Mountain biking around Annapurna

Day to Day Itinerary

• Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu airport transfer to Hotel

  After your arrival in Kathmandu airport, you will be accorded warm welcome and transfer to the Hotel, give short briefing about the trip

• Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and biking preparation

  Today after breakfast we start a guided cycling tour around different attractions in Kathmandu and at evening providing welcome dinner with typical local cultural program

• Day 03: Drive to Besisahar (760m/2,624ft): approx., 7- 8 hours

  We start our journey into the hills on a winding road along the Trishuli River by bus. On the way we admire terraced farms and beautiful huts. After reaching a juncture at Mugling, we move straight ahead towards Pokhara. At Dumre, we leave the previous trail and head north to Besisahar.

• Day 04: Besisahar to Tal (1,960m/6,430ft):;34 km, approx., 5-6 hours

  After breakfast, different ascending and descending trail reaches us to the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal.

• Day 05: Tal to Chame (2,710m/8,891ft):; 29 km approx., 5 – 6 hours

  Today as we cycle away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steeply-forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge then we walk through a few forested ridges on our way to Chame, which is the headquarters of the Manang District. Throughout the trip we can admire amazing views of the Himalayas including Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). On today’s trip we also come across small hot springs where we can dip in and soothe our aching muscles.

• Day 06: Chame to Manang(3,519 metres / 11,545 ft); 30 km approx., 4-5 hrs.

  A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. This is probably the steepest part of the Marshyangdi Valley, so steep that the trail is carved into the vertical rock. After passing this last bit of rock, the valley opens up with majestic vistas. We cycle for a while before reaching Lower Pisang then we head towards Manang, trail guarantees excellent views of the beautiful landscape and the mighty mountains including Annapurna and Pisang. We begin to notice a contrast in the landscape and vegetation from today. The cold and dry climate also creates a much harsher environment. Our short visit to Barge monastery, the largest monastery in the entire district of Manang will be memorable.

• Day 07: Manang: Acclimatization day

  Today, we keep ourselves busy today with a short cycling to either Bhojo Gumba or Gangapurna Lake.

• Day 08: Manang to Thorong Phedi (4,600m/15,092ft): ; 17 km, approx., 3 – 4 hours

  From Manang village, continue to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures and a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, after sometime then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka. After cycling for some time we cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We ascend furthermore and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La pass. On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. The word Phedi in Nepalese is referred to as the foot of a mountain.

• Day 09: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorong La pass (5416m/17764ft): ; 7-8 km, 7 – 8 hours

  Crossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world, will be our ultimate objective today. We need to push and carry the bicycle as per the slope gradients. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction.. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass.

• Day 10: Muktinath to Marpha via Lubra pass (2,670m/8,760ft):; 27 km, approx., 4 – 5 hours

  Muktinath is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists alike. In the morning, we doour visit to a Vishnu Temple and a Gompa. Descending from Ranipauwa village down the steep and barren hillside, we tumble down toward Kagbeni and then to Jomsom finally arriving at Marpha. The trail today is quite surreal as we trek along a plateau above Kali Gandaki River, the world’s deepest gorge. The barren landscape of this area resembles Tibet. Marpha is also famous as the apple capital of Nepal where one can enjoy different items made from apple. The local apple brandy of Marpha is famous all over Nepal.

• Day 11: Marpha to Tatopani (1,200m/3,937ft):; 44 km, approx., 5 – 6 hours

  Today, we come across traditional villages of the ethnic Thakali people. Also, we get to see beautiful apple gardens. From here we get panoramic views of Dhaulagari, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Fang and Annapurna I mountains. Our journey today is mostly downhill. During the early part of today’s trip, we cross the bridge at Ghasa. As we drop to lower elevations, we emerge back into subtropical forests, lush with vegetation. Our trail continues along Rupse Chahara (waterfall). We continue down the east bank from Kopchepani via Garpar to a bridge at Dana. At Narchyang Besi, we get to see a powerhouse that supplies electricity in the area. There are bigger villages in this area where we can observe the everyday lives of the local people. Upon reaching Tatopani, we relax and have a bath in the hot spring.

• Day 12: Tatopani to Galeshwar; 2 hrs cycling and drive to Pokhara; 19 km., approx., 5 hrs.

  From Tatopani few minutes drive there is the great view of Fang and ahead is a spectacular narrow defile where the Kali Gandaki is almost choked off. Drive through the Tipyang 1040 m, offers basic lodge and refreshment, continuous drive Beg Khola valley and continuously on to Galeshwar and Beni 830m. Then we catch our bus to drive to Pokhara.

• Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: approx.,7-8 hours

  After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, we have the rest of the day off to rest or do some souvenir shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening.

• Day 14: Departure Day

  After breakfast, departure transfer to the Kathmandu airport to board flight for your onward destination with beautiful memories back home