Annapurna tour and Lake Tilicho by mountain bike

Description

The Annapurna circuit with Tilicho lake mountain biking tour is a great way to test your physical and mental capabilities. Join me on this thrilling adventure to the world-famous classic trekking route of Annapurna tour with Tilicho lake, one of the highest-altitude lake in the world. This region is one of the most popular for trekking and in recent years, it has become a top destination for mountain biking as well. This tough 18 days mountain biking tour includes treacherous uphill climbs to fast flowy technical sections, a dream tour for mountain biking enthusiasts.

The Annapurna circuit and Tilicho lake mountain biking tour is an adventure with a diverse range of altitude, land topography, flora, fauna, and culture. In this tour, we ride from Manang to Mustang via Tilicho lake (4919m) and Thorong La Pass (5416m). Throughout the entire trail, we'll be accompanied by stunning mountain sceneries and the warm hospitality of the local people. We will ride through the rugged trails, beautiful villages, high-altitude lakes, Buddhist monasteries, prayer flags, mani walls, alluring forests, temples, waterfalls, rivers and valleys. The Annapurna tour trail is known for its rich culture as well. One gets the opportunity to interact with people of various ethnicities and religious backgrounds like Buddhists, Bon, Nature Worshippers, and Hindus.

This 18-day Annapurna circuit and Tilicho lake mountain biking tour starts from Bhulbhule and ends in Beni. However, it can be customized according to your preferences. Send me a request and I will help you to create the perfect itinerary. This mountain biking tour is quite tough because of the high altitude and you will need to push or carry the bikes in many places, but it is truly rewarding and worth the difficulty.

Highlights:

• An amazing and challenging ride crossing one of the world's highest passes, the Thorong La Pass (5416m).
• Magnificent view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna and many other small peaks.
• Ride down to Muktinath, a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus.
• Biking along the Kali Gandaki river gorge, the world’s deepest river gorge.
• Picturesque villages of different ethnic groups.
• Centuries-old monastery in Braga village.

If you're in the mood for more cycling adventures on Nepalese trails, you can follow me on this mountain bike tour of Upper Mustang.

Program

D1: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Warm welcome at the international airport by one of our representatives and then head to the hotel.

D2: Preparation of the biking tour.
Free day to prepare for the tour. We meet to check that everything is ready. If necessary, you can go to Thamel district to buy material and equipment for the trek. Finally we have a briefing on the trek.

D3: Kathmandu - Besisahar (760m) - Bhulbhule (840m).
Leaving Kathmandu behind, you drive to Besisahar. After reaching Besisahar, you start biking to Bhulbhule.
Distance: 8.5 km, 100% rideable, duration: 7 hours in vehicle and 2 hours on bike.

D4: Bhulbhule - Chamje (1430m).
After having breakfast, you start riding towards Chamje along the Marsyangdi river and the beautiful villages of Gurung and Tamang. You go uphill through the road tracks and forests with the view of beautiful waterfalls, until you reach Chamje.
Distance: 21 km, 95% rideable, duration: 5 hours.

D5: Chamje - Timang (2750m).
Today the ride is a little bit tough as you ascend more than 1000 meters. You ride alongside the Marsyandi river on the rugged road tracks. Riding through the cliffs and hills you pass by a beautiful village called Tal. You continue riding alongside the river and reach Dharapani where I will check in at ACAP's office. Then you ride uphill crossing brides and through the beautiful forest of rhododendron, pine, and walnuts to reach Timang. The wonderful view of Manaslu and Peak 29 can be seen from here.
Distance: 19 km, 95% rideable, duration: 6 hours.

D6: Timang - Lower Pisang (3200m).
After breakfast, you start riding through the beautiful forest and villages like Thanchok and Koto. Koto is the entry point for the Nar Phu valley. Leaving these two villages behind, you  reach Chame. Then you cross the Marsyandi river and continue riding to Dhukurpokhari. From here to Manang, the landscapes are wide and open like a valley with views of mountains. Then you ride until Lower Pisang.
Distance: 26 km, 95% rideable, duration: 5 hours.

D7: Lower Pisang - Manang (3540m).
Today the ride is a little bit easier. You ride on flat dry land alongside the river by crossing a bridge and with a little bit of uphill, you reach Deuralidada (3486m).  Then you ride through the pine forest on flat land and pass by Humde village and its airport. By crossing a bridge over the Marsyangdi river and riding along the rugged road tracks, you leave Munchi and Braka villages behind. Braka is a small village with ancient monasteries. Continuing the ride, you  arrive at Manang.
There is an alternative trail from Upper Pisang which is more challenging.
Distance: 15 km, 100% rideable, duration: 3 hours.

