Annapurna Circuit Bike Tour

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Trip Overview


Overview

The Annapurna Circuit Bike Tour is a thrilling adventure that takes cyclists through some of the most stunning landscapes of the Himalayas in Nepal. Spanning approximately 300 kilometers, this iconic route offers a diverse and challenging experience, blending breathtaking mountain views, charming villages, and cultural encounters. The journey typically begins in the bustling city of Kathmandu, where bikers make their way to Besisahar, the starting point of the circuit. The initial stages lead through lush lowland forests and terraced fields, gradually ascending towards the towering peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. As cyclists pedal upward, the scenery transitions from subtropical vegetation to alpine forests, and finally, to arid landscapes at higher altitudes. The trail passes through quaint Himalayan settlements, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture and hospitality of the Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi communities. Teahouses dot the route, providing a comfortable resting spot for tired bikers, as well as an opportunity to savor traditional Nepalese cuisine. The highlight of the journey comes when reaching the Thorong La Pass, standing at a staggering altitude of 5,416 meters. Conquering this high mountain pass is both physically demanding and rewarding, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks that are second to none. After the pass, the descent begins, leading to the serene and sacred Muktinath Temple. From there, the landscape changes dramatically as riders traverse the arid Mustang region, with its unique barren terrain and ancient monasteries. As the trip draws to a close, the route eventually loops back to Besisahar, where the adventure started. Along the way, cyclists will have created memories of a lifetime, captivated by the majesty of the Himalayas and the warmth of the Nepalese people.

Conclusion and Summary

The Annapurna Circuit Bike Tour is not for the faint of heart, requiring a good level of fitness, determination, and an appreciation for the raw beauty of nature. The best time to undertake this epic journey is during the spring and autumn seasons, when the weather is most favorable, and the views are at their breathtaking best. Whether you are an avid mountain biker or an adventurous soul seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Annapurna Circuit Bike Tour is a bucket-list adventure that promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

Trip Highlights


  • Annapurna Circuit Cycling Tour, lifetime experience of adventurous cycling crossing highest Himalayan pass Thorong La (5,416m)
  • Cycling in the shadow of the highest peaks on the earth, the unspoiled Himalayas and kindhearted peoples.
  • Stay at Local guesthouses and use foods prepared by locals.
  • Professional guide com mechanic and porters to carry your goods from Friendship World Treks

Itinerary


Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel

Representative from Friendship World Treks pickup you from Tribhuban international airport and transfer to hotel. Is it about 7 kilometers from airport to hotel and it takes 25 minutes. If time permits, check your bike.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Final Preparation of the trip

After breakfast in Hotel, our tour guide will lead you in Kathmandu valley sightseeing. Visit Bhaktapur durbar squire, Bauddhanath and Pashupatinath temple. Back to hotel and test ride with your bike around with guide. final preparation and pack your bike for tomorrow to start your trip.

Day 03: Drive to Khudi via Besisahar (183km, 7hrs). Overnight at Hotel

It is drive with local bus or by private jeep. Road from Kathmandu to Besisahar is highway with paved road and Besishahar to Khudi is rough road. You can plan to drive with local bus or with private jeep with your bikes at the roof.

Day 04: Biking to Bahundanda from Khudi (19km, 4/5hrs)

The first day of riding is short riding on jeep track following Marshyangdi River. Entire way is lush green valley and some beautiful waterfalls. We stop at lodge by lunch our today, to get used to with bikes and landscape.

Day 05: Biking to Tal from Bahundanda (12km, 6hrs) and Overnight

The trail winds gradually uphill to Tal today. Riding path is beautiful with green valley and waterfalls. We enter at first village of Manang Tal. Valley start to been lush and start rising elevation from here. Tal village offer you picturesque scenery with terraced fields and local houses.

Day 06: Biking to Chame (22km, 7hrs) and Overnight

Today is considered as first hardest day of riding.  The trail follows the Marshyangdi River bank. Climbing towards Timang (2,360m) continue onwards pine and fir forest. View from on the way is incredible of valleys and stunning Himalayas. Annaurna II(7,937m), Mount Manaslu (8,156 and other peaks.

Day 07: Biking to Pisang (16km, 7hrs) and Overnight

through the dense forest along with bank of Marshyangdi River enter narrow valley. The scenic view of crops land and mountains during this walk. Reach at Upper Pisang. Village is surroundings with some of the old monasteries.

