Annapurna Circuit Half Mountain Biking - 10 Days

Good to Know
  • Duration 10 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu/Kathmandu
  • Group Size 1-10
  • Max. Altitude 3,710 m at Muktinath Temple
  • Best Season Spring & Autumn

Highlights

  • Cycle around the city of ancient temples, Kathmandu.
  • Scenic driveway from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa.
  • One-of-a-kind aerial views during the flight from Pokhara to Jomsom.
  • Ride around the beautiful high alpine landscape and relish the spell-binding views of mountains and peaks.
  • Unwind yourself in the spiritual Muktinath temple, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
  • Get to loosen your tired muscles in the natural hot spring of Tatopani.
  • Mountain biking with a professional guide, backup transportation, and many more.

Annapurna Circuit Half Mountain Biking is an adventurous cycling package on one of the classic Himalayan trekking routes in Nepal. Serving as one of the best trekking destinations in the world for more than four decades, with the expansion of new dirt roads, the Annapurna Circuit is without a doubt the haven for mountain bikers who love enjoying themselves amidst the Himalayas.

The overall biking trail reaches the highest elevation of 3,710 m at Muktinath through several rigorous ascends and descends, thrilling suspension bridges, and incredible single and jeep tracks, making a way past the Annapurna Conservation Area, stealing glimpses at some of the tops of the world, including Mt. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Along with the uniquely fishtail-like structured Mt. Machhapuchhare.

Further, the journey to the Annapurna Circuit is along the bank of the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki River, at 6,268 m above sea level, providing an awe-inspiring scenery of the lush hamlet below and snow-capped peaks above, giving you an opportunity to connect to the ultimate essence of the traditional mountain village, its lifestyle, and the raw beauty of the region on a biking tour to the Annapurna Circuit, whether you make a complete round in 14 days of Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking or half of it.

Therefore, the Annapurna Circuit on a mountain bike is a beast-mode Himalayan expedition that is as equally stunning as it is strenuous, rewarding you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience riding amidst some of the infamous peaks in the globe. Get a special discount on the bucket-listed 10 days of Annapurna Circuit Half Mountain Biking for 2024 and 2025 with Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks.

What to expect at 10 10-day mountain biking voyage to the half Annapurna Circuit?

The 10-day mountain biking odyssey to the half-Annapurna Circuit guarantees you one of the most exhilarating and exotic biking routes in Nepal, promising the best downhill stretches, a non-spoiled rainforest, alpine woodlands, and high deserted landscapes filled with exclusive cultural encounters and physical challenges as well.

Serving as the paradise for mountain bikers with miles of pure adventure, you can always expect the best out of the best raw expedition in the Annapurna Circuit Half Mountain Biking, making every challenge worth it with:

The timeless dynasty views of the Himalayan Panorama of the Annapurna region

As soon as you hit off the biking track to the Annapurna Circuit, even from Pokhara, you will be in the presence of everlasting panoramic snow-capped peaks that have inspired generations of artistic souls, explorers, and peace seekers, such as the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Thorong Peak, and several others.

In addition to these magnificent ranges, the high-altitude Tibetan plateaus, alpine meadows, glacial moraines sculpted by millennia of deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests make the Annapurna Circuit a land straight out of the Disney or Sci-Fi movies.

Hence, the 10-day Annapurna Circuit half-mountain biking journey is a sublime feat followed by captivating sights of nature’s grandeur, viewing the diverse and ever-changing landscape as you bike through higher and higher altitudes.

The ancient apple capital of the Annapurna region, Jomsom and Kagbeni

Situated at the bank of the Kali Gandaki River in the Mustang district of Nepal, both Jomsom and Kagbeni are scenic, quaint villages where Jomsom functions as the administrative center of the Mustang region, often bustling, while Kagbeni serves as the gateway to enter the Upper Mustang that you will mountain bike through quite earlier days during the Annapurna Circuit Half mountain biking journey.

These villages: Jomsom and Kagbeni with whitewashed mud-brick houses, narrow alleyways, traditional Tibetan architecture, distinct culture, and customs exuding a serene and rustic charm are the best stop points lying in a windswept valley surrounded by beautiful natural rugged formations, barren hills, and thrilling Kali Gandaki Gorge to make a way through popular and lovely apple orchards to sample organic apple products such as apple pies, jams, juices, and wine on the very fortunate days.

Inhabited largely by the Thakali people with their distinctive way of regulating life, the journey through Jomsom and Kagbeni adds much to the cultural immersion during an incredible mountain biking trip to the half of the Annapurna Circuit and hence can be called the cultural pilgrimage of the Annapurna region.

