Hop onto hot tyres for this extraordinary trip takes you to some of the most stunning and exotic biking routes in Nepal.
Our groups are small with maximum 14 people. We create groups of independent travelers, friends and families which maintains close interpersonal connection, engage more and get into depth of the journey. The featured departures are guaranteed to run, so book now and secure your place.
Looking for personalized experience? We organize privately guided journey which is mainly designed to fit your taste and interest. We allow complete flexibility on your departure date, please choose your preferable date.
This extraordinary Annapurna Circuit Biking trip takes you to some of the most stunning and exotic biking routes in Nepal. Annapurna Circuit biking tour passes through a variety of different landscapes, from lush sub-tropical rainforest, deep valleys and cultivated fields, to wooded alpine and high deserts. Visit many different villages, meeting the local hill communities and enjoying frequent spectacular views of massive Himalayan peaks, including Annapurnas and Manaslu.
Reach the lowland villages, dense oak forests, deep gorges and lovely isolated hamlets to the lap of the mighty high mountains and the Gangapurna lake – one of the beautiful altitude fresh water lakes. To top it all, the crossing of the Thorong La pass (5,416 m) is a challenging ascent, surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountain sceneries in the world.
Begin your mountain biking trip after driving from Kathmandu to Besisahar via ground transportation. This is the starting point of biking (and also that of trekking). From here begin biking anti-clockwise around the Annapurna massif. The trail climbs gradually, allowing you to acclimatize to the high altitudes, as you travel along the Marsyangdi Valley.
After the crossing of the Thorong La Pass, descend to Muktinath, one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites. From here, cross Lupra Valley to reach Jomsom, and then descend down to Tukuche, Tatopani and finally at Beni where your biking ends. A jeep will transfer you to Pokhara and the next day return to Kathmandu.
As demanding the rugged terrain and technical tracks are, this Annapurna Circuit Biking trip is designed for the more experienced riders, and not recommended for beginners. It will be grueling but surely worth every drop of sweat.
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,345 m). Overnight at Hotel.
Pre-Biking Meeting and Drive to Besisahar (760 m). Overnight at a Guesthouse.
Ride from Besisahar to Tal (1,700 m). Distance: 37.4 km. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Ride from Tal to Chame (2,670 m). Distance: 22.6 km. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Ride from Chame to Manang (3,540 m). Distance: 29.7 km. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Acclimatization in Manang and Visit to Gangapurna Lake and Glacier. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Ride from Manang to Yak Kharka (40,50 m) Distance: 9 to 10 km. Distance: 19 km. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Ride to Thorong High Camp (4,925 m) via Thorong Phedi (4,450 m). Distance: 10 to 12 km. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Ride from Thorong High Camp to Muktinath (3,760 m) via Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). Distance: 19 to 20 km. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Ride from Muktinath to Marpha (m) via Lupra Valley. Distance: 32 km. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Ride from Marpha to Tatopani (1,190 m). Distance: 42 km. Overnight at a Guesthouse.
Ride from Tatopani to Beni (899 m). Distance: 25 km – 2 to 3 hours ride and same day drive to Pokhara (900 m) by 4WD. Overnight at Hotel.
Drive to Kathmandu by 4WD vehicle – 5 to 7 hours (including the lunch break). Overnight at Hotel.
Trip end and departure from Nepal.
Our standard itinerary might differ slightly due to unpredictable happenings and events out of our control. Factors such as flight cancellation/delay, unfavorable weather, natural calamities, newly implemented government rules, political affairs, health conditions, etc., are possible. Evaluating the situation’s possible solutions allow the trekking to resume as much as possible based on the best alternatives. In these times, we look for your cooperation and flexibility. Read more
Pick up from and drop off at the hotel and the airport on a private tourist vehicle
Twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara including breakfast.
Twin-sharing accommodation in guesthouses during biking in the Annapurna region.
Ground transportation from Kathmandu to Besisahar, from Beni to Pokhara and from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Ace the Himalaya’s licensed English-speaking mountain biking guide (The number of guides and assistant guides is dictated by group size)
The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trip (We assign one porter for two clients)
Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for our field staff.
Ace the Himalaya duffel bag and cap.
Mountain Bike. You can hire full suspension mountain bike for 40-50 USD per bike per day.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara and all three meals during biking in the Annapurna region.
All items of personal nature like drinks, laundry etc.
Biking attire and other personal gears.
Tips for biking staff and driver (Tipping is expected).
Our airport representative will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. He will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
In the morning, after breakfast, we host a pre-biking meeting at our office in Kathmandu and introduce you to your biking guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about your trip. We will provide you with a duffel bag and a cap. For the meeting, please make sure you bring your passport, two copies of your passport-size photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Please inform us in advance if you will be arriving late and therefore are unable to attend the meeting.
