Annapurna Circuit

A Gravel Biking Epic

Fitness Level: FULL GAS

Big climbs, thin air, and legs of steel. For the KOM-hunters, altitude junkies and riders who live for the long grind.

Technical Level: ROUGH & READY

Rockier sections, steeper descents, and some technical line choice, rideable for most, walkable for a few, guaranteed smiles all round.

Comfort Style: CHILL BASIC

Simple stays, hearty food, real local flavor. Guesthouses, warm smiles, shared stories, adventure as it should be.

Days

17 days | Ask us about our 10 day condensed version | Ask us for group joining departures

Price

Starting from US$

Trip Overview

This is Nepal’s ultimate ride, the Annapurna Circuit reimagined for the gravel generation. It’s big, raw, and real: a two-week journey across climates, cultures, and mountain passes that define the word epic. You’ll climb from the rice paddies of the mid-hills to the high, arid landscapes of Manang, cross the legendary Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), and descend through the windswept valleys of Mustang into the lush foothills of Pokhara.

Along the way you’ll ride everything from packed gravel to jeep tracks and ancient stone paths, passing through timeless villages, Buddhist monasteries, apple orchards, and river valleys. It’s tough but beautifully rewarding, a true test of endurance, spirit, and stoke.

For riders short on time, ask us about the 10 day version of this program.

Trip Highlights

Ride the full Annapurna Circuit, from jungle to high-altitude desert.
Cross the iconic Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), the high point of the adventure.
Immerse yourself in Himalayan culture with Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan communities.
Experience one of the world’s greatest descents from Muktinath to Ghasa.
Finish in Pokhara, where mountain air meets lakeside chill.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Nepal

Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital and the starting point for countless Himalayan adventures. We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer to the hotel, where your bikes are unpacked and checked. Over dinner, we run through the trip briefing and logistics. The adventure starts tomorrow.

Accommodation: Hotel Shanker, Kathmandu | Meals: Dinner

Day 02: Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Nuwakot (1,200 m) | Distance 65 km | Elevation Gain 1,650 m

We roll out early, leaving the city chaos behind and climbing over the northern rim of the Kathmandu Valley. The route mixes broken tarmac, gravel backroads, and forest switchbacks. Once over the ridge, the road flows down into fertile farmland dotted with terraced rice paddies. After crossing the Trishuli River, it’s a steady climb to the historic hilltop of Nuwakot Durbar, once a royal fort. Sunset here is unbeatable.

Accommodation: Nuwakot Farmhouse | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03: Nuwakot (1,200 m) to Gorkha (1,150 m) | Distance 78 km | Elevation Gain 2,100 m

Well we get the jist the any Gravel biker coming to Nepal for Annapurna Circuit is up for a challenge, and this is indeed a challenge. We climb, descend and climb again through valley after valley as we head from one historical hill top fort to another! Ghorka is the district capital of the area and home to an impressive fort towering on the hilltop.The scenery is amazing, agricultural valleys of terraced fields, semi alpine forests and there are always the ever present mountain views every time you crest a ridge. The fort itself, nestled on the hill top is well worth a visit if you have enough legs to get up there (a lot of stairs).

Accommodation: Gorkha Gaun Resort or local lodge | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04: Gorkha (1,150 m) to Reipi Village (1,600 m) | Distance 43 km | Elevation Gain 1,200 m

A little less climbing today as we follow winding backroads westward toward the Annapurna foothills. The terrain rolls through patchwork farmland and small Gurung hamlets, with a mix of smooth gravel and rougher jeep sections. The final climb to Reipi is steady, with views of the snow peaks edging closer each hour. Reipi Village is a little off the beaten tourist track, this quaint and well managed homestay is a beautiful and restful place to stay before we embark on the Annapurna Circuit itself.

Accommodation: Homestay | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05: Reipi (1,600 m) to Jagat (1,340 m) | Distance 45 km | Elevation Gain 1,350 m

The adventure deepens as we reach the official entry to the Annapurna Conservation Area. The trail runs parallel to the Marsyangdi River, cutting through steep-sided valleys and hanging bridges. Expect rougher jeep tracks, rocky climbs, and sharp descents as we approach Jagat, the first gateway village of the circuit. Our daily distances lessen from here on in as we start the acclimatization process. Slow and steady will win the race here.

