Highlights
Staying in teahouses and guesthouses run by local families
Breathtaking landscapes: towering mountains, deep gorges, lush forests.
Experience Nepali culture, interact with friendly locals.
Steep ascents and thrilling descents: a challenge for all.
Explore remote and pristine areas of Nepal.
Top-quality equipment and expert guides ensure your safety.
13-day adventure: endurance tested, memories made.
Experience the thrill of conquering the infamous Larkya La Pass.
The Complete Guide to Manaslu Circuit Bike
The Manaslu Circuit Mountain Bike Tour is an epic adventure that takes you through the rugged and remote landscapes of the Manaslu region in Nepal. This 13-day tour offers an unparalleled experience for mountain biking enthusiasts, with challenging trails, stunning scenery, and unique cultural encounters.
Tour begins in Kathmandu, where you'll meet your guides and fellow riders before heading to Arughat, the starting point of the tour. From there, you'll follow the Budhi Gandaki River through lush forests and terraced fields, passing through small villages and encountering the warm hospitality of the local people.
Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to explore ancient monasteries, visit traditional villages, and experience the rich culture of the local people. You'll stay in local teahouses and guesthouses, run by friendly families who will welcome you with delicious Nepali cuisine.
The tour ends in the beautiful city of Pokhara, where you can relax by the tranquil Fewa Lake and reflect on the incredible journey you've just experienced.So why wait? Book your spot on this incredible mountain biking tour today and experience the beauty and culture of Nepal from a unique and thrilling perspective.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the city, getting familiar with the local culture, and preparing for the upcoming adventure.
Day 2 - Preparation Day
On this day, you will have some time to prepare for the tour. You can spend the day packing and making sure you have all the necessary gear, equipment, and supplies. You can also do some last-minute shopping for anything you might need.
Day 3 - Transfer to Starting Point
Today you will be driven to the starting point of the tour in Aarughat, which is about a 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu. Along the way, you will get to see stunning landscapes, traditional villages, and terraced fields. Once you reach Aarughat, you will check into your hotel and prepare for the first day of riding.
Day 4 - Ride from Aarughat to Machha Khola: 25km with 1000m Ascent
The first day of riding will take you from Aarughat to Machha Khola, covering a distance of 25km with an ascent of 1000m. You will ride through dense forests, scenic waterfalls, and across suspension bridges over the Budhi Gandaki River. You will also get to interact with the local people, who are friendly and welcoming.
Day 5 - Ride from Machha Khola to Jagat: 25km with 1050m Ascent
On this day, you will ride from Machha Khola to Jagat, covering a distance of 25km with an ascent of 1050m. You will pass through several small villages, terraced fields, and dense forests. You will also ride along the Budhi Gandaki River and cross several suspension bridges. The route is quite challenging but the stunning scenery makes it all worthwhile.
Day 6 - Ride from Jagat to Dyang: 25km with 1100m Ascent
Today's ride takes you from Jagat to Dyang, covering a distance of 25km with an ascent of 1100m. The route passes through beautiful forests, terraced fields, and small villages. You will also see the impressive Sringi Himal and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges. The terrain is mostly uphill, but you will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Day 7 - Ride from Dyang to Namrung: 20km with 1250m Ascent
This day's ride takes you from Dyang to Namrung, covering a distance of 20km with an ascent of 1250m. You will ride through beautiful forests, terraced fields, and small villages, and pass by a small hot spring. You will also get to see the Himalchuli, Shringi, and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges. The terrain is mostly uphill, but the stunning scenery makes it all worthwhile.
Day 8 - Ride from Namrung to Samagaun: 17km with 1200m Ascent
Today's ride takes you from Namrung to Samagaun, covering a distance of 17km with an ascent of 1200m. You will ride through beautiful forests and small villages and see stunning mountain ranges such as the Himalchuli and Manaslu. Once you reach Samagaun, you will have time to explore the village and learn about the local culture.
Day 9 - Ride from Samagaun to Dharamsala: 13km with 1000m Ascent
Today's ride from Samagaun to Dharamsala is a relatively short distance, but it is crucial in terms of acclimatization as the elevation will increase up to 4460m. The trail starts with a steep climb to a ridge with stunning views of the Manaslu mountain range. As you move forward, the path descends down to a small river before climbing steeply again. The trail continues through a beautiful forest of rhododendrons and junipers, and there is a possibility of spotting some wildlife, including Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, and musk deer.
