Ride the Annapurna Circuit
Mountain Biking tour in Nepal | 12 days ex Kathmandu | US$2150
2 days riding in the Kathmandu Valley - 5 day riding in the Annapurna's
The Annapurna Circuit is well renowned as being one of the top ten long-distance treks in the world for its stunning scenery. It was only a matter of time before it also became one of the ultimate mountain bike destinations. When you pedal amongst the Himalayas it takes the term 'mountain biking' to a whole different level. Instead of doing the entire Annapurna circuit we start at the halfway mark to capitalize on the mostly downhill portion of the route, making sure to enjoy the most ramped up adventure and the best sights. We set off for our journey from the ancient and colourful city of Kathmandu and warm up our legs on a two day bike trip in the surrounding hills of the Kathmandu Valley. From Kathmandu we travel to Pokara where we jump on an spectacular mountain flight to Jomsom where we begin our real ride on the Annapurna circuit. We head for two days mostly uphill to Mukinath which is an important pilgrimage spot for both Hindus and Buddhists. From here is a beuatiful 4 day ride back to Pokara.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Kathmandu
Arriving in Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. We will have a meeting in the evening followed by our first dinner together.
Days 2-3 | Nagarkot - Baktapur - Kathmandu | 1350m
After an early morning breakfast in Kathmandu we ride east to the medieval town of Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is an ancient city, with beautiful Newari art and a wonderful cultural heritage. There are many lovely temples and palace squares here for us to explore. From here we head northeast for 20 kms where we gradually climb to Nagarkot on a quiet paved road. As we pedal along the rim of the valley we pass terraced farmland and houses that seem to cling to the hillside. When we reach the top of the hill we are rewarded with the our first glimpses of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. We ride back to Kathmandu on day 3.
Day 4 | Pokara (850m)
A private bus ride brings us to Pokara. On a clear day the views from here over the lake are breathtaking. There is plenty of time to enjoy this city and make some last minute preparations for our ride.
Days 5-6 | Jomsom (2700m) - Muktinath (3700m)
A spectacular morning flight will bring us to Jomsom, a lovely village nestled in the Annapurna mountains range of the Himalayas located at 2800m. On day 5 we will ride to Kagbeni, only 2 two hours away. This is perfect way to get acclimatised. In the afternoon we will go out with our bikes and explore the valley. This was one of the major trading routes between Tibet and India. The traders brought salt from Tibet and barley, spices and cloth from India where they traded it in a lively market. It is one of the most beautiful villages in the whole Annapurna region. We stay overnight in Kagbeni.
On day 6 We set off early for a strenuous ride uphill to the spiritual hub of Muktinath making it feel like a true pilgrimage. While there we take in all of the most beautiful and sacred sights. On day 6 a jeep can be used for those who can't make the strenuous uphill.
Days 7-9 | Ride on the Annapurna Circuit
From today our ride is mostly downhill until we get back to Pokara. Don't be deceived though, the adventure is far from downhill with the legendary mountain views! We cycle along the backside of the Annapurna Circuit and we stop overnight in lovely authentic local villages. On day 9 our ride ends near Beni, where we meet our driver who brings us back to Pokara.
Day 10 | Pokara
After all the biking we have a well earned free day in Pokara, chill out by the lake, have a beer.. or two. For those with the thirst for a little more adventure enjoy a nice day ride, go rafting on the surrounding wild whitewater or go paragliding to get a birds eye view of the Himalayas.
Days 11-12 | Kathmandu
We fly back to Kathmandu on day 11. Depending on flight schedules, enjoy time for some last minute shopping. In the evening we sit down for our final farewell dinner together. Day 12 is departure day and you are free to depart at any time you like; just let us know your flight details and we’ll arrange for your included transfer to the airport.
Facts and Information
Style
Fully supported mountain bike tour
Grasshopper Leader
This tour will be lead by Sam Hoys, our Grasshopper Nepal expert!
meet Sam
Inclusions
- Arrival and departure transfers
- 2 days cycling in the Kathmandu Valley
- 5 days cycling in the Annapurna's
- All accommodation as listed per itinerary
- All transportation as listed per itinerary
- Grasshopper tour leader
- Local guide/bicycle mechanic
- Annapurna Conservation Permit
- All meals while cycling
- Sleeping bag and dawn jacket (while on the Annapurna Circuit)
Group Size
minimum 3, maximum 12
Accommodation
7 nights comfortable hotel in Kathmandu and Pokara, 4 nights tea houses while on the Annapurna Circuit.
Meals Included
11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners (meals while cycling)
Difficulty
Moderate - Difficult, the downhill is on a jeep track and dirt roads, it is not technical but feeling confident on your bike will help you a lot.
Days Cycling
7
Cycling Conditions
We are not going to lie. This trip might be challenging for some. We designed this trip to be both enjoyable for novice and expert mountain bikers. For groups larger then 4 we use 2 guides so that the group can be split up if needed. On day 6 a jeep can be used for those who don't want to do the strenuous uphill.
Bikes
Bikes are not included for this trip. We have well maintained front suspension Trek Mountain Bikes for hire, if you prefer bringing your own bike make sure you bring spare parts to keep it maintained. Contact us for more details.