OVERVIEW & HIGHLIGHTS
The 13 days Annapurna Circuit mountain bike tour will take you to the majestic Annapurna mountain range. Annapurna Circuit is one of the busiest trails in Nepal. This trail is easy compared to other trails in Nepal for both trekkers and bikers. The easy access to facilities in case of emergency, motorable roads, decent landscape making Annapurna Circuit an easy trail among trekkers. The Mountain Bike tour to Annapurna Circuit will be one of the best lifetime experiences.
The view of fast flowing rivers, dense forest, wildlife and vegetation etc will make this journey even more exciting. Cycling is always fun but, cycling in rough terrain and high altitude is more exciting and challenging. Annapurna Circuit Mountain Bike tour should be in the bucket list of every cycling enthusiast.
One of the world's most beautiful high-altitude hiking trails is sure to be on the bucket list of many adventurists. Exploring the beauty of the Himalayas and encircling the Annapurna I, which mounts at 26,545 feet (8,091m), a Mountain Bike tour along the Annapurna Circuit is by far one of the most popular trips. The spectacular view of enormous mountains, a long journey along the rivers, and experiencing the warm-hearted hospitality of Nepalese people from traditional villages are all constituted in this single route. The trails are being ridden by Jeeps and buses so you may not be able to experience the diverse environments and alluring horizons if you wait any longer.
While our sophisticated program for the trip is 13 days, we can also provide custom options as per your preferences for this itinerary. Linking Tilicho Lake or Naar Phu or even extending your trip to Upper Mustang is in your hands. Just reach out to us and we will custom-tailor a program for you with our experienced and expert team.
Crossing the majestic Thorong La at 5,416 meters and slightly perilous suspension bridges on your two-wheeled steed will certainly be a mesmerizing trip. Engaging with and experiencing the culture of the Gurung, Manangi, Chemjong, and Thakali people is also one of the few chances you wouldn't want to miss. This is the Mountain Bike Tour along the Annapurna Circuit — any other experience fails to match this one.
Test your physical strength with cycling and get immersed in breathtaking landscape and culture — please also check out our Upper Mustang Mountain Bike Tour.
Thorung La Pass: With an elevation of 5,416 meters above sea level, the scenery from there is simply magnificent with a wide range of spectacular mountains.
Monasteries and Monuments: Exploring Ancient Buddhist Monasteries and the traditional village.
Scenery and adventurous: Mountain biking in one of the world’s Longest downhill is certainly adventurous and fluid progressive biking up through the dense Rhododendron and Pine forests in subtropical regions is bound to showcase an unforgettable experience.
Hot Springs: The presence of Hot springs also read as “Tatopani” along the route makes it possible to wash off your dirt and fatigue and give your aching muscles a rest.
Experiencing different Cultures: Experiencing and engaging with local people and witnessing their diverse cultures.
Gopal Yonjan, Trekking Guide / Tour Guide
Since founding North Nepal Trek in 2015, Mohan Raj Bhandari has kept a close eye on the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Bike Tour, and Gopal Yonjan shares firsthand insight from personally leading this adventure trip, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
Our North Nepal Trek representative will meet and greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). They will transport you to your hotel. Check in and then relax. Your guide will inform you about the trip in the evening. The remaining time you may leave for the market visit.
Catching a 25 min flight to Pokhara after breakfast in the hotel falls in the morning schedule however you can also take a tourist bus which takes about 7- 8 hrs.Pokhara is also one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal. Exploring and enjoying the lakeside town at the base of the Annapurna Himalayas is the best thing you can do in Pokhara.
Once we've equipped you with the appropriate gear and bike, we'll take a 2 to 4 hour test ride in the evening, exploring the trails around Fewa Lake.
Futhermore, during the ride, the cool breeze from the Lake refreshes the body and mind, providing relief and relaxation. After the ride, relax in a cozy bed overnight in Lakeside.
