Annapurna Circuit Mountain Bike Tour & Trek

based on 4+ reviews

Country
Nepal

Duration
14 Days

Maximum altitude
5416 m.

Activity
Trekking - Bike Ride

Difficulty
Moderate/Difficult

Best Season
October, November, December, February, March, April

Accomodation
Mountain Lodge

Meals
Excluded

Start/End Point
Kathmandu

Trek Overview

The Annapurna Circuit mountain bike tour and trek is a charming adventure activity in the Himalayas. It is world-renowned for stunning mountain views and passes through a variety of different landscapes, from lush sub-tropical rain forests to deep valleys and cultivated fields. About the Annapurna Circuit, people are willing to visit because of the absolute beauty and variety of the landscape and the mystical Himalayas. The trail passes through tranquil lakes (one of the highest altitude fresh water Tilicho Lake, at 5200 m), richly cultivated fields, forests of rhododendron, rain forest, silent alpine glades, and rugged high-mountain deserts. In Manang village (3540 m), you can observe that the ancient stone and wood houses are substantial and a pleasant sight. In Manang village, an extra day for acclimatization is recommended. You can day-hike to Gangapurna Glacier Lake and above the wonderful viewpoint of Papu Chong, high above the lake, three hours round trip. To climb this hill, you have to fully prepare with climbing boots and crampons for the icy trail.

The Annapurna Circuit bike tour and trek's most challenging part is to cross the high pass Thorong La at an altitude of 5416 m and trail-ascend all the way to Muktinath at 3800 m. Muktinath is the pilgrimage center of Hindus as well as Buddhists. In Muktinath, you see Tibetan traders and sadhus (holy men) from as far away as the south of India. Here you visit the Muktinath Temple, shrines of different gods and goddesses, springs, and a natural gas spot. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki valley's amazing landscape with spectacular views of Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Annapurna I and II, Mt. Fishtail, and the Mt. Dhaulagiri Ranges and rice paddy.

After enjoying the natural hot spring in Tatopani, the trail continuously follows the Kali Gandaki River to Beni. The Annapurna Circuit mountain bike tour and trek end at Beni. From Beni, a three-hour bike ride to Pokhara, and Himalayan Smile Treks can also organize a private Jeep to Pokhara.

Trek Highlights

Seven-hour scenic drive to Besisahar through beautiful mountain terrain, hills, rivers, and countryside landscapes.

Explore the Marshyangdi River Valley, known for breathtaking scenery, waterfalls, and natural wonders.

Visit the ancient monastery in Braga Village, preserving centuries-old Buddhist traditions and heritage.

Experience the unique blend of Tibetan Buddhist and Bon cultures throughout the Himalayan region.

Cross the challenging Thorong La Pass at an altitude of 5,416m with stunning views.

Visit sacred Muktinath Temple, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.

Walk through the beautiful Kali Gandaki Valley, surrounded by dramatic Himalayan landscapes.

Experience warm Thakali hospitality, traditional culture, local cuisine, and unique mountain lifestyles.

Relax in natural hot springs at Tatopani, offering refreshing Himalayan wellness experiences.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Land in Kathmandu, Nepal's vibrant capital, gateway to the Himalayas—your adventure begins amid ancient temples.

Day 2

Drive from Kathmandu to Beshishahar.

Distance: 175 km | Drive: 6-7 hours | Altitude: 760m — scenic drive through hills to Marsyangdi valley.

Day 3

Drive Beshishahar to Syange (1130m). Ride Tal (1700m).

Drive Beshishahar to Syange, then ride 3 hours to Tal, gaining scenic Himalayan altitude.

Day 4

Ride from Tal to Chame.

Ride Tal to Chame, 28km, gaining altitude to 2,710m with stunning Annapurna and Manaslu views.

Day 5

Ride Chame to Pisang (3294m) and Manang (3351)

Chame–Pisang: ~15km, 3–4hrs, +600m. Pisang–Manang: ~15km, 3hrs, +60m gain.

Day 6

Acclimatized. Day hike to the Gangapurna Glacier Lake.

Acclimatization hike above Manang: rocky ascent to icy lake, breathtaking Gangapurna glacier views.

Day 7

Ride: Manang (3,540 m / 11,614 ft) to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m / 16,138 ft)

Ride 35–38 km from Manang to Tilicho Lake, 4–6 hours, reaching 4,919m through rugged mountain trails.