Day 08: Biking to Manang (17km, 7hrs) and Overnight

Ride through big hills, Jungle and wetland. Cross small Budhhist stupa, Monasteries and Lama’s School on our walking and reach Manang. Manang is biggest village in the Trans Himalayan range of Nepal. Ethnic Gurung and Ghale peoples from here called Manangis. Minorities of Buddhist Lamas who came here from Tibet, Dolpo and Mustang are the inhabited of Manang

Day 09: Rest and Acclimatization in Manang. Hiking and Biking Around

We spend a day acclimatizing in Manang by doing some walks or cycling and sightseeing around the village with your guide. We will visit Monastery and go to Gangapurna Glacier Lake during our walk. Towards the end of the day, we return to our accommodation for a night’s rest at Manang

Day 10: Biking to Thorong Phedi (19km, 7hrs) and Overnight

Leave Manang and then start climbing towards Yak Kharka (4,010 m). Continue to ascend to higher altitude. Cycling becomes a very hard work due to elevation. So, go slowly. Enjoy the scenery and culture of the region. It is important to remain physically and mentally prepared for the highest ascent of the next day to cross highest mountain peak Thorong La

Day 11: Biking to Thorong La Pass (5416m) and down to Muktinath (22km, 7hrs)

Start very early for the 4 am, which is necessary to cross Thorong La Pass. The trail can get windy later making it difficult to cross the pass. It will take approximately 4 hours to reach the pass (approx 3 km). You will have to carry your bike to get there. The climb is demanding, the effects of altitude can be felt more and more as you ascend but you will be awe-struck by the spectacular views of the landscape. Once at the top, rest, enjoy the feeling of getting to the highest point of Annapurna Circuit and be ready for the amazing downhill ride. After 45 minutes of technical riding, you will be in Muktinath (3,760 m).

Day 12: Biking Down to Kalopani via Marpha and Other Villages (50.4km, 8hrs) and Overnight

Today is the long day and down hill riding to Kalopani from Muktinath. we start quite earlier. it is fun riding down via typical villages like Marpha, Jomsom and others. we stop several times to explore local villages, monastery and eating Lunch. Riding path is all jeep track along the bank of Kaligandaki River.

Day 13: Biking to Tatopani (23km, 4hrs) and Enjoy natural hot Spring

It short riding to Tatopani today. Most of the cycling track is downhill involving some interesting monuments. Beautiful waterfalls, typical cultural villages, scenic mountain, wide Kaligandaki River valley and many more. Reach at Tatopani by Lunch time. Enjoy bath at natural hot spring.

Day 14: Biking to Kushma (7hrs) and Overnight

About 20 kilometer rough road and down hill reach at Beni Bazzar. Riding road at the bank of Kali gandaki River is in between two high hills. Afre beni it is riding on paved road (highway) up to Kushma Bazzar. Local villages, greenery landscape and peoples activities on the way is interesting. we also have option to ride and half way drive to reach Pokhara by today evening.

Day 15: Biking Back to Pokhara and Overnight

It is day to reach Pokhara again. Riding section via main highway with mix up of flat, up and down hill. Annapurna Himalayan rages are scenic from on the way. The most beautiful Pokhara valley and surrounding are scenic from top of the villages. back to Pokhara and check in Hotel. Evening walking at Lake side.

Day 16: Drive or Fly Back to Kathmandu and Overnight

After your breakfast in Hotel, start sightseeing in Pokhara. International mountain museum, David fall, Gupteswor Mahadev cave and boating at fewa lake. Afternoon drive with private transportation or fy back to Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel. Evening fair well dinner at Typical Nepali restaurant with cultural dance and Nepali foods.

Day 17: Departure

Till departure time, free and we drop you to international airport for your final departure. It is important to reach at airport before three hours from your original flight time

Price Includes


  • Arrival and departure arrangement
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu and in Pokhara, 3 star category hotels on twin sharing
  • Sightseeing in major highlights of Kathmandu and Pokhara valley
  • Cycling guide come mechanic for entire trip
  • Porter to carry your bags during trip (2 Cycling = 1 Porter)
  • Guide and Porters salary, foods, accommodation, equipmet and insurance
  • Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS card
  • Accommodation in local tea house
  • Three times meals during Cycling Annapurna
  • Arrangement of cycle hiring
  • First Aid kit box
  • Cycle maintenance tool box
  • Management of emergency evacuation in case of need

Price Excludes


  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
  • Personal gears, cost of cycle in hiring
  • Bottled drinks including drinking water and bar bills
  • Cost of changing gears in cycle
  • Personal insurance, medical expenses, cost of emergency evacuation in case of need
  • Any tipping
  • Upgrading your accommodation in main cities
  • Any extra activities
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