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Full Circuit $1,585.00 Half Circuit $1,190.00

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For as long as Nepal has been open to tourism, The Annapurna circuit has been one of the most popular trekking trails. The gentle inclines and well maintained trails make this one of the best ways to get into the heart of the Himalayas on a Mountain Bike. This journey is a combination of biking and trekking, but as progression develops the trail to bring amenities to the remote villages, the way is becoming more and more bike friendly and will certainly offer you the experience of a life time. The route takes you around the massive Annapurna range and back into the Pokhara Valley, passing between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs. The ride is technical and highly challenging and is a journey that you will never forget.

The below itinerary is for the full Annapurna Circuit, the half Circuit begins in Jomsom and rides first up to Muktinath and then down to Tataopani and on to Pokhara, for the Half Circuit Itinerary, please send us an email.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.  A trip briefing and official meeting will be held. Forms and disclaimers need to be filled out and signed and final cash payments will be accepted if required. You will be introduced to your group leader and given an overview of the trip. We will also head to the bike workshop to fit your bike to you, or if you brought your own bike, to assemble it with the help of our nifty mechanic. You have the evening free or you can join for a group meal.
 
Day 02: Kathmandu to Besi Sahar (823m)
Departing Kathmandu early this morning, we head out of the valley and down towards the Trusili River following its course until we bear right towards Besi Sahar. We will stay overnight here at the starting point of our trek that will take us around Annapurna Circuit. The drive takes between six and seven hours and you have time in the evening to prepare anything you need for the trek. On this day you will also meet the porters who will be accompanying you on route. If you feel like stretching your legs in the evening, trek up to the ridge above the town to Lamjung Durbar which was the summer palace of the Gurung Rajas along time ago.
 
Day 03: Besisahar to Sanje 65% ride able 35% push and carry (1100 meters)
Leave the bustling Baazar of Besi Sahar situated on the banks of the Marsyangdi Khola (river) along the west bank. Descend to cross a small river, the PoDjo Khola. After crossing the river, ascend steeply and enter a subtropical forest scattered with rice fields. Along the way, you can see the peak of Gyahi Kang at the head of the valley. Traverse northwards, along the river circling a hill, until you reach the Khundi Khola. Its mainly a rough jeep track until you reach Bhulbule, from where it narrows to a trail. Once you reach a suspension bridge you will be able to see Ngadi Chuli and Baudha Himal. After crossing another suspension bridge, you will pass the ACAP check post. Continue on upstream crossing the river several times and passing a beautiful water fall until you reach Baundanda. Ride a steep down hill section and pass another delightful waterfall. Keep riding steadily until reaching Sanje.

Day 04: Sanje to Bagarchap 10% ride able 90% carry and push. (2160 meters)
As the trail narrows and enters a deep gorge, we have little chance to ride, lots of pushing and carry along the Marsyangdi River is required today. A worthy effort in breathtaking surrounds.

Day 05: Bargarchap to Bhartang 20% ride able 80% carry and push. (2856 meters)
Another long day of Cyclo-Cross style riding takes us further up out of the tree line and towards the higher more open pasture land. We have a few nice sections of riding amidst the stunning scenery.

Day 06: Bhartang to Manang 70% ride able 30% push and carry.    (3540 meters)
As the trail eases we can ride more and have an enjoyable day steadily climbing upward on the open pony trails to Manang.

Day 07: Rest and acclimatization day in Manang.
Manang is a visually fascinating village, sitting opposite a glacial lake; you may also chance upon horse racing or archery competitions. Today is a compulsory rest day to allow for acclimatization, during the day you will be asked to attend one of the information sessions held at the Manang Himalayan Rescue Association Post. This will help you understand what problems you may face in the next few days regarding altitude and to assure you that qualified help is not far away. It will also help you to identify any arising complications that may be caused from altitude sickness. During the day it's a good idea to take a walk to a higher altitude and then return back to Manang, a good place to visit Bod –zo Gompa nestled on a ridge to the north or the village. There is plenty of things to do and see in Manang, your guide will help you fill in time, but remember it's also important to take rest. The more chance you give your body to acclimatize the better for you.

In the three days that follow, the trail is 100% unridable, we will hire porters to carry the bikes for the difficult trek up and over Throng La
 
Day 08: Manang to Letdar (3900m)  Trekking.
 Within half an hour of leaving Manang, you have to cross a tributary below a water fall and reach to Tenga. From here you need to climb upwards, setting a steady pace. Once you pass through Gotha Village, the trail turns northwest and heads in to the Khenjang Khola Valley and contours through some pleasant meadows and the odd cluster of Birch Trees, early in the mornings or late afternoons its not uncommon here to see herds of grazing Himalayan Thar or Blue Sheep.  A little bit more climbing brings you to Letdar, your rest stop for the night.

