Annapurna Bike packing – 14 Days
Annapurna Bike packing – 14 Days
Overview
One of the most popular MTB routes in Nepal takes you on an adventurous ride to the Annapurna region where the landscape and mountains are equally breathtaking. With stunning single tracks passing through lush tropical forests, cultivated fields, higher alpine and arid-desert-like landscape, rocky surfaces, and ride through some gnarly switchbacks. The trail offers more than stunning views of the mountain, with culture, food, and awe-inspiring landscape, it is one of the most popular routes for mountain biking. Besides Annapurna, you will also see vistas of Manaslu along the way.
Trip facts:
- Maximum altitude: 5410m
- Group size: 1-12 people
- Best season: March-April-May-September-October-November-December
- Tour type: Mountain Biking
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Fitness level: Intermediate
- City Accommodation: 3 star hotels, twin sharing
- Ride Accommodation Type: Tea houses, twin sharing
- Arrival on: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
- Departure from: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
- Guiding method: Mountain Biking guides
- Language: English
- Minimum age: 15
- Maximum age: 60
Group Price
- The price per person for group expeditions are fixed based on a group size. However, we have optional arrangements for individual private and tailor-made preferences best suited for you, your family and friends.
- All prices are based on shared accommodation. Please inquire for a 1 guest private room accommodation quote
- Prices listed are not final. Please inquire for your final price quote.
Group Size | Price |
---|---|
2 – 5 | 2800 |
6 – 10 | 2400 |
Included/Excluded
- Accommodation in Kathmandu in a 3 star hotel for 3 nights in B&B plan.
- Accommodation in Pokhara in a 3 star hotel for 2 nights in B&B plan.
- All necessary ground transportation for airport transfers and ride transfers.
- All necessary sightseeing permits, tickets and national park entrance fees.
- All meals during riding days (you can order food item of your choice for each meal from menu available at tea houses, tea and coffee is provided with meals only)
- All necessary accommodation in the most authentic and local tea houses during the ride (twin sharing)
- An english speaking, well experienced mountain biking guide with mechanical skills.
- All staff salaries and insurances.
- First aid kit carried by our staff.
- All government taxes.
- Welcome and Farewell dinner.
- International airfares.
- Nepal visa fee.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Riding gears (protection pads, sunglasses, gloves)
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (lunch & dinner)
- Any personal expenses during the trip like battery charge, hot shower, laundry, extra meals,tea,coffee, snacks, boiled water, bottled water, alcoholic beverages & soft drinks and internet service.
- Mountain Bike ( we can arrange full suspension mountain bikes if you don't plan to bring your own. Hiring a mountain bike will cost USD 45 per day.)
- Tips for guide, porters and other staff.
- Anything not mentioned in the ‘price includes’ section.
Day 1: Arrival In Kathmandu
At your arrival time at the airport in Kathmandu, a nature horizons team member will be waiting to greet you. We will transfer right to your hotel accommodation for the first night. Once you arrive at the hotel, you will meet your guide and get a briefing on your entire tour. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore around Kathmandu. It is a magical city.
