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Tours / Cycling Tour / Annapurna Round Mountain Biking

This extraordinary trip takes you to some of the most stunning and exotic biking routes in Nepal. Annapurna Circuit mountain biking tour passes through a variety of different landscapes, from lush sub-tropical rainforest, deep valleys and cultivated fields, to wooded alpine and high deserts. We visit many different villages, meeting the local hill tribes and enjoying frequent spectacular views of massive Himalayan peaks, including the Annapurnas and Manaslu. We reach the lowland villages, dense oak forests, deep gorges and lovely isolated hamlets to the lap of the mighty high mountains and the Tilicho lake - one of the highest altitude fresh water lakes. To top it all, the crossing of the Thorung La pass (5,416m) is a challenging ascend, surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountain sceneries in the world.

 

We begin our mountain biking trip after a day of sight-seeing in Kathmandu. First we reach Besi Sahar via ground transportation, from where we begin biking anti-clockwise around the Annapurna massif. The trail climbs gradually, allowing us to acclimatize to the high altitude, as we travel along the Marsyangdi Valley. After the crossing of the Thorong La, we descend to Muktinath, one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites. We descend down the valley reaching the Kali Gandaki River, with its panoramic views of Machapuchare (the "Fishtail" peak) and Tatopani. We finally return to Kathmandu on private transportation to celebrate our achievement.

 

As demanding the rugged terrain and technical tracks are, this trip is designed for the more experienced riders, and not recommended for beginners. It will be grueling but surely worth every drop of sweat.

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Day 01- Arrival in Kathmandu airport (1345meters).
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transffered to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Overnight at Hotel.
(No meals included)


Day 02- Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.
In the morning, after breakfast, At around 8am, we host a pre-trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu and introduce your leader/guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about your trip. We will also supply you with our trek Duffel Bag, T-shirt and a Cap. For the meeting, please make sure you bring passport, two copies of passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Please inform us in advance if you will be arriving late and therefore are unable to attend the pre-trip meeting.

 

After the meeting and a hearty breakfast, your sightseeing trip will start at around 8:45am. You will have a private vehicle and a professional tour guide at your disposal. We visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks praying in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After Boudhanath Stupa we visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. We will also visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is a collection of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The attraction of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is The Lion gate, The Golden gate, The Palace of fifty five windows, Art Galleries, The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.

 

The rest of our time in Kathmandu is free for further exploration and shopping in Thamel area. Overnight at a hotel.


(Breakfast Included)


Day 03 - Ride from Kathmandu to Nagarkot (Distance: 38km, Altitude: 2,175m), via Bhaktaur
You check the bikes and equipments, after which we ride due east to the medieval town of Bhaktapur, an ancient city full of Newari culture. There are many temples and squares here that we will have time to explore. From here we head north-east to the beautiful Nagarkot hilltop on an excellent and quiet tarmac road. Nagarkot is the best destination to acclimatize and warm up before the Tibet tour. Overnight at a hotel.


Road Condition:  Paved road 100%


(Breakfast Included)


Day 04 - Ride back from Nagarkot to Kathmandu via Shanku (34km, 1,345m)
We descent on Jeep tracks through the ancient village of Shanku where we will have lunch and then ride back to Thamel, Kathmandu. We lose elevation on the down hill tracks, which at some points require technical skills. You will find yourself amidst massive stretches of farms. In fact, a considerable amount of rice and vegetables supplied to Kathmandu comes from Sankhu. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.


Road Condition: Off-road 65%, Paved road 35%


(Breakfast Included)


Day 05 - Drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar (760m) by private tourist vehicle- 6 hrs.
Early in the morning we set off to Besi Sahar, which is the starting point of our biking trip. We prepare for the tour, arrange porters, equipments, and so on. Optional warm-up ride in Besi Sahar. Overnight at a guesthouse.


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 06 - Ride from Besi Sahar to Jagat (18km, 1,360m)
The trail soon turns to rough jeep track, and follows the course of the Marshyangdi River along the right side of the valley. We ascend steeply, gaining 800m in elevation. The first day is the perfect prelude to more thrilling riding in the days to follow. Overnight at a guesthouse.


