A mountain bike tour to the Annapurna region is one of the best biking tours in Nepal. The Annapurna Circuit mountain bike tour passes through a variety of different landscapes from lush sub-tropical rainforest, cultivated fields and deep valleys to wooded alpine and high desert. We visit many different villages, meeting the local hill tribes and enjoy frequent spectacular views of massive Himalayan peaks including Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri. Thorong-La pass (5416m) is a very challenging ascent surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountain scenery in the world is the highest point of this trip. The riding possibility in this area is about 75% on average.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives.

Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Day 02 : At leisure in Kathmandu (1334m), preparation for trip

Overnight: Hotel

Day 03 : Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m): We will take a bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar having lunch on the way and then stay overnight in a lodge in Besisahar.

Overnight: Lodge
Driving Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: -574m

Day 04 : Besisahar to Bahundanda (1310m): Our trip starts with a ride to Bahundanda. The biking includes single trails and a technical crossing of a river tributary on a bamboo suspension bridge. We then bike through extensive rice terraces with views of Himal Chuli, Buddha Himal and Manaslu (the ninth highest mountain in the world at 8156m).

Overnight: Lodge
Riding Distance: 18 km
Riding Possibility: 35%
Difference in Elevation: +550m

Day 05 : Bahundanda to Taal (1675m): The first section from Bahundanda is a very technical trail with rocky ups and down. Several times you will need to push or carry your bike. But the journey is through a beautiful landscape of waterfalls, cliffs and gorges of the Marsyangdi River. At Taal there are lodges and shops.

Overnight: Lodge
Riding Distance: 12 km
Riding Possibility: 40%
Difference in Elevation: +365m

Day 06 : Taal to Chame (2630m): Today we cover 20.6km with the Annapurna range offering splendid views including Annapurna II (7937m) and Annapurna IV to the west. Initially the trail climbs through the forests to Dhanakyu (2290m) and continues steadily to Lattemarang (2360m) and than the track will climbs over lot of forest ridges to reach Kotho village (2590m). From Kotho village we continue to Chame (2630m). Chame is the central administrative headquarter of the Manang District.

Overnight: Lodge
Riding Distance: 20.6 km
Riding Possibility: 55%
Difference in Elevation: +955m

Day 07 : Chame to lower Pisang village (3200m): Today is an easier and shorter biking day which covers 15.2km riding distance but most on trails with wonderful scenery. We will cross the northern side of the river and ride west on a very easy trail to the Bhratang village (2840m) and than the valley trail is steep and narrow as it through the dense forests. We have to cross one suspension bridge (3040m) and than continue to Pisang (3200m). Pisang is a large village, divided into upper and lower villages with many lodges available. Today you will be able to view Pisang Peak (6091m) directly in front of you along with other famous peaks-unforgettable views! If we have extra time we will visit upper Pisang.

Overnight: Lodge
Riding Distance: 15.2 km
Riding Possibility: 90%
Difference in Elevation: +570m.

Day 08 : Pisang to Manang (3440m): Today, we follow a mostly flat trail, with more fine views of the Annapurna range and Pisang Peak. Manang is a very large (5500 population) and important village with numerous lodges and shops, which are surprisingly well stocked. We will reach Manang via crossing Hungde (3325m) where there is an airstrip, several lodges and police check post. One of the distinctive features of this village is a long mani wall. The trail crosses to the north bank of the river near Mungli and continues on to the stunning Tibetan-style village of Bryaga (3475m), where there is an ancient monastery (gompa). From this point, it is only short Distance to reach Manang (3440m).

Overnight: Lodge
Riding Distance: 16.7 km
Riding Possibility: 95%
Difference in Elevation: +240m.

Day 09 : Acclimatization day at Manang (3440m): Today will be your acclimatization day which will allow you to become adjusted to thinning air and lessening pressure as we continue upwards towards to the Thorong-La Pass. It is essential spend the time to acclimatization in this area. In the afternoon, we can visit the clinic (run by Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) Centre) to get more information about high altitude trekking. They will give a daily briefing about mountain sickness. It is also worth visiting Manang Gompa (Monastery) if it is open.

Overnight: Lodge
Elevation: 3440m

Day 10 : Manang to Thorong Phedi (4450m): The trail goes steeply up to Yak Kharka (4018m), but there is more riding Possibility in this section. We continue to Thorong Phedi (4450m) which is the last stop before crossing the Thorong-La Pass. The lodges here are usually very crowded, but there is an air of excitement as trekkers congregate when they arrive.