Take a six-hour ride to Besisahar. It is the starting point of the biking trip. There make necessary preparations and meet the support team which includes porters for carrying your luggage and equipments.
The beginning trail follows the course of the Marshyangdi River along the right side of the valley. As you ascend uphill, you gain about 1,000 meters in elevation. The trails are roughly 95% ridable. Today is the perfect prelude to more thrilling riding in the days to follow.
Leaving Tal, there is a mani wall (dry stone wall inlaid with Buddhist prayer slates) in the middle of the path. These should always be passed on the left going clockwise. After going through green corn, barley, and potato fields, the valley becomes narrow again. From Tal to Danaque it will involve a large percentage of push/carry with a very steep challenging climb out of Danaque. It becomes more rideable from here with closer views of snow-capped peaks and a wide-flowing trail to the finish.
Ascend through pine forests as the trail opens into a fertile agriculture valley. The dirt trail leads you through villages and settlements and you get the opportunity to meet with friendly locals and snotty children. From Pisang (3,230 m), the route follows through a wide valley that opens up ahead of us.
You won’t ride further today. Just explore around the Himalayan town to acclimatize to high altitude. Ascending rapidly could have potentially fatal consequences. There are many short excursions from Manang. One of them is a visit to Gangapurna Lake. It will take about half an hour to reach this beautiful lake. We will also go for a short hike to one of the hills which will take around an hour to reach. You can witness the majestic Mt. Gangapurna standing tall and also the beautiful lake beneath from the top of the hill. Rest of the time can be spent in acclimatizing and enjoying the environment around.
The climb is demanding, the effects of altitude can be felt more and more as you ascend but you will be awe-struck by the spectacular views of the landscape. The trails are roughly 50% ridable. It is important to remain physically and mentally prepared for the highest ascent of the next day.
Wake up very early for the 4-am start which is necessary to cross Thorong La Pass. The trail can get windy later making it difficult to cross the pass. It will take approximately 4 hours to reach the pass (approx 3 km). You will have to carry your bike to get there. As the climb is demanding with roughly 70% ridable trails. Once at the top, rest, enjoy the feeling of getting to the highest point of Annapurna Circuit, and be ready for the amazing downhill ride. After 45 minutes of technical riding, you will be in Muktinath (3,760 m) where you can rest your exhausted body.
Exit the pilgrimage town of Muktinath and ride towards Dhangladanda through a less-used trail. From this viewpoint, you will be riding on impressive single tracks all the way down to the river bed in Lupra Valley. Then, paddle to Jomsom where you will rest and have lunch. From Jomsom onwards, move to an old village of Marpha and take a sip of Apple Brandy.
The starting of the trail is easy to ride, but after Rukse Chaahara the trail drops about 1000 meters in elevation. This is the most challenging and enjoyable part of today’s ride as 95% of the trails are ridable. The downhill trail takes you to Tatopani, the village known for its hot springs. Once there, enjoy a refreshing hot bath.
Today is the last day of riding. Enjoy as you paddle towards Beni municipality, the endpoint of Annapurna Circuit biking. From here, take a jeep for Pokhara. In about 4 hours, you will reach your destination. When in the city, rest and explore.
Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Check into your hotel and then get ready for your last night in Nepal.
You have the option to extend your trip with Chitwan jungle safari, rafting and bungee, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, scenic Everest flight and other activities.
The trip concludes here. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.
The following gives you a general idea of the personal items that you can bring for this Annapurna Circuit biking trip. The personal items are of individual interest and choice. The most important fact that one should keep on mind is that one should have enough clothes to tackle the cold weather in the Himalayas.
During your biking trip, a support vehicle and the guide will carry the required repair tools and spares. We do recommend you bring some essential tools and spares (like a puncture kit and Allen keys). Personal belongings that you may need for the day like money, a water bottle, rain gear, a camera, sun cream, toilet paper, etc. should be carried by you. So you are briefed to pack items in two different bags.
We will supply a windproof duffel bag that you can use on the trip.
If you’re bringing your own bike,
If you are hiring a bike, the above equipment can be bought around Kathmandu, the charge of which will be extra.
Other than that, you will need the following riding kits:
Please note: If you’re bringing your own bike, you must make sure that you have it professionally serviced before the trip, and ask your bike shop to use dry lube on your chain.
Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.
This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipments can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu for cheaper prices.
Ace has a reputation for successfully leading treks with knowledgeable leaders and staff taking care of all your travel needs. We are a certified sustainable travel company that also endorses the idea of giving back to the community by participating in various philanthropic activities. Here are 17 reasons why you should choose Ace the Himalaya for your next adventure!
