Duration: 20 Days Arrival to Departure
Max. Altitude: Throng La Pass (5416 m)
Location: Annapurna Himalayan range
Trip Grade: Challenge
Required Skill: Moderate Mountain Bike Riding
Best Time: February – May, September – November are the best seasons.
Transportation: Tourist Bus/Car/Van, Bicycle, Flight
Activity: City tour, Biking
Around the Annapurna bike tour is an amazing journey that offers some of the most astonishing and striking biking routes in the world. Annapurna biking tour presents you with one of the most challenging explorations from the high hills to the flatland. Annapurna mountain bike tour explores lush fields and forests to the mountains into the desert-dry trans-Himalayan region that lies on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Annapurna is the most popular biking area of Nepal offering a great variety of beautiful landscapes, nature & the culture of the central Himalayan. The wonderful views of untouched snow-clad mountains and the colorful ethnical and cultural activities of locals make the mountain biking trip unforgettable.
From Kathmandu, our bus takes you to Besisahar, the starting point for the Annapurna circuit trek and our ride begins. Through a series of formidable gorges, the trial takes to the upper Annapurna regions like Chamje, Bagarchhap, Chame, Pisang, and exotic Manang Valley. Each of these villages offers you the most amazing views of the great Himalayas so near that your eyes won’t believe it. We then start our trip to the Himalayas making up to 5416 m Thorang La pass, the highest pass of the tour, and down to Muktinath and Jomsom with the thrilling descent of 2700 m. We have a massif view of Annapurna, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, and many more. The picturesque Manang and Mustang valleys, magnificent Kali Gandaki and Marsyandi Rivers, close-up views of the Himalayas, varied ecosystems, green paddy fields and oak forests, arid deserts, and the deepest gorge in the world make your mountain bike tour in Annapurna forever experience of life.
The Around Annapurna Biking Tour is a thrilling and challenging adventure that takes cyclists on an unforgettable journey through the Annapurna region of Nepal. This epic biking circuit circumnavigates the Annapurna Massif, one of the most magnificent and revered mountain ranges in the world. Stretching over 160 to 200 kilometers (100 to 125 miles), this tour promises a diverse and breathtaking landscape that transitions from lush subtropical forests and terraced fields to high alpine meadows and glacial valleys.
What makes the Around Annapurna Biking Tour truly special is the opportunity to explore remote and culturally rich villages nestled amidst the Himalayas. Cyclists will have the chance to interact with the local Gurung, Manang, and Thakali communities, gaining insights into their traditions, lifestyle, and warm hospitality. The route also takes riders through picturesque towns like Pokhara and Kathmandu, providing a perfect blend of cultural experiences and heart-pounding biking adventures.
While this biking tour is suitable for experienced mountain bikers, it is not for the faint of heart. Cyclists will encounter challenging ascents, thrilling descents, river crossings, and technical sections that demand advanced biking skills. The reward, however, is immense, with awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, as well as encounters with the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Overall, the Around Annapurna Biking Tour is an exceptional adventure that combines the thrill of biking with the natural beauty and cultural richness of Nepal’s Annapurna region.
Day 01: – Greetings at Kathmandu Airport
We will meet you at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. When you have had your time to settle in and freshen up after your long fight, you will be invited to visit our office for a briefing about your program. If you arrive at night we will have the same discussion in next day morning after your breakfast.
Day 02: – A full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the capital valley
The very next morning, after breakfast you will leave for a full-day sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley. You can visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Swyambhunath, very ancient and essentially enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage sites. The biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhnath and the fine arts and historical architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square reflect the ancient Nepalese culture. On return to your hotel, you will have time to explore the local area, have dinner, and perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the popular streets.
Day 03: – Drive Kathmandu to Besi Sahar (820m)
Take a vehicle or tourist bus to Besi Sahar, about 6 6-hour drive. If you reach Besi Sahar at lunchtime, ride along the road to Bhulbule on your mountain bike.
Day 04: – Besisahar/Bhulbhule to Bahundanda (1270m)
Beyond Bhulule, the trail travels up the east bank of the river, past an impressive 60m waterfall that is surrounded by a tropical tree called a pandanus or screw pine. Watch the Langur monkeys playing in the treetops. Cross the Sisneri khola and pass the unfinished base of a long-promised power plant to reach a Tibetan settlement. A steep ride via subtropical forest and small hamlets to Bahundanda(1270m), an attractive village in the saddle of a long ridge.
Day 05: – Bahundanda to Chamje (1410m)
Descend on a steep, rocky trail past golden amphitheatre-shaped rice terraces. A climb over a ridge leads to the pleasant village of Kanigaon (1170m). A steep and slippery trail runs up and down through paddy fields, passing through tiny Tibetan villages, the trail ascends through the rhododendron forest to Chamje.
Day 06: – Chamje to Bagarchhap (2160m)
Cross to the east bank of the Marsyangdi and follow the trail along the river embankment. Climb past fields, then through stands of bamboo and rhododendrons to an exposed trail that traverses high above the steep riverbank. Beyond Dharapani, the wide trail climbs gradually over a spur. An hour’s work to Bagarchhap through a forest of blue pine, spruce, hemlock, maple, and oak, offers typical Tibetan architecture. The trail has entered the Manang region with the site of our first Tibetan Monastery and the occasional glimpses of Annapurna II (7937m) and Lamjung Himal (6986m).