Soothing bath in the natural hot spring of Tatopani on the way to Annapurna Circuit

Tatopani is one of the typical mountain villages in the Annapurna region, lying en route to the classic trekking trail to the Annapurna Circuit, which has also now facilitated goose-bumps mountain biking on single tracks to later take a dip into the natural hot springs of the village at an altitude of 1,200 m (3,937 ft) above sea level.

The hot spring has a proven history of providing some relief in skin aliments and undoubtedly soothing the sore muscles due to a week of continuous biking through the mountainous area, besides the cultural and religious significance of Tatopani for locals who believe in being karma cleansed by taking a dip into the hot spring during the auspicious occasion of Janai Purnima.

Nestled in between the stunning valleys with terraced fields, lush landscapes, and the towering Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, it will be pleasing to soak yourself in the warm therapeutic water of Tatopani while viewing the roaring Kali Gandaki River after days of biking along the Annapurna Circuit.

The spiritual haven of the Annapurna region, Muktinath Temple

On the foot of one of the highest mountain passes on the planet, Thorong, lies the temple treasured by both Hindus and Buddhists alike, mainly dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu, which is also considered one of the eight most sacred Shakti Peethas is theMuktinath temple at an altitude of 3,800 m (12,467 ft) above sea level.

Being able to reach here for devotees from around the world, including Nepal and India, is a dream-come-true journey and a spiritual quest for which you might not necessarily be pilgrims, as the temple of Muktinath itself is a symbol of religious harmony and coexistence, while the natural amphitheater gives birth to a perfect ambiance for meditation and self-reflection, along with biking through here on an adventurous ride to half of the Annapurna Circuit.

Acute Moutain Sickness (AMS) and during the biking tour to Annapurna Circuit Half

Although you might not cross a high-altitude mountain pass during the Annapurna Circuit Half Mountain Bike Excursion, the route is through highly elevated mountainous land that might consist of some rocky paths, steep ascents, and descents, posing a threat of acute mountain sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness along with several other unforeseen circumstances.

You will be glad to know that it actually is a normal phenomenon and is preventable with proper acclimatization, hydration, and some pre-existing knowledge related to the symptoms, along with taking a break when needed rather than forcing the pace, where hiking professional guides and porters are of the utmost importance to ease your journey by following their consecutive biking steps or taking one of the services from any of the reliable mountain biking expedition operators and organizers, such as Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks.

We are a team of travel and trek experts excelling in crafting itineraries and routes to the beautiful Himalayas as per the needs, preferences, and time constraints of our clients committed to eco-travel and tourism, while all you do is relish the best moments of your life while mountain biking the popular Annapurna Circuit.

Why 10-day itinerary and route to go for mountain biking to the half of the Annapurna Circuit?

The journey to venture the half of the Annapurna Circuit on a mountain bike begins with an early morning flight to Jomsom and thereafter officially begins the ride to reach Kagbeni to spend an ever-mountainous night.

Based on the best 10-day itinerary to half-mountain bike around the Annapurna Circuit, from Kagbeni, you will head to the spiritual hub of the entire Annapurna region, the Muktinath temple encompassment.

On taking blessing in Muktinath for upcoming mountain biking, the 10-day route to circumnavigate half of the Annapurna Circuit then descends to Tukuche via the scenic valley of Lupra to take another downhill ride on the mountain bike to the traditional village of Tatopani with a natural hot spring found with minerals that can cure several severe skin ailments and have rejuvenating properties.

From Tatopani, you will again board your mountain bike to arrive at Beni to finally catch a local bus, private jeep, or car back to Pokhara and the following day to the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, on a tourist bus following the Marsyangdai river in the first half and later on the Trishuli river, famous for whitewater rafting via the Prithvi Highway.

The 10-day Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Package ends with you departing the flight back to your home country or any other holiday destination. Nonetheless, this 10-day route to half of the Annapurna Circuit by mountain bike allows ample exploration, rest, and flexibility in route as well; hence, it is one of the best itineraries to go for an extraordinary mountain biking experience traversing half of the Annapurna Circuit.

This itinerary of 10 days to go mountain biking on the Outskrit of the Annapurna Circuit is just the perfect route, even if you have limited time in Nepal, offering a balanced ride and adventure covering most of the essential highlights of the Annapurna region, considering the safety, time constraints, and specific needs of our clients.

Group discounted cost for Half Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking

Although there can be a significant impact on the total cost of the package for Half Annapurna Circuit Moutain Biking expedition based on the duration of the trip, level of service included, size of the adventurous group, and the time of year as well.

Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks provides the best affordable and reasonably priced itinerary where we offer a specially discounted price on group departing every trip you do with us consisting of more than 10 members, which as for the half Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking is:

  • USD 1,575 for 1-3 pax
  • USD 1,475 for 4-6 pax
  • USD 1,375 for 7-10 pax

We make every journey hassle-free for you, while our package cost, whether for trekking, mountaineering, biking, or any other sort of adventure in the Himalayas of Nepal, covers the expenses of every logistics and requirement, including necessary permits, guides, and porters fees, meals, and accommodation, along with the transportation expenditure used during the adrenaline-rushing riding to half of the Annapurna Circuit.

