Trip Facts

  • Duration:15 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
  • Max Altitude:5,416 m
  • Min group sizeAny
  • Holiday typeTour

About Annapurna Circuit Biking Tour

The Annapurna Circuit Bike tour is the most famous mountain biking tour in Nepal.. Going around the majestic Annapurna Massif is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people and for others, they keep coming back. Trekking along paddies and (wait for it,) a desert, the trek gets even wonderful as you further go through pine forests, subtropical jungles, waterfalls, pristine villages, and impossible cliffs! This has been the norm for as long as anyone can remember but with the recent construction of jeep trails, it has been possible to cycle in addition to trek the beautiful region.

Biking through this terrain is a perfect combination of adrenaline and visual treat. The stunning rural trails through the foothills of Annapurna Massif with stops along the deepest canyons of Nepal is a treat in itself. The journey begins from Kathmandu followed by a drive to Besisahar. We then embark on our trip until we reach up to Thorong-La pass at 5,416 m, the highest pass of our tour. We then traverse down with watery eyes to Jomsom as rows and rows of hills pass by us.

Taking you from the highest of passes to the deepest of gorges, you will experience a mix of emotions. As you take turns, you will see villages, waterfalls, temples and age-old monasteries, sub-tropical forests, alpine forests, and even a dessert! Technically you might find some portions difficult but we have guides who will safely take you to a selected trail in order to avoid dangerous points. We will also have short breaks in order to engage our cameras or just lie there in the quiet.  Put together, you will travel high into the snowscapes and traverse down hundreds and hundreds of slopes gaining you an unforgettable experience not found anywhere in the world. This is simply one of the best adventures in Nepal and one of the most challenging high-altitude trips for any biker.

Trip Highlights

  • Take your bike for a spin in some of the most amazing landscapes on the planet.
  • Takes you from the highest of passes to the deepest of gorges

Itinerary

Expand all +Collapse all -

Arrival in Kathmandu International Airport & Transfer to Hotel in Thamel, a tourist-district that has numerous bars and restaurants offering an instant taste of urban Nepali lifestyle. In the afternoon, check out the bikes and participate in a tour briefing over dinner. Stay overnight in the hotel.

    Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m) by tourist bus. Our staff will pick you up at the hotel at 6:30 AM and take you to the bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at 7:00 AM, and after a 6-hour long drive, reach Pokhara. This lake town is known for its panoramic views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Manaslu among others. Spend a relaxing evening on the lakeside. Stay overnight at a hotel.

      Take a bus to Besisahar. The drive is 177 km and takes a little less than 6 hours. The lunch is on the way and stays overnight in a hotel at Besisahar. Besisahar, a growing village, is the entrance to the Annapurna Conservation Area.

        Our trek starts with a ride to Bahundanda (18 km), riding from 650 m and gaining altitude up to 1,310 m (some distance covered by jeep). You will go through mostly single trails and cross a tributary on a suspension bridge made of bamboo. We then bike through extensive rice terraces with views of Mt.Himal Chuli, Mt. Buddha and Mt. Manaslu.

          The first leg of the ride is from Bahundanda to Taal Manang (12 km) going up to 1,700 m. It is a challenging trail with rocky ups and downs. You will need to carry your bike a few times but the journey is through a beautiful landscape crossing of waterfalls and Marshyangdi River gorges. At the final leg of about a kilometer descent, you will emerge into the flat valley surrounding Taal. Stay overnight in a guest house.

            Ride from Taal gaining altitude up to 2,570 m and covering a distance of about 23 km. Ahead of Taal, you will pass a huge dry stone inscribed with Buddhist prayers, and further along, pass through corn-fields. This section involves much of carrying your bike, with a steep climb out of Danaqu. Ahead, the ride is pleasurable until you reach Chame where you can enjoy a hot-spring bath and fresh food. Stay overnight in a guest house.

              Ride from Chame to Manang, gain altitude up to 3,540 m covering a distance of about 30 km. In the morning, the route passes through a dense forest in a steep, narrow valley and crosses a river via two bridges. You continue along the riverside trail until you reach Pisang. At this high altitude, you should slow down a bit for the rest of the trek. The route then passes through Humde and Braga. Then ride up a cliff to Manang where you will stay overnight in a guest house.

                spend a day in Manang for acclimatization and rest but you can take very short trips around. Stay overnight in relaxation. 

                  Ride from Manang to Thorong Phedi getting up to an altitude of 4,450 m covering a distance of 17 km. We leave Manang through narrow streets and then climbs steadily up to Khusang. Although the trail is more ridable above Khusang (3,900 m), the altitude now takes effect making turning those pedals very difficult. It’s a slow hard toil up to Thorong Phedi where you stay overnight in a guest house.

                    Ride from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath going up to 5,416 and descending to 3,750 m covering a distance of around 18km. Start before dawn to cross the Thorong-La Pass. You will carry your bike until you cross the pass, after which the trail descends rapidly on a very steep slope requiring skill-riding on your part for approximately an hour. You will then come to shops and houses from where you will take a single-track to the pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Stay overnight in a guest house.