Road Condition:  Off-road 30%, Paved Road 70%
Distance: 18.68 mi
Time: 5:38:17
Avg Speed: 3.3 mph
Elevation Gain: 6,966 ft
Calories: 1,485 C
Avg Temperature: 83.9 °F


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 07 - Ride from Jagat to Tal (20km, 1,700m)
After some 7km the jeep track runs out and whence it is 11km of mainly push and carrying the bike up the steep rocky trails with a final 1km descent into the flat valley surrounding Tal. We are welcomed by marvelous sites and the remoteness of the region. Overnight at a guesthouse.


Road Condition: Off-road 100%
Rideable: 70% 
Distance: 4.70 mi
Time: 3:35:59
Avg Speed: 1.3 mph
Elevation Gain: 2,087 ft
Calories: 519 C
Avg Temperature: 76.2 °F


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 08 - Ride from Tal to Chame (21km, 2,620m)
Leaving Tal, there is a mani wall (dry stone wall inlaid with Buddhist prayer slates) in the middle of the path. These should always be passed on the left going clockwise. After going through green corn, barley and potatoes field, the valley becomes narrow again. From Tal to Danaqu it will involve a large percent of push / carry with a very steep hard climb out of Danaqu. From here though it becomes more rideable with closer views of snow-capped peaks and a wide flowing trail to the finish. After a hard day's work to reach Chame, bikers can relax by the hot spring on the other side of the Marshyangdi River, enjoy baked bakery product, or even e-mail home from an internet café. Overnight at a guesthouse.


Rideable: 60%
Distance: 14.77 mi
Time: 6:54:21
Avg Speed: 2.1 mph
Elevation Gain: 4,905 ft
Calories: 1,480 C
Avg Temperature: 60.8°F


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 09 - Ride from Chame to Pisang (17km, 3,230m)
Ascend through pine forests as the trail open into a fertile agricultural valley. Rice fields and cow pastures mark a rather more hospitable stretch of terrain. The dirt trail leads you through villages and settlements, and you get the opportunity to meet with friendly locals and snotty children. Overnight at a guesthouse.


Rideable: 50%
Distance: 8.79 mi
Time: 3:09:19
Avg Speed: 2.8 mph
Elevation Gain: 2,425 ft
Calories: 796 C
Avg Temperature: 71.4 °F


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 10 - Ride from Pisang to Manang (19km, 3,540m)
The route goes through a dense forest in a steep, narrow valley and crosses the river via two bridges, one at 2,910m and the other at 3,030m. The trail continues along the river to Pisang, where the altitude is enough to bring on the first symptoms of altitude sickness or AMS. From Pisang, the route follows through a wide valley that opens up ahead of us. Bikers will pass through Humde (the highest commercial airport in the world) and Braga with its monastery rooted in Tibetan religion. Overnight at a guesthouse.


Rideable: 95%
Distance: 9.24 mi
Time: 2:12:27
Avg Speed: 4.2 mph
Elevation Gain: 1,401 ft
Calories: 671 C
Avg Temperature: 62.6 °F


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 11 - Ride from Rest day and acclimatization in Manang
It is necessary to spend a rest day here to acclimatize. Ascending too rapidly could have potentially fatal consequences. There are many short excursions possible from Manang and remaining active is encouraged to aid acclimatization. Overnight at a guesthouse.


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 12 - Ride from Manang to Yak Kharka (15km, 4,010m)
Today we leave Manang through narrow, medieval-looking streets and then climb steadily up to Khusang. Although the trail is more rideable above Khusang (3,900m), the altitude now takes effect and pedalling becomes a very hard work. It is advised to go slowly enjoying the scenery and culture of this region. Overnight at a guesthouse.


Rideable: 75%
Distance: 6.08 mi
Time: 2:31:39
Avg Speed: 2.4 mph
Elevation Gain: 2,066 ft
Calories: 575 C
Avg Temperature: 45.9 °F


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 13 - Ride from Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (12km, 4,450m)
We continue to ascend to higher altitude, and thus make our ride more strenuous as we reach Thorung Phedi. It is important to remain physically and mentally prepared for the highest climb of the following day. Take it easy and enjoy the scenery as we forsake distance for altitude. The scenery of the mighty hills surrounding you is sure to impress. Overnight at a guesthouse.