Indeed, Nepal is entirely open. Fully immunized travelers are welcome in Nepal without restriction. Arriving travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at the Kathmandu airport as well. Please visit Covid-19 travel protocols 2022 for up-to-date information.
We suggest you look at the Nepal immigration site https://www.immigration.gov.np for the most up-to-date information.
The best course of action is to add a day or two before and after your intended trek days in case of flight delays or cancellations. It also gives you time to buy clothing equipment and gear required before your trip. Please be aware that Ace the Himalaya is not responsible for any inconveniences or missed international flights resulting from unforeseen events like airport changes, flight delays or cancellations, etc.
Our guides are fluent in English. All the guides that we assign speak and understand English. They’ll share with you the fascinating stories, traditions, and folklore of the mountains. The guides will also help you communicate with the locals since many shopkeepers and hosts of teahouses don’t speak English.
We suggest you have a dental checkup before your trip and know your blood type. It is helpful if you inform us of any medical condition that is relevant so we may convey this information in the event of an emergency. Ace the Himalaya keeps your medical condition confidential unless treatment is necessary.
We recommend full suspension mountain bikes for Annapurna Circuit.
Yes, bikes can be hired at the time of booking. The bike’s frame size has to match your height, and since there is a limited number of each size, we strongly suggest you provide us with this information well ahead. In case of any damage incurred to the bike or the equipment, the client will be liable to pay for the repair and replacement, depending on the nature of the damage.
We provide a helmet, a pump, a spare tube, a water bottle and a repair kit with a rental bike.
Cycle computer and a GPS unit for USD 2 and USD 5, respectively, per day per person. You can see more in the equipment section.
Yes, it is highly recommended that you have your bike thoroughly serviced before coming on the trip. Spare parts are available in Kathmandu, but may not always be compatible with your bike.
Most airlines are quite used to people traveling with bikes, and if a bike is properly boxed and within the luggage allowance, it is a relatively hassle-free experience. On arrival at your destination, you will be met by your leader, and you will just need a baggage trolley to take your bike as far as the transfer vehicle.
Make sure the bikes are properly packed. You may do it yourself (here’s a guide or if you’re not sure, you could have a local bike shop pack it for you.
We take every care to ensure your bike is well treated, but it is normal for a bike to sustain minor scratches, resulting during the daily ride as well as loading and unloading from support/transport vehicles.
Your bike is part of your baggage allowance on the plane, details of which are shown on your flight ticket, and maximum weights are usually between 20 and 25 kgs. A boxed bike weighs around 16 kg, so you need to pack carefully. Put heavy items in your hand baggage, wear your heavy/bulky jacket when you check in. Ace the Himalaya will not be liable for any excess baggage charges brought by the airline as a result of your exceeding the baggage allowance, whether you have a hire bike or take your own bike. In practice, excess luggage charges are rare for those who pack sensibly, even if you are a little over the specified limit.
Few airlines impose specific standard bike carriage charges. All such charges are beyond our control, and to be paid by the client. Where we know of a bike carriage charge in advance, this will be added to the relevant trip notes. In the unlikely event of any of your luggage and or bike being misplaced or damaged while in the care of the airline, a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) must be filed with the appropriate airline on arrival. This is essential if you subsequently wish to make a claim against the airline or on your travel insurance. This must be done at the airport where your baggage arrived or should have arrived.
The support vehicle (where available) and the guide will carry the required repair tools and spares. We do recommend you carry some basic tools and spares (like a puncture kit and Allen keys). Our guides are also qualified mechanics and have ample experience maintaining bikes on the trips.
Safety and comfort are what you’re looking for here. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need for the trip:
It is recommended that you carry a backpack with your valuables like camera and passport. Panniers are not suitable for the trips.
Yes. All the bikes are compatible with customized bike parts. The support team accompanying the group will be able help with any bike alterations or damage to the bike along the entire trip. Please inform us in advance if you plan to bring your own saddle and pedals.
The best time for the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking is from March to May and from September to November. It is not very advisable to bike during the monsoon season from June to August except for Lhasa to Kathmandu mountain biking.
Yes, you can obtain a Nepal visa upon your arrival at the airport. There are kiosks in the arrival hall that you use to complete the necessary forms. The cost is USD 30 for a 15-day tourist visa, including numerous entries, or USD 50 and USD 125 for a 30-day or 90-day tourist visa including numerous entries respectively. You should carry cash (USD) with you to pay your visa fees quickly and easily, as digital payments are frequently unavailable.
Our staff will be waiting for you outside the airport terminal with our signboard (Ace the Himalaya). You will be accompanied to a hotel in a private tourist vehicle.
It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can allocate USD 20 for a lunch and a dinner. USD 7 to 10 a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates and a few drinks during the trekking.
In the cities, yes – to some extent. Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash.
