Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking

The overall Annapurna region experiences a highly diverse climate. The lowlands of the region are shaped by the subtropical monsoon while the highlands are affected by the alpine glaciated weather.

The temperature is also very dependent on altitude. During the day in the lowlands, it will be about +25 and above, and at night +15. At an altitude of about 3000 meters at night it will already drop to 0, and at 5000 m to -15 Celsius.

Both tropical plants and conifers native to more northern latitudes grow in the valleys. The weather in this area is very changeable. It often rains here, and heavy, unpredictable snowfalls are not uncommon at altitude.

Seeing the climate variation of the Annapurna region, and seeing that the bicycle is made for riding in the drier setting, the most remarkable timeframe for the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking is the driest period between mid-September to early December.

Throughout this season, the climate will be enjoyable, characterized by dry and bright conditions, which will enable us to complete our planned rides each day.

The rain will purify the air, resulting in superb visibility. The forests we will pass through will be vibrant with yellow and brown tones. Plus, the annual celebrations of Dashain and Tihar will occur in this period, resulting in minimal traffic on the routes.

The springtime from March month to the end of May days is another ideal time with the drier weather. However, expect occasional showers in between but the landscape bursts into life, particularly with the stunning rhododendrons in full bloom.

We however don’t suggest the summer rain month from June to the mid-September and icy winter from late December to February. The bike tires may slide or skid from the rack due to slippery and icy conditions.

We here want to emphasize that mountain biking apart from the climate also depends on your skill and the level of preparation of the bike.

Certainly, the Annapurna circuit is all about its beauty but it is also fraught with certain difficulties and requires careful preparation. Thus, our Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking embraces the essence of the intermediate-level adventure which can pose numerous different challenges to the bikers.

The significant altitude at which most of the route passes is the first challenge where the highest tour altitude is 5416 m with maximum overnight stay at 4500 m.

Passages around Thorong La can be a technical endeavor where a sliding trail is to be expected. In addition, the climb to the Thorong La Pass involves a hiking passage over 900 meters in altitude.

This means, you should not only be an expert in handling your bicycles but also should be properly acclimatized so that the body gets used to the decrease in oxygen levels.

Secondly, the route passes through rough terrain, where there are often steep ascents and descents, as well as areas with loose soil. Therefore, it is important that you are comfortable with your mountain bikes and know what you are doing; when to ride and when to walk.

Thirdly, weather conditions in the mountains can be unpredictable, so you need to be prepared for any changes. And lastly, the travel times per day can extend up to 7 to 8 hours.

Whether you are a professional athlete, a non-professional cyclist, or a beginner, crossing the Annapurna by bicycle remains the dream of many. And we are committed to turn your dream to life.

If you are confident in your bike riding skill, if you can push yourself to pedal harder or ease off when the situation calls for it, and if you can descend from high altitudes with caution, then you are invited to be a part of our Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking adventure.

If you are a true cycling enthusiast, then you can experience for yourself the thrill of the descents, the beauty of the trails, and the quality of the infrastructure that warmly welcomes you.

Since, mountain biking is like a sport where you must feel good, work hard, and push yourself far from chaos and traffic; and more importantly you must have fun and the adrenaline rush; we have therefore our expert cyclist guide who will accompany you on this tour.

Altitude sickness, also known as hypoxia or mountain sickness, is a significant challenge during cycling tours in Nepal. Even while cycling, the reduced oxygen levels in the atmosphere can adversely affect your body, leading to altitude sickness.

Our goal is to ensure that each of our cyclists has an enjoyable experience without the discomfort of this condition. To achieve this, we have developed a comprehensive acclimatization program following its important principle.

For the lengthy road travel from Kathmandu to Besisahar, we will use a private tourist vehicle. From Besisahar, we will then ride on a manageable distance of 38 km to Tal.

This gradual increase in distance will give our bodies sufficient time to adjust to the new air of the Annapurna region. Additionally, since Manang is situated in a different climatic zone, we have arranged for a two-night stay to facilitate further acclimatization.

Even after all these endeavors, some may have headaches, dizziness, nausea, and sore bodies. To minimize its impact, you need to therefore eat well and sleep enough.

Be psychologically prepared for physical activity, drink at least 3 liters of water, and starting from altitudes of 3000-3500 meters, slowly gain altitude 400-600 meters per day. To completely avoid altitude sickness, take Diamox, which facilitates faster acclimatization.

After you decide to join our Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking, then you should understand about the terrain you will be tackling. The Annapurna region has mixed trails and tracks, so to have fun at all levels, the trail bikes will be an excellent choice that is lighter and more high-performing.

If possible, make sure your trail bikes come with 27.5″ wheels which can allow you to do a bit of everything. Next, there must be a good, functioning, reactive gearbox along with the knobby tires that can provide you the correct grip on varied terrain.

The other most essential feature is the good braking system. Now, all mountain bikes have hydraulic disc brakes which are good but please check if it’s working properly.