Rideable: 45%
Distance: 4.29 mi
Time: 2:48:10
Avg Speed: 1.5 mph
Elevation Gain: 1,939 ft
Calories: 482 C
Avg Temperature: 41.5 °F
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 14 - Ride from Thorong Phedi to Kagbeni (22km, 2,800m) via Thorung-La pass (5,416m) 
A 4am start is necessary to cross the Thorong-La Pass: the trail can get windy later making it difficult to cross the pass. It will take approximately 4 hours to reach the top (approx 3km) and will be 100% carry for bikers. The effects of altitude can now be fully felt. Once at the top, the trail descends rapidly on a very steep slope (technical riding) for approximately 45 minutes to Muktinath (3,800m) and then on a less extreme gradient on fast, wide flowing trails to the valley floor, where we will be greeted by the medieval village of Kagbeni, last stop before entering Mustang. Overnight at a guesthouse.


Rideable: 85%
Distance: 17.73 mi
Time: 7:58:54
Avg Speed: 2.2 mph
Elevation Gain: 3,299 ft
Calories: 988 C
Avg Temperature: 50.2 °F


(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)


Day 15 -Ride from Kagbeni to Tatopani (42km, 1,190m)
Today we will descend from snow capped peaks to tropical lowlands. Leaving Kagbeni the trail follows a wide and flat river bed leading into the cobbled streets of Jomsom, with its bustling markets and airport. The trail then follows rough and rocky jeep tracks, descending through villages such as Marpha, and Khopang. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Rideable: 100%
Distance: 37.04 mi
Time: 6:25:47
Avg Speed: 5.8 mph
Elevation Gain: 1,873 ft
Calories: 1,765 C
Avg Temperature: 64.4 °F
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)

Day 16 - Ride from Tatopani to Beni (35km, 830m) and drive to Pokhara (820m)
As we descend the temperature increases and the trail becomes less rocky. From Beni the final 15km is a long an undulating track that follows the course of the river and passes through paddy fields, lined with banana plants. Once at Khaniya Ghat we will rejoin the paved road, where a bus will be waiting for us to transfer to Pokhara (2 hours). Overnight at a hotel.


Distance: 11.53 mi
Time: 1:48:28
Avg Speed: 6.4 mph
Elevation Gain: 3,066 ft
Calories: 574 C
Avg Temperature: 62.8 °F
(Breakfast and Lunch Included)


Day 17 - Sightseeing in Pokhara (820m)
Your sightseeing trip starts at 9am in the morning after breakfast. The places we visit are Fewa Lake, Bagnes Lake, Devi’s water fall, museums, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave. You will have a relaxing evening. Overnight at a hotel.


(Breakfast Included)


Day 18 - Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,345m)
We return back to Kathmandu by a tourist bus. A pleasant stroll and a last-minute shopping spree in Thamel and Basantapur. We host a farewell dinner in a typical Nepali-style restaurant with cultural performances (dancing and singing with costumes) tonight to celebrate our hard work and achievement in the biking trip.

 

You have the option to extend your trip to continue onto Chitwan jungle safari, rafting and bungee, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, scenic Everest flight, and other activities. Overnight at a hotel.


(Breakfast  and Farewell Dinner Included)


Day 19 - Final departure from Nepal
The trip concludes. Our Airport Representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.
(Breakfast Included)

How fit do I need to be for this biking trip? Is this trip for me?

Long cycling days and tougher terrain (for both on- and off-road trips) require a certain degree of experience of more demanding and technical riding for the upper mustang  Biking Trip. Vehicle support may be limited. You should be very confident of your physical condition and bike-handling skills.

Will somebody come to pick me up at the Airport upon my arrival?

Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Glory Nepalsign-board. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu, Pokhara and along the biking route?

We use standard rooms at three star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast .

Along the biking route below Upper Mustang (Kagbeni, Muktinath, Tatopani), teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We usually provide single and double rooms, or occasionally a dormitory. Dining will be around a bon fire when possible. In tea houses, food will be prepared in the kitchen which you should not enter without permission. The toilets in tea houses provide essential and basic facilities.

