Annapurna Circuit Cycling Trip

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu, you will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel by our representative. Welcome drinks will be served on arrival at your hotel and you will be briefed about your tour program by one of our representatives from Aarya Village Travel.

Today, we will take you to the place where you can hire a bike and check it according to your height and comfort. We will also go for a short test ride around the hiring places. Additionally, we will issue the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Later, we will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historic plaza located in the heart of Kathmandu. It is surrounded by spectacular architecture, including palaces, temples, and courtyards, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. Visitors can explore intricately carved wooden structures, ancient statues, and the vibrant atmosphere of this cultural hub.

Today, we start the day at 8 am, meeting at our workshop before loading up the bikes for a 6 to 8-hour drive to Besisahar. Along the way, we pause to enjoy the views and have lunch. Upon arrival in Besisahar, we take some time to explore the town, meet our porters, and finalize trip preparations. While the drive may be rugged, think of the freedom from jeep rides awaiting you. Besisahar serves as the gateway to Annapurna and marks the last major urban area until reaching Beni at the trip's end.

Today, we ride just over 1000 meters uphill. The trail follows the Marsyangdi River, offering stunning views and a completely ride able path. As we reach Tal, we encounter picturesque scenery, with steep valleys terraced with farms and dotted with small villages. Situated in a deep gorge, Tal boasts cascading waterfalls along the way, a highlight of the day. Despite the relentless uphill, one pedal stroke at a time will lead us to our resting place for the evening: Tal.

Another challenging day of climbing makes this one of the longest and hardest sections along the route. The terrain consists of rugged jeep tracks but is enjoyable. The surrounding jungle and river scenery are breathtaking, so take this stage steadily and savor the ride. As you ascend beyond 2000 meters, you may notice it becoming harder to breathe, and going slower will aid in acclimatization. The stupa at the entrance to the village is a sight for sore eyes, offering a warm welcome to an overnight stay in a teahouse.

The trail continues to climb today, but it becomes more rideable and less steep as it widens into an open valley. The dense jungle gradually gives way to the arid mountain region, offering splendid views of the Himalayas as you ride. It's advisable to maintain a steady pace to allow your body to acclimatize

Take a day to acclimatize and prepare for the challenging days ahead. Enjoy short hikes to explore the nearby area, visit high-altitude lakes, and take time to rest, relax, and unwind in Manang. You may find it hard to leave this charming place! From here, you'll venture into the true mountain wilderness. Manang is inhabited by the Manangi people, and you might even witness ancient sports like archery and pony racing.

A short and gentle climb awaits today from Manang to Yak Kharka, and then onward to Throng Phedi. Take your time to admire the mountain views along the way. While there are a couple of sections where you'll need to carry your bike, for the most part, the trail is rideable. As you ascend over 4000m, it may become challenging. The trail narrows as we leave the jeep track behind, and the hillsides become snow-covered. The valley begins to close in around you as you climb onward and upward. While Thorong Phedi may not be the most comfortable place to sleep, it can be overcrowded. However, the atmosphere and hospitality are always great as you meet fellow trekkers and bikers, all about to embark on the final push to the mighty Throng La!

Beginning around 4 am in the morning, you'll embark on the long haul, carrying and pushing your bike up more than 1300 meters to Throng La. This is one of the most challenging parts of the ride, defining the true spirit and passion of any mountain biker as you battle the altitude and the cold. However, you won't just be gasping from the altitude; you'll also be gasping in awe as this section of the journey offers excellent rewards. Magnificent views from Throng La of the snow-capped mountains await, along with superb technical downhill on the other side that will have you grinning from ear to ear—or, if you're a bit nervous, perhaps tightening your grip! Alas, you'll arrive to a warm welcome and rest at Muktinath. Today, it's 50% carrying, 50% rideable. If you need help with your bike, you can hire a pony along the way.

Leaving behind Muktinath, we traverse the hillside along a small, little-used trekking trail. There is a small section to push as we ascend to Dhangla danda, offering spectacular views of the Himalayas. What follows is an awesome section of switchback single tracks that lead you down to the riverbed in Lubra Valley. Rejoin the main trail and head to Jomsom for lunch. Riding in the wind here can be a bit tough, but take breaks to enjoy the views along the way. The trail rolls into Marpa, a charming old village off the road. Take some time to explore the cobbled lanes and immerse yourself in the Thakali culture of the area.

Today, we're going downhill again. The trail begins gently and flat, winding in and out of the valley sides, passing through pine forests and small villages. Following the river, you'll enjoy good views of the snow-capped peaks. Stop for lunch at the impressive waterfalls of Rupse Chhahara. After this, the speed picks up as the trail descends some 1000 meters with sweeping curves, plunges, rocky sections, and bumps that you'll love. Arrive in Tatopani, the cobble-lined village famous for its rejuvenating hot springs. Once in Tatopani, you can indulge in a soothing bath in the hot springs, perhaps followed by a local massage or even a cold beer!

A ride of around 25 km on open jeep track, mostly flat but with a few up and down hills as we depart from the Annapurna Region. From Beni, we transfer by jeep back to Pokhara for a well-earned rest, and perhaps a beer, a good meal, and some fun times out.

Today begins with a drive to Pokhara right after breakfast which may take approximately 6 hours of drive. The drive on the way itself is going to be an amazingly unique experience as you travel besides the mighty river with some strong current almost throughout your journey with scenic greenery on both sides of the road along with human settlements thick and thin at different places. After you reach Kathmandu you check in to your hotel, get yourself refreshed and have some rest.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel. As per your flight departure time, our team will coordinate and pick you up from your hotel to transfer you to the airport for departure. Check-in and fly towards your onward journey.