Annapurna Circuit by Bike

Annapurna Circuit Cycling Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, an airport representative from your tour will meet you and escort you to your hotel. There, your guide will brief you with more details about your tour. Enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner to welcome you on your first evening.
Overnight Location: Mandala Boutique Hotel (1,400 m/4,593’), Kathmandu
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Explore Kathmandu

After breakfast and a quick, pre-trip meeting, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley and experience the wonders of this vibrant city. Visit the well-known Buddhist temple Stupa Swayambunath, which is also called the Monkey Temple. From the temple, which is high on a hill, you’ll find an inspiring view of the mountains and the valley surrounding you. Stupa Swayambhunath is the oldest and most mysterious shrine in Kathmandu, attracting tourists and Buddhist visitors from all over the world with its distinctive white dome and sparkling gold spire. Next, visit the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple on the Indian subcontinent, and the crematorium beside it. Finally, your tour also takes you to Patan Durbar Square where you can see notable temples and palaces from centuries past, each an intriguing example of traditional Nepalese architecture.
Overnight Location: Mandala Boutique Hotel (1,400 m/4,593’), Kathmandu
Distance: N/A
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Transfer to Besishahar

Start the day with an early breakfast, then enjoy an adventurous and scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besishahar. Witness the incredible beauty of the Marsyangdi Valley and fill your lungs with the fresh mountain air. When you arrive in Besishahar (800 m/2,625’), you’ll spend the night in a mountain lodge with stunning Himalayan views.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Besisahar (800 m/2,625’)
Distance: N/A
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Bike to Tal

Begin your cycling tour today after waking up early and enjoying a hot breakfast. The first part of the trail follows the Marshyangdi River through the valley. Then you’ll begin to ascend, gaining about 1,000 m in elevation as you pass lovely cascading waterfalls. Today’s destination is the picturesque village of Tal, surrounded by local scenery and terraced fields.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Tal (1,700 m/5,577’)
Distance: 37.4 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Bike to Chame

Get ready for a fun and challenging day of biking. Today you will climb up in elevation significantly as you cross rugged terrain between Tal and Chame. When you arrive in Chame, notice the tall maple and oak trees with a stunning Himalaya panorama in the background. After a tough day, get a good night’s rest in Chame.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Chame (2,650 m/8,694’)
Distance: 22.6 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Bike to Manang

Get an early start again today after a hearty breakfast. Ride the trail through a lush forest at the bottom of a narrow and steep valley. Along the way, you’ll pass a small airstrip and a village with approximately 200 houses. You’ll also see the Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in the district. When you come to Manang, stop to spend the night.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Manang (3,519/11,545’)
Distance: 29.7 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Explore Manang

Today is an acclimatization day exploring Manang and the surrounding area. It is important to stay active today, so you may want to ride to a nearby point at 4,000 m (13,123’) to help prepare your body for the higher altitude coming in the days ahead. There are many things to see and do in Manang. The local Manangi people enjoy pony racing and archery, and there may be opportunities to watch them practice these ancient sports. You can also explore the nearby lake, chortens, and monastery. Don’t forget to stop and appreciate the incredible views here. Notice Mount Gangapurna, Lamjung, and the Annapurnas before you with a glacial lake sparkling below them.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Manang (3,519/11,545’)
Distance: N/A
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Bike to Thorong Phedi

Ride today through valleys and climb to higher altitudes. You’ll leave the Marsyangdi valley and follow the Jarsang Khola valley. You’ll have plenty of chances to admire the lovely scenery and experience aspects of the local culture. After you pass through the yak pastures (“Yak Kharka”), cross over the river to come to the village of Thorong Phedi (4,450 m/14,600’).
Overnight Location: Lodge in Throng Phedi (4,450 m/14,600’)
Distance: 19 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Over the Throng La Pass to Muktinath

Wake up very early this morning and prepare for a challenging day. The climb today is difficult, and you will probably feel the effects of the altitude. Remember that this the experience of a lifetime, so take it easy and try to enjoy each step. As you cross the Thorong La pass (5,416 m/17,769’), your efforts will be well rewarded with awe-inspiring views. Pause here to enjoy the incredible vistas, then continue your tour down to Muktinath to spend the night.
Overnight Location: Lodge at Muktinath (3.800/12,467’)
Distance: 22 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 Bike to Jomsom then Tukuche

Leave Muktinath and ride toward Dhangladanda on a less-used trail where you can enjoy phenomenal views of the surrounding Himalayas. Descend to the river in the Lupra valley over single track switchbacks. Then continue on to Jomsom for a lunch break, after which you’ll continue on to Tukuche. Tukuche is an old village where you can experience Thakali culture and sample some apple brandy.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Tukuche (2,600 m/8,530’)
Distance: 32 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 Ride to Tatopani

A gentle day of riding today takes you along a flatter section of trail that winds downhill through the pine forests and quaint villages of the valley. As you follow the river, be sure to pause to appreciate the exquisite waterfalls and views of rugged snow-capped peaks. When you arrive in Tatopani (1,190 m/3,904’), you can rest and relax, soaking in a natural hot spring.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Tatopani (1,190 m/3,904’)
Distance: 42 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Cycle to Beni and transfer to Pokhara

Finish your cycling tour today with an easy 18 km ride from Tatopani to Beni. The dirt trail follows the Kaligandaki River and is surrounded by heavy rocks. You’ll have some time to explore the town of Beni before driving from here to Pokhara to spend the night.
Overnight Location: White Pearl Hotel (1,400 m/4,593’), Pokhara
Distance: 18 km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 Fly to Kathmandu

Take an incredible flight today from Pokhara back to Kathmandu, experiencing the splendor of the mountains from above. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you will have free time in the city to shop for souvenirs or see more of the sights. You can also choose to rest and relax in one of the city’s many cafes or rooftop restaurants.
Overnight Location: Mandala Boutique Hotel (1,400 m/4,593’), Kathmandu
Distance: N/A
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 Departure Day

Sadly, your Annapurna Circuit cycling tour has reached its end. You are free to explore if you have time before your flight. You may enjoy souvenir shopping or visiting more cultural sites in this special city. Your guide can help you find what you’re looking for, then an airport representative will escort you to the airport. Have a pleasant journey!
Overnight Location: N/A
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast