Annapurna Singletrack Circuit

The tour begins and concludes in Kathmandu, Nepal. Fly in and out of Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM).

***Disclaimer: The adventure cycling tours the tour operator operates often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where you ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. The tour operator ensures that they will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Their listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should they have to change any hotel, it will always be a similar or better one.

The maximum number of participants is 16 and the minimum is 2.

The minimum age to join the tour is 18 years old.

This bike tour is true classic with Himalayan mountain passes, sweeping descents, magnificent views, clean air, and abundant culture and history in one of the most secluded countries in the world. The total distance is around 789 km (490 miles) in eleven full and two half days of riding.

The riding varies between some easier shorter days and some challenging days due to the altitude and gradients involved. This tour is a mountain biker's dream, with almost all of the route on single-track. There will be fast, technical descents, long, flowy sections and even some steep surprises where you'll have to get off and push. Daily distances aren't long, but aggressive terrain and high altitude will mean some long days in the saddle and a high degree of physical challenge.

Mountain biking at such a high altitude is taxing, and the first several days will be slow, with a built-in rest day to acclimatize. You'll stay in the region's famous teahouses, which are rugged and traditional, but comfortable. Understand that in the highest mountains on earth, all the amenities aren't always available. However, you'll be warm, well-fed, well-rested and can even find a cold beer at the end of the ride!

Unparalleled mountain biking in out-of-this-world scenery make for a true adventure you will remember for the rest of your life.

Suitability: This is a high-altitude mountain biking expedition. While we start out below 2,000 meters (6561 feet), we will be riding at over 3,000 (9842 feet) and 4,000 (13,123 feet) meters on some days. Riders must have a high level of fitness, and be able to handle the rigor of challenging physical activity- riding steep terrain, pushing the bike- at very high elevations. Incredibly demanding terrain requires advanced handling skills and experience riding single-track on blue and black level trails.

Biking Conditions: This tour is primarily on single-track, with a few short sections of double track and dirt roads. Expect steep, rocky trails with plenty of obstacles and variable surfaces as you climb higher and through different ecozones and soil types. Some sections might require pushing, and porters will assist us with carrying bikes over Thorong La, which is well over 5,000 (16,404 feet) meters.

Bike hire is not included in the tour price. You can opt to rent 1 for a FEE or bring your own. If you bring your own bike, please ensure it is a mountain bike with front suspension, in good mechanical order.

For more information on available bikes to rent, please see our tour overview tab.

Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.

You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more, another guide will join the tour. All guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.

Temperatures and climate vary according to the altitude. Nepal has two seasons – the dry season runs from October to May and the wet (monsoon) season from June to September, when 80% of the rain falls. Nepal’s weather is generally predictable and pleasant with March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn) being the best times to visit. The Kathmandu Valley, at an altitude of 1,310 m/ 4,297 ft, has a mild climate, ranging from 19-27ºC/67-81ºF in summer, and 2-20ºC /36-68ºF in winter. Come prepared for chilly evenings and bring proper gear for brisk early morning starts and descents.

Most meals are included and indicated under in the Itinerary tab. Camping meals will be prepared by the cook team and feature Nepali and Western-style cuisine. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking.

Drinks
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job taken very seriously. Cold water and energy-restoring drinks are included in the tour price. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer and alcohol are NOT included in the price.

The Tour Operator is committed to ensuring all trips are safe and that they travel responsibly with the safety of riders, staff and local communities paramount, always.

Their health and safety policies follow recommendations from the World Health Organization and the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travel protocols for tour operators and they have worked with all their suppliers to undergo a comprehensive risk assessment and safety audit for every trip. As every country is different with varying and fast-changing requirements for entry, they require for every trip tocommit to the following basic requirements:
- All participants must be double vaccinated by a recognized vaccine and will need to show evidence upon booking and on arrival.
- All Tour Operator tour leaders and support staff will have completed a COVID-19 health and safety training course and will all have been double vaccinated prior to a tour starting. For 2021 departures onwards, they are planning to have our leaders tested within 72 hours of meeting the group.
- The Tour Operator follows the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels protocol and has received the stamp of approval, which provides travelers with an assurance that they have adopted the health and hygiene global standardised protocols.

Yes, if you're hiring a bike from the operator, a complimentary helmet is provided, although you are welcome to bring your own if you wish.