Mountain Bike Expedition
Annapurna Circuit MTB Adventure
Best time to go
Why these dates? Responsible Adventures selects departure periods based on weather, trail or road conditions, high-pass accessibility and the overall quality of your experience — not simply whether the destination is technically accessible.
Overview
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's most iconic mountain adventures, and tackling it on two wheels takes it to a whole new level. Over 14 days you'll ride through deep gorges, lush valleys and barren highlands, crossing the mighty Thorong La Pass at 5,416m before dropping thousands of metres on raw Himalayan singletrack. This is a true high-altitude expedition: steep jeep roads, exposed switchbacks, technical descents and long pushes with the bike on your back. The rewards are immense: staggering views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, authentic encounters with the Manangi people, and that indescribable feeling of riding across the backbone of the Himalaya. A bucket-list ride for fit, skilled riders.
Highlights
The ride
Distance
230–250 km
Elevation gain
~8,000 m
Elevation loss
~10,000 m
High point
Thorong La 5,416 m
Longest descent
~3,000 m in one push
Style
Porter-supported cross-country
Day by day
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Evening trip briefing, meet your guide team and a gear check, then a traditional dal bhat feast.
Warm-up ride in the Kathmandu Valley
A steady climb into Shivapuri National Park through jungle and terraced fields, with fun singletrack. Finish at Boudhanath Stupa for lunch.
Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m)
Himalayan coffee at the workshop, then a 6 to 8 hour jeep drive west past rice paddies and river valleys. Meet the porter team in Besisahar, gateway to the Circuit.
Ride Besisahar to Tal (1,700m) · 37km
A long, hard push with over 1,000m of climbing along the Marsyangdi River on a rideable but relentless jeep track, past thundering waterfalls.
Ride Tal to Chame (2,670m) · 22km
One of the toughest stretches: a steeper, rougher jeep road as the air thins above 2,000m. Chame greets you with a gateway stupa and prayer wheels.
Ride Chame to Manang (3,540m) · 29km
The valley broadens, pine forest gives way to arid landscape and the Annapurna giants open up. Kinder, rolling climbs and Manangi culture all around.
Acclimatisation day in Manang (3,540m)
Hike to high lakes, explore ancient monasteries or relax with hot tea. The Manangi keep centuries-old traditions alive: archery, pony racing and salt-trade history.
Ride Manang to Thorong Phedi (4,450m) · 19km
A steady climb to Yak Kharka, then a narrower trail where you'll shoulder the bike in places. Thorong Phedi is basic and cold: the edge of the adventure.
Over Thorong La (5,416m) to Muktinath (3,750m) · 22km
The queen stage. A pre-dawn start and over 1,300m of hike-a-bike to the prayer-flagged pass, then a wild, rocky, technical descent to sacred Muktinath.
Ride Muktinath to Marpha (2,670m) via Lubra Valley · 32km
Traverse to Dhangla Danda ridge, then the legendary Lubra Valley singletrack: loose switchbacks and riverbed riding. Lunch in Jomsom, on to Marpha's apple orchards.
Ride Tukuche (2,590m) to Tatopani (1,190m) · 42km
Pine forests, suspension bridges and a lunch stop at Rupse Chhahara waterfall, then a 1,000m drop on rough jeep track to Tatopani's hot springs.
Ride Tatopani to Beni (830m), drive to Pokhara · 25km
A fast, mostly flat final spin through farmland and hamlets. Load the bikes at Beni and drive to Pokhara for hot showers and a lakeside BBQ.
Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu
A short midday flight back to Kathmandu. Free afternoon for shopping or a massage, then a farewell dinner.
Departure
Airport transfer for your onward flight, with tired legs, dusty gear and memories of crossing the Himalaya by bike.
Gallery
Price by group size
- 2 riders$3,078.87 pp
- 3 to 5 riders$2,887.88 pp
- 6 or more riders$2,581.38 pp
Optional bike hire
- Full suspension · Giant Trance X 2$616.08 pp
- Hardtail · Giant Talon 0$323.44 pp
Or bring your own bike.
Good to know before you ride
- Above-average fitness and a medium skill level are required. Expect bike push/carry sections above 3,000m and technical, natural trails with rocks, roots, exposure and stone stairs.
- Bring your own bike or hire one. Full suspension (100–140mm travel), 2.25–2.45 tyres and tubeless are recommended; hardtails are not recommended for this trip.
- Weather is unpredictable: -10°C to 25°C, with snow, sleet, hail or rain possible. Teahouses are not heated, so pack warm evening layers.
- 17kg personal luggage per person in the duffle bag provided (no wheelie suitcases). Bike bags can be stored at the Kathmandu hotel.
- Guides carry tools, pumps, spare parts and a full first-aid kit. Evacuation insurance is required.
What's included
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu
- 9 nights teahouses
- 1 night hotel in Pokhara
- Meals as per itinerary
- Drinking water and tea/coffee with meals
- 4 airport transfers
- Fully supported with porters
- 13 days qualified mountain bike guide
- Domestic flight Pokhara to Kathmandu
- All permits and entry fees to sites visited
Not included
- International airfare
- Personal insurance (evacuation cover required)
- Visa fees
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Activities outside the programme
- Drinks other than those listed
- Additional accommodation
- Bike hire (optional, see below)
Annapurna Circuit MTB Adventure
14 days · Challenging
No obligation — Raj & team reply personally
Trade partner? Log in for your commission & branded proposals.