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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