This extraordinary trip takes you to some of the most stunning and exotic biking routes in Nepal. Annapurna Circuit mountain biking tour passes through a variety of different landscapes, from lush sub-tropical rainforests, deep valleys, and cultivated fields, to wooded alpine and high deserts. Visit many different villages, meet the local hill communities, and enjoy frequent spectacular views of massive Himalayan peaks, including Annapurnas and Manaslu. Reach the lowland villages, dense oak forests, deep gorges, and lovely isolated hamlets to the lap of the mighty high mountains and the Tilicho lake - one of the highest altitude freshwater lakes. To top it all, the crossing of the Thorung La pass (5,416 m) is a challenging ascent, surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountain sceneries in the world.
Begin your mountain biking trip after driving from Kathmandu to Besisahar via ground transportation. This is the starting point of biking (and also that of trekking). From here begin biking anti-clockwise around the Annapurna massif. The trail climbs gradually, allowing you to acclimatize to the high altitudes, as you travel along the Marsyangdi Valley. After the crossing of the Thorong La Pass, descend to Muktinath, one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites. From here, cross Lupra Valley to reach Jomsom, and then descend down to Tukuche, Tatopani and finally at Beni where your biking ends. A jeep will transfer you to Pokhara and the next day return to Kathmandu.
As demanding the rugged terrain and technical tracks are, this trip is designed for the more experienced riders, and not recommended for beginners. It will be grueling but surely worth every drop of sweat.
Our airport representative will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. He will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
Overnight at a three-star hotel. No meals included.
Start point
त्रिभुवन अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय विमानस्थल, त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
In the morning, after breakfast, we host a pre-biking meeting at our office in Kathmandu and introduce you to your biking guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about your trip. We will provide you with a duffel bag and a cap. For the meeting, please make sure you bring your passport, two copies of your passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Please inform us in advance if you will be arriving late and therefore are unable to attend the meeting.
Take a six-hour ride to Besisahar. It is the starting point of the biking trip. There make necessary preparations and meet the support team which includes porters for carrying your luggage and equipments.
Overnight at a hotel. Breakfast included.
The beginning trail follows the course of the Marshyangdi River along the right side of the valley. As you ascend uphill, you gain about 1,000 meters in elevation. The trails are roughly 95% ridable. Today is the perfect prelude to more thrilling riding in the days to follow.
Overnight at a guesthouse. No meals included.
Leaving Tal, there is a mani wall (dry stone wall inlaid with Buddhist prayer slates) in the middle of the path. These should always be passed on the left going clockwise. After going through green corn, barley, and potato fields, the valley becomes narrow again. From Tal to Danaque it will involve a large percentage of push/carry with a very steep challenging climb out of Danaque. It becomes more rideable from here with closer views of snow-capped peaks and a wide-flowing trail to the finish.
Overnight at a guesthouse. No meals included.
Ascend through pine forests as the trail opens into a fertile agriculture valley. The dirt trail leads you through villages and settlements and you get the opportunity to meet with friendly locals and snotty children. From Pisang (3,230 m), the route follows through a wide valley that opens up ahead of us.
Overnight at a guesthouse. No meals included.
You won’t ride further today. Just explore around the Himalayan town to acclimatize to high altitude. Ascending rapidly could have potentially fatal consequences. There are many short excursions from Manang. One of them is a visit to Gangapurna Lake. It will take about half an hour to reach this beautiful lake. We will also go for a short hike to one of the hills which will take around an hour to reach. You can witness the majestic Mt. Gangapurna standing tall and also the beautiful lake beneath from the top of the hill. The rest of the time can be spent acclimatizing and enjoying the environment around.
Overnight at a guesthouse. No meals included.
Leave Manang and then start climbing towards Yak Kharka (4,010 m). Continue to ascend to higher altitude. Pedaling becomes a very hard work due to elevation. So, go slowly. Enjoy the scenery and culture of the region. It is important to remain physically and mentally prepared for the highest ascent of the next day.
Overnight at a guesthouse. No meals included.
