Nepal is well known for its pleasant scenic ride in the tropical plains of the Terai to the daring beast mode biking in the mountain terrains with the incredible Himalayas preached in the sky. The country boasts a rapidly increasing niche for biking, which is one of the finest ways to sense the true beauty of nature, encompassed by almighty mountains and hills, varying geography, as well as the diverse culture and traditions of indigenous communities.
Mountain biking in any corner of Nepal is adventurous through the beautiful landscapes, tremendous green terrain, trails, and tracks in the serene remote valleys far away in solitude from the hustling and bustling urban cities. One such ride you must not miss is on the Annapurna Circuit along the river towns from one to another, enjoying the awe-inspiring views, untarnished authentic lifestyles of the locals, and never-ending mountain vistas.
The journey begins from Besishar and makes its way towards the alpine areas just in a week, which consists of sharp ascends and descends in single tracks and jeep tracks, the highest Thorong La Pass at 5,415 m above sea level, and panoramic views of Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,156m), Nilgiri (7,061m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Hiunchuli (6,443m), Lamjung Himal (6,983m), Tukuche peak (6,920m), Tilicho peak (7,134m), and many others.
What to expect at Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking?
Though the Annapurna Circuit is widely popular as one of the best trekking paths in Nepal, offering amazing vistas of the Himalayas and a diverse landscape ranging from lush subtropical forest to parched high-altitude terrain with alpine meadows, it is arguably also the best mountain biking destination in the Nepalese Himalayas.
The biking through the Annapurna circuit, which is both physically demanding and equally rewarding, can also be called a cultural odyssey as the overall journey passes by several traditional villages, giving you incredible insights into local culture. At the same time, some steep ascent and descent Himalayan routes test your stamina and ability. If you are hopeful to go mountain biking around the Annapurna Circuit in 2024 and 2025, it will be an awesome experience due to:
Striking Mountain Scenery
Mountain riding on the Annapurna Circuit offers an impressive experience amidst some of the world’s most awe-inspiring alpine scenery, dominated by snow-clad mountain vistas of some of the ionic and planet’s top peaks such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), and many others.
Throughout the biking journey to the Annapurna Circuit, you can always look forward to seeing the greatest fusion of nature and culture at the foothills of the tenth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), as you move along the traditional villages of the Annapurna region along the banks of roaring rivers.
Furthermore, on the way to the Annapurna Circuit on your mountain bike, you will get to relish the magnificent views of Himalayan waterfalls, gorges, and alpine lakes, which, during the time of sunset and sunrise, create a worldly ambiance that is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.
Therefore, the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking is an incredible Himalayan tour that mountain bikers and outdoor aspirants alike can cherish forever, making it a bucket list at least once must-do adventure in the Nepalese Himalayas, where nature blends glorifying to the physical challenge, initiating the greatest pleasure of achievement once completed.
Rich cultural encounters in remote Himalayan villages of the Annapurna region
Along the biking route to the Annapurna Circuit, you will pass through several traditional Nepali villages featuring houses intricately carved in wood, stone pathways, and vibrant prayer flags reflecting centuries-old traditions and craftsmanship, such as Chame, Manang, and Marpha.
Throughout the year, these Himalayan villages in the Annapurna region that you will come across during the 12 days of Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking celebrate numerous festivals and religious ceremonies and bear a distinctive language, cultural costumes, and way of life that you can also be part of.
The residents of these villages in the Annapurna Circuit are extremely hospitable and friendly people who love to smile and treat visitors with the traditional Himalayan cuisines which are finger-licking beside the cups of tea that have a Himalayan touch while they happily share the region's engrossing history, customs, and traditions on deeply engaging yourself to interact with them.
The hidden gem of the Annapurna region, Manang
Nestled amidst the top-notch Himalayan ranges of the Annapurna region, at an elevation of 3,540 m/11,614 ft above sea level, is the village of Manang, often referred to as the crown jewel of the Annapurna Circuit, as it presents snow-capped peaks set like the gems of a crown.
Serving as a vital acclimatization stop for trekkers and mountain bikers before making their way to the strenuous Thorong La Pass and beyond, Manang is a cultural paradise as well, featuring the distinctive Thakali people and their lifestyle, which, despite its remoteness, boasts a wide array of modern amenities catering to the needs of trekkers, travelers, and mountain bikers, including several guest houses, restaurants, and teahouses selling all sort of trekking and biking gear and supplies.
Furthermore, for a surreal voyage to the Tilicho Lake with Thorong La Pass, Manang functions as a great gateway to witness the pristine beauty of the turquoise lake, taking you nose to nose to the surrounding peaks, including Annapurna I, II, III, and Gangapurna, alongside the dramatic landscape of deep valleys and cascading waterfalls, a treasure for all the nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
On the other hand, as the village of Manang lies in closer proximity to the cave of Milarepa, the village of Braga, the gompa of Bonjo, and Gangapurna Lake, it truly is the cultural haven where you will get to hear the grueling of the Maryangdi River throughout the journey.
Thorong La Pass and acute mountain sickness
The maximum altitude gain of the Annapurna Circuit is the Thorong La Pass at an elevation of 5,416 m, where the air tends to get thinner than usual, resulting in a decreased level of oxygen, presenting a significant challenge for both trekkers and mountain riders.
On a gradual acclimatization, crossing one of the high mountain passes of Nepal, Thorong La, should not be arduous, which also includes spending at least two days at the village of Manang before attempting to cross the pass. Along with physical preparedness and being well aware of altitude-related illnesses that might occur on this challenging terrain, this pays you well for your determination.
