Annapurna Singletrack Circuit

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu

   Your guide will collect you at Tibhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation in the lively Kathmandu neighborhood of Thamel. Depending on arrival time, you can spend the afternoon exploring the sights of the city, shopping in Kathmandu's many adventure supplies stores, or relaxing for the trip ahead. In the afternoon, you'll fit the bikes and prepare for the tour.

   • International Guest House, Kathmandu

   • 

     International Guest House, Kathmandu

     Experience genuine Nepalese hospitality

   • 

     International Guest House, Kathmandu

     Experience genuine Nepalese hospitality

2. Day 2Kathmandu to Besisahar

   You'll kick off the day early with a taste of Himalayan-grown coffee before embarking on a 6-hour drive to Besisahar. Leaving bustling Kathmandu behind, you'll traverse Nepal's stunning countryside, marked by its lush green, terraced fields. Along the way, take in the picturesque views and pause for a leisurely lunch.

   Upon reaching Besisahar, you'll start preparing for the next day's adventure as well as meeting with your local porters for the journey. The day will wind down with a warm welcome dinner and a night's stay in a charming teahouse, the first of many memorable stops on our trip!

   • Local Teahouse in Besisahar
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
3. Day 3Besisahar to Tal

   After breakfast, it's time to set out on your first day of riding. Fresh out of Besisahar and finally onto some real Himalayan single-track! You'll begin to whittle away at the 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) of climbing for the day. The path takes you along the Marsyandi River, and though you're not yet in the highest altitude section of the trip, the views are simply beautiful.
   

   You'll arrive in Tal, situated in a deep gorge, and surrounded by terraced farms perched impossibly on the steep slopes of the Himalayan foothills. Our overnight is in another local teahouse, where we'll refuel and keep warm.
   

   • 23 miles
   • 4,583.3 ft
     7,929.8 ft
     3,346.5 ft
   • Local Teahouse in Tal
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Elevation Profile

4. Day 4Tal to Chame

   It wouldn't be the Himalayas if there was no climbing, and today is no exception as we work our way up. The elevation in Chame, our destination for the day, puts us within the "high altitude" category, of over 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). This is one is best to be tackled slowly, and let your body adjust. Today's route is challenging; with steep uphills on rugged singletrack. Thick jungle surrounds us, interspersed with views of the river. So, rests to catch your breath and take in the views are well worth it!
   

   You'll stay in the village of Chame, a key spot on the Annapurna trekking circuit, and you'll be in the company of trekkers and local Sherpa.
   

   • 16.2 miles
   • 3,064.3 ft
     5,383.9 ft
     2,319.6 ft
   • Local Teahouse in Chame
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Elevation Profile

5. Day 5Chame to Manang

   A defying ride today, as you climb higher into the Annapurna region, to the village of Manang. Your track widens as the environment changes from jungle to arid alpine and we finally get the sense of being in the high Himalaya.
   

   The ride isn't too technical, but the surface can be soft in some places with loose rock. Combined with the rapidly rising altitude, it's a good idea to take things slow today. At over 3,600 meters (11,800 feet), Manang is well beyond high altitude, and you'll feel the effects while cycling. You'll stay and acclimatize in a cozy trekking tea house for tonight.
   

   • 19.9 miles
   • 3,773 ft
     4,583.3 ft
     810.4 ft
   • Local Teahouse in Manang
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Elevation Profile

6. Day 6Manang Rest and Acclimitization Day

   Today's rest and acclimatization day couldn't be in a better spot. The village of Manang is well-equipped for a cozy rest day with coffee shops and even a movie theater, for those looking to take it easy before the ride ahead. If you're feeling adventurous, there are several short side hikes in the area that will offer breathtaking Himalayan views and help you adjust to the altitude.
   

   Manang is home to the Manangi people, who thrive in the high-altitude environment. Lucky travelers get a chance to watch the locals participate in the ancient sports of archery and pony racing. We'll spend another restful evening in a local tea house, fueling up for another big day.
   

   • Local Teahouse in Manang
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
7. Day 7Manang to Thorong Phedi

   Bidding goodbye to Manang, the course points higher again. Take the ride slow, through the village of Yak Kharka, and further to Thorong Phedi, the base camp of mighty Thorong La, at just under 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). The trail runs along a small river valley and is mostly rideable, but rough in some sections, carrying will be necessary.
   

