Ride the full Annapurna Circuit with a dedicated support vehicle, Tilicho Lake side trip, and the highest rideable pass crossing in Nepal
One of the highest mountain pass crossings accessible by bicycle anywhere in the world
Carries your luggage the entire route so you ride with a light daypack only
A hike-and-bike extension almost no circuit riders attempt, one of the highest lakes on earth
xperienced mountain biking guide with Annapurna Circuit-specific route knowledge
The Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking trip covers the full 300km circuit in 16 days with a dedicated support vehicle, a Tilicho Lake side trip, and a crossing of Thorong La Pass at 5,416m. The route runs from Besisahar through subtropical river valleys, pine forests, high alpine desert, and ancient Gurung and Thakali villages before descending through the Kali Gandaki gorge to Pokhara.
Roughly 35 percent of the route above Besisahar is paved or compacted road. The rest is unpaved jeep track, loose gravel, rocky singletrack, and above 4,500m, sections where carrying and pushing the bike is unavoidable. The Thorong La Pass crossing requires 3 to 4 hours of bike carrying on steep rocky terrain before a 1,600m descent to Muktinath. This trip is rated hard and is suitable only for experienced mountain bikers with strong technical skills, excellent cardiovascular fitness, and prior experience at altitude above 3,000m.
A dedicated support vehicle travels with the group from Kathmandu to Besisahar and from Beni to Pokhara. Above Manang where the vehicle cannot follow, porters carry overnight luggage. All meals are included from Day 3 at Besisahar through to Day 14 at Pokhara. Kumar answers personally if you have questions before booking.
For a shorter introduction to Annapurna biking see our Muktinath to Pokhara Downhill Biking Adventure. For riders who want to go deeper into the Mustang region the Upper Mustang Biking Adventure is the natural next step.
A MountainKick representative meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. Your guide runs a comprehensive pre-trip briefing covering the full 16-day route, daily expectations, altitude protocols, and bike setup. The evening is free to explore Thamel and pick up any last-minute gear or supplies
A morning briefing covers safety protocols, high-altitude riding challenges, and emergency procedures before an afternoon guided test ride through Kathmandu Valley on a loop through Newari villages and temple paths. This warm-up ride is used to fine-tune bike fitting, test all equipment, and identify any mechanical issues before leaving the city
An early departure by private support vehicle through Dhading, Chitwan, and Tanahun districts with the first sustained views of the middle hills and the approaching Himalayan front range. Besisahar is the gateway to the Annapurna Conservation Area and the official start of the biking circuit. Use the afternoon for a final bike check and to meet the support team
The first real riding day follows the Marsyangdi River valley upstream through Gurung villages, suspension bridges, and waterfalls on a mix of jeep track and singletrack. The day involves 670m of net climbing with the first views of Manaslu at 8,163m and Himalchuli at 7,893m beginning to appear above the treeline. Jagat has an ACAP checkpoint where permits are inspected
A shorter distance day but with sustained climbing and increasingly technical terrain as the valley narrows and the trail gains altitude. The steepest section above Danaque requires significant pushing before the trail widens approaching Chame, the administrative headquarters of Manang District. Natural hot springs a five-minute walk from the village are the best recovery option after a hard day in the saddle
The trail climbs out of pine forest above Chame and opens into the wide arid Manang valley where the Annapurna massif suddenly fills the southern skyline. The route passes through Pisang, Braga, and Ngawal before the final run into Manang. Braga village, one of the oldest settlements on the circuit, has a 500-year-old monastery worth stopping at before the push to Manang
A mandatory rest day at 3,540m before the higher altitude days ahead. The Himalayan Rescue Association runs a free altitude sickness briefing in Manang that all riders should attend. Short hikes to Ice Lake at 4,600m or Gangapurna Lake are the recommended acclimatization activity. The afternoon is free for bike maintenance and gear checks
From Manang the route heads west on rough jeep track through Khangsar village to Shree Kharka where bikes are stored safely at the lodge. The remaining trail to Tilicho Base Camp is a hike through dramatic high-altitude terrain with views of Tilicho Peak at 7,134m and Annapurna III. An early overnight at base camp prepares you for the lake ascent the following morning