Wake up very early for the 4-am start which is necessary to cross Thorong La Pass. The trail can get windy later making it difficult to cross the pass. It will take approximately 4 hours to reach the pass (approx 3 km). You will have to carry your bike to get there. The climb is demanding, the effects of altitude can be felt more and more as you ascend but you will be awe-struck by the spectacular views of the landscape. Once at the top, rest, enjoy the feeling of getting to the highest point of Annapurna Circuit and be ready for the amazing downhill ride. After 45 minutes of technical riding, you will be in Muktinath (3,760 m) where you can rest your exhausted body.
Overnight at a guesthouse. No meals included.
Wake up very early for the 4 a.m. start which is necessary to cross Thorong La Pass. The trail can get windy later making it difficult to cross the pass. It will take approximately 4 hours to reach the pass (approx 3 km). You will have to carry your bike to get there. As the climb is demanding with roughly 70% ridable trails. Once at the top, rest, enjoy the feeling of getting to the highest point of Annapurna Circuit, and be ready for the amazing downhill ride. After 45 minutes of technical riding, you will be in Muktinath (3,760 m) where you can rest your exhausted body.
Overnight at a guesthouse. No meals included.
Exit the pilgrimage town of Muktinath and ride towards Dhangladanda through a less-used trail. From this viewpoint, you will be riding on impressive single tracks all the way down to the river bed in Lupra Valley. Then, paddle to Jomsom where you will rest and have lunch. From Jomsom onwards, move to an old village of Marpha and take a sip of Apple Brandy.
Overnight at a guesthouse. No meals included.
The starting of the trail is easy to ride, but after Rukse Chaahara the trail drops about 1000 meters in elevation. This is the most challenging and enjoyable part of today’s ride as 95% of the trails are ridable. The downhill trail takes you to Tatopani, the village known for its hot springs. Once there, enjoy a refreshing hot bath.
Overnight at a three-star hotel. No meals included.
Today is the last day of riding. Enjoy as you paddle towards Beni municipality, the endpoint of Annapurna Circuit biking. From here, take a jeep for Pokhara. In about 4 hours, you will reach your destination. When in the city, rest and explore.
Overnight at a three-star hotel. No meals included.
Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Check into your hotel and then get ready for your last night in Nepal.
You have the option to extend your trip with the Chitwan jungle safari, rafting and bungee, a Kathmandu valley shopping tour, a scenic Everest flight, and other activities.
Overnight at a three-star hotel. Breakfast and dinner included.
The trip concludes here. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.
Breakfast Included.
End point
त्रिभुवन अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय विमानस्थल, त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
To process a Booking you must send us a completed booking form with 30% non-refundable deposit as detailed below. This will constitute acceptance by you of these Terms and Conditions. We require you to fax or e-mail a copy of your passport to our Kathmandu office at 00977-1-4444911 or at [email protected]. After receiving photocopy of your passport and the completed booking form with your 30% non-refundable deposit we will send you a final confirmation receipt.
All deposits required are per person per trip. Please contact us regarding direct deposit details. A bank service charge may apply and should be paid at the time of deposit.
For Credit Card payment please contact us. We only accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express Card and a 4% levy will be added as card processing fee.
Remaining balance is payable upon your arrival in Nepal for Nepal trip (during the pre-trip meeting or on arrival day). For India remaining balance should be made minimum 15 days before the trip departure. We also reserve the right to cancel your trip should the full amount not be paid in time.
Where possible we will accept your last minute booking 10 days prior to tour departure date; if we have the space available.
NEPAL & INDIA CANCELLATION & BOOKING CHANGES
Cancellation notice is required minimum 20 days prior to trip departure and must be made in writing, such notice commences from the day notice is received. Cancellation shall be valid with approval from the company after receiving documentation. The Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and a cancellation charge of 30% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid.
There will be no refund to clients that provide less than 20 days notice, before trip departure and if a passenger leaves a trip for any reason whatsoever, either voluntarily, involuntarily or if you commit any unlawful act after the trip has commenced. We will make no refunds for any meals, accommodation or services not used.
Should you require other changes to your original tour, the person that booked the tour must submit a written document with changes required. While every effort will be made, changes cannot be guaranteed.
