Annapurna Biking Odyssey

Today, we kick off our adventure with a full-day enduro ride along the beautiful trails surrounding Nagarkot.

After breakfast, we take a short drive out of the city and mount our bikes. Nagarkot is renowned for its forest paths, stunning mountain vistas, and thrilling downhill singletracks. The trails provide an excellent mix of smooth sections, challenging turns, and wooded switchbacks—perfect for honing your biking and riding abilities before we head into the high Himalayas.

In the evening, we will return to Kathmandu to get ready for our journey to the Annapurna region.

We depart the city early for a picturesque drive to Besisahar, the entry point to the Annapurna region. The trip lasts about six hours and takes us through verdant hills, flowing rivers, and charming villages, providing a wonderful chance to experience rural life in Nepal.

Upon arriving in Besisahar, we will meet our porters, arrange our equipment, and prepare for the mountain trails that await us starting tomorrow.

Today marks the beginning of our mountain biking adventure. We will be riding along jeep tracks and rugged trails as we head upstream along the Marsyangdi River. The route features a consistent ascent and some challenging sections, providing stunning views of waterfalls, rice paddies, and impressive river gorges.

We will conclude our day in the quaint village of Tal, nestled amidst cliffs and mountainous scenery.

We venture further into the mountains on our journey from Tal to Chame. Today's trail includes thick forests, river crossings, and numerous steep ascents.

As we ascend, the ride becomes more demanding due to the steeper terrain and rocky paths. Along our route, we'll encounter prayer flags and quaint villages that have preserved their traditional way of life for centuries. Chame signifies the entrance to the high Himalayan region, where we will start to notice shifts in both climate and scenery.

Today, we make our way to Manang, a key settlement in the Annapurna region. The path leads us through expansive valleys with stunning views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. As we ride in the alpine landscape, the forest becomes sparser and the air cooler. While the ride is not particularly challenging, the increased altitude makes it physically demanding.

Since Manang is situated at over 3,500 meters, we proceed at a slow and steady pace.

To aid our bodies in acclimatizing to the altitude, we will take a rest day in Manang. This culturally vibrant village provides stunning vistas of the nearby mountains.

You can unwind at local cafes or opt for a brief hike to scenic viewpoints. This day is crucial for ensuring a safe and pleasant experience as we ascend to higher elevations.

Additionally, there are opportunities to observe local customs, such as archery and pony races organized by the Manangi community.

Today, we ascend further along a narrow path that takes us through Yak Kharka and up to Thorong Phedi, the base camp for the renowned Thorong La Pass. The trail is uneven, and there are parts where we might need to lift or carry our bikes.

As we near an elevation of 4,500 meters, we proceed slowly to acclimatize to the altitude.

It’s a brief but challenging day, so we plan to rest early in order to gear up for tomorrow’s most demanding yet fulfilling journey.

This is the most significant challenge and the standout moment of our journey. We begin our ascent to Thorong La Pass, which sits at an elevation of 5,416 meters, very early—around 5 AM. The climb at this altitude is tough, and we'll have local assistance to help transport the bikes as necessary.

Once we reach the top, we are treated to an exhilarating descent into the Mustang region. We ride all the way down to the revered village of Muktinath, where we take a break after an intense day in the Himalayas.

Having conquered Thorong La, we can now relish the downhill trails. We ride the secluded Lupra Valley, characterized by its desert-like landscapes and narrow paths. The descent is exhilarating and enjoyable, featuring challenging segments and switchbacks.

We reconnect with the main trail in Jomsom, riding past apple orchards and traditional villages until we arrive at Kalopani, which is encircled by forests and towering snow-capped mountains.

The last leg of our mountain biking adventure features exciting downhill trails. We pedal by the beautiful Rupse Waterfall and trace the Kali Gandaki River to Beni.

After having lunch, we pack up the bikes and travel to the lakeside city of Pokhara. It's a chance to unwind, enjoy local cuisine, and contemplate the amazing experience we've had in the Himalayas.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Pokhara. Stroll by the lakeside or explore a nearby temple.

In the afternoon, we’ll catch a brief flight back to Kathmandu.

Once we arrive in the city, you’ll have the opportunity for some last-minute shopping or to enjoy one last cup of Nepali chai.

In the evening, we’ll come together for a farewell dinner to commemorate the conclusion of our unforgettable mountain biking journey.

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. If you’d like to extend your stay in Nepal, we’d be happy to help you plan more adventures.