An early start from base camp for the 5km ascent to Tilicho Lake at 4,919m on rocky trail with possible snow ramps in some seasons. The lake is a vast turquoise sheet ringed by Tilicho Peak, Annapurna III, and the Cathedral Glacier. After descending to Shree Kharka the bike ride back to Manang through the Khangsar valley is mostly fast and rideable
Back on the main circuit route heading toward Thorong La. The trail climbs steadily through Tenki Manang, the last permanent settlement before the pass, and up to the high pastures of Yak Kharka. The distance is short but the altitude gain is steady and the air noticeably thinner with every kilometre. An early night is advisable before the high camp push tomorrow
The shortest riding day by distance but among the hardest by effort. At this altitude cycling feels like wading through water and even walking requires deliberate effort. An early arrival at high camp is essential for adequate rest before the pre-dawn pass crossing the following morning. Eat well, hydrate aggressively, and sleep as early as possible
Departure from high camp at 4am is mandatory to beat the dangerous afternoon winds on the pass. The summit push involves 3 to 4 hours of carrying and pushing bikes on steep rocky and often snow-covered terrain to the 5,416m summit. The descent from the pass drops nearly 1,600m through the arid Mustang rain shadow to Muktinath, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in the Hindu and Buddhist worlds
The great reward. One of the best descending days on any biking route in the Himalayas, dropping 2,610m through Kagbeni, the medieval gateway to Upper Mustang, and into the Kali Gandaki gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Marpha village and its famous apple orchards and Tukuche with its historic trading houses are both worth stopping at. Natural hot springs wait at Tatopani at the end of the day
The final riding day follows a paved road south through the Modi Khola valley to Kushma, known for Nepal’s highest bungee jump at 228m above the Kali Gandaki gorge. After the ride the support vehicle transfers the group to Pokhara in approximately two hours. A lakeside dinner after two weeks of teahouse food is well deserved
A free morning in Pokhara before the afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. Sunrise at Sarangkot and a morning boat on Phewa Lake are both worth the effort after twelve days of consecutive riding. The 25-minute flight offers views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri on a clear day. Farewell dinner in Kathmandu marks the completion of the circuit
Private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport timed to your flight. Your guide issues completion certificates for the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake extension before seeing you off at departures
In Kathmandu and Pokhara you stay in 3-star hotels on twin-sharing basis with breakfast included. Rooms have private bathrooms, hot water, and Wi-Fi. On the circuit from Besisahar to Tatopani you stay in teahouse guesthouses with basic twin rooms, shared or private bathrooms, and simple facilities. Hot showers and Wi-Fi are available at most stops for a small extra charge. Standards decrease with altitude. Above Manang expect more basic conditions with limited electricity and no reliable hot showers. Tilicho Base Camp guesthouses are the most basic overnight of the trip with minimal facilities at 4,150m. Thorong High Camp at 4,925m has very basic shared accommodation with limited heating. Single supplement is available on request throughout but cannot be guaranteed at very high altitude stops above Manang.
All meals are included from Day 3 at Besisahar through to Day 14 at Pokhara. In Kathmandu and Pokhara only breakfast is included at the hotel. Fresh fruit is provided during riding days from the support vehicle. Teahouses and guesthouses on the circuit serve dal bhat, noodle soups, fried rice, momos, eggs, and pasta. Vegetarian options are available everywhere. Above Manang food choices narrow and prices increase as everything is carried in by porter or mule. Budget for personal drinks, snacks, and any extras outside the included meals. A farewell dinner is included on Day 15 in Kathmandu.
| Personal drinks and snacks | $10 to $20 per day |
| Hot shower | $2 to $5 |
| Wi-Fi | $2 to $5 per day |
| Battery charging | $1 to $2 per device |
| Tatopani hot springs entry | $2 to $3 |
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This trip requires advanced mountain biking skills and strong physical fitness. You should be comfortable riding technical loose and rocky terrain for 5 to 8 hours at altitude and experienced in multi-day riding. Prior experience at altitude above 3,000m is strongly recommended. This trip is not suitable for beginners or casual cyclists. If you want to assess your readiness, our Kathmandu Valley Biking Tour is a good gauge before committing to the circuit.