If you have genuine reasons for not taking the trip, for example (without restriction) because of death, injury or serious illness of the passenger, close relative or friend, redundancy or jury service, you may postpone or transfer your booking to another person, provided they meet all the requirements relating to that tour. You must provide proof of why you are unable to travel at the time you change your booking. A fee of $200 US per person is required if you postpone or transfer this tour no less than 20 days prior to trip departure. There will be no options available 20 days before trip departure.
NEPAL & INDIA PASSPORT & VISAS
All clients must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from return date. Nepalese visas can be obtained from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or arrival at Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visas costs are the sole responsibility of clients. For the Indian visa and cost please contact the Indian embassy in your home/resident country. There are no on arrival visa facilities for the Indian visa.
BHUTAN BOOKINGS AND PAYMENTS
To process a Booking you must send us a completed booking form with 50% non-refundable deposit for all Bhutan Trips. We require you to fax or e-mail a copy of your passport to our Kathmandu office at 00977-1-4444911 or at [email protected]. After receiving a copy of your passport and the completed booking form with your non-refundable deposit we will send you final confirmation receipt.
All payments required are per person per trip. Please contact us regarding direct deposit details. A bank service charge may apply and should be paid at the time of deposit.
Remaining balance should be made minimum 20 days before the trip departure. We also reserve the right to cancel your trip should the full amount not be paid in time.
For Credit Card payment please contact us. We only accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and a 4% levy will be added for card processing fee.
Where possible we will accept your last minute booking 20 days prior to tour departure date, full payment is then required.
BHUTAN CANCELLATION & BOOKING CHANGES
Cancellation notice is required minimum 30 days prior to trip departure and must be made in written form. Such notice commences from the day the note is received. Cancellation shall be valid with approval from the company after receiving the documentation. The Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and a cancellation charge of 50% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid.
There will be no refund to clients that provide less than 30 days notice, before trip departure and if a passenger leaves a trip for any reason whatsoever, either voluntarily, involuntarily or if you commit any unlawful act after the trip has commenced. We will make no refunds for any meals, accommodation or services not used.
Should you require other changes to your original tour, the person that booked the tour must submit a written document with changes you require while every effort will be made, changes cannot be guaranteed.
If you are prevented from travelling on the tour, unfortunately there is no refund, transfer or postponing options available as the Bhutanese government has strict Tourism policies.
BHUTAN PASSPORT & VISAS
All clients must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from return date. As you are unable to obtain visas to Bhutan you need to send your passport details to Ace the Himalaya for visa applications for this country, we require this information at least 30 days prior to departure.
TIBET BOOKINGS & PAYMENTS
To process a Booking you must send us a completed booking form with 50% non-refundable deposit for all Tibet Trips. We require you to fax or e-mail a copy of your passport to our Kathmandu office at 00977-1-4444911 or at [email protected]. After receiving a copy of your passport and the completed booking form with your non-refundable deposit we will send you final confirmation receipt.
All deposits required are per person per trip. Please contact us regarding direct deposit details. A bank service charge may apply and should be paid at the time of deposit.
Remaining balance should be made minimum 20 days before the trip departure. We also reserve the right to cancel your trip should the full amount not be paid in time.
For Credit Card payment please contact us. We only accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express card and a 4% levy will be added for card processing fee.
Where possible we will accept your last minute booking 15 days prior to tour departure date, when booking full payment is then required.
TIBET CANCELLATION & BOOKING CHANGES
Cancellation notice is required minimum 30 days prior to trip departure and must be made in written form, such notice commences from the day the note is received. Cancellation shall be valid with approval from the company after receiving documentation. The Trip shall then be termed as cancelled and a cancellation charge of 50% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid.
There will be no refund to clients that provide less than 30 days notice, before trip departure and if a passenger leaves a trip for any reason whatsoever, either voluntarily, involuntarily or if you commit any unlawful act after the trip has commenced. We will make no refunds for any meals, accommodation or services not used.
Should you require other changes to your original tour, the person that booked the tour must submit a written document with changes required. While every effort will be made, changes cannot be guaranteed.