Day 8

Ride: Tilicho Lake – Yak Kharka – Thorong Phedi (4,420m / 14,501ft)

Ride 32–35 km in 5–6 hours from Tilicho Lake via Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,420m).

Day 9

Ride from Throng Pedi to Muktinath (3805m).

Ride 22–25 km in 4–5 hours via Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,805m).

Day 10

Ride from Muktinath to Jomsom(2760m).

Ride 22 km from Muktinath (3,805m) via Kagbeni to Jomsom (2,760m) in 1.5–2 hours.

Day 11

Ride 82 km from Jomsom (2,760m) to Beni (899m)

Ride - 82 km from Jomsom (2,760m) to Beni (899m) in 5–6 hours through scenic Kali Gandaki Valley.

Day 12

Ride - Beni (899m) to Pokhara (822m)

Ride 82 km from Beni (899m) to Pokhara (822m) in 3–4 hours through scenic highway routes.

Day 13

Drive Pokhara (822m) to Kathmandu (1,400m)

Drive 200 km from Pokhara (822m) to Kathmandu (1,400m) in 6–8 hours via Prithvi Highway.

Day 14

Departure

Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for final departure, with hotel checkout and airport assistance provided.

Detailed Itinerary

Extend Your Trip

Everest mountain flight

Heritage village tour kathmandu valley

Paragliding in nepal

Trek FAQs

All foreign nationals, except Indian citizens, need visas to enter Nepal. You get Nepalese visa from Nepalese Embassy or consulate in your home country.

Yes, you can obtain your entry visa at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu upon your arrival.

You need a valid passport, two passport size photos and the visa fee.

Visa Valid for Fee 15 days US$ 25 30 days US$ 40 90 days US$ 100

Yes. You can book a trekking. For trek booking confirmation you can send scanning copy of your old passport. After issuing your new passport we will request you to send scanning copy of your new passport for air ticket reservation.

You are met just outside the arrival lounge of the Kathmandu International airport by our officer.

Our officer can be identified easily. They are standing with your name play card. After meeting you are taken to our private vehicle then transfer to the hotel. He also helps you in the hotel check in formalities.

According to airport rule as the visitors can meet our officer only outside the arrival lounge, you have to carry your luggage in the trolleys through the custom lobby up to the exit point on your own. After meeting our officer you can hand over it to him. He takes care of your luggage till your check in at the hotel.

You don’t need to carry all your stuff which is not required for trekking. You can be left at your hotel or Himalayan Smile Treks office in Kathmandu. Nearly all hotels have a luggage deposit but we do not store clients valuables in our office. Also the hotel you will provide locker their you can store your valuables things. After you come back from trekking, we handover your luggage and other stuff to you.

We assign one of our officers to look after you, who constantly stay in touch with you during your stay in Nepal. We give you his mobile number. Or you may directly contact to our office number also.

In fact you don’t need to be a mountaineer with rippling muscles to enjoy trekking. If you are reasonably fit, have a spirit of mountain journey and like walking, you are always qualified for any trekking in Nepal. You do not need any previous experience. However we suggest you some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking before you embark on journey.

Almost in all popular trekking trails in Nepal (Everest, Annapurna, Langtang), local villagers have built tea-house lodges. In tea house trek you stay at those mountain lodges and have breakfast, lunch and dinner in their restaurant. Normally the tea houses are more like hotels with hot showers, continental and Nepali food and comfortable private rooms (twin sharing). If you stay in local hotels, you will also get an opportunity to interact with local hoteliers and their family members and get information about their lifestyle and culture.

Toilets are usually Asian squat style and vary in how clean they are. Normally toilets are outside the lodge but now some lodges have attached or indoor toilets. Now it is improvement sanitary conditions on the tea houses although conditions are still not always perfect. Because cold the water is frozen in winter. Nearby has water tank or drum of the water with jug for toilet water. The rubbish bin in the toilet is kept for your used toilet paper.

If you’re doing camping trek we offer standard meals as well as a vegetarian meal option. Just let us know if you want vegetarian meals when you book your trek. But we can’t fulfill every trekkers requirement(i.e., dietary requirements or special meals ). Also tea house trekking you will get vegetarian meal. Please tell about your trekking guide about details of your food allergy.

If your solo trekkers we will provide you on single room in tea house. In peak season (October, November, December , March, April) you have to share room with a member of the same sex but it is rarely.

