What to expect
The Annapurna Circuit Mountain biking is an ideal 16-20 days MTB ride that loops through several spectacular geographic zones around the 8000m high Annapurna mountain wilderness. The route uses an orchestrated mix of flowing single track, remote and rugged forest roads, and graded gravel to provide a great riding experience that takes in all the highlights of this magical region, including one of the highest passes in the world. The trail is around 279km long in total.
see trip itinerary
Trip Highlights
- Crossing one of the hightest pass (5400 mtr)
- UNESCO heritage site visit in Kathmandu
- Experiencing local life with cycling in whole tour
- Testing your limit
- Explore the old trekking trail with bike
- Local cuisine
Minimum Group Size : 5
Difficulty Level : Intermediate
Highest Point : 5416m
Total Distance : ~279 km
Ridable : More than 90%
Technical Skill : Loose Pebbles Downhill
Trail Type : Cross Country
Season : May-Jun, Sept-Nov
The weather was fantastic up there. We were in shorts and just a windbreaker most of the time.
We never had a problem with food. The organization has well planned so we had not much to organize.
The mountain bike tour went so efficiently. There was no problem at all. Only two flat tires to complain.
Overview
The MTB Annapurna Circuit route is popular among outdoor lovers from all over the world because of its diverse geographic beauty. It enables riders to soak in the scenic forests, rivers, and mountains surrounding Mt Annapurna, Kaligandaki Gorge, and witness a glimpse of Mustang, the forbidden kingdom that lies behind the Himalayas. The loop takes in the area’s spectacular landscapes, old villages, and lifestyles with an excellent mix of jeep track, gravel trail, forest trail and a endure type of flowy single-track. In addition to great riding, this MTB tour offers plenty of opportunities to experience the local tradition and people.
The Annapurna circuit is one of the six protected conservation areas of Nepal. Sherpa Rides offers a ride that starts around 900m to 5400m and a descent of more than 1000m from the highest pass with a scenic view of huge mountains and beautiful Tlicho lake. These lands are inhabited by different ethnic groups of Nepal especially the Manangis in the high ground in the Manang region and Thakali in Mustang who are famous for their delicacy. These zones are characterized by dense hardwood forests and a wide variety of trees and plants along the steep slopes formed by the two dominant rivers and their many tributaries. The fauna is fairly diverse in the area, too, with a dense community of mountain flora and faunas.
After 10-12 days of the ride, we will ease down in Pokhara – touristic heaven for relaxation. Here you can take a break or relax while your bikes will return to Kathmandu.
Route Difficulty
The hardest part of the tour is more about the altitude as we bike a few days above 4000m and overnight in a lodge around 4400m. However, our program is prepared in such a way that before we climb the 5416m pass we will be already acclimatized to make it possible.
Overall the difficulty and the technical skill required in this tour are more or less intermediate. A cross country, enduro, trail, or free ride bike whichever you have with good stamina, it’s possible with our expert team.
Route Map
Fig. Map of Annapurna + Tilicho Trek
Trip Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu, then drive to Bhaktapur
Today, the program is about arriving in Nepal and making our way to the hotel in Kathmandu.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), head to Bhaktapur, the best city in the eastern corner of Kathmandu, for the night. It takes around 45 -60 minutes to reach the hotel in Bhaktapur depending on the traffic congestion in the city.
If you arrive early enough, you can explore the hotel’s vicinity; get relaxed to recover from the long-distance flights. You can wander around Bhaktapur Durbar Square to explore the enchanting settlement, towering temples, narrow alleys local shops, and colorful shops. It is the best city of medieval city-states in the Kathmandu Valley.
In the evening, you can enjoy the traditional Nepalese dinner with your MTB tour guide. He will provide an outline of what to expect from the Annapurna Circuit MTB Tour over the coming days.
Bhaktapur: Locals call this city Bhadgaon or Khwopa in Newari name, which means city of devotees. During the 2015 earthquake, the city faced terrible devastation to temples and many artists.
Accommodation: Hotel Bhaktapur
Meals : Dinner
Day 02 : Drive to Nagarkot. Then downhill ride back to Bhaktapur
We drive for 45 minutes uphill through the hilly terrain to reach Nagarkot (2000m). The hill town is perched at the northern fringe of Kathmandu Valley. It is one of the best places to catch the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas.
On a clear day, Nagarkot boasts panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. It includes 8 out of 13 mountains namely Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Jugal, Everest, Numbur, Ganesh Himal, and the Rolwaling ranges.
After the glimpse of sunrise over the top of the Himalayan ranges, we drop back down to Bhaktapur.
Accommodation: Hotel Bhaktapur
Meals : Dinner
Day 03 : Drive to Besisahar. Ride to Ngadi (900m)
After an early breakfast, we set off for the scenic drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre. Then we turn north following the rough road along the Marshyangdi River to reach Besisahar. It takes around 6 hours to reach this capital town of Lamjung District.
