In 1977 AD Annapurna was opened for foreigner. Annapurna circuit trek was about 230 km but with the road access, trek is a bit disturbed. But now mountain bike is really popular in Annapurna circuit route. Mt. bike trip goes around the Mt. Annapurna is anti clockwise. The lowest point of biking is about 600m where as the highest point is 5416m at throng la pass. Our itinerary is set in such a way where everyone is will be fully acclimatized before heading to Throngla. We have one more extra day a Manang beside that also we have one extra day at end. On our need we can use that day to acclimatize ourselves in high altitude. After we cross throngla we come across holy temple for Buddhist and Hindu called Muktinath and then we come across Kagbeni, Jomsom, Marpha and the deepest George in the world named Kaligandagaki. We spend one night at tatopani where we can dip into hot spring water and get natural massage.
Annapurna circuit mt. bike ride starts from Beshisahar. Our mt. bike trips goes to the farming field to subtropical forest, we come across waterfall, river and villages. When you are on high altitude you see people and culture similar to Tibet. The people from Tibet migrated here and settled here. So, this part is also called little Tibet. We have a day rest at Manang as crossing 5416m pass throngla will be hard to cross. On that we we hike up and again come and sleep at Manang. We meet different ethnic group like Brahmin, Chettri and mongloid people like Thakali, Gurung and Magar are found in this area. Riding Annapurna circuit on Mt. Bike we will be able to see tropical to Artic type of climate and vegetation.
Highlights:
- Drive to Besisahar is scenic as you are following Trishuli river and Marshyangdi river. You will see linear pattern settlement on the highway.
- Tea houses are neat and clean and provides hygienic food with lot of choices in food.
- You will see plenty of waterfall while you are heading to Manang. On the day you ride from Marpha to Tatopani you will also meet Ruptche waterfall. These waterfall are bigger in size in rainy season.
- Chame, Manang, Muktinath, Jomsom, Marpha where we spend night are worth visiting. So, we can do morning walk or evening walk, it is simply nice, Marpha is more interesting as old houses is preserved and there are alley to walk around. They have good bakery, don’t forget to have apple pie or cake.
- The view of Himalayas keep changing everyday. The view of Himalayas is simply amazing.
- This biking trip is challenging as we need to cross Throngla (5416m) by mountain bike. Here we have carry our bikes both uphill and downhill for hours. It is fun, hard and full of challenge. Physical fitness is must.
- Our itinerary is made perfectly, but still we keep spare day. In case you have problem we can get acclimatization before ascending Thorongla pass.
- Natural massage at hot spring bath at Tatopani is simply the best. You will get relaxed and pain of muscle will go away. You will be refreshed which is towards the end of cycling trip.
How easy is Annapurna Circuit MTB tour?
In term of altitude wise it is quite difficult. We have to cross the pass 5416m which is called Thorong La pass. We have the itinerary with a day rest at Manang. It can over come the altitude sickness.
The trail from Besishar to Thorong Pass is mostly uphill. So, if you find going uphill is difficult then this cycling trip is a bit difficult. After crossing Thorongla the trial is going down hill. The day that we cross Thorongla is quite stiff downhill. We have to be careful. If there is snow it is much harder.
Overall this trip is quite hard and you need to do physical exercise in advance. Drink lots of fluids. Always communicate the health condition with group leader and guide. In peak season you might have to share the rooms or sleep in dormitory in high altitude.
Which time of the year is best to mt. bike at Annnapurna Circuit?
The best time to mt. bike in Annapurna Circuit will be in Autumn and Spring. The sky are clear, the view of Himalaya is fantastic. But in winter the chance of meeting snow is more around Throngla. It will be quite challenging. This MTB tour is also nice in rainy season as most of the area where we bike is rain shadow area. But still it is good to carry good rain coat in rainy season.
What can you expect on Annapurna Circuit Mtb tour?
The tea houses where we spend night while biking in Annapurna are excellent. The accommodation and food in good. Lower section of the tour is more greenery where as upper section is more like desert and semi desert. Thorongla, Muktinath temple, deepest George, hot spring bath are main highlights of the biking trip.