   It's best to take this section slowly, as the terrain is loose and prone to sliding. Your expert guide will help you navigate the trail safely as we pass difficult sections along with a good deal of of local traffic (foot and hoof). You will stay in a teahouse in Thorong Pedi, where we'll dine heartily after a hard days ride. It's best to get to bed early to get enough rest before the big climb on the following day.
   

   • 11.8 miles
   • 4,340.6 ft
     4,606.3 ft
     265.7 ft
   • Local Teahouse in Thorong Phedi
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Elevation Profile

8. Day 8Thorong La

   Wake up early to set out for Thorong La at 5:00 A.M. This is the Annapurna Circuit's most famous high-altitude pass, and the most demanding part of the ride. To reach the top of the pass, more than 1,300 meters (4265 feet) from Thorong Phedi, will require several steady hours of pushing in the cold and high-altitude climate.
   

   You'll have assistance from local porters, who will carry your bikes for you, but the climb is still a long slog that will test our spirits. Once at the top, at 5,416 meters (17,770 feet), take in the view from both sides - a jaw dropping forest of snowy peaks that stretch beyond the line of sight. After that comes the real reward- a superb and technical downhill all the way to the rest at the end of the day in the village Muktinath.
   

   Spend time with the group and share stories of the day's ride over a hearty Himalayan feast.
   

   • 13.7 miles
   • -2,263.8 ft
     3,169.3 ft
     5,433.1 ft
   • Local Teahouse in Muktinath
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Elevation Profile

9. Day 9Lupra Valley

   With the most challenging part of the trip behind, it's on to some fun! Now that you're primarily descending, you can go much further and cover more ground today than in the past several days combined!
   

   You head out of Muktinath, traversing a small hillside trail that's mildly technical. There will be a few sections of push, followed by fun and fast single-track switch backs all the way down to a valley riverbed. We'll rejoin the main trail in Jomsom and enjoy some tough riding, but with great views, all the way to the lovely traditional village of Tukuche. We'll have some time to enjoy Tukuche, before pressing on further down to Kalopani via a lush jungle single-track.
   

   You’ll stay in Kalopani after an epic action-packed day of riding!
   

   • 32.3 miles
   • -4,757.2 ft
     2,247.4 ft
     7,004.6 ft
   • Local Teahouse in Kalopani
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Elevation Profile

10. Day 10Kalopani to Pokhara

    Another day of descending, you'll start off along a riverside trail with great views of snow-capped peaks. The river trail passes the impressive Rupse Waterfalls, where we can stop for a tea break near the mist. Gear up for the next section, a swift descent as the trail loses over 1,000 meters on a winding, rocky track with exciting jumps and drops. We ride all the way into the village of Beni, where we'll have some lunch and then load up the bikes for a 3-hour drive into Pokhara, Nepal's second largest city and a great place for relaxation and unwinding after a long ride.

    • 11.2 miles
    • -1,177.8 ft
      1,551.8 ft
      2,729.7 ft
    • Hotel Peace Plaza, Pokhara
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    • 

      Hotel Peace Plaza, Pokhara

      Nestled in downtown Pokhara. This hotel is conveniently located near shops and restaurants

    • 

      Hotel Peace Plaza, Pokhara

      Nestled in downtown Pokhara. This hotel is conveniently located near shops and restaurants

    • 

      Elevation Profile

11. Day 11Transfer to Kathmandu

    Sleep in or enjoy the sights of Pokhara in the morning. This laid-back city is a haven for trekkers, and is home to many cozy coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques, as well as local culture and temples.
    

    In the afternoon, you'll head back to Kathmandu via a short flight. Once in Kathmandu, you'll have time to relax over one last cup of chai or do some last-minute souvenir shopping, before regrouping for a farewell dinner.
    

    
    

    • International Guest House, Kathmandu
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
12. Day 12Departure

    In the morning, you'll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight out of Nepal. Or if you'd like to extend your stay, your local guides can help you organize your cycling adventure with more travel arrangements. 

    • Breakfast