In a camping trek you will sleep in our tents. The tents are roomy. The sleeping pads/ mattresses are comfortable. All food are prepared and served by our camping crew. Food you get is hygienic and fresh.

You should bring your personal wear like walking boots and sand shoes, sandal, a water-and wind-proof jacket, woolen shirts, T-shirts, a thick pullover, shorts/skirts and trousers/track suits. Thermal underwear is necessary for high altitudes and cottons are best for lower and warmer altitudes. Also don’t forget a water bottle, sleeping bag, gloves, walking stick, knife and sewing kit, torch light with spare batteries, extra boot laces, sun glasses, sun cream, rain coat and personal medical supplies. Bring a duffel bag to put your clothing and equipments in. We provide you porter to carry your kit bag.

We will recommend you walking boots which is support to the ankle which reduces the risk of injury especially high mountains. It is important that your boots are comfortable and well worn-in and not brand new. Many people prefer to trek in tennis shoes but extra care should be taken. We do not recommend trekking in sandals or using new boots or hiring boots prior to the trek.

You will be served freshly cooked food during trekking. In all tea houses/ lodges along trekking trail Western, Continental and Nepali dishes are available. Three meals a day will be provided you in full board (Gold) package.

Up to a maximum of 5-6 hours a day with lunch breaks along the trail. The maximum altitude is depends upon which trek you are going. In Nepal normally the maximum altitude of most of the trekking falls between 3500m to 5000m.

The best time for trekking in Nepal is from mid September to early December and from March to April. Beside them in other months also you can do trekking in Nepal but in selected regions. In January and February the climate is colder. So, at that time high altitude trekking is not recommendable. For January and February, we suggest Langtang trekking, Ghorepani trekking, Jomsom Muktinath trekking. Likewise June July August is the rainy season in Nepal. During this time here occurs heavy rain fall. Mountain views are not clear. For this period we recommend Upper Mustang, Dolpo trekking. These are rain shadow areas where rain falls very little. June July August is also the best time for Tibet/ Lhasa Tour, Mt. Kailash Tour.

To some trekkers when they go over 3000 m they may feel some affect of altitude sickness like shortness of breath and possibly a light headed which is fairly common. Sometime they may also get diarrhea as well as sprains and muscle aches. In such case our guide who is experienced in first aid treatment and high altitude sickness will advise you about any health requirements and also treat you. Altitude sickness is dangerous but it can be avoidable. If your follow a few simple rules you will not suffer from altitude sickness. Rules are trek slowly with your guide, drink at least two liters of water per day (not including beer or soft drinks), If you feel shortness of breath, a slight headache or dizziness, tell your guide and rest immediately. Lie down, drink water. If you are still feeling unwell you may consider going down a few hundred meters. Do not pretend you are okay, and do not go down alone. For further information of altitude sickness

You must disclose at the time of booking any medical condition that could affect your ability to do the Himalaya trekking. The Himalayan Smile Treks advise to do trek who has with heart conditions, knee problems, severe asthma or pregnant should not participate in the trek. The Himalayan Smile Treks could not be responsible in Himalaya trekking due to the lack of the medical facilities any problems due to your special dietary requirements or medical condition

There is no government restriction on the age limit for the Nepal trekking. If the trekkers children under the age of 8 years old and adults over 70 years old. The Himalayan Smile Treks recommend to hire an extra porter(our package price including one porter for two people).

Normally trekkers rarely have emergency case like serious mountain sickness. Because our staff do not let you have it. Sometime if there is an emergency incident a helicopter will be called to the spot. You will then be flown with our staff to Kathmandu and taken to the Hospital for treatment. But Helicopter rescue is costly. So we suggest all trekkers do travel insurance covering helicopter rescue and medical.

It is mandatory that all Clients obtain travel insurance while travelling with the Company and this insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and emergency evacuation expenses. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, loss of belongings and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client. The Company shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects. We also let you know that Nepalese Insurance Company does not have travel insurance for foreign nationals. They have travel insurance only for Nepalese nationality. We advise you when you come to Nepal, please bring legal documents with you.

To conform your tour package according to the rule of our company, to confirm any trip you have to pay us 20% of total package as advance. We charge 20% just to pay for confirming your domestic flight, hotel booking and making necessary documents. The remaining 80% amount you should pay us after you arrive in Kathmandu.

vIf Your intended to do Everest base camp trekking we will recommend you out 3 months in advance. For Everest base camp trekking we have to reserve air ticket to Lukla. On Sept to Dec the air ticket sold out first cum first basis. For your kind information the Lukla flight are few airlines are operation in Nepal so that we will recommend you to reservation your trek as far in advance as possible as soon as you know the dates of your international flights.

