Annapurna Circuit Bike tour

Following a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, someone from the Mount Adventure Holidays Teams will issue the riders with their merchandise to check over the bikes, with a member on standby to assist with any mechanical issues. The afternoon will be free for a relaxed sightseeing ride around some of the sights and cultural points of interest that Kathmandu has to offer. the evening group meal will leave ample time for packing, ready for the early start the following morning. Nike's are not required for the tour and be left at the hotel.

Whilst the riders get an early breakfast, the biking crew members will load the luggage and bikes onto the transfer vehicles for the coach transfer to Besi Sahar. You will leave Kathmandu at around 8 approximately will stop for lunch arriving by non, leaving plenty of time to explore the town and stretch your trails heading up into the mountains.

After an early breakfast, you'll leave Besi Sahar and almost immediately hit encountering lots of small stream crossings. after fairly flat terrain, the trail starts to climb up with the remainder of the distance ascending towards Taal, which is situated on the banks of the Marshyangdi River.

Upon leaving Taal, the trail climbs up a steep and rocky jeep track, past a spectacular waterfall to Timing the final riding offers a little respite from the continuous climbing as it undulates all the way to Chame, one of the Annapurna area, which is situated in a narrow valley. From here onwards riders may start to feel the effects of the high altitude and temperatures that are considerably lower than at Besi Sahar. f you fancy a gargantuan challenge then you could consider combining Days and riding hames done during Yak Attack. We would only recommend this option for very fit riders and you can read all about the challenge here

As you ascend in altitude, the riding distances get shorter but that doesn’t mean they get any easier. The trail through pine forests before following an open valley depending on the weather, riders could encounter lots of mud and even their first snow during this section, then again, it could be lovely hard-packed flowing terrain. This is the Himalaya'snsge at the drop of a hat!

Day 7 will be a rest day in Manang, which is essential to allow the body to acclimatize, a break from the bikes. From Manang, there are plenty of interesting and scenic treks that can be undertaken, or short rides if you are feeling up to it! There are also a number of excellent bakeries, coffee shops, and local eateries to while away the day.

The shortest day distance-wise, at only 17km, but riding time will be a little longer than your average 17km!! Altitude is the biggest obstacle today with riders finishing at 4450m above sea level. Snow and severe cold are also distinct possibilities, but the scenery is absolutely breathtaking-capped mountains in every direction.

From Thorong Phedi a very early start will be necessary as high winds can pick up later on in the day on the top of the pass, which you will want to avoid. It’s time to put the bike on your back for a 5km hike-a-bike, starting in the dark, through snow and freezing temperatures to the highest point of the trip, Thorong La, at 5416m. This could be the slowest 5km you have ever done, taking on average 3 to 6 hours, but the feeling of euphoria on reaching the top is more than worth all the effort. With lady luck on your side, the descent will be clear of snow from the very top and you can take on what has to be one of the world’s greatest mountain bike downhills, from 5416m to 2700m in 20km leading you back to the warmth of Kagbeni; the gateway to Upper Mustang.

The only reason to start early today is to have even more time at the hot springs at Tatopani; the day’s final destination! 58km of predominantly downhill takes riders back down to the sub-tropical heat and oxygen-rich air. The first 35km is a gentle drop-down Kali Gandaki gorge; reputedly the deepest gorge in the world. The final 23km into Tatopani is a jaw-clattering, rough and rapid descent that will test both man and machine. The hot springs now await to soak away the aches and pains of 6 days on the trail.

The last ride of the trip! With the hard work done, it’s a relaxing ride down to the end of the trails. Being back at lower altitudes will make the riding seem easy and the trail undulates all the way to Maldhunga. The first 21km to Beni is a jeep back and then from there it will be broken tarmac. Once you arrive at Maldhunga, the team will pack the bikes and luggage onto the vehicle, and you will be transferred to Pokhara which will take approximately 3-4 hours. After arriving in Pokhara and checking into your hotel, there will be plenty of free time for exploring & shopping. (Option to carry on riding to Pokhara will be available, a total of 82km with a long climb and long final descent into Pokhara, extra estimated riding time 4 hours)

After breakfast, you will to Kathmandu via a 25-minute short plane journey or the 8-hour bus journey (please state at the of booking which option you would prefer). nice Kathmandu, there will be me in the afternoon for some trinket shopping or to explore some of the many temples and places of interest in the city. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would prefer to stay in Pokhara for w extra days to check out some of the adventurous (or leisurely!) activities that it has to offer!