Annapurna Full Circuit Biking Tour
Trip Duration:
17 Days
Trip Code:
BCF
Trip Grade:
Moderate to Strenuous
No. of Pax:
16
From
$ 3500/person
Overview
Annapurna Full Circuit Biking Tour is a combination of trekking and mountain biking which offers you the best of Annapurna and Manang, the most popular regions in Nepal. Annapurna is a spectacular region for trekking and biking adventures with the expansion of the trails before and after Thorong Pass becoming more and more rideable.
Annapurna region offers spectacular scenery while traveling between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. In this region, you can ride either the complete circuit or the half circuit. Annapurna full circuit offers some technical riding and is suitable only for the intermediate level biker. We ride through the rugged mountain trails of Manang, Thorong La Pass at 5416 m, Jomsom, Beni and end at Pokhara.
Annapurna full circuit biking tour is a journey of discovery, local culture, scenery and much more. During the tour, you will explore green low-lying fields, picturesque villages, rich diverse culture, high arid valleys, dense forests, high mountains, sacred Buddhist Monasteries Temples and deep gorges.
Itinerary:
Visit World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, explore the world’s best trekking trail, pedaling through a variety of different landscapes from lush sub-tropical rainforest to wooded alpine and high deserts, experience the ancient culture & unique lifestyle of the local people, cross the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m, enjoy bathing in natural hot springs at Tatopani, enjoy Himalayan mountain range from different places during the trip, explore lake city of Pokhara
Important Note:
This itinerary is a guideline pattern which we offer biking tour of this type. But, unforeseen events such as mountain weather, local politics, transportation etc., is beyond Trek Himalayan’s control could be resulted in a change of program. It is very unlikely to have such circumstances occurs but our effort is to minimize its effect, however Trek Himalayan is not responsible for the result of delays or changes.
Arrive at the (TIA) Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel if you have booked Airport Pickup facility at the time of booking your trip. Otherwise our representative will meet you at the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until evening when you’ll enjoy a welcome drinks with your guide and introduce each other.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Hotel Accommodation (Kathmandu)
Harati Manor Inn [or similar standard]
This is an example of the hotel we may use in Kathmandu city. Your actual hotel will be specified when your booking is confirmed. Please check your email or booking confirmation.Today our representative will work on all necessary permits such as Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit and Mountain biking permit. In the meantime you will be engaged in Half day Kathmandu sightseeing tour on the mountain bike visiting Pashupatinath, the biggest holy temple of Lord Shiva , Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa and Swayambhunath, the monkey temple. Your guide will help you organizing everything during the tour. Overnight in hotel
We drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre. Following the long drive by the side of the Trisuli & Marsyangdi Rivers, we finally reach Besi Sahar, which is the capital of Lamjung District. From Besisahar we start our ride through long suspension bridge over the Ngadi Khola and skirt around the conical hill to begin the ascent to Bahundanda (Brahmin Hill) passing through terraced fields. After crossing the bridge you will make steep climb up to cliff of Bahundanda where you can have some fresh air and spectacular views. Overnight at lodge
After breakfast we descend 500 m very steep downhill enjoying superb view of waterfall. Today you will not be able to ride much, mostly carry and push. The wide valley has now become a narrow gorge with the river thundering through it. There are steep drops beside the path in some places. It is a long steep climb up to the Taal (lake), the district border adjoining Manang and Lamjung, Stoned houses with flat roof, further less vegetation and many other differences from Lamjung district from the view point of culture, architecture and climate are noticed as you ride further ahead. Overnight at lodge
Leaving Taal you will reach a mani wall in the middle of path. You will ride through the field of maize, barley and potatoes and the valley gets narrower and narrower again. You will reach Dharapani village through stone gateways, characteristic of all villages in Manang across the narrow gorge looming high cliffs. From Tall till Dharapani the condition of the route is not favorable for riding, mostly carry and push.