We have insured all our trekking staff (guide, sirdar, porters and others).

The Himalayan Smile treks has been paying our porters a wage, transportation and insurance. The Himalayan Smile treks support on porters rights and have contributed regularly to campaign such as Porters Progress for improving porter welfare. It is important porter have warm cloth and proper trekking boots. The Himalayan Smile treks paid good wage relative to other professions wages in Nepal. We are donate a few percentage of our profits to community projects in the mountain region of Nepal where the many of the porter come from.

In our trek packages one porter is including for two people. The one porter can carry 20-25 kg your luggage( per person 12 KG). If you’re interested to hire extra porter we will recommend to hire in Lukla for Everest base camp trek. The porter cost approximately USD 15. If you want to hire a porter then please let us know at the time you make your trek booking. After Lukla it is very difficult to get porter. if your hire porter above the Lukla or Namche bazaar the porter cost USD 20 to 30 but they cannot always be reliable.

Nepal produces different types of bottled beers, which are excellent. They are very much like a lager. Some lodges have a good supply of local as well as foreign whisky, gin, vodka, rum and soft drinks. A local “wine” is produced in the hills which is served hot and resembles sake. If you have a special preference, buy it at a duty free shop on your way to Kathmandu.

You will require a light weight pair of boots that have rubber soles with thick tread and good ankle support. Hi-Tech and Nike produces good walking comfortable shoes.

As general rule, it is hot enough during the days to wear an open-neck shirt with shorts and you will not be cold. During the evening, it gets cold so, long trousers and a warm jersey is essential.

The government of no longer requires a trekking permit for Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and some other regions. However, conservation permit or National park permits are required for these regions. There are few restricted trekking areas in Nepal, where trekking permits are required. But for trekking in any area you require to get TIMS Card. TIMS means Trekker’s information Management System. It costs USD 10 if you make it through trekking company. Otherwise it costs USD 20. We manage TIMS card to all trekkers going trekking with us.

Please consult your local doctor and follow his advice. However, if you are taking any particular medicines, it would be best to bring them with you.

There are trekking shops at Thamel, in Kathmandu, where you can easily rent or buy items like sleeping bags, down jackets, walking sticks, rucksacks, duffel bags and other equipments on reasonable price.

We will recommend you to rent or buy sleeping bags as low as -30 °C. This temperature is suitable for Everest base camp trekking(above 4000m). We will suggest to buy /rent sleeping bags and so you can try it out. Also you can rent /buy sleeping bag in Kathmandu trekking store.

If you are flying from a remote mountain airstrip like Lukla, Jomsom, Simikot, Taplejung and Dolpo, you should keep at least two spare days before your departure for home.

Trekking areas like Everest, Annapurna and Langtang, all most tea houses/ mountain lodges have telephone facilities. From there you can make international calls to your home and friends staying any part of the world.

Now most of international airlines tickets do not need reconfirmation. If your tickets require reconfirmation, please inform our representative before you go trekking or tour. He collects it for reconfirmation and return to you after you come back from trekking or tours.

Nepal is absolutely safe country to travel. Our staffs do take every precaution to ensure the comfort and safety of the trekkers. Before 2006 when Maoist movement was going on, there was a kind of fear in few trekking destinations. But today they have also come to peaceful political stream. So there is no more any fear and need to give donation for any party.

We offer you an experienced trekking guide. He is in charge of your overall trekking. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns and questions. He is well trained in all aspects of trekking, high altitude medicine, first aid and emergency procedure. He is selected in terms of his professionalism. Remember that trekking guides are local citizens and their English may be basic and limited to trek related topics. About porters, they carry your luggage. They are also local citizens. Normally one porter carries 20 to 25 kg of stuff. Normally we provide one porter for every two trekkers.

We have chosen accommodation options based on the following criteria: standard of hygiene, standard of service, location, food standards and cost. Normally for trekkers we give three star level hotels in Kathmandu as well as in Pokhara (For Annapurna Trekking). All accommodation is based on twin sharing with breakfast.

You are picked from your hotel 2-3 hours before the time of your departure flight.

During the day of departure at the appointment time our officer meets you in the lobby of the hotel where you are staying. He will help you to transfer to the airport.

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US$ 2500 Person

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