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The road construction on the route of—one of the best long-distance treks in the world—Annapurna Circuit is a disappointment for the trekker’s community. But at the same time, it is a unique opportunity for cyclists to explore the route on mountain bikes. The Annapurna Circuit bikepacking route has been gaining popularity in recent years. Imagine pedaling through the undulating trail and maneuvering through the rocky ascents and descents that lead to one of the highest mountain passes in the world. The sheer thrill of conquering the winding trails leading to Thorong La Pass is nothing short of magical.
Exploring the majestic landscape of the Annapurna Circuit on two wheels is an incredible adventure and a victory that few can claim. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a casual rider seeking extraordinary and one-of-a-kind two-wheel adventure, Annapurna Circuit mountain biking promises to elevate your riding experience. If you are interested in mountain biking in Nepal, especially in the Annapurna Circuit, this blog is a must-read for you.
You need the right gear and meticulous preparation for a mountain biking adventure in the Annapurna Circuit. First things first, you need a reliable and sturdy mountain bike on top of your mountain biking packing list. A full-suspension bike equipped to absorb shocks on challenging trails would be among the essential prerequisites. The importance of a well-fitted helmet and biking glasses cannot be overstated. Without it, you may struggle, let alone complete the adventure.
For enhanced grip on your hands, you will need specialized cycling gloves. Similarly, quality cycling shoes with proper traction for efficient paddling are a must. For layering, a moisture-wicking base layer and a waterproof and breathable jacket are absolute needs. Add a raincoat to your list for rainy days. A compact repair kit, including a multitool, spare tubes, a first aid kit, and a reliable pump, is more than a practical necessity for emergencies. Additionally, a headlight, sunscreen, and a map are three important things you cannot afford to miss.
Here’s the Mountain Biking Packing List for Annapurna Circuit:
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the two prime seasons to do biking adventures on the Annapurna Circuit route. The best months are March, April, October and November. Summer (June to August) can also be considered the best time for mountain biking in Annapurna. Similarly, winter (December to February) offers a serene experience, but the downside is colder temperatures and the possibility of snow-covered trails. These periods offer clear skies, balmy weather and excellent visibility of the majestic mountains. While autumn offers cooler temperatures and cleaner air following the monsoon, spring brings flowering flowers and a somewhat milder climate. Both seasons present ideal conditions, allowing adventurers to experience breathtaking landscapes and remarkable mountain views.
On a scale of 1 to 10, most cyclists would rate the difficulty level of Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking as 8 or 9. The Annapurna Circuit mountain biking trail possesses formidable challenges mainly due to high-altitude and rugged off-road terrain. The first challenge is the long-distance trail, which demands a good level of endurance. Secondly, the diverse biking terrain demands advanced biking skills; you must be ready to ride efficiently through loose gravel and sizable rocks. Most importantly, riding at an elevation exceeding 5,000m can cause rapid physical exertion and the onset of altitude sickness. Cyclists undertaking the route will encounter challenges like reduced oxygen levels, rocky descents, narrow trails and landslide-affected trails.
Your physical fitness and mental preparedness are the two paramount foundations for tackling the challenges of mountain biking in the Annapurna Circuit route. On top of that, your bike-handling skills and good maneuverability count. Every rider must build endurance to withstand the challenges of rugged terrains, steep ascents and technical descents. Riding downhill on steep gradients is quite challenging; it’s a brake-breaking ride. For an efficient training regimen, incorporate both on-road and off-road cycling sessions for a couple of weeks. You must focus on your lower body strength and core stability. For endurance-focused training, you can start with cardiovascular fitness through regular exercises like hiking, running, or cycling to enhance endurance. Swimming is deemed to be a great cross-training. Exercises like lateral ski jump exercises, burpee exercises, and nerve glide exercises are some of the best exercises for mountain biking.