Itinerary
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Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu after the clearance of customs formalities, the Adventure Himalayan representatives will greet and escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle.

The city of tourists, Thamel, is a lovely place to walk around in your spare time, as in the evening you will meet your team members, including the guide and leader, in a trip briefing orientation program over dinner.

Overnight stay at the hotel!

  • AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
  • Max. Altitude1,400 m

On this day, you will do a warm-up ride to hunt some of the best trails in the capital city of Nepal.

It will help you to test the condition of your bike to begin the journey by covering around 45 km at a steady pace in a 4 to 5-hour ride in the rural parts of the valley.

After cycling on a single track and watching some of the ancient temples, you will return to the hotel and start packing for the trip.

  • AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude1,400m

It will be a ride of approximately 7 hours, but the flight is only 35 minutes.

Regarded as a tourist paradise, Pokhara is a beautifully settled valley amidst the imperial mountains of Nepal, with spectacular views of Machapuchare and others from all parts of the town.

Unlike Kathmandu, it has plenty of scenic attractions closer to the mountains, with a lesser number of temples.

Here, you will fall in love with some of the interesting short walks or bicycle rides. If looking for an extra adventure, you have a canoe to do and watch the last rays of the sun in the stream across the dip in the mountains holding the lake.

Along the lakeside road are gradual stretches of small hotels, restaurants, and shops to witness the old hippie scene.

  • AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude1,400m

You, your bike, and your luggage will be transported to a domestic airport to take the short, yet rewarding, 25-minute scenic flight to Jomsom after breakfast in the early morning.

Upon arrival in Jomsom, you and the crew will build the bikes and embark on the first ride of the tour along the glacial river, the Kali Gandaki, towards the gateway to Upper Mustang, Kagbeni.

In Kagbeni, you will notice the labyrinth of narrow alleyways and visit the infamous Yak Donald’s to enjoy a yak burger and locally brewed apple cider.

  • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,804 m

After breakfast today, you will bike mostly uphill to Muktinath on a jeep track and stop at Jharkot for lunch.

Afterward, you will visit some of the ancient monasteries and local villages before reaching Muktinath and checking in at the local guest house.

Then, you will do a short walking tour of the famous Hindu and Buddhist temple, Muktinath, and return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

  • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,710 m

The trial today will be mostly a downhill ride on a Jeep track. Yet, if you are really good at riding on single tracks, our guide will take you via Lupra Valley through the breathtaking technical single-track section of 4km.

On a lucky day, you might get to see wild horses and donkeys in a constantly changing scenery with a bit of vegetation and the superb lifestyle of the Thakali people.

  • AccommodationComfortable-Tea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,710 m

Today’s route is again mostly steep downhill that starts out gentle and flat, moving through pine forests and past small villages.

While you follow the river, enjoying some of the greatest views of snow-capped peaks, you will reach your destination.

  • AccommodationLocal-Tea-House
  • MealsBreakfast-Lunch-Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,560 m

On this day, you will ride forward to the river bed on a jeep track to Beni Bazaar, where you will meet the road to Pokhara.

Our vehicle will be waiting for you to take you back to Pokhara.

  • AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude1,190 m

Now, you will return to Kathmandu from Pokhara, which takes nearly 6 to 7 hours.

The roads can be slightly grueling, but they are surrounded by beautiful scenery from the windows. When the bus takes a break at stops, you can get out and capture them in photographs.

You will have lunch on the way and a farewell dinner with your crewmates in the evening in the valley at a Nepali cultural dance restaurant.

Overnight stay in a hotel!

  • AccommodationThree-Star-Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast-Farewell Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,400m

It is your final day in Kathmandu, Nepal, as you will be leaving for your home country today. Our representative will drop you off at the international airport 3 hours prior to your flight time.

We genuinely hope that you enjoy your holiday with us. We look forward to seeing you again! Have a safe flight!

  • MealsBreakfast

This itinerary is not suited for you? Plan your own trip.