Starting straight up with an uphill of a little more than 1000 meters is pre-determined in the Mountain Bike Tour Along The Annapurna Circuit. Beautiful views with a 100% ride section along the Marsyangdi river this trail takes us to Tal. Magnificent Scenery with steep-sided valleys, small villages, and farms terraced altogether. Magnificent views of waterfalls along the way are also enchanting experiences as Tal is situated in a deep gorge.
A 100% biking section with a challenging climb makes it one of the longest and most challenging sections in the Mountain Bike Tour Along The Annapurna Circuit. The geographical terrain is a bit harsh but the great jungle and river scenery makes you forget the roughness of the terrain and makes it a worthwhile enjoyable ride.
The ongoing steep terrain doesn't end here however, it becomes more rideable as the route spreads out into a Jeep track. An interesting road is made on the way to Dhiurpokhari from Chame by engraving into hills. Allowing your body to acclimatize the way after Dhikur-Pokhari to Manang via Pisang village is a plain and easy one.
Responding to new weather and acclimatizing your body is a must. However, Short hikes to explore the nearby caves, monasteries, and Gangapurna Lake aren’t out of bounds. Rest, relax, explore nearby, and chill out in Manang preparing yourself for the days to come.
Without a 100% biking terrain section, a need to carry your bike emerges. Manang to Yak Kharka is a quiet, calm, and short climb. Traversing paths we reach Thorang Phedi and admiring the mountain views takes time.
Starting the day early around 5 am, carrying and pushing your bike more than 1300 meters to Thorong La is a long haulage. Challenging the spirit, passion, and essence of a mountain biker Thorang La pushes you to battle the cold and high altitude. The limitation of oxygen is filled by the magnificent views and mesmerizing scenery of the snow-capped mountains from Thorong La. Travelling 50% carrying and 50% rideable will reach you at Thorong La Pass. After onward, the route up to Muktinath is all the way descending. You are greeted with a warm welcome as you arrive in Muktinath.
Using a little used trekking trail, leaving behind Muktinath we traverse the hillside pushing through the small sections to reach Dhangla Danda from where spectacular views of the Himalayas captivate your heart. An awesome section of switch-back single tracks that take you down to the river bed in Lupra Valley is also an exciting turn of events. Heading to Jomsom for lunch after rejoining the main trail while stopping along the way to enjoy views.Taking time to explore the Thakali culture of the area after the trails lead into Marpha, a lovely old village on the riverside is also a one-time experience.
The downhill trail through pine forests and small villages starts gentle and meanders. The scenery of snow-capped mountain peaks following the river is enchanting and comparing it with the impressive waterfalls at Rupse Chharhara is not easy. Enjoy lunch while viewing the waterfall at Rupse Chhahara. Picking up the speed from here, dropping some 1000 meters following the trails with sweeping curves and bumps with rocky sections for mountain biking lovers, we arrive in Tatopani. The traditional village, famous for its natural hot springs offers your body a chance to revitalize. Dipping in and out of the Hot Springs and enjoying a comforting bath ends our day.
Leaving Annapurna Region behind on the last day of the mountain Bike Tour Along the Annapurna Circuit neither exhausts nor bores you as the ride of about 23 km is on the Jeep track and is flat for the most part with a few up and down hills. Travelling to Pokhara from Beni with well-earned rest, good meals and drinks, and lots of fun and exciting experiences to talk about your adventure in a Jeep.
You can either take a flight or bus from Pokhara to kathmandu. Confirm your arrival at your hotel and enjoy your last day in Nepal.
This marks the end of your cycling journey with north nepal. Our representative will drop you off at the airport prior to your flight time.
Before the first ride from Besisahar, your guide fits and checks every bike and briefs the group on the route, riding technique on loose descents, and daily safety routines. An acclimatization day in Manang is built in before the Thorong La (5,416 m), AMS symptoms are checked daily, and the pass crossing is postponed in bad weather or heavy snow.
In the rare event of an injury, serious altitude sickness, or bad weather, our guides manage immediate first-aid and coordinate evacuation by road or, from remote areas, by helicopter. Direct communication lines are maintained with our Pokhara and Kathmandu office to ensure quick on-ground logistics and coordination with local emergency services if needed.
