Approved by Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India

To Mountain Bike Annapurna is on the bucket list of many avid cyclists. This challenging high pass route through the Himalaya’s certainly has its appeal to mountain bikers.

Our guides keep telling us to take out the first day of this brutal climb up to Manang, but we keep saying to them, no matter where you start to Mountain Bike Annapurna, the first day is tough! Not to put you off, but this circuit is exactly that. It’s essentially five days of climbing to the heights of Throng La (5416m). Sometimes the way up is rough and rocky, sometimes covered in Ice and Snow, it is nothing short of Brutal! That’s why it’s also the route chosen by Yak Attack, the toughest bike race in the world.

BUT as the saying goes, what goes up must come down and indeed coming down is what we do best! Our route does not go straight down to Jomsom as many others do. We take you on some epic single tracks down through the famed Lubra Valley and beyond. After all, you did just spend five days climbing and humping your bike over a frozen mountain pass, so at the very least we want you to enjoy the downhill.

By far and away, to mountain bike Annapurna is one of our most popular trips offered by Himalayan Single Track. Of course, it has a lot more to offer other than the psychical challenges and the trails. It’s a journey along one river valley and down another between some of the biggest mountains in the world! The scenery is stunning and along the way, you will pass through many authentic villages, experience the warm hospitality of the Nepalese people and enjoy the delicious food and mind-boggling views.

Trail Notes for Annapurna Circuit

The Jeep ride to Beshishar takes around 7 hours and is the longest transport on the trip.

On the riding trail, there are some river crossings where you could possibly get wet feet, so bring some lighter fast drying shoes as there is nothing worse than riding with cold and wet feet! Or pack some flip flops in your day pack.

The trail is a mix of rocky sections and powdered dirt/sandy sections, the trail is very dry and abrasive in most places and as mentioned above has many river crossings.

Days comprise an average of 4 to 5 hours riding and plenty of time to explore and take photos. The first two days are tough climbing days, so be mentally prepared.

During the trip, we will be staying in LOCAL TEA HOUSES. In most cases, we will provide private, twin sharing rooms with attached bathrooms and sometimes there will be sharing bathrooms. Unless you book a single supplement the room will have two separate beds. Double beds are not common in Tea Houses so if you are a couple you might have to push the beds together… but be careful … the walls are thin! In Throng Phedi, even if you have a single supplement, it might not be possible to get a private room, in this case, common rooms will be given. The town is small and accommodation limited.

Who’s it for? Fit mountain bikers. Trails can be tailored according to skill level, but you should be able to climb and descend with confidence. It’s also a tour for lovers of culture and it might help if you don’t have a fear of flying in small planes.

Length:- 14 Days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.

Fitness Factor:- Good cardio fitness and hiking/biking pushing stamina required. Most of the trail is above 3000 meters altitude.

Skill Factor:- Confident on rocky descents, loose surfaces and some exposed single tracks

Comfort Zone:- Let’s say rustic, simple and homely Tea Houses, basic but good food, occasional hot water, no connectivity.