The Annapurna Circuit offers a great variety in terms of altitude and vegetation as it is one of the most popular trekking areas. Mountain biking around the Annapurna circuit is a challenge, fun and has breath taking views. We come across rivers, waterfalls and have stunning views of the Himalayas. You will meet various villagers along the way and hospitable honest hosts that will welcome you to their tea houses. The food they serve is delicious and hygienic. We start our cycling trip from Besisahar, which is reached by vehicle from Pokhara. From the very first day the scenery will be breathtaking and ever changing. Upon reaching Manang we will have a rest day. We can enjoy the scenery and explore the monastery or wander up to a local viewpoint. Once your body is fully acclimatized, we can head onwards towards Thorang La. We recommend you move as slow as possible to prevent altitude sickness. We will need to push and sometimes carry the bike while we ascend to and over Thorang-La, possibly on some of the technical downhill. We will be certain to take our pictures at the top of Thorang-La 5416m. The view is amazing. Going downhill we will need to be careful as there is always a chance of falling off. The trail is very steep, with loose rocks in places. So, we must descend safely, slowly and carefully. From Thorong La we will descend to Muktinath and onto Jomsom. After reaching Muktinath we have the option of riding to Upper Mustang if required. From Mukitnath we can ride the beautiful side trip down the Lupra valley, which will take a detour of Marpha village. We next head towards Beni via Tatopani (hot spring). We have option of a vehicle transfer back from Beni to Kathmandu or ride all the way to Pokhara via Kusma. Or we can ride towards Ghorepani/ Poonhill and ride all the way to Pokhara.
Once back in Pokhara, you have the option of flying back to Kathmandu or transfer back by a private vehicle or tourist bus. We still have more options of exploring Kathmandu valley and surroundings on our return.
The Annapurna circuit on a mountain bike can be completed in a shorter number of days, by using a vehicle to start the ride in to Dharapani and end mountain bike ride in Jomsom or Beni. The only concern is that your body needs time to acclimatize, and some people acclimatize quicker than others. We will always have rest day at Manang on every trip. Evaluating your condition, before deciding to continue upwards and onwards. We always recommend you drink plenty of water, soup and hot drinks.
Highlights:
- We must cross Throng-La Pass which is 5416m, which on a mountain bike is very adventurous! Some of the trail is particularly difficult to ride so, you will need to push and even carry your bike.
- Obviously, the first half of our cycling trip goes uphill, but after crossing Thorong La it is downhill all the
- way, with views of rivers, waterfall and the Himalaya as we descend.
- Every stop we make for our nights rest is interesting; we can roam around and explore the various villages and interact with the friendly local residents.
Most of the trail around the Annapurna Circuit can be covered by vehicle, but there are sections of single track and particularly steep climbing when ascending Throng La. Even the descent is over difficult and steep terrain requiring you to occasionally walk and even carry your mountain bike requiring strength and good balance. We have a chance to visit Muktinath a religious site for Hindu and Buddhist. Chame, Manang, Muktinath, Jomsom, Marpha are famous villages that we travel through whilst on the Annapurna Circuit.
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