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Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking

Difficulty: Difficult
Max Altitude: 5416m at Thorang La
Duration: 09 days
Cost: $1620
Season: Spring/Autumn/Summer
Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse
  • Overview
  • Detail Itinerary
  • Cost Info
  • Useful Infos
  • FAQs

Highlights

  • A long mountain biking tour in the Annapurna circuit
  • Feel the breeze through the back of your neck
  • Feel the adrenaline rush 
  • Experience the thrilling ride in the Himalayas and the mountain terrain
  • The most popular mountain biking tour
  • Visit the traditional, cultural, historic and famous villages in Annapurna region
  • Simply a breathtaking ride for the lifetime experience

Annapurna circuit mountain biking comes on top of the list when we talk about mountain biking tours in Nepal. Mountain biking is one of Nepal's most popular adventure activities, and adding the circuit of the Annapurna trail makes it more exciting and thrilling.

Only experienced and tough riders are recommended to do the mountain biking tour in the Annapurna circuit since it demands high physical fitness and technical knowledge as they will be riding through the most sophisticated mountain, rugged terrains, steep hills and high passes. Also, once voted as ‘The Best Long Distance Trek,’ Annapurna Circuit trekking itself is a very challenging adventure in Nepal, while adding mountain biking would make it more difficult. It will be highly tiring yet worth the hard work and every drop of sweat.

Experience the local cultures and traditions in the dry alpine region in this epic adventure and feel the native way of living in the Himalayan nation. While riding through the land, the massive Annapurna Himalayan ranges will give you company for most of your journey. The highest point of this trip, Thorang La Pass 5416 m, is the main highlight. Only one with a strong and determined heart can achieve success in this spectacular journey. Annapurna mountain biking (MTB) is a brilliant choice if you want to know your limit while challenging yourself and others.

Annapurna Circuit  Mountain Biking Outline Itinerary

Day 01:Ride to Besisahar 760m, BLD, Teahouse

Day 02:Ride from Besisahar to Chame 2670m, BLD, Teahouse

Day 03:Ride to Manang 3519m, BLD, Teahouse

Day 04:Acclimatization day in Manang (Tilicho Lake visit optional), BLD, Teahouse

Day 05:Ride from Manang to Thorong Phedi 4450m, BLD, Teahouse

Day 06:Cross Thorong la pass & Ride to Jomsom, BLD, Teahouse

Day 07:Ride to Beni, BLD, Teahouse

Day 08:Ride to Pokhara, BL, Hotel

Day 09:Ride to Kathmandu, BL.

Annapurna Circuit  Mountain Biking detailed itinerary

BLD denotes Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 01: Drive to Besisahar 760m, BLD, Teahouse

After breakfast in the early morning, your guide will meet you in your hotel, load up the bikes and drive towards Besisahar. We stop along the way to have our lunch and enjoy taking fresh air in and the stunning beauty of the area surrounded by high hills. On the way, you can also see the beautiful scenery of Marshyangdi valley. After arriving in Besisahar, we take some time to explore the town and finalize our preparations.

Day 02: Ride from Besisahar to Chame 2670m, BLD, Teahouse

After breakfast in the early morning, you assemble your bikes, and the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking trip starts. In the beginning, the trail follows the course of the Marshyangdi River along the Marshyangdi valley on the right side. As we ascend uphill, we gain dramatic heights along with beautiful cascading waterfalls on our way. We cross many exciting villages on the way. Chame village for the night stay.

Day 03: Ride to Manang 3519m, BLD, Teahouse

The path to Manang takes us through a deep forest in a steep and narrow valley and opens into a fertile agricultural valley. Pisang is a beautiful village to explore en route. Then the dirt trail takes us through small settlements and villages with the opportunity to meet friendly local people. You get to visit Braga Monastery, the largest in the entire district, and finally reach Manang. Overnight at Manang village.

Day 04: Acclimatization day in Manang (Ice Lake visit optional), BLD, Teahouse

We take this day to acclimatize and prepare ourselves for the hard days ahead during our trip. The spectacular views of the mountains like Annapurnas, Gangapurna and the glacial lake below it are excellent, making the day even more enjoyable. Short hikes can be taken to explore nearby areas, visit high-altitude lakes, relax and hang out in Manang in the evening. Overnight at teahouse.