Accommodation: Lodge, Jagat | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06: Jagat (1,340 m) to Chame (2,670 m) | Distance 66 km | Elevation Gain 1,800 m

The real climb begins, it's going to be brutal on the legs and the lungs. The Marsyangdi Valley narrows and pine forests replace tropical greenery. Jeep tracks wind steadily upward through Tal and Dharapani before reaching Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. Expect a long, steady effort and a big sense of reward at the end of the day.

Accommodation: Lodge, Chame | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07: Chame (2,670 m) to Manang (3,540 m) | Distance 33 km | Elevation Gain 1,050 m

Riding at altitude now, the landscape turns drier and more open. You’ll cross multiple suspension bridges and pass apple orchards and mani walls before arriving at Manang, a Tibetan-style village surrounded by jagged peaks. The gravel is compact but occasionally sandy, fast, scenic, and satisfying.

Accommodation: Lodge, Manang | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08: Manang (3,540 m) Acclimatization Day

A vital rest and recovery day. Optional short rides or hikes to Gangapurna Lake or the monastery at Braga. Great for photography, slow coffee, and soaking in that crisp mountain air.

Accommodation: Lodge, Manang | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09: Manang (3,540 m) to Phedi (4,450 m) | Distance 25 km | Elevation Gain 1,000 m

The route climbs gradually through alpine meadows to Yak Kharka, then onward to Thorong Phedi, the base of the high pass. The air is thin and the scenery vast. The track gets rockier near the top and the anticipation builds for the big climb ahead. The accommodation is simple yet welcoming and can be crowded as this is the launching place for most people to cross the pass.

Accommodation: Lodge, Thorong Phedi | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Phedi (4,450 m) to Muktinath (3,800 m) via Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) | Distance 25 km | Elevation Gain 1,000 m / Descent 1,600 m

The queen stage and one of the highest trekking passes in the world. A pre-dawn start takes you up the Thorong La (5,416 m) on a slow, steady climb. Some of it will be carrying bikes. But your efforts are well worth it as the views from the top are breathtaking. From the summit, descend into the arid Mustang valley where Muktinath’s temples and prayer flags welcome you in the evening light.

Accommodation: Lodge, Muktinath | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Muktinath (3,800 m) to Ghasa (1,900 m) | Distance 70 km | Elevation Gain 600 m / Descent 2,200 m

A huge descent through Mustang’s canyons and into the green valleys below. Ride from desert to forest on gravel and jeep track, it's an awesome day. If you want we can explore the side trails and small villages across the river on the way down and just enjoy a day of not having to climb much. This part of the trail is also known as the world's deepest gorge as it passes underneath the massive Dhalugiri and Niliguri mountains.

Accommodation: Lodge, Ghasa | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Ghasa (1,900 m) to Ghorepani (2,850 m) | Distance 55 km | Elevation Gain 1,800 m

A solid climb back into lush rhododendron forest and Magar villages. The gradient bites but the reward is a ridge-top stay in Ghorepani, with wide-open mountain views and cool alpine air. Ghorepani (Horse - Water) is one of the most famous destinations in the Annapurna Himalaya.

Accommodation: Lodge, Ghorepani | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Ghorepani (2,850 m) to Panchase (2,000 m) | Distance 65 km | Elevation Gain 1,600 m / Descent 2,000 m

An early start for sunrise at Poon Hill (a one hour hike to the summit), one of Nepal’s most photogenic viewpoints.From here you get a panoramic view of the mountains you just cycled around. Descend to Nayapul on a super exciting jeep track, to meet the main highway which we follow for a short while, before tackling a final climb through forest and tea terraces to Panchase, a peaceful village overlooking Pokhara.

Accommodation: Lodge, Panchase | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Panchase (2,000 m) to Pokhara (850 m) | Distance 35 km | Elevation Gain 400 m / Descent 1,000 m

The final roll, a smooth and scenic descent through forest and farmland. The lakeside of Pokhara appears below, marking the end of an incredible ride. We can stop at various swimming holes along the way. Once we reach the thriving lake side township, it's time for beers, stories, and maybe a swim or more likely a massage.

Accommodation: Hotel Karuna, Pokhara | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15: Pokhara (Rest Day)

Relax by the lake, explore the town, or treat yourself to a massage. You’ve completed one of the world’s great rides.

Accommodation: Hotel Karuna, Pokhara | Meals: Breakfast

Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu

We send the bikes by vehicle and enjoy a scenic 25-minute flight back to Kathmandu. Afternoon free for souvenir shopping or a visit to Boudhanath or Pashupatinath before a farewell dinner.