Annapurna Circuit Bike Tour Itinerary Day by Day: Explore Nepal on Two Wheels

The Annapurna region in Nepal is the heaven of the mountain bikers who want to have adventure, culture and the eye-opening Himalayan views. The Annapurna Circuit is a combination of difficult rides, cultural experiences and mountain views, which go through lush mid-hills to high mountain alpine and holy villages. It is not simply a ride, but a journey in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, with mountains more than 8,000 meters high and Buddhist traditions centuries old.

Whether you are riding along the Marshyangdi River, over the steep alpine routes, or past the legendary Thorong-La Pass you have a different blend of geography, local life, and exciting riding every day. The following is a day-to-day plan on the Annapurna Circuit mountain biking adventure, designed with mountain bikers in mind, who seek the complete experience of valleys to high passes.

Why the Annapurna Circuit is a Must-Ride MTB Trail

The Annapurna Circuit is regarded as one of the best high-altitude mountain biking trails in the world due to its variety of geography, technical demand, and cultural diversity. Riders traverse:

• Mid-hills in valleys: Traditional villages, river valley, rolling terrain and terraced fields along the Trishuli, Marshyangdi Rivers.
• Mountain foothills pine forests: remote villages, apple orchards, and rich alpine trails.
• Himalayan high passes: Snowy mountains, glacier lakes and famous passes such as Thorong-La.
• Holy and traditional tourist attractions: Manang monasteries, Muktinath temples, and several centuries-old chortens.

The path is fairly challenging to moderately experienced riders who are able to deal with changing landscapes, steep slopes, and elevation.

Annapurna Circuit Bike Tour Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)

Start your adventure at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. After a warm welcome, you’ll transfer to your hotel in Thamel. Explore lively streets, local shops, and cafés in the afternoon. In the evening, meet your guide for a detailed briefing about the journey, including trail conditions, altitude preparation, and safety protocols.

Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara (6–8 hours)

Drive through the lush mid-hills of Nepal, following the Trishuli and Marshyangdi Rivers. Scenic villages, terraced farmland, and river valleys define the route. Upon arrival in Pokhara, explore Lakeside, enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna range, and rest for your first mountain biking day.

Day 3: Warm-Up Ride in Pokhara

Take a gentle ride around Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake. Your guide will assess your riding style, adjust your bike for the trails ahead, and help you get a feel for the local terrain. It’s a perfect mix of preparation and sightseeing, with beautiful lake and valley views as your backdrop.

Day 4: Pokhara to Besisahar & Ride to Syange (25 km / 4–5 hrs)

After a 4-hour drive to Besisahar, start your MTB journey. Ride through lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and the first road tunnel in Nepal, before reaching Syange, a serene village along the Marshyangdi River. Enjoy the soothing river sounds and mountain views as your first night in the Annapurna region.

Day 5: Syange to Dharapani (18 km / ~5 hrs)

Follow the Marsyangdi River upstream, passing charming villages and farmland. Trails gradually gain elevation, becoming steeper and narrower before reaching Dharapani, located at the confluence of Marsyangdi and Dudh Khola rivers. Expect to experience local culture firsthand and enjoy stunning Himalayan scenery along the way.

Day 6: Dharapani to Chame (18 km / 4–5 hrs)

Pedal through apple orchards, terraced fields, and pine forests. The trail climbs steadily past Danakyu and Timang, eventually reaching Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. Here, enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal, and rest at a local guesthouse with internet access.

Day 7: Chame to Dhikur Pokhari (17 km / 4–5 hrs)

This day offers serene pine forests and expansive Himalayan vistas. Uphill climbs lead to Dhikur Pokhari, where the alpine environment begins to dominate. The crisp mountain air and aromatic pine forests create a magical high-altitude riding experience.

Day 8: Pisang to Manang via Ghyaru (22 km / 6–7 hrs)

Climb steeply through dense pine forests to reach Ghyaru, a picturesque village offering panoramic views of Annapurna II and IV. Spot wildlife such as blue sheep, enjoy lunch in Nawal, then descend into Humde Valley and arrive in Manang for an overnight tea house stay.

Day 9: Acclimatization in Manang

A short hike up to 4,000 meters helps your body adjust to altitude. Explore Gangapurna Glacier Lake, monasteries, and local chortens. This day ensures you’re ready for the challenging high passes ahead.

Day 10: Manang to Yak Kharka (10 km / 4–5 hrs)

Ride through high alpine terrain past grazing yaks and rocky trails. The scenery becomes more rugged, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys. Stay overnight in a tea house at Yak Kharka.

Day 11: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (7 km / 3–4 hrs)

Encounter rocky singletracks, narrow paths, and river crossings. Arrive at Thorong Phedi, the base for Thorong-La Pass, the highest point of the circuit. The alpine environment here is stark and awe-inspiring.

Day 12: Thorong-La Pass to Muktinath (19 km / 7–8 hrs)

Start early for climbing  Thorong-La Pass (5,416m). Some sections require pushing or carrying your bike due to steep terrain. At the summit, enjoy sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, then descend to Muktinath, a sacred site with 108 holy water spouts in one line.

Day 13: Muktinath to Kalopani (48 km / 5–6 hrs)

Climb to Lupra Pass and descend through technical and flowy trails, taking in views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. This long, rewarding day combines adventure with breathtaking mountain panoramas.

Day 14: Kalopani to Galeshwor & Drive to Pokhara (40 km / ~5 hrs)

Ride through the Kali Gandaki River Valley, surrounded by the world’s deepest gorge and towering peaks. After Galeshwor, pack the bikes and drive back to Pokhara, celebrating the completion of your epic MTB journey with Nepal MTB adventure.

Day 15: Departure from Pokhara

Depending on your travel plans, fly or drive back to Kathmandu. Take home memories of snow-capped peaks, sacred villages, river valleys, and the ultimate Himalayan mountain biking adventure.

Conclusion

The Annapurna Circuit MTB tour is not just a ride, but the experience of a journey through the vast geography, culture, and natural beauty of Nepal. From river valleys and pine forests to alpine meadows and towering Himalayan passes, every pedal stroke brings you closer to the essence of the Himalayas. Taking time to prepare, having a good guide and an adventure spirit, this circuit is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that every mountain biker would dream of.