Acclimatization is key. Annapurna Circuit is one of the highest and best trekking and biking routes in the world that takes you to an altitude above 5000m. There’s nothing more important than being safe from altitude-related issues when embarking on an adventure to high altitudes. As soon as you ride above 3000m, you are exposed to reduced oxygen levels, and there’s a high chance of altitude sickness. Therefore, it is absolutely imperative to acclimatize to higher altitudes. You can do this by drinking enough, gradually increasing, and avoiding alcohol. You must wear UV-protective sunglasses and apply sunscreen to fight the intense mountain sun. To ensure safety and optimize your readiness, make sure to choose the right helmet and biking shoes. Additionally, you should be ready for unpredictable mountain weather.
The Annapurna Circuit mountain biking route spans approximately 220 kilometers (135 miles), following the Annapurna Circuit trek route to Thorong La Pass at 5,416m (17,769 ft.). You will have to ride rocky paths, rickety suspension bridges, winding roads, and forested areas, through sparse mountain villages, semi-arid desert-like landscapes and alpine landscapes with towering peaks like Annapurna looming in the background.
While the starting point can vary depending on the itinerary, the common starting point for mountain biking in the Annapurna Circuit is Besi Sahar. The first 5 to 6 days mostly climb uphill through Thorong La Pass. The acclimatization point en route is Manang at 3,500 m due to its strategic location in the circuit. Besides, there are several short hikes around Manang, like Ice Lake, Tilicho Lake and Praken Gompa. Here’s the outlined itinerary, starting from Besi Sahar. It takes around 12 days to complete this mountain biking adventure.
Day 1: Besi Sahar to Taal, 30 km
Day 2: Taal to Chame, 36 km
Day 3: Chame to Manang, 30 km
Day 4: Rest Day in Manang
Day 5: Manang to Thorong Phedi, 17 km
Day 6: Thorong phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass, 14 km
Day 7: Muktinath to Marpha, 30 km
Day 8: Marpha to Tatopani, 30 km
Day 9: Tatopani to Pokhara, 28 km
Day 10: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
The route of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is dotted with teahouses and lodges. There are many rest stops and accommodations along the route. The teahouse is the most common accommodation option on the Annapurna Circuit route, featuring basic facilities like a twin bed with blanket and pillow, a shared bathroom and a communal dining area. Dining areas in the tea houses serve a variety of meals, including both local and international dishes. They might have shared bathrooms with squat toilets and cold running water, although some places might offer hot showers for an extra cost. If we are considering a similar itinerary as above, there are teahouses scattered at every rest stop. These stop points are the best and also serve as checkpoints where you can assess your progress and adjust your schedule.
No, it’s not recommended. If you are planning to bring your own, be ready for some practical considerations like airline weight limits, logistics of bike transportation, and potential airline fees. You’re recommended to bring only if you have a strong attachment to the bike and if you are not comfortable riding a different cycle. That said, most bikers would love to disassemble the bike, pack it, fly it, and assemble it for the ride. However, this option comes at a hefty price. For hassle-free adventure, we recommend renting one from mountain bike shops in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you are wondering about the rental charge, the dual suspension mountain bike usually comes at around NPR 2000 (approximately 23 AUD) per day. And if you are organizing this adventure through a travel agency, they will arrange everything for you.
Like with the Annapurna Circuit trek, you will need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card for a mountain biking adventure to Thorong La Pass. To obtain a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card in Nepal, you’ll typically need passport-sized photos, your passport, personal details like name, insurance, and details of your guide and trekking/cycling route and Itinerary. The cost is NPR 2000 (approximately 23 AUD). After getting a TIMS card, you can apply and get the Annapurna Sanctuary Permit, which requires you to fill out the form and present necessary documents like passport, photos and a fee of NPR 3000 (approximately 34 AUD). You can obtain both these permits at the Tourism Information Center in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Permit requirements might change, so it’s essential to verify the current regulations and necessary permits from the authorities in Pokhara or the tourism office.
As much as we hate to say this, trekkers or bikepackers cannot do a solo trek or mountain biking to Thorong La Pass in the Annapurna region. As of April 1, 2023, you must hire a government-certified guide for the trek and are not allowed to do solo mountain biking in the region. Remember that you must hire a guide through government-authorized trekking companies in Nepal. This means that you need a guide to accompany you on bikes. You can expect to pay $40 per guide per day, which is subject to change depending on his experience.