Day 10 - Ride from Dharamasala to Bhimthang via Larke Pass (5136m): 14.5km with 700m Ascent
Today is the most challenging day of the Manaslu mountain bike tour, as you will be crossing the Larke Pass, which stands at an altitude of 5136m. The trail starts early in the morning, and the ascent is steep and demanding. You will climb up to the pass, which is marked with colorful prayer flags, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. As you reach the top, you will be rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of the entire Manaslu range, including Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. The descent from the pass is steep and rocky, with a mixture of snow, ice, and scree, making it a challenging ride even for experienced riders.
Day 11 - Ride from Bhimthang to Chyamche: 32km with 600m Ascent
Today's ride is a mix of challenging climbs and enjoyable descents. The trail descends steeply through a beautiful forest of rhododendrons and pine trees, and you will pass several small villages along the way. The path then follows the Dudh Khola river, and you will ride through lush green fields and terraced farms.
Day 12 - Ride from Chyamche to Besi Sahar: 32km with 700m Ascent
Today is the final day of the Manaslu mountain bike tour, and the trail follows the Marsyangdi river, passing through several small villages and hamlets. The terrain is relatively easy, with some undulating sections and short climbs. The scenery is stunning, with towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and lush green forests all around. As you approach the town of Besi Sahar, the trail becomes more technical, with rocky sections and narrow single-track paths.
Day 13 - Departure from Besi Sahar
Transfer to international airport or continue on with own itinerary.
TRIP ENDS HERE!
GALLERY
Map
What's Included
All land transport in private vehicles including airport transfers, Support Vehicle.
All meals as per itinerary.
Professional and experienced guides with relevant qualifications
All permits and entry fees.
Porters for carrying your bags .
Comfortable accommodation during the adventure
Comprehensive support for all aspects of the trip
A detailed adventure information pack
Knowledgeable advisors to assist with trip planning
Regular updates about the adventure itinerary
Emphasis on safety and risk management
What's Not Included
Fees for visas to enter or exit the country
Travel & Medical insurance (compulsory and must include helicopter evacuation)
Medical costs that may be incurred during the trip
Lodging expenses before and after the adventure
Transportation to the adventure starting point
Rental fees for equipment needed during the adventure
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks consumed during the trip
Meals that are not part of the planned itinerary
Personal purchases made during the adventure
Optional additional activities that can be arranged for an extra cost.
Mandatory Documents
Identification document
Booking Receipt, if Booked Online (PDF will work)
Cancellation Policy
More than 30-days prior to departure - 50% refund.
In Between 15-30-days prior to departure - 25% refund.
Less than 15-days prior to departure - No Refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your tour guides for mountain biking in Nepal are seasoned professionals who are native to the region and have a genuine love for the country's culture and terrain. They prioritize your safety and strive to ensure that you have a memorable experience. Your guides will be readily available to assist with any inquiries or needs you may have during your journey.
Our priority is to provide the best experience to all participants, which is why we limit the size of our groups. Typically, our groups consist of 8 to 12 people. However, we require a minimum of 4 people to run our mountain bike tour in Nepal.
You are not required to carry all of your equipment with you. Instead, you only need to bring a 20-litre day pack while cycling. Our team provides a support vehicle and driver who will transport your luggage to your next lodging each day, ensuring that it is available for you upon arrival.
During your mountain bike tour in Nepal, if you encounter a trail section that seems difficult to ride, your guide will be pleased to provide you with some bike skills training to enhance your confidence and enjoyment. In case you do not feel comfortable riding a certain section, you can always dismount and walk through it. Remember, it is not a competition of biking skills, but a relaxing mountain biking vacation where everyone can take their own pace and enjoy the experience.
It is recommended to use a high-quality full suspension mountain bike with 120mm travel in both the front and rear. The terrain can be challenging in certain areas, and a full suspension bike will provide more comfort during the entire trip. However, it is still possible to ride a hardtail bike every day if that is your preference. Please keep in mind that the trails in Nepal can have thorns, so it's recommended to bring tubeless tires or tires with thicker walls and inner tubes. Bringing your own bike to Nepal is also advised.
To obtain a short-term tourist visa for Nepal, one can either buy it on arrival at the Kathmandu airport using cash in US dollars or purchase it in advance online through VisaHQ. It's important to note that personal checks, travelers' checks, and credit cards are not accepted as payment for the visa at the airport. Opting to buy the visa in advance can save time and hassle after a long flight.
In the event of injuries and emergencies, our guides are equipped with professional first aid kits to provide treatment for minor injuries. Additionally, health professionals are available at villages and camps throughout the journey. It is mandatory for travelers to have travel insurance which covers emergency rescue and evacuation expenses.