No. You ride from Manang to Shree Kharka on rough mountain track, approximately 14km. Bikes are left at the Shree Kharka lodge and the remaining trail to Tilicho Base Camp and the lake is a hike. This is a hike-and-bike day which is a richer experience than pure riding. The lake at 4,919m is worth every step of the approach.
It is the hardest single day of the trip. The summit push from high camp involves 3 to 4 hours of carrying and pushing bikes on steep rocky terrain at above 5,000m where oxygen levels are severely reduced. Departure at 4am is mandatory to beat dangerous afternoon winds. The descent from the 5,416m summit to Muktinath drops nearly 1,600m and is increasingly rideable and extraordinary. Come mentally prepared for the carry section.
Bikes are not included in the package price but are available as an optional rental. We offer standard bikes at NPR 2,200 per day, mountain bikes at $33 per day, and electric bikes at $100 per day. All rental bikes are checked and adjusted at the Day 2 test ride. If you bring your own bike let us know in advance so we can arrange transport for the flight section.
A full-suspension mountain bike is ideal for the technical sections above Chame and on the Tilicho approach. A quality hardtail with 2.2 inch or wider tyres is acceptable. Road bikes and hybrid bikes are not suitable for this route. Electric mountain bikes are available as a rental option for riders who want assistance on the sustained climbing sections.
Your guide is trained in altitude sickness recognition and response. If symptoms are mild the protocol is to rest, hydrate, and not ascend further. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, descent is mandatory. Helicopter evacuation from the circuit to Kathmandu is the standard emergency response for serious cases. This is why comprehensive travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation above 5,500m is mandatory for all participants.
The support vehicle travels between road-accessible points on the circuit and is available at most overnight stops from Besisahar to Beni. Above Manang on sections the vehicle cannot access, porters carry overnight luggage. The vehicle carries your main bag throughout so you ride with a light daypack only. It also provides backup transport if any rider needs to skip a section due to fatigue, injury, or altitude.
September to early December and March to May. Post-monsoon October and November give the most stable pass conditions and clearest mountain views. Spring is warmer at lower elevations but Thorong La can still have significant snow in March. The pass is sometimes closed in January and February due to heavy snowfall. We do not operate this trip during the monsoon months of June to August.
All meals are included from Day 3 at Besisahar through to Day 14 at Pokhara. In Kathmandu and Pokhara only breakfast is included at the hotel. Fresh fruit is provided from the support vehicle during riding days. A farewell dinner is included on Day 15 in Kathmandu. Budget for personal drinks, snacks, hot showers, and Wi-Fi along the circuit as these are not included.
Two permits are required: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. Both are arranged by MountainKick in Kathmandu before departure and are included in the package price. You will need to carry your passport and permit copies at all checkpoints along the route.
Travel insurance covering high-altitude mountain biking above 5,500m and emergency helicopter evacuation is mandatory for all participants. We will ask for proof of insurance before departure. Helicopter rescue from the Thorong La area costs approximately $4,000 to $6,000 without insurance. Purchase your policy before arriving in Nepal and carry a printed copy throughout the trip.
Yes. Common adjustments include skipping the Tilicho extension to reduce the trip to 15 days, adding a rest day at Tatopani, or extending with a post-trip trekking or biking addition. Contact us directly to discuss options or use our trip customisation page.