Day 07 – Bagarchhap to Chame (2710m)
The trail stays on the south bank of the river, climbing through forests to Danaque (2210m), a valley surrounded by apple orchards. The trail climbs along the mule track through the forest and then follows the river for a time amongst the higher oak and maple trees. At the entrance to Chame is a wall with many prayer wheels; the administrative headquarters of the Manang district. There are fine views of Lamjung, Annapurna II/IV (7525m).
Day 08: – Day 8: Chame to Pisang (3210m)
There’s a long, peasant, and mostly level ride in forests. The pine-scented trail rounds a bend to reveal the first views of the dramatic Paungda Danda rock face, a tremendous curved slab of rock. The trail follows through the river valley with good views along the way of Pisang Peak and Annapurna II at Pisang. Pisang marks the beginning of the region’s upper portion of the Manang district.
Day 09: – Pisang to Manang
From upper Pisang, the high trail enters pine grooves to reveal views of the small turquoise lake. The trail does a dogleg through the charming village, passing with views of painted Mandalas and dragon mouth spouts. This large Tibetan settlement provides good views of Annapurna II/III/IV, Gangapurna, and Tarkekang. Stay at 3570m.
Day 10: – Acclimatization day at Manang
This day you spend a second night in the Manang region to acclimatize to the higher elevations you will encounter towards the Thoroung La. There are fine views of the milky blue glacier lake at the foot of the spectacular Gangapurna icefall and traditional stone buildings.
Day 11: – Manang to Chure Letdar (4250m)
The trail continues to climb out of the Marsyangdi Valley. The trail follows this valley north, passing a Goths as it steadily gains elevation. You have left the large trees below; the vegetation now consists of scrub juniper and alpine grasses. It’s fun to see large yaks grazing. The view of Annapurna III is excellent.
Day 12: – Churi Letdar to Thorung Phedi (4400m)
From Letdar the trail climbs along the east bank of the Jarsang Khola, then descends and crosses the stream on a wooden bridge at 4310m. Blue sheep, and even snow-capped leopards, sometimes magically appear. The crow-like bird choughs, large lamer geiers, and Himalayan griffons circle you overhead.
Day 13: – Thorung Phedi trek to Muktinath (3800m)
The trail becomes steep immediately after leaving Thorung Phedi, backing up moraines and following rocky ridges as it ascends to the Thorung La pass (5416m). You can see the long Great Barrier ridge, the Tibet-like region of Manang, as well as the Annapurnas, Gangapurna, and the heavily glaciated peak of Khatung Kang (6484m). The trail descends crossing meadows steeply down to Muktinath. One of the most important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 14: – Muktinath Trek to Jomsom (2713m)
From Muktinath to Jomsom, we see people from Mustang who come to sell handicrafts to pilgrims. Among them, merchandise is the highly revered mollusk fossil called Shaligram. We will pass some ancient caves and view the impressive white snow-capped mountains. We transit to the significant town of Kagbeni. Enjoying the plateau we will reach Jomsom by vehicle or walk to Jomsom and spend the night.
Day 15: – Muktinath to Marpha (2665m)
We head down the steep, barren hillside to Kagbeni. Kagbeni still feels like a medieval village, with its closely packed mud houses and dark tunnels. Situated at an auspicious river confluence, it is also the gateway to Upper Mustang. The easy and lovely day walking trail continues the interesting and picturesque old town and large Dechenling and Tashi Lhankhang Monasteries.
Day 16: – Bike to Tatopani (1180m)
The next day’s trail follows the Kaligandaki River through the narrow gorge, passing through traditional Thakali villages and Ghasa. The trail descends steeply through dense moss-covered rhododendron forest with rich bird life. Tatopani is famous for its natural hot springs – you can have time for a hot Scrub-up.
Day 17: – Bike to Beni and transfer to Pokhara
From Tato Pani, paddle and cross the bridge to the eastern side of the Kali Gandaki (a major river) and shortly afterward the bridge over the Ghara Khola (river). We bike through lots of rice farms and typical villages today. After some hours we will reach the main road of Beni market. From here we will have to drive to Pokhara. Spend your overnight at Pokhara.
Day 18: – Pokhara to Kathmandu, Take a 25-minute flight or 6/7 hour Drive.
Take a flight or drive by tourist bus/Private car to Kathmandu. In the evening you can have your last night in Nepal enjoying the Nepali cultural dinner show, taking some beautiful snaps, and making up your mind for the returning journey. You can have a greetings exchange among friends and with all Nepalese people.
Day 19: – Free day in Kathmandu
Today you will have a free day in Kathmandu Valley. Have some rest in your hotel. You can also take a leisurely stroll over the streets and buy some souvenirs and remember from Nepal. In the evening we will have a typical Nepali dinner accompanied by cultural shows in the Hotel.
Day 20: – Farewell Departure
Today is free or last minute you have a few hours special shopping for your relatives. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. We will drop you at the International airport to catch your flight back to your home and wish you a Safe journey.
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