The trail gets more ride able from Dharapani passing by Bagarchap, Tanagyung, Latamrang and Koto. Biking and trekking permits are checked in the Police check post of koto. A large white gate with a corrugated iron roof marks the entrance to Chame. It’s the district headquarter of Manang. After strenuous ride you will enjoy hot spring at the other side of the Marshyangdi River. Overnight at lodge
Today you will enjoy riding almost 80 %. The trail takes through deep forest in a steep and narrow valley. After crossing a river on a long bridge at 2910 m and then another bridge at 3040m you will reach Pisang. From Pisang the trail roughly follows the contours of the land until you reach a wall of prayer wheels and mani stones. You continue ride through Ghyaru (3670 m) and Ngwal (3657 m) until you reach Manang. The ride is all through the arid trails of the Manang district, which lies in the rain shadow area cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range.
You will take full rest day in Manang to allow your body to acclimatize at higher altitude, as next day you are going to cross Throng La high pass at 5416 m. Manang is the largest village in the valley to rest for acclimatization. The views of the Annapurnas, Gangapurna and the glacial lake below it are spectacularly tentalizing. From left to right you will see different peaks such as Lamjung, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Annapurna III and Gangapurna above the glacier. Overnight at lodge
From Manang, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to Tengi, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi valley before reaching the small village of Gunsang (3930 m). The trail passes through a sparse forest of juniper, rose, and barberry and crosses a large stream to reach Yak Kharka (4090 m). Riding about half an hour further you will reach Letdar (4200 m) and stay overnight at Phedi, the base of Thorong La (5416 m). Overnight at lodge
Start very early in the dark as the trail gets very windy and very difficult to pass Thorong La. It is almost 4 hours to reach the top and you have to carry your bike throughout. This is the most difficult trail and the highest pass of the whole biking tour.
The trail begins with the descent of very steep slope for approximately 45 minutes then the normal ride able route starts to take the way to Jomsom. You will ride through rough narrow downhill and small valley, descending to the stream and climbing across the far slope and reach Jomsom.Overnight at lodge
Today you will ride through Marpha village. This village is very popular for Apple farm. During the ride you will enjoy spectacular views of mountains to the north. A long ride will take you to a one long village with Kalo Pani (2530 m) at the northern end and Lete (2480 m) to the Southern end. After Lete village you make steep ride through forest up to the Lete Khola (river). Crossing over a suspension bridge you continue ride through a very steep and narrow section of a gorge. The route gradually takes down to Tatopani, a busy market place. At Tato Pani which naturally signifies ‘hot water’. Here, you can take hot bath in natural hot springs after tiresome mountain biking trip. It is believed that taking a dip into this spring would heal you from your aches and pains. Overnight at lodge
From Tatopani, you paddle and cross the bridge to the eastern side of the Kali Gandaki (a major river) and shortly afterwards the bridge over the Ghara khola (river). Passing the trail up to Ghorepani, continue south along the Kali Gandaki the trail rises and falls through small villages. Under an hour’s ride from quieter and far more attractive riverside village, Tiplyang (1040m) the trail takes you further down to the bustling market town, Beni. Overnight at lodge
Today you will follow the trails to Kali Gandaki River and reach the Baglung highway which will lead you to Naudanda. We follow the dirt road to the Sarangkot which is considered the best viewpoint for the Pokhara valley and Himalayan mountain views, sun rise, sun set and the Phewa Lake. Overnight at lodge
Mostly we ride through steep and small road to Pokhara. Make sure to check your brakes before you start for about 90% downhill ride. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara
Today you will ride around the major sights in Pokhara including Lakeside. Overnight in hotel
After breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu following the river Trisuli for a few hours, and then we finally reach Kathmandu in late afternoon. On arrival check in hotel and stay overnight
On this pleasant day you may have a full day at leisure either relax at hotel or explore the around Thamel. Or, you may do your last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives.