Therefore, making it through the Thorong La Pass, which is also an ancient trade route between Tibet and Nepal’s lowlands, connecting the secluded holy temple of Muktinath to the village of Manang during the 14 days of Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking, is going to be a sublime feat as you move forth by physically demanding steep accents above 5,000 m, followed by exhilarating descents on your mountain bike.
A visit to one of the holiest pilgrimage of Nepal, Muktinath
Your 14-day mountain biking tour to the Annapurna Circuit passes by the most sacred temple of the Annapurna region, the shrine of the Lord of Liberation, who sets you free from all the Karmic relations of human life as one of the holy manifestations of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism called Muktinath along with idols of the goddesses Laxmi, Janaki, Saraswati, Garuda, and others.
Biking through this part of the Annapurna Himalayas of Nepal adds to the profound spiritual experience, providing a hand for you to connect with Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty simultaneously, whether you are a devout pilgrim, a curious trekker, or an adventure-seeking journey to capture and live the rest of your life to take pride in.
Located at 3,710m above sea level, the temple complex of Muktinath features 108 stone water spouts, eternal flames, and several religious lakes called Kunda nearby, which are significant for both the major religions of the nation, Hinduism and Buddhism, highlighting the harmonious coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Similarly, the landscapes as seen from Muktinath are breathtaking in stark contrast to the beauty of the hidden kingdom of Nepal called the Mustang region, which draws the attention of every mountain lover with snow-capped summits, barren hills, and scenic river valleys, giving birth to a dramatic backdrop for the pilgrimage sites to appreciate during the 14 days of mountain biking to the Annapurna Circuit.
Therefore, many prefer visiting Muktinath even as the sole destination of their overall journey to the Annapurna region, promising an unforgettable adventure of discovery and enlightenment in the heart of the Himalayas.
Taste the organic apple delicacy of Marpha village
The adventurous mountain bike ride to the Anapurna Circuit passes by the valley of apple orchids called Marpha which is reputed for its traditional multi-story ancient stone houses and freshly baked apple pie, along with apple brandy.
Located at the center of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri Himalayas, the valley of Marpha cultivates delicious apples dotted in between the gorgeous tranquil Thakali settlement characterized by stone pavements and mostly whitewashed buildings.
Hence, it will be culturally enlightening while you get to taste the Himalayas with an apple pie and cider best for brunch while you venture around the village of Marpha during the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking.
Take a rejuvenating bath at the natural hot spring of Tatopani
The Tatopani, located at an elevation of 1,190 m (3,904 ft) in the Annapurna region of the Nepalese Himalayas, is a natural hot spring believed to have therapeutic properties rich in minerals.
This 14-day mountain biking journey to the Annapurna Circuit gives you the ultimate opportunity to take a soothing bath to let your muscles loosen after an exhausting up-and-downhill mountain bike ride in the Himalayan region in Tatopani to relax and admire mother nature at its finest.
Some of the bikers, along with the trekkers, might feel the change in skin condition after soaking themselves in this hot spring of Tatopani, while for the locals, it remains one of the spiritual hubs of the Annapurna region, which is believed to purify the soul of humans.
14 days itinerary to go for Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking
The mountain biking trip to the Annapurna Circuit begins with an adventurous drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, from where you will begin pedaling, which is not going to be as easy as it seems, as in between you will come across steep ascents and descents that call for a small break to take a rest and enjoy the surrounding magical views until you arrive at Tal.
From Tal onwards, you will begin noticing the simple yet fulfilling lives of locals making their way to Chame. From Chame, you will head for the crown jewel of the Annapurna region on the route to the Annapurna Circuit, Manang, on the following day.
On arriving at Manang, you will get to enjoy the much-needed acclimatization day as allocated by Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks to let your body adapt properly before ascending to the higher-altitude Thorong La Pass and Muktinath temple, which could pose a severe acute mountain sickness if directly hitting off this high-altitude trekking trail.
The fitter you are for this mountain biking tour, the merrier it gets, while you must maintain your pace once you leave Manang behind and start biking closer and closer to the high mountain pass of the Annapurna region, Thorong La Pass, which takes a rest for the night at the bottom of the pass named Thorong Phedi.
Then, the dreamland of every adventure is here when you will pedal to cross the Thorong La Pass to call it a day at the holy sanctum of Muktinath to collect blessings for upcoming exploration around the Annapurna Circuit.
After an overnight on the encompassment of the scared shrine of Muktinath, the descending biking begins, which makes its way to Pokhara, passing by the apple valley of Marpha and Tatopani, which should be a pleasing experience as you enjoy the organic apple products and bathe at the natural hot spring of Tatopani.
Finally, the adrenaline-rushing Annapurna Circuit Mountain biking itinerary comes to an end with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. However, if you are seeking another extraordinary biking adventure, you can link this trip to the Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour.
This 14-day itinerary to go for Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking is cutthroat, and if you are looking forward to a short yet equally stunning biking trail in the Annapurna region, you may like:
- Annapurna Circuit Half Mountain Biking - 10 Days
Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Cost
With Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks, you can take yourself on a thrilling Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking trip at a group discounted price, which is:
- USD 2,075 for 1 person
- USD 1,875 for 2-3 pax
- USD 1,825 for 2-3 pax
- USD 1,775 for 7–10 pax
Please note that the cost of treating yourself to an incredible bike ride on the Annapurna Circuit can vary based on the level of service chosen, the specific route of your preference, and the duration of your trip, along with the cost of guides included. Contact us for a tailored-made Annapurna Circuit Mountain Bike Tour and budget plan.
