ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT ON MOUNTAIN BIKE
Several years ago, the classic Annapurna Circuit trek was listed as one of the top ten treks in the world. However, with the new dirt road being built, this trek is certainly better if done on a mountain bike. Come join us on one of the best adventures in the Himalayas – Annapurna Circuit on a mountain bike. The journey involves biking through lush valleys, past century old villages, slogging/pushing over a 17,700 ft. pass, on a technical downhill 5,200 feet stretch, and through the deepest canyon in the world. All of this with the tallest mountains in the world as your backdrop.
Mountain biking
On the Annapurna Circuit mountain bike adventure, you get to experience some of the most amazing and diverse landscapes in Nepal. Your ride begins in densely forested and terraced sub-tropical hills, a region inhabited by Hindu groups of Nepal. But past Pisang the landscape changes dramatically as the dense forests give way to barren landscape of the Tibetan plateau. Here you enter the Manang valley which is inhabited by gypsy traders of Tibetan origin. After a rest day in Manang for acclimatization, head north over Thorung pass and descend to Muktinath village. At Muktinath there is a shrine revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Come challenge yourself on the classic Annapurna Circuit route on a mountain bike!
All our mountain biking trips will be organized through our sister company – Crystal Mountain Rides.
Highlights
- Explore monasteries and palaces in the Kathmandu valley.
- Experience Nepal’s varied culture as you ride through villages of numerous ethnic groups.
- Enjoy a thrilling down hill, descending over 5,200 ft. in a couple hours.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a lodge trek. Consequently, you will sleep and eat meals in local lodges along the trail. The quality of the lodges on this trek are comparable to those on the Everest Base Camp Trek. And quite a few of them have en suite rooms with hot showers. Furthermore, meals are also quite varied with many options including rice with veggies, noodles, local breads etc. Read our article about food options on lodge treks.
BEST SEASON
Like most treks in Nepal, the best seasons for the Annapurna Circuit trek are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (October-November).
TREK RATING
The Annapurna Circuit trek is rated “CHALLENGING”. It is rated 5 on a rating scale from 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). The highest altitude reached is at Thorung La (5,416 m/17,700 ft) and the highest overnight elevation is at Thorung Phedi (4,600m/15,100 feet). Average daily biking times is 5 to 6 hours with one long day of around 7-9 hours on the hike over the pass. This trip involves pushing/carrying/slogging and navigating single-tracks. So moderate mountain biking skills and good physical fitness are required. Regardless, it is important to prepare for any trek in Nepal. Read our advice on training for treks.