Our airport representative will come to pick you up and transfer you to the International Airport according to your flight time
Trip Map:
What is included
What is Excluded
Annapurna Full Circuit Biking Tour 2024/2025 Cost and Departure Dates
Trip Code
Arrival Date
Departure Date
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Nitty Gritty
General Information
Nepal Visa
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the airport or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph.
* Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).Pre-Trip Meeting
On arrival in Kathmandu, our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our pre-booked hotel. There won’t be any activity on this day. We will host a pre-trip meeting at the hotel lobby on the 2nd day of your itinerary in the evening. It will be an opportunity for you to meet your Biking guide and introduce each other. The guide will brief you about the bike ride and check your gear to ensure the smooth running of your adventure trip.
Tea House Lodge & Meals
All accommodations will be on a twin sharing basis during the ride in family-run tea-house (lodge), with a large sociable central dining area and a cozy chimney burning fire. We recommend you to use your own sleeping bag. A typical lodge in Annapurna region offers muesli, porridge, Pancakes, bread with jam or eggs, fried eggs on toast, tea/coffee in breakfast and in dinner Dal, Bhat, lentil soup and other cuisines.
Bathroom facilities
Most lodges offer hot showers and in the ones that don’t a bucket of water. In Annapurna, we find many western toilets and in some places there are usually just the Asian squat type toilets.
Small Groups
Small groups provide a more intimate atmosphere allowing you to get to know your Biking guides better and to develop lifelong friendships. Therefore, the maximum group size for this ride is 16 people. The minimum is 2 people.
Experience & Fitness of Biker
If you are planning on longer rides, then you should have a good level of fitness and some biking experience. If you have never ridden long distances or consecutive days before then it can become quite difficult and painful for you. So, we strongly recommend you to have some biking fitness and gain certain degrees of experience before doing the mountain biking tour in Nepal..
The trails
Riding around the Kathmandu valley, the first part of the ride, you should expect to be riding in heavy traffic. Once across the ring road the trails will vary for bumpy jeep tracks, quite paved country roads and single tracks through rice paddies. In the national park areas the trails will be unused and very rough jeep tracks and single walking tracks. When you are going up into the mountain regions you should expect to carry your bike quite a bit. The trails are mainly single walking track with very rocky section and steep stair cases. Some parts of the country, there are plenty of four-wheel size tracks which make your rides enjoyable.
The Mountain bikes
Trek Himalayan will supply you with a top quality world class bike with all the necessary gears. Just make yourself available!
Mountain Biking Guide
The guides are all highly qualified and expert at their profession. They will lead you to all the best trails & ways as per the proposed itinerary.
All our Mountain Biking Guides are well- versed in bike- mechanics and can fix any problems that occur on the trails. They are very friendly and on top of that extremely fun loving people.Ideal season for mountain biking
An ideal time of the year for biking in Nepal is from early February to mid-June and Mid-August to December. Though, you can also enjoy the ride even in winter until or unless you have got some warm sporting clothing.
Possible views of Mountains during the ride
Annapurna (8091 m) Nilgiri(6940 m), Tilicho peak(7134 m) Dhulagiri (8167 m),Manaslu (8156 m), Lamjung Himal (6983 m),Machhapuchhare(6993 m), Tukuche peak (6920 m)
Essential Tips for Mountain Biking Safety
- First of all, make sure your bike is in good working condition before you set out. Here is a basic pre-ride bike inspection checklist:
- Quick-release levers on the wheels are tight
- Wheels are aligned properly and don’t wiggle side-to-side
- Tyre pressure is within recommended range (pressure range is usually written on the side of the tire)
- Brakes are both working properly and brake pads are not too worn
- Shifting is smooth through full range of gears
- Fork and shock pressure is appropriate (remember to set it for the weight of you plus your backpack)
- Seat is at the right height and doesn’t twist at all
- Cranks (the arms that the pedals are attached to) are tight and don’t wiggle side-to-side
- A good helmet is the most widely recommended safety gear, and wearing it is required in some regions, but gloves, a wind- and water-proof jacket, and sunglasses also help keep a rider safe and comfortable
- On the bike trips your entire luggage consists of just a small backpack (about 25 liters). Depending on where you go, you’ll pass through a few villages each day and stay at a village or lodge every night. This means that you don’t really need to bring much sleeping equipment, and also don’t need to carry food with you.