Besisahar is the starting point of our MTB Himalaya ride. We start pedaling through several bumpy trails and pass through the sub-tropical forests. You can see locals herding hens and other pets and some people working on the terraced farms of Sera. After crossing the suspension bridge across Khudi Kholi, we arrive at the Gurung village of Bhulbhule for our permit registration for the trek entry.
Resume on the trial following the Marsyangdi River Valley, the ride takes us to Ngadi. Along the route, you will see the traditional villages, and witness the views of the towering peaks of Ganesh & Manaslu. At Ngadi, we spend our first night in a local tea house.
Riding Distance: 14 km
Accommodation: Tea-house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 04 : Ride to Taal (1700m)
Once we enjoy our nourishing breakfast, our porters prepare their luggage and prepare their feet on the trails to Tal.
Then we get ready to begin our biking adventure. Firstly we cross the Ngadi river and continue the ride through the Marsyangdi River Valley of the Annapurna region. With spectacular views of Himalchuli and Peak 29, the trail gently leads through the off-road jeep track through Lampata, Syange and Jagat.
This traditional village of Jagat was a former trading post. Near the cliff, you can see beehives at the top of the cliffs while the Marsyangdi Khola (river) rushing below. In a short while, we reach Chamje for the leisurely lunch break.
We set off our ride after lunch. We follow the trail till we enter Tal Village. It is in the vicinity of the Manang region.
Riding Distance: 30 km
Accommodation: Tea-house
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 05 : Taal to Chame (2670m)
Taal to Chame (2670m)
Day 06 : Chame to Ngawal (3660m), 29km
Chame to Ngawal (3660m), 29km
Day 07 : Ngawal to Manang (3400m), 9km
Ngawal to Manang (3400m), 9km
Day 08 : Manang to Tilicho Basecamp, 15 km
Manang to Tilicho Basecamp, 15 km
Day 09 : Base Camp to Tilicho Lake, then back to Srikharkha 20 km
Base Camp to Tilicho Lake, then back to Srikharkha 20 km
Day 10 : Srikharkha to Yak Kharka 9 km
Srikharkha to Yak Kharka 9 km
Day 11 : Yak Kharka to Phedi, 7 km
Yak Kharka to Phedi, 7 km
Day 12 : Phedi to Muktinath crossing Thorang La Pass (5416m), 22 km
Phedi to Muktinath crossing Thorang La Pass (5416m), 22 km
Day 13 : Muktinath to Marpha, 44 km
Muktinath to Marpha, 44 km
Day 14 : Marpha to Tatopani 28 km
Marpha to Tatopani 28 km
Day 15 : Ride to Beni then shuttle to Pokhara, 22 km
Ride to Beni then shuttle to Pokhara, 22 km
Day 16 : Free morning. After lunch, fly back to Kathmandu
After an adventure mtb ride around Annapurna trails, Pokhara is the best place to have a laid-back life. It is the city of lakes.
We stay in a comfortable hotel close to Fewa lake.
Day 17 : Free day in Kathmandu for Cycle Pack/ Shopping
Free day in Kathmandu for Cycle Pack/ Shopping
Day 18 : Final Departure
Today, it’s the end of the Annapurna Circuit MTB Tour adventure in Nepal. Probably, it’s also the preparation for the next trip to other parts of the Himalayas.
Our service ends with breakfast. Hotel checkout is at midday. There is an airport transfer facility for the final goodbye filled with memories of Nepal.
Included Services
- 5 nights standard hotels and 13 nights teahouses on twin sharing basis
- 1 Welcome dinner/Farewell dinner
- Breakfast only in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, and Pokhara
- All meals included while on the trek
- 1 MTB tour leader throughout, 1 Sherpa for every 4 clients, and 1 porter for every 2 clients
- Full porterage throughout the tour (15kg per person)
- Internal flights from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- All land transport involved in the itinerary
- Trekking map (provided locally at the hotel in Kathmandu)
- Trekking permit and national park fees
- All staffs insurance & daily wages
Excluded Services
- Travel & trekking insurance
- Nepal visa for 30 days at US$50
- Single accommodation (available on request, Kathmandu/ Nagarkot /Pokhara only)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, and Pokhara
- Any luggage in excess of 15 kg on domestic flights and on the trek
- Tips for the staffs – porters, Sherpas, drivers, etc.
- Personal equipments
- Personal expenses – drinks and souvenirs etc.
- Other items not listed in “Included Services”.
Quick Inquiry
Find Us
Boudha, Boudhanath Sadak
Kathmandu, Nepal 44600
Contact
contact@sherparides.com
Tel. (+977) 9803-357-473