Day 05: Ride from Manang to Thorong Phedi 4450m, BLD, Teahouse

We leave Manang early in the morning and start riding towards Yak Kharka (4010m). Pedaling becomes harder and harder at such high elevations. So, we go slowly, enjoying the scenery and cultural inhabitants of the region. Passing through Yak Kharka and crossing the river on the mountainside leads you to Thorong Phedi. The most important thing you need is to remain physically and mentally prepared for the highest ascent of the next day. Overnight at Teahouse.

Day 06: Ride to Jomsom via Thorong La Pass 5416 m, BLD, Teahouse

We start the trip very early, around 5 am. You have to make the long drag carrying and pushing your bike to an elevation of more than 1300 meters to Thorong La Pass. This day is one of the most challenging parts of the entire ride that will define any mountain biker's true spirit and passion as you battle high altitude and cold simultaneously. But the difficult journey offers you excellent rewards with magnificent views from Throng La Pass of the snow-capped mountains and superb technical downhill on the other side. Finally, you will arrive in warm hospitality at Muktinath, where you can rest your exhausted body. Bravo team. Ride a little more downhill to get to Jomsom. 

Day 07: Ride to Beni, BLD, Teahouse

We ride on this enjoyable day towards the lower region of Mustang and ultimately leave the Mustang zone to enter Baglung and Beni. The ride might be a little tough, but we enjoy the scenery en route. Overnight at Beni town. 

Day 08: Ride to Pokhara, BL, Hotel

It is another enjoyable day to drive on the highway toward the beautiful city of Pokhara. Once in Pokhara, you can relax by the lakeside and enjoy the celebratory night. 

Day 09: Ride to Kathmandu, BL.

On this final day of our Annapurna circuit biking adventure, we ride for the last time to get to our initial position at Kathmandu. It's time to bid goodbye to the team. Thank you for riding with us. Namaste. 

Cost for 1 PAX: $1990 /-

Cost for 2 or more PAX: $1620 per person

Note: Trip cost varies with the group sizes.

Annapurna Circuit  Mountain Biking cost breakdown

Cost Includes

  • Hotels in Pokhara on a BB basis
  • Teahouse lodge accommodation in the mountains
  • Full board meals with tea/coffee and snacks during the riding days
  • English-speaking MTB guide and his expenses
  • Complete Suspension Mountain bikes for the riding days
  • Necessary helmet, a pump, spare tubes, a water bottle and a repair kit
  • Necessary permit and TIMS card
  • First aid medical kit bag with a pulse oximeter
  • Complementary company t-shirt, route map
  • Certificate of appreciation
  • All government taxes and VAT

Cost Excludes

  • Travel and emergency rescue insurance (Compulsory for the journey)
  • Personal clothing and gear
  • Personal expenses of any sorts
  • Gratuities to the field staff (highly expected)

Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour Useful Information

Customized Trips and Trip departure

Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour departs from Kathmandu as per our fixed departure dates. You can join any available fixed departure groups if you are a solo or small group traveler if you wish to when the trips cannot be customized.

But if you are in a private group, fixed departure dates are not suitable for you, so you need to choose your own dates and packages when you can customize the tour as per your travel needs. For further information, please kindly contact your friendly neighbor, Nature Lovers Tours and Tours.

Accommodations in Pokhara and during the tour

You will be staying in a hotel in Pokhara while in the teahouse lodges or guesthouses during the tour.

Nature Lovers Tours and Tours has the best accommodation arrangement for you from the beginning to the end. We believe after the tough riding and walking day, everyone deserves the proper rest and the right ambience to relax and chill. Therefore, our choice of accommodation is the best for the tour days. The rooms will be clean and comfy. Our entire accommodations will be on a twin-sharing basis, as you can see, so you have to let us know if others; let’s say if you want triple or quadruple sharing or a double bed, etc. There will be an extra charge for the single supplement.

If you wish to change the accommodation category to a better one in Pokhara, please let us know, and we can change it for you at an added cost.