When you book, you must pay a 30% deposit to secure your itinerary. The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival at Kathmandu or before arrival. US Dollars cash and credit cards (Visa, Master, and American Express) are accepted once in Nepal. Please note a 4% transaction fee will be added for all credit card transactions.
You can make payments via US Dollars cash or credit card (Visa, Master, and American Express). A 4% transaction fee is added if paying with a credit card. Thus, we encourage you to pay with USD cash if you are planning to pay upon your arrival in Kathmandu. We prefer you pay with larger bills (USD 50 or 100). Please note that the cash should not be older than 2009 and in good condition, as banks do not accept worn, torn, or crumpled bills.
There are ATM and money exchange facilities almost every few meters in Thamel, where you will be staying in Kathmandu. So, you can easily use your cards to cash out limited sum of money to which a minimum charge is deducted by the ATM facility itself. You can easily exchange your foreign currencies in currency exchange centers for an exact rate.
The Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Trip should only be undertaken by those with some previous mountain biking experience. You should be physically fit to brave the effects of higher altitudes as you ascend over 5,000 m which involve some steep climbing against head winds. Biking at this level lasts for several weeks. The Annapurna Circuit mountain biking is a spectacular trip in this category, and give you the possibility of staying in well-developed tea houses. A gradual ascent through a green river alley will lead you up to a number of high passes, where you will reach the altitude of 5,416m at the Thorung-La Pass. This strenuous trip will give you a close insight into the traditional Nepalese culture.
No. The guide will carefully pace the ride to include rest and refreshment along the way. Where available, the support vehicle will accompany you and you can always hitch a ride if you need a break.
After making the deposit, one of our staff will email you for further information. We will require a copy of your passport photo page and your arrival/departure flight details. We will also provide you with additional trip information.
You can find the necessary items to pack for the trip on the Equipment section. Gear and equipment can be bought or rented upon your arrival in Kathmandu. If you plan on buying or renting gear in Kathmandu, please allow extra time.
Bring copies of your passport, insurance papers, and other essential items in your carry-on during your flight. If you need to take medications daily, keep them in your daypack with your other essential possessions. You can store other non-trekking essentials in the office of Ace the Himalaya or at the hotel in Kathmandu.
We use standard rooms at three-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast included. Along the biking route, teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a bed and a blanket. We can also offer you Ace the Himalaya sleeping bag and down jacket, if needed (to be returned after the trip) but it is a good idea to always have your own sleeping equipment. We usually provide single and double rooms, and occasionally a dormitory. In tea houses, food will be prepared in the kitchen which you should not enter without permission. The toilet in tea houses provides essential and basic facilities and are always outside the room.
Most teahouses (lodges) in the Annapurna Circuit biking trails cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, dhal bhat, bread, soups, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard.
You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. In many larger villages, you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps. Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you’ll stay at while lunch will be taken on the way to destination.
In most places bottled water is readily available. If you wish to drink normal water, you need to use purifying aid, which you need to bring with you.
These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring TWO and THREE pin travel adapters!
We provide licensed trekking guides with fluent English. Our guides are certified by the Hotel Management and Tourism Center after receiving 45 days of training. Similarly, the guides receive high-altitude training from Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP).
Our guides are well trained and certified in first aid. Throughout the journey, our guides will evaluate your condition and your oxygen level using an oximeter. Our head office receives continuous updates on your condition and location through the guides. In places without a phone signal, your situation will be updated through a satellite phone during emergencies.
Our company insures all our trekking staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpa, and porters. Please browse through our legal docment page to view insurance details.
We suggest you have a dental checkup before your trip and know your blood type. It is helpful if you inform us of any medical condition that is relevant so we may convey this information in the event of an emergency. Ace the Himalaya keeps your medical condition confidential unless treatment is necessary.
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide.
There are telephones in some villages along the biking routes from which you can make international calls. Internet and international calls are readily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
A holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.
Yes, you can extend your holiday. Ace the Himalaya offers many options and alternatives for your holiday extension. For more information, you can visit our Day trips pages.
Yes, you must book your international flights. We are a local agency and do not make international flight arrangements. You can easily browse through flight tickets in airlines sites to book ones most feasible for you.
Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicular transportation. We drive you to Besisahar, the starting point of the biking trip, and from Beni the end point of biking, jeep ride will be offered to you and from Pokhara a tourist vehicle will bring you to Kathmandu. If you want to fly to Kathmandu, you can do so by paying extra amount. We provide you only those options which enhance your local experience while allowing you to bike comfortably and efficiently. We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus or vans. For traveling along the narrow and bumpy roads of Nepal, we use 4WD. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are traveling in cooler areas.
These full and frank reviews are from travelers who have traveled with Ace the Himalaya previously. The reviews and experiences shown here are from reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trust Pilot, etc.