Annapurna Half Circuit Biking Tour

Today we will arrange early morning guided 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.

Today we descend 500m 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 (3670m) and Ngwal (3657m) 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 (3930m). The trail passes through a sparse forest of juniper, rose, and barberry and crosses a large stream to reach Yak Kharka (4090m). Riding about half an hour further you will reach Letdar (4200 m) and stay overnight at Phedi, the base of Thorong La (5416 m).

From Thorung Phedi, the trail becomes steep; following rocky ridges you will reach Thorung La (5416m), which is the highest point of this mountain biking tour. From here the views are outstanding. The trail descends steeply and during the decent you can see sights of Mt. Dhaulagiri. You will reach Chabarbu (4290m). The trail crosses a meadow and leads to Muktinath where you can see the impressive temple of Lord Shiva. Overnight at lodge.

From Muktinath the trail descends to Jharkot and ends at Khingar. Beyond Khingar you will meet the junction of two routes. You will avoid the first route and follow the other one to Jomsom. The trail proceeds to Eklebatti following the Kali Gandaki River. You will finally reach to Jomsom where you can see the Annapurna Conservation Project check post, hospital, airport and army camp. Overnight at Jomsom.

You will take early morning flight to Pokhara enjoying the spectacular mountain views. From Pokhara airport you will transfer to hotel. Overnight in Pokhara.

After breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu following the river Trisuli for 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.