Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour

As you fly into Kathmandu, you'll have beautiful views over the valley, the snow capped mountain peaks in Himalaya, and of the terraced fields below. As per your arrival time, our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel.

Pashupatinath Temple

Situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has jilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati River, entrance in the temple being strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds.

Boudhanath Stupa

This Stupa, 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This Buddhis Stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priest.

Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath is located approximately 4 kilometers and this Buddhist Stupa is said to be 2000 years old. The Stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples.

Bhaktapur, the City of Devotees, has many names and even more facets. Also called by the name of Bhadgaon, Khwopa and Khwopinggram in earlier days, this ancient Newar city is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bhaktapur was the central palace until the 14th century for whole Kathmandu valley. Bhaktapur is known as the city of devotees. Among the three different royal palaces of the valley, it is the farthest palace. There many old break houses with Newari architect. In total, there are four different squares like durbar square, portray square, Taumadhi square and Dattatreya square. In Durbar square, there are several Hindu temples, statue, 55 windows wooden carving palace, masterpiece artistic golden gate, royal goddess Taleju temple and royal bath. Porters make clay pots and many more in portray square. The tallest temple of the valley, Nyatapola( siddhi Laxmi) is located inTaumadhi square. And trinity Hindu gods temple is in Dattatreya square. Wood carving craftsmanship is one of the best things about Bhaktapur. Newari festivals almost every month and the Bisket Jatra in Nepali New Year is good to see in Bhaktapur. A well carved wooden peacock window is dancing on the wall of pujari math.   Many of the people from Bhaktapur are the farmer. They grow Rice and seasonal vegetables. Juju Dhau(King curd) is the main desert to try for tourists.

After sightseeing tour, you get ready to proceed to Nagarkot. Nagarkot, located on a mere distance of few hour drive from Kathmandu which leads you on the valley rim hill side at an altitude of 2,100 m, Nagarkot hill top famous for striking sunrise and sunset views over array of Himalayan peaks which includes Langtang-Jugal Himal to Everest range of mountains.

You will leave Kathmandu at around 8am for the approximate 6-hour journey. Along the way you will stop for lunch and arrive at Besi Sahar by mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time to explore the town and stretch the legs on the trails heading up into the mountains. Overnight in tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The beginning trail follows the course of the Marshyangdi river along the right side of the valley. As you ascend uphill, you gain about 1,000 meters in elevation. Today is the perfect prelude to more thrilling riding in the days to follow. Overnight in tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Leaving Tal, there is a mani wall (dry stone wall inlaid with Buddhist prayer slates) in the middle of the path. These should always be passed on the left going clockwise. After going through green corn, barley, and potato fields, the valley becomes narrow again. From Tal to Danaque it will involve a large percentage of push/carry with a very steep challenging climb out of Danaque. It becomes more rideable from here with closer views of snow-capped peaks and a wide-flowing trail to the finish. Overnight in tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

As you ascend in altitude, the riding distances get shorter but that doesn’t mean they get any easier. The trail ascends through pine forests before following an open valley up towards Manang. Depending on the weather, riders could encounter lots of mud and even their first snow during this section, then again, it could be lovely hard packed and fast flowing terrain. This is the Himalaya after all, and conditions can change at the drop of a hat! Overnight in tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

This will be a rest day in Manang, which is essential to allow the body to acclimatise to the high altitude and gives the riders a break from the bikes.

From Manang, there are plenty of interesting and scenic treks that can be undertaken, or short rides if you are feeling up to it! There are also a number of excellent bakeries, coffee shops and local eateries to while away the day in. Overnight in tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

This morning the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through Gunsang village (3960m). Despite ride-able trail, you will find today’s riding quite difficult because of altitude gain. En route, you can see panoramic mountain views all day long. Overnight in tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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. The trails are roughly 50% ride- able. It is important to remain physically and mentally prepared for the highest ascent of the next day. Overnight in tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

From Thorong Phedi a very early start will be necessary as high winds can pick up later on in the day on the top of the pass, which you will want to avoid. It’s time to put the bike on your back for a 5km hike-a-bike, there is a strong chance of snow and freezing temperatures up to the highest point of the trip, Thorong La, at 5416m.

This could be the slowest 5km you have ever done, taking on average 3 to 6 hours, but the feeling of euphoria on reaching the top is more than worth all the effort. With lady luck on your side, the descent will be clear of snow from the very top and you can take on what has to be one of the world’s greatest mountain bike downhills, from 5416m to 3800m in 9km leading you back to the warmth of Muktinath; the home of the temple of the eternal flame. Overnight in tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Exit the pilgrimage town of Muktinath and ride towards Dhangladanda through a less-used trail. From this viewpoint, you will be riding on impressive single tracks all the way down to the river bed in Lupra Valley. Then, paddle to Jomsom where you will rest and have lunch. From Jomsom onwards, move to an old village of Marpha and take a sip of Apple Brandy. Overnight in tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Exit the pilgrimage town of Muktinath and ride towards Dhangladanda through a less-used trail. From this viewpoint, you will be riding on impressive single tracks all the way down to the river bed in Lupra Valley. Then, paddle to Jomsom where you will rest and have lunch. From Jomsom onwards, move to an old village of Marpha and take a sip of Apple Brandy. Overnight in tea house. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The last ride of the trip! With the hard work done, it’s a relaxing ride down to the end of the trails. Being back at lower altitudes will make the riding seem easy and the trail undulates all the way to Maldhunga. The first 21km to Beni is jeep track and then from there it will be broken tarmac.

Once you arrive at Maldhunga, the team will pack the bikes and luggage onto the vehicle, and you will be transferred to Pokhara which will take approximately 3-4 hours.

After arriving in Pokhara and checking into your hotel, there will be plenty of free time for exploring & shopping at the relaxing lakeside town. There is an array of international standard hotels, restaurants and bars where riders and crew members can celebrate safely, after completing “The Annapurna Circuit”.

We drive back to Kathmandu. Another seven hours on the highway will give us time to observe the villages and towns on the way from a different angle. After reaching Kathmandu and checking into the hotel, we will have some free time to wander around the streets of Thamel.

As per your flight time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or any other destinations. The airport check-in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12 PM.

Or inform us if you want to stay longer for short tours such as Jungle Safari at National Parks, Trekking, Hiking, Rafting, a Tibet tour, a Tour to Bhutan or India Tour. We will be happy to assist you.