If you are prevented from travelling on the tour by genuine circumstances, for example (without restriction) because of death, injury or serious illness of the passenger, close relative or friend, redundancy or jury service, you may postpone transfer your booking to another person, provided they meet all the requirements relating to that tour. You must provide proof of why you are unable to travel at the time you transfer your booking. A fee of $200 US per person is required if you postpone or transfer this tour no less than 30 days prior to trip departure, if less than 30 days before arrival there is no postpone or transfer option available.
TIBET PASSPORT & VISAS
All clients must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from return date. As you are unable to obtain visas to Tibet you need to send your passport details to Ace the Himalaya for visa applications to this country, we require this information at least 20 days prior to departure.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients undertaking any tour. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter rescue, air ambulance and adequate cover for baggage.
HEALTH & FITNESS
All our tours and treks require a level of fitness, therefore you should always check with your local GP regarding your health and fitness before you travel. It’s the client’s responsibility to notify Ace the Himalaya of any pre-existing medical condition and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of you require medical attention, that may affect your ability to travel.
CHILDREN
A legal guardian must accompany all travelers under the age of sixteen. If you have a question regarding age and suitability, please contact us for further information.
PUBLICITY
You agree that Ace the Himalaya may use images of you taken during the trip without recourse to you and without compensation to you, for publicity and promotion purposes through whatever medium it chooses.
CHANGES TO YOUR TRIP AND PRICE DUE TO NATURAL DISASTER, FLIGHT DELAY, ETC
Travelling with Ace the Himalaya requires a degree of flexibility, good humor and an understanding as unforeseen changes to the itinerary, modes of transportation and accommodation can occur at any time. Changes can also be cancellation and postponement of the trip. Such changes happen due to the unpredictable circumstances such as: flight delay, political unrest, bad weather, road blockage, any natural disaster (earthquake, landslide, flood, snowfall, avalanche, etc.) or other things beyond our control.
When such situations occur, the above mentioned cancellation and booking changes policy doesn’t apply. In other words, there will be no refund of the amount you have paid to us. And any extra cost occurred shall be borne by the clients. We also won’t be responsible for loss of employment, injury, illness and loss of life resulted by the situations beyond our control. However, we will try our best to take you to safety from any kind of danger.
And in the event of cancellation of the booked trip due to reasons out of our control, you are free to reschedule your trip or take an alternative trip of the same category. While rescheduling the trip, you will receive the full credit from your previously booked trip, and you will only pay the difference amount between old and new prices if the price increases for the rescheduled departure.
Furthermore, single-room supplement charge will be imposed to the clients who don’t have another tour participant to share accommodation with. Our trip packages are based on twin-sharing accommodation. And we reserve the right to revise pricing rates posted in our marketing material under any circumstances or on the pressure of various external factors like changes in exchange rate, government action, etc which are far from our control.
PRIVACY
In order to collect information from you to make a booking through Ace the Himalaya we ask many questions to obtain the necessary permits etc. No private or personal information that you supply to us when making a booking will be disclosed for any other purposes.
RISK & LIABILITIES
We are committed to providing the best services which will give you a “once in a lifetime” journey. So, we perform our duties honestly and seriously to achieve our commitment. However, the entire program is conducted strictly under the rules and regulation of their own policies.
Therefore, Ace the Himalaya and its related organization shall not be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances such as government restriction, bad weather, road blockage, political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay, sickness or accident, any natural disaster (earthquake, landslide, flood, snowfall, avalanche, etc) or other things beyond our control. But we will try our best to take you to safety from any kind of danger. Any extra cost incurring thereof shall be borne by the clients on the spot.
OUR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM POLICY
Ace the Himalaya are re-inventing tourism for the benefit of local people, tourists, environment and the tourism industry at large. We ask that you read our Responsible Travel and Ethnic Tourism policy in detail before you book your holiday with us, as we expect that you will adhere to our policy and guidelines while travelling with us.
COMPLAINTS
Should you have a complaint about the trip or tour, make it known to a tour leader or guide at the earliest opportunity, so that s/he may take appropriate actions to resolve it.
Nepal
Follow us
