrying your luggage and equipment, ensuring everything is ready for the journey ahead.

The trail begins by tracing the Marshyangdi River along the right side of the valley, offering a scenic introduction to the journey ahead. As you gradually climb, you’ll gain approximately 1,000 meters in elevation, with around 95% of the route being fully rideable. This first day serves as the perfect warm-up, building anticipation for the more challenging and exhilarating rides that lie ahead.

Leaving Tal, you pass a mani wall, a traditional dry stone structure inlaid with Buddhist prayer slates, positioned along the trail. These sacred walls should always be passed on the left in a clockwise direction. The route then winds through lush fields of corn, barley, and potatoes before the valley narrows once again.

From Tal to Danaque, the terrain becomes more demanding, with a significant section requiring pushing or carrying your bike, including a steep and challenging ascent out of Danaque. Beyond this point, the trail becomes more rideable, rewarding you with increasingly close views of snow-capped peaks and a flowing descent toward the final stretch.

Ascend through pine forests as the trail gradually opens into a fertile agricultural valley. The dirt track winds through traditional villages and settlements, offering opportunities to meet friendly locals and curious children along the way. From Pisang (3,230 m), the route continues into a broad, open valley stretching out ahead of you.

Today is a rest and acclimatization day, with no riding planned. You’ll spend the day exploring the charming Himalayan town at a relaxed pace, allowing your body to adjust safely to the higher altitude. Ascending too quickly can be dangerous, so this pause is an important part of the journey.

There are several short excursions around Manang to choose from. One of the highlights is a visit to Gangapurna Lake, a beautiful alpine lake just a 30-minute walk away. You’ll also enjoy a short hike of about an hour to a nearby viewpoint, where you can take in sweeping views of Mt. Gangapurna rising dramatically above the valley, along with the stunning lake below.

The remainder of the day can be spent resting, exploring the surroundings, and continuing to acclimatize in this breathtaking high-altitude environment.

Departing from Manang, you begin your gradual ascent toward Yak Kharka (4,050 m). As the altitude increases, pedaling becomes more challenging, so today is kept intentionally short and steady. The trail is approximately 60% rideable, with sections that require a slower, more mindful pace.

Take your time to soak in the changing landscapes, enjoy the surrounding scenery, and appreciate the unique culture of the region as you make your way higher into the Himalayas.

The climb is demanding, and the effects of altitude become increasingly noticeable as you gain elevation. However, the effort is well rewarded with truly spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

Approximately 50% of the trail is rideable today, with sections requiring careful pacing and patience. It’s important to stay both physically and mentally prepared, as this stage serves as a final build-up before tomorrow’s highest ascent.

Wake up early for a 4:00 am start, essential for crossing Thorong La Pass before strong winds pick up later in the day and make the ascent more difficult. The climb to the pass takes approximately four hours over a distance of around 3 km, with sections requiring you to carry your bike. The route is demanding, with roughly 70% rideable terrain.

Upon reaching the top, take time to rest and soak in the achievement of standing at the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit. After enjoying the moment and the panoramic views, prepare for an exhilarating descent. A further 45 minutes of technical riding brings you down to Muktinath (3,760 m), where you can finally rest and recover after a challenging but unforgettable day.

Depart from the pilgrimage town of Muktinath and ride along a lesser-used trail toward Dhangladanda. From this scenic viewpoint, you’ll enjoy impressive singletrack descents that lead all the way down to the riverbed of the Lupra Valley.

Continue riding through the valley before making your way to Jomsom, where you’ll pause for rest and lunch. From there, the journey continues to the charming old village of Marpha, renowned for its apple orchards. Here, you can unwind and, if you wish, enjoy a taste of the local apple brandy.

The ride begins on an easy, flowing trail, gradually building rhythm before reaching Rukse Chaahara. From here, the route descends sharply, dropping around 1,000 meters in elevation. This section is the most challenging and rewarding part of the day, with approximately 95% of the trail being rideable.

The thrilling downhill ride eventually brings you to Tatopani, a village famous for its natural hot springs. Once you arrive, take the opportunity to relax and unwind with a soothing hot bath, the perfect way to recover after an exhilarating descent.

Today marks the final day of your riding journey. Enjoy the last stretch as you pedal toward Beni Municipality, the official endpoint of the Annapurna Circuit biking adventure.

From Beni, you’ll transfer to a jeep for the drive to Pokhara, which takes approximately four hours. Upon arrival in the lakeside city, take time to rest, unwind, and explore at your own pace, reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve just completed.

Travel back to Kathmandu, enjoying the changing scenery along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and settle in for your final night in Nepal.

If you wish to extend your adventure, a range of optional experiences are available, including a Chitwan jungle safari, white-water rafting and bungee jumping, a Kathmandu Valley shopping tour, a scenic Everest mountain flight, and more exciting activities to choose from.

Your journey concludes here. At the scheduled time, our airport representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, ensuring a smooth and comfortable departure for your flight home from Nepal.