Includes: Accommodation
Day 2: Warm-up ride around Kathmandu
Before heading to Annapurna, it’s important to get used to mountain biking in the hills. We will head out to some of the single tracks around Kathmandu to check your riding skills.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast
Day 3: Drive to Besi Sahar
Our first destination is Besisahar, a seven hours’ drive from Kathmandu. Besi Sahar is a very small town with a busy marketplace. Settle down in your hotel and head out to explore the markets. From Besisahar, you can see beautiful views of mountains up north.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 4: Ride to Taal: 30km Ride, 1400m Ascent
Right after breakfast, we will head out of BesiSahar and hit the dirt trail. Along the way, you’ll cross many streams and after some distance ride through flat terrain gradually ascending up until Taal. After checking in at the lodge, head out to explore the banks of the Marshyangdi river.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 5: Ride to Chame: 36 km Ride, 1300m Ascent
Right after we leave Taal, the trail turns uphill and we’ll hit a rocky jeep track. We’ll ride past a waterfall along the way to Timang. The trail is mostly steep, but the last few kilometers are slightly easier, as you make your way to Chame. Along the way to Chame, you will gradually notice a change in temperature and climate as you ride to higher altitudes. Overnight at Chame.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 6: Ride to Manang: 30km Ride, 1250m Ascen
We have now reached altitudes above 1000m. An increase in altitude would mean shorter riding distances and more challenging trails. The ride to Manang from Chame is very picturesque. Enjoy the trail that passes through pine forests and beautiful views of the valley as you near Manang. If there is no rain, the trails are simply amazing with fast-flowing terrain. But even if it rains or snows, the views are still worth it.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 7: Rest Day in Manang
It’s important to acclimatize when you reach high altitude. We’ll stay one day at Manang. The village of Manang is known for its awe-inspiring scenery. Venture out on your own to explore the village markets. You can head out for short rides around the village. When you’re done with the ride, visit one of the many eateries and coffee shops for lunch.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 8: Ride to Thorong Phedi: 17 km Ride, 1240m Ascent
The riding distance is short but incredibly difficult. Riding up to higher altitudes is not easy. You will need a lot of time to cover the short 17 km distance. The climate plays a major part. You might face a severe cold while you ascend. Other than the temperate and difficulty, the views of snow-capped mountains are simply awe-inspiring.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 9: Ride to Kagbeni via the Thorong La Pass: 25 km Ride, 1040m Ascent
The goal for today is to avoid high winds at Thorong La Pass. You’ll also have to hike 5kms along the route to Thorong La Pass. Hiking with a bike is going to slow you down. After 5 hours of grueling hiking with your bike, you can descend the trail, one of the best downhill trails to Kagbeni.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 10: Ride to Tatopani: 58 km Ride, 960m Ascent
Our destination today is Tatopani, the natural hot springs. Right after breakfast, we’ll hit the trail. We will have two spectacular downhill sections – one at Kali Gandaki gorge, one of the deepest gorge in the world, a 35 km smooth downhill trail. The next downhill is nothing short of adventure, with rough and rapid descent down to Tatopani. This section will test your endurance and skills. Once at Tatopani, check into your lodge and head out to the hot springs.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 11: Ride to Beni & transfer to Pokhara: 28km Ride, 400m Ascent
It’s the last day of the epic ride around Annapurna. We’ll be riding at a leisurely pace. Enjoy the views of the rolling hills and mountains as you descend to lower altitudes. After Maldhunga, the trail joins the jeep track to Beni. At Maldhunga, the team will load the bikes and luggage and then head out to Pokhara.
The drive from Beni to Pokhara is around 4 hours. Enjoy your free time. You can head out to the lakeside area or visits the pubs, eateries, and bakeries, or do some souvenir shopping.
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 12: Rest day at Pokhara
Before heading back to Kathmandu, we will spend one more day at Pokhara. You can opt to explore the city on your own or join one of the one-day activities organized by Adventure Kora. Pokhara offers a lot of adventure sports. You can sign up for an ultra-flight, paragliding, or bungee experience.Â
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast
Day 13: Pokhara to Kathmandu Transfer
Right after breakfast, we will either drive back to Kathmandu.
Depending on the traffic, we will reach Kathmandu in 8 hours. The flight is around 30 minutes. Feel free to explore the rest of the day at leisure. You can also take a short guided tour around the city, especially Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhu and Boudha which are UNESCO heritage sites.Â
Includes: Accommodation/Breakfast
Day 14: Departure Day
Wake up and prepare to get on your flight home! Your guide will be with you up until we drop you off at the airport. End Tour
Includes: Breakfast
ACCOMMODATION
What type of mountain bike do I get?
How much weight can I carry on a domestic flight?
Where can I leave my extra luggage?
Is there a chance of getting altitude sickness on this trip?
How will the bikes be transported?
Do I need to have contingency days to book my flight back home?
What happens if my bike breaks?
What happens if I get sick?
Ride packing checklist
- Mountain bike helmets
- Knee and elbow guards
- Riding gloves
- Riding day pack with camelbakÂ
- Mtb sunglasses
- Head lamps
- Water bottles
- Sleeping bag
- Comfortable riding shoes suitable for pedaling and walking.