Route Map and Company T-shirt

Nature Lovers Tours and Tours offers you a complimentary tour map and company t-shirts.

Safe Drinking Water during Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour

Hydrating yourself is the most important thing to do during the tour. You should drink at least 3 liters of water every day or more. The main reason is to avoid sickness and other health issues. Nature Lovers Tours and Tours provides water purification tablets or liquids to purify the water in the mountains. You can even buy mineral water or boiled water at an extra cost.

Your tour guides and porters

Nature Lovers Tours and Tours has the best guides and porters in the whole tourism industry. We can guarantee you that. Ask yourselves a question. What do you look for in a guide and a porter? Are they fully insured and are they paid well? Well, they are the staff of Nature Lovers Tours and Tours, so they are hundred percent happy with their treatment by the company. They are experienced, licensed and knowledgeable in the field. They are well paid and fully insured for their journey as well as for the medicals.

Now, let’s talk about our backbones. The leader or a guide should have significant knowledge in climbing, trekking and tour so that he can wonderfully and safely lead you, clearing any obstacles on the way. We, Nature Lovers Tours and Tours, can proudly say that our guides (climbing, assistant, trek and tour guide) are highly qualified for the role. They are fully trained, experienced and licensed. They have undergone a lot of training to make themselves useful in various situations and make your journey smooth and pleasant.

Our guide knows the local areas, the cultures, the traditions and the lifestyles much more than anyone does. Some of the things they tell you, might even be hard to find in the travel guidebooks. Depending upon the situation and weather conditions, the daily plans might change slightly, so he will inform you beforehand. You should always be flexible and ready to accommodate your guides’ instructions. Let him know if you have any health problems as well since he will act accordingly to the situation. Depending upon the group size, we will provide you assistant guides and extra Sherpas if needed.

Your safety

Nature Lovers Tours and Tours puts your safety as the top priority. We provide you comprehensive first aid medical kit bag and the professional team of guides and porters. We always communicate with our field team members to keep track of your safety and concerns. We will monitor your entire journey and we make sure you enjoy your journey in full scale. We are available 24/7 for your health and safety checks during Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour.

Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour cost?

The cost of the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour varies depending on the number of days you choose to tour. The longer the tour, the more expensive it will become. Similarly, the price will also differ with the accommodation choices and group sizes. Typically, Nature Lovers Tours and Tours offers a comprehensive package that is inclusive of all the costs and expenses for the entire journey. However, you could also choose to buy only a service-based package from us when provide you only the supporting field staff plus tour permits, and you have to arrange the rest by yourselves.

How is the Accommodation during the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour?

In Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour, we will provide you teahouse accommodations. A teahouse is typically a mountain lodge, a combination of a lodge or a guest house and a restaurant or a café with basic furniture and interiors suitable for the social hangout. Many teahouses even have some attached bathrooms and the central heating furnace. Most of the teahouses provide European toilets these days while Asian-style of toilets are available in every teahouse. Hot showers are available but at an extra cost. The same goes for hot drinking water since they use gas or solar to boil it. Sleeping blankets are usually provided, but we recommend you carry your own sleeping bags for the hygienic purpose {can be arranged on request}. At the same time, it’s better to carry your own toiletries, including the towels.

What are the permits that I need for Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour?

For Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour, you must make two permits: ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System).

How does this tipping system in Nepal work, and do I have to tip?

Tipping is not compulsory for Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour however, tipping is all about showing your gratitude and appreciation. We care about our staff in the fields, so we expect you to look after them in return for them looking after you throughout your journey. They are your closest friend in the remotest parts and your protector whenever anything seems to happen to you. So tipping is highly expected. The amount of gratuities can be determined by you. Usually, a guide expects around $10 or more per day.

Can I charge my phones, batteries or other electronic devices in the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour?

You can easily charge your electronic devices during Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour but by paying small amounts or fees for charging. Don’t forget to buy a plug adapter or socket fittings before you leave Kathmandu.

Is there WiFi and mobile signal on the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour?

Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour route has good mobile network coverage these days {with few exception days}, thanks to the Nepalese telecommunication companies called Ncell and NTC. You can buy one of these Sim cards from any local phone shop in Kathmandu. It is wiser to buy a sim card with around 4 GB of data in Kathmandu and use the mobile data in the tour to avoid paying extra by buying WiFi.