Proper equipment is a must for an enjoyable carefree bike ride. The complete mountain bike kit is something complex and based primarily on the bikers’ needs but here are the basic gear you will be needing for the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking:

• Helmet: Make sure your helmet features MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System), which protects your head against rotational forces beyond just direct impacts.
• Padded Shorts: for a much more comfortable long-hour ride
• Mountain bike suitable T-shirts and shirts: to keep you cool and calm and prevent sticking it to the body
• Mountain bike suitable shoes: should have thick rubber, and harder soles to protect your feet when pedaling
• Gloves: long finger gloves for comfort and safety of the grip on the handlebars
• Protective Sunglasses: for the protection of your eyes
• Water Bottle: for hydration en route
• Repair Kit: it should have at least spare inner tubes, Hand pump or CO₂ cartridge adapter, tire levers, and multi-tool

Note:

During the trek, our guide will also carry basic bike repairing tools to assist you. He will be present throughout the journey, not only to provide guidance and support but also to repair bike. He is an expert mechanic capable of resolving any arsing issues on the spot so your tour continues smoothly.

Many of our cyclists feel comfortable in their own mountain bikes, and why not; after all cycling one’s own bike gives you the feel of confidence. You will have familiarity and know how to change gears, when and how to turn, spin the pedals, and most of all handle the bike when descending.

So, if you think you can bring your own mountain bike from your home, then it will be a wise choice. But shipping the bike and all the customs formalities will be more stressful.

In such circumstances, you can rent a bike in Kathmandu where there is a wide variety of mountain bike rentals available. Depending on your height, skill, your choice, you can hire professional bikes from well-known brands to a fully suspension bike or any other mountain bike at USD 60 to USD 100 rental per bike per day.

Unlike the trekking preparation, the mountain biking tour needs a specific approach. If you have no experience, then you must start pedaling on natural terrain. Then, you can change to a more technical route that has some jumps, rocks, or other obstacles.

You will also have to learn and be efficient to change gears even when the pedals turn under a small load. You should also earn pedaling uphill and most importantly learn to head downhill in attack position with head raises and eyes facing forward.

Another skill you must master is turning the bike and applying the brake on time before the curve appears. You should also focus on learning how to handle the bike and body in a change of direction.

You can now make your first attempt on city streets, then move on to forest routes, and finally challenge yourself with mountain terrain.

We will take care of each of our guests from the moment they arrive. We will meet our arriving guests at TIA and organize a private transfer to the hotel.

And after the tour, we make sure to see off each guest again a private transport. Our Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking tour also provides a private tourist vehicle service for transfer to Besisahar and Kathmandu.

In Kathmandu, you will live in a double bedroom of a good three-star hotel in the city center. All the overnight stays in the trip will be in the lodges owned by the local population. Some may have private sanitary facilities in the room and some may have only simple communal sanitary facilities.

Single rooms are possible in Kathmandu and Pokhara at an extra supplement.

Our tour provides breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara and three meals a day on the trip: breakfast, dinner, and lunch in the lodge. Dumplings, Dal Vat, pizza, burgers, pasta, and noodles will be the common options.

You can use the roaming service within your home network; however, for a more economical option, you can use local SIM cards from NCELL or NTC. They also offer eSIM options that can be activated online. With their 4G service, you can stay online all the time.

WiFi is generally available in most lodges, and on certain routes, you may encounter free WiFi, although its stability can be inconsistent. All lodges provide electricity, but room outlets may not always be available.

You can still easily charge your devices in common areas or your room. The costs can vary, with WiFi prices ranging from USD 3 to 5 and charging fees between USD 2 to 3.

Travel insurance very much essential for our Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking tour. First, to obtain the permits, we need to show a copy of your insurance and secondly, travel insurance protects you from any financial liabilities.

Because, regardless of your skills and experience, some distractions or sharp turns, or careless behavior of pedestrians can often lead to sudden accidents. Cyclists are the least protected road travelers which is why you should take the support of insurance.

Your travel insurance policy should include the cost of treatment, rescue, costs of accidents, insurance in the event of death or disability, bicycle, and luggage insurance in the event of theft or damage, and third-party liability insurance in the event of damage to third parties.

For our Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking tour, we will need to get a TIMS (Trackers’ Information Management System) tracker card. We will also need a permit to enter the protected Annapurna National Park called an ACAP permit.

These permits are granted by the Kathmandu Nepal Tourism Board and Pokhara at the ACAP permit and TIMS counter.

You need to have 4 photos of size 3×4, a copy of your passport, and 3000 rupees (approximately $30) for ACAP and 1000 rupees (approximately $10) for TIMS.

When taking out the permit, a form indicating the start and end dates of the tour and the route must be filled. This is necessary in order to make a map with contact information and a description of the route, with the help of which the Nepalese authorities will find the tourist in the event of any emergency.

These documents should not be hidden deep in your backpack – they need to be marked in almost every major village on the trek.