- Slippers or shoes to wear when you are not riding
- Wind and waterproof jacket suitable for riding
- Two set thermal base layersÂ
- Two set of riding clothesÂ
- Two set of clothes to wear when you are not ridingÂ
- Down jacket
- Quick dry towel
- Warm hat
- Socks
- Buff or mask to protect your face from wind and dust while riding
- Personal self care items like moisturizer, sunscreen, wet wipes, toilet papers and necessary toiletries
- Personal medicationsÂ
- Chocolates, energy bars and rehydration packs.
Bike requirements (if you bring your own)
- Full suspension with 120 mm or more travels all mountain or enduro bikes.Â
- Tubeless tires and extra liquid
- Spare tube and tyres
- Spare chain and chain links
- Dry chain lube
- Brake pads and fluids
- Derailleur hanger
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Our TripAdvisor Reviews
Kika C2024-12-16Amazing experience and customer service!!! I highly recommend Dominick with Nature Horizons Tours!! I am a travel advisor who had a bit of a last-minute booking with a family to Peru. I reached out to Dominick immediately, since I knew he’d be fabulous!! He went above and beyond with communication, response, time, organization, and more! He got the very happy clients booked within a few days and I am super grateful for his services!!! he was so kind to start a WhatsApp group chat with me and my clients to answer any and all questions we had! Thank you!!!!Evan L2024-10-29Amazing time at Machu Picchu We had a great time in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco! Great views and excellent guide and transportation. Everything was great!Karen H2024-10-29Excellent experience I have worked with Nature Horizons as a travel advisor and it was an excellent experience. I 100% trust this team to deliver an exceptional trip for my clients. They are quick to respond to questions and the communication while my clients were traveling was outstanding. They had excellent knowledge of the area and were able to provide more local tips and suggestions that I would have been able to provide alone.Highly recommend.Rosie H2024-08-18Epic African Safari to Tanzania My husband and I planned a trip with 2 other couples to go on an African Safari in Tanzania for the Great Migration experience as well as the Serengeti which was epic all by itself. We visited and stayed across Moshi (Mt. Kilimanjaro area), the North & Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Maynara, nKomazi Black Rhino Sanctuary, Tarangire and probably a few other places I can't recall. We stayed at tented temporary camps to luxury camps. We stayed at Weru Weru lodge, Serengeti Heritage lodge, Central Serengeti Luxury camp, Rhino Lodge, Lake Maynara Safari Lodge and finally at Kilimanjaro Luxury camp. These venues each had their own beauty with furnishings, mosquito nets, traditional African tribal entertainment, good food and amazing staff who catered to our every need and comfort. Even in the bush, we still had access to electricity, hot water, bottled water, showers, toilets and yes of course, the internet but you have to be realistic since the bush is the bush with hyenas, big cats and elephants moving around the property. I really loved the Masai warriors who made us feel safe as they escorted back and forth between tents and the main camp. We were so blessed to experience the BIG 5 largely due to the expertise of our guides Praygod and Victor. They were the best and boy did they make the trip. I was grateful for their knowledge of the terrain, their respect for the wildlife, education and tolerating our 1000s of questions. We had 3 couples plus the owner operator Dominick and we rotated across 2 Land Cruisers. I wouldn't have it any other way, I never felt cramped and being able to pop my head up in the open roof was great for photos and viewing the animals with my binoculars. This was a once in a life time trip that I highly recommend to anyone that has grown up watching animal planet and national geographic as a kids. When you see these animals only feet away from you, the kid in you returns and you will definitely cry at the beauty of these animals in their natural habitat. I highly recommend Nature Horizons since they are well connected across the different operators and local partners. They lodging was great and it provided a little bit of raw nature in the bush, feeling like a roughed it a bit (but not really) to the beauty Kilimanjaro luxury camp the last 2 nights to be at the foot of Kilimanjaro, and being able to see her greatness above the clouds. I have been back a month and I can't stop talking about my experience in Tanzania. I was able to experience the beauty of the people of Tanzania, an actual Masai village, shopping at the awesome African Galleria, and getting souvenir's at the cool places our guides felt were respectable locations for tourists. I am not sure when, but I plan to go back to explore more of Tanzania and Africa.Nikole2024-07-17No Words I feel very fortunate to have gone on this safari with Nature Horizons. I went with a group of people and only knew one. Each place that we stayed at was very special in its own way. Dominick is a very kind, intelligent, fun human. He has built all the right relationships to ensure all of his