Day 09:  Letdar to Phedi (4090m)   Trekking.
Thorung Phedi is not much further up the trail, we make a late start and progress slowly, just enjoy the views and remember to consult your guide if you are having problems or experiencing symptoms of altitude. Thorung Phedi is the launch place for the climb of the pass; we rest here for the afternoon and night. Tomorrow is an early start.
 
Day 10: Phedi over Thorong (5416m) pass to Muktinath (3800m)   Trekking.
Thorung Phedi is not much further up the trail, we make a late start and progress slowly, just enjoy the views and remember to consult your guide if you are having problems or experiencing symptoms of altitude. Thorung Phedi is the launch place for the climb of the pass; we rest here for the afternoon and night. Tomorrow is an early start.
 
Day 11: Thorung Phedi to Muktinath (3800m) via Throng La (5600m)
Be ready to leave at day break, some people prefer to leave earlier, but our group will leave at sunrise, its better not to waste energy and risk injury stumbling in the dark. The trail leaves the river valley and climbs upwards on the bare, steep valley sides. Ascend to Thorong High Camp and traverse left to the base of a lateral moraine. As you crest the moraine carry on westwards, the trail is less steep here. Follow the trail upwards, there are places that you will think you have reached the pass, its just the Himalaya teasing you, keep going, stay with your guide and group and perhaps two hours out of High Camp you will see the large prayer flag adorned Cairn that marks the true Throng La Pass. Congratulations, you are now standing at 5600 meters! Take time to enjoy the views as you cross from one major valley into another. You can spy the snaking course of the upper Kaliganki River some 2500 meters below you. For the first 45 minutes we have quite a difficult decent, after that the trails becomes friendlier and is more rideable all the way down hill to Mukthinath, where you can spend some time visiting the temple.

Day 12: Muktinath to Lete 95% ride able. (2010 meters)
Back on the bike today, its almost 100% down hill on a broad jeep track, soak up the amazing views of the wide Kaligadki valley as you whiz by sweating trekkers on their way up. We stop in at Kagbeni for a look around this magical little town which marks the entrance to Upper mustang, the restricted area, before cycling along the bouncy river bed on the flat to Jomsom, the most developed town you will see after the last few days. Again we proceed down hill on a nice open track into the delightful apple growing regions around Lete.

Day 13: Lete to Tatopani 90% ride able. (1190 meters)
Following the road we proceed down the valley along the river to Tatopani. The trail crosses the river on suspension bridges at several points and passes through some stunning villages. You may have to carry at some places around a couple of landslides near the large waterfall. In Tatopani you can enjoy the afternoon soaking your limbs in the hot springs. From here the bikes will be sent to Pokhara by porter and we will continue on to Poon Hill by foot. You also have the option of biking out by heading down to Beni….see Annapurna Half circuit below.

Day 14: Tatopani to Ghorepani (2750m)  Trekking
Leaving Tatopani, head downwards along the river, crossing an old land slide by climbing slightly upwards. Reach an intersection in the trail and cross the river on a suspension bridge, take the steep and stony staircase in front of you and climb upward for about an hour. Leaving the jungle, you cross a small pass and the trail steadies out passing through farming villages and proceeds to climb again to Ghorapani, just before Ghorapani, again enter the forest before emerging out onto the saddle and the beautiful blue roofed whitewashed buildings that are the unique and traditional architectural splendor of this region.
 
Day 15: Ghorepani to Pokhara via Birethanti (bus).
You can rise early if you want to and make the one to two hour climb through the alpine grass land and scrub to the summit of Poon Hill at 3200 meters. From here you can get superb sunrise views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs, a worthy climb. Return to the lodge for breakfast and proceed down the stone steps leaving the town. Follow the stairs past the last of the tea houses and take the main trail down towards the Kaligandaki Valley. About an hour of steady walking will bring you to the top of a long well made stone stair case. Follow this for about two hours through small villages and terraced rice fields unlit you reach a small river and waterfall which you cross on the suspension bridge, there is a short climb up the other side to join the trail which proceeds downwards towards the Kaligandaki river and Nayaphul. It takes about one hour in the bus to return to Pokhara where you have a free evening.

Day 16: Pokhara to Kathmandu by Bus.
Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus. It's about a six hour drive that follows the Trusili River and climbs up the valley rim to Kathmandu. The scenery along the way is pretty spectacular. Back in Kathmandu you have time for shopping and looking around the city. Leave your bike at the workshop for cleaning and packing ready to take home. Join with your guide and fellow bikers in the evening for a farewell dinner.
 
Day 17: Wrap it Up
Well, we have loved having you along on this amazing biking adventure, but now its time for us to say good bye, and take you to meet your onward flight or perhaps welcome you again on one of our fantastic add on packages.