- Make sure you take good care of your bike to reduce the chance of having bigger maintenance issues to deal with later on. You should clean and lubricate your chain at the end of each day, and wipe any mud or grime off of the gears and the derailleur jockey wheels. Also make sure to lock your bike and store it in a safe place every night.
- Even when you are cycling under cloud cover, your skin is exposed to the sun’s rays. Sunscreen is key to keeping your skin protected and avoiding sunburn. Put it on before you start and have a small container of sunscreen to re-apply during the day. Your helmet and clothing will provide some protection, too.
- It is important to familiarize yourself with the local biking rules. In Nepal it is a legal requirement for riders to wear yellow reflective vests and helmet when cycling after dark.
- You will be working hard and burning lots of calories and sweating while mountain biking, so it is advised you to have plenty of water and a little food with you each day of your cycling trip.
- Depending on your health insurance coverage and where you are taking your cycling tour, you will need to be prepared for accidents, illnesses, and dental emergencies that may occur on your trip.
We strongly recommend you to leave your passport, air tickets, credit cards, cash and other valuable items before mountain biking trip begins. Many of hotels in Nepal have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage
Climate
The climate in the Annapurna region varies from subtropical to alpine. The southern slopes of the area has the highest rainfall rate in the country- 3000 mm per year, whereas the northern slopes lying in the rain shadow has the lowest rate – less than 300 mm per year. The difference in the climatic conditions in this region is responsible for its varied flora and fauna.
Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November
This is the main biking season in Nepal. While riding in mountains weather will be sunny and mild with clear mountain views. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as to negative 8o C (7.6o F) at the highest altitudes.Winter: December to end February
Even it is cooler conditions this is an ideal time to ride in Nepal. Skies are usually very clear especially in December and the mountain views are at their best. Nights will be very cold with temperatures down to negative 10o C (14oF) to negative 17o C (1.4oF) at the highest altitudes but days are pleasant and sunny. The trails are also much less busy at this time of yearPre-monsoon/spring: March to May
Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but cloudiness will be occurred up in the afternoons. Seasonal flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to ride in spring.Flora in the Annapurna region
The southern subtropical lowlands are enriched with lush subtropical forests consisting of chirpine and alder and in the northern highlands temperate forests of oaks, rhododendron, fir, and blue pine. The wet regions yield a variety of bamboo species. The higher altitude further North give rise to forests of birch, blue pine and juniper trees, which are replaced by juniper and rhododendron in the far North. In the semi-desert rain shadow region, behind the Himalayas, bushes of caragana and juniper species are found.
Fauna in the Annapurna region
This region is rich with several species of wildlife. There are around four hundred and seventy-four species of birds, and around a hundred species of mammals. The region serves as an excellent habitat for rare and endangered mammals like the snow leopard, musk deer, blue sheep, red panda and many of Nepal’s brilliantly plumaged pheasants
INSURANCE
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take out a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. Please send us the following details such as your full name, policy number and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number prior to departure. We also strongly recommend that your policy must cover personal liability, flight/trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
Rescue/ Evacuations
Though we hope for the best trip, you sometimes might be in need of rescue or evacuation in case of a serious sickness or a personal prolonged health issue. During such emergency you will be rescued by a helicopter. You are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation services. We request you to make sure when you purchase insurance from your country that your policy must cover these expenses or you should remain prepared to pay or sign on Helicopter Evacuation Form before you get on the Helicopter.