clients are taken care of. We were able to see all of the big five. Our guides felt like family. I’ve never been on a trip that was so magical and was so hard to leave. It has nearly been half a year and our group still talks with each other. We bonded so much that we committed to going on a trip together every 5 years. If you’re thinking about this, DO IT! Do it with Nature Horizons! They will go the extra mile for you to get the experience of a lifetime. They even made sure we had opportunities to connect with the people of Tanzania.Rebecca M2024-06-23Unforgettable vacation We worked with Nature Horizons for our honeymoon to Peru and it far exceeded any expectations we had! It was the most incredible experience and itinerary they created for us and Deivis was always on top of everything and extremely responsive if we had questions. I give this company my highest/strongest recommendation if you are thinking of going to any of the countries they service!Dream224010839132024-06-12Great Travel Team! I am a travel advisor and just sent my clients on their honeymoon with Nature Horizons. They visited Peru and had the most amazing time. The Nature Horizons team was so easy to work with. listened to my requests, and made all the revisions I needed. They took wonderful care of my clients as if they were their own. I can't wait to work with them again!Noe V2024-06-11Full service trip to Perú We had a wonderful time traveling through Perú for two weeks on an itinerary planned by Deivis, through nature horizons.The experience was so much more than we originally expected. Every detail was accounted for. From private drivers to knowledgeable tour guides, there was nothing lacking.I don't know if we'll ever be able to take a trip like this again, but I'm so glad we did at least once. Thank you so much. I'll never forget these amazing days.Jill D2024-04-20Not enough stars to rate this company- THE BEST time ever!!! If there were a million stars to rate this company and my recent trip, it wouldn't be enough. Nature Horizons is amazing. I first met the owner, Dominick at a convention for travel advisors in 2023. I knew immediately that he was a very special person and he had a very obvious love for the tours he had created in the destinations he adored. The story of developing his company is inspiring and his work ethic has continued to impress me during all stages of my Safari planning, from its conception to preparation to hosting us during the Great Migration in Tanzania. His communication is efficient, sincere and organized. He is thorough and thoughtful. He is fun and personable. He is extremely knowledgeable and has vetted resources to execute adventures across many countries. Our Safari was 12 days of awesome-ness. We truly couldn't have asked for a better experience. Each day was well-planned and our guides helped us see so many animals, sites and natural wonders. They knew where to be and when for us to see the most miraculous things. Dominick was such a friendly host, helping us gain perspective and a true taste of Tanzania. He listened to our wishlist, considered our requests and delivered days that we will never forget. Dominick truly cares about each and every guest and also has such respect for some of the most treasured creatures and places on our planet. I can't imagine a better Safari ever happening. But, knowing Dominick, he will make sure the next one and the next and the next are better than the one before it. That's how much he cares.I have to share a couple of our favorite moments were totally unplanned, though. Our Safari vehicle got stuck in the mud as rains started in the Central Serengeti. Dominick stayed calm, assured us that all was well and we sipped champagne as we watched the men try to get us unstuck...comical. Everything happens for a reason and we saw a perfectly complete rainbow soon after our vehicle was moving down the road. It couldn't have been scripted any better! As we continued on the way back to our lodge, we came across a Lioness and her brand-new cub. This is something rarely seen and we were sure Dominick paid the Lioness to appear for us. LOL. These examples are merely a glimpse of memories we made. And, part of the reason these moments were so special was because we were in the moment, which was as Nature Horizons intended. We had not a care in the world and could simply "be" in nature. I can't thank the entire team enough for such a wonderful two weeks.416marlysl2024-04-04Amazing Experience! This trip was, by far, the most amazing trip I have ever taken! Dominick and his driver/guides were fabulous! They definitely found all the animals we wanted to see and many unexpected sites as well. They were so accommodating, stopping whenever we asked even if it was just for a bird or turtle crossing the road. Our guide, Praygod, was able to identify every bird we saw! Their knowledge of the wildlife was phenomenal. We learned so much about the culture, food, and local life from our casual conversations. The accommodations, while not luxury, were very comfortable and the food was very good, especially the soups. When I go back, it will definitely be with Dominick and Nature Horizons Tours!Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5,
based on 63 reviews