D8: Rest and day acclimatization in Manang with visits around the village.
Today, you explore the beautiful Manang village. There are many short excursions near this place. You can visit Gangapurna lake, ice lake (4600m) or hike to one of the hills from where stunning views of Mt. Gangapurna can be seen. You can also spend time relaxing and enjoying the food and environment.

D9: Manang - Tilicho Base Camp (4150m).
Leaving Manag behind, you begin riding towards the gorgeous Tilicho Base Camp.
Distance: 16 km, 75% rideable, duration: 5 hours.

D10: Tilicho Base Camp - Yak Kharka (4050m).
Today, you ride to Tilicho lake which takes around 2-3 hours. You need to push and carry the bike. After the visit, you descend to the Base Camp, have lunch and head to Yak Kharka where you spend the night.
Distance: 20 km, 70% rideable, duration: 6 hours.

D11: Yak Kharka - Thorong Phedi (4550m).
Passing through small villages, often on a rough path, you reach Phedi. Along the way, you enjoy beautiful views of the mountains. Phedi is a small village just below Thorong Phedi.
Distance: 6 km, 85% rideable, duration: 2 hours.

D12: Thorong Phedi - Thorong La Pass (5416m) - Muktinath (3760m).
Today you wake up early in the morning and ascend towards the top of Thorong La Pass. The trail is windy, rocky, and steep. Even though the trail is challenging upon reaching the top, you get to see spectacular mountain views on both sides and the landscape. After spending time here, you descend to Muktinath, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites of Hindus.
Distance: 21 km, 50% rideable, duration: 7 to 8 hours.

D13: Muktinath - Lubra - Marpha (2670m).
Today, you visit the Muktinath bazar souvenir shops nearby. After that, you have a warm breakfast and begin riding towards Marpha. Marpha is a very famous Thakali village known for its delicious apples. Before reaching Marpha via Lupra, you visit Bon Po monastery and pass by Jomsom and Syang villages.
Distance: 22 km, 100% rideable, duration: 5 hours.

D14: Marpha - Tatopani (1190m).
Today the path goes further drop down to Tatopani through small villages and forests. It is rideable and easy compared to other days. In Tatopani, there are natural hot springs where you can relax and loosen your muscles.
Distance: 43 km, 98% rideable, duration: 5 hours.

D15: Tatopani - Beni (830m) - Pokhara (825m).
It is the last day of riding. You go to Beni and end the Annapurna circuit there. From here, you drive to Pokhara for an overnight stay.
Distance: 23 km, 100% rideable, duration: 2 hours in bike and 4 hours in vehicle.

D16: Free day in Pokhara.
Today is your free day in Pokhara. You can visit landmarks and explore around. You can also go boating on the tranquil Fewa lake and stroll the bustling streets of lakeside.

D17: Pokhara - Kathmandu.
After having breakfast, you drive to Kathmandu. The drive is long and scenic. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you move to the hotel. In the evening, you stroll on the lively streets of Thamel. Later, you will join the farewell dinner organized by us.
Duration: 8 hours.

D18: Final departure
One of the representatives of our team will take you to the airport for your flight back to your home.

The price includes

• Supervision by the English-speaking mountain bike instructor equipped with a satellite phone and an oximeter.
• One porter for two people (maximum weight: 11 kg per client) and an assistant guide for group sizes above 4 people.
• 3-night in Kathmandu and 1 night in Pokhara on a sharing and BB basis.
• Kathmandu to Besishar, Beni to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu transfers by private vehicle.
• Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with tea/coffee and fresh seasonal fruits during the tour.
• Lodge / tea house accommodations with twin sharing basis during the tour.
• Rescue and evacuation arrangements in case of emergency. 
• Government taxes, service charges and official expenses.
• All staff’s salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance.
• All the necessary permits and paperwork.
• All airport pick-up and drops.
• Farewell dinner.

The price does not include

• Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (lunch and dinner).
• Medical evacuation costs (in case of emergency).
• Travel insurance (mandatory).
• Tips for all the staff.
• Personal expenses.
• Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

Accommodation

• Hotel Moonlight or Apsara Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu.
• Lake View Resort in Pokhara.
• Lodges and guesthouses shared during the mountain biking tour.

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