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
| 30+ days before departure | Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full |
| 15–29 days before departure | 50% of total trip cost charged |
| Under 15 days | No refund |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
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| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain bike, full-suspension or hardtail | 1 | Full-suspension ideal above Chame. Hardtail with 2.2 inch tyres minimum acceptable. Rentable through us. |
| Bike helmet | 1 | Mandatory. Bring your own for fit and safety. Confirm rental availability with us in advance. |
| Padded cycling shorts or bibs | 3 pairs | Minimum 3 for 14 riding days. Comfort on rough trail depends on this more than any other item. |
| Cycling gloves, full finger | 3 pairs | 3 pairs |
| Full finger only. Lose one pair and you still have two. Essential for rocky terrain. | 2 each | One short sleeve for lower sections, one long sleeve for above Manang. |
| Windproof cycling jacket | 1 | For descents above 3,500m. The Kali Gandaki gorge descent can be very cold. |
| Bike shoes, clipless or flat pedal | 1 pair | Compatible with your pedal system. Must be broken in before arrival. |
| Bike repair kit | 1 set | Inner tubes x3, tyre levers, multi-tool, chain tool, chain lube, patch kit. |
| Bike pump or CO2 cartridges | 1 | CO2 is lighter. Carry both if possible. |
| Bike lights, front and rear | 1 set | For pre-dawn Thorong La start on Day 12. |
| Bike lock | 1 | For overnight security at guesthouses. |
| Hydration pack or water bottles | 2L minimum | Carry on the bike. Drink constantly above 3,500m. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture-wicking base layer tops | 2 | Merino or synthetic. No cotton at any altitude. |
| Thermal base layer bottoms | 1 | For Thorong High Camp night and Tilicho Lake hike. |
| Fleece jacket | 1 | Mid layer for evenings above Manang and rest days. |
| Down jacket | 1 | For teahouse evenings on approach and Tilicho Base Camp. |
| Expedition down parka | 1 | Essential for Thorong High Camp night at -15°C. Standard trekking down is not enough. Rentable in Kathmandu. |
| Waterproof shell jacket with hood | 1 | For rain on lower sections and wind on the pass. |
| Waterproof shell pants | 1 | Wind and rain protection on the upper mountain sections. |
| Warm trekking pants | 1 pair | For pushing and carrying sections above Manang. |
| Sun hat or cap | 1 | UV is extreme above 3,000m and on open trail sections. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bike shoes | 1 pair | For all rideable sections. Must be compatible with your pedal system. |
| Waterproof hiking boots, high-ankle | 1 pair | For bike carry and push sections, Tilicho Lake hike, and Thorong La summit. Well broken in. |
| Merino wool hiking socks | 4 pairs | For hiking boots sections. Never cotton. |
| Cycling socks | 5 pairs | For riding days. Enough for the full circuit. |
| Camp sandals | 1 pair | For teahouse evenings and guesthouse recovery. |
| Gaiters | 1 pair | For dusty trail sections and possible snow above 4,500m. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping bag rated to -10°C | 1 | Guesthouses provide blankets but Thorong High Camp drops to -15°C. A -10°C bag plus blankets covers you comfortably. Rentable in Kathmandu. |
| Sleeping bag liner | 1 | Adds 3 to 5°C warmth and hygiene across 14 guesthouse nights. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Warm beanie | 1 | For cold mornings above Manang and Thorong High Camp night. |
| Balaclava | 1 | For the 4am Thorong La departure and exposed summit sections. |
| Neck gaiter or buff | 2 | Dust on lower trail sections and cold wind above 4,000m. |
| Liner gloves, thin | 1 pair | For trail use and cold morning starts on the bike. |
| Insulated gloves | 1 pair | For above Manang riding and Thorong La carry sections. |
| Glacier goggles or ski goggles | 1 pair | For white-out conditions and high wind on Thorong La summit. |
| Sunglasses, UV protection | 1 pair | For all riding and hiking sections. UV is extreme above 3,000m. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Daypack 25 to 35L with rain cover | 1 | Carries everything you need on the bike each day. Support vehicle takes the main bag. |
