Annapurna Circuit by Bike

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take an incredible flight today from Pokhara back to Kathmandu, experiencing the splendor of the mountains from above. That's where your tour will end.