This is a demanding high-altitude ride, so participants should have strong fitness and off-road riding experience and inform us of any medical conditions beforehand. Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude mountain biking up to 5,500 m, medical treatment and helicopter evacuation is always encouraged for total peace of mind.
Secure the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Bike Tour for 2026/2027 before the seat gets fully booked.
The Annapurna Circuit Cycling Tour is a multi-day mountain biking adventure through the Annapurna region of Nepal, combining challenging climbs, high-altitude riding, traditional villages, deep valleys, and spectacular Himalayan scenery. The route follows the famous Annapurna Circuit while allowing you to experience the landscape from the saddle.
The tour is best suited to experienced cyclists with good fitness and endurance. The route includes long uphill sections, rough mountain roads, steep descents, and high-altitude riding. Previous experience with mountain biking and sustained climbs is strongly recommended.
The highest point is Thorong La Pass at approximately 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). Reaching the pass by bicycle is one of the most demanding parts of the journey, and some sections may require you to push or carry your bike depending on trail and weather conditions.a
The route passes through diverse Himalayan communities and traditional villages, where you'll encounter Gurung, Manang, Thakali, and Tibetan-influenced cultures. Monasteries, prayer wheels, chortens, traditional houses, and mountain settlements add a strong cultural dimension to the ride.
Bring cycling clothing, padded shorts, gloves, helmet, sunglasses, layered warm clothing, waterproof outerwear, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle or hydration pack, personal medication, and basic toiletries. Warm equipment is particularly important for the high-altitude sections around Thorong La.
The package includes the services specified in the published itinerary, including cycling support, accommodation, meals during the tour, guide services, required permits, transportation, and applicable government taxes and service charges.
Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, hot showers, charging, laundry, tips, travel insurance, and other optional services should be budgeted separately. It's also sensible to carry some Nepali rupees for remote sections where card payments may not be available.
Yes. The cycling package includes the mountain bike and required cycling equipment. Your bike should be properly fitted and checked before beginning the route.
Yes. We can adjust the cycling itinerary according to your available time, cycling experience, fitness level, preferred riding pace, and interests. Additional rest days or route adjustments can be discussed before booking.
Previous mountain biking experience is strongly recommended. This is not simply a road-cycling trip. You'll encounter rough surfaces, steep climbs, loose sections, long descents, and changing mountain conditions, so confidence handling a bicycle off-road is important.
The best periods are generally spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months usually provide better visibility and more stable conditions for high-altitude cycling.
It is possible in some sections, but conditions can become difficult. Winter may bring snow around Thorong La, while monsoon can make lower roads muddy and slippery and increase the risk of landslides. High-pass conditions should always be checked before departure.
Yes. The route reaches 5,416 meters at Thorong La, so altitude is a major consideration. A gradual ascent, sensible riding pace, adequate hydration, and proper acclimatization are essential. Any symptoms such as persistent headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue, or breathing difficulty should be reported to your guide immediately.
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Your policy should cover high-altitude cycling, medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and trip interruption at the elevations reached on the tour.
The route requires the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the applicable trekking registration requirements. We arrange the necessary permits and paperwork before the cycling tour begins.
The tour combines cycling with road transportation to connect sections of the Annapurna Circuit. The exact starting point and vehicle arrangements depend on the final itinerary and current road conditions.
You'll stay mainly in local teahouses and lodges along the circuit. Facilities become more basic as you reach higher and more remote settlements, but these lodges provide a practical place to rest after long days of riding.
Local lodges serve trekking staples such as dal bhat, noodles, soups, rice, vegetables, eggs, bread, momos, and Tibetan-style dishes. Food choices become more limited at higher elevations, so carrying energy snacks is useful during long cycling days.
Connectivity varies considerably along the route. Larger villages generally have better access to mobile networks and Wi-Fi, while remote and high-altitude sections can have limited or no reliable connection. Don't rely on continuous internet access throughout the ride.
The route takes you through an extraordinary range of landscapes, from green valleys and terraced hills to pine forests, arid mountain valleys, glaciers, and high Himalayan passes. Depending on the route and weather, you'll see peaks including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre.
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