| Headlamp with spare batteries | 1 | Essential for 4am Thorong La departure. Cold destroys batteries above 4,500m. Keep spare set in sleeping bag overnight. |
| Trekking poles, collapsible | 1 pair | For Tilicho Lake hike and bike carry sections on Thorong La. Leave at guesthouse on riding days. |
| Dry bags | 3 | Electronics, documents, and spare dry clothes inside main bag. |
| Water purification tablets or filter | 1 | Saves money and reduces plastic across 14 riding days. |
| Power bank 20,000mAh | 1 | Charging costs at high altitude guesthouses. Keep in sleeping bag overnight in cold. |
| Crampons or microspikes | 1 pair | For Tilicho Lake hike and Thorong La in heavy snow conditions. Rentable in Manang if needed. |
| Small padlock | 1 | For main bag at guesthouses. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen SPF 50 | 2 | Reapply every 2 hours above Namche equivalent altitude. Bring a spare. |
| Lip balm with SPF | 2 | Wind and altitude crack lips fast from Manang onward. |
| Electrolyte powder sachets | 20 | Mix into water daily above 3,500m. Hydration at altitude is harder than it sounds. |
| High protein snacks and energy bars | As needed | For summit day and long riding days. Guesthouse food is carb-heavy. |
| Personal first aid kit | 1 | Blister treatment, antiseptic, bandages, ibuprofen, Imodium, rehydration sachets. |
| Altitude sickness tablets Diamox | As needed | Consult your doctor before trek. Not a substitute for proper acclimatization. |
| Hand and toe warmers | 10 pairs | For Thorong La summit day and Thorong High Camp morning. Stock up in Kathmandu. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Microfiber towel | 1 | Guesthouses do not provide towels. |
| Hand sanitizer | 2 small | Not always water available before meals on trail. |
| Biodegradable wet wipes | 3 packs | Limited showers above Manang and at Tilicho Base Camp. |
| Toilet paper | 3 rolls | Guesthouses can run out. Always carry your own. |
| Earplugs | 2 pairs | Guesthouse walls are thin across 14 nights of shared accommodation. |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Passport, valid 6 months | 1 | Keep a photocopy separate. Required at ACAP checkpoints throughout. |
| Travel insurance document | 1 | Must cover high-altitude mountain biking above 5,500m and helicopter evacuation. Printed copy required. |
| Cash, Nepali rupees | As needed | For personal drinks, snacks, hot showers, and Wi-Fi. ATMs in Besisahar and Manang. No ATMs after Manang on the circuit. |
| Permit copies | 1 set | We handle all permits. Carry your copies at all ACAP checkpoints. |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bag rated to -20°C | Upgrade from standard -10°C bag. Thorong High Camp can reach -20°C in December and January |
| Expedition down parka upgrade | Standard trekking down is not enough in winter at 4,850m. Expedition-grade parka required |
| Insulated waterproof gloves | Liner gloves alone are not enough on the pre-dawn Thorong La summit push in winter |
| Balaclava with face protection | Standard beanie not enough at -25°C wind chill on the exposed pass summit in winter |
| Extra hand and toe warmers | Double the quantity for winter departures |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Rain poncho | Covers both you and your daypack on heavy rain days below Chame |
| Extra dry bags | Everything in your daypack needs double waterproofing in monsoon |
| Extra quick-dry cycling jerseys | Nothing dries overnight in monsoon humidity at lower elevations |
| Leech socks | Active on lower trail sections between Besisahar and Chamje from June onwards |
Mountain bikes, electric bikes, and standard bikes can be rented through us. Sleeping bags rated to -10°C and expedition down parkas are also available for rent in Kathmandu. Crampons and microspikes for Tilicho and Thorong La are rentable in Manang. MountainKick provides a duffel bag for the support vehicle and connects you with trusted Thamel gear shops at the pre-trip briefing.
Kumar and the team have guided this route for over a decade. Ask anything — gear, fitness, altitude, private groups — before you commit.
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