Overland Transportation Delay or Halt
If the main highway between Kathmandu, Pokhara or Beshisahar is blocked by a landslide or any natural calamity during the transfer, in such a situation the extra cost for food and accommodation has to be borne by the clients.
High Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) which can turn if not treated upon recognizing the symptoms. AMS is the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations of 3,000m or above. Early mountain sickness results in headache, loss of appetite and sleepiness. One can encounter such sickness no matter she/he looks physically young, strong and fit. Medicine itself can be on substitute unless patients suffering from such sickness are immediately rushed downhill.
Equipment List:
Here is some recommended Equipment’s List for Biking in Annapurna region
- Mountain bike helmet (FULL FACE) mandatory
- Fleece headband (to keep your ears warm)
- Lightweight long sleeved thermal shirt.
- Lightweight windproof biking jacket.
- Cotton T-shirts (3)
- KHAKI TROUSERS
- Padded cycling shorts – baggy style.
- Underwear (4 pairs)
- Comfortable riding shoes
- FULL FINGER GLOVES
- SLEEPING BAG
- Down Jacket ( for winter )
- WATER BOTTLE
- LOCK
- FIRST AID KIT
- KNEE PADS
- SNACK BARS/GELS
- ROLL OF TOILET PAPER
- BUFF/SCARF
- SUNGLASSES
- Slippers
- ESSENTIAL TOILETRIES
- Tyre levers
- Outlet adapter
- MINI PUMP
- SNACK BARS/GELS
- First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, band aids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
- Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
FAQ
- Nepal is a land of ancient history, colorful cultures and multi- religions found nowhere else on the planet! There are many festivals and cultural events celebrated throughout the year in the various regions by different Nepalese ethnic groups who follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition keeping peace and harmony in society.
- There are many trails in Nepal that cover all levels of fitness and experience. We do however recommend to anyone who desires undertaking a challenging off -road or long mountain biking tour that you have past biking experience and can handle a mountain bike on rugged downhill trails and in muddy slippery conditions. For the first time riders we have some selected trails and offer excellent training, just don’t get disheartened YOU CAN DO IT
- Nepal offers a wide range of selection of on and off road biking. Biking in the city can be dangerous due to heavy uncontrolled traffic and pollution. Off roads can be long paved climbs with rugged downhill that covers unused four-wheel tracks which at times can be challenging. There are also a number of narrow trails through farming villages. If you choose you can also take to the mountains and make use of some of the hiking trails to provide you with a real technical biking challenge. Time to show your skill!
- Trek Himalayan airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport if you have booked airport pickup facility. Staff will be displaying Trek Himalayan billboard with your printed name. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel.
- We use basic and clean rooms at Harati Manor Inn (or similar) in Kathmandu and similar type of hotel in Pokhara with breakfast. Along the biking route in Annapurna and Low Mustang area, teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We usually provide single and double rooms, or occasionally a dormitory. In tea houses, food will be prepared in the kitchen. The toilets in tea houses provide essential and basic facilities.
- Most tea-houses (lodges) in the Annapurna and Low Mustang area offers a delicious range of mostly vegetarian food such as Pasta, noodles, potatoes, eggs, dhal bhat, bread, soups, fresh vegetable curry (variety depends on the season) along with non-vegetarian items . In addition, some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and custard are also available in the tea-houses/lodges. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it helps you for acclimatization. Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge where you'll stay and lunch can be taken en route. If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
- Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicular transportation. You have the option of flying to Pokhara from Jomsom or continue ride to Pokhara depending on the type of biking tour itinerary you prefer. We offer both options, which enhance your local experience while allowing you to bike comfortably and efficiently. We use a private vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus, vans or alternatively 4WD jeep in travelling along the narrow and bumpy roads in Nepal. All the vehicles are in good condition and driven by our professional drivers.
- This trip can be extended and there are many options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your trip. Few suggestion of the trips are listed below, prices are varies based on your style of choices. Optional Programs: Chitwan Jungle Safari, River Rafting, Bungee Jump...