WiFi is available on most of the teahouses in Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour route and costs some charges. However, the signal varies from place to place and please don’t expect to receive fast data coverage on the tour.

When is the best time to ride to Annapurna Circuit?

Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour can be done throughout the year. However on average, Spring {March, April and May} and Autumn {September, October and November} are the best times or seasons to ride to Annapurna Circuit. Spring and Autumn are the Peak or Busy season in Nepal. It’s because the temperature is moderate during these seasons, and the best panoramic mountain views are guaranteed, while during other Summer {June, July and August}, and Winter {December, January and February} seasons, the clear weather is not guaranteed. But if you are an explorer, a photographer, and a peace lover, a less busy season can also be the right time to do Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour. The problem is the weather is harsh cold in winter, and there’s snow everywhere while the summer has rainfalls and clouds obscuring the mountains and the views are not so great most of the time. Some of the villages in the Annapurna circuit are not affected by rain.

Do I have to worry about altitude sickness on Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour?

The itinerary of our Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour is perfectly designed by Nature Lovers Tours and Tours. It has separated enough time in the places to let the body acclimatize well in high altitudes. As long as you follow the guide, you should be fine. Altitude sickness in fact, can affect anyone regardless of age or fitness level, so it is crucial to ride and walk slowly and gradually as you go higher. Learn more about Altitude Sickness to prepare yourselves for the upcoming Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour.

Do I need to be healthy and physically fit for Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour?

When it comes to trek and tour in the mountains, the health and fitness of a person play a vital role. Suppose you are a healthy person without any serious medical problems, Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour is for you, but if you have any sort of medical issues, please consult your doctor before coming to Nepal for the tour. We will be gaining a high altitude of 5416 m above the sea level, which is not a joke. People usually start to have breathing problems above 3000 meters from the level, if they have pre-existing health conditions.

Regarding the fitness level required, Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour demands high physical fitness. The tour includes daily rides and walks of about 4-8 hours and involves many ascents and descents, including the crossing of the highest pass in the world, which means you need lots of practice before you start the tour journey. You will be traversing through forests, high passes and high hills. If you do not have previous tour experience, that’s going to be very tough on you but obviously, if you have previous experience, it will be a lot easier. For those not having previous mountain biking experiences, please exercise regularly for at least 2 months before your tour departure. Go for the morning walks, do some jogging as you get time, participate in some cycling activities, etc. This way, you will be good to go for riding to Annapurna Circuit.

What food items or meals can I eat on Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour?

Only breakfast is included in Pokhara, while full board meals or full meals are included during the tour. Tea and coffee will also be provided during the entire trip. During the tour, you will have your breakfast and dinner in the same teahouse where you spend the night, while lunch will be served en route to the next destination. There are varieties of choices to choose from; Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian, Continental, etc.

The most common and highly recommended food during the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour is typical Nepali Dal Bhat {rice and lentil}; even better without meat, it means Nepali Vegetarian Dal Bhat. You can also eat other food items such as seasonal vegetables, noodles and spaghetti, pasta, pizzas and French fries, soups, etc., depending on availability. For the beverage, you can choose either warm, hot or cold beverages; soft drinks, beer and hard drinks. For breakfast, you can order cereals, bread, noodle soups, egg dishes, etc.

Do I need travel insurance for Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour?

Travel insurance is a must when you go to Annapurna Circuit. Therefore before you come to Nepal, please make sure you have your insurance documents with you since our insurance companies cannot insure foreign nationals. Because they cover all the expenses, if you face some unfortunate happenings and you have to be rescued or medically assisted during the trip or if your belongings are lost or stolen. We strongly advise you to take out insurance which covers any medical risks up to 5500 meters and the medical evacuation from the mountains.

What gear and equipment do I need to pack for Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour?

Choosing the right gear and equipment is also important for the successful journey to Annapurna Circuit. Pack the right gear and equipment but remember, packing as light as possible is the best way to go when riding to Annapurna Circuit. You should read this What to take for travel to get all the details on what you need to pack or carry.

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