The Annapurna Circuit – Throng Thrill is one of the most exciting trails in the Nepal Himalaya. Located in the Annapurna region of western Nepal, most adventurers believe the circuit is a lifetime experience because of the diversity of experiences it offers. From the lowlands of Pokhara at around 800 meters, the trail passes through multiple hills, valleys, settlements, rivers, gorges, and streams, from lush green forests to alpine meadows, and takes one to the Thorong La (5416 meters / 17,769 ft), a pass at the highest elevation of the trail. The entire Annapurna region is a giant ecosystem characterized by its peculiar geographical, climatic, geological, cultural, and adventure features. The trail not only offers an incredibly challenging cross-country cum enduro biking experience but equally rewards with some of the breathtaking vistas of the Nepal Himalaya, such as the sights of the mighty Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and multiple mountains of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Mansiri ranges.
trip highlights
Day: 14 Days
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 300km.
Climbing: 200
Maximum Elevation: 5416m.
Temperature: 25 degrees
Fitness Level: 4 of 5
Group Size: 2 to 8 person
Day 1 – Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1330 m.)
When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, our staff will greet you and transfer you in a private vehicle to your accommodation. Take some time to unpack and recover. In the evening, you can visit stunning Kathmandu attractions such as the popular Thamel streets and Basantapur. Later, in the hotel, there will be a short briefing about your adventure.
Duration: 3 hours
Day 2 – Drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar (760 m.) and ride from Besisahar to Khudi (823 m.)
After an early breakfast, you’ll leave Kathmandu and drive to Besisahar. During the trip, you may see the local way of life, bustling local markets, the Trisuli River, and distant mountains. You’ll start your first cycling adventure from Besisahar and ride through breathtaking scenery to Khudi. This route is very modest in distance and elevation gain, letting you relax into the journey and enjoy the scenery.
Duration: 5 hours
Distance: 6.87 km
Day 3 – Ride from Khudi to Taal (1700 m.)
You’ll leave Khudi today and ride to Taal following the jeep tracks again. This part of the trek has a significant elevation rise as you climb to 1,700 meters. The 31-kilometer journey to Taal will reward you with the spectacular sight of waterfalls and mountain views in the distance will welcome you.
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 31 km
Day 4 – Ride from Taal to Chame (2650 m.)
Today’s journey will take you to the lovely town of Chame passing through pristine forests and Buddhist prayer walls. As you climb to 2,650 meters, the landscape and climate will change dramatically. There is some pushing and carrying here, especially until the settlement of Danagu, when the trail becomes more rideable and provides better views of the Himalayas. After a 24-kilometer ride, you’ll reach Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. In the evening, you can explore the area, taste products from a local bakery, and connect with friends and family from an Internet café.
Duration: 5 hours
Distance: 24 km
Day 5 – Ride from Chame to Manang (3520 m.)
Continuing your journey, you’ll ride to Manang, which stands at an amazing 3,520 meters above sea level. The trails traverse through a large valley, passing via Humde. There are several monasteries along the path, including the famed Barga Monastery, which is worth a visit. This 29-kilometer ride takes you deeper into the Annapurna region and includes some tough peaks.
Duration: 5:30 hours
Distance: 29 km
Day 6 – Rest day at Manang
To acclimatize to the higher altitude, we’ll spend the day exploring and relaxing in Manang. It is necessary to adjust to the high altitude before continuing. You can spend this day exploring around town, visiting Hundred Rupees Lama Monastery, hiking to Gangapurna Lake or simply absorbing the breathtaking mountain views.
Duration: 2 hours
Day 7 – Ride from Manang to Yak Kharka (4018 m.)
Today’s route will take you to Yak Kharka at an elevation of 4,018 meters. The trail passes through a maze of narrow alleys and medieval houses of Manang. This section of the route is shorter in length but has a significant elevation gain. The 9.6-kilometer journey will put your endurance to the test as you ride closer to the Thorung La Pass. You’ll see yaks grazing in vast numbers along the road, as well as an old Mani, a Buddhist prayer-engraved wall. After an intense day of riding on single trails, you’ll arrive in Yak Kharka village in the early afternoon.
Duration: 3h
Distance: 9.6km
Day 8 – Ride from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi (4450 m.)
Today, you’ll pedal from Yak Kharka to Thorung Phedi. The route for today is only 6.8 kilometers long, but it includes a narrow trail and a challenging uphill. Today, you’ll ride through the picturesque village of Tenki Manang and cross several wooden bridges over streams.
Duration: 3h
Distance: 6.8km
Day 9 – Ride from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath (3670 m.) via Thorung La Pass (5415 m.)
Today is the toughest and exciting day of your adventure. You’ll start very early in the morning to climb the Thorung La Pass, which stands at 5,415 meters. The top of Thorung La Pass offers the panoramic vista of a chain of virgin snow-capped mountains far and beyond. The 15.9-kilometer journey from Thorung Phedi to Muktinath features a difficult ascent followed by an exhilarating descent. You’ll spend some time at Muktinath exploring the sacred site and seeing the perpetual flame that burns on a natural gas source. Muktinath is regarded as a temple of soul liberation because «mukti» signifies liberation and «nath» means holy temple. Aside from Hindu hermits and pilgrims, we’ll also observe Tibetan traders.
Duration: 7h
Distance: 15.9km
Day 10 – Ride from Muktinath to Tukuche (2590 m.)
Today’s ride to Tukuche provides a wonderful descent to the Kaligandaki River valley floor. You’ll stop briefly in Marpha, a village famous for its apple orchids. You can try some Marpha Brandy here, as well as a variety of apple goods such as apple pie and dried apple skin. The 33.3-kilometer ride to Tukuche takes you through a range of landscapes and settlements. After reaching Tukuche, you can explore the region, interact with locals, and learn about the region’s rich culture.
Duration: 4h
Distance: 33.3km
Day 11 – Ride from Tukuche to Tatopani (1190 m.)
Today, you’ll continue riding from Tukuche to Tatopani through some fantastic downhill sections. This 40-kilometer downhill trip is ideal for relaxing your muscles after the day’s struggles. You’ll drop to 1,190 meters, Tatopani, located beside the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. In the evening, you can hot dip in Tatopani to relax your mind and loosen up your muscles.
Duration: 4h
Distance: 40km
Day 12 – Ride from Tatopani to Beni (899 m.) and drive from Beni to Pokhara (822 m.)
Your final day of cycling will take you from Tatopani to Beni, a distance of 22 kilometers. We’ll spend some time exploring the Beni Bazaar and then drive back to Pokhara, a place known for its lakes and mountain views. When you arrive in Pokhara, you’ll have time to do some boating on Phewa Lake. In the evening, you can take an hour-long full-body massage to relax your muscles and clear your mind.
Duration: 3h
Distance: 22km
Day 13 – Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1330 m.)
followed by farewell dinner in the evening. After breakfast, you’ll take a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. This short flight provides an amazing view of the Himalayan scenery. After reaching Kathmandu, you can visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, and Swayambhunath or go souvenir shopping. In the evening, there’ll be a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant that hosts cultural performances.
Duration: 4h
Distance: 15km
Day 14 – International Departure from Nepal
Your cycling journey through the Annapurna region comes to an end.