                      Ride from Muktinath to Tatopani covering a distance of around 70 km and descend to an altitude of 1,190 m from the foothills of snow-capped peaks to tropical lowlands. You will pass through Jomsom, Marpha, and other villages. At the final leg from Kalopani, the trail drops rapidly on a fast but rough ride to Tatopani. Here, you can wash-away your tiredness revitalizing your body. Stay overnight in a guest house. 

                         Ride from Tatopani to Khaniya Ghat descending to 800 m covering a distance of about 35 km out of the mountains and into the lowlands. Upon our descent, the temperature increases and the trail becomes less rocky. From Beni, the final 15 km section is along a smooth track along rivers and paddies lined with the banana plantation. You will join a blacktopped road at Khaniya Ghat until you reach Pokhara. Stay overnight in a hotel. 

                          Relax in Pokhara recollecting your challenging trip or visit a sauna to bring down the tiredness. You can do a bit of sightseeing, too.

                            Take a flight or drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The flight is around 30 minutes but the bus-drive takes around seven hours. Stay overnight in a hotel.

                              Here ends your travel in Nepal our staff will drop you to Airport three hours before then your flight, thank you so much for booking your holiday with us see you again Namaste.

                                What's included

                                Included

                                • Costs related to all airport and hotel transfers. Domestic flights and airport departure taxes.
                                • Accommodation: Basic teahouse accommodation during the trek (Toilet and bathroom will be outside of the room; Deluxe accommodation for 2 nights in Kathmandu; Tourist class hotel for 1 nights in Pokhara·         
                                • Meals: 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which you can choose from the menu) during the trek; breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara and cycle on Hire 
                                • Equipment/Accessories: Down jacket, sleeping bags, first-aid kit, water purifying solution (iodine-based)
                                • Documentation: Trekking permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project entry permit) and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card
                                • Human assistance: A professional and experienced Cycling Guide  (English-speaking);  all the expenses for the guide  covered (wages, accommodation, meals, transportation, insurance, etc.)
                                • Emergency Rescue Service: Should an emergency arise during your trek, we will provide prompt and professional rescue and medical services. However, you must be already insured for such emergencies, and your insurance policy must cover helicopter evacuation. Moreover, you should provide your policy details and authorize us to deal directly with your insurance company on your behalf.
                                • Complimentary: Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (authentic Nepalese cuisines with the live cultural show).
                                • Tax/Service Charge: All applicable taxes, service charges or fees. We hereby guarantee you of no 'hidden charges' afterward.

                                Excluded

                                • Beverage (cold drinks, bottled mineral water, tea/coffee, etc.)
                                • Any other expenses of personal nature (extra meals, battery charging fees, photography charges, Hot Shower, etc.)
                                • Tips for Guide and Porters and any kinds of Donations
                                • Your travel insurance
                                • Nepal Visa

                                Useful Information

                                As a government-registered trekking and travel company, we feel it is in our best interest to offer the best possible services to our national and international customers. While striving to maintain a high quality of service and competitiveness, we have put forward these conditions that will benefit you when you select to travel with us in Nepal. These conditions are applicable when you book with us directly.

                                General

                                For tours within Nepal and Bhutan, you should pay a non-refundable 20% of the total cost at the time of booking. For tours in Tibet, the booking cost is 50%; and the rest can be paid at our office in Nepal before starting the trek.

                                Travel Insurance

                                Travel insurance is mandatory in Nepal. And even if it is not by some authorities, we recommend that you have one. A comprehensive travel insurance package is required to cover medical expenses, emergency evacuations, accidents, cancellations, loss or theft of personal property such as electronic items and luggage, among others. Adventure White Mountain is not liable for the damage and loss of your personal effects.

                                Risk and Liabilities

                                We will notify you of any change in travel regulations in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet but we cannot be held responsible for unknown restrictions, disasters, adverse political activities, delay, accident and/or sickness. Costs incurred in such circumstances is your liability. A good way to do it is to mention it to your travel insurance company.

                                Change of Price

                                Adventure White Mountain reserves the right to make slight changes in price in terms of foreign currency exchange rates, economic inflation or government actions.

                                Last-minute Booking

                                While last-minute booking is not available for Bhutan and Tibet, we can arrange it for treks in Nepal. With full payment, you can book with us just seven days ahead of the tour date.

                                Tour Cancellation

                                If you want to cancel your trip, you should inform us in writing 14 days ahead of the tour date. The cancellation charge is USD 180; but if you do not wish to pay the cancellation charge, you can transfer the trip to a person of your choice. In case of Bhutan and Tibet, the cancellation charge is 20 to 50 percent and you should write to us at least 30 days ahead of the tour date.

                                Tours not Completed

                                Adventure White Mountain is not liable for refunds for tours not completed due to personal reasons. However, in situations of unforeseen circumstances such as disasters, political blockades and/or adverse weather conditions, we will arrange another trip for you instead.

                                Tour Postponed

                                If you want to postpone your trip, you should inform us in writing at least 30 days ahead of the tour date. The postpone charge is USD 120 and the rest is transferred at a later date. In the case of Bhutan and Tibet, the postpone charge is 20 to 50 percent of the total.

                                Flight Delays & Cancellation

                                In many parts of Nepal flight delays are common; and in really bad weather, the flights are canceled altogether. For such days, you should carry extra money for accommodation and food.