Route Map
Annapurna Circuit Half Mountain Biking - 10 Days Map
What's Included
Includes
  • . 4 nights and 5 days of food and accommodation during trek (local lodge)
  • All airport transfers, including arrival and departure.
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu by tourist Bus
  • Pokhara to Jomsom by flight 
  • From Beni to Pokhara transfer by private jeep as per the itinerary
  • Qualified mountain bike guide, porters( porter carry maximum 20 k.g and one porter between two person)
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) fees
  • Annapurna Conservation permit (ACAP)
  • Three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu at bed and breakfast, two night accommodation in Pokhara at bed and breakfast
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • Equipment & clothing for porter & staffs
  • Equipment (sleeping bag, first aid kit, oximeter etc.)
  • Insurance for all staff & porters.
  • Trekking achievement certificate
  • Adventure Himalayan T-shirt
Excludes
  • Nepal visa - Multiple Entry 30 days - USD 50  (Details in Visa Page)
  • International flight 
  • Insurance for clients (i.e. helicopter evacuation, etc.)
  • Lunch & dinner during hotel stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Mountain Bike. You can hire a full-suspension mountain bike for 50-65 USD per bike per day
  • Hot Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
  • Alcoholic drinks, candies, etc.
  • Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
  • Tips, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation/road block due to any reason, table drinks, snacks while walking.
Dates and Prices
Date PriceAvailability 
Start DateStarts: MondayDec 16, 2024End DateEnds: WednesdayDec 25, 2024PricePriceUS$1575StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: MondayDec 23, 2024End DateEnds: WednesdayJan 01, 2025PricePriceUS$1575StatusStatusAvailable
Start DateStarts: MondayDec 30, 2024End DateEnds: WednesdayJan 08, 2025PricePriceUS$1575StatusStatusAvailable
Useful Info

Which is the best season to do Half Annapurna Circuit Moutain Biking?

The autumn and spring seasons definitely stand out as the best time of the year to visit Nepal, whether for trekking, mountain biking, summit climbing, or something entirely different in the Himalayas, regardless of the region and destination, be it the Everest Base Camp Voyage or the extreme bike riding to the Annapurna Circuit.

While the months of winter and summer are also an ideal time for mountain biking on half of the Annapurna Circuit, you might have to give extra consideration to what you pack in terms of gear and equipment.

What are the permits required for the Annapurna Circuit Half Mountain Biking Tour?

Similar to the Annapurna Circuit Expedition or an incredible trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, for mountain biking on half of the Annapurna Circuit, you will need two of the major permits called the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).

Trekkers and travelers seeking a journey to the Annapurna region for any purpose, whether trekking, mountaineering, or biking, can acquire both of these TIMS cards and ACAP from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), or any trustable locally based government-registered trekking and tour operators in Nepal, such as Adventure Himalayan Travels and Treks.

How difficult is the Annapurna Circuit Half Mountain Bike riding?

Although the overall biking trail to the northern half of the Annapurna Circuit is considered moderately difficult, it requires a stable amount of physical fitness and experience for a safe and enjoyable mountain biking experience, offering the best intimate natural and cultural involvement along with amazing alpine scenery and adventure.

Often there is a chance of encountering a steep climb and downhill in the high altitude consisting of rugged terrains and narrow alleys requiring some technical mountain biking skills as well which however is considered extremely pleasurable for more experienced riders.

To conclude, a mountain biking expedition to circumnavigate half of the Annapurna Circuit is taken as moderately difficult ​​​​​​touring fascinating adventures around the world requiring a good level of physical fitness, stamina, and endurance, assuring a true sense of adventure and accomplishment.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) during biking to the Half Annapurna Circuit

As most of the biking to the half Annapurna Circuit is through highly elevated areas above 3,000m above sea level in comparatively low-oxygenated areas, the chances of experiencing acute mountain sickness or altitude sickness are high, which include symptoms such as nausea, faint headache, or vomiting, uneasiness, fatigue or weakness, lightheadedness or dizziness, sudden loss of appetite, difficulty in sleeping, breathing, or noticeably fast heart beating, etc.

Therefore, it is crucial to keep yourself well hydrated, acclimated, and physically fit for an amusing half-mountain biking voyage to the Annapurna Circuit that can prevent spotting of AMS on the way, and even if you spot the symptoms of it, there is no need to panic at all as it is a common occurrence in the higher Himalayas. While you make sure to not ascend or descend, then onwards once observing altitude sickness, mitigate the possibility of severeness without being properly recovered.

Why hire a professional mountain guide for the half Annapurna Circuit mountain biking?

The biking route to Annapurna Circuit can be complex with varying landscapes, entangled remote junctions, and several possible detours. That's where the government-authorized local guides, with first aid training and years of extensive knowledge on the local terrains, routes, and possible safety concerns, navigate the trail efficiently, ensuring your safety, enjoyment, and effective cultural and natural immersion even during the rare adverse weather conditions.

Although hiring a guide for mountain biking on the Annapurna Circuit is completely in your hands, they are indeed the key factor in most successful expeditions to any beautiful corner of the Nepalese Himalayas, with equivalent challenges to overcome where local guides or porters uphold power to tackle them easily. In the meantime, a solo biking odyssey to the Annapurna Circuit might not be a great idea logistically and legally since free individual trekkers have been banned in the country from April 1st, 2023.

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