While in camping in Upper Mustang area, we provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two person tents with good mattresses. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents, chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. We usually camp in or near a village, which allows you to buy sweets and drinks, which we do not carry with us. We provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two-person tents with mattresses. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents, chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. We provide toilet paper and other essential toiletries. You will also get a small bucket of hot water each morning in your tent for a quick scrub up.

What sort of food can I expect in trekking?

Most teahouses (lodges) below Upper Mustang (Kagbeni, Muktinath, Tatopani) cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, dhal bhat, bread, soups, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you'll stay at while lunch will be taken on the way to destination.

During the camping our expert cook can prepare specially requested food if you advise. In any case, you will have similar fare to teahouses. You can eat as much as you like. If you have any special dietary requirements please advise us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

What mode of transportation do you use?

Glory Nepalis all about providing you with local insights, lifestyle as well as adventure. Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicular transportation. You have the option of flying to Pokhara from where we again take a flight to Jomsom, which is the starting point of our biking trip. We provide you only those options, which enhance your local experience while allowing you to bike comfortably and efficiently. We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus, vans or alternatively 4WD SUVs, more maneuverable in travelling along the narrow and bumpy roads of Nepal. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are travelling in cooler areas.

While in the mountain we use vehicular transportation whereas possible. We also use porters, Yaks and Donkeys to carry the equipment and meals during the camping trip.

We use our own Fleet service for Transportation...Click to know more about our fleet service!

What is the best season for this trip?

The best time for the Upper Mustang Mountain Biking is from March to November. It is not very advisable to bike during the winter season (December, January and February)

What type of bike is required for this trip and what brands are available for hire?

Either hard-tail or full suspension mountain bikes will do fine. In some parts of the routes, you can take downhill shortcuts for which we strongly recommend full suspension bikes. (Your guide will let you know if there are any shortcuts you can take.)

All the brands we provide are properly serviced and fully functional standard hardtail rentals best suited for the trips. We provide full suspension bikes (if preferred by our clients) for an additional charge.

Trek: 3-, 4-, 6- and 8-series
Cube: Comp, LTD, CMPT, Reaction
Giant: ATX, Tralon
Other brands: Capic and V-Ket

Are hired bikes guaranteed for the trip?

Bikes are hired at the time of booking, and are included in the price. The frame size of the bike has to be matched with your height, and since there is a limited number of each size, we strongly suggest you provide us with this information well ahead. In case of any damage incurred to the bike or the equipments, the client will be liable to pay for the repair and/or replacement, depending on the nature of the damage.

What equipment and tools are included with the bike hire?

We provide a helmet, a pump, a spare tube, a water bottle and a repair kit with a rental bike.

 What additional equipment is available upon request for an additional cost?

Cycle computer and a GPS unit for USD 2 and USD 5, respectively, per day per person.

Can I bring my own bike and accessories?

You definitely can! It is highly recommended that you have your bike thoroughly serviced before coming on the trip. Spare parts are available in Kathmandu, but may not always be compatible with your bike.

Most airlines are quite used to people travelling with bikes, and if a bike is properly boxed and within the luggage allowance, it is a relatively hassle-free experience. On arrival at your destination you will be met by your leader, and you will just need a baggage trolley to take your bike as far as the transfer vehicle.

Make sure the bikes are properly packed. You may do it yourself (here's a guide or if you're not sure, you could have a local bike shop pack it for you.

We take every care to ensure your bike is well treated, but it is normal for a bike to sustain minor scratches, resulting during the daily ride as well as loading and unloading from support/transport vehicles.

What is the procedure of checking in with a bike and what luggage weight allowance do I have?

Your bike is part of your baggage allowance on the plane, details of which are shown on your flight ticket, and maximum weights are usually between 20 and 25 kgs. A boxed bike weighs around 16 kg, so you need to pack carefully. Put heavy items in your hand baggage, wear your heavy/bulky jacket when you check in. Glory Nepalwill not be liable for any excess baggage charges brought by the airline as a result of your exceeding the baggage allowance, whether you have a hire bike or take your own bike. In practice excess luggage charges are rare for those who pack sensibly, even if you are a little over the specified limit.