Overnight: Lodge
Riding Distance: 18km
Riding Possibility: 70%
Difference in Elevation: +1010m

Day 11 : Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3760m) via Thorong-La Pass (5416m): Today is the most difficult day of this trek because of the altitude and long hours riding/walking (as we ascend almost 1000m and descend about 1600m). Hence, we will set off about 4 to 5 am to commence the long climb up to the Thorong-La Pass (5416m) because there is usually a strong wind blowing across the pass after 11:00am. Mostly we have to push the bikes to reach the pass. You need to have plenty of water and a warm down jacket with you. The trek Phedi to Thorong-La takes about 3 to 5 hours, depending upon fitness and acclimatization. Upon reaching Thorong-La we will see the traditional chorten, cairn and prayer flags. We will take a break here before descending to Muktinath (3760m). The panoramic views from Thorong-La are superb and this may be the highest elevation you'll attain during your traveling life- you will feel on top of the world! When you descend to the Muktinath area you will obtain great views of Dhaulagiri to the south-west and Tukuche (6920m). The descent is long and tiring (about 3 hours) but it is not very difficult. We can easily reach today's destination of Muktinath enjoying great views along the way. Muktinath is a fascinating village and a famous place for Hindu and Buddhist religions. You may see lot of pilgrims bathing in the holy water flowing from the 108 spouts carved in the shape of cow's heads surrounding the Vishnu Temple. The temple is built in Tibetan style and contains huge brass idols of Shiva, Vishnu, Kali and Brahma.

Overnight: Lodge
Riding Distance: 21km
Riding Possibility: 55%
Difference in Elevation: +966m, Thorong-La Pass, -690m, Muktinath

Day 12 : Muktinath to Jomsom (2700m): We can now look forward to a reduction in altitude and easier going, as we descend down the trail to Jomsom. From Muktinath we descend to Jharkot (3500m), a picturesque village with many interesting features and continue down to Khingar (3200m), eventually reaching Kagbeni (2801m). Kagbeni is at the junction of the Jhong Khola and the Kali Gandaki and is not very far from legendary areas of Mustang and Lo Monthang.

NOTE: Mustang is a controlled trekking region so a separate permit is required to travel in Mustang. Therefore we recommended that you not to walk north of this village because this is border of the Mustang region. It is worth spending some time to look around Kagbeni which is a very interesting and medieval village with stone houses, narrow alleys, green fields, a large gompa and view of the high mountains. From here we follow the river down to Eklai Bhatti (2730m), where we join the alternative and more direct route from Muktinath. From here it is an easy ride to Jomsom (2700m), the administrative headquarters of the region.

Overnight: Lodge
Riding Distance: 25km
Riding Possibility: 95%
Difference in Elevation: -1060m

Day 13 : Jomsom to Kalopani (2560m): We leave Jomsom riding past the government vegetable and horticultural farm below Marpha and continue down to follow the Kali Gandaki River to the beautiful Thakali village in Tukuche (2590m). From Tukuche we continue along the trail through the villages of Khobang and Larjung, crossing the river twice with good views of Annapurna I before reaching Kalopani (2560m).

Overnight: Lodge
Riding Distance: 24.8 km
Riding Possibility: 80%
Difference in Elevation: -140m

Day 14 : Kalopani to Tatopani (1190m): Today the trail descends steeply through forest followed by a technical section where we cross a suspension bridge and ride through pine forest to Ghasa (2080m). From here the trail steeply descends to Rupse Chhahara (1550m), one of the biggest waterfalls on this route. Beyond, the trail is much easier, going through Dana village and crossing rice paddies to reach Tatopani (1190) a small town on the north bank of Kali Gandaki River. Tatopani means "Hot Water" in Nepali and there is a natural hot spring down by the river side which is excellent for a relaxing soak.

Overnight: Lodge
Riding Distance: 22.5 km
Riding Possibility: 75%
Difference in Elevation: -1370m

Day 15 : Tatopani to Beni Bazar (830m) and drive to Pokhara (910m): The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River through the world's deepest gorge to reach Beni. This is a fun day, with an excellent trail and a section of new road. Beni is the headquarter of Parbat District and has many shops and hotels. From here we take a bus to Pokhara (78km).

Overnight: Hotel
Riding Distance: 23km
Riding Possibility: 80%
Difference in Elevation: -360m

Day 16 : Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu (1334m)

Overnight: Hotel
Driving Time: 6 hours
Difference in Level: -424m

Day 17 : Transfer to the airport and departure

The tour price includes:

1. Transfers airport/hotel/airport.
2. Hotel in Kathmandu, and Pokhara on twin sharing BB basis
3. Bus ticket Kathmandu-Besisahar and Pokhara-Kathmandu
4. A professional tour/ biking guide and support staff
5. Biking permit, and conservation entry fee
6. Meals Full board during bike tour
7. Drinks (Tea and Coffee only)
8. Your international flight re-confirmation
9. All necessary documents and government tax
10. Insurance for all staff (including guide, support staff)

The tour price does not include:

1. International Flight
2. International airport tax in Kathmandu- approximately USD 20
3. Nepal entry visa fee USD 40. (Total 30 days from the date of issue) and you may easily obtain your visa upon your arrival in Kathmandu international airport
4. NOTE: You need 2 Passport size photos for the visa
5. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
6. Travel Insurance (compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident/repatriation helicopter/medical care)
7. Personnel biking equipment
8. Personal expenses such as cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone, hot shower, etc
9. Emergency evacuation rescue charge, if needed
10. Personal medical supplies
11. Alternative transportation, in case of flood, landslide, heavy rain, strike, road blockade etc
12. Tips for staff

Special Note:

This Itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. The bike tour can be operated with Lodge/tea house and/or camping accommodation, based on your preference. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.