Few airlines impose specific standard bike carriage charges. All such charges are beyond our control, and to be paid by the client. Where we know of a bike carriage charge in advance, this will be added to the relevant trip notes. In the unlikely event of any of your luggage and or bike being misplaced or damaged while in the care of the airline, a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) must be filed with the appropriate airline on arrival. This is essential if you subsequently wish to make a claim against the airline or on your travel insurance. This must be done at the airport where your baggage arrived, or should have arrived.

Are there any bike maintenance and repairs while on the trip?

The support vehicle (where available) and the guide will carry the required repair tools and spares. We do recommend you carry some basic tools and spares (like a puncture kit and Allen keys). Our guides are also qualified mechanics and have ample experience maintaining bikes on the trips.

What cycling gear do I need?

Safety and comfort are what you're looking for here. Here's a quick list of what you'll need for the trip:

    Cycling helmet (included with the bike rent)
    Touring shoes
    Cycling gloves
    Cycling shorts (1 to 3 pair)
    Socks - wool or synthetic (2 or 3 pair)
    Leg warmers or tights for riding
    Short-sleeved shirts (2)
    Light, long-sleeved shirt for layering and sun protection
    Windcheater, rain gear, jacket and pants
    Waterproof shoe covers

It is recommended that you carry a backpack with your valuables like camera and passport. Panniers are not suitable for the trips.

Can I bring my own saddle and pedals?

Yes. All the bikes are compatible with customized bike parts. The support team accompanying the group will be able help with any bike alterations or damage to the bike along the entire trip. Please inform us in advance if you plan to bring your own saddle and pedals.

Do we need to be experienced cyclists for longer tours?

 No. The guide will carefully pace the ride to include rest and refreshment along the way. Where available, the support vehicle will accompany you and you can always hitch a ride if you need a break.

Can I charge my digital camera or other equipments on my trip?

These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel/lodge reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring travel adapters!

There will be very limited charging facilities during your camping so please bring the enough spare batteries.

Are there any communication facilities during the trip?

There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. Internet and international calls are readily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?

 In the cities, yes - to some extent. Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash.

 How much additional money do I need per day?

It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can allocate USD 20 for a lunch and a dinner. USD 7 to 10 a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates and a few drinks during the trekking.

Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide.

Is the water fine to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter?

In most places below Upper Mustang, bottled water is readily available. If you wish to drink normal water, you need to use purifying aid, which you need to bring with you.

During the camping we will serve boiled and purify water to drink.

Are the Glory Nepal's staff insured?

Our company insures all our staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpas and porters. Please browse though Company Information pages to view insurance details.

What essential documents do I need to bring with me on tours?

 Here are some documents that you will need to carry with you:

    Valid Passport – must be valid for up to 6 months after you return from your tour, keep a separate photocopy.
    Travel insurance, keep a separate photocopy
    Cash and Traveller’s Cheques, keep numbers and proof of purchase separately
    Flight tickets
    Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s, banks, insurance, family contacts.

Can I add extra days to my trip?

A holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.

I would you like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?

Yes, there are a plenty of options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip. Please go into our trip extension page for further information.

What immunizations will I need?

No vaccinations are compulsory fro travelling in Nepal, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.

We also recommend:

    A dental check-up prior to travelling.
    That you know your blood group in case of emergency.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Glory Nepalat the time of your booking.

Entrance Fees

• All the entrance fees while sightseeing in the city.
• Guided Katmandu sightseeing tour by Car.
 All accommodation on B/B basis.
• 13% government tax where applicable.

International Flights

• International flights, visa and departure taxes
• Airport pick up and drop.

Personal Expenses

• Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry

Other Expenses

• All the expenses in except mention in the include section

Domestic Airport Tax

• Domestic airport tax

Costs from unforeseen events

• Costs arising from unforeseen events outside our control

All the entrance feels for sight seeing in the city

International flights, visa and departure taxes

Tips for gratuities

Drink, Posatage, Laundry for Personal Expenses

Domestic Airport Tax